August 31, 2007

Congratulations, Eshelman Family!

I enjoyed getting to meet Nathan Eshelman at the most recent Banner of Truth Ministers' Conference last May. Just to show you the kind of fellowship that takes place and comes out of those conference, I awoke this morning to an email on my Blackberry from Nathan, letting me, this "Banner of Truth guy" know that they were on their way to the hospital for baby #3! (Hey, two guys previously have even sent me ultrasound pictures of their expected little ones when they first got the news!). As you can see, Baby Boy Eshelman (still unnamed) has been born, today, August 31, 2007, weighing in at 10 pounds, 4 ounces and is 22 inches long. Congratulations from all of us here at the U.S. office of Banner of Truth!
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ADDENDUM, Friday night, August 31st - The baby has a name! Watson Truth Eshelman. There you have it, the new brother of Owen Justice and Anna Grace.

IT'S FABULOUS FRIDAY - August 31, 2007

It's Friday already? I think they come faster now than they used to! Anyway, here are a few items from our "ever-so-slightly-damaged" book shelves, available at 50% discount from the U.S. office of Banner of Truth. To make a purchase:
(1) Remember, these books are damaged, although slightly!
(2) Quantities are limited or VERY limited; if we run out ... sorry!
(3) Shipping is at your expense.
(3) Call us at 1.800.263.8085; you can't place this order over our Web site (open till 4:00 p.m., eastern time, on Friday). Enjoy, and have a great holiday weekend. Grace & peace. Steve
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TITLE LIST PRICE 50% OFF DAMAGED PRICE
Green Eye of the Storm $12.00 $6.00
Guide to Prayer $14.00 $7.00
Guide to the Puritans $25.00 $12.50
Guilt, Grace and Gratitude Vol 2 $19.50 $9.75
Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, John Calvin $22.00 $11.00
Healthy Christian Growth $2.50 $1.25
Heart For God $8.50 $4.25
Heaven and Hell $12.50 $6.25
Heaven on Earth $9.00 $4.50
Heavenly Springs $8.00 $4.00
Hebrews, Wilson $8.00 $4.00
High Calling of Motherhood $0.85 $0.43
History of Christian Doctrine $24.00 $12.00
History of Princeton Seminary Vol 1 $32.00 $16.00
Holy Spirit, John Owen $9.00 $4.50
I Wills of Christ $10.00 $5.00
I Wills of the Psalms $10.00 $5.00
Inner Sanctuary $9.00 $4.50
James, Thomas Manton $27.00 $13.50
Jeremiah Vol 1, John Calvin $23.00 $11.50
Jeremiah Vol 2, John Calvin $23.00 $11.50
Jeremiah Vol 3, John Calvin $23.00 $11.50
Jeremiah Vol 4, John Calvin $23.00 $11.50
Jeremiah Vol 5, John Calvin $23.00 $11.50
Joel, Amos, Obadiah, John Calvin $22.00 $11.00
John Owen on the Christian Life $39.75 $19.88
John Owen on the Lord's Supper $35.00 $17.50
John Vol 2, J.C. Ryle $14.00 $7.00
John Vol 3, J.C. Ryle $14.00 $7.00
Jonah, Micah, Nahum, John Calvin $22.00 $11.00
Jonah, O. Palmer Robertson $5.00 $2.50
Jonathan Edwards On Knowing Christ $12.00 $6.00
Jonathan Edwards on Revival $10.00 $5.00
Jonathan Edwards, A New Biography $33.00 $16.50
Judges, Andrew R. Fausset $25.00 $12.50
Knowing the Times $28.00 $14.00
Let's Study Acts $16.00 $8.00
Let's Study Galatians $15.00 $7.50
Let's Study Luke $17.00 $8.50
Let's Study Mark $15.00 $7.50
Let's Study Revelation $14.00 $7.00
Letters of John Calvin $10.75 $5.38
Letters of John Newton $8.00 $4.00
Letters of Samuel Rutherford, PB $7.00 $3.50
Letters of Spurgeon $8.00 $4.00
Letters of Thomas Chalmers $29.00 $14.50
Letters on Revival $11.75 $5.88
Leviticus $26.50 $13.25
Life and Letters of Henry Martyn $11.75 $5.88
Life and Sermons of Edward Griffin - Vol 2 $24.50 $12.25
Life of A W Pink $29.00 $14.50
Life of Elijah $8.00 $4.00
Life of Lloyd-Jones Vol 2 $39.00 $19.50
Life of M'Cheyne $8.50 $4.25
Lifting Up For the Downcast $9.00 $4.50
Lives of Robert and James Haldane $35.00 $17.50
Luke Vol 1, J.C. Ryle $14.00 $7.00
Luke Vol 2, J.C. Ryle $14.00 $7.00

August 30, 2007

OUTSIDE SOURCE Book Review: John Owen's "Temptation: Resisted & Repulsed"

