March 30, 2007

True Happiness

"Holy David at the beginning of this psalm (Psalm 32) shows us wherein true happiness consists; not in beauty, honour, riches (the world's trinity), but in the forgiveness of sin. 'Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven' (v.1). The Hebrew word 'to forgive' signifies 'to carry out of sight', which agrees well with the words of Jeremiah: 'In those days, saith the Lord, the sins of Judah shall be sought for, and they shall not be found' (Jer. 50:20). This is an incomprehensible blessing, and such as lays a foundation for all other mercies. I shall just glance at it, and lay down these five assertions about it:
(1) Forgiveness of sin is an act of God's free grace.
(2) God, in forgiving sin, remits the guilt and penalty.
(3) Forgiveness of sin is through the blood of Christ.
(4) Before sin is forgiven, it must be repented of.
(5) God having forgiven sin, he will no longer call it to remembrance (Jer. 31:34)
(i) How sad it is to lack it!
(ii) How sweet it is to have it!
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From "The Godly Man's Picture, Drawn with a Scripture Pencil," or "Some Characteristic Marks of a Man who is Going to Heaven," Thomas Watson, 1666 --- Part of the Puritan Paperback Series, The Banner of Truth Trust. My good friend, KC Armstrong (from The Bookstore @ Hunter Street, Birmingham, AL) and I are reading this together between now and July - That's when he and I will next get together at the CBA conference in Atlanta. As you can see, KC, I've already started. And you? :-)

1-2-3-4- .....We're counting the books!

It's annual inventory day here at the North American office/distribution center for The Banner of Truth. Just so you know, any orders received today will not be processed until after the weekend. Thanks.

March 28, 2007

Banner of Truth's SECRET SHELVES!

Although our Carlisle, PA location isn't officially a "store," we do get quite a few guests who have discovered the knowledge of THE SECRET SHELVES! HaHa! That's where we keep a good selection of ever-so-slightly-damaged Banner of Truth books available for purchase at 50% off the list price! It really is a great deal; if you're going to be passing through the area ... whenever ... plan to pay us a visit (maybe we'll have the latte and cappacino machines up and running by then! Yeah, right!). But just in case you were planning to visit us this Friday, March 30, our doors will be closed to visitors so we can complete our annual inventory count of the entire U.S. warehouse. And, oh yes, you might also note - we will also be closed Good Friday, April 6.

March 27, 2007

New Releases Available for Ordering!


Ok, we just "flipped the switch" so that all eight of the upcoming releases from The Banner of Truth are now available on the Banner Web site. I will be honest with you - we don't have any of them in the warehouse here in the U.S. yet. But order them now and yours will be shipped just as soon as they arrive. And that arrival is scheduled for just a couple of weeks away!
If you're new to this blog, scroll down to see previous posts of the details of each new title. And, of course, check back for current updates.
Grace & peace,
Steve

March 26, 2007

The Privilege of Serving God's People!

I thought you might be interested in some of the mail we receive here at The Banner of Truth. This one was from a few months back. If you are in ministry, be assured that there are people out there whom you may never hear from, yet who have been touched by God through you, as well.
Grace & peace,
Steve
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Dear Banner of Truth,
I am sending this email to tell you how much God has used you in my life. You probably don't remember me (especially since you have lots of customers), but when I became a Christian in prison you sent me a few challenging books that contributed to my solid theological foundation. You helped shape almost every area that theology touches on. I took every opportunity to study, even though I was relatively illiterate. I did 5 years, from the age of 19 through the age of 23. Just to let you know, I am now a student at _______ University. It is a liberal institution, but I am going there by a really huge scholarship that some anonymous person is investing in me. I guess he or she heard alot about my love for Christ and my skill in theology. First and foremost, it was by God's grace; second, I also owe it to you, because you didn't give me baby food, but you actually started me off with John Owen's Mortification of Sin and worked me up to Geerhardus Vos' Biblical Theology. I spent the last semester challenging the teachers and being challenged by them. They are very liberal (but not all the faculty) in their theology and hermeneutics (they see Paul as improperly taking old testament passages out of context; they are very strict on grammatico-historical method). I feel like a lone ranger because the students don't really know what's going on and they only nodd their heads to the teacher's rebuttles. The teacher's know what is going on; sometimes they take me out to eat to talk about some of these challenges. They have asked me if I went to any other Christian school, but I tell them that I have just read alot, especially from Banner of Truth. I haven't told them that I was in prison. Anyway, just thought I'd leave a message and let you know that you are always in my heart. You sort of discipled me when Christ found me and you knew it not. When I have time and money, I will buy some books. May God bless your business.
[name withheld]

March 22, 2007

So, There You Have It!

