Christian Book Notes

Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn.  Born of God: Sermons from John, Chapter One.  Edinburgh: The Banner of Truth Trust, 2011.  482 pp.  $29.00.  Purchase at Westminster for much less.

Introduction

Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) is well known by many in the Reformed circles of Christianity. This is because of his love for the Puritans and his deep exegetical and expository style of preaching.  My prayer is that he would be well known throughout all of Christendom. He has much to offer today’s Christian. You can download sermons for free at OnePlace.com. I highly recommend you check out that website.

Summary

Born of God is a 32 sermon compilation of messages delivered by the late Dr. Lloyd-Jones as part of his last sermon series preached on Sunday mornings at Westminster Chapel.  He started preaching through John in 1962 but health prevented him from ever finishing.  Another lengthy treatment from the Gospel of John is found in his work entitled Living Water which I reviewed here.

In this particular work, the Doctor concentrates on two doctrines found in the first chapter of the beloved disciple’s gospel: Law and Grace and the assurance of salvation.  He began the series with the comment, “Do you know what is the matter with us?  I will tell you.  We none of us really believe in the Lord Jesus Christ!”  From there he explains what he means and shows with pinpoint accuracy how this is truly the case for most believers in Jesus Christ.

Review

With his warning shot fired, Martyn Lloyd-Jones shows how we need to better grasp the doctrines we believe and allow them to have the desired effect in and on 0ur lives.  What is better is his continuous pointing back to Christ in all that he says.

Chapter fifteen is an excellent chapter in that he lays out in plain language how we become children of God.  In my personal estimation, it is one of his more articulate evangelical sermons we have.  Chapters 21-25 are of great value in and of themselves as they explain the importance of mortifying (killing) sin within you.

After reading Born of God, you will have a far greater understanding and appreciation for the first chapter of the Gospel of John.

Recommendation

As with all of the materials by and about Dr. D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, I highly recommend this compilation of sermons.  I do not hide the truth that he has been most influential on my ministry and in my walk with the Lord.  If you have never read anything by the Doctor, then start here with Born of God and be blessed.  You will also be “hooked” so to speak on the ministry of the greatest preacher of the 20th century.

Sibbes, Richard. Josiah’s Reformation. Edinburgh: The Banner of Truth Trust, 2011. 176 pp. $10.00. Purchase at Westminster for less.

Introduction

Josiah’s Reformation is the latest in the Puritan Paperbacks Series published by the Banner of Truth Trust. This work was originally published in 1629. Sibbes “always sought to get under the superficial layer of his listeners’ behavior and deal with their hearts.” It is for this reason that Richard Sibbes is one of the more beloved of the Puritans by today’s readers.

Summary

Josiah’s Reformation is a compilation of four sermons preached by the Puritan, Richard Sibbes from Isaiah 57:15, “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose Name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.”

In explaining the doctrinal truth behind this verse, Sibbes exposits for his readers from 2 Chronicles 34:26-28 and offers four keys to true personal reformation. He looks at the tender heart first and foremost as the only means by which one can be humbled. He next looks at the art of self-humbling and the art of mourning. Both are necessary if true reformation is to take place in the soul. The last sermon (4th chapter) is entitled the Saint’s Refreshing. Here the reader is treated to true nourishment for the soul.

Review

You do not pick up the Puritans and expect to read something light and fluffy that does not impact you for in the here and now as well as later on down the road. Josiah’s Reformation offers sweet nourishment for the soul on most every page. The chapter on self-humbling is much needed today with our “me-first” theologies. I have said that there is much pride in the pastorate and many will know this to be true. Sibbes sought to not only teach his hearers how to properly self-judge, but he also offers, from Scripture, the importance of keeping ourselves humble. The art is when we are able to maintain that proper humility.

Far from being a book that will “work you over the coals,” Sibbes will bring you time and again to worship the Lord who alone enables the Christian to accomplish anything resembling reformation.

