Relased Today!

Just in today A Christian Directory, by Richard Baxter & Forward by J. I. Packard. A Christian Directory is a comprehensive survey of practical theology. In it, Richard Baxter instructs Christians on a host of issues that they face in life. He gives directions for ordering ones personal life before God, performing duties in family relationships, fulfilling responsibilities within the life of the church, and living uprightly in relation to public officials and one’s neighbors. This book does a masterful job in combining the principles of communion with God and the specifics of obedience to God. No Puritan work on applied theology has approached the popularity, scope, or depth of this treatise. With widespread interest in counseling and practical, biblical living in today’s church, Baxter’s work should be a welcome addition to every library and to anyone who wishes to give solid scriptural answers to man’s most important questions.

Review of The Religious Affections by Jonathan Edwards

My plan in reviewing The Religious Affections by Jonathan Edwards is to break this review down into the same sections that he did in his book. There are three main areas in which he explains what the correct affections are that one must look for in the life of a believer. His first section shows what affections should be in the Christian life, and the importance of them. From there, Edwards goes deeper into explaining what signs seem to be genuine signs, but may not be genuine at all. Lastly, Edwards then gives the signs that he believes make a distinction of the true believer from the world.

The Religious Affections was quite hard to read due to Edwards’ overuse of commas, colons, and semicolons. His sentences never seemed to stop thinking. What I mean by this is that Edwards’ thoughts tend to be so deep and so long that he would barely give the reader time to rest his brain while reading the book. As the reader, you must constantly be entirely into this book or you’ll be lost in a matter of seconds. I have not thought so much while reading in a long, long time; but I have also not read a book more soul convicting, mind captivating, and heart grasping than this book by Jonathan Edwards.
What I found quite intriguing was the number of books I came across that commentated on this book, and how many authors have already given their own interpretation of this particular book due to its heaviness of material and ideas that Edwards goes over. But this does not mean that we shouldn’t plow along and walk through the deep trenches of his writings. As Sam Stone says in his interpretation of The Religious Affections,

“The theology of Jonathan Edwards and his insight into the nature of religious experience are simply too important, too relevant, and too enriching to sacrifice on the altar of some lofty ideal that is beneath his (and our) dignity to make his work accessible to a more general audience.”
Therefore, my plan to is go over each of the major sections, and while doing that, to cover one key idea, sign, theological importance, or whatever it may be in that section that I personally found most important.

THE APOLOGETICAL VALUE OF THE SELF-WITNESS OF SCRIPTURE

(Posted by James M. Grier)

INTRODUCTION

Philosophy traditionally has handled the analysis of the origin of knowledge by making authority one of the four possible sources of knowledge. Two sources of knowledge have been viewed as secondary sources: authority and intuition-mysticism. Two sources of knowledge have been viewed as primary: empiricism-experience and rationalism-thinking. The epistemological value of authority has been to corroborate the primary sources of knowledge.

This de facto analysis of knowledge has lulled our critical faculties to sleep by causing us to accept the idea that there are three sources of knowledge that are independent of any dogmatic authoritative assumptions. Knowledge has to be gained by the use of man’s sensory, rational, or intuitive powers with their correlative tests for truth of correspondence, coherence, and self-evidence. All authorities must be scrutinized by
these cognitive capacities of man while the empirical-rational-intuitive sources are seen as non-authoritative. The problem of knowledge has been given an answer by the definition of sources.

Reflection reveals that the empirical, rational, and mystical sources of knowledge are based on non-demonstrable assumptions and are as dogmatic and authoritarian as authority. This is simply to assert that every epistemological system begins with non-demonstrable assumptions. These assumptions constitute a very real commitment to authority, although it is obscured by the use of language and by definition.

Man has faced the question of cognitive authority from Eden until the present. Adam sought epistemological independence from God in order to decide for himself whose word was true and thus authoritative. Satan, speaking through the serpent, asserted that the eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil would not result in death but rather would yield an increment of knowledge and an expanded vista of perception. God, on the other hand, asserted that eating would bring certain death. Adam faced the problem of conflicting truth claims. To determine which claim was the true and dependable guide for conduct, Adam established a third authority. He weighed the converging and diverging evidence for each hypothesis and thus became the final authority and standard for truth. How should Adam have responded to this epistemological ethical test? Is it possible to identify the words of God by a standard external to those words? The purpose of this article is to explore the apologetical value of the self-referential words of God.

