November 11, 2009

New from RHB – Puritan Treasures for Today

Swinnock cover (flat)

What is the “Puritan Treasures for Today” Series?

Interest in the Puritans continues to grow, but many people find the reading these giants of the faith a bit unnerving. This series seeks to overcome that barrier by presenting Puritan books that are convenient in size and unintimidating in length. Each book is carefully edited with modern readers in mind, smoothing out difficult language of a bygone era while retaining the meaning of the original authors. Books for the series are thoughtfully selected to provide some of the best counsel on important subjects that people continue to wrestle with today.

We are now taking Pre-orders!

The Fading of the Flesh and The Flourishing of Faith

Retail: $10.00
RHB:$7.50

You can read the Sample Pages here.

George Swinnock (1627–1673) was an English Puritan, known for his vivid illustrations of biblical truth. His complete works have been reprinted in five volumes by Banner of Truth Trust.

“This wonderful little book, written with charm, simplicity, and clarity by George Swinnock is bound to prove both a delight and a challenge to any Christian who values the riches of the gospel. It is a spiritual gem that deserves to be read and re-read. In addition, its charm, simplicity, and clarity make it a perfect entry point to the writings of the pastoral Puritans. Beautifully edited for the modern reader by Dr. Stephen Yuille, The Fading of the Flesh is a rare spiritual treat.” - Sinclair B. Ferguson

Interest in the Puritans continues to grow, but many people find the reading these giants of the faith a bit unnerving. This series seeks to overcome that barrier by presenting Puritan books that are convenient in size and unintimidating in length. Each book is carefully edited with modern readers in mind, smoothing out difficult language of a bygone era while retaining the meaning of the original authors. Books for the series are thoughtfully selected to provide some of the best counsel on important subjects that people continue to wrestle with today. What will satisfy you when your flesh and heart fail?

The Puritans frequently talked about dying well. That is something we do not discuss much these days, though we should. In this book, George Swinnock presents modern readers with valuable food for thought as he expounds Psalm 73:26, “My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.” Swinnock combines careful explanation with vivid illustration to reveal the futility of earthly comforts and highlight the inestimable comfort, satisfaction, and joy afforded us in Christ. Displaying the relevance of the Puritans for today, you will find this sorely neglected and sobering topic an easy, thought-provoking, and compelling read.

C. H. Spurgeon said,

“George Swinnock had the gift of illustration largely developed, as his works prove.”

November 9, 2009

Broken, Fulfilled, and Applied

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The Rule of Love, J. V. Fesko gives an introductory exposition of the Ten Commandments. Beginning with the importance of the prologue, and then addressing each Commandment in turn, he sets forth a balanced and biblical approach that places the law in proper perspective. Throughout the book, Fesko analyzes the historical context of God’s giving the law in order to help us accurately understand the moral demands God places upon humanity. Yet, Fesko does not stop there; he also discusses the covenantal and redemptive context in which the law was given. Thus, he shows that the law is not presented to us in order for us to present ourselves right before God. Rather, it demonstrates our failure to love God as we should and points us to Christ and His perfect obedience in all that God requires of us. Fesko also shows how Christ applies the commandments to His people by the indwelling power and presence of the Holy Spirit. This is an excellent survey of the Ten Commandments that promises to bring about a more accurate understanding of the proper uses of the law, as well as engender profound gratitude for all that God is for us in Christ.

Dr. Fesko is a minister in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. He was ordained as a church planter in 1998 and was installed as a pastor in 2003, thus serving in pastoral ministry for over ten years. He has also taught systematic theology for Reformed Theological Seminary for over eight years as a part-time professor. He has served on two committees appointed by the General Assembly of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. His present research interests include the integration of biblical and systematic theology, soteriology, ecclesiology, and sixteenth- and seventeenth-century Reformed theology. He is a member of the Society of Biblical Literature, the American Academy of Religion, and the Evangelical Theological Society, and a friend of the Institute for Biblical Research.

Originally $15.00, RHB for only $11.00!

