Get Your Copy Today: Banner of Truth's COMPLETE PUBLICATIONS LIST

ANNOUNCING
Banner of Truth's Complete Publications List
Newly Revised - Summer 2007

This eight (8) page document lets you easily see exactly what is currently available from the U.S. Office of The Banner of Truth. It includes cover images and brief descriptions of all six of Banner's new releases for this Summer 2007, and for all eight of the titles just released this Spring 2007. Most titles are included in the alphabetical listing, by title. But separate groupings make it much easier to locate the Puritan Paperbacks and "Let's Study" series, Banner's Commentaries, multi-volume sets and growing number of Spanish publications.
Use it as a "wish list" to hang on your refrigerator for others to review for great gift ideas.
Use it as a "library log" to keep track of the Banner books you already own, and the others you still need. :-)
Or use it as an "order form" to receive your next shipment from the Banner.
Simply send an email to steve@banneroftruth.org and we will reply with the PDF document attached, without delay. For a hard copy, send your name and address; we'll put one in the mail.
ADDENDUM: Hopefully you can also now click HERE (or on the image itself) to download the list directly! Oh, isn't technology grand?!

SNEAK PEAK #6: "David: Man of Prayer, Man of War," by Walter Chantry

ANOTHER NEW RELEASE FROM BANNER OF TRUTH
To be Released the End of July '07

This wraps up our "Sneak Peaks" for the new Banner titles coming out in July, but my schedule still shows about three more expected in August. I will do some checking on those and begin "sneak peaking" them shortly. In the meantime, check back on Friday for something I think you might want. The good news is ... it's free! In the meantime, here's "Sneak Peak #6," a new title from Walter Chantry!

David: Man of Prayer, Man of War
by Walter Chantry
ISBN 13 #978-0-85151-9531 \ 304 pages
Clothbound \ $18.00

Inside Jacket Description:
Only the supreme providence of God and the unfathomable depths of divine grace could have conceived and forged the life of David. God made the son of Jesse into the emblem of the kingly office which only Christ would fulfil more gloriously. He embodied all the qualities of manly nobility and charm. Everyone in his day loved David, except the most ugly and despicable figures.
No matter how high David rose above other men, his spirit was childlike toward the Lord. He who was equally at home holding the shepherd’s staff, the warrior’s sword, the poet’s harp, and the ruler’s sceptre, was completely transparent in the humbling of himself before the God of all the earth. This ease and simplicity in worship draws out our deepest emotions as we read the life of David, King of Israel. We love this man for showing us how to pray from every point of life’s compass. We love him for showing us how, in the midst of spiritual failure, we too can draw near to the Lord again in trust and devotion.
Perfectionists will not be comfortable with David. Those who stumble often, but who always turn with melted hearts to God for pardon and help, will find in him a brother for all situations. Such people will love the sacred history of his life and find it totally engrossing.

THE AUTHOR:
Walter J. Chantry was born in 1938, graduated from Dickenson College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania (1960), and Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia (1963). In the same year, he was ordained to the gospel ministry and became pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, where he served for 39 years.
The chapters of this book originally appeared as articles in The Banner of Truth, the monthly magazine of the Banner of Truth Trust, which Walter Chantry has edited since December 2002.

SNEAK PEAK #5: "Sketches From Church History - STUDENT WORKBOOK"

ANOTHER NEW RELEASE FROM BANNER OF TRUTH
Coming in mid-July '07

Not to diminish from any other new title, I must say that this workbook is a most welcomed addition! Combined with Banner's "Sketches From Church History," it provides A COMPLETE CHURCH HISTORY UNIT STUDY, perfect for homeschooling families, Christian schools or individuals like you and me who want that big picture overview of such an important subject. Spread the word, especially among homeschoolers! I can't tell you how many of these I already sold at the Pennsylvania Christian Homeschooling Convention back in early May - a full two months before this was even to be released! Read more in the Back Cover Description below.

"Sketches From Church History:
STUDENT WORKBOOK"
by Rebecca Frawley
ISBN 13 #978-0-85151-9524 \ 128 pages
Large Spiral Bound Paperback \ $17.00 (U.S.)

Back Cover Description:
Since its first appearance in 1980, Sketches from Church History by S. M. Houghton has been a firm favourite with those seeking an overview of the onward march of the church of Christ from its earliest days to the end of the nineteenth century.
‘Here at last’, said one reviewer, ‘is a book which makes church history enjoyable.’
More recently Sketches from Church History has become established as a textbook in Christian schools and among home-schooling families, and one list of favourite home-school books on Amazon.com placed it third overall in general usefulness.
Now teachers and home-schoolers have a new tool to make Sketches from Church History even more useful: a "Sketches from Church History STUDENT WORKBOOK," by Rebecca Frawley. Complete with a course syllabus, questions and answers, charts, time lines, maps, puzzles, and essay topics, this Workbook will be an invaluable companion to Sketches from Church History. It is spiral-bound for ease of use.

