Carson & DeYoung on Books and Much More

Always good to hear from both of these men!

3 must-read Theological Books | Ian Hamilton | Westminster Q&A

Start Your Study of Biblical Archaeology with these Two Books

I've always found the archaeology in Palestine fascinating. I'm a self confessed armchair Biblical archaeologist. I just can't get enough. Its not only just plain interesting, it repeatedly confirms our Christian faith. So, if you want to get started in digging into our Christian past (pun intended) let me suggest two books, by the same author.

Doing Archaeology in the Land of the Bible: A Basic Guide by John Currid is the best place to start.

Within this slim and fact filled volume the reader will discover, a brief history on Biblical archaeology, definitions of basic archaeological terms, how archaeologists determine where and why to dig, what is a tel, why is stratigraphy and pottery so important, and much more.

If you want to go further, grab Currid's, The Case for Biblical Archaeology: Uncovering the Historical the Record of God's Old Testament People.

Though another introduction, this work is far more in depth (and worth every penny). Currid breaks down time periods (Bronze Age, Iron Age, etc.), definitions of terms are expanded, there are numerous maps, color photos, diagrams, and much more, all to assist the reader with a broader understanding of the subject. Many digs from north to south and east to west are detailed in their findings and each is given a "For Further Reading" section for the reader to explore much more.

Dig in friends, there is so much to learn!

There are paid links in this post.

Book Review: The Septuagint: What It Is and Why It Matters by Gregory Lanier and William A. Ross

If your latest field of study, like mine, is New Testament textual criticism you'll likely come across references to the The Septuagint. Like many Christians I had this rather amorphous idea of what it is. It finally came to the point that I had to investigate what it is and where it came from and why it is important. This is where The Septuagint: What It Is and Why It Matters by Lanier and Ross comes in.

The authors do a fine job of revealing what it is, where it came from and why it mattered in history and still does today. Written in clear language for the layman it proved to be a concise introduction to The Septuagint. 

Broken down into to two parts, the work explains the history and development of The Septuagint and in part two, why it still matters today. There are many misconceptions about it and that are laid out clearly by the authors. Definitions are frequent allowing the reader to better understand the text. I would even suggest heading directly to the appendix that answers many key questions and will allow the reader a head start comprehending the subject matter.

A quick look at the table of contents is revealing

Part 1 What Is the Septuagint? 

1 What (If Anything) Is the So-Called Septuagint? 

2 Who and Where Did the Greek Old Testament Come From? 

3 How Was the Greek Old Testament Translated? 

4 How Did the Greek Old Testament Develop? 

Part 2 Why Does It Matter?

(William A. Ross; Greg Lanier. The Septuagint (Kindle Locations 108-115). Crossway. )

Would I recommend this book? Most assuredly! It is instructive and an eye opener. The reader will be pleased with this excellent starting point in this field.

Click below to learn more about the authors. 

William A. Ross  and Greg Lanier

Crossway has graciously provided a copy of this book. Thoughts and opinions are my own. There are paid links on this page.

 

Want to go further? Check out Edmon Gallagher's book, Translation of the Seventy: History, Reception, and Contemporary Uses of the Septuagint.

 

Start Your Library With These Three Works

Just wanted to share another video by my friend Pastor Matthew Everhard on three useful, starter books every non-professional ministry leader should have. Be sure to check out his links.

The Essential Luther - What to Read

With the 500th anniversary of the Reformation upon us, below are some volumes that will help us get a grasp on Luther's theology.

Martin Luther: Selections From His Writing

Martin Luther's Basic Theological Writings

To the Christian Nobility of the German Nation, 1520: The Annotated Luther Study Edition

The Freedom of a Christian, 1520: The Annotated Luther, Study Edition by Martin Luther

The Babylonian Captivity of the Church, 1520: The Annotated Luther, Study Edition by Martin Luther

The 95 Theses (Annotated): Includes the Latin Original & Comprehensive Intro by Phillip Schaff

The Annotated Luther: The Roots of Reform

The Annotated Luther: Church and Sacraments

The Annotated Luther:Pastoral Writings: Pastoral Writings

The Annotated Luther: Christian Life in the World

The Interpretation of Scripture (The Annotated Luther)

The Small Catechism,1529: The Annotated Luther

The Bondage of the Will, 1525: The Annotated Luther

Get some of these under your belt and you'll be well on your way to a good understanding of Luther's theology.

Author Spotlight: Dr. Carl Trueman

Dr. Carl Trueman is a favorite author, speaker, and podcast host of mine. I never seem to tire of his British accent or sarcastic wit. He is a learned man and is known as an expert on the lives of Martin Luther and John Owen. His writing style is understandable and witty. With any of his works one can settle in for a good read (add pipe, cigar, craft beer or glass of wine to make it even better).

