Godly Conversation: Rediscovering the Puritan Practice of Conference, by Joanne J. Jung

Paperback, 224 pages
Page size: 5.5 x 8.5
ISBN 978-1-60178-133-8
Retail price: $25.00
RHB price: $19.00
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Endorsements:

“With one eye constantly on the needs of the contemporary church, practical theologian Joanne Jung has recovered an important aspect of Christian community from old and neglected Puritan sources. This stimulating and important study examines the gathering of the saints in informal settings, or ‘conferences,’ where Scripture and sermons were discussed and ‘ingested’ to nurture the spiritual life. The cumulative effect of Jung’s research is to put the topic of conference at the top of the list of important Puritan disciplines, thereby redressing the popular misconception that Puritans were individualists. The book offers us a detailed taxonomy of the types of Puritan conference, and it expounds for the first time the important role that women played in fostering the practice. The study is based on extensive original research in primary sources, and the author’s infectious passion for the church and its history clearly demonstrates that the ‘old’ can illumine the ‘new’ and inform and guide the church today.” —James E. Bradley, Geoffrey W. Bromiley Professor of Church History, Fuller Theological Seminary

“There is a strong resurgence of interest in the history of Christian spiritual practices, yet too few are familiar with the important contributions made by the Puritans. In this book, Joanne J. Jung provides a wonderful addition to the literature by exploring the Puritan practice of conference, a vital and varied aspect of Puritan spirituality that is not widely enough known. Not only does this study offer historical insight, it also suggests the contemporary relevance of conference for believers today.” —Kelly M. Kapic, Professor of Theological Studies, Covenant College

“Dr. Joanne Jung has done a great service to the church by bringing back to our attention the long-forgotten Puritan spiritual practice of ‘conference’ in all its various forms. Not content merely to explore this practice on an academic level (although her thorough exploration of Puritan materials would be reason enough for this book), Dr. Jung takes the next step and shows how this discipline connects with the contemporary church as an antidote to the now moribund small group movement. Godly Conversation: Rediscovering the Puritan Practice of Conference is a welcome and valuable addition to the now growing literature on spiritual formation.” —Richard Peace, Robert Boyd Munger Professor of Evangelism & Spiritual Formation, Fuller Theological Seminary

“In her thoroughly researched and beautifully written book, Professor Jung has provided her readers with an abundance of practical wisdom and profound spiritual insight. For those who hunger for authentic relationships and godly spiritual guidance, praying fervently for God’s renewing touch on their lives and in their communities, Godly Conversation: Rediscovering the Puritan Practice of Conference  provides instruction, inspiration, and hope.” —Garth Rosell, Professor of Church History, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

Table of Contents:
Foreword, by J. I. Packer
1. In Search of Piety’s Forgotten Discipline
2. A Royal Conflict over Prophesyings and the Origins of Puritan Conference
3. Scripture for Puritan Eyes: The Word Read
4. Scripture for Puritan Ears: The Word Heard
5. Holy Conference: “A Kind of Paradise”
6. Holy Conference: Categorized and Exercised
7. Puritan Conference for the Contemporary Church

About the Author: Joanne J. Jung is Assistant Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies at Biola University.

Paperback, 328 pages
Page size: 6 x 9 inches
Retail Price: $20.00
RHB Price: $15.00
ISBN 978-1-60178-126-0

As a response to the unique challenges facing the twenty-first-century American church, church planting has become a popular topic. But at a time when churches that spread the seed of the Word through preaching, the sacraments, and prayer are greatly needed, much of the focus has been on planting churches that adapt pop culture to meet “consumer demand.”  In Planting, Watering, Growing, the authors of this collection of essays weave together theological wisdom, personal experiences, and practical suggestions, guiding readers through the foundations and methods of planting confessional churches that uphold the Word of God.