Dr. Beeke’s Top Three Commentaries on Joshua

#1 Joshua, by James Boise

“The secret of success is to know God’s Word, speak about it, meditate on it, and then, above all, do it. In God’s world there is no substitute for full obedience.” Joshua was a soldier. According to James Montgomery Boice, he was “one of the most extraordinary military commanders of all time.” But what sets Joshua apart from his predecessors and successors, says Boice, was his obedience to the Word of God. This insightful commentary follows a chosen commander whose obedience successfully brought him through the Jewish conquest of Canaan. Chapter by chapter and verse by verse, Boice explores the entire book of Joshua, from Joshua’s military commissioning to the crossing of the Jordan River, from the Israelite victory at Jericho to the division of Canaan among the twelve tribes, which set the stage for God’s people to prosper forever in obedience to him. James Montgomery Boice (1938-2000) was senior pastor of Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was also president and co-founder of the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals, the parent organization of The Bible Study Hour, on which Boice was a speaker for more than thirty years.

#2 Notes on Joshua, by George Bush

(Out of Print) Download FREE!

#3 Gleanings in Joshua, by A.W. Pink

(Out of Print) Read FREE!

New Titles

What do you do when you have really blown it? How can a broken sinner stand before God without fear? Is there such a thing as a new beginning? Whiter than Snow answers these questions through fifty- two meditations on Psalm 51. Designed for busy believers, these reflections are brief, engaging, and practical.

In Affirming the Apostle’s Creed, an excerpt from Growing in Christ, noted Bible scholar and author J. I. Packer explains the meaning and implications of each phrase of this great creed. Each concise chapter serves as an invitation to dive further into the creed—and as a result, into the essentials of the Christian faith—by concluding with discussion questions and Bible passages for further study.

For more of the New Titles that we are carrying at RHB check them out here.

Book Review: Biblical Theology, by John Owen

Posted by Nathan Pitchford

Synopsis: John Owen’s Biblical Theology is unique in that, in a very real sense, it stands at the head of the modern biblical-theological method of studying the scriptures. The comprehensiveness with which it treats of natural and special revelation, combined with the eminently practical exhortations with which it concludes, makes it well worth reading, not just by virtue of its unique place in history, but in its own right.

The recently translated Biblical Theology of John Owen is perhaps the prototypical model of a fully developed redemptive-historical method of organizing theology. The heart of the work, in which the unfolding of evangelical theology is traced from the Fall to the coming of Christ, is thorough, clearly-organized, and scripturally-sound – in a word, it is both biblical and helpful. Nevertheless, it has been updated and expanded upon by later biblical theologians, who have brought the discipline to bear on more recent attacks against pure theology. But the initial and concluding portions are where Owen truly shines; and in these portions, he remains, even today, unsurpassed.

The first book of this volume, in which Owen treats of natural revelation, is simply astounding in the comprehensiveness of its scope, and the succinctness with which it is set forth. Owen draws on a staggering array of the outstanding histories and writings of the ancient and medieval worlds, and, from them, demonstrates his thesis that, in the pursuit to regain the natural theology which was lost at the Fall, men succeeded only in ensnaring themselves in the most intricate and vain philosophies; which failure, by wisdom, to know God, led to the fullness of times in which God would be pleased to restore true theology through the foolishness of gospel-preaching. Owen’s vast knowledge of profane history cannot fail to be thoroughly enjoyable to those of us who enjoy such historical studies; and the manner in which he draws this profane history into its proper relationship to unfolding revelation cannot fail to be profitable to all of us alike.

The sixth and last book of the volume J.I. Packer has aptly termed “pure gold.” In this book, Owen paints a picture of evangelical theology as the true knowledge of God, which Christ alone revealed in the gospel. Owen then proceeds to demonstrate that, while the propositions of evangelical theology may be pursued intellectually, the essence of theology – an immediate knowledge of God himself – is nothing other than a gift of the Spirit. The final chapter in particular, setting forth in practical principles the means by which a student of theology (which is just another name for Christian) may advance in his knowledge of God, is Owen at his best – worshipful, applicational, biblical, and Christ-centered.