The eight (8) new titles that will begin arriving in the warehouse here at The Banner of Truth within the next few weeks. You should see them appear on our Web site (www.banneroftruth.org) within the next few days - actually, we're just waiting to learn what the U.K. prices will be, everything else is ready to upload them to the Web site! We are already set up in our system, here in the U.S., to take orders for "as-soon-as-they-arrive" shipping. In case you've recently come to this blog, scroll down through previous posts for details on each of the new titles. And as you check them out, please remember ... I really am interested in what you think! Leave a comment or send me an email: steve@banneroftruth.org.
Grace & Peace, Steve

Coming This April - #8 of 8

Letters of Thomas Chalmers
with introduction by Iain H. Murray

Here you have it, the final unveiling of the eighth title next to be released from the Banner .....
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‘It is not often that the world has seen men like Thomas Chalmers.’ The vast crowds who lined the streets of Edinburgh as Chalmers’ funeral procession made its way from Charlotte Square to the Grange cemetery, no doubt concurred with this statement of Thomas Carlyle. Thomas Chalmers (1780-1847) was indeed a remarkable man – parish minister, popular preacher, social reformer, lecturer in moral philosophy, economics, and theology, the first Moderator of the Free Church of Scotland. His great natural gifts, combined with his fervent determination to serve the Lord who had so signally saved him by divine grace, thrust him to the forefront of the evangelical movement that was to bring such a transformation to Scotland.

This volume, first published in 1853, contains a selection of his correspondence, edited by his son-in-law and biographer, William Hanna. These letters breathe the warmth of Chalmers’ devotion to Christ and reveal his true soul. Here we see the man behind the powerful sermons and impressive lectures, the ecclesiastical debates and the studied volumes of theology – a humble servant of Christ who in spite of his outstanding natural gifts longed to be a true man of God. Writing to a friend he says, ‘I long to realize the joys and exercises and the habits of experimental religion, to love Christ as fervently as good Samuel Rutherford . . . There is nothing of which I am more thoroughly aware than the utter difference which there is between a speculative and an experimental conviction of the same truth . . . I long for more of the life and freshness of an actual contact with these things – for the kingdom of God as abundantly in power as it is in word.’

‘Let us all address ourselves to Him as the alone refuge and propitiation of sinners. We cannot surely trust Him too much; nor is there temerity or presumption in venturing our all upon so sure a foundation, Let us not fear that if our dependence be strong enough, we shall fail in our preparations for eternity; as the simpler and stronger our faith, the more fervent will be our love, the more abundant as well as affectionate will be our obedience.’ (Thomas Chalmers, Letter No. CLXXXI)

Coming This April - #7 of 8


Her Husband's Crown
by Sara Leone

Here's what will be the newest addition to the Banner booklet series - to be released in a few short weeks.
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Although much has been written to prepare men for the work of the Christian ministry, there is comparatively little in print that will help prepare the minister’s wife for her role within the church.

The pastor’s wife is neither ‘The First Lady of the Church’, nor just another member of the church. She has certain basic responsibilities laid upon her and this booklet aims to encourage and help her to serve the Lord alongside her husband.

Although written primarily for pastors’ wives, this booklet will encourage Christian wives in general and will stimulate prayer for and support of pastors and their wives everywhere.

March 21, 2007

Welcome home, thou good and faithful servant!

