When Tim Challies Speaks ...

This has been a day when I've been pulled and tugged in every direction. Ever had a day like that? And as part of the day, as some of you know, we've been scrambling to respond to Tim Challies' mention of this little excellent paperback. We haven't sold many copies lately of The Cross He Bore, but let Tim mention the book and .... whew! While our stock got totally wiped out today, I assure you that we are working closely with the incredible guys at Westminster Bookstore to get more copies "across the pond" without delay. In the meantime, if you didn't see Tim's comment, here it is: "I was poking around a little bit today and found what I consider to be just a great deal. I'm posting for no other reason than to tell you that this represents what I'm sure you'll agree is the best $4.03 you'll ever spend. It's one of my all-time favorites and a book worth reading at least once per year. If you disagree and are absolutely convinced that another item worth $4.03 would have been a better buy, well, tell me what it is because I don't believe it's possible. That is all." - Tim Challies
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For information about Frederick Leahy, click HERE.
To read about Leahy's last book, The Hand of God, the manuscript of which he mailed to the Banner on the day he was called home to be with the Lord, click HERE.
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ADDENDUM, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1st - Our Edinburgh warehouse is air-shipping all of their copies of "The Cross He Bore" to us, but sadly, it will not be enough for the current number of orders. I have been assured that we will reprint it, but that process will take some time. I'll keep you posted.

"...when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand."

"Do you still struggle with sin?"
It is some form of that question that I often ask guys at conferences, or other locations, in advance of giving away a copy of Banner of Truth's Puritan Paperback, "The Mortification of Sin." Ohhhhh, what a book! Of course, I already know their answer before asking the question because I only too well know my own answer to that question. It was that ongoing struggle that took me back to another Puritan Paperback over the weekend, Watson's "The Doctrine of Repentance." Ohhhh, he ministered to me from page one! This is even worth memorizing: "Repentance is a grace of God's Spirit whereby a sinner is inwardly humbled and visibly reformed. For a further amplification, know that repentance is a spiritual medicine made up of six special ingredients: (1) Sight of sin; (2) Sorrow for sin; (3) Confession of sin; (4) Shame for sin; (5) hatred for sin; and (6) Turning from sin. If any one is left out it loses its virtue." I'm hooked ... I have to finish this book!
By the way, those "Fabulous Friday" damaged books listed below are available until their gone; call anytime you're interested. Grace & peace. Steve.

Singing in Worship

On the eve of another Lord's Day, I encourage you to give thought to the subject of worship. Read Iain Murray's words, specifically in reference to the hymns of John Newton, taken from an article in the current issue of The Banner of Truth magazine - (thanks to Charlie Wingard of Huntsville, AL for first posting this on his blog). Feel free to share any thoughts, and may you enjoy a meaningful time of worship this Lord's Day.

"Ian Murray on the hymns of John Newton (1725-1807):
'A consideration of this penitential note in Newton’s hymnody must lead one to reflect on what is too commonly absent from numbers of the songs substituted for hymns in worship today. It is not simply that certain words are omitted; the whole ethos is different. Too often the emphasis is on the worshipper’s devotion: ‘I will praise’; ‘I will exalt’; ‘I will love’, etc. While the language is good, the old saying needs to be remembered, ‘He loves little who tells how much he loves.’ And when the language is used in the absence of expressions of poverty of spirit, mourning, hungering and thirsting for what is not yet attained, it may be akin to the ignorance that led Simon Peter to assert, ‘I will lay down my life for thy sake.’ Professing Christian worship that omits humility and self-abasement would have been incomprehensible to Newton. His best hymns are always striking a note that is the opposite of self-confidence or self-satisfaction; rather it is:Weak is the effort of my heart,And cold my warmest thought."Newton points us to the need for a reversal of features that have entered into Christian worship today."
Ian Murray, Banner of Truth, August/September 2007pp. 23-24
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Interested in subscribing to the Banner of Truth magazine? Email us at info@banneroftruth.org.

It's "FABULOUS FRIDAY" - July 27, 2007

As promised, here's today's list from our "secret shelves" of ever-so-slightly-damaged/50% off books here at the Banner of Truth's North American office in Carlisle, PA. Until now, these books, at these prices, have only been available inside our office. But starting today, I'll try to post a partial list each Friday to see if we can't make them available to a few others. To make a purchase, call us toll-free, 800-263-8085, or fax us, 717-249-0604; you won't find this elsewhere on the Web. Our Friday office hours are 8:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., U.S. Eastern Time. Then we'll reopen at 8:30 Monday morning. Remember the ground rules:
(1) First come basis; if we run out ... Sorry!
(2) These books ARE damaged, although slightly ... you buy them "as is."
(3) Shipping is at your expense.
(4) You need to call or fax to order; you won't find these on the Banner Web site.
OK, well ... here's what I'll list today. It'll be interesting to see how this goes. Feel free to spread the word and invite others to check it out. Steve.
PS - If your eyesight is like mine, just double-click on this table and you should be enjoying that "large print version" in no time!

Trying Something New: "Fabulous Fridays" here at the blog

Many of you have heard me speak of our "secret shelves" here at Banner in the U.S. - Obviously not so secret, these shelves are stocked with the ever-so-slightly damaged books that we offer at 50% discount to anyone who stops in. But wouldn't it be nice if we could make them available to others? Hmmmmm ... OK, so here's what we're going to try - Each Friday, I'll try to post a partial list of the books on those shelves, yours to buy at 50% off. There are some ground rules:
(1) First-come/first-served; with limited quantities, we might run out.
(2) The books are "slightly damaged;" if the damage is worse than "slight," I won't offer it.
(3) Shipping will be on you (sorry, but it is 50% off!).
(4) To order, you'll need to call or fax us your information; you won't find this on the normal Web site.
So let's give it a try. Spread the word - the "scratch-and-dent" sale, "Fabulous Fridays," here on the blog. Hope you stop back. Steve

What About Those "Religious Affections"?