Endorsements:

The Reformed churches confess a missional faith. We confess that God the Son came voluntarily and was sent (missio) by the Father to be the Redeemer and that He has, in turn, sent His church to proclaim the good news, to plant churches, to administer the sacraments and discipline. Few books on church planting and mission combine a passion for the glory of Christ, a heartfelt concern for the lost, and a commitment to the means of grace. This volume does just that and therefore is essential reading for those seeking to serve Christ’s mission Christ’s way. - R. Scott Clark, Professor of Church History and Historical Theology at Westminster Seminary California

When so many seek to plant and grow churches with slick marketing, demographics studies, and decaf cappuccinos, Hyde and

Lems bring a robust, Christ-centered, and confessionally Reformed approach to church planting. Scripturally informed, confessionally sound, and practically minded, this book offers sage counsel for anyone interested in home missions and church planting. - J. V. Fesko, Academic Dean and Associate Professor of Systematic Theology at Westminster Seminary California

The twenty-first-century Western world is seen by many as having moved into a post-Christian era. The church is divided and declining and increasingly is becoming a despised and persecuted minority. However true that may be, there is another sense in which there has never been a century that is more like the first century than this one. In the days of the book of Acts, the culture was pluralistic and the church was all the things that it is today; yet never was there a time of greater gospel growth and of the church being more widely established within a single generation. That was a century of opportunity, and ours is too. The contributors to this volume on church planting in the twenty-first century see today’s world very much in the light of the world in which the apostles labored. Each one of them, directly or indirectly, has been involved in seeing new churches planted, and together they provide the church with a resource that makes us look with optimism and confidence at the opportunities we have to see Christ continue to build His church. They challenge the church of our day to lift its eyes and see a harvest that is there to be reaped. - Mark G. Johnston, Senior Pastor of Proclamation Presbyterian Church (PCA), Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania

Table of Contents:
Foreword: Was the Reformation Missions-Minded?—Michael S. Horton
Introduction—Daniel R. Hyde and Shane Lems™

Part 1: The Foundation of Planting Churches
1               The Fruitful Grain of Wheat—Brian Vos
2               The Sovereign Spirit of Missions: Thoughts on Acts 16:6–10 and Church Planting—Daniel R. Hyde
3               The Reformed Confessions and Missions—Wes Bredenhof
4               No Church, No Problem?—Michael S. Horton

™Part 2: The Methods of Planting Churches
5               Church Planting Principles from the Book of Acts—Daniel R. Hyde
6               Heart Preparation in Church Planting—Paul T. Murphy
7               Church Planting: A Covenantal and Organic Approach—Paul T. Murphy
8               Planning the Plant: Some Thoughts on Preparing to Plant a New Church—Kim Riddlebarger

™ Part 3: The Work of Planting Churches
9               On Being a Church Planter—Daniel R. Hyde
10            Being a Welcoming Church Plant—Kevin Efflandt
11            Flock and Family: A Biblical Balance—Shane Lems
12            Declare His Praise among the Nations: Public Worship as the Heart of Evangelism—Daniel R. Hyde
13            “How’s the Food?” The Church Plant’s Most Important Ingredient—Michael G. Brown
14           Church Membership and the Church Plant—Michael G. Brown
15            Shepherding Toward Maturity, Part 1: The Authority in Church Planting— Spencer Aalsburg
16            Shepherding Toward Maturity, Part 2: Identifying a Mature Church Plant— Spencer Aalsburg
17            Motivation: The Planting Church and the Planted Church—Eric Tuininga

™ Part 4: The Context of Planting Churches
18            Church Planting in a Melting Pot—Shane Lems
19            The Cultural Factor in Church Planting—Mitchell Persaud
20            Growing Contextually Reformed Churches: Oxymoron or Opportunity?—Phil Grotenhuis
21            Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?—Michael S. Horton

Epilogue—Daniel R. Hyde and Shane Lems
Appendix A Church-Plant Timeline: A Big and Brief Picture of a Plant—Daniel R. Hyde and Shane Lems
Appendix B The Steering Committee—Spencer Aalsburg
Appendix C Guidelines for the Steering Committee—Spencer Aalsburg
Selected Bibliography
Contributors
Scripture Index
Confessions Index

About the Editors: Daniel R. Hyde and Shane Lems are the church planters and pastors of the Oceanside United Reformed Church in Carlsbad/Oceanside, California, and United Reformed Church of Sunnyside in Sunnyside, Washington.