It would only be fitting for me to here acknowledge the passing of a man whom the Lord used in many ways to impact this organization, The Banner of Truth. Mervyn T. Barter served as General Manager of The Banner of Truth Trust for twenty-seven years. Mr. Barter was ushered into the presence of the Lord that he so dearly loved earlier this week. What follows is a note from the late Ernest Reisinger, a long-serving Trustee of the Banner, that was written when Mr. Barter retired from his position with the Banner.
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"'This tribute is meant to express my sincere and deepest respect, gratitude and commendation to Mervyn, not only for his devoted service, but as a person with a gracious spirit. The most diffcult thing about writing this is that I need the gift of exclusion. How can I put twenty-seven years of fond memories in a small capsule? The Atlantic Ocean will not fit in a tea cup.
These memories take me back to Carlisle, Pennsylvania, 23 March 1972. This is the date that I interviewed Mervyn for the position of General Business Manager for the world-wide work of publishing Reformed Christian literature. I have a vivid memory of some of my thoughts on that occasion. During my years in the construction business I conducted hundreds of such interviews. One lesson I learned in those years was that some who had a lot 'in the window' soon proved that they did not have much 'on the shelf'. With Mervyn it was the opposite. He did not have everything 'in the window' but for twenty-seven years he has proved over and over to have a lot 'on the shelf'.
I have thanked God many times that I strongly recommended him without reservation. My memories also take me back to golden hours of Christian fellowship in prayer and in the Scriptures - precious times indeed.
Mervyn has served Banner very, very well, and in serving Banner he has served our great Creator in publishing His truth to all the earth. Through this, lives have been changed; churches have been changed; preachers have been changed; all by the power of those 'twenty-six soldiers' used by Banner. Mervyn has had no small part in this great work. Behind all that I have said about Mervyn Barter and Banner of Truth, I know that the Trustees all want to say: 'To God be the glory! Great things He has done!'
I will close this tribute with some words appropriate to Mervyn from Ruth 2:12: "The Lord repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge." '

March 19, 2007

For The Preachers ...

From the Robert Murray M'Cheyne section of the book, "They Were Pilgrims" ---
"M'Cheyne himself was a preacher of far greater skill than his short life might suggest, and the secret was his unsparing diligence in preparation and consistent emphasis on the gospel message. He was convinced that a preacher sheds a true light only when he is held as a star in the right hand of the son of God, and that faithless preachers will be cast out of that right hand into the long night of total darkness. This taught him to prepare for the pulpit with an eye to eternity; he was sure that nothing else would serve but 'beaten oil for the lamps of the sanctuary.'
"At first he wrote out each sermon in full, but he learned by degrees to preach from notes: he would meditate with earnest prayer in his study, and then improvise with searching power in the pulpit. 'One thing always fills the cup of my consolation,' he wrote; 'that God may work by the meanest and poorest words as well as by the most polished and ornate, - yea, perhaps more readily, that the glory may be all His own.' There was doctrine in his preaching, but the great issue in all his sermons was to press the invitation of the gospel on his hearers. Andrew Bonar sized it up in one clear picture: 'Is not the true idea of preaching that of one like Ahimaaz, coming with all important tidings, and intent of making these tidings known?' Such a system of preparation and preaching would always reflect the experience of his own soul; he could only give out of the fullness of what he had himself received. It was never enough for him to have bread from heaven for the hungry or the waters of life for the thirsty: it had to be water which he had drawn from the palace wells and bread which he had won from the King's table to meet his own hunger and thirst. He led his flock in the green fields and by the still waters where he himself had found nourishment and rest.
"
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Oh, how vital that is. I sadly confess and can remember a season in early days of ministry when I failed to receive and incorporate the message of God's Word into my own life and heart before passing it through to the hearers of that message. How difficult it is for a dry sponge to give living water to others. May each of you have the opportunity this day to be still, there in your study or in some quiet place, and know the one who is God! Perhaps you'd even consider some time away at this year's Ministers' Conference sponsored by the Banner of Truth ... all men, all involved in ministry, coming together day and night to feast upon some rich spiritual nourishment from the expository preaching of the Word and the significant fellowship of the body. Grace & peace to you this day ... Steve

From Daffodils to Snow Drifts!

Ah yes, blossoming dogwoods and daffodils on Friday to shovelling a foot of snow from my driveway less than 24 hours later. But unlike many who were stranded in airports over the weekend, I did make it home from my trip to North and South Carolina only slightly delayed. I know it's a cliche, but ... There really is no place like home! :-)

IT'S A GIRL!

A beautiful baby girl was born to RTS-Charlotte seminarian, Tyler and his wife, their first child! Margaret Grace was born March 15, 2007, at 3:37 p.m. She weighed 7lbs. 11oz. and measured 20 inches! And to quote the brand new dad, "She is amazingly beautiful! Mom and baby are doing really really well!" I was even at RTS last Thursday and Friday; although I didn't see Margaret Grace, I was able to make sure that she has a good start to collecting some great Banner books (they're waiting for you at the bookstore, Tyler). All of us here are very excited for you and your family! Grace & peace. Steve
ADDENDUM - Thanks for the pictures, Tyler. She is a joy!

