Living Zealously – available now!

In Living Zealously, Joel R. Beeke and James A. La Belle address the much overlooked topic of Christian zeal. Having mined the depths of Puritan wisdom on what it means to live earnestly for Christ, they explain it in a way that is familiar to our modern ears and applicable to our souls. Beeke and La Belle do us a valuable service by helping us see the importance of Christian zeal and encouraging us to obtain it. Read this book and ask God to deepen your Christian life with a burning and holy zeal.

Sample:

http://heritagebooktalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/beeke-and-la-belle-living-zealously-sample.pdf

Table of Contents:

Foreword

Biographical Introduction

Abbreviations

Setting the Stage: An Appeal for Zeal

1. The Nature and Marks of Christian Zeal
2. The Necessity and Motives of Christian Zeal
3. The Regulation of Christian Zeal
4. The Objects of Christian Zeal
5. The Outworking of Christian Zeal
6. The Means to Christian Zeal

Selected Readings on Christian Zeal

Endorsements  “The reason for the resurgence of interest in the Puritans today is found in their extraordinary devotion to the things of God and the depth of their understanding and exposition of sacred Scripture. I welcome this series of books that make the Puritans even more accessible in our day on a variety of important but often neglected subjects.” — R. C. Sproul, Founder and President of Ligonier Ministries

“We are indebted to the authors for bringing together and expounding this valuable selection on the subject of zeal from Puritan writings. It is zeal in the church that brings life to the world. The need is indisputable.” — Iain H. Murray, Co-Founder of The Banner of Truth Trust

“Jesus’ first public miracle at Cana was followed by cleansing the temple, and Christ’s own disciples remarked that our Lord was ‘consumed’ with zeal for His Father’s house. In light of this significant event, surely it is time to reconsider the virtue of godly, consuming zeal as biblically understood. In an age where holiness is often eschewed, or some form of mantra-chanting quietism endorsed in lieu of sanctification, this well-presented treatise by Beeke and La Belle arrives just in time. It is a great follow-up to the earlier volume, and we are happy to commend it to all audiences! Learn again from the distilled wisdom sifted for us from some of the thousands of works by the Puritan avatars of Christian living, as they point us to the marrow of practical spirituality.” — David W. Hall, Midway Presbyterian Church, Powder Springs, Georgia

“A preacher can be forgiven if he lacks great intellectual ability or if he has to live with some physical weakness, but no preacher can be excused if he lacks zeal. If his heart is not aflame with a consuming passion for the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ he stands as a condemned man. By extension, that is true of every believer as well, as Beeke and La Belle show so poignantly from the Puritans.” — Geoff Thomas, Alfred Place Baptist Church, Aberystwyth, Wales

“Jesus redeems, purifying a people who are to be ‘zealous for good works’ (Titus 2:14). With crystal clarity and perceptive practicality, Beeke and La Belle make quite a team. This book lays before us the solid, biblical, personal, pastoral, and urgent need for zeal in the Christian life. When Christianity still shows signs of flabbiness and inertia, these pages ignite with passion and persuasion.” — Derek W. H. Thomas, First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, South Carolina

Deepen Your Christian Life

From the late 1500s to the early 1700s, Puritan ministers wrote thousands of Christian books that contain massive amounts of biblical, doctrinal, experiential, and practical instruction to energize your Christian life. In the early seventeenth century, nearly 20 percent of the material coming off English presses consisted of Puritan sermon material popularized in book form. Unfortunately, many believers today find it difficult to read the antiquarian Puritan language and, when they attempt to do so, find themselves more frustrated than energized.

This new series, Deepen Your Christian Life, presents in contemporary language the major teachings that several Puritans wrote on subjects that are seldom addressed adequately, if at all, today. Finally, you too will be able to enjoy the Puritans and see, by the Spirit’s grace, that they really do energize your Christian life.

• Living by God’s Promises, Joel R. Beeke and James La Belle (2010)
• Living with Zeal, Joel R. Beeke and James La Belle (2012)

 The book can be purchased here:

http://www.heritagebooks.org/living-zealously

 

A Puritan Theology by Joel Beeke and Mark Jones available now!

 

 

Publisher’s Description:

A Puritan Theology: Doctrine for Life offers a groundbreaking treatment of the Puritans’ teaching on most major Reformed doctrines, particularly those doctrines in which the Puritans made significant contributions. Since the late 1950s, nearly 150 Puritan authors and 700 Puritan titles have been reprinted and catalogued by Joel Beeke and Randall Pederson in their 2006 collection of mini-biographies and book reviews, titled, Meet the Puritans. However, no work until now has gathered together the threads of their teaching into a unified tapestry of systematic theology.  