Anyone interested in a discussion surrounding Jonathan Edwards' "Religious Affections"? It's yours for the clicking, hosted by Mark in Kentucky, at his "Reactions and Worship" blog. Today (Thursday), Mark put up his second post, so you might want to scroll down a bit to get the whole thing. And if you can keep a secret 'til tomorrow ........ Edwards' "Religious Affections" is one of the titles I'll be offering at 50% discount from Banner's "Secret Shelves" of slightly damaged books. Hey, get it for $9.50 instead of $19.00! Check back tomorrow. Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

From One Dad, To Another

I am a dad, and I love being one!
My wife and I have raised ... correction: are raising ... three daughters. So far, so good. Oh, don't misunderstand; we do not have perfect kids! But with all three of them bearing the "-teen" suffix to their ages (13, 15, 18), I humbly stand before you and offer thanks to God for His mercy and grace. In spite of me, I can say, "So far, so good."
Looking back, the Lord used a variety of people and resources to guide us. I had never been a dad before; what did I know about raising kids? Books, video series, Sunday School classes and one specific godly couple, Terry and Dee Stick in West Chester, PA ... they were all God's instruments, valuable resources that helped us apply godly principles from His Word in establishing our family, and for me, in particular, in being a dad.
But in addition to all of that, I wish I had had this book, Raising Children God's Way, a series of five sermons that D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preached from the book of Ephesians 6: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother (this is the first commandment with a promise), that it may go well with you, and that you may live long in the land.' Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger; but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord."
Basically, in Sermon #1, titled, "Submissive Children," Dr. Lloyd-Jones presents what it means for a child to submit to a parent. In Sermon #2, titled, "Unbelieving Parents," the focus shifts to the parents. What kind of a parent, and under what circumstances does the child have to obey? What about the situation where the child is a believer, yet the parents are not? Come Sermon #3, titled "Discipline and the Modern Mind," Dr. Lloyd-Jones takes on the subject of discipline, the discipline of children and the discipline of the home. On the one hand, we read, "Spare the rod and spoil the child." On the other hand we read, "Fathers, provoke not your children to wrath." Both are beautifully brought together here. Sermon #4, titled, "Balanced Discipline," is where Dr. Lloyd-Jones specifically addresses "the administration of discipline ... how is it to be done?" Says this preacher, "...the trouble today is that people do not believe in discipline at all. There is little need, therefore, to tell them not to exercise discipline in the wrong way. We have to urge the modern man to recognize the need of discipline and to put it into practice." This sermon elaborates on, "Provoke not your children to wrath," while Sermon #5, titled, "Godly Upbringing," directs our attention to, "Bringing them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord."
I have enjoyed, on other occasions, reading the written texts of D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones' sermons, available from Banner of Truth in various multi-volume sets. But not everyone is prone to take on something as voluminous as 14 volumes. That's why I'm especially excited that these five sermons have been pulled from the set and published separately, in an attractive, short (less than 100 pages) paperback.
Mom? Dad? There truly is gold in these pages!
Grace & peace. Steve
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For more information, or to buy the book, click HERE.

OUTSIDE SOURCE Book Review: "Princeton Seminary: Faith & Learning, 1812-1868"

Guy Davies (Exiled Preacher blog) from the southwest part of England, is currently reading volume 1 of this 2-volume set. I thought you might be interested in his comments.
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Princeton Seminary Volume 1: Faith & Learning 1812-1868, by David Callhoon (Banner of Truth Trust, 1994). I bought this (with Vol 2) at a knock-down price at the UK Banner Conference in April. It really is an excellent read. Great history with lots of illuminating biographical sketches thrown in. Not too demanding if you are feeling a little 'all studied out'."
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For information, or to purchase, volume 1 of this set, click HERE.
For information, or to purchase, volume 2 of this set, click HERE.

We would appreciate your prayers ...

... for one of our warehouse guys, here in the U.S. office/warehouse of Banner, who broke his ankle over the weekend.
:-(
Also, for the rest of us ... because of his absence, but in addition to that, our warehouse manager will soon be out for a couple of weeks - a very exciting time for them - as they finally welcome their new adopted son!
Any volunteers interested in working by my side in the warehouse?
Don't worry; the orders will still get out, even if this time does afford you the opportunity to learn additional patience!

The Bigger Picture of "www.banneroftruth.org"

You're no doubt familiar with the Banner Web site, but do you know that it's more than just a place to buy Banner books? For example ...
(1) Daily Devotion from "The Valley of Vision" - Start every day with a new prayer from this beautiful collection. Even before I came to work for Banner, my office computer's home page was set to http://www.banneroftruth.org/. It's easy to find, at the top of the home page.
(2) Articles - Every few days, a whole series of new, though-provoking articles are added to the ones from before. For example, just today we added:
"The Lord Jesus Christ our Sufficiency," by William Harrell
"The Sin of Achan," by Geoff Thomas
"A Charge for the Christian Minister," by Glenn V. Tomlinson
Currently, there are over 1,200 articles, book reviews, etc., all free for the clicking. The entire list is available through "Articles" on the top line of the home page.
(3) Book Reviews - Scroll all the way to the bottom of the home page. Right now, you'll find reviews of "Selina, Countess of Huntingdon" by Faith Cook; "Thoughts on the New England Revival," by Jonathan Edwards; and "The Old Evangelicalism: Old Truths for a New Awakening." Want more? Under the book cover's image, you'll find a link for "Next Review." Follow the path and you'll find many more. http://www.banneroftruth.org/. Spend some time there and check it out.
I hope you have a great weekend. My wife and I - did you notice I'm not including any children in this statement? - are spending the weekend at Baltimore's Inner Harbor. Yeah, we love our kids, but .............
Grace & peace. Steve

As Promised ...

