As goes the home, so goes the church, and so goes the nation. Therefore it is of vital importance to us that we, the ministers of the Word, promote family worship in our congregations.

Of course, family worship is not a substitute for other parental responsibilities such as personal prayer, a solid marriage, setting a godly example, and exercising righteous and compassionate discipline in the home. But just as the Word is the foundation of the church (Eph. 2:20), so family worship is the foundation of biblical child-rearing. For in family devotions children regularly hear the sacred words of God from the lips of their own father and mother.

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Brian G. Najapfour interviews Albert N. Marin about his book Preaching in the Holy Spirit.

1. In the preface of your book, you mention that you were only about 18 years old when you started preaching the gospel (vii). Obviously, at that time you were not yet an ordained preacher of the gospel. How would you then respond to people who say that the ministry of preaching is only for ordained ministers?

It is indeed true that I make reference in the preface of my book to my experience of street preaching when I was not quite yet 18 years of age. However, I did not engage in that act of witness bearing with any thought that I was a proven gift of the ascended Christ to serve within his church as a pastor and teacher. Rather, at the encouragement of some older mature Christian men, I and several others were simply doing what is recorded in Acts chapter 2.

According to Acts 1:12, 14, and Acts 2:1-4, when the Spirit of God came upon the 120 in the upper room, they were “all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak…” This description applies to all 120 – including the women who were in that company. Therefore, when Peter explains to the multitudes what has happened, he directs their attention to the promise in the book of Joel concerning the coming of the Holy Spirit. In that passage we are told that as a result of the coming of the Holy Spirit both “your sons and your daughters shall prophesy.” That is, they would all speak forth the saving truth of God. There is no indication that one needs formal ecclesiastical ordination to engage in this witness bearing to God’s saving action in Christ. Prophesying (preaching) and teaching by women are clearly out of bounds in the context of the gathered church under its God appointed male leadership. However, the kind of witness bearing “to the mighty works of God” recorded in Acts 2, describes a totally different activity and setting. I placed my experience of street preaching at age 18 in the context of this biblical perspective.

Likewise, Acts 8:1 along with Acts 11:19-21 clearly indicates that the “non-ordained believers” who were scattered upon the persecution of Saul of Tarsus, spoke forth the truth of God’s word in all of the places to which they were scattered by God’s providence. It is clear that these “non-ordained preachers” were even instrumental in the establishment of the church in Antioch.

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Robert A. Peterson

Publisher: Crossway

Hardcover, 619

Retail Price: $40.00

RHB Price: $30.00 (You save $10.00)

There are many fine books available on the offices of church leadership. Few, if any, address for a contemporary audience the biblical foundations of the government of the church. But this should be a priority for us, because God emphasizes the government of his church throughout Scripture. Why should we be church members? How do church officers reflect Jesus’ reign over us? Where do the church’s responsibilities begin and end? Where do ours? These, and other important questions, are answered in Guy Prentiss Water’s vital examination of How Jesus Runs the Church. At a time when church authority is treated with contempt, it’s important that we honor God in our churches more than ever.

Author  Guy Prentiss Waters is Associate Professor of New Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson MS. He is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania (B.A., Greek and Latin), Westiminster Theological Seminary (M.Div.), and Duke University (Ph.D. in religion, with concentrations in New Testament, Old Testament, and ancient Judaism). At Duke he studied under Richard B. Hays and E. P. Sanders, two leading expositors of the New Perspectives on Paul. Dr. Waters is the author of Justification and the New Perspective on Paul:A Review and Response.He is an ordained minister of the Presbyterian Church in America. He is also a member of the Society of Biblical Literature and the Institute of Biblical Research

Endorsements “Peterson conducts a full-orbed tour of Christology, particularly highlighting the often neglected role of Christ’s resurrection in our salvation. Peterson writes with a pastor’s heart, as is evident in the biblical fidelity and remarkable clarity that marks this work.” – Thomas R. Schreiner, James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

“Dr. Peterson told me in correspondence, ‘my work is not [systematic theology] as much as laying biblical foundations for systematics.’ Well, people can define terms as they like. But I think Salvation Accomplished by the Son is systematic theology at its very best. It deals with doctrines of systematic theology by bringing them into closest proximity with the biblical texts that justify them. That is the kind of systematics of which we need much more. To explore any question about Jesus’s incarnation, atonement, or resurrection, this is the book to which, after Scripture itself, I would turn first.” – John M. Frame, J. D. Trimble Chair of Systematic Theology and Philosophy, Reformed Theological Seminary, Orlando