ARE YOU UP FOR A "BANNER CHALLENGE"?

QUESTION: Why might Banner have a special affection for the cover of the new book, "The Life and Times of George Whitefield"?
The first correct answer gets you a $3.00 (U.S. currency) coupon toward your next purchase from the U.S. office of The Banner of Truth (individuals only, no trade account orders, please). Email me at steve@banneroftruth.org.

SNEAK PEAK #4: "The Life and Times of George Whitefield"

"NEW" FROM BANNER OF TRUTH ...
TO BE RELEASED IN EARLY JULY '07

The Life and Times of George Whitefield
by Robert Philip
ISBN 13 #978-0-85151-9609 \ 300 pages
Paperback \ $19.00 (U.S.)

Writes Iain H. Murray:
"Philip’s Life and Times of Whitefield was one of the first biographies I read as a young Christian and I never return to it without being stirred afresh by its enduring message."

"There can be few Christians who changed the life of nations only to be as little remembered as George Whitefield (1714-70). In part this was because he left no denomination. Except for the short biography by the Scotsman, John Gillies (published two years after his death), Whitefield’s memory was left largely in the hands of those who wished to attribute his influence to ‘theatrical talent’ and fanaticism. The English evangelical, Thomas Wilson, who died in 1794, called for a fuller biography, but nothing came until Robert Philip’s volume in 1837. After Philip’s work there was a turning of the tide, and by 1852 J.C.Ryle was among those popularizing the belief that ‘Whitefield was one of the most powerful and extraordinary preachers the world has ever seen.’ Later and more definitive biographies were to confirm this opinion, notably the two volumes of Luke Tyerman 1876-77 and of Arnold Dallimore in 1970 and 1980.

Philip’s work, however, has not been displaced. It remains the best account to be found in a single volume. As a biographer he has his own distinctive merits. Although Whitefield was dead more than twenty years before he was born, Philip knew and spoke with those who had a personal knowledge of his subject. From them, and from his own extensive study of Whitefield’s Journals, letters and sermons, he grasped the great lesson of his life, namely, it is the Holy Spirit who makes preachers. In a brief personal allusion, Philip tells us (pp.553-55) how he first saw this as a youth in Huntly, Scotland, where his minister, George Cowie, preached ‘bathed in tears of love’ - the result of ‘tender and intense love to souls’. Not without cause was Cowie called ‘the Whitefield of the north’, yet, as a child, Philip was present in September 1799 when the Synod of the Antiburgher Presbyterians excommunicated him. His fault lay in no weakening of Calvinistic orthodoxy, it was for his recognition of evangelists outside his denomination whose preaching was owned of God. Cowie led Philip into the secret of Whitefield’s life: effective preaching is more than the demonstration of truth; it must be ‘in demonstration of the Holy Spirit and power’. ‘God makes ministers a blessing to others, by blessing themselves first. He works in them, in order to work by them.’

Philip is not an uncritical writer, and he is ready to note weaknesses and failures that admirers of Whitefield have sometimes passed over. But the great feature of his work is the way in which he leaves his subject to speak for himself. He seems to have absorbed all that Whitefield ever said and wrote, and his selection brings us into direct contact with the man. Thus Philip can truthfully write: ‘This work is chiefly from Whitefield’s own pen. So far as it is mine, it is in his own spirit.’

For those who want a work of quiet scholarship, Philip is not their man. But where the desire is for the evangelical flame - for words that burn, and reach heart and soul – this is a volume that shows why the gospel can turn the world upside down.

THESE TWO NEW RELEASES JUST ARRIVED AT THE U.S. WAREHOUSE!

What's more exciting than having two soon-to-be-released books finally arrive on your desk? Both of these new paperbacks just arrived, so let the ordering begin! You should see them appear on the Banner Web site soon (Correction - they are on the home page now!). If you can't wait, call us toll free at 1-800-263-8085, or email me. I'll try to give you my unbiased "take" soon. For details on each book, scroll down here on the blog or click on the label for this post titled, "SNEAK PEAKS: New Titles Summer 2007." Grace & peace. Steve

- - - - - - - - - -

"Raising Children God's Way"

TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. Submissive Children
II. Unbelieving Parents
III. Discipline and the Modern Mind
IV. Balanced Discipline
V. Godly Upbringing
PUBLISHER'S INTRODUCTION:
"The five sermons in this small volume were originally preached in Westminster Chapel on Sunday mornings as part of a lengthy series of expositions of Ephesians and have already appeared in print (taken from volume six of the eight-volume set). The way in which Dr. Lloyd-Jones, following the apostle Paul, deals with the relationships of family life is extremely important. He insists that these practical matters cannot be rightly understood apart from the profound truths of the Christian faith to which Paul relates them. To attempt to deal with Christian practice in isolation from Christian doctrine is to tread a dangerous path. In Dr. Lloyd-Jones' view, the only Christianity powerful enough to penetrate and change society is that which is derived from the work of the Spirit of God.
In an age which has seen an almost total collapse of family life, when, in many places, most children are being brought up in 'broken homes', Christian families can present a powerful witness to the supernatural realities which have entered the life of the world through the gospel of Christ. In this way they can point beyond merely practical matters to the profoundest truths of human existence.