A Puritan Theology, byJoel Beeke and Mark Jones, attempts to do that. The book addresses Puritan teachings on all six loci of theology, covering fifty areas of doctrine. The book explores Puritan teachings on biblical interpretation, God, predestination, providence, angels, sin, the covenants, the gospel, Christ, preparation for conversion, regeneration, coming to Christ, justification, adoption, church government, the Sabbath, preaching, baptism, heaven, hell, and many other topics. It ends with eight chapters that explore Puritan “theology in practice.” Some chapters highlight the work of a specific theologian such as William Perkins, William Ames, John Owen, Stephen Charnock, or Thomas Goodwin on a specific topic. Other chapters survey various authors on a particular subject. The goal of A Puritan Theology is to increase knowledge in the mind and godliness in the soul. It was written for theologians, historians, pastors, and educated laymen who seek to learn more about Puritan theology.

Rob’s blog Endorsement:

What did the Puritans believe about God’s providence and the perseverance of the saints?  What were their views on conscience and Christ’s intercession for us?  In A Puritan Theology compiled by Dr. Joel R. Beeke and Mark Jones, we have the answers to these and many other questions.  In this unique one volume work we have a robust systematic theology drawn from the teachings of the most beloved Puritans — an outstanding achievement indeed!  This resource is a must read for every pastor, seminarian and serious student of the Reformed Faith.  It will be a volume that I turn to again and again.

Sample Chapter:

Contents: 

Introduction

Prolegomena

1. The Puritans on Natural and Supernatural Theology

2. Puritan Hermeneutics and Exegesis

3. The Learned Doctor William Ames and The Marrow of Theology

Theology Proper

4. Stephen Charnock on the Attributes of God

5. The Puritans on the Trinity

6. John Owen on Communion with the Triune God

7. William Perkins on Predestination

8. Thomas Goodwin and Johannes Maccovius on Justification from Eternity

9. Thomas Goodwin’s Christological Supralapsarianism

10. The Puritans onProvidence

11. The Puritans on Angels

12. The Puritans on Demons

 Anthropology and Covenant Theology

13. The Puritans on the Sinfulness of Sin

14. The Puritans on the Covenant of Works

15. The Puritans on the Covenant of Redemption

16. The Puritans on the Covenant of Grace

17. The Puritans on the Old and New Covenants: A Gracious Moses?

18. The Minority Report: John Owen on Sinai

19. The Puritans on Covenant Conditions

 Christology

20. The Puritans on Law and Gospel

21. Puritan Christology

22. The Puritans on Christ’s Offices and States

23. The Blood of Christ in Puritan Piety

24. Anthony Burgess on Christ’s Intercession for Us

25. Thomas Goodwin on Christ’s Beautiful Heart

26. The Puritans on Understanding and Using God’s Promises

Soteriology

27. Puritan Preparatory Grace

28. The Puritans on Regeneration

29. The Puritans onUnionwith Christ, Justification, and Regeneration

30. John Owen on Justification by Faith Alone

31. The Puritans on Coming to Christ

32. The Puritans on Living in Christ

33. The Puritans on Adoption

34. The Third Use of the Law

35. Richard Sibbes on Entertaining the Holy Spirit

36. William Perkins and His Greatest Case of Conscience

37. The Puritans on Perseverance of the Saints

Ecclesiology 

38. The Puritans on the Government of the Church

39. The Puritans on the Offices of the Church

40. John Owen on the Christian Sabbath and Worship

41. Puritan Preaching (1)

42. Puritan Preaching (2)

43. John Bunyan’s Preaching to the Heart

44. The Puritans and Paedobaptism

45. The Puritans on the Lord’s Supper

46. Puritan Prayers for World Missions

Eschatology

47. “The City on a Hill”: The American Puritans’ Optimistic View of the End Times

48. Thomas Manton on the Judgment According to Works

49. How History Informs the Historicist: Thomas Goodwin’s Reading of Revelation

50. Christopher Love on the Glories of Heaven and Terrors of Hell

 Theology in Practice

51. Puritan Theology Shaped by a Pilgrim Mentality

52. The Puritans on Walking Godly in the Home

53. Matthew Henry on a Practical Method of Daily Prayer

54. The Puritan Practice of Meditation

55. The Puritans on Conscience

56. Puritan Casuistry

57. Puritan Sacrificial Zeal

58. Practical Lessons from Puritan Theology Today

Afterword

59. A Final Word

Bibliography

 

Friends and Lovers – Cultivating Companionship and Intimacy in Marriage – available now!

