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click for details A COMMENTARY ON REVELATION: VOLUME ONE - Chapters 1-3; VOLUME TWO - Chapters 4 - 11 and VOLUME THREE - Chapters 12-22
James Durham, edited by Chris Coldwell

BRAND NEW PRINTING OF A COMMENTARY ON REVELATION BY JAMES DURHAM IN A THREE-VOLUME SET.

English Puritanism and Scottish Presbyterianism in the seventeenth century had many bright and shining lights. Of these, James Durham (1622–1658), ranks alongside the greatest of his generation, for his theological depth, faithful preaching, and particularly for his moderate spirit at a time when such was in scarce supply. While he could have been a professor of theology in any university, Durham instead spent a brief ten year ministry preaching and lecturing for the most part in the Inner-Kirk of Glasgow Cathedral. It was thought that he poured so much of himself into his studies for sermons and lectures that it brought about his early death at the age of thirty-six. His works were often reprinted and left an impression that lasted for centuries. Recently, all of his sermons in two volumes and his lectures on the Book of Job and on the Ten Commandments have been published in new critical editions. Continuing with his lectures, the publishers are pleased to offer now a new critical edition of James Durham’s largest book, which, while it is his more theologically intense work, retains the same practical Uses and Applications of his sermons and other lectures.

“This commentary on Revelation provides what was, as Principal John MacLeod said, ‘in past days, the accepted Protestant view of that book.’ While James Durham’s historicist reading of Revelation is no longer the standard view, that should not deter readers, for, as Spurgeon said, ‘it would not be easy to find a more sensible and instructive work than this old-fashioned exposition. We cannot accept its interpretations of the mysteries, but the mystery of the gospel fills it with sweet savor.’ The finest treasure in this commentary is not, however, Durham’s exegetical work (helpful though this is!). Contained in his commentary are independent treatises which are the purest of theological gold. These extended essays present Reformed thought at its best. As Richard A. Muller has said, this work ‘offers significant access to seventeenth-century Reformed and Presbyterian thought ... Durham’s work illustrates the relationship of Scripture with doctrine and piety and dogmatics.’ ” — Donald John MacLean, author of James Durham (1622–1658): And the Gospel Offer in its Seventeenth-Century Context

VOLUME ONE. Lectures on Chapters 1–3. This first of three projected volumes comprises a third of the lectures and fully half of the theological essays. The text covers chapter one in nine lectures (the most on any chapter) and the letters to the seven churches in Asia. The theological lectures contained cover such subjects as the doctrine of the Trinity, a call to the ministry and qualifications for the ministry, church government and church discipline, repentance, the difference in common and saving grace, and preaching and application in preaching. The text has been collated with a 1653 manuscript and an appendix contains texts and full lectures that are significantly different than the published edition of 1658. A new biography will appear in volume two. Volume three will contain a bibliographical essay covering Durham’s works and recent manuscript discoveries, as well as the indices, including an index of errata of prior editions.

This first of the three volumes comprises a third of the lectures and fully half of the theological essays. The text covers chapter one in nine lectures (the most on any chapter) and the letters to the seven churches in Asia. The theological lectures contained cover such subjects as the doctrine of the Trinity, a call to the ministry and qualifications for the ministry, church government and church discipline, repentance, the difference in common and saving grace, and preaching and application in preaching. The text has been collated with a 1653 manuscript and an appendix contains texts and full lectures that are significantly different than the published edition of 1658.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

To the Judicious & Christian Reader by John Carstairs

To the Reader by Robert Baillie

A Brief View of the Series of the Whole Book of the Revelation

CHAPTER ONE

Lecture 1: Revelation 1:1–4

Excursus 1: Concerning the Holy Trinity and Object of Worship

Lecture 2: Revelation 1:4–6

Lecture 3: Revelation 1:7–9

Lecture 4: Revelation 1:10

Lecture 5: Revelation 1:10–11

Lecture 6: Revelation 1:12–15

Lecture 7: Revelation 1:15–16

Lecture 8: Revelation 1:17–18

Lecture 9: Revelation 1:19–20

Excursus 2: Concerning a Calling to the Ministry, and clearness therein

Excursus 3: Concerning Writing

Excursus 4: Of Reading, and Hearing

CHAPTER TWO

Lecture 1: Revelation 2:1–3

Lecture 2: Revelation 2:4–5

Lecture 3: Revelation 2:6–7

Excursus 5: Concerning Church-government and Discipline, in General

Excursus 6: Concerning a Minister’s Relation to a Particular Congregation

Excursus 7: Concerning the Nature and Difference of Saving and Common Grace

Lecture 4: Revelation 2:8–11

Excursus 8: Concerning the Influence that the Devil has on Some Wicked Men’s Actions, and How He Carries on the Same