The present situation, then, may be seen as giving Christians, and especially Christian families, a valuable opportunity to bear witness to the truth of the gospel. These sermons will afford considerable help in grasping this opportunity."
The Publisher
April, 2007

"Love Rules: The Ten Commandments for the 21st Century"
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
I. Do We Need The Ten Commandments in the 21st Century and World?
II. The Relationship Between Law and Love
III. The Introduction to the Ten Commandments
IV. The First Commandment
V. The Second Commandment
VI. The Third Commandment
VII. The Fourth Commandment
VIII. The Fifth Commandment
IX. The Sixth Commandment
X. The Seventh Commandment
XI. The Eighth Commandment
XII. The Ninth Commandment
XIII. The Tenth Commandment
XIV. The Ten Commandments in the Flow of Redemptive History
XV. The Moral Law and Jesus' Teaching
Old Testament Scripture References
New Testament Scripture References
Further Reading
Study Guide
PUBLISHER'S NOTE:
"The Church and Nation Committee of the Presbyterian Church of Victoria, Australia, first published LOVE RULES in 2004. Its short but weighty chapters on each of the Ten Commandments, together with introductory and concluding material and a valuable Study Guide, are intended to help combat the widespread ignorance of the Commandments which prevails today, and to help Christians and non-Christians alike to see the importance of the law of God for all of life.
But the underlying reason for writing a book about the law, as the introduction affirms, is for the sake of the gospel. It is impossible, the contributors believe, to preach the genuine gospel without the law. 'By the law is the knowledge of sin' (Rom. 3:20, KJV), and without this knowledge the gospel will seem an idle tale. For the sake of man's life in this world and in the world to come, therefore, there are few things more urgently needed today than an understanding of the moral law summarized in the Ten Commandments.
The present publisher sends out this introduction to the Ten Commandments with the prayer that God may be pleased to use it to increase the knowledge of both law and gospel, to the glory of his own holy name."
The Publisher
April 2007

OUTSIDE SOURCE Book Review: "The Divine Challenge"

I was extremely excited to see a review on this book. My wife is the Upper School Principal, in addition to teaching math and science classes, at our classical Christian school. She loves this book; it's underlined from cover to cover. If you haven't picked up on this one yet, I would definitely encourage you to give this book a good look! Grace & peace. Steve

SOURCE of the Review: Summa Cum Laude blog
BOOK REVIEWED: "The Divine Challenge," by John Byl
THE REVIEW: "God throws down the gauntlet. Come at me with your best logic, reason and argument and I will show you there is more than you know. This book explores the mysteries of the three worlds, mind, matter and math. John Byl displays for us the prospect that there is a meaning to life and he explores a variety of philosophies as to what that meaning may be. It begins by exploring the world views which have given rise to so much contention between the world system and the cause of God. The author rationalises using accepted logic to show inconsistencies between these world views. The birth of rationalism and its relationship with naturalism, which has led to the accepted “scientific” proofs of origins and all human traits, has come to nothing but controversy. The naturalist cannot explain so many aspects of the human organism.
This is juxtaposed with the position of the Holy Scriptures. The differences could not be clearer and the stakes are high. The prize is the human condition; destitution or salvation.
The chapter “From mind to math” Byl shows the link between the existence of mathematics in the natural world and how it relates to God. It asks the question “Where did maths come from?” The author debates the existence of truth and if it can be known, and the roots of logic and where they originate. He goes on to discuss mathematical axioms which relate to the various world views and how these in turn inform our belief systems.
The two chapters, at the end of the book, tie up the ends of our thinking and give a rationale for a Christian view of mathematics. It has strengthening consequences for faith and the knowledge that God is also the God of mathematics, that subject which often seems so inaccessible to many. Byl discusses logic and God, infinity and the existence of the mystery of the Triune God. He explores the idea that numbers were created, they exist like God. Natural numbers have real, objective existence. These ideas many seem divorced from our lives, but the truth of them run through everything.
I thoroughly recommend this book to those who continue to seek answers to the critics of what we believe. We are on firm ground and God is the God of reason and logic, as he is of everything. “We can make proper sense of reality only if we abandon our vain pretensions of human wisdom and recognise it for the foolishness it is.” (J. Byl 2004)
Maybe we as Christian people should be more involved in throwing down the gauntlet to a world with no answers and empty arguments…….

For more information on this book, or to buy it for yourself, click HERE.