Contributors: Michael S. Horton, Brian Vos, Wes Bredenhof, Paul T. Murphy, Kim Riddlebarger, Kevin Efflandt, Michael G. Brown, Spencer Aalsburg, Eric Tuininga, Mitchell Persaud, Phil Grotenhuis

Introduction to

Paperback, 272 pages
Page size: 5.5 x 8.5inches
ISBN 978-1-60178-121-5
Retail Price: $25.00
RHB Price: $19.00

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Publisher’s Description:
This work supplies a long-standing need in the field of early modern studies by providing a basic introduction to Reformed Scholasticism. Although technical studies abound and interest in the subject continues to rise, until the appearance of this work by Willem van Asselt and his colleagues, students of history have lacked a concise guide to help them navigate the difficult waters of Reformed Scholasticism. This book carefully defines the phenomena of scholasticism and orthodoxy, concisely surveys the era, notes the most significant thinkers together with the various trajectories of thought, and references the relevant secondary scholarship. In short, this Introduction to Reformed Scholasticism surveys the topic and provides a guide for further study in early modern Reformed thought.

Endorsements:
“Willem van Asselt is one of the foremost scholars in the recent studies of the nature of Reformed Orthodoxy and Scholasticism, and its relationship, theologically, philosophically, and pedagogically, with late medieval thought. The field is highly technical and somewhat daunting to students; but here Dr. van Asselt and his colleagues have distilled their vast learning into a book which will be a sure guide to the field. I cannot think of a better introduction to the study of this significant, though often neglected and misunderstood, chapter in the development of Christian thought.” —Carl R. Trueman, Professor of Historical Theology and Church History, Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia

“An invaluable introduction to Post-Reformation Reformed thought, van Asselt and is colleagues have done a masterful job in surveying the field and providing the basic starting point for further research. This work is especially recommended for seminary students and for all who have interest in the development of Reformed theology.” —Martin I. Klauber, Affiliate Professor of Church History, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, Illinois

“This translation and updating of Inleiding in de Gereformeerde scholastiek makes available for the first time to English readers a splendid and much-needed introduction and guide to the world of Reformed Scholasticism. It is exemplary in the clarity of its exposition and the conciseness of its analysis, and refreshing in its sympathetic assessment of the intellectual and theological integrity and catholicity of scholastic theology. Its blend of lucid overview and more detailed case studies of ‘representative examples’ works especially well in conveying the nature of the texts under discussion, while the step-by-step ‘reading guide’ that instructs students how to set about analyzing a piece of scholastic theology should be required reading not just for students of historical theology but (dare one suggest?) for a good many professional practitioners as well. This introduction should swiftly become indispensable not just for budding historians of theology, but for all students of intellectual history whose research involves the study of works written in the tradition of Reformed Scholasticism.” —Anthony Milton, Professor of History, University of Sheffield

“This Introduction to Reformed Scholasticism provides a valuable resource for the study of the various trajectories of early modern Reformed thought. It is not merely an introductory survey. It is a significant guide for the further study of the era.” —Richard A. Muller, P. J. Zondervan Professor of Historical Theology, Calvin Theological Seminary

Table of Contents:
Preface to the Dutch Edition
Preface to the (Revised) English Translation
Foreword