Again, Sibbes offers a wonderful treatise on the art of mourning…over sin. Not just your own sin, but the sins of others including your own nation. When was the last time you grieved over sin? Chapter three on Josiah’s Reformation will take you to that place of grief over sin once again.

All in all, while the language may be tough for some to overcome, it is well worth the effort to take the time and read through Josiah’s Reformation. To do so will be to take a break from the craziness of the world and to bask in the glory of the salvation granted to those who believe.

Recommendation

I heartily recommend to any who call on the name of Christ as Lord and Savior this work by Richard Sibbes entitled Josiah’s Reformation. It may be best to sit down and read it one chapter at a time (there are only four which take about an hour or so to read), but it is also worth putting on your nightstand and reading a page or two in the evening and meditate on the contents while drifting off to sleep.

Prayers on the Psalms: From the Scottish Psalter of 1595. Pocket Puritan Series. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2010. 152pp.  $6.00.  Purchase at Amazon for less.

Introduction

The Pocket Puritan Series from Banner of Truth Trust has become one of my favorite series’ of all time. Here you have choice, short introductions to the writings of the Puritans. Instead of giving a Puritan Paperback to a friend who wants to read the Puritans (more out of curiosity) and having his eyes glaze over because he is not ready for the depths in which he is about to travel in his understanding of God’s word, you can hand him a Pocket Puritan. The size of these books, not much larger than a smart phone, really aids in the acceptance of these books.

Summary

Prayers on the Psalms is exactly at what it says, this is a compilation of prayers of based on each individual Psalm. The Psalms are not included in this little book, rather, it is meant to be a companion to your reading and meditation of the Psalms. The introduction by David Calhoun is extremely helpful in dispelling some myths regarding the Scottish Psalter as well as explaining the usefulness of praying through the Psalms.

Review/Recommendation

Having been influenced by Dr. Donald S. Whitney in praying through Scripture, specifically, the Psalms, I found this little book to be of great benefit. The prayers are full of emotion and praise and worship. More importantly, they are centered on the Word of God. For that, I highly recommend picking up a copy and having next to your Bible or near your nightstand. The reading of these prayers on the Psalms will lead you to deeper prayer and worship of God.

Introducing

THE NEWEST PURITAN PAPERBACK

Smooth Stones Taken From Ancient Brooks Selections from the Writings of Thomas Brooks by C.H. Spurgeon   “As a writer, Brooks scatters stars with both his hands: he hath dust of gold; in his storehouse are all manner of precious stones.”  So wrote C.H. Spurgeon in his Preface to this book.  He counted Thomas Brooks among his favourite Puritan authors, and it is not hard to see why.  Brooks’ popularity lies both in his subjects – practical truths, central to the Christian life – and in the manner of his presentation.  He is ever direct, urgent, fervent, full of Scripture, and able to choose words which make his sentences stick in one’s mind. This book is a collection of sentences, illustrations, and quaint sayings from this renowned Puritan.  Gathered by Spurgeon out of the 6 volume set of Brooks’ Works, it remains an excellent introduction to both the man and his writings. Smooth Stones Taken From Ancient Brooks Selections from the Writings of Thomas Brooks by C.H. Spurgeon 978-1-84871-1136 … 204 pages … $11.00 (U.S.); £5.75 (U.K.)

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Murray, Iain H. D.M. Lloyd-Jones: The First Forty Years 1899-1939. Edinburgh: The Banner of Truth Trust, 1982.  394 pp.  $36.00.  Purchase at Westminster for $25.20.

Introduction

Most readers here at Christian Book Notes will know that I am big fan of Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones.  One of the first books I ever reviewed was the new, at the time, biography by Iain H. Murray on the Doctor entitled Messenger of Grace.  I have also been extremely blessed to interview one of his grandchildren, Jonathan Catherwood.  I began reading this particular book as part of my “enjoyment reading” in which I had no intentions of writing a review.  I am planning on reading through everything that Dr. Lloyd-Jones has published.  Most of it is available here.

