Christmas 2006

"He who comes from above is above all" (John 3:31).
I hope you had a wonderful celebration of His "coming from above"! As for us Burlews, we worshipped with our church family Christmas Eve, then enjoyed a fun (although rather late) family time at home. Christmas morning, at 8:30 a.m., I decided it was time for all to be up so sent our golden retriever upstairs to wake up her "sisters." My wife's mom arrived from next door and we were ready to begin. Our youngest, the "Squeekers" with me in the picture, read Luke 2 and I lead our family in prayer. Then, our tradition is for the person giving the gifts to distribute all the ones he/she is giving, beginning with the youngest. I like how it emphasizes the giving aspect, as well as the receiving. What fun! But what an opportunity to remember the greatest gift of all. Oh, how blessed a people we are!
Again, Merry Christmas!

Banner of Truth U.S. Christmas Hours

On behalf of Rob, Beth, Debbie, Becky, Jake, Austin and Henri (plus Paul, Jon & Bob who helped in December) ...

MERRY CHRISTMAS!
from
Banner of Truth, North America
in Carlisle, PA, USA

Our U.S. office & distribution center is now closed until 8:15 a.m., January 2, 2007, but this blog will no doubt be open through the coming week. So keep stopping by. I'd love to have some of you share with the rest of us what your "Banner picks" would be and why. Also, I'll be posting details soon after Christmas of what's to come at the 2007 Banner of Truth U.S. Ministers' Conference - it'll include a little surprise!

"Steve's Picks" - Personal Declension & Revival of Religion in the Soul

I was introduced to this book a number of years ago, and I am convinced that the person who told me about it had no idea just how much I needed it. Please don't get hung up by the title - that may lack some of today's cleverness or marketing exuberance, but it's always what's inside that counts. And inside, you'll find the words of a man who knows exactly what the hymn writer meant in, "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing" when he wrote, "Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it. Prone to leave the God I love." For you see, "personal declension" is that wandering, that backsliding, that decay of the spiritual life and grace in the believer, that spiritual disease that many fall into. In the characteristic Octavius Winslow style, he first helps us see what this "personal declension" is and how it comes about, but then directs us back to where we ought always to remain. Indeed, I see this book on our packing room shelf and I can't help but go, "Ohhhhhhhhhh yeahhhhhhhhh." Here, see how the book begins for yourself, by reading the part that we're often tempted to skip, but never should, the preface:

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"That the subject on which this humble volume treats is vastly solemn, and deeply searching, every true believer in Jesus must acknowledge. The existing necessity for such a work has long impressed itself upon the Author's mind. While other and abler writers are employing their pens, either in defending the outposts of Christianity, or in arousing a slumbering church to an increased intensity of personal and combined action in the great work of Christian benevolence, he has felt that if he might but be instrumental, in ever so humble a way, of occasionally withdrawing the eye of the believer from the dazzling and almost bewildering movements around him, and fixing it upon the state of his own personal religion, he would be rendering the Christian church a service, not the less needed and important in her present elevated and excited position.

"It must be admitted, that the character and the tendencies of the age are not favourable to deep and mature reflection upon the hidden, spiritual life of the soul. Whirled along as the church of God is, in her brilliant path of benevolent enterprise, - deeply engaged in concerting and in carrying out new and far-reaching plans of aggression upon the dominion of sin, - and compelled in one hand to hold the spiritual sword in defence of the faith which, with the other, she is up-building, - but few energies are left, and but little time is afforded, for close, faithful, and frequent dealing with the personal and spiritual state of grace in the soul; which, in consequence of thus being overlooked and uncultivated, may fall into a state of the deepest and most painful declension. 'They made me keeper of the vineyards, but mine own vineyard have I not kept.' (Sol. Song i. 6).

"It is, then, the humble design of the writer in the present work, for a while to withdraw the mind from the consideration of the mere externals of Christianity, and to aid the believer in answering the solemn and searching inquiry, - 'What is the present spiritual state of my soul before God?' In the following pages he is exhorted to forget the Christian profession he sustains, the party badge he wears, and the distinctive name by which he is known among men, - to turn aside for a brief hour from all religious duties, engagements, and excitement, and to look this question fully and fairly in the face.

"With human wisdom and eloquence the Author has not seen fit to load and adorn his work: the subject presented itself to his mind in too solemn and awful an aspect for this. The ground he traversed he felt to be so holy, that he had need to put off the shoes from his feet, and to lay aside everything that was not in strict harmony with the spiritual character of his theme. that the traces of human imperfection may be found on every page, no one can be more conscious than the Author, - no one more deeply humbled. Indeed, so affecting to his own mind has been the conviction of the feeble manner in which the subject is treated, that but for a deep sense of its vast importance, and the demand that exists for its discussion in almost any shape, he would more than once have withdrawn his book from the press. May the Spirit of God accompany its perusal with power and unction, and to Him, as unto the Father and the Son, shall be ascribed the glory!

Leamington Spa,

Sept., 1841

Hellooooooooo, Omaha!

This is great - so nice to be included in the receiving of the books that we so often ship. You see, some time ago, I got word from a guy named Travis in Nebraska saying how he and some other guys wanted to do something special for a pastor at their church. So these guys started pooling their pennies (ok, some dollars, too). For about a week or so, I'd get updates from Travis on how they were coming. Sure enough, with excitement that was fun for me to be a part of, Travis wrote that they had reached the goal. I personally pulled those books from our packing room, Jake boxed them up and we sent them on their way, with a prayer, via UPS. Well, this past Friday night, Pastor Erik and his family, pictured here, got to see an indication of just how much they are loved. He had hoped to accumulate this set over the next twenty years. You are a blessed man, Erik, in so many ways! Isn't this a great picture? Merry Christmas to all the guys at Omaha Bible Church, from all of us here at Banner of Truth!