“At the heart of evangelicalism is the simple affirmation ‘Jesus saves.’ Theologian Robert Peterson shows us that this affirmation is both simple enough for a child’s faith and profound enough for a scholar’s erudition. In this sweeping and comprehensive study, Peterson not only unpacks the full scope of Christ’s saving work, from first advent to second; he pastorally applies this to the believer so that the result is not bone-dry theology, but heart-melting doxology. I left this book with a new desire to sing, ‘Jesus saves!’” – Sean Michael Lucas, Senior Minister, The First Presbyterian Church, Hattiesburg, Mississippi

“At the center of Christianity is a crucified and risen Savior—a person, event, and picture so profound and massive, we have the sixty-six books of the Bible to unpack it. In this book, trusted and reliable guide Robert Peterson leads us deep into the rich contours of the atoning work of Christ. This is theology as it’s supposed to be: biblically informed at every turn, historically aware and enriched, culturally engaged, and pastorally presented—all leading us to worship the slain and risen Lamb.” – Stephen J. Nichols, Research Professor of Christianity and Culture, Lancaster Bible College

Anthony Burgess, “a pious, learned, and able scholar, a good disputant, a good tutor, an eminent preacher, a sound and orthodox divine,” was born to the son of a schoolmaster at Watford, Hertfordshire. He entered St. John’s College, Cambridge, in 1623, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1627. He then transferred to Emmanuel College, where he was elected to a fellowship, and earned a Master of Arts degree in 1630.

Burgess joined the Westminster Assembly of Divines, where he became known for his theological astuteness and piety. During his years in London, he preached to Parliament on at least six occasions; these sermons show a thoroughly biblical emphasis, an emphasis on maintaining church discipline, and an abhorrence of antinomian errors. In 1645, he replaced the expelled Thomas Crane as vicar of the Guildhall church of St. Lawrence Jewry, where he established a congregational presbytery. In 1647, he signed the Testimony of the London Presbyterian ministers against the toleration of heresy. Wherever he went, he was esteemed as an eminent preacher as well as a solid divine.

During a fifteen-year span (1646-1661), Burgess wrote at least a dozen books, based mainly on his sermons and lectures. His writings reveal a scholarly acquaintance with Aristotle, Seneca, Augustine, Aquinas, Luther, and Calvin. He made a judicious use of Greek and Latin quotations, while he still reasoned in the plain style of Puritan preaching. In Burgess, cultured scholar and experimental preacher combined to produce astute, warm, devotional writing.

Several of Burgess’s major works have a strong polemic emphasis. His first major treatise, Vindiciae Legis (1646), based on twenty-nine lectures given at Lawrence Jewry, vindicated the Puritan view of the moral law and the covenants of works and grace in opposition to Roman Catholics, Arminians, Socinians, and especially, Antinomians. Two years later,

Burgess was ejected by the Uniformity Act of 1662. He retired to Tamworth, Staffordshire, where he attended the parish church of his friend, Samuel Langley, a godly but conformist minister, until his death in 1664.

Burgess has been seriously underestimated in church history. He is one of only a few of the main Puritan authors who did not have a nineteenth century reprint of their works. Many of his books are worthy of being reprinted today.

Books Authored by Burgess:

Spiritual Refining: The Anatomy of True and False Conversion, Vol. 1

Spiritual Refining: The Anatomy of True and False Conversion, Vol. 2

Dr. Joel R. Beeke

In Parenting by God’s Promises: How to Raise Children in the Covenant of Grace, Dr. Joel R. Beeke explores what this nurture and admonition looks like and offers gems of practical wisdom for parents on topics such as instituting and leading family worship, teaching children, modeling faithful Christian living, and exercising discipline. However, he carefully puts parental responsibilities in their proper perspective and guides mothers and fathers to lean not on their own abilities but to trust more fully in the God who knits children together in the first place. Above all, he affirms, parents must look to the one true God, who promises to provide everything His people need and to bless them and their families.

Prayers of the Bible: Equipping Women to Call on God in Truth 

Susan Hunt

Retail Price $12.99

RHB Price $9.00

“There is nothing more freeing than bowing before the Throne of Grace to present prayers that have been carefully sifted through Scripture. Why? Prayers laced with Scripture and founded on God’s Word enjoy a warm reception from our Father in heaven – such prayers have power and importance. Would you like to be skilled in offering up praises and intercessions that have a welcomed audience with your Maker? Susan Hunt in this remarkable book gives a practical guide to the Christian who desires to bow lower and draw nearer to God in prayer. I happily endorse and heartily recommend Prayers of the Bible.” — Joni Eareckson Tada, Joni and Friends International Disability Center