1. Introduction: What is “Reformed Scholasticism”? —Willem J. van Asselt and Pieter L. Rouwendal

2. The State of Scholarship: From Discontinuity to Continuity — Willem J. van Asselt and Pieter L. Rouwendal

3. “As the Philosopher Says”: Aristotle —T. Theo J. Pleizier and Maarten Wisse

4. “The Teacher of the Ancient Church”: Augustine — Maarten Wisse

5. “The Method of the Schools”: Medieval Scholasticism — Pieter L. Rouwendal

6. “Open Hand and Fist”: Humanism and Scholasticism in the Reformation — Willem J. van Asselt

7. “Distinguishing and Teaching”: Constructing a Theological Argument in Reformed Scholasticism — Willem J. van Asselt and Pieter L. Rouwendal

8. Scholasticism in the Time of Early Orthodoxy (ca. 1560–1620) — Willem J. van Asselt

9. Scholasticism in the Time of High Orthodoxy (ca. 1620–1700) — Willem J. van Asselt

10. Scholasticism in the Time of Late Orthodoxy (ca. 1700–1790) — Willem J. van Asselt

11. “The Abutment against which the Bridge of All Later Protestant Theology Leans”: Scholasticism and Today — Willem J. van Asselt

Appendix 1: Reading Guide
Appendix 2: On the Use of Reason in Matters of Faith

About the Authors:
Willem J. van Asselt taught church history and the history of Reformed theology at Utrecht University for years, and has recently become professor in historical theology at The Evangelical Theological Faculty in Leuven, Belgium. He has written numerous books and articles on Reformed theology, including The Federal Theology of Johannes Cocceius (1603–1669).

Maarten Wisse teaches systematic theology and ecumenism at VU University Amsterdam, The Netherlands, and KU Leuven, Belgium. He studied theology and philosophy of religion at Utrecht, Heidelberg and Tübingen. His  Trinitarian Theology beyond Participation: Augustine’s De Trinitate and Contemporary Theology will appear with T&T Clark International in 2011.

T. Theo J. Pleizier is a minister in the Protestant Church in the Netherlands and researcher in practical theology at the Protestant Theological University. He studied theology in Oxford and Utrecht, and has done research on the concept of freedom in Francesco Turrettini’s theological anthropology.

Pieter L. Rouwendal studied theology at Utrecht University. He worked as a teacher of religion and is currently acquisitions editor for Kok ten Have Publishers in Kampen, The Netherlands. Among his publications are “Calvin’s Forgotten Classical Position on the Extent of the Atonement: About Sufficiency, Efficiency, and Anachronism.” He is currently preparing a dissertation on “Preaching and Predestination in Genevan Theology from John Calvin to Francis Turrettin.”

Theodorus Frelinghuysen’s Evangelism: Catalyst to the First Great Awakening, by Scott Maze

Paperback, 224 pages
Page Size: 5 x 7.5 inches
ISBN   978-1-60178-123-9
Retail Price: $25.00
RHB Price: $19.00

Publisher’s Description:
This book presents a thorough investigation of the evangelistic contributions of Theodorus Jacobus Frelinghuysen (1692–1747/8) within the context of the First Great Awakening. In it, Scott Maze identifies the theological foundations of Frelinghuysen’s ministry, surveys his key evangelistic endeavors, and evaluates the effects these things had on the Great Awakening. This book sheds light on a lesser known figure of the Great Awakening, reveals the influence of the Dutch Further Reformation (Nadere Reformatie) in colonial North America, and provides significant insights in terms of ministry contextualization for the contemporary student of evangelism.