If you're wondering about this latest addition to the Puritan Paperback series, please, do check out what Pastor Erik Raymond has to say from his study there in the Omaha Bible Church. This really is a great read, for yourself, and probably 25 others that you encounter on a regular basis! I've only pasted a portion of Erik's review here; click on the link below and read the original over at Erik's blog.
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BOOK REVIEWED: "Temptation: Resisted & Repulsed," by John Owen; abridged and made easier to read by Richard Rushing
REVIEWER: Pastor Erik Raymond, from the Irish Calvinist blog
EXCERPTS FROM THE REVIEW: "As a Christian there are those 'special' times when we are especially afflicted by God with what seems to be a double dose of conviction. The response of praise through pain is one unique to Christian. For in this sanctified pressure we are molded more into the image of Jesus, our Master.
I enjoyed one such season recently as I sat down to read "Temptation: Resisted & Repulsed," by John Owen. The book, released by Banner of Truth and abridged by Richard Rushing was a blessing to my soul and has quickly jumped into my starting rotation of books to recommend to friends who are looking for books to help them grow in sanctification....
I firmly believe that this book is a 'must read' for anyone with a sinful heart who desires to resist temptation and pursue holiness. Get to know yourself as your friend John Owen teaches you about who you really are in light of God's revelation. This book is great for 'one on one' discipleship or a small group setting. It is not a 'tough read' as far as Owen goes. You will want to read it slow through as it seems that each word is laced with a sanctified razorblade to deflate your pride."
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To read this review, in its entirety, click HERE.
For more information on the book, or to buy it, click HERE.

August 29, 2007

Banner of Truth Welcomes "THE REAVELYS"

Last January, I visited the blog of one pastor from just outside of Portland, Oregon. When I mentioned here on this blog that I was headed to the Northwest back then, he emailed me, asking if we could have coffee together. It was then that I first met Pastor Scott Reavely. Several months later, Scott told me that he would be bringing his family east for the family vacation of a lifetime. I will never forget that email; he listed three "must-see" sites on the east coast: (1) our nation's capitol; (2) Gettysburg battlefield; and (3) Banner of Truth! Hehe, I loved it! Today we got to welcome Pastor Scott, his wife Marcia, their son Taylor, and their daughters Lauren, Leslie, Lisa and Layne (I sense an "L" theme after Taylor came along!). What a delight to meet them all, give them a tour and teach them our "Homeschooling 101" class on Banner of Truth. And what timing! They visited us just one day after our shipment of leather Valley of Vision books arrived from China with ten damaged copies from that corner box on the bottom of a pallet. 50% off leather "Valley of Vision" ... a great deal! :-)
Thank you, Scott, and the rest of the family, too, for letting me share in your life and special vacation memories. I hope we have more contact in the future. Grace & peace. Steve.
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Scott pastors New Life Church, West Linn, Oregon ... a suburb of Portland.


Banner of Truth Welcomes "THE EMBERLEYS"

With still over 1,000 miles to go before arriving back home, it was great that Pastor Bill and Sharon Emberley took time out of their trip to visit us at the North American office of Banner of Truth this morning. Bill pastors the Grace Baptist Church in Halifax/Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, and we got to welcome them just one day after they delivered their youngest of three to her first year at Bob Jones University - Needless to say, that fact, combined with us taking our first-born to college just last Friday, caused us to forge an early "let's not talk about that" agreement!
:-)
Bill & Sharon, thank you so much for visiting today. It was our pleasure to meet you and spend time together. May the Lord guide you safely during the rest of your journey home, and we pray for your daughter's good adjustment (and yours) to her being away at school. Grace & peace. Steve.

August 28, 2007

17,880 OF THEM ... HERE ... TODAY!

I didn't actually count them, but that's what they tell me just got rolled into our U.S. warehouse ... 17,880 leather copies of "The Valley of Vision." You do have a copy of this, right? And even extras to give as gifts? Ahhhhh, let me pass along some of the comments I've found out there on the Web with regard to this title. Grace & peace. Steve
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"Only redeemed people who persevered to know God personally and in a real, intimate, and unpretentious way could have penned such powerful, honest, illuminating words of worship and prayer. I am humbled yet encouraged by the richness of these expressions of faith. I am amazed by the metaphors weaved throughout which use the big and the small of God's creation helping me to see His wonder in ways I've not seen before. Next to my daughter Laura, these words inspire me to be a better Christian. Next to my bible, they have become the basis of my prayer life." (B.P., Pittsburgh, PA)
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"We purchased about 20 of the leather bound edition of this book and gave them as graduation gifts to both high school and college students. We have received numerous thanks for the book telling us they use it as preparation for prayer and devotions." (S.K.)
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"Discovered this book when I learned it was one of the favorites of the (Billy) Graham family, esp. Ruth Graham.These puritan prayers draw you to meditate on the awesomeness of God. Beautifully written. Will draw you to the Word of God and to fellowship with Him." (L.O., Tulsa, OK)
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"I found this to be the best devotional I have seen. Makes you examine your life & walk with the Lord & reminds you of the wonderful things he has done for you. Very in-depth." (M.R., Tequesta, FL)
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"I have never been a fan of printed prayers, believing instead that the Christian should pray to God spontaneously. However, this book is breathtakingly beautiful in its heart for God. I read one every morning and have shed tears while reading the prayers. You can almost feel the heart for God of the authors as they beseeched God to guide them in His mercy. They hold true completly for today. If the language of the time bothers you, you could simply substitute 'you or your' for 'thy or thine'. I pray them the way they were written. This is an absolutely wonderful and spiritual book. Don't hesitate to purchase it." (S.S., Clover, SC)

August 27, 2007

Whew! "The Valley of Vision" is just Hours Away!