Mr & Mrs. Tony Reinke
(of the Shepherd's Scrapbook blog)
are pleased to announce the birth of their
"Banner boy"

Bunyan Breckenridge Reinke
Monday, July 16, 2007
2:30 p.m.
8 lbs., 14 oz.

Congratulations to the entire Reinke family
from all of us at
The Banner of Truth

(nice Banner onesie!)

Banner of Truth Welcomes CARL TRUEMAN and SANDY FINLAYSON

How often the title of John Flavel's work, "The Mystery of Providence," comes to my mind with each day's unfolding events! A month or so ago, somewhere in this "blogosphere," I crossed paths with a guy named Carl Trueman. It wasn't until more recently that I learned that Carl is also known as Dr. Carl Trueman, Academic Dean & Professor of Historical Theology and Church History at Westminster Theological Seminary outside Philadelphia. Today, I had the very good pleasure of welcoming both Carl and Sandy Finlayson, Professor of Theological Bibliography, to our North American Office of The Banner of Truth here in Carlisle, PA, USA. How good it was to spend a few minutes, in the warehouse and over lunch, getting to know these guys. But for the record, don't let the coats and ties in these pictures fool you! My relationship has already convinced me that the photographer must have air-brushed those things on them long after the photos were taken! ;-)
Carl & Sandy -- Good to meet you both; looking forward to seeing you both again later this summer, and you, Carl, again in October at the Reformation Heritage Conference in Georgia.

OUTSIDE SOURCE Book Review: "John G. Paton: Missionary to the New Hebrides"

Here you go; dont take just MY word for it!
Steve
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BOOK REVIEWED: "John G. Paton: Missionary to the New Hebrides"
AUTHOR: John G. Paton (Banner of Truth, $24, 534 pages).
SOURCE OF THE REVIEW: "Wisdom of the Pages" blog
THE REVIEW: "What would compel a Presbyterian Evangelical Calvinist Scotsman to travel across the globe to live in a land of cannibals? After all, the first time missionaries came to the islands of the New Hebrides they were clubbed to death within minutes of landing.
The compulsion was the gospel. John Paton could not get “the wail of the perishing heathen in the South Seas” out of his conscience. Having grown up in poverty, Paton had worked through a program of self-education, and in 1858 he left for the islands. Among various trials, he soon felt the pain of losing his wife and child to death. However, he kept his post, persevered under trial, and witnessed the gospel penetrate into the hearts of the lost islanders.
This autobiography is a compelling account of his missionary experiences. It sold widely upon first publication, and has continued to be well-loved ever since."
To read the review, right from the source, click HERE.
For more information or to buy the book, click HERE.
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ADDENDUM TO THIS POST - Given the comment to this post, here are the links to read and listen for yourself to John Piper's thoughts on this book, and this man.
To LISTEN to John Piper's Pastor's Conference message on John G. Paton, click HERE.
To READ a transcript of John Piper's Pastor's Conference message on John G. Paton, click HERE.
To read a brief article by John Piper, referencing the portion of this book dealing with John Paton's relationship to his father, click HERE.
Here's an excerpt: "John G. Paton was a missionary to the New Hebrides, today called Vanuatu, in the South Seas. He was born in Scotland in 1824. I gave my Pastors' Conference message about him because of the courage he showed throughout his 82 years of life. When I dug for the reasons he was so courageous, one reason I found was the deep love he had for his father.
The tribute Paton pays to his godly father is, by itself, worth the price of his Autobiography, which is still in print. Maybe it's because I have four sons (and Talitha), but I wept as I read this section. It filled me with such longing to be a father like this." -- John Piper

JUST RELEASED: The Special DOUBLE ISSUE of The Banner of Truth Magazine - JOHN NEWTON

If you are not a subscriber to The Banner of Truth magazine, you are missing out on something very special. I just received my electronic copy from Edinburgh this morning ... the special DOUBLE ISSUE of the magazine featuring JOHN NEWTON. Here's an excerpt from the inside page:

"This special issue of the Banner of Truth magazine marks the anniversary of the death of John Newton, 21 December 1807. Newton remains one of the foremost evangelical authors. Along with Whitefield, he prepared the way for the evangelical catholicity that so strengthened worldwide gospel outreach in the nineteenth century.
While all he wrote is simple, strong and clear, his works - especially his Letters and hymns - are of outstanding help. J. C. Ryle names his Letters (Cardiphonia) as one of the six books that helped him most after his conversion.
'For myself,' wrote Alexander Whyte, 'I keep John Newton on my selectest shelf of spiritual books: by far the best kind of books in the whole world of books.'
In Spurgeon's opinion, 'In few writers are Christian doctrine, experience and practice more happily balanced.'"

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page 3 - John Newton: 'A Wonder to Myself,' by Iain H. Murray
Page 26 - Newton Commemoration, 2007, by Barbara Cross
Page 28 - Last Conversations with John Newton
Page 30 - 'With Ev'ry Fleeting Breath': John Newton and the Olney Hymns, by Michael A. G. Haykin
Page 43 - William Wilberforce on John Newton
Page 45 - Reading Newton's Writings, by Thomas E. Martin
Page 49 - Short Extracts from Newton's Writings
Page 56 - Memories of Newton, by William Jay
Page 63 - John Newton of Olney
- - - - - - - - - -
Email or call to subscribe to the Banner of Truth magazine.
Also, copies of this special issue can be ordered from offices of the Banner of Truth.
U.S. Office: Telephone 717-249-5747, or email info@banneroftruth.org
U.K. Office: Telephone 0131 (+44 131) 337 7310, or email info@banneroftruth.co.uk
- - - - - - - - - -
For information on the complete 6-volume set, Works of John Newton, click HERE.
For information on the new Banner release, "Letters of John Newton," click HERE.

Do You Have "A Heart For God"?