Endorsements:

“Scott Maze’s fine study of Theodorus Frelinghuysen makes a signal contribution to our understanding of the Great Awakening in colonial American life. Rather than categorizing the New Jersey pastor evangelist as a ‘forerunner,’ Maze joins other scholars who describe an extended period of spiritual renewal in the colonies from the 1720s through the 1760s. Most significantly, Maze demonstrates the trans-Atlantic nature of the new evangelicalism by analyzing Frelinghuysen’s adaptation of the experiential soteriology of the Dutch Further Reformation (Nadere Reformatie) to the American context. This book will be of great interest to scholars as well as to pastors.” —Charles Hambrick-Stowe, senior minister of the First Congregational Church, Ridgefield, CT

“Theodorus Jacobus Frelinghuysen owes Scott Maze a favor. Through a delightful combination of careful historical research and deep pastoral concern, Maze lays out for us Frelinghuysen’s important contribution to the First Great Awakening. Here we see a prophet of a palpable evangelism whose pungent preaching hit the target for a hard-hearted and rugged people of New Jersey’s 18th-century frontier. Thanks to Maze’s work, we’ll all learn something about the past, and we’ll also be challenged to a greater evangelistic zeal in the present.” —Stephen J. Nichols, research professor of Christianity and culture at Lancaster Bible College and Graduate School

Table of Contents:
Preface
Introduction
1. A Brief Biography
2. Theological Bases
3. Evangelistic Contributions
4. Catalyst to the First Great Awakening
Conclusion
Glossary
Bibliography

About the Author: Scott Maze is pastor of First Baptist Church of Van Buren, Arkansas.

Reformed and Puritan:

Edited by Joel R. Beeke and Brian G. Najapfour
Paperback, 288 pages
Page Size: 5.5 x 8.5 inches
ISBN 978-1-60178-120-8
Retail Price: $16.00
RHB Price: $12.00

Sample Pages

Description: In Taking Hold of God, you will enter the treasury of the church of Jesus Christ and discover some of its most valuable gems on the subject of Christian prayer. The writings of the Reformers and Puritans shine with the glory of God in Christ, offering us much wisdom and insight today that can make our own prayer lives more informed, more extensive, more fervent, and more effectual.  Six contemporary scholars explore the writings and prayer lives of several Reformers and Puritans—among them Martin Luther, John Calvin, William Perkins, Matthew Henry, and Jonathan Edwards—guiding us to growth in prayer and a more grateful communion with God.

Full Endorsements:

“Taking Hold of God is a veritable gold mine on the subject of prayer. Beeke and Najapfour have brought together in one volume the teaching on prayer of the giants of the Reformation and Puritan eras: Luther, Calvin, Knox, Perkins, Bunyan, Henry, Edwards, and others. I was personally encouraged and stimulated to take my own prayer life to a higher and hopefully more productive level. All believers who have any desire to pray effectively will profit from this book.” — Jerry Bridges, a longtime staff member of the Navigators and author of The Pursuit of Holiness

“Many of us feel either infants in the school of prayer or intimidated and beaten down by those who accuse us of being prayer-less but do not teach us how to be prayer-full.  But here can be found nourishment, example, instruction, encouragement, and, yes, deep challenge, all in one volume. May these pages serve as a tonic for our weakness, a remedy for our sickness, and an inspiration to greater prayerfulness in our churches!” —Sinclair B. Ferguson, senior minister of First Presbyterian Church of Columbia, South Carolina, and professor of Systematic Theology at Redeemer Theological Seminary, Dallas, Texas

“The Protestant Reformation brought a revolution to the life of prayer. This book opens up the story of how the Reformers like Luther and Calvin, followed by the Puritans like William Perkins and Matthew Henry, teach us a surprisingly new approach to the life of prayer.” —Hughes Oliphant Old, John H. Leith Professor of Reformed Theology and Worship, Erskine Theological Seminary, Due West, South Carolina

“Together, Beeke and Najapfour have produced a marvelously helpful and instructive volume on prayer drawn from such giants as Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Bunyan, Matthew Henry, and Jonathan Edwards. It is a veritable potpourri of spiritual insight and godly advice. Books on prayer often induce more guilt than help. Taking Hold of God, as the title itself suggests, aims at doing the latter. It beckons us, allures us, into the challenge of prayer itself: laying hold of a gracious Father who longs for our presence and delights to commune with His children. If you aim to read just one book on prayer this year, choose this one.” —Derek W. H. Thomas, John E. Richards Professor of Systematic and Practical Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, Mississippi