"Steve's Picks" - LETTERS OF SAMUEL RUTHERFORD

It was close to one year ago, in early 2006. I was preparing for an upcoming job interview for Manager of North America Operations with an organization from Scotland that I had known and loved for years, The Banner of Truth. I was in my pastor's study that Wednesday night, seeing what "Banner books" he had on his shelves, when I pulled one out for a closer look. "Ohhhhhhhhh," Pastor Mark exclaimed with noticeable compassion in his voice. "THAT has got to be the most devotional book I have ever read!" Thus was my first introduction to, "Letters of Samuel Rutherford."
Who was Samuel Rutherford? A professor, a minister, an author. He lived 1600-1661 and was a man of God who wrote letters, hundreds of them, filled with godly advice, biblical encouragement, timeless wisdom in every way. Get this ... C.H. Spurgeon called Rutherford's letters "the nearest thing to inspiration which can be found in all the writings of mere men." Just this morning, I received an email from a pastor asking that I pray for him. He wrote, "I do believe, as I read Rutherford's letters (I think every minister ought to have a copy!) that our Lord is trying to teach me how to look to Christ as Rutherford did - his chief love and best friend for whom he would suffer anything. Please pray for me to grow into that frame of heart and mind."
Here, let me share a few of these letters with you; perhaps you'll see why this really is a book that, not only every minister, but every saint of God really ought to become familiar with...
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TO A CHRISTIAN GENTLEWOMAN ON THE DEATH OF HER DAUGHTER
"Mistress , -- My love in Christ remembered to you. I was indeed sorrowful at my departure from you, especially since ye were in such heaviness after your daughter's death. Yet I do persuade myself, ye know that the weightiest end of the cross of Christ that is laid upon you lieth upon your strong Saviour; for Isaiah saith, "In all your afflictions He is afflicted" (Isa. lxiii. 9). O blessed Second who suffereth with you! and glad may your soul be even to walk in the fiery furnace with one like unto the Son of Man, who is also the Son of God. Courage! up your heart! When ye do tire, He will bear both you and your burden (Ps. lv. 22). Yet a little while and ye shall see the salvation of God. Remember of what age your daughter was, and that just so long was your lease of her. If she was eighteen, nineteen, or twenty years old, I know not; but sure I am, seeing her term was come, and your lease run out, ye can no more justly quarrel your great Superior for taking His own at His just term day, than a poor farmer can complain that his master taketh a portion of his own land to himself when his lease is expired. Good mistress, if ye would not be content that Christ would hold from you the heavenly inheritance which is made yours by His death, shall not that same Christ think hardly of you if ye refuse to give Him your daughter willingly, who is a part of His inheritance and conquest? I pray the Lord to give you all your own, and to grace you with patience to give God His also. He is an ill debtor who payeth that which he hath borrowed with a grudge. Indeed, that long loan of such a good daughter, an heir of grace, a member of Christ (as I believe), deserveth more thanks at your Creditor's hands, than that ye should gloom and murmur when He craveth but His own. I believe you would judge them to be but thankless neighbours who would pay you a sum of money after this manner. But what? Do you think her lost, when she is but sleeping in the bosom of the Almighty? Think her not absent who is in such a friend's house. Is she lost to you who is found to Christ? If she were with a dear friend, although you should never see her again, your care for her would be but small. Oh, now, is she not with a dear Friend? and gone higher, upon a certain hope that ye shall, in the Resurrection, see her again, when (be ye sure) she shall neither be hectic nor consumed in body? You would be sorry either to be, or to be esteemed, an atheist; and yet, not I, but the Apostle, thinketh those to be hopeless atheists who mourn excessively for the dead (Thess. iv. 13). But this is not a challenge on my part. I do speak this only fearing your weakness; for your daughter was a part of yourself, and, therefore, nature in you, being as it were cut and halved, will indeed be grieved. But ye have to rejoice, that when a part of you is on earth, a great part of you is glorified in heaven. Follow her, but envy her not; for indeed it is self-love in us that maketh us mourn for them that die in the Lord. Why? Because for them we cannot mourn, since they are never happy till they be dead; therefore we mourn for our own private respect. Take heed, then, that in showing your affection in mourning for your daughter, ye be not, out of self-affection, mourning for yourself. Consider what the Lord is doing in it. Your daughter is plucked out of the fire, and she resteth from her labours; and your Lord, in that, is trying you, and casting you in the fire. Go through all fires to your rest; and now remember that the eye of God is upon the bush burning and not consumed; and He is gladly content that such a weak woman as you should send Satan away, frustrate of his design. Now honour God, and shame the strong roaring lion, when ye seem weakest. Should such an one as ye faint in the day of adversity? Call to mind the days of old. The Lord yet liveth. Trust in Him, although He should slay you. Faith is exceeding charitable, and believeth no evil of God. Now is the Lord laying, in the one scale of the balance, your making conscience of submission to His gracious will, and in the other, your affection and love to your daughter. Which of the two will ye then choose to satisfy? Be wise, then; and as I trust ye love Christ better than a sinful woman, pass by your daughter, and kiss the Lord's rod. Men do lop the branches off their trees round about, to the end they may grow up high and tall. The Lord hath this way lopped your branch inn taking from you many children, to the end you should grow upward, like one of the Lord's cedars, setting your heart above, where Christ is, at the right hand of the Father. What is next, but that your Lord cut down the stock after He hath cut the branches? Prepare yourself; you are nearer your daughter this day than you were yesterday. While ye prodigally spend time in mourning for her, ye are speedily posting after her. Run your race with patience. Let God have His own; and ask of Him, instead of your daughter which He hath taken from you, the daughter of faith, which is patience; and in patience possess your soul. Lift up your head: ye do not know how near your redemption doth draw, Thus recommending you to the Lord, who is able to establish you, I rest, your loving and affectionate friend in the Lord Jesus,

Samuel Rutherford

Anwoth, April 23, 1628"

EARLY DEVOTEDNESS TO CHRIST
"Dear and loving friend, -- I cannot but, upon the opportunity of a bearer, exhort you to resign the love of your youth to Christ; and in this day, while your sun is high and your youth serveth you, to seek the Lord and His face. For there is nothing out of heaven so necessary for you as Christ. And ye cannot be ignorant but your day will end, and the night of death shall call you from the pleasures of this life: and a doom given out in death standeth for ever -- as long as God liveth! Youth, ordinarily, is a post and ready servant for Satan, to run errands; for it is a nest for lust, cursing, drunkenness, blaspheming of God, lying, pride, and vanity. Oh, that there were such an heart in you as to fear the Lord, and to dedicate your soul and body to His service! When the time cometh that your eye-strings shall break, and your face wax pale, and legs and arms tremble, and your breath shall grow cold, and your poor soul look out at yor prison house of clay, to be set at liberty; then a good conscience, and your Lord's favour, shall be worth all the world's glory. Seek it as your garland and crown.
Grace be with you.
Yours, in His sweet Lord Jesus,
Samuel Rutherford
Aberdeen, March 14, 1637"

"Steve's Picks" - THE PASTOR IN PRAYER

OK, we're not going in any order here, just books that make me go, "ohhhhhhh, yeahhhhhh," whenever I see them. One such title is, "The Pastor in Prayer." I've often said that this is a gem waiting to be found, especially given the popularity of the collection of Puritan prayers titled, "The Valley of Vision." You see, "The Pastor in Prayer" is also a collection prayers, one pastor's prayers, offered to the Lord as he would lead his congregation before the throne each Lord's Day morning. The pastor was C.H. Spurgeon. Somehow, I think this book is going to "appear" in the mailboxes of the pastors at my church (Shhhhhhh! There is an advantage to having the guy from Banner of Truth in your congregation!).
Eavesdrop with me, will you, on the Sunday morning of May 5, 1878, even now as we listen to this pastor in prayer.
More to come ...
Steve
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"O Lord, our song reminds us of what we were, and, oh, we would begin our praise by the acknowledgment of our natural condition; we would remember the miry clay and the rock whence we were hewn, for we were 'by nature children of wrath even as others'.

"Well do we remember when we felt this, and when the bitterness and gall were in our mouths, of which we had to drink both day and night. How heavy was the load of sin! All our thoughts were engrossed with that sense of pressure and of dread. We looked on the right hand and there was none, and on the left and we found no helper; but then Thou didst Thyself deliver us by leading us to cast a faith-look to the divine, only-begotten, and crucified Son. At this moment vividly is it upon our recollection how Thou didst bring us up out of the 'horrible pit': we remember now the new song which Thou didst put into our mouths as we found our feet fast on the rock and our goings established. It is long since then with some of us, but all the way has been strewn with mercies, and we desire this morning to record, 'Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.'

"We thank Thee now, in the retrospect, for the trials which we have endured. Some of us have been brought very low with physical pain and mental weariness, and others have been sore smitten with bereavement, losses and crosses, and persecutions, but there is not one out of all our trials which we could have afforded to have been without. No, Lord, all has been ordered well, there was a need-be for every twig of the rod, and we desire now to thank Thee that we can see in looking back, how all things have even now worked together for good, though we know we cannot see the end as yet.

"O Thou good God, Thou blessed God, like David we would fain sit down before Thee in silence and wait awhile, for our words when we do use them are totally inadequate to the expression of what we feel, much more of what we ought to feel concerning Thy goodness and Thy loving-kindness; yet we will bless Thy name with such language as we have. Jehovah, our God, let others worship whom they will and seek after what object of love they please, this God is our God for ever and ever, He shall be our guide even unto death. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the Triune God of Israel, we express most solemnly the reverence we feel for Thee; and render to Thee our humble adoration as we acknowledge Thee to be the One and only God, by whom the heavens and the earth were made, by whom all things consist, the Redeemer of Thy people, their Father and their Friend, for ever and ever! All our hearts worship Thee, O Thou glorious Lord!

"And truly since we have received so many mercies at Thy hand, we do feel that Thou wilt never forsake us, nor in any darkness which may be in our path in the future, wilt Thou desert Thine own. Thou hast done too much for us to desert us now. We have cost Thee so much - Oh, wondrous price that Thou hast paid for us - and Thou hast spent so much of wise thought, and gracious act upon us, that we are persuaded Thou wilt go through with the work which Thy wisdom has undertaken. But give us faith to believe this: when the stormy times come, let us not doubt, but what our Helmsman will bring us to the desired haven. Though winds and waves assault our keel, may we still find perfect peace and rest in the thought that He who is in the hinder part of the ship is Master of winds and waves. Comfort Thy children this morning, great Father, if any of them are in doubt just now; and bring them all into an assured confidence and perfect restfulness in the Lord their God.