November 6, 2009

Pre-order Augustine of Hippo

carr_augustine__93619_thumbOutside of the people in the Bible, Augustine of Hippo is the most influential person in church history. Yet how many people know his story? In this book, Simonetta Car introduces young readers to the life and ministry of Augustine. Readers will come to know Augustine’s personal struggles and the high value he came to place on the Bible and truth. Readers will also see the difficult days in which Augustine lived, learning about his disputes with false teachers and the turbulent times during the fall of the Roman Empire. This volume is vividly illustrated, simply written, and full of interesting facts. It is written for young readers, but is sure to capture the interests of the whole family.

Pre-order here

November 5, 2009

A Token For Children

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Authors Cotton Mather & James Janeway
Retail: $18.00
RHB: $14.00

John H. Gerstner syays,

“A Token for Children, written by James Janeway in the seventeenth century, is designed for adults in the twenty-first century. If we contemporary ‘Christians’ want to know what Christian experience is, we can do no better than to let these little children of centuries ago teach us…. Every modern Christian parent ought to buy and study this book before making it required reading for all of his/her offspring.”

Joel Beeke says,

“Cotton Mather (1663–1728), a Puritan pastor in New England, wrote his own account of children converted by God. That book, plus Janeway’s, are printed together in this volume. They not only show how Puritan parents evangelized their children in the home, but still today, can assist you in parenting and assist your children who may read them for great profit to their own souls.”

James Janeway (1636–1674) compiled numerous accounts of the conversions of young children and their testimonies prior to their early deaths to serve the spiritual well-being of children. Next to the Scriptures and Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress, Janeway’s book was the most widely read children’s book in the seventeenth century.

November 4, 2009

RHB’s NEW Phone # for Orders & Customer Service

(616) 977 – 0889

November 3, 2009

Newly Added

scan_001__54353_thumbCalvin and Commerce by David Hall

Retail: $17.99
RHB: $10.80

This 5th volume in the Calvin 500 series will analyze the impact of Calvin’s ideas on business/economics/ finance/industry. Calvin and Commerce (co-editor, Matthew Burton of the Invisible Hand Foundation, a private charitable foundation), will both articulate fundamental economic realities and gather business leaders and experts to show how Calvinism leads to strengths and advantages in market economies.

For more of the Calvin500 Series see below.

Volume 1 – Theological Guide to Calvin’s Institutes: Essays and AnalysisEdited by, David W. Hall and Peter A. Lillback
Capturing both the best of elite scholarship, as well as exhibiting a firm understanding of and passion for Calvin’s own work, these essays by 20 elite Calvin scholars who appreciate the abiding value of Calvin’s Institutes provide definitive and section-by-section commentary on Calvin’s magnum opus. A section by section commentary on Calvin’s Institutes.

Volume 2 – Legacy of John Calvin: His Influence on the Modern World by David W. Hall
David Hall identifies 10 seminal ways that Calvin’s thought transformed the culture of the West, complete with a nontechnical biography of Calvin and tributes by other leaders. The Legacy of John Calvin is brief enough for popular audiences and analytical enough to provide much information in a short space.

Volume 3 – The Piety of John Calvin: A Collection of His Spiritual Prose, Poems, and Hymns by Ford Lewis Battles
The Piety of John Calvin is an anthology that promotes “a warm personal grasp” of Calvin, the man. This book seeks to show the Christian man as he saw himself, to see the Christian life as he understood it, and to examine both his theoretical exposition or prayer and his own prayers, in the liturgy and for other occasions.

Volume 4 – Calvin in the Public Square: Liberal Democracies, Rights, and Civil Liberties by David W. Hall
In the past two decades, a small cottage industry of important new scholarship has emerged documenting the distinctive Calvinist contributions to the development of Western theories of law, democracy, and human rights. In this engaging volume, David Hall offers a crisp distillation of the latest scholarly findings and a clarion call to reclaim the Calvinist pedigree of some of our most cherished political ideas and institutions.