Like they say, "I've got some GOOD NEWS and I've got some BAD NEWS; which do you want first?"
The BAD news is that we are, and have been, out of the leather version of "The Valley of Vision" for several weeks now. Ugh!
The GOOD news is that it's not December when so many of you are wanting this. But the BETTER news is that 17,000 of them - yes indeed, 17,000! - will be arriving here at our U.S. Banner of Truth warehouse tomorrow! Whew! So if you have this on back order, be assured that you'll be getting it soon.
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A little personal update - Life does go on after you take your first-born little girl to college. It sure is a weird feeling, though. Really weird. Grace & peace. Steve.

August 25, 2007

Checking Out The Gems

This next week, Banner's U.S. office will launch the "Discover Our Hidden Treasures" sale. A bookstore manager had emailed me, 'Can you give us a list of Banner books that do NOT sell well.' When I asked him why, he replied, 'There's no such thing as a 'bad' Banner book. If a book isn't selling, it must be a HIDDEN TREASURE that someone better tell us about!" What a great idea (thanks, KC!). The flier, with 40%-45% savings will go out this next week. Here on the blog, I thought I'd feature some of those HIDDEN TREASURES during the coming days. So stay tuned. The first treasure to be featured here is ....

THE MILK OF THE WORD
An Introduction to the Christian Faith
by Peter Barnes
List Price: $6.00 (U.S. currency)
GEM Price: $3.60 (40% off)
Here's what the back of this book says,
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"Peter Barnes writes with the strong conviction that the spread of biblical doctrine across the earth is the great need of this age. In clear, simple terms, and with constant appeal to Scripture, he gives an introduction to fundamental truths of the Faith. This is a book which will be found of great value to all who have a heart-hunger for the knowledge of God. Chapter titles: The Word of God; The Triune God; Jesus Christ: God and Man; The Atonement; The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit."
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After taking another look at this short paperback (just 79 pages), it is exactly what that says - "simple terms" abound, and Scripture is used everywhere. If you know a relatively new believer, this would be great. But I can see a dad reading this to the family, with kids looking up the Scripture references as you go. Also, I know a young guy who is not a believer and has grown up fairly ignorant of the Word or church - I'm thinking of giving him a copy.
Another value that I found in this book is the list of other books recommended for deeper study in his "For Further Reading" section at the end of each chapter. After the chapter, "The Word of God," for example, he recommends: "Thy Word is Truth, by E.J. Young (Banner of Truth, 1963), "God Has Spoken," J.I. Packer (Hodder & Stoughton, 1979), and "Christ and the Bible," by J.W. Wenham (Tyndale Press, 1972). Did you note that they aren't just Banner books that are recommended? So within these 79 pages, you get some sips of milk with added good recipes and ingredients for more solid meat along the way. At a price of $6.00, I think this is a good book to always have on hand, ready to give as a gift (I love to give away books). But at this special $3.60 price, all the better.
Watch for our HIDDEN TREASURES flier in the mail, or email me your desire to get a copy and I'll reply with the PDF attached. Grace & peace. Steve.

August 23, 2007

It was 18 years and 10 months ago when this picture could have been me at home - a brand new dad amazed that fingers could be so small. Today, those tiny fingers are now attached to what you see pictured here, on the right. And tomorrow (Friday) morning, our family will take those fingers, along with the rest of our oldest daughter and LOTS AND LOTS OF STUFF (or so I'm told) to begin life away from Mom and Dad and her two sisters ... on her own, with God. And if I continue this thought beyond what I've already typed, I will have problems seeing my computer screen. Where DOES the time go? Amazing - We will miss her.
With that in mind, I'm going to postpone our "Fabulous Friday" list until next week. I guess my mind has been elsewhere today. Thanks for your prayers, the emails that some of you have sent, and even the couple of calls I've had with a few of you today. Always good to hear from you. I'm "off" tomorrow, so will catch you back here next week. Grace & peace. Steve.
ADDENDUM, FRIDAY NIGHT - We're back home. It was a good day, but this is hard. All in time, right? Good night.

August 22, 2007

Family Worship!

I love this picture. I met Nathan, the father of these two, at this past May's Banner of Truth Ministers' Conference; I found this picture over at his Facebook Web site. He called it, "Family Worship," and it serves as another reminder to all of us that such family times are incredibly important. How many of you regularly gather your families together for a time of worship there in your own home? Reading the Word ... Singing in worship ... Praying together as a family. It can be a struggle at times, given how busy life can become. Is such "Family Worship" happening in your home? If so, what does it look like?

August 21, 2007

I'm Coming To Louisville!

I finally got my plans worked out to visit Louisville, KY, with a good bit of time on the campus of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. I've actually gotten to know a few of you SBTS students and hope to at least have some coffee with you during this trip. I arrive Thursday, September 6, a little after 12:00 noon and will be in town for a couple of days, definitely spending some time in the Seminary bookstore Friday afternoon, plus a few other places. If you want to get some time together, let me know, OK? I'm looking forward to it.