"Next, we would humbly entreat of Thee that we may each one be permitted to do some great service for Thee before we go hence: we do not mean great in the wisdom of our fellows, but let it be all that we can do. If we cannot build a house for Thee, yet have we set our hearts upon doing something; and if it be Thy will, direct our minds to what it shall be, lest our minds should not be Thy mind: but let not one of us be barren or unfruitful. If we have indeed been redeemed by the blood of Christ, may we reckon that we must live to Him; may the love of Christ constrain us, and may something come of our lives that shall be a blessing to the sons of men, ere we go hence.

"And our Father, while we offer this prayer, we will also pray with a deep gratitude for all Thy mercies: may they take possession of all our hearts that, as when David sat in his house of cedar he 'magnified the Lord', so may we also whenever things go smoothly with us. Lord, may the gratitude we feel prompt us to say again, 'What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits towards me?' May every child of Thine here to be every day serving Thee; and serving Thee so that heaven's work may begin below, and something of heaven's pleasure may be enjoyed even now. But Lord, while we work for Thee, always keep us sitting at the feet of Jesus. Let our faith never wander away from the simplicity of its confidence in Him. Let our motive never be anything but His glory; may our hearts be taken up with His love, and our thoughts perpetually engaged about His person. Let us choose the good part which shall not be taken away - that if we serve with Martha we may also sit with Mary.

"Let this church, Lord, receive a fresh anointing of the Holy Ghost, that all its members may be spending themselves for the Master. Wilt Thou quicken, we pray Thee, every agency; in all our Sabbath schools, may there be no lack of teachers, may our young friends find it a delight to be teaching the little ones; may there be even a superabundance of workers in this department. Let not anything flag to which the church has set her hand. Prosper us in the education of our young men for the ministry! bless us, we pray Thee, with our dear orphan boys: may they, all of them, be saved in the Lord with an everlasting salvation. Remember our colporteurs scattered about this country, and prosper them in their going from house to house with the Word of God, and may they be great soul-winners, all of them, that the Lord's name may be glorified.

"And all the thousand and one things which constitute the activities of the churches at large, do Thou bless and prosper them so far as they are according to Thy mind; and may it please Thee to give to the churches prayer in proportion to activity, and faith in proportion to zeal. O Lord! visit Thy church at this time, which is a time of peril, and in Thy mercy revive among us the love of the pure gospel of Jesus Christ. Rebuke, we pray Thee, those who, with their philosophy and vain deceit, would mar and spoil the gospel of Jesus Christ. Grant that in all deliberations of any part of Thy church, which concern this great and grievous and crying evil, there may be decision and wisdom and help given, that all may be done and ordered to Thy glory.

"Bless our nation, Lord, we pray Thee, and let the spirit of Christianity permeate it, enter into the high places, and flow down even to its darkest dens. And, we beseech Thee, let us have peace; may nothing happen to break it, may it be established on a firm and judicious footing, and for many a year may no sound of trumpet, or noise of cannon be heard throughout the whole earth. Let the people praise Thee, O God, and learn war no more! Let all the nations be blessed! May the gospel of Christ Jesus penetrate into the remotest regions, and where it is known may the power of it be felt far more.

"Bless our brethren across the sea of another land, but who with the same tongue worship our Lord in spirit and in truth, and our brethren on the southern side of the globe, and all the scattered saints in every nation; visit them with the bedewing of the Holy Ghost, and make the gardens of the Lord amidst the desert to be green, and blossom as the rose. Now help us this morning, give to every one a sense of pardoned sin: forgive us, O Father, for Christ's sake! Give to each one of us also sanctifying power, that we may be cleansed from the influence of guilt. Give power in the delivery of the gospel. May the truth sink into the soul, and may this be a good and happy, devout and beneficial occasion to all of us here gathered. We ask it for Jesus' sake. Amen."

"The Pastor in Prayer: A Collection of the Sunday Morning Prayers of C.H. Spurgeon"
(Edinburgh, The Banner of Truth Trust, 2004), pp. 46-51.

Coming Tomorrow: "Steve's Picks"

I'm pulling together a list of "Steve's Picks" that I hope to post tomorrow - books that I just go, "ohhhhhh, yeahhhhhh" whenever their title is mentioned. I'll try to put a little explanation, too, as to why I've chosen them.
In the meantime, give consideration to these words by David Brainerd (taken from "They Were Pilgrims"), "I have ever found it, when I have thought the battle was over and the conquest gained, and so let down my watch, the enemy has risen up and done me the greatest injury." May we all be on our guard, today, for our enemy is real. May we do as Brainerd did, "He might be racked with fever or fatigue, but he would not let a single hour slip through his fingers. He spent long hours on his knees and turned night into day in order to give himself to prayer. "

TODAY: Hear "Elizabeth Prentiss" Author Interviewed

The previously recorded interview with Sharon James, author of Banner of Truth's "Elizabeth Prentiss: More Love to Thee" is being broadcast today over the Pilgrim Radio network. If you are not within reach of a broadcast signal, log on to Pilgrim Radio's Web site by clicking here, then choosing "Listen Now" for their live audio. Remaining broadcast times are as follows:
United Kingdom: Tonight at 8:00 and tomorrow (12/12) at 5:00 a.m.
Eastern U.S. time - Today at 3:00 p.m. and tonight at 12:00 midnight
Central U.S. time - Today at 2:00 p.m. and tonight at 11:00 p.m.
Mountain U.S. time - Today at 1:00 p.m. and tonight at 10:00 p.m.
Pacific U.S. time - Today at 12:00 noon and tonight at 9:00 p.m.

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By the way, our Saturday trip to the White House was EXCELLENT! We actually toured the mansion with the U.S. Attorney General, Alberto Gonzales, and his family and because Grandma was in a wheelchair, she got to meet and pet the President's dogs on the elevator! I won't say which one she was more excited about seeing! :-)

FREE BOOKS!

Many people don't know this, but I get to give a lot of books away ... free! Well, free to those who receive the books, but paid for by individuals and families and churches all over the world through their donations to Banner's "Book Fund." A short time ago, I got a note from a guy who served on the missions ship, Doulos, telling me of God's work in his life through Banner books in the ship's library. A week ago, I got a hand-made Christmas "card" from Jeff inside a California State Prison thanking me for the same thing and telling me how he's grown spiritually. And just this week, we boxed up several "Reformed Pastor" and other books for pastors in the Philippines and another shipment is on its way to some soldiers and their chaplains serving in Iraq. Oftentimes, we at Banner get to hear the thanks, but it's the donors who really make it happen. So, if you happen to be one of them ... Thanks!
It'll be a busy weekend for us; our family is headed to DC to visit the White House tomorrow! Oh, nothing like "Banner of Truth Meets the President." Just something I've always wanted to do. Don't forget Monday's broadcast interview of Sharon James (see previous posts).
I hope you're doing well.
Grace & Peace,
Steve

Thanks, BSF!

Thank you, BSF (Bible Study Fellowship), for including "Elizabeth Prentiss: More Love to Thee" on your recommended reading list for December! Says BSF, the books on this list "are recommended to challenge your thinking and enlarge your understanding of the world and the church."

Welcome "Sovereign Grace" Readers

A special welcome to the women participating in a Sovereign Grace online readers' book club - "girltalk." Your selection of "Elizabeth Prentiss: More Love to Thee" as your next read is an excellent choice! I read the book soon after its arrival; I was moved by Elizabeth embracing the sovereignty of God in response to the tragedies in her life. I was also very challenged, as a husband and a dad, by the life of Elizabeth's father as described in the first few chapters of the book (don't let your husbands get by without you encouraging them to at least read that much for themselves!). If you're having any trouble getting the book, please email me directly at steve@banneroftruth.org and I will see to it that you get the book without delay. Don't miss hearing the upcoming interview with the author, Sharon James, to be broadcast three different times over Pilgrim Radio's web site on Monday, December 11, 5:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m. and 12:00 midnight (all times are EST). Just click here, then select "Listen Now," to hear Pilgrim Radio's live broadcast.
Thanks for choosing "Elizabeth Prentiss." If, in the course of your reading and discussion, you have any questions for Sharon (the author), let me know. I'd be glad to get them answered for you. Enjoy!
Steve

A BLANK Valley of Vision???