Contents:

Preface
1. Martin Luther on Prayer and Reformation (Brian G. Najapfour)
2. John Calvin on Prayer as Communion with God (Joel R. Beeke)
3. John Knox: A Theologian of Prayer (Brian G. Najapfour)
4. William Perkins on the Lord’s Prayer (J. Stephen Yuille)
5. Anthony Burgess on Christ’s Prayer for Us (Joel R. Beeke)
6. John Bunyan on Praying with the Holy Spirit (Michael A. G. Haykin)
7. The Puritans on the Help of the Holy Spirit in Prayer (Johnny C. Serafini)
8. Matthew Henry on a Practical Method of Daily Prayer (Joel R. Beeke)
9. Thomas Boston and Praying to Our Father (Joel R. Beeke)
10. Jonathan Edwards on Prayer and the Triune God (Peter Beck)
11. Puritan Prayers for World Missions (Joel R. Beeke)
12. Prayerful Praying Today (Joel R. Beeke)
Bibliography
Scripture Index
Subject Index

Contributors:

Peter Beck, Joel R. Beeke, Michael A. G. Haykin, Brian G. Najapfour, Johnny C. Serafini, J. Stephen Yuille

About the Editors:

Joel R. Beeke is president and professor of Systematic Theology and Homiletics at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, and a pastor of the Heritage Netherlands Reformed Congregation of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Brian G. Najapfour, a pastor from the Philippines, is a recent grad­uate from Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary (Th.M.) and is a Ph.D. student at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Stop Loving the World, by William Greenhill and Edited by Jay T. Collier

Paperback, 88 pages
Page Size: 4.5 x 7 inches
ISBN 978-1-60178-118-5
Retail Price: $8.00
RHB Price: $6.00

Release date: Jan. 10th

SAMPLE PAGES

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. —1 John 2:15

The Puritans were greatly concerned with suppressing worldliness in the church. Today, worldliness is an even greater problem, exacerbated by the fact that so few dare to speak out against it. In this book, William Greenhill provides modern readers with a healthy antidote to our love affair with the world. He explains what it means to love the world, exposes the dangers of cherishing it, shares how we ought to relate to it, and gives encouraging directions for removing our hearts from it. This is a book with a timeless message, demonstrating the relevance of the Puritans for today. By God’s grace, it will help persuade you that the world and all its charms are not what you should live for.

“ ‘Don’t let the world squeeze you into its mold’ is a modern paraphrase of Paul’s warning in Romans 12:2 regarding conformity to this world. William Greenhill’s sermon, carefully edited in this volume and made more digestible by introducing separate chapters to the Puritan’s lengthy discourse, is as timely as it is necessary. Truth is, we are all too much in love with this world and too little in love with the world to come. Worldliness pervades our churches as much as our individual lives and we need to do something about it—quickly. Stop Loving the World is not pleasant reading—for it calls attention to a sin that we would sooner tolerate than mortify; but, if we are serious about godliness, mortify it we must. A book to read slowly, carefully, and prayerfully.” - Derek W. H. Thomas, John E. Richards Professor of Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary and Minister of Teaching, First Presbyterian Church, Jackson, MS

Table of Contents:
Preface
1. Concerning the World and Our Love for It
2. Reasons for Not Loving the World
3. Our Relationship to God’s Creation
4. Applications of the Doctrine
5. Further Motives for Not Loving the World
6. Directions for Getting Our Hearts off the World

About the Author:

William Greenhill (1598–1671) was member of the Westminster Assembly and a prominent preacher among Congregationalists. Several of his works have been reprinted by Soli Deo Gloria Publications.

Series Description:

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.