Hidden Treasures Abound!

Wow, when it comes to gems, we all know about those sparklie kind that costs TONS of money and seem so small and easy to lose (at least to guys like me). BUT there's also the book kind that costs a whole lot less and, depending on the book, can be of eternal value! Now which would you choose? Diamonds or a Banner book? Rubies or a Banner book? The answer, of course, is ... the diamonds or rubies BECAUSE we could sell them and buy more Banner books!!!!!
:-)
Anyway, in putting the new promotions mailer together (shown here, on the right), it's been great discovering for myself some of the "gems" or "hidden treasures" here inside the U.S. Banner of Truth warehouse, especially some of the biographies of people whose names you would never recognize ... but God would, and does! Good stuff! Solid stuff! I've listed a lot of them in the mailer at 40%-45% off, but do you think that's too much of a discount? I mean, we want to get them into the hands of people who will read them, but I can't forget that I'm taking my firstborn daughter to college this Friday, too!
:-)
The mailer will be available soon, I promise. Make sure I have your email address and I'll include you in the first wave that goes out! Grace & peace. Steve.

August 20, 2007

OUTSIDE SOURCE Book Review: "Through the Year, with William Still"

You will definitely be seeing more of this book as the year draws closer to an end. With its daily readings starting in January, this is a perfect book to be thinking, even now, as a great gift idea for whomever ... Just to put a little "bug" in your ear, as they say (who is that "they," anyway? Ever wonder that?) :-)
Grace & peace. Steve.


BOOK REVIEWED:
"Through the Year, with William Still"
REVIEWER: Andrew, at Marks of Authentic Mission blog
EXCERPT FROM THIS REVIEW: "Sinclair Ferguson has publicly stated that no one has had a greater spiritual impact on his life than William Still! William Still was the minister of Gilcomston South Church, Aberdeen, from 1945 to 1997. While his name may not feature in the official annals of the Church of Scotland, it is doubtful whether any other individual in his Church during the latter half of the twentieth century had such a profound or widespread influence. For over fifty years Mr Still pioneered a single-minded commitment to expository preaching and congregational prayer which made Gilcomston a beacon of Reformed and evangelical Christianity in Scotland. A man whose very life breathed the grace and love of God, no one who ever met him, received his counsel, or sat under his ministry, could have escaped the sheer Christlikeness of Mr Still's life. In the early days of his ministry he wrote: "There is no part of me, or of my life, that I will withhold from the work that God has called me to." It was one of the marks of his evident commitment to the service of Christ that he devoted himself to the pastoral care of his people, providing them with daily Bible reading notes that would feed their souls and prepare them for works of service. The "Notes", which appeared in the monthly "Congregational Record", soon became highly sought after across Scotland, the United Kingdom, and even to the far-flung corners of the world, increasing in many a love for and commitment to the Word of God. Drawn from every book in the Bible, this selection, edited and arranged by David C. Searle, will take the reader through the year with William Still. These pages will explain what it means to live under the authority of Scripture, to exalt the glorious Person of Christ, and to rejoice in the wonder of the gospel. "To commend these Daily Bible Readings of William Still is both a privilege and a pleasure. Although my exposure to Mr Still's preaching ministry was episodic, I never failed to benefit deeply, both from his insights into the text, and from the way he located the text within the flow of redemptive history. Whatever else William Still was he was never dull. These Daily Readings will enlarge your biblical horizons, lift up our Lord Jesus Christ, and challenge you to see the life of faith as a response to astonishing grace." (Rev. Ian Hamilton, Cambridge Presbyterian Church.This is a handsomely bound volume containing nearly 400 pages which can be obtained from the Banner of Truth Trust, Amazon and the Book Depositoryor Evangelical Book Shop Belfast.Along with his three volume 'Works' published by Rutherford House, 'The world of grace' and 'the work of the Pastor' this will be a most valued book in any Christian's library.
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To access the blog where this review appeared, click HERE.
For more information, or to buy this book, click HERE.

Ahhhh, that Special Fellowship at the Banner of Truth Ministers' Conference!

I had no idea, but apparently each year at the annual Banner of Truth U.S. Minsters' Conference, the men attending from the RPCNA and the ARPC get their picture taken together. I just saw this picture recently elsewhere on the Web. Check it out ... young and old, new and "well-seasoned," this speaks to the great brother-to-brother fellowship that takes place each year at the Banner conference. You may have heard me say that, even though I live nearby, I stay on campus with the rest of the guys just to be a part of that fellowship. If your a guy in ministry, or preparing to be one (pastor, elder, deacon, missionary, chaplain, seminary student), give some serious thought to joining us for the 2008 conference, May 27-28, with Iain Murray, Richard Philips, and more. If you have any pictures of previous conferences, let me know. I might like to use some as we put together the brochure for next year's event. Thanks. Steve.

August 18, 2007

From Inside the Banner Walls ...