I want to make sure you know about the "Blank Valley of Vision" contest taking place at the Shepherd's Scrapbook blogsite. Click here to check it out. Believe it or not, Tony has taken a table saw to some paperback Valley of Vision books, then reassembled them with journalling paper and a new spiral binding. He's got one ready to ship to the winner of an essay contest; just write 300-400 words on "a time in your life when you read a Puritan work that gave you better understanding of the Christian life and caused permanent life change as a result. Explain the situation, the book and author, the moment of illumination and the permanent fruit of that change.” Wow! All in just 300-400 words?!?! Deadline is Tuesday, Dec. 5, 11:59 p.m. Central U.S. time. Go for it!

Author of "Elizabeth Prentiss" Interviewed

What a great way to finish off a week. Bill Feltner, a friend of mine at the Pilgrim Radio Network (western U.S.), just recorded an interview with Sharon James, author of Banner of Truth's book, "Elizabeth Prentiss: More Love to Thee." What an delight to speak with Sharon. You may or may not know, but Elizabeth Prentiss lived in the 1800s and wrote the well-known novel, "Stepping Heavenward," and hymn, "More Love to Thee, O Christ." Through much tragedy, including the death of her 3-year old son, Eddie, and 1-month old daughter, Bessie, Elizabeth embraced God, most specifically the sovereignty of God, knowing that God never makes a mistake! Anyway, Sharon shares some of the great encouragement that she has gleaned from her study of Elizabeth's life. You can hear the interview through Pilgrim Radio's Web site. It will be broadcast Monday, December 11th at three different times: 5:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m., and 12:00 midnight (all times given are USA east coast times). I would seriously encourage you to log in for it; just click on the link and follow the instructions to "listen now." Wishing you a great weekend!
Steve

Do you mind ...

... if I share with you God's challenge to me? Some of our staff is reading through "They Were Pilgrims," by Marcus Loane and are now in the first of its four short biographies. David Brainerd's life was filled with such hardship and pain and sickness; I am ashamed at some of my own complaining. And in the midst of all that, by God's grace to be sure, he kept such sweet and intimate fellowship with God. Give thought to some of what he wrote:

"Filling up our time with and for God is the way to rise up and lie down in peace."

"My soul was now tender, devout, and solemn. I was afraid of nothing but sin; and afraid of that in every action and thought."

"Such fatigues and hardships as these serve to wean me more from the earth, and I trust will make heaven the sweeter."

I have yet to grow tired of reading or being deeply challenged by those statements - filling up my time with God and for God - being afraid of nothing but sin; and really fearing sin - seeing the "fatigues and hardships" of my life as things which are weaning me from "here," and preparing me for "there." Hmmmm.
There isn't much else to say, is there?

Taking you "Through the Year..."

A few weeks ago, I was alone in my car with Sinclair Ferguson. I knew we were about to receive this new book, "Through the Year with William Still" and, while most people here wouldn't recognize the name, I knew Sinclair spent time with Mr. Still. So I asked Sinclair about him, and do you know what he told me? With all of the compasssion that I so often hear in Sinclair's voice, he said that William Still is the man who has had the greatest spiritual impact on his life! "Really?" I said. Sinclair went on to say that Mr. Still pastored the same church in Scotland for fifty years, preached through the Bible three times and wrote out notes on the whole Bible twice. Interestingly enough, as I sat there in my car listening to Sinclair, an unseen book with an unknown name on the cover became something I couldn't wait to get my hands on! And today I did, for the first time. The truck has come and gone, and "Through the Year with William Still" has taken its place here in the North America warehouse of Banner of Truth. The readings are based on Mr. Still's study, a man that Sinclair wrote, "seemed to live in the Bible." They are relatively short and each one is dated. And they begin January 1 with God's revelation in Genesis and continue through the Old and New Testaments to December 31, "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus." I just wish I had gotten this book earlier; now is the time for people to get hold of this to really use it well through the coming year.
Grace & peace,
Steve

Banner of Truth Top 50 Sellers - Last Six Months

OK, here's the grand countdown finale. I guess to follow the same order, I have to give you #1 first (or #1 and #2, in this case). Does it come as a surprise? If you haven't yet encountered it, give up some potato chips or something for the next few weeks and pull your saved pennies together to get "The Valley of Vision." Also, I just said to our staff here at Banner of Truth in Carlisle, PA that I personally think a close second to The Valley of Vision is Pastor in Prayer, a collection of some of the prayers that C.H. Spurgeon prayed during the morning worship services. I got caught up in one just yesterday while moving some books. Quite honestly, I think Pastor in Prayer is one of the many hidden jewels still waiting to be discovered within the Banner warehouse.
Anyway, here's the top ten from the past six months.
#1. The Valley of Vision, Arthur Bennett, editor; Leather- I've already told you about this one. Skip the chips; buy the book! :-)
#2. The Valley of Vision, Arthur Bennett, editor; Paperback - Ditto!
#3. The Reformed Pastor, by Richard Baxter - I think this is one of the first Banner of Truth books I ever bought, years ago. The same copy is still on my shelf, and it hasn't lasted this long because it hasn't been read! It really is "one of the best known classics on the work of the Christian ministry."
#4. Let's Study Luke, by Douglas Milne - In all honesty, I could say the same thing about any book in this Let's Study series. In my personal study, right now, I'm working through the Gospel of John with Mark Johnston's Let's Study John. Granted, I know Mark; he's one of our Banner's Trustees. But even without that, I think anyone would have the sense that Mark or Sinclair or Derek or whomever is right there with you, sharing a cup of coffee in addition to some great insight into the Scripture that you've just read. I really do suggest that people start off the new year, either alone or in a small group, with a fresh commitment to get into the Word with a Let's Study book at your side (can I help it that I really do like and use these books?!?!).
#5. Mortification of Sin, by John Owen - Wow, what do I say about this one? I guess I'll be open with what you already know based on Scripture ... I still struggle with sin. And this book by Owen (abridged and made a bit easier to read) deals with that very struggle and provides some real encouragement that has made a difference, for me and, based on what I hear at conferences, alot of other people, too. It's a great book to jointly read and discuss with a buddy that you can be accountable to.
#6. The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment, by J. Burroughs - We all know 1 Timothy 6:6, "Godliness with contentment is great gain." And that it is. Sadly, however, it is still a rare jewel among the church. Perhaps Burroughs can share his path to enjoying this rare jewel.
#7. Getting the Gospel Right, by Cornelis Venema - New in 2006, this is a concise summary of the issues surrounding what some have been offering as "new perspectives" on Paul. Venema's longer analysis of this issue was just released by Banner, titled "The Gospel of Free Acceptance in Christ."
#8. All Things for Good, by Thomas Watson - A year ago, at our church's camping weekend, my Sunday morning text was Romans 8:28. Interestingly enough, I just referred to it in an email sent to a young guy I met with yesterday at a nearby coffee shop. "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." This is one great verse to spend a book on.
#9. Doctrine of Repentance, by Thomas Watson - What really is repentance? And how does one really repent? What could be a better use of time that nailing down a solid answer to these two questions? I always enjoy reading Watson.
#10. The Christian Life, by Sinclair Ferguson - If The Reformed Pastor was the first Banner book I ever purchased, years ago, perhaps this by Sinclair is the one I've read the most times. Still together, but well worn, to be sure. What can I say except, "This is just really good stuff."
There you have it. I wish we could just give them all away, but my eldest is on the threshold of college, you know! :-) Keep reading!
Grace & peace,
Steve