A few weeks ago, I purchased enough copies of this book, "A Heart For God," by Sinclair Ferguson, so that each member of our family could have their own copy as we read it together. It's a 128-page paperback, the size of a Puritan Paperback, that lists for just $8.50 here in the U.S. But sadly, right after we started, I took off for Atlanta; I plan to resume our reading tonight. I, of course, have no idea what you have read thus far today, before logging in to this blog. But whatever it has, or hasn't been, perhaps you'll find the few minutes necessary to read the following from the first chapter of this book to be worth your time. Then, together, let's spend the rest of the day pondering that question, "Am I developing a heart for God?" And the follow-up question, "How am I doing so?" Grace & peace. Steve

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I. Growing in the Knowledge of God

What is the most important thing in the world to every Christian? It is to grow in the knowledge of God.

The knowledge of God is the heart of salvation and of all true spiritual experience. Knowing him is what we were created for. It will occupy us throughout all eternity. In Scripture, it is almost equivalent to salvation. Jesus said that eternal life, or salvation, means knowledge of God: 'Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent' (Jn. 17:3). To be a Christian is not a mindless experience, but involves knowledge and understanding. It means a personal relationship and personal acquaintance with the Lord.

Behind what Jesus says in John's gospel lies the promise that God gave centuries before in the prophecy of the new covenant: 'I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord' (Jer. 24:7). The fulfilment of that prophecy would mean, Jeremiah added, 'No longer will a man teach his neighbour, or a man his brother, saying, "Know the Lord," because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest' (Jer. 31:34). Isaiah similarly tells us that this knowledge of God is what would mark the reign of the promised Messiah, Jesus Christ: 'the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea' (Is. 11:9). What a vision! Yet it summarises what Scripture tells us Christ came to do: to bring us the knowledge of God.

Such knowledge of God is really the heart of all true understanding in the Christian life. A man or woman may be a Christian and remain ignorant of many things. But we cannot be Christians and remain ignorant of God. In the final analysis, says the wise man in Proverbs, 'knowledge of the Holy One is understanding' (Prov. 9:10). While man has never had so much knowledge about the world as he possesses today, perhaps he has never had so little knowledge of God. That is why our times are marked by a singular lack of understanding, appreciation, and genuine insight into the need of the hour.

Scripture also teaches us that the knowledge of God is a great preservative from sin. Isaiah shares in the divine lament over Israel and her rebellion when he says, 'The ox knows his master, the donkey his owner's manger, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand' (Is. 1:3). The root cause of their spiritual decline is their lack of understanding.

When people truly know God and are growing in a genuine relationship with him, however, their lives are marked by integrity and reliability. They do not treat dishonesty of the heart or of the lips indifferentlly. They are, in a word, holy. But our age is frightened of holiness. It is all the more tragic, therefore, that the church has also become frightened of holiness. It likes nothing less than to be different. The same may be true of us individually. Why? Because we do not know God as we should. If we really knew him, it would show in the character of our lives.

The knowledge of God is also essential to Christian growth. In the opening section of Peter's second letter, he draws attention to this crucial fact. He urges his friends to grow spiritually, wishing them grace and peace 'through the knowledge of God.' He tells them that God's power has given us everything we need to live the Christian life 'through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness' (2 Pet. 1:2-3). Similarly, when Paul expresses his desire for the Christians at Colosse to grow spiritually, the same theme recurs: Growth is particularly accompanied by 'growing in the knowledge of God' (Col. 1:10).

Our mistake has been to compose our own ground rules for the Christian life - how presumptuous can we be? - instead of listening to what God himself wants to say to us, namely: 'If you want to grow as a Christian, you must first of all grow in the knowledge of me.'

This knowledge of God is our greatest privilege. Hear Jeremiah again: 'This is what the Lord says: "Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight," declares the Lord' (Jer. 9;23-24). This declaration is from the same man whose speech had begun with, 'Oh, that my head were a spring of water and my eyes a fountain of tears...' (Jer. 9:1). No ivory-tower theologian or author was Jeremiah! Here was a man suffering for the sake of his people, seeing things with the clarity of one who was an outsider in every society, except in the society of God. He penetrated through all the superficialities of life to the heart of the matter. Who cares for the wisdom of this world, or the strength of men, or the riches and fame some attain, if all these things are to be had without knowing God? With devastating honesty, Jeremiah reduced all these things men desire to their proper (and very secondary place) in his 'Jeremiad.' Life is only worth boasting about if at its centre is the knowledge of God, controlling all our aspirations. That is something to boast about.

What do you and I boast about? What subject of conversation most arouses us and fills our hearts? Do we consider knowing God to be the greatest treasure in the world, and by far our greatest privilege? If not, we are but pygmies in the world of the spirit. We have sold our Christian birthright for a mess of pottage, and our true Christian experience will be superficial, inadequate, and tragically out of focus.

Unfortunately, many of our Christian lives are suffering from such spiritual astigmatism. It shows in our personal lives; it shows in our dealings with others; it shows in our lack of impact on the world; it shows perhaps most obviously in the character of our worship. This was what Jeremiah saw in his time. No wonder he wept! No wonder there were moments when he had to fight off the depths of depression - because he too was bound up with the people. He could not castigate them without feeling the blows himself.

How sensitive are you to this issue? Knowing God is your single greatest privilege as a Christian, and the one that sensitises you to every other issue of importance. But is this the issue that lies at the centre of your thinking?"
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Sinclair Ferguson goes on in this first chapter to describe "what is involved in growing in the knowledge of God," giving "four fundamental laws governing the knowledge of God in the growing believer," based on Col. 1:9-11. He then concludes chapter one with these words:
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"The knowledge of God is our greatest privilege. Yet it is perhaps the Church's greatest need today. It may also be your greatest need just now. You may well profess to enjoy eternal life. But when that life is defined in Jesus' terms rather than your own - knowing the true and living God - how extensive is your experience of eternal life? Is it your boast that you 'know the Lord'?
We need to let these questions sink into our hearts and consciences with devastating effect. If we are ever to have knowledge of God that is worthy of the name, we need to be brought low to see our ignorance. If we are ever to learn that knowledge of God that he gives to those who depend on his Spirit, we need to be emptied of our independence.