SNEAK PEAK: #3: "Love Rules: The Ten Commandments for the 21st Century"

ANOTHER SOON-TO-BE-RELEASED TITLE FROM BANNER ...
YIKES! THIS ONE'S ON THE WAY!
Ever had a baby decide to be born a little before that scheduled due date? Well, just five minutes ago, I got the word that this new title is on route to the Banner of Truth U.S. warehouse here in Carlisle! I'll post the details below so you can be the first to see it. Then I'll head over to http://www.banneroftruth.org/ to add it to our home page and get the details in our ordering system so you can get a copy for yourself.
I still have three more soon-to-be-released titles to introduce you to before they arrive! I'll be posting details of those as this week unfolds. Remember, you can click on the label below to see all of the Sneak Peaks for Summer '07. Grace & peace. Steve.

Love Rules: The Ten Commandments for the 21st Century
Various Authors
ISBN-13 #978-0-85151-9579 \ 128 pages
Paperback \ $12.00 (U.S.)

DESCRIPTION OF THE BOOK:
Q. Why write a book on the law?
A. Because of the gospel.
When Jesus began his ministry the first sermon he preached issued the following command: ‘Repent and believe in the gospel’ (Mark 1:15). But of what were people to repent? Is there a clear moral standard in the Bible that reveals the holiness of God, the sinfulness of man, and the purity of new life in Christ? Yes, there is.
The place of the moral law in relation to the gospel has become one of the most controversial issues for the evangelical church today. The end result is that less than 1% of church members can list the ten commandments. It is sadly true that some preach the law without the gospel. Some preach neither the law nor the gospel. However, no matter how hard many try, you cannot genuinely preach the gospel without the law. It is hoped that this small volume may be used of God in awakening zeal for his glory, encouraging faithful preaching, promoting wise living, and initiating true revival.

A Final Request, for Mrs. Graham

We often receive requests to copy or use some of the prayers from "The Valley of Vision." It is such an incredible book! But we knew that the request we received earlier in the week was not like the rest. It came from one close to Billy Graham, and the request was to read a specific prayer, titled "Sleep," during Mrs. Graham's funeral service. This collection of Puritan prayers and devotions has meant so much, to so many. Here is that one prayer from the overall collection. Read it prayerfully.

"Blessed Creator,
Thou has promised thy beloved sleep;
Give me restoring rest needful for tomorrow’s toil.
If dreams be mine, let them not be tinged with evil.
Let thy Spirit make my time of repose a blessed temple of his holy presence.
May my frequent lying down make me familiar with death, the bed I approach remind my of the grave, the eyes I now close picture to me their final closing.
Keep me always ready, waiting for admittance to they presence.
Weaken my attachment to earthly things.
May I hold life loosely in my hand, knowing that I receive it on condition of its surrender.
As pain and suffering betoken transitory health, may I not shrink from a death that introduces me the freshness of eternal youth.
I retire this night in full assurance of one day’s awakening with thee.
All glory for this blessed hope, for the gospel of grace, for thine unspeakable gift of Jesus, for the fellowship of the Trinity.
Withhold not thy mercies in the night season; thy hand never wearies, thy power needs no repose, thine eye never sleeps.
Help me when I helpless lie, when my conscience accuses me of sin, when my mind is harassed by foreboding thoughts, when my eyes are held awake by personal anxieties.
Show thyself to me as the God of all grace, love and power; thou hast a balm for every wound, a solace for all anguish, a remedy for every pain, a peace for all disquietude.
Permit me to commit myself to thee awake or sleep.
Amen.

- - - - - - - - - - - -

If you'd like more information on "The Valley of Vision"? Click HERE.

OUTSIDE SOURCE Book Review: "Letters of Thomas Chalmers"

I hope you all find it valuable to read what other readers are writing about Banner books. I think it's great, but then what do I know? :-)

SOURCE of this Review: Free St. George's blog
BOOK REVIEWED: "Letters of Thomas Chalmers"
EXCERPT from the Review: "This is without a doubt one of the most interesting Banner of Truth books published in recent years - and that says as much about the book as it does about the Banner of Truth. We think it one of the Banner's great strengths that, less pressured by financial concerns, they can publish books that otherwise would not see the light of day.This is not a small book. Weighing in at 576 pages, it contains over 400 letters by Thomas Chalmers.... By its nature, this is not so much a book to be read through as one to be dipped into. And it is a book that will be dipped into again and again by discerning readers.... Buy this book, it is a classic, with something in it for everyone who desires to be instructed, not merely amused.

To read the complete review of this book, click HERE.

To check out, or possibly buy this book, click HERE.

We Waited Long, But It's HERE!

The latest "new" release from The Banner of Truth has arrived.

Truth's Victory Over Error
by David Dickson
304 pages \ Clothbound \ $24.00 (US)

I actually received 10 copies that were overnighted to me at the PCA General Assembly in Memphis and by the end of that first day, they were gone! I'll just go ahead and post the complete publisher's, and let you read about it for yourself. Enjoy!
Steve
--------------------------
"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.

Author:
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.’