Banner of Truth Top 50 Sellers - Last Six Months

The countdown still continues:
#11. Susannah Spurgeon: Free Grace & Dying Love - We haven't even had this book for all of the past six months and it still made it to #11! The first half - morning devotions that Mrs. Spurgeon wrote; the second half - a short biography of Mrs. Spurgeon's life. I especially liked her own words describing her appreciation of God's sovereignty in bringing her together with her husband, since she was not at all first attracted to the young orator's eloquence!
#12. A Godly Man's Picture, by Thomas Watson - A Puritan Paperback written in the 1600s, I was very challenged by these biblical characteristics of a godly man!
#13. Mystery of Providence, by John Flavel - A Puritan Paperback that's become one more classic to read.
#14. Summary of Christian Doctrine, by Louis Berkhof - A good summary of his longer theology.
#15. Christian in Complete Armour Vol. 1, by William Gurnall - Five guys at conferences during the past six months have told me stories of how this 3-volume set has impacted their lives!
#16. Precious Remedies Against Satan's Devices, by Thomas Brooks - The spiritual battle is on; engage in the fight.
#17. Today's Gospel, by Walter Chantry - Does the "accepting Jesus into your heart" phrase ever sound an alarm? This is an important, even if relatively short, work.
#18. Elizabeth Prentiss: More Love to Thee, by Sharon James - Another new title, not even with us six months, yet making the top 20. I have often said that every church has some woman that needs this book. What encouragement to see Elizabeth Prentiss, author of the novel "Stepping Heavenward" and the hymn, "More Love to Thee, O Christ" grabbing on to the sovereignty of God after losing her own two children!
#19. Scottish Christian Heritage, by Iain Murray - Three hundred precious years. Some have called this Iain Murray's best work yet.
#20. Prayer, by John Bunyan - A Puritan Paperback to encourage you in this communion with God.

Banner of Truth Top 50 Sellers - Last Six Months

The countdown continues:
#21. Right with God, by John Blanchard - Maybe it's just me, but I struggle a little gospel tract being my only tool for sharing the gospel. This is clearly something more. The chapter headings are pretty clear: The Truth, The Problem, The Failure, The Answer, The Need, The Way Ahead. Another great tool for sharing the gospel is Banner's newer title, The Promise. It's unique; 31 daily Bible readings and some comment that introduces the Christian message by starting in Genesis and taking one to Revelation. Check it out, also.
#22. Secret Key to Heaven, by Thomas Brooks (Puritan Paperback) - Not long ago, I read one of our little booklets by J.C. Ryle, A Call to Prayer, to those at our church's prayer meeting. I know it had an impact on me. This deals with the same subject, only from Thomas Brooks - closet prayer, that which we do/pray when no one else is around. Brooks says, "The power of religion and godliness lives, thrives, or dies as closet prayer lives, thrives, or dies" in our lives. He's right, you know.
#23. Death of Death in the Death of Christ, by John Owen - A young guy named Bob just started working in our packing room this past Monday, helping us out til Christmas. Yesterday, as he was packing this book, I heard him say, "This is one of my all-time favorite books!" You've got good taste, Bob! And it's become a classic, from Owen.
#24. Sketches from Church History, by S. Houghton - I love this book. It's a perfect, high level overview that didn't bog me down. Our family used to homeschool; now, our girls attend a classical Christian school in the area. This book is perfect for use in both of those settings, or just by someone like me who wanted that "big picture" overview.
#25. Glory of Christ, by John Owen (Puritan Paperback) - I stand in awe! Even the back cover of this book says that what Owen writes is sometimes "almost overwhelming." This Puritan Paperback has been abridged and made easier to read; a good way to get introduced to Owen's writings.
#26. Sermon on the Mount, by Sinclair Ferguson - Actually, a good friend let me borrow his copy of this book years ago, and I don't think I ever gave it back! Sorry, Jack W. For the first time, I really got to see how the Beatitudes and Sermon all fit together. I was just with Sinclair a couple of weeks ago, and you know something - he writes just like preaches, as if he's a good friend sitting next to you, chatting about ... whatever.
#27. Bruised Reed, by Richard Sibbes (Puritan Paperback) - Isaiah wrote, "A bruised reed shall he not break and the smoking flax shall he not quench; he shall bring forth judgement unto truth" (Is. 42:1-3). For the weak. For the discouraged. It's been a real encouragement.
#28. Let's Study Ephesians, by Sinclair Ferguson - Another in a great series. See my comments on another in this series, #4, listed above.
#29. Let's Study Revelation, by Derek Thomas - And yet another; ditto to what I just said.
#30 Sovereignty of God, by A.W. Pink - Why do some within the church seemingly fear this truth? I am loving a brand new work, just received, titled, "The Hand of God: The Comfort of Having a Sovereign God." God is sovereign! Embrace this truth, and enjoy the comfort that is ours because this is, in fact, true! We see this in one of our new biographies, Elizabeth Prentiss: More Love to Thee." God's sovereignty is what carried her through.
Numbers 11-20 will be posted next.

A Children's MUST READ for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is just a week away, but here's a book (Banner's #31 from the last six months) that is just perfect for you to gather some children together and read aloud during this next week. "Voyage To Freedom: A Story of the Atlantic Crossing 1620," by David Gay is a historically accurate telling of the nine week voyage of the Mayflower crossing the Atlantic, written especially for children. Read the introduction below, then click here or call 800-263-8085 and buy the book. It lists for $10, but that would be only $7.50 if ordered via the web or $8.00 if you call (plus shipping). I have spent many Thanksgivings looking for something to share with my children to make the holiday appropriately significant. This is that something! Feel free to tell others about it in the next couple of days. Sadly, the time is pretty short to get the word out for this year.
Grace & Peace,
Steve
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VOYAGE TO FREEDOM
A Story of the Atlantic Crossing 1620
by David Gay - Published by Banner of Truth

The Introduction

You are standing on a narrow quayside waiting to board a small ship. You are about to make an exciting but dangerous and uncomfortable voyage. I want you to pause, just for a moment or two. There are a few things I want you to know about the story of the voyage you are about to take. I want you to have a look at the little ship, its passengers and crew, and I want you to know the reason for making such a journey.

The first thing I want you to know is that the story is true. That is, it is based on historical fact. It tells the exciting story of the historic voyage of the 100 or so Pilgrims who crossed the Atlantic ocean in 1620. Master Reynolds, John Howland and William Butten all existed. It is a true story.

But, of course, we do not have a detailed record of all that went on during the voyage. We do not know all that was said. I have tried to weave a story around four imaginary characters - the Lovelace family - to show what the voyage must have been like. It happened very much as I have tried to show it.

The voyage was hard - very hard and very, very dangerous. I have tried to show you how hard a time the Pilgrims had. The ship was very tiny. The QE2, for example, is 66,000 tons. The Mayflower was only 180 tons. If you can imagine 6 or 7 family cars parked nose to tail - that is how long (or short) she was - and only about 4 cars wide! And yet she carried 100 passengers and 20 or so crew. A crossing of the Atlantic in recent times would only take a few days - the Mayflower took 9 weeks! The passengers were crammed into a very tiny wooden ship without proper rooms, food, air, beds or sanitation. It must have been horrible! They passed through storms. They were cheated and abused. They were blown off course.

Nor must we forget that it was a tremendous risk to take. They left their familiar and friendly homes and crossed the ocean to a new, unknown and dangerous land. Remember, the longest journey most people undertook in those days was less than 30 miles from their homes - and at the speed of a horse. The Pilgrims sailed 3,000 miles!

Why did they do it?

The Pilgrims were Puritans. They wished to worship God simply - no special buildings - no special robes - no candles - no altars - no prayer books. They wished to worship God according to the way he had told them in his Word, the Bible. To do this, they had to leave England. The laws of the land, at that time, would not allow them to worship God according to the Bible and their conscience. They put God and his Word first in their lives - before their comfort or safety. They would endure anything and everything to obey God's laws.

God did not fail them. He protected them and took them safely to their new home. In such a voyage in those days, it was very common for many of the passengers to die. Not one of the Pilgrims died. In fact, one - Oceanus - was born during the crossing.