As one week ends, and another begins ...
(1) Our warehouse manager, Jake, returns on Monday. He's been off for two weeks as he and his wife have adopted a baby boy. We are all very excited for them and are looking forward to having him back.
(2) In Jake's absence, the Lord provided Jared, a recent high school graduate that I met two years ago while he was working at a local office products store. That ongoing relationship put me into Jared's life so, when I learned of his sudden unemployment just days before Jake was to leave, I took it as the Lord's provision. Jared worked full-time these last two weeks and quickly became appreciated by all. He did a great job. Thanks, Jared!
(3) We will soon be extending the second floor in our U.S. warehouse to get more space. I met with a guy this week to discuss. We continue to grow here at Banner, releasing more new books and receiving more inventory in the U.S. warehouse due to the fact that we are now printing here in the U.S. All good things!
(4) The new mailer is done and should be in the mail soon (I can email it sooner; if interested send me your email address). This will be something different - featuring the "Hidden Treasures" within the Banner warehouse - great books that many of you might just not be aware of, and we'll be offering them at substantial discounts!
(5) On a personal note, this is the last week before we take our first-born daughter to college. I cut her umbilical cord over 18 years ago - Where does the time go?
Grace & peace ... Have a great weekend ... Steve

OUTSIDE SOURCE Book Review: "Temptation: Resisted & Repulsed," by John Owen

BOOK REVIEWED: "Temptation: Resisted & Repulsed," by John Owen, abridged and made easier to read by Richard Rushing - A Puritan Paperback from Banner of Truth
REVIEWER: Bill at Freedom Fighters blog
EXCERPT FROM HIS REVIEW: "This summer I read a book that I have wanted to read for several years but just couldn't get through it. Puritan John Owen has a huge work on temptation, but our friends at Banner of Truth recently released an abridged edition. IT IS A MUST READ!!! For the next several days, I want to share with you some nuggets that I have gleaned from the book that I believe we all need to hear in regards to temptation.
"It was helpful for me to understand the definition of temptation: 'A temptation, in general, is anything that, for any reason, exerts a force or influence to seduce and draw the mind and heart of man from the obedience which God requires of him to any kind of sin. In particular, it is a temptation if it causes a man to sin, gives him opportunity to do so, or causes him to neglect his duty. Temptation may suggest evil to heart, or draw out the evil that is already there! It is also a temptation to a man if something is by any means able to distract him from his communion with God, or the consistent universal obedience that is required of him. To clarify, I am considering temptation not just as the active force of seduction to sin, but also the thing itself by which we are tempted. Whatever it is, within us or without us, that hinders us from duty or provides an occasion for sin, this should be considered temptation. It could be business, employment, the course of one's life, company, affections, nature, corrupt purposes, relations, delights, honor, reputation, esteem, position, abilities, gifts, etc., that provide the opportunity to sin or neglect duty. These are true temptations just as much as the most violent solicitations of Satan or allurements of the world. Whoever does not realize this in on the brink of ruin."
Temptation - Resisted and Repulsed
, by John Owen
"Think through your particular temptations through the lens of this powerful definition of temptation. My guess is that you never thought about it that way - well I hope you will now."
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To read this review in its entirety, click HERE.
For more information, and/or to buy the book, click HERE.

August 17, 2007

IT'S FABULOUS FRIDAY - August 17, 2007

Hmmm - Can you believe it totally slipped my mind that today is Friday? Sorry. But since I did post last week's list EARLY, on Thursday, maybe it all balances out. Regardless, here it is - Not all of what we have, but 60 of the titles on our ever-so-slightly-damaged shelves. And, in case you're new ... these "ever-so-slightly-damaged" books that are available at 50% discount from the U.S. office of Banner of Truth. To make a purchase:
(1) Remember, these books are damaged, although slightly!
(2) Quantities are limited, in some cases VERY limited; if we run out ... sorry!
(3) Shipping is at your expense.
(3) Call us at 1-800-263-8085; you can't place this order over our Web site (open till 4:00 p.m., eastern time, on Friday).
Believe it our not, my total list is over 250 titles (even though we may have just one available copy of a number of them on our damaged shelves). As before, if you'd like to see the full current list, send me an email and I'll send it to you (Excel spreadsheet). Grace & peace. Steve
===============================================