U.S. Ministers' Conference Makes Cover of Banner of Truth Magazine

The new edition, just released, of The Banner of Truth magazine, published 11 times each year, bears a very familiar-looking cover to any of you who were here in attendance at this year's Ministers' Conference. Can you pick yourself out of the crowd? How about a friend or two? For those of you who made the picture, "Congratulations!" You can now add to your resume the fact that your image (even if it happens to be the ... uhm ... backside image) has been published on the cover of an internationally distributed publication! If you happened to have been late for this session, chalk it up to another missed opportunity - and be on time, next time!
:-)
Interested in subscribing to the magazine? Or how about receiving a back issue to review? Email me at steve@banneroftruth.org and I'll set you up for a
FREE 3-month trial subscription to The Banner of Truth Magazine (electronic edition), beginning with this month's issue featuring the U.S. Ministers' Conference on the cover! There's no better way to check it out for yourself. Grace & peace. Steve

SNEAK PEAK #2: "Let Christ Be Magnified: Calvin's Teaching For Today"

MORE "NEW" BOOKS COMING IN JULY FROM BANNER:

If you missed Sneak Preview #1, scroll down a bit. It's an exciting one - "Raising Children God's Way," by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones. It looks like something that, personally speaking, I would want to order ... now!
Here's the second (of six) new titles to be released next month from Banner of Truth, along with a brief "blurb" from the book's back cover. Stay tuned; more to come.

Let Christ Be Magnified:
Calvin's Teaching for Today
by J.H. Merle D’Aubigné
ISBN-13: 978-0-85151-9593 \ 80 pages
Paperback \ $9.00 (U.S. Currency)

Back Cover
John Calvin was born almost 500 years ago on 10 July 1509. Many Christians around the world will celebrate the occasion in various ways. But perhaps the best way to commemorate the birth of the Reformer is to remember the gospel he preached. According to J. H. Merle D’Aubigné, the great historian of the Reformation period, Calvin’s teaching centred on Christ – his Word, Person, Grace, and Life. Quoting the Reformer’s own words, D’Aubigné insists: ‘Let us give honour to persons who excel in the fear of God, but on condition that God remains above all – and that Christ triumphs.’ This is being published as a small paperback, and will also contain a brief sketch of Calvin’s life and work.

OUTSIDE SOURCE Book Review: "Letters of Chalmers," "Letters of Newton," "Letters of Rutherford"

Many of you are familiar with Tony Reinke's blog, "The Shepherd's Scrapbook." It was our privilege to have Tony at this year's Banner of Truth Ministers' Conference. If you want to know, in detail, what happened at that event (in hopes of getting you to come yourself next year), do check out Tony's blogS (and there are many of them!) on each session - and don't miss his photo tour, with me, of Banner's North American office and warehouse here in Carlisle, PA.
But since returning from Banner's Minsters' Conference, Tony has gotten back in the books, three Banner books to be exact. You won't want to miss his assessment and comparison of these three.
SOURCE of the Review: Shepherd Scrapbook blog, Tony Reinke
BOOKS REVIEWED: "Letters of John Newton," "Letters of Thomas Chalmers," "Letters of Samuel Rutherford"
EXCERPT from the Review: "Few books minister more effectively to my soul than compilations of letters written by spiritual giants. These private letters reveal a private concern for particular souls. They are intended to comfort the downcast and encourage frail sinners on the brink of eternity to set their minds on things above." Tony then does a great service comparing these three titles in terms of their index-ability, content, readability, and biographies.
In his conclusion, Tony writes, "When it comes to spiritual letter writers, John Newton and Samuel Rutherford are in the Reformed Hall of Fame. It’s great that these two works are indexed topically in a way that will make them very easy to use in sermon preparation and for topic-specific devotional times. That within one year, the Banner of Truth has managed to publish these works in Smyth-sewn binding and beautiful cloth covers is itself a grand accomplishment that will serve the church for many decades.
"My concluding recommendations for readers looking to pick up and read some spiritual letters this Summer: Chalmers’ letters are often spiritual but will be tougher to navigate due to lack of thematic summaries and index we see in the other two. Start with Newton and then move on to Rutherford. For those more interested in historical letters, return to Chalmers. In all three cases, your heart will be truly blessed as you read letters from three able physicians of the soul.
To read Tony's complete review, click HERE.
To check out and/or buy Letters of John Newton, click HERE.
To check out and/or buy Letters of Thomas Chalmers, click HERE.
To check out and/or buy Letters of Samuel Rutherford, click HERE.

There's No Place Like Home!

"There's no place like home."
"There's no place like home."
"There's no place like home."
Whatever you think of the movie, that message is true. After having been out of this office for three weeks (with the exception of one day), it really is good to be back "home." And good to especially see the incredible Banner of Truth crew that makes everything happen here on a daily basis. Many thanks to Jake & Austin in the packing room and warehouse, Beth & Becky & Debbie & Henri in the downstairs office, and Rob who keeps all of our numbers straight. I am often asked, "How many people work there at Banner?" My response? "Well, keeping in mind that this North American office handles approximately 70-75% of all that Banner sells in the world ..." I know, I'm setting the stage, but it's ok. "... we have a whopping six full-time and two part-time people - total - here in Carlisle, PA!" A little surprising, isn't it? You all do keep us pretty busy at times, but it's good! All we need to hear is one of the many stories I heard from some of you last week in Memphis or a few weeks before at the Banner Ministers' Conference ... stories of God using even one of the books that got packed in this warehouse to take a heart bent on sin and place it seeking after righteousness. We all can keep going for a long time on something as good as that! Blessings to all. Coming up: The next "Sneak Peek" of what's coming in July - NEW BOOKS from Banner of Truth!