Gospel Powered Humility

William P. Farley

Retail Price $12.99

RHB Price $9.00

Humility is not a popular concept in our world today. It is seen as weakness in a culture that prizes self-esteem and validation. Unfortunately, these worldly attitudes about humility have leaked into and influenced the church, as well. Far from being weakness, humility is the crucial virtue. Not only is it necessary for conversion and sanctification, but from its soil sprout the fruit of the Spirit. Yet many Christians are unaware of this crucial connection, and do not see the implications of humility in witnessing, counseling, and preaching. Gospel-Powered Humility argues that God has designed the gospel to provoke humility. In this vital book William Farley proves that humility, often the least emphasized virtue, is in reality the chief and most necessary virtue. If humility truly matters, our Christian ministry should aim to not only encourage faith, but to encourage a faith that humbles sinners. Read and learn how much humility does matter . . . and what we can begin to do about it.

See Also:

Prayers of the Bible: Equipping Women to Call on God in Truth (Leader’s Guide) by Susan Hunt

How Jesus Runs the Church by Guy Prentiss Waters (get 5 for $40)

Songs in the Night by Michael A. Milton

Table of Contents:

Preface

1. Am I Willing? Our Undeniable Obligation

2. Am I Effective? Our Necessary Equipment

3. Am I Committed? Our Appointed Means

4. Am I Focused? Our Declared Aim

5. Am I Fruitful? Our Great Expectation

J. Stephen Yuille

Paperback, 180 pages

Retail Price: $18.00

RHB Price: $14.00

William Perkins described God’s all-sufficiency as His blessedness. This view of God shaped his understanding of Christian piety, leading him to define theology as the science of living blessedly forever. For Perkins, godliness flows from the enjoyment of God.

In Living Blessedly Forever, J. Stephen Yuille demonstrates how Perkins practically taught about God, joy, and the Christian life through his preaching on the Sermon on the Mount. Yuille begins with a brief account of Perkins’s life and ministry, considering several factors that shaped Perkins’s interpretation and application of the Sermon on the Mount. He then examines Perkins’s exposition of Matthew 5–7, identifying six marks of godliness (blessedness, repentance, righteousness, sincerity, contentment, and faithfulness) and concluding with a challenge to join practice with knowledge of the word of Christ.

Yuille’s work is more than a simple look at a sermon series given by a Puritan. While you will learn much about Perkins’s approach to the Sermon on the Mount, you will also be challenged to live blessedly forever.

Endorsement  “One of the great puzzles of church history is the church’s failure to keep in print the works of William Perkins. Why, when so many of the Puritan writers were reprinted in the nineteenth century, was Perkins, the prince of the Puritans, passed by? In his own day he topped the best seller list of English theological/practical writers. In our day, this problem is slowly (very slowly) being remedied. For this reason, I am thankful for Stephen Yuille’s exposition of Perkins’s commentary on the Sermon on the Mount. Yuille’s work is a clear presentation of Perkins and written with the same goal as Perkins, that men and women may live blessedly forever. I enthusiastically commend this book to one who wants to get better insight into Perkins, as well to all who desire a practical exposition of Christ’s most famous sermon.” — Joseph A. Pipa Jr., President of Greenville Presbyterian Seminary, Greenville, South Carolina

Christ and the Condition: The Covenant Theology of Samuel Petto (1624–1711)

Michael Brown

Paperback, 160 pages

Retail Price: $18.00

RHB Price: $14.00

Covenant theology is the “warp and woof” of Reformed theology, and its development was most seriously worked out during the seventeenth century. In Christ and the Condition, Michael Brown introduces us to an influential Puritan pastor who, though now largely forgotten, was a significant contributor to the covenantal debates of his day. Brown analyzes the covenantal thought of Samuel Petto and reveals a diversity of thought among the Puritans, especially concerning the Mosaic covenant. Brown’s assessment places Petto in the context of the covenantal debates and also demonstrated the implications of covenantal thought on the doctrine of justification.

Endorsement  “It’s always a pleasure to meet another great exponent of classic Reformed theology. Petto is someone I should have known, but didn’t until Michael Brown introduced him to me. The issues Petto raises—and the context that Brown provides—greatly enrich our own conversations about the twin dangers of antinomianism and neo-nomianism in our own day.” – Michael Horton

1. In three paragraphs or less, please tell me about your conversion to Christ

I was brought up in a godly home but kicked hard against the goads before and during my teenage years. I did not want simply to accept or assume that a thing was true (such as what I was taught concerning true religion), but to know it as true. I therefore largely turned my back on the things that I was taught. At the same time, I do not recall ever doubting that there is a God, nor did any but the God of Scripture appear credible to me.