And now, the story is in front of you. I hope you enjoy it. I hope you feel something of the fears and hopes of young Justice and Prudence. I hope you learn of the God the story speaks of. May we all be true Pilgrims!

Fare you well, as you embark on this great adventure.

Banner of Truth Top 50 Sellers - Last Six Months

The countdown continues:
#31. Voyage to Freedom, by David Gay - Pilgrims for children.
#32. Lifting Up for the Downcast, by William Bridge - Encouragement.
#33. History of English Calvinistic Baptists, by Robert Oliver - Fascinating.
#34. Grow in Grace, by Sinclair Ferguson - Great for beginners.
#35. Sinfulness of Sin, by Ralph Venning - Seen for what it really is.
#36. Apostasy from the Gospel, by John Owen - Abridged.
#37. The Lord's Supper, by Thomas Watson - Appreciate it even more.
#38. Let's Study Philippians, by Sinclair Ferguson - A great series!
#39. Jerusalem Sinner Saved, by John Bunyan - Grace of forgiveness.
#40. All Loves Excelling, by John Bunyan - The love of Christ.
Numbers 21-30 will be posted next.

Banner of Truth Top 50 Sellers - Last Six Months

OK, during the next couple of days, I'll be counting down the Banner of Truth books that you have apparently been buying the most of, listed in reverse order according to the number of copies shipped during the past six months. Keep visiting; I'll soon get to #1.
#41. Discovering God's Will, by Sinclair Ferguson - Including, "Marriage?"
#42. Dying Thoughts, by Richard Baxter - Phil. 1:23, doubts/fears of dying
#43. The Christian in Complete Armour, Vol. 2 - A life-changing work.
#44. Religious Affections, by Jonathan Edwards - Revival!
#45. Communion with God, by John Owen - Made a bit easier to read.
#46. The Westminster Confession of Faith - Speaks for itself.
#47. The Christian in Complete Armour, Vol. 3 - Good to the end.
#48. The Forgotten Spurgeon, by Iain Murray - The man and his beliefs.
#49. Let's Study Mark, by Sinclair Ferguson - A GREAT series!
#50. Christian Love, by Hugh Binning - Based on John 13:35
Numbers 31-40 will be coming in the next post.

What's Moving?

I love exhibiting at conventions because I get to hear from you who are on the receiving end of what we ship every day - fellow readers of Banner of Truth books! I've noticed a pattern, too, in what you've told me. A number of you have called several titles, "life changing," which is no insignificant label! Two of the ones regularly mentioned have been:
(1) The Christian in Complete Armour, by William Gurnall. I kid you not, at least five men have seen this 3-volume paperback set on a conference book table in the past six months, sighed, and said, "This has had such an incredible impact on my life."
(2) Letters of Samuel Rutherford. I first heard about this book in our associate pastor's study. "What's this?" I asked a while back. "Ohhhhhh," he said, "that is the most devotional book I've ever read." Others have agreed.
The conference I just returned from definitely saw some big movers. From the biographies, we sold a number of Elizabeth Prentiss: More Love to Thee and Susannah Spurgeon: Free Grace & Dying Love. I've read them both and am not surprised. The new title, They Were Pilgrims, also captured attention. It's amazing to read of God's work through those four men who all died at either 29 or 30 years of age. Of course, the pile of Valley of Vision, both paperback and leather, went down rather quickly, too. I'll check the paperwork and give you a better update soon. Plus I think I'll post our best sellers thus far this year. Any guesses as to what comes in at #1?

There's No Place Like Home!

I am back home from the CCEF convention with a bit of catching up to do, as you might imagine. But I'll get more posted here shortly.......

Greetings, from Valley Forge, PA

Banner of Truth greetings from the Convention Center in Valley Forge, PA where I've teamed up with our friends from Grace Books International, the bookstore organizers for this year's Christian Counselling & Educational Foundation conference. There's free wireless internet here so, with my laptop on one chair and me on another, here I sit behind six tables jammed with our Banner of Truth books. I love getting out and doing this sort of thing because Banner is about so much more than just selling books. There is a real desire for ministry; it's precious. I mean, already I've met Jonathan and Emily and Marty and Scott and Morgan and others. I've heard personal stories of how God has used a certain Banner book to impact their lives. I love hearing that stuff! I know it's happening every day! I've also been able to encourage a discouraged pastor, listen to a mom's story of her wayward daughter, and draw close to a guy who was open enough to share his burden about lustful thoughts that keep entering and residing in his mind. Maybe it's just me, but in addition to discussing Banner books, these events are great opportunities to reach out and touch the body of Christ.
Grace & peace,
Steve

New Puritan Paperback!

Yes, indeed - Banner of Truth's Puritan Paperback series has given birth to new title - Thomas Watson's, "The Great Gain of Godliness: Practical Notes on Malachi 3:16-18." I love the story behind this one, as noted on the back of the book. C.H. Spurgeon, with his personal library of 12,000+ volumes, apparently didn't have this one by Watson, but desperately wanted it. Spurgeon is quoted as telling his college students: "This [volume] would be a great find if we could come at it, for Watson is one of the clearest and liveliest of Puritan authors. We fear we shall never see this commentary, for we have tried to obtain it, and tried in vain." Anyway, enough of the publisher's blurb - I'll get inside the book and try to give you personal "First Take" asap. Right now, however, I'm off to Valley Forge, PA until Saturday night for the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF) Conference, "Hope for Broken Relationships," at the Valley Forge Convention Center. More to come ...

Grace & peace,
Steve

A Blank Valley of Vision?

My friend, Tony Reinke, over at The Shepherd's Scrapbook blog is at it again, combining books/Bibles with a good ol' fashioned table saw - Jonathan Edwards style, of course - to produce something that I wouldn't mind having myself, a blank Bible. Visit Tony's site if you don't know what that is. In the meantime, here's a little secret for you. Tony's been entering my Banner of Truth inbox throughout today and, based on an earlier suggestion on his blog and another from my middle daughter, I decided to send him several "The Valley of Vision" books (an incredible collection of Puritan prayers and devotions) and let him saw them apart to create a blank "The Valley of Vision!" I can't wait to see the pictures, and receive one of the first ever blank Valley of Vision books!
Speaking of "The Valley of Vision," I just got off the phone with a truck driver on his way to our warehouse from the port of New York with nearly 15,000 leather Valley of Vision books. For those of you who have been waiting for your order, your wait is just about over!
Grace & peace,
Steve
ADDENDUM: They've arrived! Guess what WE will be shipping in the morning!

Banner "On-the-Road"

While I don't relish time away from home and family, I do enjoy getting out of the office and meeting many of the people who receive, read and teach from Banner of Truth books. Two such opportunities are rapidly approaching, the last two of this year. Next week, I am at the Christian Counseling and Education Foundation (CCEF) conference at the Convention Center in Valley Forge, PA (northwest of Philadelphia), November 9-11. The following week, Rob from our staff will be at the Evangelical Theological Society's (ETS) conference in Washington, DC, November 15-17, and I will probably be there for one of those days. We'll soon be building the 2007 "on the road" schedule; all suggestions welcomed.
Grace & peace,
Steve
ADDENDUM: I'm planning a northwest trip (Portland & Seattle areas) in mid-January. If any of you are in that area and want to get together, let me know. A southeast trip will probably be closer to the spring.

Reformation Day

An Evening Reflection –
“Out of love for the truth and the desire to bring it to light, the following propositions will be discussed at Wittenberg, under the presidency of the Reverend Father Martin Luther, Master of Arts and of Sacred Theology, and Lecturer in Ordinary on the same at that place. Wherefore he requests that those who are unable to be present and debate orally with us, may do so by letter. In the name our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.”
95 theses followed, written and nailed to the door at Wittenberg. How incredibly significant. Those first 14 words are ringing in my ear this Reformation Day. I sit here wondering how I might finish the sentence ... “Out of love for the truth and the desire to bring it to light, I ______________.” God help us all to burn with like passion for the truth and the desire to bring it to light!
Grace & peace,
Steve

Whew!