If I may paraphrase J. I. Packer, anyone who has a taste for biblical theology or for John Owen will be well-pleased with this overdue arrival. I would only add to the list a taste for history. And those of us who enjoy all three will find this a tasty treat indeed.

Buy Here @ RHB

Coming Conference

Posted by Calvin Theological Seminary

A Pearl and A Leaven: Herman Bavinck for the Twenty-First Century

The double image from Christ’s parables of the pearl and the leaven, was one of Herman Bavinck’s favorites and aptly captures the depth, grand scope, and nuance of his theological vision. The gospel of the kingdom is a pearl of great price, a treasure beyond compare for which we must be willing sacrifice everything. The Lord who gave his all for it asks that his disciples also give their all.

It is also a leaven, an invisible change agent that leaves nothing it touches unaltered. Leaven, like salt, is not a dramatic or triumphalist metaphor. Rather it points to the sure and primarily inward renewal of the person and the social bonds that join a people together.

This conference proceeds from a conviction that Bavinck’s theology and its practical application to church and society provides us today with valuable insight and wisdom for theology and Christian discipleship. Bavinck’s commitment to the truth of Scripture, his profound piety, his catholic vision of Christian discipleship and openness to what is good in the modern world, remain constructive standards for Christian vocation today. In addition, he lived in turbulent times, a time of great industrial change and social dislocation, a time of war-all which contributed to an apocalyptic environment in which optimism and pessimism competed for the allegiance of western peoples. In short, a time not unlike our own.

The conference will consider Bavinck’s times, his theology, his contribution to the ecclesiastical, social, cultural and political life of his day, and its relevance for Christian vocation in the 21st century.

For more information click here.

Interview with Jim Beeke on Bible Doctrine: For Older and Younger Children

James Beeke was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan.  He obtained his B.A. and M.A. (Educational Administration) degrees from Western Michigan University.  After teaching for three years in the Kalamazoo Public School System, he and his wife, with two young children, moved to Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada.  Jim was the founding principal of a new Christian school there and served as principal for 21 years, as the school grew from a small elementary to a large elementary, junior and high school.

In 1998 he entered British Columbia’s Ministry of Education and served two years as Deputy Inspector and then seven years as the Inspector (Director) over the independent (private) schools in the province (state).  Upon retirement in 2005, Jim accepted a position as Vice Chair of Maple Leaf Educational Systems and Superintendent of its schools – schools  that deliver British Columbia’s educational program in English in China using British Columbia certified teachers..

James Beeke has authored several books (including the Bible Doctrine for Younger Children, Older Children, and Teens and Young Adults series), written many published articles and spoken at many conferences, conventions and professional development forums in North America and internationally.
Jim has served as a church elder for more than 25 years, been actively engaged in youth work and outreach ministries, and filled various positions with the Society of Christian Schools in British Columbia.  He and his wife, Ruth, are blessed with 5 children and 17 grandchildren.

Interview

When did you originally begin the project of writing these and how long did it take?

The Bible Doctrine for Younger Children, Older Children, and Teens and Young Adults series were written from 1983 – 1990, while serving as principal of Timothy Christian School in Chilliwack, BC.  The seven books were written in seven years, approximately one book per year.

Have you often went back to update o revise anything in these volumes?

Minor revisions were included in most new printings, but not major changes.

What was your purpose behind writing the Bible Doctrine volumes for younger and older children?

The purpose was to provide children of different ages with clear explanations of key Christian doctrines that were true to the Word of God; sound in Reformed expression; age-appropriate, understandable and interesting for children; and contained numerous diagrams, charts, examples and illustrations to aid understanding. Our gracious Lord’s thoughts and dealings are far higher than ours.  When initially writing these books/series, the focus was on students at Timothy Christian School in Chilliwack and other students in NRC Christian Schools.  God’s vision was much greater.  His vision is the reality we witness today, as the books are used all over North America in churches, Christian schools, home-schooling, family reading and personal study; as well as in other English speaking countries, in mission outreaches in different continents, and in other languages through translation.