Summary

In essence, Murray takes the reader from birth to the call to become a minister at Westminster Chapel in London, England.  You will read about ML-J’s conversion experience–not unlike many who thought they were saved only to be shown that they truly were not.  You will learn of his time studying medicine–which is how he became affectionately known as the Doctor.  You will meet a young Bethan Lloyd-Jones who really wanted nothing to do with him…at first. Finally, you will see him wrestle with his call to the pastoral ministry.  Even though he fled from the public eye, the fact that he left medicine to become a pastor was an event that caught the eye of most in both Wales and London, England.

As you read about his first charge as a lay-preacher in Aberavon, Sandfields, you will see that he quickly became a much sought after itinerant evangelistic preacher. He would preach all over Wales in both Welsh and English sometimes in the same sermon.  You will discover early influences in his preaching ministry and pastoral convictions.  You will conclude with his believing his time at Aberavon was coming to an end even though he wanted to remain.  Sadly, for him at the time, he found that the Lord was calling him to London, England.  The volume pretty much ends with Lloyd-Jones accepting the call to join G. Campbell Morgan in the pulpit at Westminster on the same day that England entered into World War II.

Review

There is much to be learned from the life of ML-J.  Most do not get beyond his sermons available at OnePlace.com.  There were many interesting aspects that formed the ministry of young ML-J that lead to his later convictions of the way the ministry ought to be handled.  Perhaps for me, as a pastor, was the way in which he sought to exegete Scripture.  In essence, he did what I was taught in class despite never having any seminary “training.”  In that aspect, he and C.H. Spurgeon were one in the same.  His preaching of our sin and how horrible that is to God would be an excellent starting place for the church at large today.  His thoughts on revival–which he experienced some of while at Abravom–rival those of Jonathan Edwards.

Recommendation

As I stated above, I had no intentions of writing a review on this book.  While reading it, however, I felt that people need to know more about ML-J.  Young pastors today would do well to read volume one of Murray’s two-volume biography as they will see how a man of God goes about his work as a pastor.  For those who are not in the ministry, reading this biography will shed much light on pastors and theologians today like John Piper and Alister Begg as well as teachers like Don Whitney and Michael Haykin.  This is a fairly long, albeit, easy read and definitely one I would recommend you persevering through even though volume two is looming!

Spurgeon, Charles Haddon. Commentary on Matthew: The Gospel of the Kingdom. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 2010. 448 pp. $29.00. Purchase at Westminster Books for $20.30.

Introduction

Seriously, Spurgeon does not need an introduction! But, for those who have never met this saint of old, He lived from 1834 until his untimely, and early, death in 1892. He pastored at New Park Street Chapel in London until the church had to move to a new location due to the large size of the congregation. This church is now the famous Metropolitan Tabernacle. On many Sunday’s he would preach to roughly 10,000 people.

From the dust jacket of the book: This is a newly typeset edition of the only commentary on a complete New Testament book ever written by C.H. Spurgeon. Originally published as The Gospel of the Kingdom, it was largely written during the last days of the great preacher’s life. ‘Such words acquire a solemnity and pathos with which nothing else could invest them’, wrote Mrs. Susannah Spurgeon when first introducing the volume in 1893 shortly after the death of her husband.

Summary

While his Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit Sermon series is perhaps his most famous work (it is 63 volumes!), this book is not like any of those. The commentary is separated into pericopes (a theological term describing sections of Scripture) with a paragraph or two of Spurgeon’s notes.

The book is rather large at 448 pages but it reads rather quickly. He deals with each verse individually after first offering a sentence or two on the passage being studied at length. What you will not get is a discussion of the Greek text or the historical criticism of a passage. You won’t even be allowed to peer into the conversation regarding the use of heaven and earth in the gospel of Matthew. What you will get is a man’s heart that has been warmed by the gospel fire for a lifetime.

His thoughts are pastoral and much needed today. I rather like the quote by Martyn Lloyd-Jones on the back of the jacket: “Spurgeon always provides a solid meal and sustenance on which one can live…Never was the truth he preached and proclaimed, in such a winsome and powerful manner, more needed than today.” All I can say is Amen!