OUTSIDE SOURCE Book Review: Calvin's "Sermons on the Beatitudes"

SOURCE of the Review: Paul Helm, Professor Emeritus of the University of London, of "Calvin's Book"
BOOK REVIEWED: "Sermons on the Beatitudes," by John Calvin
EXCERPTS from the Review: "It goes without saying that these sermons bear little or no resemblance to the After Dinner Speeches that nowadays often pass for sermons. No opening jokes to settle the refugees and the Genevois, to put them at their ease. Somehow, putting people at ease was not Calvin's style. Did Jesus do that?
It is interesting to reflect on the Christian ethic that Calvin seeks to impart through these sermons, with their emphasis on trial, suffering, hardship, pilgrimage, patient endurance and contentment. He was preparing his troops for battle. Calvin prayed before and after each Sermon, as the liturgy required. The editor has provided us with some examples. The closing prayer of the last sermon is magnificent - clear, reverent, impassioned. Not everything is bad about the French.
Robert White is to be congratulated not only for the translation but for the helpful end notes. This is a gem of a book, an excellent introduction to Calvin the preacher and Calvin the man."
To read the entire review of this book, click HERE.

To check out more details or to buy this book, click HERE.

OUTSIDE SOURCE Book Review: "Princeton and Preaching," by Jim Garretson

SOURCE of the Review: "For His Renown" blog, by James Hamilton, Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
BOOK REVIEWED: "Princeton and Preaching," by Jim Garretson (Banner of Truth)
EXCERPT from the Review: "Several studies of Old Princeton exist, but books on Alexander are comparatively sparse. In the volume under review here, James Garretson provides a biographical summary of Alexander in chapter 1. From there Garretson provides chapters that summarize Alexander’s approach to the call to ministry, the qualifications for ministry, sermon preparation, the preparation of the preacher’s heart, the minister as shepherd, the content of preaching, ministerial deportment, the challenges of ministry, and the encouragements of the ministry. The concluding chapter draws together Alexander’s approach to training men for ministry and recommends it to our generation. This book would serve as healthy devotional reading. It is almost too rich to be read through quickly, so readers would perhaps be best served by savoring short passages for periodic encouragement. Let us heed the admonition of Hebrews 13:7 and remember those who have gone before, observing the outcome of their lives that we might imitate their faith."

To read the complete review of this book, click HERE.
To check out more information or buy this book, click HERE.

OUTSIDE SOURCE Book Review: "The Life and Labours of Asahel Nettleton," by Bennet Tyler and Andrew Bonar

SOURCE of the Review: The Thirsty Theologian blog
BOOK Reviewed: "The Life and Labours of Asahel Nettleton," by Bennet Tyler and Andrew Bonar
EXCERPT of the Review: "There is something relaxing and refreshing about reading histories such as these—stories, but true stories of the great men of or past, and the way in which God worked his will in and through them. While these stories are filled with rich theology of the nature and work of God, in this form, more illustrated than declared, it does not lay heavily on a weary brain.... Nettleton was apparently not receiving a very seeker-sensitive message. In an age in which the most popular “preachers” in the largest “churches” assiduously avoid any speech that might cause sinners to feel “condemned” or experience “painful sensations,” there is much we can learn from Nettleton’s testimony; for it was that that condemnation and pain that drove him to the conviction that there was something in himself that he needed to be saved from, and nothing in himself that could accomplish that salvation.
To Read The Complete Review, click HERE.
To Buy The Book, click HERE.

OUTSIDE SOURCE Book Review: "A Heart For God," by Sinclair Ferguson

SOURCE of the Review: Slaves of Righteousness blog
BOOK being Reviewed: A Heart for God, by Sinclair Ferguson
SUMMARY: "I love this book! It excites me. Sinclair Ferguson shows how having a heart for God comes from knowing who God is.... Ferguson does not ignore the need of saving faith, but points out that saving faith comes by knowing. He shows the importance of knowledge in a believer’s life.... Throughout the book Ferguson goes to the Bible to show us who God is...."
To read this complete review, click HERE.
To check out or buy the book, click HERE (just note, it has a newer cover than what you'll find here on the Banner Web site ... I'll try to get that updated this coming week).

SNEAK PEAK #1: "Raising Children God's Way," by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

COMING THIS JULY FROM BANNER!