The following chapters try to unfold the greatness of God, because developing a heart for him must involve knowing and understanding who he is. But before we go on, we need to turn aside in prayer, so seek the Lord while he may be found, and call upon him while he is near.

"Come, thou Fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing thy grace; streams of mercy, never ceasing, call for songs of loudest praise. Teach me some melodious sonnet, sung by flaming tongues above; praise the mount! I'm fixed upon it, mount of God's unchanging love.

"O to grace how great a debtor daily I'm constrained to be! Let that grace now, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to thee. Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love; Here's my heart, O take and seal it, seal it for the courts above."

Robert Robinson

Do You Know Any Homeschooling or Christian School Families?

We just created a one-page flyer that presents the new Sketches From Church History STUDENT WORKBOOK that arrived in our U.S. warehouse only last week. With the summer quickly moving closer and closer toward that "Back to School" season, I am anxious to get the word out about this resource, especially to homeschooling groups, co-ops and families, as well as administrators and curriculum committees for various Christian schools. Do you know of anyone that fits these categories? Might you be willing to help spread the word? Send me an email at steve@banneroftruth.org and I will reply with either a .JPG or .PDF of the flyer for you to pass on to your homeschooling or Christian education friends.
The accompanying book, Sketches From Church History, has been out since 1980, and has become a firm favorite with anyone seeking an overview of the church's advancement from its earliest days as recorded in the Book of Acts to the end of the nineteenth century. One reviewer even wrote about that resource, "Here at last is a book which makes church history enjoyable!" So let me know, and thanks in advance for your help!

From the desk of ...

It's Monday morning, and here I am, back at my desk at the U.S. office of Banner of Truth (do I look a little tired?). I was away for the past 7 days in Atlanta, exhibiting at an international Christian retail trade show. Several of you have asked for my thoughts regarding what I saw exhibited there - the cross-lollipops, the Xtreme Jesus figurines, the t-shirts with slogans like "Salvation: So Easy A Caveman Could Do It." Suffice it to say that it left me feeling both sad and challenged. Sad, in that apparently a good chunk of the church is missing something. Can I, or should I be able to integrate such trivialities with the depth of faith and walk with God that I see displayed in "The Valley of Vision" prayers, for example, or the hunger and thirst for righteousness, and for sin to be mortified that John Owen writes about? I can't. But it also challenges me to press on in the mission of this organization. Before I accepted this position, I read Iain Murray's words that I have taken to be our mission - to strengthen the existing church and to facilitate revival. In many places, the church is strong and growing. I see it in my travels as I meet pastors and elders and deacons and missionaries and seminary students and fellow disciples whose hearts have been broken with the realization of their sin and who boast in nothing save the cross of Christ and the grace of God. May the work that we do here further strengthen such faith and deepen such hunger and thirst. But I am challenged by this visual reminder for the need of revival in this land ... to see so many apparently unaware of that which moved a David Brainerd, obsessed a John Owen, energized a Jonathan Edwards, broke a Richard Sibbes, spurred on a Thomas Watson, etc. By giving present-day voices to these men of God, in addition to new works by current authors, my prayer is that we will continue to be instruments of such revivial, even if only in the heart and soul of a few. Join me in this prayer, will you? And may our own lights shine as He enlightens us, so that we too might facilitate such revival in this land.
Grace & peace.
Steve.

Just Passing this Along ...

From the Shepherd's Scrapbook blog (thanks, Tony) ...

In his third post Mark Dever says in large measure they are the result of the publishing efforts of The Banner of Truth. Indeed my life-changing introduction to men like Horatius Bonar, Octavius Winslow, John Owen, Jonathan Edwards, Richard Sibbes, John Flavel, John Bunyan, Thomas Brooks, John Newton, B.B. Warfield, John Murray and Martyn Lloyd-Jones were all books published by the Banner! So a heartfelt and much deserved “thank you” to the men and women of the Banner who (for several decades) have laid a foundation for my precious reformed learning.
… Congratulations to Steve Burlew and our other friends at the Banner of Truth office in PA for this noteworthy acknowledgment!
… If you think the Banner just launched off the ground in widespread financial success I would entrust the very interesting Banner magazines from 1955-1959 (published in book format). Iain Murray was walking by faith that God would bless the printing of Puritan works. It was an act faith and of doctrinal conviction. The very first Banner magazine opened with these words: “There are many today who regard truth and error as matters of small consequence; if a man lives rightly, they say, it matters not much what his beliefs and opinions are” (p. 3). A firm commitment to the doctrinal foundation promoted by the Banner of Truth in 1955 is central to why the practice of Calvinism flourishes today. Read these early magazines and watch Banner of Truth grow from a seed. It’s an amazing and fruitful work of God’s graciousness!

A New Line of "Banner-Wear"??????

If you could only have seen my face when I first saw this picture over at Tony Reinke's "Shepherd Scrapbook" blog! Tony and his wife are expecting a new baby any day now, and here's what Tony recently wrote,
"No baby yet (due date was Tues.), but when that child arrives they will be garbed in Banner gear (my wife and I found transferable clothing stickers and printed off the Banner logo). Whether a girl or boy we do not know, but a Banner Baby most certainly!"
Hey Tony, are you suggesting we introduce a new line of baby fashion ... Banner-wear, perhaps? What do you say ... any orders? HA! I may have to check in with Iain Murray on that one. But Tony, please do send me a picture of the little one when he or she first dons this one-of-a-kind Banner onesie and I will definitely post it for all to see (stay tuned)!
By the way, I am home from Atlanta, enjoying a beautiful Saturday morning sitting here with my wife on our front porch.
Grace & peace.
Steve

All But One of The New Titles Have Arrived

Just so you know, we now have the following five new July releases in the Banner of Truth U.S. warehouse:
(1) Sketches from Church History: Student Workbook
(2) Let Christ Be Magnified: Calvin's Teaching for Today
(3) Love Rules: The Ten Commandments for the 21st Century
(4) Raising Children God's Way - D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
(5) The Life and Times of George Whitefield - Robert Philips
We are expecting to receive Walter Chantry's new book, "David: Man of Prayer, Man of War," closer to the end of July. I realize the Web site (www.banneroftruth.org) doesn't reflect these new titles as being available yet, but check back on Monday. I have high hopes that we'll get them up on that home page as soon as we can come the start of the new week. Grace & peace. Steve

May I Direct You to Mark Dever's Blog?