Title List Price Damaged Price: 50% Off
Acceptable Sacrifice $8.00 $4.00
All Loves Excelling $7.00 $3.50
All Round Ministry $15.00 $7.50
An A-Z of Christian Truth $21.00 $10.50
Apostasy From the Gospel $9.00 $4.50
Art of Prophesying $8.00 $4.00
Authority $5.00 $2.50
Basis of Christian Unity $7.00 $3.50
Behind a Frowning Providence $2.50 $1.25
Biblical Doctrines $28.00 $14.00
Bleeding of the Evangelical Church $2.00 $1.00
Body of Divinity PB $16.00 $8.00
Call the Sabbath a Delight $7.50 $3.75
Callings $19.00 $9.50
Calvinism: Pure and Mixed $7.00 $3.50
Case for Traditional Protestantism $14.00 $7.00
Charity and Its Fruits $19.00 $9.50
Christ Triumphant $25.00 $12.50
Christian in Complete Armour $48.00 $24.00
Christian Life $10.00 $5.00
Christian Love $6.00 $3.00
Christian View of Man $10.75 $5.38
Christian, Following Christ as Lord $8.50 $4.25
Christians Grieve Too $2.50 $1.25
Come Down, Lord $3.75 $1.88
Communion With God $9.00 $4.50
Counterfeit Miracles $12.00 $6.00
Cross, The Vindication of God $2.00 $1.00
Daily Prayer and Praise Vol 1 $8.00 $4.00
Day God Made,The $8.00 $4.00
Discourses and Sayings of Our Lord Vol 3 $23.00 $11.50
Discovering God's Will $7.75 $3.88
Divine Challenge $15.00 $7.50
Divine Glory of Christ $5.00 $2.50
Doctrine of God $36.00 $18.00
Earnest Ministry $18.00 $9.00
Ecclesiastes $20.00 $10.00
Elizabeth Prentiss $24.00 $12.00
Ernest C. Reisinger: A Biography $29.75 $14.88
Evangelicalism Divided $23.00 $11.50
Evangelistic Sermons $17.00 $8.50
Everlasting Righteouness $9.00 $4.50
Final Word $7.00 $3.50
Force of Truth $5.75 $2.88
Forgotten Spurgeon $10.50 $5.25
Fraser Tallach: Not a Private Matter $9.00 $4.50
Galatians, John Brown $29.00 $14.50
Gateway to the Old Testament $12.00 $6.00
Genesis $39.75 $19.88
George Whitefield Vol 2 $45.00 $22.50
George Whitefield's Journal $25.00 $12.50
Glorious Body of Christ $19.00 $9.50
Glorious Freedom $8.00 $4.00
God and Cosmos $13.00 $6.50
God Centered Evangelism $10.00 $5.00
God is Love $10.00 $5.00
God Transcendent $10.00 $5.00
Gospel of Free Acceptance in Christ $28.00 $14.00
Grace and the Gentiles $11.00 $5.50
Great Divide $8.75 $4.38

OH NO! I FORGOT!

It's Friday, isn't it??? Sorry! I got busy with who knows what ... I'll get some slightly-damaged books up on the blog soon. Stay tuned.
Steve

August 15, 2007

Could You Help?

I recently received the following email - How would YOU respond? What lists would you suggest?
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Dear BOT
I have read from your resources for well over 10 years and am blessed by your devotion to keeping alive treasures from Christians who have been inspired by our Lord to write wonderful commentaries on scripture, faith, and living in Him.
Our son is 13 and is an avid reader.
I was wondering if you would give some sincere, studied thought to 10 books that you feel are by far the best 10 books (for a teenager) in your library of 100's.
Our son reads at a high school level, sometimes 800 pages in a day (if he isn't playing hockey or tennis) so, he is definitely a mature reader.
Second, if I may ask, could you list 10 books that are the top ten for an adult.
I know this is a bit of a big request, so, please, please take your time.
Many, many Blessings.
B_____
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So what do you think? What would be your (10) Banner "must read" books for a high school student, and then what would be your (10) Banner "must read" books for an adult ... and would these lists be the same, or different?
Anxiously awaiting your responses! :-)
Steve

August 14, 2007

Remembering One of Our "Family"

The following comment was added to a previous post, but I was thinking that few people might see it there, and it was something I just wanted to share as part of the "Banner family." My post referenced the recent homegoing of Pastor Scott Petersen, indeed a part of this "Banner family," and one who enjoyed that special preaching and fellowship of the Banner Ministers' Conference. Anyway, here's the note from Peter to me (thanks, Peter).
Steve
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Dear Steve, on behalf of the family and friends of Scott Petersen, I would like to thank you for your prayers and good work. Scott greatly appreciated your work at BOT and loved the Banner Conference. Though I had bought Banner books and subscribed to BOT, Scott got me attending BOT beginning with the 2005 Conference, and D.V., I shall continue. Scott was a dear friend and mentor to me, and the man who ordained me. He was a champion of biblical Christianity in a place and a denomination where many hearts have grown cold. May his life be a call to all to return to our First Love, whole-heartedly, and at any cost. Because I love Christ and Scott, I say, Soli Deo Gloria!
Rev. Peter Butler Jr.
www.secondrefirvington.blogspot.com

OUTSIDE SOURCE Book Review: "Andrew Bonar: Diary and Life"