November 3, 2009

The Larger Catechism of the Westminster Assembly

To the Right Honourable the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament. The Humble Advice of the Assembly of Divines sitting at Westminster, Concerning a Larger Catechism.

November 2, 2009

Solid Ground Christian Books

morning___84135_thumbMorning Stars: Names of Christ for His Little Ones, by Frances Havergal
Retail: $12.00, RHB $8.00

This book is the sequel to Frances Havergal’s wonderful devotional gem for children which we have published, called LITTLE PILLOWS & MORNING BELLS. This was the last book she wrote before her death. In fact, she had hoped to write a companion to this volume entitled EVENING STARS, or Promises for the Little Ones.

This book takes little children by the hand and points out to them in simple, biblical language 31 of the Names of Christ scattered throughout Scripture.

harsha_christin_s_present_for_all_seasons__01394_thumbThe Christian’s Present for All Seasons, by D.A. Harsha
Retail: $30.00, RHB: $25.00

This book contains a compilation of rich theological and practical insights from men such as John Flavel, Richard Baxter, John Bunyan, Matthew Henry, and many others. D. A. Harsha seems to have ranged through almost the whole field of devotional literature and to have gathered up all the brightest gems that came in his way. So successful has he been that one may open the book at random and will never find his eye resting upon anything that he can afford to pass over or that does not supply the elements of rich devotional thought.

October 30, 2009

Reformation Day Sale! 40-50% OFF!

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ONLY FOR TWO DAYS

Martin Luther’s Tabletalk     Retail: $25.00, RHB $15.00

table_talk__44662_thumbLuther’s ‘Divine Discourses’ (as this book was known) stirred up so much anger in the Roman Catholic Church that all copies were ordered to be burnt under an edict by Pope Gregory XIII. One copy was found by Casparus Van Sparr in 1626, whilst building on a house once owned by his grandfather in Germany. The book was wrapped in a linen cloth treated with beeswax and buried in the ground – it was perfectly preserved.

An English friend of Casparus, Captain Henry Bell, brought the book back to Britain and began the work of translation several times but never completed it. He received a vision of an old man who told him he would complete the translation. Two weeks later he was arrested and spent the next 10 years in jail during which time he completed the work and produced what we now know as ‘Tabletalk’. This collection of informal comments was gathered together by Antony Lauterbach and John Aurifaber, who were very close to Luther towards the end of his life. It is a serendipitous collection so many of the Reformer’s words are plain spoken. Although known for being outspoken in public Luther, like us all, was even more so in private.

The Marrow of Modern Divinity     Retail: $ 30.00, RHB $17.00

fisher_marrow__55220_thumbAn intriguing book, quite unlike any other The Marrow of Modern Divinity defies pigeonholing. It was written in the 1600s by an author of whom we know little, yet it proved to be a critically important and controversial theological text.

Penned as dialogue between a minister(Evangelista), a young Christian(Neophytus), a legalist(Nomista) who believes Christianity is a set of rules to be obeyed and Antinomista who thinks it’s okay to sin because God will forgive him anyway, it makes for a wonderfully insightful book that remains tremendously relevant for our world today. This newly laid out and eagerly awaited edition includes explanatory notes by the famous puritan Thomas Boston, an Introduction by Philip Ryken and an historical Introduction by William Vandoodewaard.

Living For God’s Glory: An Introduction to Calvinism     Retail: $24.00, RHB $12.00

beeke_living_for_god_s_glory__85887_thumbIn this introduction to the doctrinal system known as Calvinism, Joel Beeke—with contributions from Sinclair Ferguson, Michael Haykin, Derek Thomas, Ray Pennings, and others—displays the biblical, God-centered, winsome, comprehensive, and practical nature of Calvinism.

In this comprehensive survey of Reformed Christianity, Dr. Beeke and eight fellow contributors offer twenty–eight chapters that trace the history of Calvinism; explore its key doctrinal tenets, such as the so-called five points of Calvinisms and the solas of the Protestant Reformation; reveal how Calvinists have sought to live in devotion to God; and survey Calvinism’s influence in the church and in the world at large. In the end, the book asserts that the overriding goal of Calvinism is the glory of God. Saturated with Scripture citations and sprinkled with quotations from wise giants of church history, this book presents Calvinism in a winsome and wondrous fashion.

