#1 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus, by Patrick Fairbairn

From the preface by the author. This expositiry volume on the Pastoral Epistles had its origin in a departmet of labour connected with my official duties. Till lately, it ws for many years my lot to conduct a class of Pastoral Theology for advanced students preparing for the work of the Christian ministry; and a portion of the time during each session was usually devoted to the exposition and illustration of more or less of those Epistles. Practically, it was found impossible to overtake more, in any particular session that a comparatively limited portion of them. But as comments on the whole had been prepared, I have thought that the publication of them might be of some advantage to students of Sacred Scripture, especially those who are either in the position of candidates for the ministry, or without lengthened experiences in the discharge of its duties.

#2 Sermons on 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus, by John Calvin

John Calvin still speaks through timeless works such as this one, where he explores the aging Paul’s pastoral counsel to two younger apostles on church and doctrinal issues. Abridged and adapted for today’s reader.

#3 The Message of 1 Timothy & Titus: The Bible Speaks Today Series, by John Stott

For the postmodern world the very notion of objective truth is open to question if not ridicule. In a cultural climate of soft footings and cracking walls, Paul’s unambigous commitment to the church as “the pillar and foundation of the truth” is a timely metaphor. It calls us to reconsider the architecture of a truly Christian worldview and to reexamine the gospel and tradition we have inherited. Paul’s burden in these letters to Timothy and Titus is inheritance, the faithful guarding and delivering of the inheritance of gospel truth. Nearing the end of his life, Paul is intent on securing the heritage of gospel truth for the next generation.

#4 2 Timothy: MacArthur New Testament Commentary, by John MacArthur

In the face of spiritual warfare and the daily bombardment of worldly evils, you need a message of encouragement to “fight the good fight.” The ammunition? MacArthur’s motivating commentary on doctrinal truths and church life armed with a bibliography and subject, Scripture, and Greek word indexes. About 224 pages, hardcover from Moody.

#5 A commentary upon the Epistle of St. Paul written to Titus, by Thomas Taylor

C. H. Spurgeon said, “The title-page calls Thomas Taylor ‘a famous and mast elaborate divine.’ He was a preacher at Paul’s Cross during the reigns of Elizabeth and James I, and a voluminous writer. This Commentary will well repay the reader.”

Family Reformation, by Scott T. Brown

While the doctrine of salvation was being reformed during the sixteenth century, so was marriage, manhood, womanhood, courtship, child raising, fertility, abortion, and almost every area that touches family life.
John Calvin never wrote a book on the family, but he touched off a family reformation. He was the instigator of a massive restructuring of the most fundamental institution of society.

Like no other reformer, Calvin provided the exegetical precision that defined the terms for a biblical vision of family life. With crystal clarity he explained the details of the how the family had exchanged the glory of God for a lie. We should be thankful to this dear brother for excavating the gold mines of the Bible and exposing the raw biblical language and bedrock principles that form the doctrine of the Christian family.

This book seeks to communicate the main themes of Calvin s teaching on family life in his own words, using quotes from his books, sermons, letters, and other writings. In Geneva there were many victories in the battle to reform the family. Let me suggest that it may be difficult to win today s battles for the family unless we understand the victories of the sixteenth century.

Keith Mathison writes,

Beeke explains the reason for this book in his Introduction:

For many years, I have searched for a book that would cover the intellectual and spiritual emphases of Calvinism, the way it influences the church and everyday living, and its ethical and cultural implications. The book I had in mind would explain for today’s reader the biblical, God-centered, heartfelt, winsome, and practical nature of Calvinism, and would clearly convey how Calvinism earnestly seeks to meet the purpose for which we were created, namely, to live to the glory of God. By doing so, it would serve as a corrective to the many caricatures of Calvinism that still exist in North America and beyond.

Unable to find a single book that fit the bill, Dr. Beeke has written it himself, with the help of several co-authors.

Living for God’s Glory is divided into six parts with a total of twenty-eight chapters. Of these twenty-eight chapters, Beeke himself has contributed eighteen. The remaining ten chapters consist of contributions by Dr. Sinclair Ferguson, Dr. James M. Grier, Dr. Michael A.G. Haykin, Dr. Nelson D. Kloosterman, Rev. Ray B. Lanning, Dr. Robert W. Oliver, Ray Pennings, and Dr. Derek W.H. Thomas. All of these men are gifted authors, and their chapters are consistently well-written.

For the full review, read here.

365 Days With Calvin

365 days with Calvin—A unique collection of 365 readings from the writings of John Calvin, selected and edited by Joel R Beeke

John Calvin exercised a profound ministry in Europe, and is probably one of the most seminal thinkers ever to have lived. A godly pastor, theologian and preacher, he led his flock by example and worked hard to establish consistent godliness in his city. A prolific writer, his sermons, letters, and, of course, his ‘Christian Institutes’ have been published again and again. His writings—once described as ‘flowing prose’—are characterized by clarity, simplicity, and yet profoundness, too. In these heart-warming pieces, drawn from his commentaries and sermons, Calvin brings us to Christ, the glorious Savior of all his people.