I hate to say this, but ... the Banner of Truth warehouse here in the U.S. is temporarily out of this title. But I'm going to share this OUTSIDE SOURCE Book Review with you anyway in hopes that you might make a mental note for a future purchase (as in a gift for someone special?). Grace & peace. Steve.
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BOOK REVIEWED:
"Andrew Bonar: Life and Diary"
REVIEWER: Rosemary, at The Seasonings of the Heart blog
THE REVIEW: "Eating lunch at an Indian restaurant followed by spending a chunk of time at a used bookstore makes for a happy midday date for my husband and me. Add to that the discovery Andrew A. Bonar, Diary and Life published by Banner of Truth Trust, and I’m (as we used to say in Tennessee) happy as a pig in mud. Andrew Bonar seems best known as the author of the Life of Robert Murray M’Cheyne, which is why I recognized the name when I saw the book on the shelf.
The entries in Bonar’s diary reveal a man devoted to God and his work, yet keenly aware of his frailties and shortcomings. He was convinced of the necessity of prayer and preaching the pure Gospel, and his life was an example of living out what he preached, but he often lamented his failure to pray and serve and know God as he should. (This was a man who prayed for hours each day!)
From the Introduction: The main lesson we learn from the life of Andrew Bonar, as indeed from all the great saints of God, is that what is real in the life of man has more affinity with the solitude of the closet than with the stir of outward things. If reality in religion is to be reached again by the present generation of Christians, then the outward must occupy less of our time and the inward more.
Yes. Most of us spend our time distracted by the “outward,” and even when we focus on the “inward” our interest has a self-centered core. We want our lives to run smoothly, for troubles to be dispatched quickly and easily, for relationships to be enjoyable rather than messy. How different it would be if the first passion of our lives was to love God with all our mind, soul and strength and every activity of our lives served the purpose of making Him known in the world.
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You can still order the book now and we'll ship it as soon as it arrives. To do so, click HERE.

August 13, 2007

OUTSIDE SOURCE Book Review: "Jesus Himself: The Story of the Resurrection," by Marcus Loane

BOOK REVIEWED: "Jesus Himself: The Story of the Resurrection," by Marcus Loane
REVIEWER: Pastor Erik Raymond, Omaha Bible Church at the Irish Calvinist blog
THE REVIEW: "Jesus Himself, The Story of the Resurrection," is a heart stirring little book that endeavors to bring you through a harmonization of the gospel accounts of the resurrection. Loane interacts with the events on that glorious resurrection morning with affectionate contemplation and historical commentary. Additionally, Loane takes us through the events of the days ahead where Jesus appeared to so many of his disciples.
The book is short (126 pages) and is by no means intended to be an exhaustive commentary. Rather it serves well as a devotional review of the resurrection. The chapters themselves are short and move quickly. Some of the chapter titles are listed below:
- Certain Women
- Emmaus
- The Fire of Coals
- The Heart of Love
I enjoyed portions of the book where Loane was intentional in his exhortation and application. In particular the writer was helpful in the chapter entitled, "The Heart of Love." This was the chapter dealing with our Lord's questioning of Peter's love for him (Jn. 21.17ff). I would have liked to see him do this type of thing more throughout the book. For the stirring of affections to marvel translates in a life that is lived out of a response of seeing and being impressed with Jesus, to the glory of God.
This would be a great book for folks to read as a family or even in a small group to interact with the devotional commentary by Loane. If you are leading such a group (at home or in another setting), I would suggest writing up some application questions or points of exhortation.
"Jesus Himself," can be ordered via the Banner of Truth bookstore.
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To access this review at the Irish Calvinist blog, click HERE.
To learn more of this book, and/or to buy it, click HERE.

Fellowship in the Woods

Each year, our church goes camping for a weekend. And when I say "our church," I pretty much mean just about the entire church. With a weekly attendance usually a bit shy of 200, this past weekend we had over 120 people camping, plus another 40+ visiting for a day. It is a great time of fellowship for all. Our family got our pop-up camper to the beautiful Cowan's Gap State Park in between thunderstorms; that's good! Setting up in the rain, let alone a thunderstorm, is always an undesirable task. And the rest of the weekend was warm and dry, perfect for swimming, volleyball, early morning runs, Saturday night's singing and Sunday morning's worship. I had the Sunday morning service. I love teaching and preaching outside like that, surrounded by families in lawn chairs, etc., as we open the Word together. Our challenge was God's message to Samuel that God does not look on the outward stature of a man, but God looks upon the heart. And what does it look like when a man has a heart that beats after God's own heart, as David did. I have a hard time preaching such messages when I know that I stand there wishing that my own heart beat more after God's. Anyway, I was out of the office on Friday, but Walter Chantry's new book, "David: Man of Prayer, Man of War," arrived. It's here, and it looks GREAT! Pastor Chantry even stopped in late Friday afternoon and left me a signed copy on my desk (thanks, Walt). While I can't offer you all signed copies, I can certainly encourage you to get this latest book from Banner of Truth! More to come. Steve.

August 11, 2007

How about a "Discovering the Lost Treasures" Sale?

With attention being given to all of the new releases from Banner of Truth (14 in the past 4 months alone, with 9 more coming this Fall!), I'm beginning to see how some "Banner Treasures," as I'll call them, could get forgotten. A perfect example was Tim Challies' recent mention of Leahy's, "The Cross He Bore." Tim was right; this is an absolute gem worth re-reading annually! But it's only one of many such gems in this building! It had sadly become one of our "Lost Treasures" until Tim brought it back into the light of day! Hmmmm. It makes you wonder what other "treasures" are in this place, doesn't it? Hidden treasures awaiting rediscovery, or even discovery for the first time by a whole new generation! So, I got to thinking ... Let's have a "Discovering the Lost Treasures" Sale! I'm already working on it - a mailing that will feature an incredible number of titles with savings ... well ... savings bigger than you'd normally see from Banner. And remember, these are NOT damaged books! Just "Lost Treasures" from within the recesses of our U.S. warehouse that need to be rediscovered, or discovered for the first time by a whole new generation. Interested? Email me (steve@banneroftruth.org) your mailing address, and I'll make sure you're on our list. But do it soon. I'm close to getting this mailing out of here!