Several of you have written to me, making sure I didn't miss Mark Dever's blog that referenced Banner. Thanks for the "heads up." Here's that specific post from Mark's site, but I'd encourage you to check out his series, too (and actually, check out the comments to this specific post - #3 of 10 - also!). Thanks, Mark.

Steve
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Where Did All These Calvinists Come From?
Part 3 of 10

"From the Great Plains of Kansas, I write a brief blog suggesting a third influence on the resurrection of Reformed Theology in this generation--The Banner of Truth Trust. In 1957 Iain Murray and others with a shared vision and funds began to reprint Puritan and other reformed titles. A magazine appeared, which re-aquainted us with ministers and authors of the past. Books appeared. Well-bound and attractively presented, no such editions of Reformed works from the English-speaking tradition had been popularly published for a century. Through consistently keeping key titles in print, carefully screening what would be published, word of mouth, huge 50% (or more) discounts for theological students, the Banner brought affordable, well-presented re-prints of classic works to a new generation. The libraries of our generation of ministers are filled with books written decades and even centuries earlier, newly re-printed. Some contemporary authors were published--not least of whom is Iain Murray himself. He has produced a series of productive works, uniting piety, theology and history, all in a popular style and with an eye to instructing and edifying the church.
But what was most exceptional about the Banner in the late 1950's was its widespread distribution of literature from the past. The Princeton faculty teach us again through their books. Dutch Calvinsts and English Puritans appeared again. Readers were introduced to 19th-century divines (the Bonars', Charles Bridges). Furthermore, the Banner was in it for the long-term. They were theologically motivated. They were not put off publishing a work because it would not sell immediately. They gave time to allow an old classic to slowly disseminate through networks of Christians and fraternals of ministers. And their assiduous work in publishing in the 1950s and 1960s and 1970s has clearly helped to bring forth (and equip) a harvest in the 1980s and 1990s and still today.

A Quote from a T-Shirt:

Actually, we found this one to be pretty cute.
"Live your life so the preacher won't have to lie at your funeral."

Is There A Greater Contrast Than This?

This morning, within a time period of about 30 minutes, I went from hugging a homeless guy on the streets of Atlanta after buying him breakfast, to walking through a convention hall of "Christian" action figures and suckers (or do you call them lollipops?) made in the shape of a cross on a stick, available in cherry, lemon, wild berry and sour apple (see the image here) - all at this year's International Christian Retail Association's trade show. I don't know what more to say!

ADDENDUM, Thursday, July 12th - Today is the last day of this Christian retail trade show, which means I get to head home in less than 24 hours! But just when I thought I'd seen it all, I found out this morning that I hadn't. Move aside, cross lollipops. Make room for the "xtreme Jesus" figurines ... Cowboy Jesus riding a bull, biker Jesus on a Harley, surfer Jesus, skateboarder Jesus, and more. I would show you an image or two but they are obviously copyrighted, so I can't. It's just as well. Your imagination will be enough. And did I mention the one t-shirt that said, "Salvation: So Easy Even A Caveman Could Do It"?

Are You Mortifying Sin Today?

Without a doubt, John Owen's, "Mortification of Sin," ought to be read, and re-read, and re-read again. You do have it, don't you? I mean, please ... you must! I'm reading it through with a couple of guys, one with whom I meet weekly for breakfast, another in the San Diego area, and I'm just now sending it to a third guy in Virginia (maybe we really should form an online reading group through this blog). In this little paperback, as Banner of Truth publishes it, Owen states why he's writing this, "My primary reason is the obvious difficulty that most professing Christians have in dealing with the temptations that surround them" and therefore he seeks "to press on men's consciences the need to consider their ways, and to give believers clearer directions on how to proceed in the mortification of sin." Ah, that's the key. Not only to get us to "consider our ways," but Owen really does "give believers clearer directions on how" to do it! OK, so go ahead and try to convince me that you don't need to read this book!

You should see my copy! It's underlined, circled, highlighted, scribbled in, etc. Perhaps that reveals too much about myself to you, that I truly am a fellow-struggler in need of daily sin mortification. But let me share with you just two of my circled and highlighted sections from this book.
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From the beginning:
"Before proceeding, I cannot but note that even though there is in this generation a growing number of professors, a great noise of religion, religious duties in every corner, and preaching in abundance, there is little evidence of the fruit of true mortification. Perhaps we might find that, judging by the principle of mortification, the number of true believers is not as multiplied as it appears from those who have a made a mere profession. Some speak and profess a spirituality that far exceeds the former days, but their lives give evidence of a miserable unmortified heart. If vain spending of time, idleness, envy, strife, variance, emulations, wrath, pride, worldliness, selfishness (1 Cor. 1), are the mark of Christians, we have them among us in abundance. May the good Lord send us a spirit of mortification to cure our distempers, or we will be in a sad condition!"
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And another quote, from the chapter titled, "Seeing Sin For What It Really Is," where Owen outlines just some of the "dangers" of unmortified sin in our lives, this one being "Coming Under a Great Chastisement"!
"Is it nothing to you that God should kill your child in anger, ruin your estate in anger, break your bones in anger, suffer you to be a scandal and reproach in anger, kill you, destroy you, make you lie down in darkness in anger? Is this nothing to you, that He might punish, ruin, and undo others because of your sin?
"Let me not be mistaken. I do not mean that God always sends all these things on His children in anger; God forbid! But this I will say, when He does deal with you in such a way, and your conscience bears witness with Him that you have provoked His judgment, you will find that His dealings will be full of bitterness to your soul. If you do not fear these things, I fear you have been hardened by sin."
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I tell you, if you do not have this book, get it now, and join me and Kirk and Paul and Mark as we read it through and deal with its message together.
From Atlanta ... Grace and peace ... Steve

Weekend in Atlanta

Greetings from the Holiday Inn (pictured to the left, here), Downtown Atlanta. We got set up for this year's international Christian retail convention which starts Monday. But the weekend included a good day today with Banner's General Manager from Edinburgh, along with a friend from Crossway and another from Evangelical Press at Heritage Reformed Baptist Church outside of the city. Thank you, Pastor and Mrs. Martin, for your wonderful hospitality.