March 16, 2007

From the Library at RTS-Charlotte:


It is GREAT to be here, especially since I'm looking at rain out this window, as compared to 16 inches of snow that's in the process of accumulating back at Banner of Truth in Carlisle, PA! Get shovelling, Austin! :-) Many thanks to Drew and his fellow RTS seminary apartment-mate for putting me up at their place last night! I've set up "shop" for today here in the Library at RTS-Charlotte, met with Ken here in the library last night and will have lunch today with Nick who manages the bookstore here. I am also looking forward to reconnecting with Tyler (has that first baby come along yet?), Brandon and some other guys I've met at conferences over the year. And I hope to get-together with some others, including one of the RTS organizers of what could become "The Banner Classic - Seminary Ping-Pong Tournament," initially with GPTS and RTS-Charlotte participating next month, but perhaps expanding to include Westminster? Covenant? Southern? Who knows! Regardless, it will be a fun event and an opportunity to get some solid books into the hands of a few future pastors and missionaries. Stay tuned for more details.

March 14, 2007

Coming This April - #6 of 8

Truth's Victory Over Error
David Dickson

April is fast approaching and I still have two other titles to post after this one, so I will try to get these "sneak peaks" out before they are no longer "sneak peaks." I'm at the GPTS theology conference this week, but will try to get this done soon. In the meantime, here is our "publisher's description" for #6.
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This book is not merely of historical interest; it is also of considerable value now because many of the errors refuted within its pages have surfaced again in the 21st century church under new guises. Christians today can learn a great deal from the faithful witness of former generations who experienced ‘truth’s victory over error’.

Truth’s Victory Over Error contains David Dickson’s lectures on the Westminster Confession of Faith, delivered to the divinity students of Edinburgh University in the early 1650s. Here then is a commentary written just a few brief years after the Westminster Divines drew up their famous Confession of 1647 by one of their senior contemporaries. Dickson's comments reveal the burning issues of the day and supply fascinating insight into the robust theology of the Scottish Puritans.

In the Introduction to the book Robert Wodrow writes that the author ‘as it were, breaks the truths of our Confession small, and prepares them for the meanest capacities.’ Here, then, is a useful aid for Christians who want to study and understand the doctrines of the Confession itself.

Dickson was concerned to explain the truth and refute error. Not content merely to establish the Confession’s articles from Scripture, he also ‘guards against the gangrene and poison of contrary errors, with judgment and perspicuity’ (Wodrow). Like all true evangelicals, Dickson saw the vital need of expressing the Bible’s teaching in both negative and positive propositions.

David Dickson (1583-1663) was the son of a wealthy merchant in Glasgow. His early aspirations to enter the family business were diverted through an illness and a subsequently lengthy period of convalescence. The result was that he entered the University of Glasgow (then under Principal Robert Boyd) and prepared for the Christian ministry. Following graduation he remained in the University as a regent until, in 1618, he was called to the parish of Irvine in Ayrshire. Deprived of his ministry in 1622 by the Bishop of Glasgow for his opposition to the Five Articles, he was banished for a year to Turiff in Aberdeenshire, but on his return was the instrument in the hand of God of numerous conversions. It was out of his pastoral experience that his famous manual of spiritual counsel, Therapeutica Sacra, was written. In 1638 he was present at the famous Assembly which restored Presbyterian government in Scotland, and the following year was chosen Moderator of the Scottish Church. In 1640 he became Professor of Divinity in Glasgow, transferring to Edinburgh ten years later. During that period he played a considerable part in establishing vital, orthodox Christianity throughout the land. He helped to draw up the Directory for Public Worship, and with James Durham compiled the Sum of Saving Knowledge (a work instrumental in later years in the conversion of Robert Murray M‘Cheyne). Restoration troubles after the return of King Charles II in 1660, hastened his death. As the end drew near, he spoke the memorable words: ‘I have taken all my good deeds, and all my bad and cast them in a heap before the Lord, and fled from both, and betaken myself to the Lord Jesus Christ, and in him I have sweet peace.’

March 13, 2007

Greetings from S.C.