August 10, 2007

It's FABULOUS FRIDAY - August 10, 2007

Posted a little early, since I'm headed out of town this weekend!
Anyway ... briefly stated ... in case you're new ... the following is a partial list of the "ever-so-slightly-damaged" books that are available at 50% discount from the U.S. office of Banner of Truth. To make a purchase:
(1) Remember, these books are damaged, although slightly!
(2) Quantities are limited, in some cases VERY limited; if we run out ... sorry!
(3) Shipping is at your expense.
(3) Call us at 1-800-263-8085; you can't place this order over our Web site.
Believe it our not, my total list is 284 titles (even though we may have just one available copy of a number of them on our damaged shelves). I suppose if you'd like to see the full list, send me an email and I'll send it to you (Excel spreadsheet). Grace & peace. Steve.
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Banner of Truth's
Ever-So-Slightly-Damaged Books
8/9/2007
ISBN Title List Price Damaged Price
2778 1 Corinthians, Wilson-OP $8.00 $4.00
3393 1&2 Thessalonians, Wilson 339-5 $8.00 $4.00
8206 1&2 Timothy and Titus 820-6 $28.00 $14.00
2952 2 Corinthians, Wilson 295-X $8.00 $4.00
1962 James, Thomas Manton 074-4 $27.00 $13.50
4567 Jeremiah Vol 1, John Calvin 547-9 $23.00 $11.50
5151 Jeremiah Vol 2, John Calvin 548-7 $23.00 $11.50
5601 Jeremiah Vol 3, John Calvin 549-5 $23.00 $11.50
5168 Jeremiah Vol 4, John Calvin 550-9 $23.00 $11.50
8701 Jeremiah Vol 5, John Calvin 551-7 $23.00 $11.50
1122 Joel, Amos, Obadiah, John Calvin 474-X $22.00 $11.00
5779 John Owen on the Christian Life 503-7 $39.75 $19.88
5083 Jonah, Micah, Nahum, John Calvin 475-8 $22.00 $11.00
5397 Judges, Andrew R. Fausset 762-5 $25.00 $12.50
1665 Leviticus 086-8 $26.50 $13.25
6912 Owen Vol 13 - Ministry and Fellowship 063-9 $28.00 $14.00
0125 Owen Vol 14 - True and False Religion 062-0 $28.00 $14.00
3348 Owen Vol 2 - Communion With God 124-4 $28.00 $14.00
8879 Owen Vol 4 - Reason of Faith 068-X $28.00 $14.00
3423 Owen Vol 8 - Semons to the Nations 066-3 $28.00 $14.00
1870 Psalm 119 Vol 2, Thomas Manton $26.67 $13.34
6578 Psalm 119 Vol 3, Thomas Manton $26.66 $13.33
3225 Psalm 119, Charles Bridges 176-7 $29.00 $14.50
5090 Psalms, David Dickson 481-2 $39.00 $19.50
9265 Romans 1 - Gospel of God 467-7 $34.00 $17.00
8251 Romans 10 - Saving Faith 737-4 $36.00 $18.00
7834 Romans 7:1-8:4 - The Law 180-5 $35.75 $17.88
3621 Romans 8:5-17 - The Sons of God 207-0 $34.00 $17.00
6554 Romans 9 - God's Sovereign Purpose 579-7 $32.00 $16.00
7339 Sermons on 2 Samuel, John Calvin 578-9 $47.00 $23.50
6592 Sermons On Hebrews Vol 3, M'Cheyne 875-3 $24.00 $12.00
0934 Works of Brooks - Vol 5 $27.00 $13.50
3003 Works of David Clarkson - Vol 1 $23.00 $11.50
4826 Works of David Clarkson - Vol 2 $23.00 $11.50
3683 Works of George Swinnock Vol 3 $27.00 $13.50
7919 Works of George Swinnock Vol 4 $27.00 $13.50
8008 Works of George Swinnock Vol 5 $27.00 $13.50
1108 Works of John Bunyan Vol 3 $33.00 $16.50
4598 Works of John Newton Vol 1 $27.00 $13.50
3553 Works of John Newton Vol 3 $27.00 $13.50
5953 Works of John Newton Vol 4 $27.00 $13.50
3102 Works of Jonathan Edwards Vol 2 217-8 $48.00 $24.00
9395 Works of Richard Sibbes Vol 1 169-4 $27.00 $13.50
3270 Works of Richard Sibbes Vol 7 341-7 $27.00 $13.50
5588 Writings of John Murray Vol 1 241-0 $41.00 $20.50
7278 Writings of John Murray Vol 2 242-9 $41.00 $20.50
5571 Writings of John Murray Vol 4340-9 $41.00 $20.50
8138 Zechariah, Malachi, John Calvin 476-6 $27.00 $13.50