Raising Children God's Way
by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
ISBN-13: 978-0-85151-9586 \ 96 pages
Paperback \ $11.00 (U.S. Currency)

I am especially excited about this upcoming release! I mentioned it to Paul Tripp just the other night while we were in Memphis together, given all of the work that he and his brother Ted have done in this area ("Shepherding Your Child's Heart," and "Age of Opportunity"). Perhaps the best "sneak peek" I can give you is simply to let you read the book's back cover for yourself:
"When the light of the gospel enters the soul it brings with it a supernatural power that radically transforms the whole of life. This change is perhaps no more clearly seen than in the relationships between husbands and wives, parents and children. Our age has witnessed an almost total collapse of the family unit, and in many places the majority of children are now being raised in ‘broken homes’. Our society presents Christian parents and children with a unique opportunity of bearing witness to God’s love by just being different. Few things are more powerful than a Christian family in which the true relationship between parents and children is clearly seen. This may be one of the ways in which God will bringing many to a knowledge of the truth." Taken from a series of sermons preached by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, I seriously hope that this both provides solid, biblical insight for today's parents, but also introduces many young adults to explore the life and faith of this man of God. I can't wait to get my own hands on this soon-to-be-released book from Banner of Truth.
Stay tuned; there are about five more "sneak peeks" yet to come. Grace & Peace. Steve (sitting in the Memphis Airport, headed HOME!)
:-)

2007 PCA General Assembly

As of last night, this year's assembly is now history. After breakfast this morning (Friday) with a good friend from Georgia, I'll return to the nearly empty exhibit hall to dismantle the Banner of Truth booth before heading to the airport for my 5:00 flight back to Harrisburg through Detroit. I am still amazed that I am only shipping two boxes of books back to the Banner office, leaving about 12-15 EMPTY boxes here. That first day really did resemble locusts descending on the Banner booth and eating up the books. Wow.
I also had so many good conversations during the past three days. I already told you about my new young friend, Hamilton (see the post and comments of the previous blog). I also got to connect with a number of guys I've met over the past year and a number of guys who were recently with us at the Banner Ministers' Conference (thanks much for last night's dinner, Brandon, and for my daily lunches, Mike, and for my morning coffee Eric!). And, of course, there were many others - including Tyler, the homeschooled high school student who already owns all of Owen, Flavel, and more! It's been a good week, it really has. But I will tell you, I'm so ready to get back home! I know I still owe you those previews of upcoming books. I haven't forgotten - Hopefully later today while waiting for the plane, I'll have some more time to write. Grace & peace. Steve

2007 PCA General Assembly

Greetings from Memphis! This is a pretty grueling schedule. I'm here alone this week. Yesterday, I was at the exhibit booth from 7:45 a.m. until about 30 minutes past midnight. Fortunately, a dear brother (Mike Dixon) who I met at Twin Lakes Fellowship graciously brought me lunch from Quizno's - Thanks, Mike! And I did enjoy dinner with a younger brother from Covenant College who I met at last year's G.A., and have been in touch with through the year.
As for books? Wow! We literally blew threw most of the books I brought yesterday (Tuesday). I couldn't believe how busy it was. One of the day's highlights, though, was when I met a young guy, about 12-13 years old, named Hamilton. He was with his parents, patiently waiting as Mom and Dad checked out the Banner titles, when I asked him a typical question. "So tell me, Hamilton," I asked. "What good book are you reading these days?" Believing that EVERYONE ought to ALWAYS be in a good book, I thought it was a great question. But since Hamilton didn't have one (but instead found himself more drawn to a certain game or two on one of their cell phones), I gave him one of the Banner booklets with the challenge to read the entire thing before the next day. Wouldn't you know it? HE DID! I told him that I was incredibly proud of him (I still am) and admitted that he really surprised me. So, I'm about to give him another book or two with a similar challenge. If he keeps reading, maybe I'll keep him in books (although this could get pricey, couldn't it?). "Keep going, Hamilton ... even if you have to start buying the books with your own money!
Well, there are mobs of guys around once again meaning the lunch break must be over. I better get back to the second half of today's 8:00 a.m. til midnight shift. I'll try to introduce you to one of the soon-to-be-released Banner books later today or tomorrow. Grace & Peace. Steve.
PS - So tell me, what good book are YOU reading these days? (Just don't expect to get the same deal that Hamilton got!)
:-)

Prepping for Memphis' PCA General Assembly

I find it interesting that some people I've met think Banner is a Presbyterian organization; others think it has official ties to reformed Baptists. The truth, of course, is that Banner has official ties to neither, but certainly Presbyterians (be it PCA or ARP or OPC or ...) and Baptists (be it ARBCA or ...) and others continue to read and benefit by the books that flow out of The Banner of Truth. This week, my travels will plant me in the middle of many of our dear PCA brothers at the 2007 General Assembly in Memphis. I leave Monday and get things set up. Then I - yes, just me - work in the exhibit hall from 8:00 a.m. until midnight Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, then 8:00 a.m. until noon on Friday before tearing everything down and heading back home ... three 16-hour days in a row! What were they thinking? If you'll be in Memphis this coming week, be sure to say hi.
And in my spare time, I hope to also start previewing some of the soon-to-be-released new titles from Banner. So stay tuned. Grace & peace. Steve

From the Beach ...