Paperback, 80 pages
Page size: 4.5 x 7 inches
Retail Price: $8.00
RHB Price: $6.00
ISBN 978-1-60178-119-2

SAMPLE PAGES

Good pastors pray for the Holy Spirit’s help in preparing biblical sermons that will adequately feed God’s sheep. They also hope for the Spirit’s work in the hearts of the hearers so that they effectively receive the preached Word. But are these the only ways that preachers must depend on the Spirit in their preaching? In this book, Albert N. Martin reminds gospel ministers of their need to rely on the Holy Spirit as they proclaim God’s Word. He explains the necessity of the agency and operations of the Holy Spirit, describes its specific manifestations, and discusses ways it is restrained or diminished. Here is a prophetic call to reliance on God in the very act of proclaiming His Word.

“Who better to write a book on preaching in the Holy Spirit than Albert N. Martin? This gifted preacher, long-known for his own passionate expositions, has provided us with this insightful book that details the hallmarks of Spirit-energized preaching. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in expository preaching, but much of it has produced little more than dry, lifeless, tame lecturing. But true preaching, Martin argues, is quite different. Spirit-empowered preaching is delivered with penetrating insight, enlarged affections, deeper certainty, and fervent zeal. Every preacher should periodically read this book on Saturday night before entering the pulpit on Sunday morning.” —Steven J. Lawson, Senior Pastor Christ Fellowship Baptist Church Mobile, Alabama

Table of Contents:
Preface
1. The Agency and Operations of the Spirit in Preaching
2. The Indispensable Necessity of the Spirit in Preaching
3. Specific Manifestations of the Spirit in Preaching
4. Restrained or Diminished Measure of the Spirit in Preaching
5. Conclusion

Albert N. Martin served as a pastor of Trinity Baptist Church of Montville, New Jersey for forty-six years. He now resides in western Michigan with his wife, Dorothy.

Hardback, 480 pages

Page size: 6 × 9 inches

Retail Price: $35.00

RHB Price: $28.00

J.V. Fesko has once again produced an immensely helpful volume for the Church. Following on the heels of his books Justification and The Rule of Love, this newest title will prove to be an immense benefit to anyone wishing to understand the Reformed doctrine of baptism.

You might wonder if such a volume is necessary. After all, in the history of the church countless books have been published on the subject. To his commendation Fesko offers new insights to further strengthen the Reformed perspective. This is particularly evident in section two of the book which deals with the biblical-theological study of baptism. This section alone is worth buying this book.

While not intended to be polemical, Fesko is a force to be reckoned with. After this publication no student or scholar will be able to broach the topic without consulting his historical overview, exegetical prowess, and powerful arguments…YES IT’S THAT GOOD!

Here’s what various scholars have said:

“This book represents a substantial accomplishment, one that provides a useful resource for those wanting to deepen their understanding of the sacraments, particularly baptism. Reflecting a massive amount of research, against the background of an in-depth survey of various views of baptism in church history, Fesko provides an extensive exegetical and biblical-theological study of the covenantal and eschatological significance of baptism followed by systematic theological reflections on key issues like baptism as a means of grace, the efficacy of baptism, the biblical warrant for infant baptism (and against paedocommunion) and the importance of baptism for the church. One need not agree with his reflections at every point to benefit from his considerable labors.” – Richard B. Gaffin, Jr.

“On a wide-ranging canvas and with bold strokes, J. V. Fesko gives us a study of baptism which joins a treasury of theological citations with strong theological insights. After a survey of the history of the doctrine, Fesko focuses on the Reformed tradition and its important figures and confessions. He indicates the biblical dimensions of the meanings of baptism and provides a positive and constructive statement of its theological truth. This is a valuable work for its mastery of primary sources as well as its clear articulation of the covenantal dimensions which give a Reformed theology of baptism such power and purpose for Christian believers.” – Donald McKim

Introduction by Joel R Beeke
Hardback, 224 pages
Retail Price: $25.00
RHB Price: $19.00
ISBN 978-1-60178-093-5

Available by June 30

View sample pages here

The mind of man is notoriously fickle, and distractions too easily keep him from whole-hearted service to God. Even serious Christians feel the strain caused when their desires to offer God more spiritual and well-pleasing sacrifices are hindered by remaining sin and vanity of mind. Furthermore, obtaining freedom from distractions in religious duties is very difficult. Some think lightly of the disease and imagine the cure needless. Others are discouraged from striving against distractions because they think it is impossible to overcome them.