His Amazon bio: Carl R. Trueman (PhD, University of Aberdeen) is the Paul Woolley Professor of Church History at Westminster Theological Seminary and pastor of Cornerstone Presbyterian Church (OPC) in Ambler, Pennsylvania. He was editor of Themelios for nine years, has authored or edited more than a dozen books, and has contributed to multiple publications including the Dictionary of Historical Theology and The Cambridge Companion to Reformation Theology.

The Wages of Spin: Critical Writings on Historical and Contemporary Evangelicalism

 

The Real Scandal of the Evangelical Mind

 

The Creedal Imperative

 

Fools Rush in Where Monkeys Fear to Tread: Taking Aim at Everyone

 

Luther on the Christian Life: Cross and Freedom

 Read the Reformed Book Cellar review here.

 

If you want understand history, laugh, enjoy a good read and sometimes be offended, Trueman is the man. Highly recommended from the RBC.

 

 

 

Author Spotlight: Sinclair Ferguson

Author Spotlight
Today we begin a new series of posts spotlighting Reformed authors. There is much we can learn from these authors, old and new. So, let's dig in. Our first author  showcase is Sinclair Ferguson.

About the author
Sinclair Buchanan Ferguson retired in 2013 as Senior Minister of First Presbyterian Church in Columbia, South Carolina, and returned to his native Scotland. Prior to this he held the Charles Krahe chair for Systematic Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary and served Church of Scotland congregations in Unst (Shetland) and Glasgow (St George s Tron). He received his Ph.D. from the University of Aberdeen (1971).

Dr Ferguson retains his position as Professor of Systematic Theology at Redeemer Seminary, Dallas, Texas, and serves as a Teaching Fellow with Ligonier Ministries. He continues to preach God's Word in churches and at conferences.

A few of his works

Devoted To God: Blueprints for Sanctification
In a series of Scripture-enriched chapters Sinclair B. Ferguson's Devoted to God works out this principle in detail. It provides what he describes as 'blueprints for sanctification' an orderly exposition of central New Testament passages on holiness. Devoted to God thus builds a strong and reliable structural framework for practical Christian living. It stresses the foundational importance of fundamental issues such as union with Christ, the rhythms of spiritual growth, the reality of spiritual conflict, and the role of God's law. Here is a fresh approach to an always relevant subject, and a working manual to which the Christian can turn again and again for biblical instruction and spiritual direction.

The Whole Christ
Since the days of the early church, Christians have wrestled with the relationship between law and gospel. If, as the apostle Paul says, salvation is by grace and the law cannot save, what relevance does the law have for Christians today?
By revisiting the Marrow Controversy—a famous but largely forgotten eighteenth-century debate related to the proper relationship between God’s grace and our works—Sinclair B. Ferguson sheds light on this central issue and why it still matters today. In doing so, he explains how our understanding of the relationship between law and gospel determines our approach to evangelism, our pursuit of sanctification, and even our understanding of God himself.
Ferguson shows us that the antidote to the poison of legalism on the one hand and antinomianism on the other is one and the same: the life-giving gospel of Jesus Christ, in whom we are simultaneously justified by faith, freed for good works, and assured of salvation.

In Christ Alone
Noted theologian, pastor, and educator Dr. Sinclair B. Ferguson explores aspects of the person and work of Jesus in his latest book, In Christ Alone: Living the Gospel-Centered Life. This collection of articles, published earlier in Tabletalk magazine and Eternity Magazine, is designed to help believers gain a better understanding of their Savior and the Christian faith, and to live out that faith in their day-to-day lives.
In fifty short chapters arranged in six sections, Dr. Ferguson shows that Christ, who is fully God, took on humanity that He might be the Great High Priest of His people as well as the once-for-all sacrifice; that He now ministers to His people through His Spirit, crowning them with great and precious blessings; and that believers are called to duty, from cultivating contentment to mortifying sin. In Christ Alone is packed full of nuggets of Scriptural truth that will spark and fan the flames of the believer's love for the Savior who is so beautiful in His person and so faithful in His work on behalf of His beloved sheep.

Discovering God's Will
There are few more important things in the Christian's life than discovering God's will. The assurance that we are in the centre of God's purposes brings lasting stability to our experience. But how do we discover the will of God for our lives? Sinclair Ferguson answers this question by showing how God's will is shaped by his ultimate purposes for us. It is made known to us through his Word. At times discovering God's will demands careful thought: it may require patience; it always demands a right attitude to God himself. Discovering God's Will draws out fundamental principles by which God guides us, applies them to practical situations like vocation and marriage, and underlines many important biblical counsels. It shows that the guidance God gives comes primarily through knowing, loving and obeying him.