Lecture 5: Revelation 2:12–17

Lecture 6: Revelation 2:18–29

CHAPTER THREE

Lecture 1: Revelation 3:1–6

Lecture 2: Revelation 3:7–13

Excursus 9: Concerning Ministerial Qualifications

Lecture 3: Revelation 3:14–22

Excursus 10: Concerning the Identity of Angel, Bishop, and Presbyter

Excursus 11: Concerning the Way of Covenanting with God, and of a Sinner’s Obtaining Justification before Him

Excursus 12: Concerning Repentance

Excursus 13: Some General Observations Concerning Preaching, and Especially Application

Endorsements:

“This commentary on Revelation provides what was, as Principal John MacLeod said, ‘in past days, the accepted Protestant view of that book.’ While James Durham’s historicist reading of Revelation is no longer the standard view, that should not deter readers, for, as Spurgeon said, ‘it would not be easy to find a more sensible and instructive work than this old-fashioned exposition. We cannot accept its interpretations of the mysteries, but the mystery of the gospel fills it with sweet savour.’ The finest treasure in this commentary is not, however, Durham’s exegetical work (helpful though this is!). Contained in his commentary are independent treatises which are the purest of theological gold. These extended essays present Reformed thought at its best. As Richard A. Muller has said, this work “offers significant access to seventeenth-century Reformed and Presbyterian thought ... Durham’s work illustrates the relationship of Scripture with doctrine and piety and dogmatics.” —Donald John MacLean, author of James Durham (1622–1658): And the Gospel Offer in its Seventeenth-Century Context.

Hardcover, 504 pages

Page Size: 7.5 x 10.5 inches

Retail Price: $50.00

ISBN 978-1-60178-796-5

VOLUME TWO. Lectures on Chapters 4 - 11

Volume 2, Lectures on Chapters 4–11 is the second of three projected volumes. The theological digressions interspersed throughout cover such subjects as the nature and extent of the merit of Christ’s death, Mede’s Synchronisms, Christ’s Intercession, the idolatry of the Church of Rome, Prophesying, the Waldenses, and the founding of true churches by reformation out of corrupt churches. The text has been collated with a 1653 manuscript which in places is significantly different from the published edition of 1658. A new biography will appear in volume 3. Volume 3 will also contain a bibliographical essay covering Durham’s works and manuscripts, as well as the indices, including an index of errata of prior editions.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Editor's Preface

CHAPTER FOUR

Lecture 1: Revelation 4:1–3

Lecture 2: Revelation 4:4–8

Lecture 3: Revelation 4:8-11

CHAPTER FIVE

Lecture 1: Revelation 5:1-7

Lecture 2: Revelation 5:8-14

Excursus 14: Concerning the Nature of Christ's Death or if it be Properly a Satisfaction

Excursus 15: Concerning the Extent of the Merit of Christ's Death, or if it may be Accounted a Satisfaction for All Men

CHAPTER SIX

Lecture 1: Revelation 6:1

Excursus 16: Concerning Learned Mede's Synchronism, or a particular consideration of the same

Lecture 2: Revelation 6:1-2

Lecture 3: Revelation 6:3-4

Lecture 4: Revelation 6:5-6

Lecture 5: Revelation 6:7-8

Lecture 6: Revelation 6:9

Lecture 7: Revelation 6:10-11

Lecture 8: Revelation 6:12-17

CHAPTER SEVEN

Lecture 1: Revelation 7:1

Lecture 2: Revelation 7:2-3

Lecture 3: Revelation 7:4-8

Lecture 4: Revelation 7:9-10

Lecture 5: Revelation 7:11-14

Lecture 6: Revelation 7:14-17

CHAPTER EIGHT

Lecture 1: Revelation 8:1–4

Excursus 17 Concerning Christ's Intercession or a particular consideration of the same

Lecture 2: Revelation 8:5-7

Lecture 3: Revelation 8:8-9

Lecture 4: Revelation 8:10–11

Lecture 5: Revelation 8:12–13

CHAPTER NINE

Lecture 1: Revelation 9:1–11

Excursus 18: Concerning the Comfortless Grounds that Popery Lays Down for Comforting Poor Afflicted Consciences

Lecture 2: Revelation 9:12-21

Excursus 19: Concerning the Idolatry of the Church of Rome

CHAPTER TEN

Lecture on Revelation 10:1-22

Excursus 20: Concerning Prophesying

Excursus 21: Concerning a Minister's Particular Message to a Particular Auditory, and if it may be again and again insisted on and repeated

CHAPTER 11

Lecture 1: Revelation 11:1-2

Lecture 2: Revelation 11:3-6

Lecture 3: Revelation 11:7-10

Lecture 4: Revelation 11:11-14

Excursus 22: Concerning the Waldenses

Lecture 5: Revelation 11:15-19

Excursus 23: Concerning the Constituting of True Churches by Reformation out of such as have been corrupt