In this book, Nathanael Vincent convincingly demonstrates how everyone ought to attend upon God, recognize Him as Lord, and serve Him without interruption. In helping us to see the weight of our obligation, Vincent provides an abundance of pastoral guidance and encouragement. This book equips readers to detect distractions and deal with them. It also motivates them by showing the benefits that pertain to a focused pursuit of glorifying God.

“Attending upon God without Distraction is a practical and experiential Puritan masterpiece on a vital but often neglected subject of the Christian life. It invites and exhorts us to a close life with God through Christ, and shows us how to attend upon God as our Savior and Lord, without being drawn away by a host of distractions. Various cases of conscience, cautions, directions, and challenges are addressed with biblical and practical winsomeness and forcefulness. In some ways, this book seems even more applicable in our hurried and harried day than in Nathanael Vincent’s own day!” —Joel R. Beeke, President of Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids

Table of Contents:
Short Biography of the Author
The Epistle Dedicatory
To the Reader

PART ONE

EVERYONE OUGHT TO ATTEND UPON GOD

1. What Attending upon God Is

2. What Attending upon God Implies

3. Various Kinds of Attending upon God

4. Why We Ought to Attend upon God

5. Reproofs for Those Who Reject Attending upon God

6. Exhortations for Those Who Reject Attending upon God

7. Directions and Consolations for Attending upon God

PART TWO

ATTENDING UPON GOD MEANS WE SHOULD LOOK UPON HIM AS LORD AND SERVE HIM

8. How God Is the Lord

9. How God’s Lordship Should Impact Our Attending upon Him

10. Reproofs and Advice for Those Who Don’t Attend upon God as Lord

PART THREE

ATTENDING UPON GOD SHOULD BE WITHOUT DISTRACTION

11. How the Heart Is Distracted

12. How to Attend upon God without Distraction

13. The Evils and Distractions and Benefits of Avoiding Them

PART FOUR

CASES OF CONSCIENCE AND APPLICATIONS OF ATTENDING UPON GOD WITHOUT DISTRACTIONS

14. Cases of Conscience about Distractions

15. Cautions and Expostulations about Distractions

16. Directions to Remedies against Distractions

17. Advice for Avoiding Distractions in Religious Duties

18. Terrors of Distractions and Encouragements to Believers

NATHANAEL VINCENT (1638–1697)

Nathanael Vincent was born in Cornwall to John and Sarah Vincent. He graduated from Christ Church, Oxford, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1656 and a Master of Arts in 1657. He was then appointed chaplain of the Corpus Christi College.

Vincent was ordained at age twenty-one and became rector of Langley Marish, Buckinghamshire. Ejected by the Act of Uniformity of 1662, he spent three years as a private chaplain to Sir Henry Blount before moving to London in 1666. In 1672, Vincent was licensed as a Presbyterian preacher.

While Vincent’s ministry was marked with appreciation by those who came to hear him preach, the government’s non-tolerant approach to nonconformity inflicted persecution and multiple imprisonments on him. Vincent’s imprisonments left him so weak that for some time he was unable to preach, and resorted to writing. Most of his fourteen books were written in prison. His books reflect a warm, experiential piety. His love and concern for the body of Christ is evident in every book.

Vincent died suddenly in 1697, at age fifty-eight; he was survived by his wife, Anna, and six children. He was buried in the nonconformists’ burial ground at Bunhill Fields.