DESCRIPTION

Neither a comprehensive marriage manual, nor a complete exploration of the theological significance of marriage, Friends and Lovers focuses on two key ingredients in a vital marriage: friendship and sexual intimacy. Drawing from the wisdom of the Bible, especially the Book of Proverbs, Joel Beeke shows you how to grow closer to your spouse both emotionally and physically.

---

About the Author

Dr. Joel R. Beeke serves as President and Professor of Systematic Theology, Church History, and Homiletics at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary. He has been in the ministry since 1978 and has served as a pastor of his current church since 1986. He is also editor of the Banner of Sovereign Grace Truth, editorial director of Reformation Heritage Books, president of Inheritance Publishers, and vice-president of the Dutch Reformed Translation Society. He has written, co-authored, or edited fifty books and contributed over fifteen hundred articles to Reformed books, journals, periodicals, and encyclopedias. His Ph.D. (1988) from Westminster Theological Seminary is in Reformation and Post-Reformation Theology. He is frequently called upon to lecture at Reformed seminaries and to speak at conferences around the world. He and his wife, Mary, have three children: Calvin, Esther, and Lydia.

EXCERPTS

http://www.scribd.com/doc/77192217/Sample-of-Friends-and-Lovers-Towards-Companionship-and-Intimacy-in-Marriage

Table of Contents

Part 1: Friends

Introduction
1. Remember: The Foundation of Friendship in Marriage
2. Nourish: The Cultivation of Friendship in Marriage
3. Resist: The Temptations of Friendship in Marriage

Avoiding Correction
Imbalance in Other Relationships
Personal Crises

Part 2: Lovers

Introduction
4. Cherish: Sex Is the Act of Cherishing Each Other as God’s Image-bearers
5. Multiply: Godly Lovers Delight in Multiplication
6. Obey: Sex in Marriage Is Obedience to God’s Commandments
7. Forgive: Sexual Freedom Comes through Forgiveness of Sins
8. Believe: Faith in Christ Empowers Sexual Love
9. Reject: Sex Is More Loving with Self-Denial
10. Appeal: Our Father in Heaven Can Heal Fear and Shame
11. Repent: Sexual Idolatry Requires Repentance
12. Appreciate: Gratitude and Contentment Sweeten Sex
Conclusion
Appendix: Questions to Ponder

ENDORSEMENTS

A book about love, marriage, and sex from Joel Beeke that is surprisingly candid yet without a trace of smuttiness. Putting Puritans in a new light perhaps, Beeke manages, at the same time, to be theologically thorough and pointedly practical. Fresh and refreshingly straightforward, this is the best book of its kind. – Derek W H Thomas, Minister of Preaching and Teaching, First Presbyterian Church, Columbia SC

Marriage is hard work. And wonderful. And sometimes, it’s both at the same time. Friends and Lovers is like a personal mentoring session on marriage with a man whose heart is devoted to seeing Christ honored in how we love each other as husbands and wives. It’s full of practical wisdom and grace. A delight. – Bob Lepine, Co-Host, FamilyLife Today

By laying the theological, emotional, social, and spiritual foundations of marriage before heading to the bedroom, Joel Beeke provides a healthy corrective to the excessive and obsessive sex-focus of our generation and even of some pastors. But, thankfully, he also goes on to provide wise, practical, down-to-earth direction for couples wanting to discover or recover physical intimacy that will both satisfy themselves and honor God. – Dr. David Murray, Professor of Old Testament and Practical Theology, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Central to the historical account of the creation of the human race is the marriage of Adam and Eve, their marriage being utterly vital to God’s purposes for humanity. The pure delight our ancient parents had in each other, touching every aspect of their lives together, was sadly lost at the fall. What this book powerfully shows through the teaching of the Scriptures, though, is that this delight is recoverable to a great degree in Christ. Christian marriages should know a depth of intimacy, in all the best senses of that word, which other marriages do not have. It is a matter of sadness that some do not. Here, the biblical wisdom about marriage in these pages can help enormously. A mini-addendum: I appreciated enormously the way in which the divine gift of human sexuality is handled, with biblical honesty but without any pandering to our culture’s prurient ways. – Michael A.G. Haykin, Professor of Church History and Biblical Spirituality, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