And Saturday, I was reminded how one can spend 3-4 hours with a guy that's never been met before, if they're both brothers in Christ. What a great conversation I had over lunch with a pastor in the area, who had first connected with me back in May through email after seeing this blog. I so appreciated seeing into his heart and I pray that I was of good encouragement to him. There really is a bond between Christians. You have experienced that, have you not? It's late, more tomorrow. Grace & peace. Steve.

OUTSIDE SOURCE Book Review: "Valley of Vision: Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions"

I still smile when I remember one of our staff in Banner of Truth's Carlisle, PA, USA office, saying, "Doesn't EVERYONE in the United States have a copy of 'Valley of Vision' by now?" Well, they should! We should! If you need another's recommendation, check this one out.
SOURCE of the Review: "Ephemeros: The Thinking Christian" blog
BOOK REVIEWED: "The Valley of Vision"
THE REVIEW: "The Puritans recognized that prayer and doctrine are not to be separated. In their prayers they kept the two together. In fact it was their doctrinal understanding which produced such deep and lasting prayers. Theology instilled a thorough passion for prayer. Likewise it is prayer which sinks us deeper into the mysteries of God's self-disclosure of himself. It is prayer which furthers our theology. This collection includes prayers from great men such as Richard Baxter, John Bunyan, Isaac Watts, Charles Spurgeon, and others. A powerful aid to your own prayer life."
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To read this review in its original post, click HERE.
To further check out, our perhaps purchase this book, click HERE for the paperback.
Or click HERE for the leather.
Or click HERE for the CD set, as recorded by Max McLean.

This was MY TURN for a "Sneak Peak"!

I know it's exciting to be back at the Banner of Truth office in Carlisle, PA when a new title arrives for the first time. But today, here in Atlanta, I got my hands on all four of the next new releases from Banner EVEN BEFORE they arrive at our Carlisle warehouse. John Rawlinson, our General Manager from Edinburgh arranged for two early copies of (1) "David: Man of Prayer, Man of War," (2) "The Life and Times of George Whitefield," (3) "Sketches from Church History: Sudent Workbook," and (4) "Let Christ Be Magnified: Calvin's Teaching for Today," to be sent to us here. So if you're among those attending this year's International Christian Retail Association conference, stop by. I'll share my "sneak peak" with you, too! By the way, I happen to know that "Let Christ Be Magnified" will be available from the U.S. warehouse as of Wednesday, with the others soon to follow! Keep watching.

"Hmmm, read any good books on the subject of preaching lately?"

As recorded on PastorBlog.com, Conrad Mbewe, pastor of a church in Zambia , was recently asked, "What books on preaching, or exemplars of it, have you found most influential in your own preaching?
He answered, "The sermons of Charles Haddon Spurgeon come immediately to mind. In the early years of my Christian life, I used to preach some of them out to an empty church building. Well, it was not completely empty because I had a few of my friends sitting in the pews, but it was not a worship service either.
"Martyn Lloyd-Jones’ Evangelistic Sermons and his Old Testament Evangelistic Sermons (both published by the Banner of Truth Trust) are great examples of evangelistic preaching. One can add to this his expositions in Romans and Ephesians. Those sermons are worth their weight in gold! You will notice, therefore, that I have learnt more from books that contain sermons rather than books that teach how to preach."

Time to Head South!

On the road again ... This time, I am in Atlanta, from Friday July 6th through Friday July 13th, representing Banner of Truth at this year's international Christian retail Show. If you're attending, be sure to look us up; you'll find the Banner booth in the International MarketSquare section of the exhibits. Head into that area and you'll be sure to see us! I actually have a number of meetings scheduled with current Banner accounts, as well as several pastors in the area, plus our General Manager is over from Edinburgh, Scotland, so it will no doubt be a busy week. I hope all is well wherever you are. As always, do let us know if there is anything we can do to be of help or encouragement to you! Grace & peace. Steve.
ADDENDUM - Friday, July 6th: Safe arrival here in Atlanta. I'm headed over to the Georgia World Congress Convention Center now to get everything set up. Later ...

OUTSIDE SOURCE Book Review: "The Hand of God"

I so remember the day this book arrived, just a few months ago. The sub-title is key, "The Comfort of Having a Sovereign God." And I was taken back by the tribute in the front of the book, acknowledging that Frederick Leahy mailed this manuscript to the Banner office during the day, and was called home to be with our Lord that night. If you haven't read this yet, check out this unsolicited review, and then read the book!
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SOURCE of the Review: Exiled Preacher blog
BOOK REVIEWED: "The Hand of God," by Frederick Leahy
REVIEW: "This work is packed full of sane, pastoral wisdom and is the product of a passionately God-centred theology. Leahy demonstrates how the sovereignty of God is deeply relevant to every area of life. He makes penetrating application of Biblical teaching to contemporary issues such as the environment and materialism. His main aim is to comfort and strengthen the people of God. Life in this fallen world can sometimes be very difficult and baffling. Leahy deals sensitively with the problem of suffering and evil and assures us that God is in control of all events. The Lord may use suffering to chasten and discipline us, but he always does so in love, for our eternal benefit.In this book, readers will find robustly Biblical teaching on God’s sovereignty in salvation and good, practical discussion of issues like guidance and Christian service. At a time when many Christians seem to shy away from all talk of hell, Leahy writes honestly and compassionately about the final judgement. The chapter, The Hand That Judges is shot through with urgent, evangelistic appeal, making this book useful to unbelievers as well as Christians."
To read this entire review, click HERE.
To check out the book, and possibly make a purchase? Click HERE.