Review

What I enjoyed most about this commentary is that it was not written by a theologian who writes commentaries during his life. Rather, this commentary was written at the end of Spurgeon’s life and draws from a lifetime of study and preaching. It is almost as though Spurgeon sat down at the end of his life and began reading in Matthew about what eternity was going to look like as he was assuredly anticipating the end of his own pilgrimage to the celestial city.

Recommendation

Do not purchase this book to set with your commentaries on Matthew. If you purchase this book, you need to read it. Not because it is Charles Spurgeon, but because it is written by a saintly pastor who spent most of his entire life preaching the gospel (he became a pastor at the age of 17). What you have in Spurgeon’s commentary on Matthew is an elder seeking to impart the wisdom learned from the Lord over a lifetime to anyone willing to listen. We all should listen.

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Ferguson, Sinclair B. Polycarp of Smyrna: The Man Whose Faith Lasted. Edinburgh: The Banner of Truth Trust, 2010. 42 pp. $14.00. Purchase at Westminster for $9.80.

Introduction/Summary

Sinclair Ferguson is well known in Reformed circles. He is a noted author and speaker and is now working on helping parents pour a solid foundation of early church history through the children’s series, Heroes of the Faith.

Polycarp is the “linchpin” of the first three books in the series. He connects Ignatius to Ireneaus and also goes back to when the Apostle John was still alive as did Ignatius. The children will learn that he was burned at the stake for his faith in Christ. This is important as all too often today we are told that the Christian life is one of ease and comfort. The life of Polycarp will prove that to be false.

At the end of this short little book, as with the rest of the books in the series, Ferguson offers a one page bio that helps to summarize the book. He includes a helpful timeline that spells out, I believe, the titles forthcoming in the series. The last word of exhortation from the author concerns itself with the use of the word heroes and the child’s propensity to have heroes.

Review

Reading about Polycarp, in the Heroes of Faith series, should be done after reading about Irenaeus and Ignatius as he does bring those two lives together. What is more, the early life of the church, post apostolic age, really comes to life in these children’s books. There is much learned without the child even realizing what is being learned!

Recommendation

Once again, Sinclair Ferguson delivers in his work. This time, he offers a simple and concise biography of one of those who are in that great cloud of witnesses that has gone before us. His work will be appreciated by the adults and the children will find themselves wanting to read more about these heroes whose faith is in Christ. I praise the Lord for the gift of writing that has been given to Sinclair Ferguson.

Ferguson, Sinclair B. Irenaeus of Lyons: The Man who Wrote Books. Edinburgh: The Banner of Truth Trust, 2010. 42 pp.$14.00.  Purchase at Westminster for $9.80.

Introduction

Sinclair Ferguson is well known in Reformed circles. He is a noted author and speaker and is now working toward helping parents pour a solid foundation of early church history through the children’s series, Heroes of the Faith.

Summary

Irenaeus looks quickly at the life of one of the early apologists for the Christian faith. Over the course of 40 short pages, the reader (both child and adult) will be introduced to the central role Irenaeus had in defending the faith against heresy. Specifically, Irenaeus sought to establish the truth of Genesis 1-3 as the foundation for the necessity of Christ.

At the end of this short little book, Ferguson offers a one page bio that helps to summarize the book. He includes a helpful timeline that spells out, I believe, the titles forthcoming in the series. The last word of exhortation from the author concerns itself with the use of the word heroes and the child’s propensity to have heroes.

Review

The colorful pictures help the children to remain engaged to the story. The large print helps the child learning to read continue to read. The adult reading the book will find that in 20 minutes or less, you can introduce children to truly some of the greatest heroes this world has ever known. Ferguson keeps the story of Irenaeus short, sweet, and to the point. In the end, your child will want to reread this book numerous times.

Recommendation

I am so thankful to these children’s books that continue to pour forth from publishers. In a day and age when all our children want is to be entertained mindlessly, we are being presented with resources that will engage the children. The Heroes of Faith series promises to be a wonderful series that you will certainly want to invest in both with your money and your time.