Endorsements
Daily devotionals—spiritual aids to help us be accountable for a life of disciplined reading of Scripture and prayer—have been around for centuries and need a certain caliber of excellence and insight if they are to prove of lasting value through 365 days! Of those I’d like to spend a year with as my spiritual guide and mentor, John Calvin is most certainly one of them. Joel Beeke guides us through the Reformer’s writings to help us discover the help and insight that every Christian needs to live a God-honoring life for Jesus Christ.

—Derek W. H. Thomas, John E. Richards Professor of Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary, Minister of Teaching, First Presbyterian Church, Jackson, MS, Editorial Director, Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals

Sample:

The Covenant Divide

And the Lord said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger. Genesis 25:23

Suggested further reading: Deuteronomy 2:1–8

God says that the contention between the twin brothers in Rebekah’s womb implies something far greater than itself; it means that there will be discord between the brothers and their posterity. The expression “there are two nations” is emphatic. Since Jacob and Esau were twins, and therefore of one blood, their mother did not suppose that they would become so separated that they would become heads of two, distinct nations. Yet God declares that dissension will take place between these brothers who were by nature joined together.

Second, he describes what will happen to their progeny. One nation will have victory over the other because they cannot be equal. The cause of the contest between them is because one is chosen by God and the other rejected. The reprobate gives way reluctantly to the godly, so it necessarily follows that the children of God must undergo many troubles and contests because of their adoption.

Third, the Lord affirms that the order of nature will be inverted. The younger son will be victor over the elder. This victory does not simply refer to earthly riches and wealth. Rather, this oracle teaches Isaac and Rebekah that the covenant of salvation will not be made with both brothers and their people but will be reserved only for the posterity of Jacob. In the beginning, the covenant promise is general and refers to all the seed of Abraham. Now it is restricted to one part of that seed.

For Meditation: The gospel of Jesus Christ still divides brothers. Sadly, this division often perpetuates itself through the generations, creating separate nations—holy and unholy. What a responsibility this gives us to present the gospel to succeeding generations of both nations! How can we fulfill this responsibility more?

On June 26, 2009, Paul Butler of Prime Time America spoke with Doug Phillips, Dr. Michael Haykin, and Scott Anderson about the 500^th anniversary of the birth of John Calvin. Clearly, John Calvin’s contributions to western civilization and the Christian Church have had far greater impact  than most people dare to admit or are even aware of. Scratch the surface of just about any issue facing the church and society today and you will find that John Calvin has made a contribution to the discussion. To learn why many people around the globe are celebrating the 500^th anniversary of the birth of John Calvin, listen to Paul Butler’s Moody Radio segment here.

To find out how you can register for this year’s Puritan Reformed conference, Calvin for the 21^st Century, visit here.

(Post from Paul Butler’s Production Blog)

July 10, 2009, marks the 500th anniversary of the birth of John Calvin. This summer there are many gatherings planned to celebrate the reformer’s life and legacy all around the world.

This feature highlights three of these celebrations with:

1. Doug Phillips, President of Vision Forum Ministries which is sponsoring the “Reformation 500 Celebration” in Boston, MA, July 1st – 4th.
2. Dr. Michael Haykin, Professor of Church History and Biblical Spirituality for Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, who is speaking at the “Calvin for the 21st Century Conference” sponsored by the Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, MI, August 27th – 29th.
3. Scott Anderson, Director of Conferences for Desiring God Ministrieswhich is sponsoring the: “With Calvin in the Theatre of God Conference” in Minneapolis, MN, September 25th – 27th.

#1 The First and Second Epistles to the Thessalonians, New International Commentary on the New Testament, by Leon Morris

The two letters of the Thessalonians dwell richly upon the Christian hope and emphasize the meaning and earnestness of the Christian’s calling in the present world. Leon Morris offers a scholarly exegetical discussion of specific problems relating to the composition of the letters themselves with an acute awareness of the relevance of Paul’s message to the practical problems encountered in living the Christian life. This is a fully .revised edition of Morris’s classic 1959 work on 1 and 2 Thessalonians and not only takes account of recent exegetical works in Thessalonian studies but also incorporates significant new knowledge in the area of early Christian sociology.

#2 1 & 2 Thessalonians, by Richard Mayhue

The Thessalonian epistles give us relevant glimpses of the church’s earliest times. When looking at the early church many contemporary questions arise and those questions are questions that exercises our modern church just as much as the historic Thessalonian one. These timeless letters provide up-to-date answers from a consecrated church, sheparded by godly men devoted to God and to his word.

#3 1 & 2 Thessalonians, Living in the End Times, by John Stott

In Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians, even though Paul is sending corrections and instructions like in other letters, he also loves them, is anxiously concerned for their welfare, begs them to stand firm, teaches them, and prays for them constantly like the pastor he is. They also contain some of the most important New Testament passages about eschatology, the culmination of all things.