Recordings of Banner's Ministers' Conference

I am often asked, "Can I get a CD or an audio file of the sessions at the Banner of Truth Ministers' Conference?" And the answer, of course, it, "YES!" So let me introduce you to a great resource where you can access a library of this year's, and previous years', Ministers' Conference sessions, plus a lot more. Simply click HERE to take you to Sound Word's directory of recordings from this year's, 2007 Ministers' Conference. From there, you can access other years via the Banner of Truth link on the left side of the Web page. Enjoy!

Welcome Jeff & Anna, and family!

I love it when we get visitors here at the Banner office/warehouse in Carlisle, PA, USA. Today, just a few hours ago actually, Beth emailed me that we have a visitor; she knows I like to personally spend some time with anyone interested enough to come. What a blessing I received! I head downstairs to find Jeff and his 4-year old son, Joseph, perusing the "slightly damaged" books on what I jokingly call Banner's "secret shelves." I had such a great conversation with Jeff; eventually his wife, Anna, joined us along with their 2-year old daughter and 1-year old son. We toured the warehouse (Joseph LOVED the packing peanuts!). That's when I learned how this trip had come about for them. Jeff got a call the other day from a good friend stationed in Iraq, or so Jeff thought. You see, a few days ago, Jeff's friend had been shot and was now recuperating at a military hospital nearby. So Jeff and Anna pack up their little ones and drive several hundred miles to show Christ's love to this young man in the military who is not a believer, who they have been praying for. I guess that was yesterday. Then they decided to include a stop at Banner, even though it meant getting a hotel in the area last night instead of heading right home (they don't know me well enough to know that we could have put them up at our house last night instead!). Well, as we said our good-byes, Anna took a picture of Jeff and me near the Banner sign and we bowed and prayed there on the sidewalk in front of our building. And then they left, probably thinking that they were the ones blessed by Banner; but not realizing that, from our perspective, they had been the blessing to us! Grace & peace. Steve.

OUTSIDE SOURCE Book Review: Spurgeon's Autobiography

Tony Reinke, of The Shepherd's Scrapbook blog, has been reading again. This time, he reviews one of several 2-volume biographies published by Banner of Truth - the autobiography, actually, of C.H. Spurgeon. And I encourage you to check this out directly because it is one exhaustive review of this work! I remember Sinclair Ferguson telling the guys at the 2006 Banner Ministers' Conference that this set was the first Banner book that he had read, when he was about 17 years old! It's a great read; check out Tony's review for some added information on this set. Grace & peace. Steve
SOURCE of the Review: Tony Reinke
BOOK REVIEWED: C.H. Spurgeon's Autobiography - "The Early Years," volume 1; and "The Full Harvest," volume 2
EXCERPT from the Review: "Nowhere is this balanced Christian life better revealed than in Spurgeon's autobiography. He has certainly influenced generations of Christians, and has profoundly impacted the contemporary rise in Calvinists with his irrefutably genuine Christian life and Gospel ministry. A firsthand glimpse into his life and ministry is here in this excellent autobiography and should be on the shelves of every reading Christian." - Tony Reinke
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To review this review for yourself, click HERE.
For more information, or to buy these books, click HERE.

Upcoming Special Anniversary Issue: JOHN NEWTON

The Banner of Truth Announces:

A Special Anniversary Issue of The Banner of Truth Magazine:
“JOHN NEWTON”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 2, 2007

Carlisle, PA, USA – Next week, The Banner of Truth Trust will begin printing a special 64-page, double issue of The Banner of Truth magazine. The whole issue has been given to John Newton, with accounts of his life, his writings, his hymns, an account of the recent Newton event at Olney, among other things. There are original contributions from Michael Haykin, Tom Martin and Iain Murray.

“Our emphasis is pastoral rather than academic,” said Iain Murray, “and our hope is to increase readers of Newton himself for he surely remains of real spiritual value.”

In the expectation that this one-time, double issue will be of special interest, The Banner of Truth is offering a pre-publication price for BULK orders:
50 copies ($3.00 each), or
100 copies ($2.00 each).
The normal price for an individual copy of The Banner of Truth magazine is $7.00.

This is a great opportunity for pastors/churches to introduce the life and faith of John Newton.
But take note: There is a FIRM DEADLINE of Monday, July 9th, 2007, at 12:00 noon (eastern U.S. time).
To reserve your order, call Banner of Truth toll-free, 1-800-263-8085 before that date.

“We are confident your people would not be disappointed if you are able to co-operate in this way with remembering John Newton.” – Iain H. Murray.

Congratulations, Winners!

Yes, my kids know it, too. I can be a "softie," sometimes. So I declared three winners of the Banner Challenge quiz (a few posts ago). Brandon and Matthew and Steven ... your $3.00 Banner Bucks certificates should be in your inbox soon. While some people say, "Don't spend it all in one place," ... well ... I guess you haven't much choice on that one. But where else would you want to spend it! Enjoy. Steve

So Many Books...

... and so little time! And my wonderful wife surprised me with a gift of "The Reagan Diaries" over the weekend. Of course I started it! So now, if you were to ask me, like Seth, a college student I met at PCRT in April asked me yesterday on the phone, "What are you reading now, Steve?" I would have to say: "The Reagan Diaries," AND "The Life of George Whitefield, volume 1," AND "Mortification of Sin," AND "Godly Man's Picture," AND "Raising Children God's Way," AND ......... Like I said ... So many books; so little time! Grace & peace. Steve