I wrestled with the twin realities of a holy Almighty and my own sinful heart. I could not comprehend how the God of heaven and earth could ever love or be reconciled with a creature with a heart and life so full of actual and potential wickedness. I was persuaded on the one hand that there must be something necessary for me to do in order to make myself acceptable to him, and on the other it was increasingly plain that there was in me no good thing: I could not make myself acceptable, and yet I could not see any other way of salvation. Trapped in this vortex, I went into a downward spiral of spiritual aggression and nihilism in which – despite the gracious efforts of my parents and others – I sank to great depths.

However, as I plunged into darkness, the Lord was pleased to deal graciously with me, and – while I cannot recall a particular sermon or conversation that turned things around – I came slowly to grasp that the fact that I cannot save myself nor make myself saveable is, in fact, the very glory of God’s redemption. I had been looking to myself for salvation, but salvation is something that the Lord has done entirely in Christ, outside of the sinner. I cannot merit this, I can only humbly and gratefully receive it by faith. I suppose you could say that I had my own personal mini-Reformation! Over time, and in the face of my rebellion, my God was pleased to make me willing, and drew me to Christ my Ransom. I was baptised and joined the church shortly before my seventeenth birthday, but deeply ingrained patterns of self-reliance meant that it was still some time before I came to any settled assurance of salvation.

Keep Reading…

(1577-1635)

Richard Sibbes was born in 1577 at Tostock, Suffolk, in the Puritan county of old England. As a child, he loved books. His father, Paul Sibbes, a hardworking wheelwright and, according to Zachary Catlin, a contemporary biographer of Sibbes, was “a good, sound-hearted Christian,” but became irritated with his son’s interest in books. He tried to cure his son of book-buying by offering him wheelwright tools, but the boy was not dissuaded. In 1603, he was converted under the preaching of Paul Baynes, whom Sibbes called his “father in the gospel.”

From 1611 to 1616, he served as lecturer at Holy Trinity Church, Cambridge. His preaching awakened Cambridge from the spiritual indifference into which it had fallen after the death of Perkins. A gallery had to be built to accommodate visitors in the church. John Cotton and Hugh Peters were converted under Sibbes’s preaching. During his years at Holy Trinity, Sibbes helped turn Thomas Goodwin away from Arminianism and moved John Preston from “witty preaching” to plain, spiritual preaching.

He influenced Anglicanism, Presbyterianism, and Independency, the three dominant parties of the church in England at that time. He was a pastor of pastors, and lived a life of moderation. “Where most holiness is, there is most moderation, where it may be without prejudice of piety to God and the good of others,” he wrote.

Both learned and unlearned in upper and lower classes profited greatly from Sibbes’s alluring preaching. Sibbes wrote, “To preach is to woo…. The main scope of all [preaching] is, to allure us to the entertainment of Christ’s mild, safe, wise, victorious government.” He brought truth home, as Robert Burns would say, “to men’s business and bosoms.”

Sibbes became known as “the heavenly Doctor,” due to his godly preaching and heavenly manner of life. He never married, but he established an astonishing network of friendships that included godly ministers, noted lawyers, and parliamentary leaders of the early Stuart era. “Godly friends are walking sermons,” he said.

Sibbes was a gentle man who avoided the controversies of his day as much as possible. “Fractions breed fractions,” he insisted. His battles with Archbishop Laud, Roman Catholics, and Arminians were exceptions. He also remained closefriends with many pastors and leaders who wanted more radical reform than he did for the Church of England.

Sibbes’s last sermons, preached a week before his death, were on John 14:2, “In my Father’s house are many mansions….I go to prepare a place for you.” When asked in his final days how his soul was faring, Sibbes replied, “I should do God much wrong if I should not say, very well.” Sibbes began his will and testament, dictated on July 4, 1635, the day before his death, with “I commend and bequeath my soul into the hands of my gracious Savior, who hath redeemed it with his most precious blood, and appears now in heaven to receive it.”

Modern Impressions of Sibbes 

The historian Daniel Neal described Sibbes as a celebrated preacher, an educated divine, and a charitable and humble man who repeatedly underestimated his gifts.

In our day, Maurice Roberts says of Sibbes, “His theology is thoroughly orthodox, of course, but it is like the fuel of some great combustion engine, always passing into flame and so being converted into energy thereby to serve God and, even more, to enjoy and relish God with the soul.”

David Masson, biographer of John Milton, wrote, “No writings in practical theology seem to have been so much read in the mid-seventeenth century among the pious English middle classes as those of Sibbes.”

The twentieth-century historian William Haller said Sibbes’s sermons were “the most brilliant and popular of all the utterances of the Puritan church militant.”

Books By Richard Sibbes

The Bruised Reed

Josiah’s Reformation

The Love of Christ

The Tender Heart

The Works of Richard Sibbes, 7 volumes