The Righteous Shall Live by Faith: Romans Retail: $35.00, RHB $21.00

sproul__57924_thumbPaul’s most comprehensive statement of the gospel is explored in these passage-by-passage expositions, drawn from Sproul’s recent St. Andrew’s sermons.

“Sproul is a legend in our time. His preaching has held us in awe for half a century, and these pages represent the fruit of his latest exposition, coming as they do at the very peak of his abilities and insights.

For More Than A Dozen Additional Titles ON SALE CLICK HERE

October 29, 2009

Coming Soon

Augustine cover (flat)Augustine of Hippo, by Simonetta Carr
Illustrated by  Wes Lowe

Hardback, 64 pages
Page size: 8 x 10 inches
Retail Price: $18.00
RHB Price: $14.00
ISBN 978-1-60178-073-7
For Ages 7–12

Available by November 30

Samples Pages

Outside of the people in the Bible, Augustine of Hippo is the most influential person in church history. Yet how many people know his story? In this book, Simonetta Car introduces young readers to the life and ministry of Augustine. Readers will come to know Augustine’s personal struggles and the high value he came to place on the Bible and truth. Readers will also see the difficult days in which Augustine lived, learning about his disputes with false teachers and the turbulent times during the fall of the Roman Empire. This volume is vividly illustrated, simply written, and full of interesting facts. It is written for young readers, but is sure to capture the interests of the whole family.

Simonetta Carr was born in Italy and has lived and worked in different cultures. A former elementary school teacher, she has home-schooled her eight children for many years. She has written for newspapers and magazines around the world and has translated the works of several Christian authors into Italian. Presently, she lives in San Diego with her husband Thomas and family. She is a member and Sunday School teacher at Christ United Reformed Church.

Wesley (Wes) Lowe has over 25 years experience as an illustrator, and has illustrated for advertising agencies and publishers in the US, Canada, and Europe. He lives with his wife in British Columbia, and works from his studio on the Sunshine Coast, which is a short ferry ride from Vancouver.

“A splendid way to introduce children—and adults too—to one of the most influential Christians who ever lived.” —Phillip S. Cary, Scholar in Residence at the Templeton Honors College at Eastern University, and author of several books on Augustine

“Few figures in Western history are as important as Augustine. He is one of the early church fathers to whom the Reformers rightly looked as an inspiration for their theology and piety in many respects but he is more than that. He is an old and dear friend. Simonetta Carr has produced a clear, readable introduction to the life and work of this great Christian and our old friend.” —R. Scott Clark, Professor of Church History and Historical Theology at Westminster Seminary California

“Simonetta Car offers a sympathetic, whirlwind tour of the life, times, and beliefs of Augustine of Hippo, one of the most important and long-loved figures for Western Christianity.  Maps, illustrations, timelines, and photos engage the imagination at a pace that will hold the interest of young readers.” —Brandon and Mindy Withrow, authors of the popular church history series for children, History Lives

October 28, 2009

Empty Arms

baker_empty_arms__99174_thumbIt is hard to imagine any greater pain that that of losing a little child. It is like an amputation, so that though one may learn to live with the loss, the parent is never the same again. Steve and Keren Baker have had to endure such heartbreak when their lives were turned upside down by the sudden death of their little daughter Nattie.

In the midst of her grief Keren has written this highly personal, yet intensely practical, account of her continuing journey through this painful time, and of how the God she loves sustains his people through all their dark and difficult days.

Keren Baker has been married to Steve for 15 years. They now have 5 children–Suzie, Heather, Harriet, Jame, and Will. They live in Liverpool where Keren settled after university and taught music before having children. She is no a stay-at-home Mum and in her spare time love scrapbooking, papercrafts and baking cupcakes! She and Steve are active members of their local church and enjoy running a house group at their home.

