Dr. Joel Beeke’s Top Reads of 2008

#1 William Ames, A Sketch of the Christian’s Catechism

The Dutch Reformed Translation Society is proud to offer in English for the very first time all four volumes of Herman Bavinck’s complete Reformed Dogmatics. This masterwork will appeal not only to scholars, students, pastors, and laity interested in Reformed theology but also to research and theological libraries.

Scripture says that there are two kinds of faith: saving and non-saving. So how can a person know if he has the faith that saves? This is what the great Scottish preacher John Colquhoun addresses in the scarce title that has been out of print since 1824. Colquhoun is the author of A Treatise on the Law and the Gospel, Spiritual Comfort, and Sermons on Important Doctrines. He is one of the finest of all Scottish Presbyterian preachers. His works are highly regarded by all who love the doctrines of grace.

This is the first of a projected three-volume set that compiles numerous Reformed confessions of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries translated into English. For many of these texts, this is their debut in the Anglo-Saxon vernacular. It provides the English-speaking world a richer and more comprehensive view of the emergence and maturation of Reformed theology in these foundational centuries—foundational centuries for Reformed thought and foundational summaries of Reformed doctrine for these centuries. Each confessional statement is preceded by a brief introduction containing necessary historical and bibliographical background. The confessions are arranged chronologically, with this first volume presenting thirty-three documents covering the years 1523–1552.

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.

In Feed My Sheep: A Passionate Plea for Preaching, a team of pastors and scholars (R. Albert Mohler Jr., James Montgomery Boice, Derek W. H. Thomas, Joel R. Beeke, R. C. Sproul, R.C. Sproul Jr., Sinclair B. Ferguson, Don Kistler, Eric J. Alexander) says to the modern church: “Turn back!” This book reveals the biblical basis for preaching, sketches the way it ought to be practiced, and shows the many practical benefits that flow from strong pulpits. Here is encouragement for preachers and wise counsel for those who desire to sit under the ministry of the Word of God preached.

In this Long Line of Godly Men Profile, Dr. Steven Lawson will show how the personal resolutions Jonathan Edwards composed in his youth guided him in all spheres of his life and fruitful ministry. The resolutions cover everything from glorifying God to repenting of sin to managing time. In Edwards’s example, he finds helpful instruction for all believers.

A fascinating study focusing on three significant themes relating to Lloyd-Jones’s ministry: the nature of true preaching; the importance of full assurance of salvation for a vibrant and persuasive Christianity; and the grounds of fellowship between Christians and churches. Contains previously unpublished material and a CD of a Lloyd-Jones sermon.

The work of Christ in His life, death, resurrection, and ascension is most impressive and foundational to the Christian faith. Yet these grand acts of redemption are of little benefit if one is not so closely associated with Jesus as to find his life and death in Him. In Union and Communion with Christ, Maurice Roberts offers us eighteen meditations on the Christian’s union with Chris and its accompanying fellowship. These reflections probe the essence of this blessed union, examine its evidences and revel in its benefits.

The long-overdue republication of Robert Rollock’s “Select Works” introduces us to one of the greatest Reformed thinkers of the sixteenth century. Robert Rollock (c.1555-1598), first principal of Edinburgh University, able preacher and philosopher, and a renowned biblical commentator in his own day, was a seminal Reformed theologian particularly as an early exponent of covenant theology in Scotland. His treatises on God’s effectual calling and the passion, resurrection, and ascension of Christ are themselves worth the purchase of this two-volume “Select Works.” These volumes represent the cream of sixteenth-century Reformed theology, and should be treasured by all who love biblical truth. May they whet the appetite for more of this prolific Scotsman, who wrote five volumes of sermons and nine commentaries.

Based on Philippians 4:11, “I have learned, in whatever state I am therewith to be content,” Watson considers the great dishonor done to almighty God by the sin of discontent. The doctrine of Christian contentment is clearly illustrated and profitably applied. The special cases where, through changes in providences, discontentment most commonly arises are examined and preservatives are applied to the soul.

Looking for other top picks?
Tim Challies 
Tony Reinke
Michael Dewalt