Greetings from the Woodruff Road Presbyterian Church in Greenville, South Carolina ... the host site of the annual theology conference of the Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. What a great day; great sessions, lots of good books, and I saw a number of "alumni" from previous Banner of Truth's Ministers' Conferences. I was even invited into one of their homes (Pastor Decherd Stevens) for dinner last night with him and his family. Plus, I stopped in to visit Bob Jones University and am looking forward to visiting Reformed Theological Seminary (RTS) in Charlotte later this week. On the home front, rumor has it that the shipment arrived today from the U.K. and the next mailer should hopefully be in the mail by the end of this week. I hope all is well where you are. More to come.
Steve
PS - Just wanted you to know that Banner of Truth trustee, Iain Murray, will be speaking at Cornerstone Church in Mesa, Arizona, later this month (March) and Banner of Truth trustee, Ian Hamilton, will be speaking at the upcoming conference at the Emmanuel Free Reformed Church in Abbotsford, British Columbia, May 25-26.



March 8, 2007

South Carolina / North Carolina Visit

Next week, March 12-16, will be a full one! I'll be on campus Monday at Bob Jones University (BJU), Tuesday through Thursday at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary (GPTS) for their annual conference, and Thursday to Friday at Reformed Theological Seminary (RTS)-Charlotte. In addition to that, I emailed our Banner of Truth Ministers' Conference alumni from North & South Carolina and am excited that I'll be able to get together with a number of them; good times to re-connect and hopefully give some encouragement. And in addition to that, as I am one to pick up new relationships every time I travel, I'll get to see several guys that I've met previously at last year's PCA General Assembly - One guy will be coming over from Covenant College and some others in the Charlotte area. Hey, I'm even spending the night with one of those guys, an RTS student, in his apartment; now THAT might be a real adventure (I just remember what my apartment looked like at times during my single days!). But, as I've said before, Banner's not just about selling books. Grace & peace, Steve.

March 7, 2007

It's a Snowy Day in Carlisle, PA ...

...but Banner of Truth is open today (Wednesday, March 7), even though I'm working from my home office thanks to the PA Turnpike being closed, two accidents on Rt. 81, etc., etc., etc. So, if you need any of us for anything, give us a call or shoot us an email. Grace & peace, Steve

March 6, 2007

Coming This April - #5 of 8

How fitting, on the 200th anniversary of his Death, to release this compilation of correspondences from the pen of John Newton. Many of us have discovered the value to be gleaned from another's letters through the devotional "Letters of Samuel Rutherford." Now, add this to your collection and get to know this man who was so moved and changed by the hand of our God! Here's our "publishers' description" to wet your appetite. It should arrive in our warehouse this April!

Letters of John Newton
John Newton (1725-1807), converted slave-trader, preacher, and hymn-writer, was one of the most colourful figures in the Evangelical Awakening of the eighteenth century. ‘Once an infidel and libertine, a servant of slaves in Africa’, he once wrote for his epitaph, ‘by the rich mercy of Jesus Christ, preserved, restored, pardoned, and appointed to preach the faith he had long laboured to destroy.’

It was through his prolific correspondence that Newton fulfilled his distinctive work as ‘the letter-writer par excellence of the Evangelical Revival’. His grasp of Scripture and deep personal experience of the ‘amazing grace’ of God, his many friends (among them, Whitefield, Cowper and Wilberforce), his many and varied trials, his country pastorate, his strong, clear, idiomatic style – all these factors combined to prepare the author of ‘How sweet the Name of Jesus sounds’, for the exercise of his special gift.

These letters, selected by his biographer, Josiah Bull, bear the practical imprint of all of Newton’s writings; they cover a wide variety of subjects and aim ‘to conform the believer to Christ’. Among them are several that were not previously published in earlier collections of his correspondence. Of particular value and interest are the biographical sketches and historical notes supplied by the editor.

COMMENTS FROM OTHERS:

C.H. Spurgeon: "In few writers are Christian doctrine, experience and practice more happily balanced than in the author of these Letters, and few write with more simplicity, piety and force."
William Jay: "‘What thousands have derived repeated profit and pleasure from the perusal of these utterances of the heart! Nor ever will they cease to be found means of grace whilst God has a church on earth."
Josiah Bull: "It was Newton’s goodness rather than his greatness that rendered him so especially attractive – the abundance of the grace of God that was in him. In this respect he was pre-eminent, justifying the eulogy of William Jay who speaks of him as one of the most perfect instances of the spirit and temper of Christianity he ever knew. Some men excel in one virtue more than another. But Newton’s character was beautiful in its entireness. It rested on a solid foundation – the initial Christian grace of humility, and of this grace he was a most striking example. He never for a moment forgot that by the grace of God he was what he was."