Recently, a number of well known teachers have published books on marriage, some of which have caused quite a stir among Christians. Although these books offer some helpful insights, some are marred by an imbalance and even unbiblical teaching. Dr. Beeke’s book, Friends and Lovers: Cultivating Companionship and Intimacy in Marriage, introduces biblical sanity into the discussion. With characteristic piety, scriptural knowledge, and practical guidelines, Dr. Beeke sets before us these two essential ingredients (friendship and intimacy) for a durable and happy marriage. This book will strengthen the marriage of everyone who reads it. I know it has mine. – Joseph A. Pipa Jr., President, Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary

After years of marriage some of us still have to pray, “Father, forgive me for my sins against those who love me the most.” We never stop needing counsel to better nourish and cherish those who are flesh of our flesh, our co-inheritors of the grace of life. There is no better book than this to renew the affection of happy marriage. – Geoffrey Thomas, Pastor, Alfred Place Baptist Church, Aberystwyth, Wales

To buy this book go to:

http://www.heritagebooks.org/products/Friends-and-Lovers%3A-Cultivating-Companionship-and-Intimacy-in-Marriage.html

 

http://www.heritagebooks.org/products/Friends-and-Lovers%3A-Cultivating-Companionship-and-Intimacy-in-Marriage-%285-Pack-for-25%24%29.html

 * There is no regular 40% off plus free shipping discount for this book through this site but please see the great discounts that RHB is offering!   

 

The Brokenhearted Evangelist by Jeremy Walker – available now!

 

Publisher’s Description:

With a “gutless orthodoxy,” Christians today quickly affirm biblical truth regarding evangelism and mission, but, author Jeremy Walker reminds us, “we cannot pretend that we know and believe the truth about men, souls, heaven, hell, and salvation unless it is making a difference in the way we think, feel, pray, speak, and act.” How do Christians develop this sense of urgency to see lost sinners saved? What motivates our evangelism? We must have the character of the brokenhearted evangelist, the David of Psalm 51, who recognizes the greatness of his own sin, looks to God for forgiveness, then recognizes his undeniable obligation to teach transgressors God’s ways. In an engaging style and with pastoral warmth,Walker urges Christians to exercise their obligation and privilege to teach transgressors God’s ways, providing both spiritual truth and practical guidance for carrying out this necessary gospel duty.

Sample Chapter:

Walker, Jeremy. The Brokenhearted Evangelist (sample b)

Rob’s blog Endorsement:

This book is a challenging call to our great responsibility and glorious privilege of personally sharing the gospel of Christ with others.  In this work, Pastor Jeremy Walker does a superb job of showing us from the life of David that mercies received from God are to be a key motivating factor for us telling others about Him.  Filled with much practical instruction and penetrating insight, The Brokenhearted Evangelist is very helpful in teaching us how to become wise in winning souls for Jesus.  Would we live up to such a high Biblical calling in our lives?  Would we do our Master’s bidding as He calls us to?  May the Lord be pleased to use this stirring work to these holy and blessed ends.

John MacArthur’s endorsement:

In recent years providence has brought a number of people into my life and ministry who are passionate about evangelism. Some of them are especially keen to win friends, fellow-workers, and family to Christ; others are engaged in various kinds of open-air evangelism, bringing the gospel to people they have never met before. I thank God for all of them and the passion that drives them. This excellent book by Jeremy Walker explains the biblical principles that underlie and provoke such passion, reminding us that time is short, the need is urgent, the laborers are few, and the fields are white unto harvest.

Conrad Mbewe’s endorsement:

Jeremy Walker’s book is in the tradition of the Puritan classic, Joseph Alleine’s Alarm to the Unconverted, but this is more Jeremy Walker’s Alarm to the Converted. It is a pleasant surprise, coming as it does from a part of our world where Christianity has largely entered a “garrison” (bunker) mode. The book, based on Psalm 51:13, is not meant simply to teach us about evangelism; it demands a verdict. He enlists the help of the great soul winners in history to reinforce his appeals. Even before I finished reading the book, I was already asking myself whether my heart was truly broken about the lost around me – and if it is, what am I doing about it?