Greetings from the New Jersey beach. While I am on vacation this week with the family, I encourage you to be checking in with Tony Reinke over at the Shepherd's Scrapbook blog. Tony attended last week's Banner of Truth Ministers' Conference and, since there was just too much to blog from the conference last week, Tony is running a series on his site this week that reviews the sessions. It's great; don't miss this first-time attender's perspective and review of the conference that YOU will hopefully be attending (either again or for the first time) next year. Blessings to you all ... now I'm headed out to build a sand castle with my youngest!
Steve
PS - I'll be back online Monday, June 11th, from the PCA's General Assembly in Memphis.
------------------------
ADDENDUM, WEDNESDAY, June 6th - We're having a GREAT week at the beach! Good weather, lots of sand and fun. I met one guy from a neighboring house that I took a walk with this morning; I always wonder what the Lord has planned by causing our two lives to intersect this week. His name is Joe. We shall see ...
ADDENDUM, SATURDAY, JUNE 9th - Home safe! We had a good week.

MORE Conference Pics, and a Vacation! :-)

Here are a few more pictures from the Banner of Truth Ministers' Conference. Perhaps some of you who didn't make it this year will be encouraged to join us in 2008. I've been receiving a number of comments from those who did attend, from the one pastor who said, "I was a first time attendee and I really enjoyed it" to another who wrote, "This was my 37th conference, I think. But it may have been my 38th. And I have, in their different ways, enjoyed them all." Another comment from a pastor who had not been before was especially heartwarming, "One of the things I sensed was a great sense of warmness from everyone there. The people attending the conference were always very friendly, whether in line to eat, or walking around. I came alone, but I wasn't alone." That is so great, and so true of our time together. "I came alone, but I wasn't alone." I do hope you'll consider joining us next year, May 27-29, 2008.

Coming up next on the blog, I'll begin previewing some of the new titles to be released next month from the Banner. But first, you'll have to excuse me for a bit. It's family vacation week - time to set this all aside and play volleyball on the NJ beach! Then I'll head to Memphis for this year's PCA General Assembly. Will I see you there? Grace & peace. Steve

PICTURES - 2007 Banner of Truth Ministers' Conference

I thought you might be interested in seeing what a Banner of Truth Ministers' Conference looks like, so will share a few of the many pictures taken at this week's event. Next year's conference will be May 27-29, 2008. If you'd like to receive periodic updates on the details for next year as they unfold (speakers, discounts, etc.), send me your email address (steve@banneroftruth.org), and I'll be sure to keep you informed. For lots more about what went on at this year's conference, check out Tony Reinke's Shepherd Scrapbook blog. Tony was with us this year (how did he manage to escape our camera???); he blogged from the conference, has pictures of his tour of the Banner U.S. warehouse, and will be adding more comments and reflections throughout this next week.
One more thing ... If you were one of the guys who attended this year's conference, how about sharing a comment or two here as to what the week meant to you. And be sure to come back in '08! It'd be great to see you all again next May.
Steve
-------------------------------------


Here's the chapel at the college, just before we opened the doors. It's a beautiful facility, expecially when filled with hundreds of men's voices singing one of the great hymns of the faith!











Ben Short kicked off the event. I am certain that every guy there can still tell you what Ben spoke on ... For me, to live IS Christ!













There's always time for interaction among the guys who come, pastors fellowshipping with other pastors, or missionaries, or deacons & elders and seminary students.

































































What would a Banner of Truth Ministers' Conference be without a bookstore FILLED with Banner of Truth books? And next year, we're already making plans to make it even fuller; it will truly include copies of every -- did I say every? -- book we currently have in print! Wow.































































The weather was great! Here you see a group of guys heading over to the dining hall for lunch. Eating all meals together, as well as staying together on campus, just adds to the overall fellowship for everyone involved.









In addition to the fellowship of some dear brothers in Christ, the conference also provides those much-needed moments to simply sit and reflect on what we've just heard, and to ponder, and pray.
































It was great having Banner of Truth's Chairman of our Trustees back for another year.














What a time we had Tuesday night in the bookstore! It was Sinclair Ferguson's tour, sharing his incredible insights into so many books, recommending some for specific reasons and - yes - reducing the prices of some to discounts of 65%! I hope he remembers that at the end of our fiscal year!
:-)


















































































Another one of our speakers' this year ... Derek Thomas. I won't tell you how many times he went for ice cream at Brusters! What was that favorite kind, Derek? New York Cheesecake? Mmmmmm.












































Without a doubt, the fellowship is one of the key ingredients of the week. Old and young, mixing together. It's great.

I'll probably put these, and all the rest of the pictures we have (thanks to photographer Ryan Thompson) together into a presentation CD that we can distribute to help promote the event. Let me know if you'd like a copy, and stay tuned.