35,851 books - 22,681 pounds - from one ship's container to inside the Banner of Truth's U.S. warehouse ... DONE!

Another New Book!

As expected, the truck has come and gone, and Banner of Truth here in the U.S. has another new title in the warehouse, "The Gospel of Free Acceptance in Christ," by Cornelis Venema, subtitled, "An Assessment of the Reformation and 'New Perspectives' on Paul." I forwarded the image, description, etc., to be added to the Web site (www.banneroftruth.org) so the basics should be available there soon. Some may have read Venema's shorter work, also published by Banner, dealing with the new perspectives issue - That is a shorter, 112-page paperback summary titled "Getting the Gospel Right." This one's significantly more detailed - a 352-page clothbound study and critical assessment of the issue. Obviously any "first take" on my part will have to wait. Right now, we've got another truck due yet today with our huge reprint of leather Valley of Vision, and we're gearing up for tomorrow's 9:00 a.m. arrival of the ship's container from Edinburgh! I knew it was going to be a busy week!
Grace & peace,
Steve
P.S. My middle daughter (pictured with me) ran and completed her cross-country race at Districts today; I wasn't able to get away to watch. She called me right away to say that she had done well. I have to confess; I love my girls!

The Week in Review

Well, the heavy rains and localized flooding postponed my middle daughter's cross-country districts race this morning. Somehow, I'll have to work that into my schedule Monday.
It was a busy week at our Banner of Truth U.S. office with Banner's Trustees in town, a couple from the U.S. and the rest from the U.K. Sadly, Iain Murray wasn't able to be here; I do look forward to meeting him. I enjoyed several good conversations with our Trustee's chairman, Sinclair Ferguson, and very much appreciated the interaction with each of the others. It is good to spend time with the men at the top of an organization and still come away feeling good about things - such was not the case with my last "Corporate America" employer. One would certainly expect a difference with Banner, and I can certainly testify to you that the difference is in fact very much there!
Coming Next Week? The arrival of thousands and thousands of leather Valley of Vision books - the new print run will be here! - and an overseas container off the ship from Scotland should arrive, plus probably one or more brand new titles, newly released! Stay tuned.

Merry Christmas? II

In my last post (see below), I said that Banner of Truth's upcoming U.S. Christmas mailer includes sections with gift ideas "For Him" and "For Her," etc., to which a man asked, "What sort of books does BoT publish that you can include the "For Him" category?" Actually, that is an interesting question because, as far as I'm concerned, most of Banner's books are appropriate for any "him" or "her" to read. My purpose of this "Gifts for Him" section is really to simply throw out a few suggestions for the person who might be otherwise overwhelmed by all of these books.
What did I include in the "For Him" section and why? The obvious one was Thomas Watson's Puritan Paperback, "The Godly Man's Picture" in which almost the entire book is one chapter titled, "Characteristics of a Godly Man." Beyond that, I chose Gurnall's 3-volume paperback set, "Christian in Complete Armour," because in the few months I've worked at Banner I have had 5 guys come up to me at conferences and tell me how this book/set has changed their lives. One of our accountant's all-time best reads was "But Now I See: The Life of John Newton," so I included that. Certainly M'Cheyne's "Memoirs and Remains," had to be there for any guy who doesn't yet own and have read that classic. My pastor suggested the hardback, "Letters of Samuel Rutherford," as the most devotional book he has ever encountered, to which I tend to agree. I also wanted another biography and two local Christian men have each mentioned the book, "Ernest Reisinger: A Biography" to me. I know Ernie's name isn't recognized far and wide so, quite honestly, I thought I would put this back in the spotlight and perhaps encourage some to read and benefit from it. And the last one I included was "Christian Leaders of the 18th Century," because it's a J.C. Ryle book, for starters, and it relays the lives of several men who are said to have shaken all of England. Why not? I hope that helps.

Merry Christmas?

Don't worry, I don't like seeing Christmas decorations in October either, especially when they're really "winter decorations" and their only purpose is to sell more stuff. But behind the scenes in a lot of industries, publishing included, seasonal preparations do need to start ahead of the calendar. That's why I just sent our 2006 Banner of Truth U.S. Christmas mailer to the printer, still on track for mailing November 1st. You may notice a few changes this year. First, it's big - 8 pages instead our usual 4, and each page is very full. I included gift suggestions for those who might be a bit overwhelmed with what to buy. For example, I suggest 7 books "For Him," 6 books "For Her," 9 books "For Children & Teens," and a number of others on subjects like "Christian Growth," "Devotional Reading," and "Bible Study." And something new - "Gift Paks" to help with the pockbook! Don't miss the "Banner Year in Review" with all of Banner's new titles since last Christmas on display. Finally, I'm including five new books, three of which have still not been seen or heard about yet (hint; look at this image of the cover!). If you're not on the mailing list, let me know.
Grace & peace,
Steve

PS - Incredible! We just got another call; another new title is on its way. Stop back for details!

My Girls!

I have to share this personal note - our third-born daughter won her cross-country race last Saturday, and our second-born daughter qualified for the Districts race scheduled for this Saturday in Hershey, PA. Guess where I'll be on the 28th. I love being a dad (that last statement has nothing to do with cross-country, but everything to do with those three incredible blessings that God has given to us)!

First Take: "The Hand of God"

As you know, I got my hands on another new Banner of Truth book last week with it's arrival in our warehouse - "The Hand of God: The Comfort of Having a Sovereign God," by Frederick Leahy.
After only reading a few pages, I ran downstairs to the staff here at Banner U.S., "Did you know about this book?" I asked. I then read from our tribute to this author. "After he handed the package (the manuscript for this book) across the post-office counter, his wife Margaret, who was with him, suggested he might buy a new notebook to begin his next book. He paused before replying, 'Margaret, I think I've said all I want to say.' That evening he entered his eternal rest." He was 83. Clearly, in the providence of God, this book was not to go undone!
Today, I am about half way through this 207-page paperback. If this tells you anything about what I think, I am buying five copies so that my wife, our three daughters and I can read through its ten chapters in the next ten weeks. I have long thought that the sovereignty of God, the doctrine that some squirm over, is one of the most comforting truths in Scripture. When I was laid off and without a job for seven months ten years ago, I clung to the fact that God is sovereign. When my dad was diagnosed with cancer, when my mom was killed in a car accident, and now as I look toward sending our firstborn baby to college, God's sovereignty is an amazing comfort and strength, that which enables me to rest. In another excellent new Banner book, "Elizabeth Prentiss: More Love to Thee," I saw a similar impact of this truth on her life. And as Leahy wrote, "In this book, my aim is to show that the sovereignty of God, as revealed in Scripture, is a comforting truth."
Two things have especially impressed me so far. First, this book is full of Scripture; you can't help but know that this is God's truth that we're discussing here. Leahy also weaves in some incredible and precious gems from saints who have gone before us: Calvin, Murray, Berkhof, Hodge, Shedd, Spurgeon, Bridges, Ryle, Warfield, Boice, Henry, Rutherford, Edersheim - they're all in there!
Secondly, this book clearly takes the truth of God's sovereignty and applies it in very real and practical ways to the life that I find myself living in today. For example:
- In "Chapter One: The Hand That Creates," I was challenged with my responsibility to care for the world in which I live, the sanctity of life vs. abortion, and even my mental purity in an age of increasing access to pornography.
- In "Chapter Two: The Hand That Governs," Leahy faces the fact of tsunamis and holocausts head on, and addresses the classic unbeliever's statement, "Do you ever read the newspaper or watch the news? Either this God of yours is a cruel, heartless tyrant, or so feeble that he is not able to govern."
- In "Chapter Three: The Hand That Provides, " Leahy brings in the subjects of work, laziness, gambling and the important role of prayer.
- Ahhh, and just wait until you get to "Chapter Four: The Hand That Redeems."
Other chapter headings include the hand that keeps, guides, chastens, blesses, enables, and judges, with an epilogue that's simply titled, "Comfort."
Without a doubt, the Burlew family will begin our ten-week read this week, reading a chapter each week, coming together on Sunday to discuss. God truly is sovereign, and that fact is so relevant, and is to make such a difference in our day-to-day lives here in this contemporary world. What better discussion might we have as a family? Leahy's book will serve us well as a great guide. For more information, click here.