Paul Washer’s endorsement:

The Brokenhearted Evangelist will refresh, strengthen, and equip the most timid saint for the work of soul winning. Jeremy Walker’s consideration of evangelism from the perspective of Psalm 51 is like fresh water drawn from a new well. He does not merely exhort us to greater faithfulness in evangelism and then leave us bewildered and guilty. Instead, he takes us to the very fountain from which all true motivation and strength for evangelism springs forth – the gospel and its glorious impact upon our own lives.

To order please go to:

http://www.heritagebooks.org/products/The-Brokenhearted-Evangelist.html

 

Glory Veiled and Unveiled by Gerald M. Bilkes – available now!

Publisher’s Description:

“You have likely read the parables of Christ before, perhaps many times. But have they read you?” With this thought-provoking question, author Gerald Bilkes introduces readers to the concept of interpreting the Scriptures experimentally as he takes a heart-searching look at Christ’s parables. In this spiritually rewarding Bible study, the author shows students of Scripture how to read the parables in a way that takes into account the truth that Scripture searches us as we subject ourselves to it. When we recognize this, we can expect Scripture to transform us. An ideal tool for personal or group Bible study, with questions following each lesson, Glory Veiled and Unveiled considers the contexts and main messages of twenty-five parables and puts our hearts under the “searchlight” of Scripture, guiding us into the knowledge of Christ, our gracious and glorious king.

Sample Chapter:

Bilkes, Gerald M. Glory Veiled and Unveiled (sample)

Rob’s blog Endorsement:

In this book, Dr. Bilkes masterfully expounds and applies some of our Lord’s most well loved parables.  In this volume, the author encourages the reader to approach the parables experimentally.  That is, he calls us to read them with the purpose of having their truths challenge and change us.  Written for both laypeople and pastors, this resource deserves wide circulation.  Among the several books that I have on the parables, this volume ranks among the finest!

Derek Thomas’s Endorsement:

We have come to expect good things from Dr. Bilkes, and in Glory Veiled and Unveiled we are not disappointed. He has given us a marvelous exposition of the parables, revealing astute awareness of the subtleties of the genre and a keen eye for their current application. With pointed questions, each chapter is designed for use in personal and corporate Bible study. Individuals and churches will profit enormously from this book.

Contents

Approaching the Parables

1. Awakening to Glory: The Radiance of the Scriptures

2. The King of Glory: The Mystery of the Parables

The Glory of the Kingdom: Some Parables in Matthew and Mark

3. The Glory of Kingdom Reception: The Parable of the Sower

4. The Glory of Kingdom Sovereignty: The Parable of the Seed Growing

Secretly

5. The Glory of Kingdom Patience: The Parable of the Tares

6. The Glory of Kingdom Power: The Parables of the Mustard Seed and the

Leaven

7. The Glory of Kingdom Excellence: The Parables of the Treasure and the

Pearl

8. The Glory of Kingdom Judgment: The Parable of the Net

The Glory of the Gospel: Some Parables in Luke

9. The Glory of Gospel Mercy: The Parable of the Good Samaritan

10. The Glory of Gospel Fruitfulness: The Parable of the Unfruitful Fig Tree

11. The Glory of Gospel Wisdom: The Parable of the Rich Fool

12. The Glory of Gospel Provision: The Parable of the Great Supper

13. The Glory of Gospel Love: The Parable of the Prodigal Son

14. The Glory of Gospel Prudence: The Parable of the Unjust Steward

15. The Glory of Gospel Testimony: The Parable of the Rich Man and

Lazarus

16. The Glory of Gospel Access: Three Parables about Prayer

The Glory of the Kingdom: Some More Parables from Matthew

17. The Glory of Kingdom Forgiveness: The Parable of the Unforgiving

Servant

18. The Glory of Kingdom Grace: The Laborers in the Vineyard

19. The Glory of Kingdom Design: The Parable of the Wicked Husbandmen

20. The Glory of Kingdom Watchfulness: The Parable of the Ten Virgins

21. The Glory of Kingdom Stewardship: The Parable of the Talents

22. The Glory of Kingdom Separation: The Parable of the Sheep and the

Goats

The Glory of Christ: The Parables of John

23. The Glory of Christ’s Sacrice: The Parable of the Sheepfold

24. The Glory of Union with Christ: The Parable of the Vine and its Branches

 This book can be purchased here:

http://www.heritagebooks.org/products/Glory-Veiled-and-Unveiled%3A–A-Heart%252dSearching-Look-at-Christ%E2%80%99s-Parables.html