Did you do them both the younger and older books at the same time?

The basic outlines for the 3 series were developed at the beginning, at the same time.   The actual books, however, were written separately, one at a time, in sequential order from Younger Children – Book A through Teens and Young Adults – Volume III.

How does the Bible Doctrine (4 volumes) set different from that, other material has to offer for children learning the doctrines?

These books differ from other material available in that they strongly reflect an historical Reformed understanding of main biblical truths (doctrines); are doctrinally-focused; introduce key doctrinal terms; incorporate historic catechisms for children; include numerous diagrams, charts, illustrations and examples to enhance comprehension and interest; and provide workbook pages to assess children’s learning.

How does this particular 4-volume set go together with your 3-volume set for teens Bible Doctrine for Teens and Young Adults?

The Bible Doctrine for Teens and Young Adults series incorporates the same approach and structure as the series for Younger and Older Children, but the doctrinal teaching is more comprehensive in terms of doctrines studied; depth of study; differences of belief or explanation within Christian churches, in-depth discussion questions; and linkage with church creeds and Reformed doctrinal standards.

What would you tell parents, if one was to ask you, “Why should I use these for my children?”

I pray that the LORD will richly bless this means of teaching your precious children the eternal truths (doctrines) of His infallible Word.  The approach described above was developed from classroom teaching practice by actually using draft chapters from the books with children of the age that the books attempt to reach.  This experience has also helped in developing the books as fitting instructional resources for children of various ages.

How do you see the need for such material to be taught to our children today? And how do you see these volumes here help in a culture that declines in biblical knowledge, and morals and ethics more and more every year?

In our current culture, which is rapidly declining into individualism and a belief that each person has a right to, and can determine truth for him or herself, the need to base and root our children in the infallible, unchanging and eternal truths (doctrines) of Scripture is increasingly crucial.

Two Soli Deo Gloria Reprints Coming Soon

The Evil of Evils

By Jemimah Burroughs
Available: August 27
Retail: $24.00 RHB: $18.00

The Evil of Evils, first printed in 1654, consists of sixty-seven short chapters that expose sin and urge believers to choose affliction over sin. Burroughs organizes his material around seven major thoughts: (1) there is more evil in the least sin than in the greatest affliction; (2) sin and God are contrary to each other; (3) sin is directly against our good; (4) sin opposes all that is good; (5) sin is the evil of all other evils; (6) sin has infinite dimension and character; and (7) sin makes us comfortable with the devil. This treatise is invaluable for sensitizing our consciences to the “exceeding sinfulness of sin” (cf. Rom. 7:13).

The Mischief of Sin

By, Thomas Watson
Available: August 27
Retail: $24.00 RHB: $18.00

This treatise by the renowned Puritan Thomas Watson was originally published in 1671 and never again until this edition. It was one of his rarest works for over three centuries. Watson’s perceptive discussion on the devastating effects of sin includes four parts:
1. The Mischief of Sin
2. The Desperateness of Sinners
3. An Alarm to Sinners
4. Hell’s Furnace Heated Hotter
Appended is a scarce treatment by Watson on “The Mystery of the Lord’s Supper.”

Dr. Beeke’s Top Three Commentaries on Deuteronomy

#1 Sermons on Deuteronomy , by John Calvin

(Out of Print)

#2 Bible Student’s Commentary: Deuteronomy, by Jan Ridderbos

(RHB has one used copy for sale, click above!)

#3 Deuteronomy Study Commentary, by John Currid

Using his own translation from the original Hebrew, Dr John Currid ably demonstrates that the book of Deuteronomy is an official document ratifying the formal covenant relationship between God as the sovereign King and his covenant people, Israel. At the close of the forty years of wandering in the wilderness, and on the eve of the entry into the promised land, Moses summons the Israelites to a solemn reaffirmation and ratification of the covenant first made at Sinai and promises great blessings to the people if only they will remain faithful to the covenant and obey God’s Word.