Never Did THAT

I had charge of our church's prayer meeting this week. While this probably never happens to you, each time I tried to prepare, something came up. So I did something I've never done before. I grabbed two dozen copies of J.C. Ryle's short booklet, "A Call to Prayer" from our packing room and headed out the door (this job does have its advantages but, for the record, they were charged to my account). I knew Ryle's message on prayer would far surpass my own thoughts, at that point in time. I was already familiar with the booklet, so I quickly chose sections to read since time wouldn't permit reading the whole thing. And that's what I did. Everyone had a copy. We sang "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus." Then I began to read. And more people were pricked in their heart by that message than I was expecting, including me!
Throughout the booklet, multiple times, Ryle asks the question, "Do you pray?" "Do you pray?" "Do you pray?" not speaking of public or those before-the-meal prayers, but private, when-you're-alone prayer. He says:
(1) Prayer is absolutely needful to a man's salvation.
(2) A habit of prayer is one of the surest marks of a true Christian.
(3) There is no duty in religion so neglected as private prayer.
(4) Diligence in prayer is the secret of eminent holiness.
(5) Neglect of prayer is one great cause of backsliding.
(6) Prayer is one of the best means of happiness and contentment.
Ryle ends with this: "I offer these points for your private consideration. I do it in all humility. I know no one who needs to be reminded of them more than I do myself. But I believe them to be God's own truth, and I desire myself and all I love to feel them more. I want the times we live in to be praying times. I want the Christians of our day to be praying Christians. I want the church to be a praying church. My heart's desire and prayer in sending forth this tract is to promote a spirit of prayerfulness. I want those who never prayed yet to arise and call upon God, and I want those who do pray to see that they are not praying amiss."

So would you permit me to ask you Ryle's question? "Do you pray?"

Have a great weekend. I hope to have my "first take" on our new arrival, "The Hand of God," come next week, plus possibly some pictures from behind the scenes at Banner. I hope you'll stop back.

Grace & Peace!
Steve

Another New Book!

New titles arrive in waves here (the U.S. office & warehouse of Banner of Truth), so you can probably expect some other posts like this in the next few weeks. Tomorrow, it's another jeans day as I'll be in the warehouse helping unload another new arrival, "The Hand of God: The Comfort of Having a Sovereign God," a 224-page paperback by Frederick Leahy, hot off the press. Stop back tomorrow ... with book in hand, I'll try to give you more details and perhaps include a picture or two.
ADDENDUM, October 19, 2006: It's here! Give me a day or so to read and internalize it, and I'll soon post my "First Take."
Grace & peace!
Steve

Tradition

Ever tried calling Banner of Truth's U.S. office early in the morning and gotten the recorded greeting? Ever wondered why? It's because we start each day, before activating the phones, by reading two pages of a "Banner book," followed by prayer. It's amazing how many books you can complete by just reading two pages a day, and this has been a Banner tradition that Jim Eshelman started some 40 years ago! Last week, we finished "Charity and Its Fruits," by Jonathan Edwards; this morning, we started a new Banner booklet, "Can We Know God?" by Maurice Roberts. I'm not sure that many people know about these booklets. Too bad, actually. There are some 38 booklets in print covering such topics as evangelism, prayer, holiness, worship, obedience, grief, discouragement, discipline, and more. If interested in a list, let me know. I may review some in upcoming posts, plus share some of my favorite books. Stay tuned.
Grace and peace!
Steve
Oh, by the way, my youngest daughter came in 19th out of 94 cross country runners on Friday. Go Alyssa! :-)

First Take: "Sermons on the Beatitudes"

I just finished helping Jake unload the truck with this newest addition to our Banner of Truth books: John Calvin's, "Sermons on the Beatitudes." Of course, I had to set everything else aside and give it a quick look. I'll admit - I got hooked (at least me reading in the middle of the day is also job-related!). I know I say this a lot, but ... this book is good. OK, set aside the fact that Calvin may not have looked like the guy we hope our daughters bring home someday (remember, we're back in the 1500s). Once inside, this book quickly settles you into the pew with John Calvin at the pulpit and the Beatitudes before him. And for the next five sermons, we get to soak in and reflect upon, with him and his congregation, "the kind of life to which our Lord Jesus Christ calls us once we are in his school" and discover "where true peace of mind lies and what goals are especially worth pursuing." So far, I've only completed the introduction and two sermons, but thought I'd share with you what I knew. The list of sermon titles is below. If you want more information, click on the image that you'll find here.
Have a great weekend; my two daughters are in a cross-country race in about 45 minutes so I best be on my way.
Grace & Peace -
Steve

The Five Sermon Titles:
(1) Called and Chosen ... Mark 3:13-19; Luke 6:12-19
(2) The Broken Blessed ... Matthew 5:1-4; Luke 6:20-21
(3) Meekness and Mercy ... Matthew 5:5-7; Luke 6:20-21a
(4) The Price of Peace ... Matthew 5:8-10; Luke 6:22-23
(5) The Rejected Recompensed ... Matthew 5:11-12; Luke 6:22-26

Calvin's "Prayer Before The Sermon":
"Let us call upon our good God and Father, beseeching him, since all fullness of wisdom and light is found in him, mercifully to enlighten us by his Holy Spirit in the true understanding of his Word, and to give us grace to receive it in true fear and humility. May we be taught by his Word to place our trust only in him and to serve and honour him as we ought, so that we may glorify his holy name in all our living and edify our neighbour by our good example, rendering to God the love and the obedience which faithful servants owe their masters, and children their parents, since it has pleased him graciously to receive us among the number of his servants and children." Amen.

Hot Off The Press

My wife and I have three children, all girls, and for my wife's sake I hesitate to compare anything to the process of giving birth (hey, we guys endured a type of trauma, but admittedly and significantly different!).
But there is an air of excitement whenever our warehouse manager at Banner of Truth U.S.A. gets a confirmation call that another new title is on its way. This Friday, John Calvin's "Sermons on the Beatitudes" will arrive. YES! We've been waiting for this one. Calvin completed this exposition of Matthew 5:1-12; Mark 3:13-19 and Luke 6:12-26 back in 1559, apparently just three months before his death; this will be the first English translation! We've already received a number of backorders, but don't worry. We'll get them shipped as fast as we can!
I'm glad you visited. Any questions, leave a comment or email me.
Grace & Peace!
Steve

The beginning ...

It is an E-world, isn't it? From E-mail to E-shopping and E-cards, even E-dating and now E-publishing through E-books requiring E-readers. As I meet an increasing number of people from across the country, it seems prudent that I join the E-world and establish a site where we might stay connected and perhaps encourage one another and spur one another on to good deeds, ultimately furthering each other's walk and depth with regard to the knowledge and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
It is that mission and purpose that excites me so about working with Banner of Truth. From its very beginning nearly 50 years ago, Banner was organised so that "financial considerations would not determine the publications program." But instead, "it was aimed to publish what we believed honoured God and what people needed rather than what they might initially want" (Iain Murray). That is so true, to this very day ... publishing what we believe honors God and what people need rather than what they might initially want.
As I sit at my desk on the second floor of Banner's U.S. office in Carlisle, PA, just behind me, on the other side of the wall, there exists an entire warehouse of books ... not necessarily books that the vast majority of today's church wants, but books that the saints need and would desperately benefit from reading. I am ever challenged by the depth and intimacy with one's God that I see reflected in the prayers of The Valley of Vision, the writings of men like Owen and Manton and Baxter, the published biographies of people like Elizabeth Prentiss, Susannah Spurgeon, David Brainerd, Ernest Reisinger and more.
In the coming days, I hope we can spend some time together, becoming better acquainted, and also discussing some of what's on the other side of my office wall ... not just to talk about books for books sake, but specifically how God has used them, and continues to do so, to strengthen faith and deepen one's walk with Him. Thanks for stopping by. Leave a comment, if you don't mind, so that we might become better acquainted.
Grace and Peace,
Steve