Mary Beeke says,

“From the depths of her aching heart, a grieving mother gives words to the emotions that swell and surge after the sudden loss of a child. Keren Baker takes us from the sad, depressing grave of little Natalie on up to the portals of heaven, where the everlasting arms of love of the Lord Jesus envelop this precious girl, and encircle her family here below. There is no pain like the pain of losing a child, but there is no comfort like the comfort of Christ and Christian friends.”

Retail: $15.00
RHB: $9.50

October 27, 2009

The Sovereign Spirit

sovereign_spirit__13963_thumbThe doctrine of the Holy Spirit in the writings of John Calvin. Though first published in this form in 2009, the book is based on a thesis written in 1949 by Gwyn Walters.

But who is Gwyn Walters? Born and raised in Wales. He earned a BA in Hebrew and Honours Philosophy at the University College of Wales in Cardiff, a BD with distinction in Theology and Ethics at the United Theological College, University of Wales at Aberystwyth, and a PhD in Theology at New College, University of Edinburgh. After pastoring a church in Cardiff, Wales, he emigrated to the United States in 1956, where he initially taught Theology and Ethics at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. By 1962 he had taken a position as Professor of Homiletics at Gordon Divinity School in South Hamilton, MA, where he remained until retiring.

Royce Gordon Gruenler said,

“This extraordinarily fine work by my former seminary colleague is a welcome addition to Calvin studies, especially in light of the fact that since its original writing the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of the church has gained considerable prominence in eccelesiastical and scholarly circles. This is not for quick reading, but is a deep probing of the Holy Spirit’s role in the divine Trinity and in the work of salvation.”

October 26, 2009

And yet another New Title at RHB

prts_bizh09102211470_1__86505_thumbEssential Truths in the Heart of a Christian

What?
This book presents a clear explanation of the main topics of the Reformed faith. Written in the catechetical style of question and answers, the book is noted for its succinctness and ample references to Scripture. The forty brief chapters are characterized by careful doctrinal distinctions, and each one concludes with a question or two asking what the particular subject means for the faith and spiritual reflection of the reader. For today’s readers, it is both an ideal representation of the Dutch Further Reformation’s attention to doctrine and piety, as well as an invitation to carry on that spiritual legacy.

Who?
Wilhelmus Schortinghuis (1700-1750) was one of the final leaders of Dutch Further Reformation. Harry Boonstra is a retired theological librarian at The Hekman Library, Calvin College and Seminary. Gerrit W. Sheeres is a retired pastor in the Christian Reformed Church. James A. De Jong is emeritus President and Professor of Historical Theology at Calvin Theological Seminary.

October 23, 2009

More New titles at RHB

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Forget Not All His Benefits, by Frances Blok Popovich

In Forget Not All His Benefits, Frances Blok Popovich recounts various experiences she has had throughout her life. But this is not an autobiography. Rather, it is a collection of reflections on God’s faithfulness as He has led her along life’s journey. From her experiences as a wife and mother to her forty years of service as a Wycliff Bible translator for the Maxakali Indians in Brazil, Popovich reminds us of the kindness of our heavenly Father.

Joel Beeke says on the title,

“For a book of stories that provides good spiritual counsel, practical life wisdom, and authentic mission field experience with all its joys and challenges, I suggest , Forget Not All His Benefits, by a veteran Bible translator, Dr. Fran Popovich. It is a real page-turner, highly recommended for all age groups.”

October 22, 2009

RHB’s Newest Children Title

god_salphabetcover6__41227_thumbGod’s Alphabet for Life: Devotions for Young Children

Using the alphabet as a guide, this book provides 26 devotional meditations for young children (ages 4–9), based on Bible texts that children can easily memorize. God’s Alphabet for Life stresses that, like adults, children must be born again, come by faith and repentance to the Lord Jesus Christ, and live lives of thankfulness to God for His great salvation.

Tedd Tripp says,

“Here is a great resource for parents wondering where to start with training their children. I highly recommend God’s Alphabet for Life as an excellent tool for communicating truth your children will grow into and never outgrow.”

Buy here, buy now!