From The Mouth of God
The Bible.
Why should we believe -- as Jesus did - that it is 'the mouth of God'?
When did it come into existence?
Is it inerrant?
What do we need to learn in order to understand it better?
How does its teaching change our lives?
In 'From the Mouth of God', Sinclair B Ferguson answers these and other important questions about trusting, reading, and applying the Bible.





 So, grab your favorite beverage and smoke and settle in for a good read with anything written by Ferguson. You'll be blessed.

Two New Books Worth a Look

There's two new books worth considering and I've put on my "to buy" list. 

First up is 

J.C. Ryle: Prepared to Stand Alone
By Iain H. Murray

The life of J.C. Ryle has only to be heard once to be remembered. His 84 years (1816 1900) included remarkable contrasts the promise of a fortune, then the poverty of a bankrupt; a Suffolk country pastor, then bishop of the leading seaport of the British Empire. But there was a still greater change from the successful youth at Eton and Oxford, who did not pray or read his Bible till he was 21, to become a Christian 'bold as a lion for the truth of God s Word and his Gospel'.

Listen to a author interview at Reformed Forum here. 

Next we have

 

 

Zeal without Burnout
By Christopher Ash

Thousands of people leave Christian ministry every month. They have not lost their love for Christ, or their desire to serve him. But for one reason or another, they are exhausted and simply cannot carry on.

Christopher Ash knows this experience all too well. As a pastor of a growing church, and then in his role training people for ministry, he has found himself on the edge of burnout a number of times, and has pastored many younger ministers who have reached the end of their tether.

His wisdom has been distilled into this short, accessible book, in which he reveals a neglected biblical truth and seven keys that flow from it. Understood properly, and built into our lives as Christians who are zealous to serve the Lord, they will serve to protect us from burnout, and keep us working for God's kingdom and glory.

For a great perspective on this work, check out Camden Bucey's view at Reformed Forum.

 

Both books can be purchased through Reformed Forum or at RBC. 

Works on the Trinity

With all the buzz on the Trinity currently on the 'net, below are a few works on the Trinity worth digging into. To see more works on the Trinity, check out the Reformed Book Cellar page.

Communion with the Triune God
By John Owen

A Brief Declaration and Vindication of the Doctrine of the Trinity
By John Owen

 

Delighting in the Trinity
By Tim Chester

 

God without Parts: Divine Simplicity and the Metaphysics of God's Absoluteness
By James E. Dolezal

 

The Trinity and the Vindication of Christian Paradox:An Interpretation and Refinement of the Theological Apologetic of Cornelius Van Til
By B. A. Bosserman

Essential Trinity: New Testament Foundations and Practical Relevance

 

For more books on the Trinity check out the Reformed Book Cellar page. This list was compiled from various resources on the 'net. RBC does not endorse every book listed. 

Keep up with the latest on new books, reading, book sales and more at the Reformed Book Cellar Facebook page. Join us!   

 

Looking For A Sola Or Two?

The Mortification of Spin gang interviewed Tom Schreiner this week on his new book, Faith Alone - The Doctrine of Justification. It was a fun an interesting interview. You can listen to the interview  here and check out the book here.







Jump over to the Reformed Media Review and hear the guys talk about Schreiner's book and David VanDrunen's God's Glory Alone - The Majestic Heart of Christian Faith and Life. These and other new works are discussed. Keep up on all the latest with Camden and Jim at the Reformed Media Review.


Join us on Facebook for book reviews and posts on reading and special pricing and more.

New Books from Covenant Seminary Authors

Below are few works that have been published recently by Covenant Seminary faculty. Have a look.

Through His Eyes: God's Perspective on Women in the Bible
By Jerram Barrs

 

 

 

 

 

 

The New Man: Becoming a Man After God's Heart
By Daniel M. Doriani

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salvation Applied by the Spirit: Union with Christ
By Robert A. Peterson

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spurgeon's Sorrows: Realistic Hope for those who Suffer from Depression
By Zack Eswine

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To see more check out our page here.

2015's Year End Best Books

Some of the best books of the year lists are coming out and two of the best I've seen are TGC's and Kevin DeYoung's. Though both are not strictly theological they are still great lists. If you're looking for something to read this is a great place to start. Enjoy!

TGC's List is here

DeYoung's list is here

A few from both lists

The Pastor as Public Theologian: Reclaiming a Lost Vision by Kevin Vanhoozer & Owen Strachan

Preaching the Whole Counsel of God by Julius J.  Kim

Packer on the Christian Life by Sam Storms
















For more click here or on the links above. Have any to add?