March 5, 2007

Thank you, "Blogger Richard"

"The Life of John Murray" (the book jacket is at the left here) will be released next month. Fortunately, a fellow blogger (Richard) noticed, from my post below, that we had made an error; the back jacket cover had John Murray living until 1974 instead of 1975. Thanks to Richard's comment, I was able to get to our Edinburgh, Scotland office early this morning and, if you look at the next image ...........









.......You will see from this blow-up of the REVISED back cover that our graphics designer (in Texas) has already changed our mistaken 74 to 75 (see the first line after John Murray's name?), and it's off to the printer! "Blogger Richard," email me (steve@banneroftruth.org) your address; I will send you a complimentary copy of this new release (or another Banner book) for helping us out. Much appreciated!



March 3, 2007

Interesting Phenomena

On the day I posted Guys ... and Sexual Temptation/Sin (see below), the number of hits to this blog went up dramatically. I don't exactly know how you all found it, but found it, you did. Of course, I'm left wondering what that might mean. Was it curiousity? An ability to relate? A desire for personal encouragement and help? I don't know. I at least hope it resulted in the recognition that this is one area of temptation where, by the grace of God, we need to acknowledge God, honor God, and obey God, the three things the Gentiles did not do in Romans 1. And as the body of Christ, we need to uphold one another, pray for one another, confess our sin to one another and spur one another on to those good deeds for which we have been created. God bless you today, my brother. Let me know if I can be of any help. Grace & peace, Steve

March 2, 2007

IMPORTANT CHANGE - Banner of Truth U.S. Ministers' Conference

Pastor Walt Chantry, originally listed among the speakers for the 2007 Banner of Truth U.S. Ministers' Conference, will not be able to be a speaker afterall this year. But Pastor Sinclair Ferguson and Pastor Mark Johnston have agreed to take his place, giving us still one great "line-up" of preaching! By the way, do all of you even know about this event? It is ONE EXCITING TIME and ONE INCREDIBLE DEAL! No other conference is like it. First, we bring together men in the ministry - pastors, deacons, elders, missionaries (or training to be there) - for excellent preaching. That's not totally unique. But we combine that with unequaled fellowship in that we do not disperse to hotels for the night or restaurants for meals. Most of us stay right there on campus together, which makes possible great late-night discussions, trips for ice cream, etc., and we eat all of our meals together, also right there on campus. The ONE INCREDIBLE DEAL comes in because, for the fee of $220 (a mere $100 for students), you get everything listed off to the right of my home page here --- sessions, lodging, meals, books, and more! Check it out! Seriously, after last year, I would urge any guy-in-ministry to be here, even if I didn't work for The Banner! If you have any questions, let me know. Or if you've been to the conference before, I'd like to hear your "take," as well. Thanks!

March 1, 2007

Coming This April - #4 of 8 - from The Banner

Jesus Himself: The Story of the Resurrection
by Marcus L Loane

Just looking at the graphic of this new book's cover should tell you that, from The Banner's perspective, something is unique about this title. There's no paper jacket; instead this is being published in a two-color cloth with a gold stamped title. Why? Because it simply needed the different look of a classic devotional book that matched its contents. Here's our "official" publishers' description. As with the others, we should get this in just a few weeks.
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In the foreword of this book, Sir Marcus Loane writes, ‘The wonder and glory of the Resurrection are far greater than we can ever conceive. That great drama took place in the silent tomb a great while before it was yet day. No one else was there when God raised Jesus from the dead: no one saw it happen . . . All that was mortal had put on immortality: death was swallowed up in victory. And it was in his risen glory that he made himself known to his disciples . . .’
The chapters that follow are part of a well-loved and life-long pilgrimage for the author. The Resurrection story they recount comes across with a freshness and loveliness that is full of heart-warming fascination.

A Quote for Today:

"I think I can say I have never risen a morning without thinking how I could bring more souls to Christ." -- Robert Murray M'Cheyne, as found in "They Were Pilgrims," by Marcus L. Loane, published by The Banner of Truth, 2006.

And all of us said, "Wow." I much appreciated a recent challenge with regard to evangelism over at Erik's blog (he's a pastor in Omaha, NE). It would be a good and recommended read - check it out here: Irish Calvinist.