#4 Waiting for Christ’s Return: On Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians, Herman Veldkamp

The Reformed Forum is going to have John Fesko join them once again on Christ the Center.  This time he’ll be discussing his newest title, The Rule of Love.  They will be streaming it live along with an open chat room at http://www.reformedforum.org/video.  The Reformed Forum is working in conjunction with us at Reformation Heritage Books who will be giving away two free copies of the book in addition to offering a great discount on the book to anyone who listens to the interview for only $10.00 + FREE shipping!

Monday, June 29, 2009
9:30AM Eastern / 6:30AM Pacific
http://www.reformedforum.org/video

John Calvin (for children), by Simonetta Carr

Watch the video here

In this attractive volume, Simonetta Carr introduces young readers to the life, thought, and work of one of the most famous Reformers of the Christian church. She tells about the life of John Calvin from his birth to his death, placing him within the troubled context of the sixteenth century. She also introduces Calvin’s writings in a way that children will desire to know more about his ministry and influence.

Readers will come to know Calvin’s personality, his devotion to God and the church, and the personal challenges he faced. They will understand the struggles the early Reformed church faced at that time, not only surviving attacks of the Roman Catholic Church, but also achieving a clear identity and a unified doctrine. They will also have a glimpse of life in sixteenth-century Europe, stricken by pestilence, poverty, and wars. Simply written, and full of interesting facts, this book makes a great gift for children of this rich Reformed heritage.

Michael Horton- “The parents of four ourselves, my wife and I are eager to learn of new materials we can use and recommend. This is surely a resource that we would noise abroad. A translator of Reformed materials into Italian as well as a teacher, Simonetta is remarkably gifted. She knows the history and theology of the Reformation well, yet also knows how to ‘translate’ for our children. The Reformed community really needs this kind of edifying literature for our covenant youth.”

Reviews from our buyers
Rachel Short- I was thrilled to finally hold this book in my hands! Mrs. Carr has written a delightful book that is the perfect introduction to the life of this great man. Mr. Calvin’s life is clearly explained in a way that is truly appropriate for children. The book is also very beautiful and captivating. I am purchasing more copies of this book to save for my children and give away as gifts.

Shane Lems- What a great little book! In her biography of Calvin, Carr wastes no words and uses no unclear vocabulary to discuss the main points of Calvin’s life, including a simple overview of his teaching which is woven throughout the book.

This 63 page book is a great addition to a Reformation library. It is geared for children around ages 7-10, but certainly everyone older than that will benefit as well. I’ve read quite a few different accounts of Calvin’s life, and though this one covered the same basics, it was interesting enough to hold my attention to the end.

I might also suggest that this type of book be used for more than just a home library for children. It would be helpful for a theme of church history in Sunday School, it would be beneficial in a church plant setting, where some people haven’t heard of Calvin, and it would be good for a Christian home school library.

Finally, the artwork is brilliant and captivating. The layout of the book has a fitting Reformation theme: the theme comes through in the words and artwork layout.

The reader will not be disappointed in this book if he she is looking for a clear, concise, and attractive biography on John Calvin.

Does Grace Grow Best in Winter?

Retails at $9.99, RHB 25% OFF at only $7.50

“Does Grace Grow Best in Winter?” addresses the issue of suffering from the standpoint of the sovereignty of God. It teaches that we need to learn that suffering exists, and we need to learn to suffer.
If you are presently suffering, this book is for you. And if you are not, this book is still for you-in preparation for the trials that will undoubtedly come. Regardless of your current circumstances, Does Grace Grow Best in Winter? will help you perceive God’s purpose in suffering, receive God’s grace in trials, and draw near to our great high priest, who suffered the unimaginable horrors of the cross for us.” —CJ Mahaney

The Rule of Love: Broken, Fulfilled, and Applied

J. V. Fesko

Hardcover, 152 pages
Page Size: 5 x 7.5 inches
Retail Price: $15.00
RHB Price: $11.00
ISBN 978-1-60178-063-8

In 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.

Commendations:

The Rule of Love refreshingly sets each of the Ten Commandments in it historical, covenantal, and redemptive context, then proceeds to show that each commandment covers a broad range of issues that convict us as believers of sin and encourage us to flee to Christ who is the great Law-fulfiller and our complete remedy for all our Law-breaking. Dr. Fesko masterfully sets each commandment in the light of Christ and shows how each is connected to the church and to every believer today. In this book, which is the most Christ-centered treatment of the Law I have ever read, biblical, systematic, and practical theology wonderfully coalesce in a harmonious whole.

—Dr. Joel R. Beeke, President of Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids

“Dr. Fesko has blessed the church with a uniquely balanced and helpful treatment of the Ten Commandments. By insisting that we interpret these enduring commandments in their historical, covenantal, and redemptive contexts, Dr. Fesko keeps us from stumbling into the numerous errors that abound when it comes to interpreting and applying God’s law in our modern world. Using Scripture and the richness of the Reformed confessional documents, Dr. Fesko deftly escorts us into a Christ-centered understanding of the law for the church today. This work is both theologically profound and immensely practical.”

—Rev. Anthony T. Selvaggio, teaching elder (RPCNA), author and visiting professor of biblical studies at Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Pittsburgh