APPENDIX: Manuscript Texts

VOLUME ONE: Corrigenda

VOLUME THREE. Lectures on Chapters 12 - 22

Volume 3, Lectures on Chapters 12–22 completes this new edition of James’s Durham’s Commentary upon the Book of the Revelation in three volumes. In addition to presenting the remaining forty-one lectures covering chapters 12–22, this volume also contains the final two theological excursuses: Excursus 23, “Concerning the Unity of the Catholic Visible Church” after chapter 12, lecture 3; and Excursus 24 “Concerning the Difficulty of Salvation under Popery” after chapter 14, lecture 3. This final volume opens with a 64-page biography of James Durham containing much information that is new. The appendix contains a 60-page bibliography that details all Durham’s known works and manuscripts, and from known dates a chronological catalog presents a hypothetical timeline of Durham’s six years of preaching and lecturing in Glasgow. The volume closes with indexing for all three volumes.

TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR VOLUME THREE

Editor's Preface

James Durham: A New Biography

CHAPTER TWELVE

Lecture 1: Revelation 12:1-6

Lecture 2: Revelation 12:7-12

Lecture 3: Revelation 12:13-17

Excursus 24: Concerning the Unity of the Catholic Visible Church

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Lecture 1: Revelation 13:1-3

Lecture 2: Revelation 13:4-8

Lecture 3: Revelation 13:9-11

Lecture 4: Revelation 13:12-17

Lecture 5: Revelation 13:18

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Lecture 1: Revelation 14:1-5

Lecture 2: Revelation 14:6-7

Lecture 3: Revelation 14:8-11

Excursus 25: Concerning the Difficulty of Salvation Under Popery

Lecture 4: Revelation 14:12-20

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Lecture 1: Revelation 15:1-4

Lecture 2: Revelation 15:5-8

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Lecture 1: Revelation 16:1-2

Lecture 2: Revelation 16:3-7

Lecture 3: Revelation 16:8-11

Lecture 4: Revelation 16:12

Lecture 5: Revelation 16:13-16

Lecture 6: Revelation 16:17-21

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Lecture 1: Revelation 17:1-2

Lecture 2: Revelation 17:3-6

Lecture 3: Revelation 17:6-8

Lecture 4: Revelation 17:9-11

Lecture 5: Revelation 17:12-14

Lecture 6: Revelation 17:15-18

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Lecture 1: Revelation 18:1-8

Lecture 2: Revelation 18:9-24

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Lecture 1: Revelation 19:1-7

Lecture 2: Revelation 19:8-10

Lecture 3: Revelation 19:11-21

CHAPTER TWENTY

Lecture 1: Revelation 20:1

Lecture 2: Revelation 20:1

Lecture 3: Revelation 20:1

Lecture 4: Revelation 20:1-3

Lecture 5: Revelation 20:4-6

Lecture 6: Revelation 20:7-10

Lecture 7: Revelation 20:11-15

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Lecture 1: Revelation 21:1

Lecture 2: Revelation 21:2-8

Lecture 3: Revelation 21:9-27

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Lecture 1: Revelation 22:1-5

Lecture 2: Revelation 22:6-12

Lecture 3: Revelation 22:13-21

APPENDICES AND INDICES

Sermons and Lectures of James Durham, A Chronological Catalog, 1647-1658

A James Durham Bibliography

Author Index

Scripture Index

Subject Index

2000 Edition Errata

John Owen called James Durham, "one of good learning, sound judgement, and every way 'a workman that needeth not to be ashamed.'" To read Durham on Revelation is to find proof of this. His commentary provides what was, as Principal John MacLeod said, "in past days, the accepted Protestant view of that book". While Durham's historicist reading of Revelation is no longer the standard view, that should not deter readers, for, as Spurgeon said, “it would not be easy to find a more sensible and instructive work than this old-fashioned exposition. We cannot accept its interpretations of the mysteries, but the mystery of the gospel fills it with sweet savour.” The finest treasure in this commentary is not, however, Durham's exegetical work (helpful though this is!). Contained in his commentary are independent treatises which are the purest of theological gold. Make what you will of Durham's interpretation of Revelation, but extended essays on the Trinity, the call to the ministry, the nature of justification, and so on present Reformed thought at its best. As Richard A. Muller has said, this work “offers significant access to seventeenth-century Reformed and Presbyterian thought ... Durham’s work illustrates the relationship of Scripture with doctrine and piety and dogmatics.” Taken all in all, readers of this work will surely ultimately agree with Durham's contemporary Robert Blair, who said of this work, "Many Writers have done worthily, but thou excellest them all.”

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click for details SIMPLY TRINITY: The Unmanipulated Father, Son, and Spirit
MATTHEW BARRETT with Foreword by Scott Swain

"Simply Trinity demonstrates how much is at stake in the trinitarian debates that have recently roiled the evangelical community. I recommend it highly."--Thomas S. Kidd, professor at Baylor University; blogger at The Gospel Coalition

To truly know God, we must understand God as Trinity. But what if the Trinity we've been taught is not the Trinity of the Bible?

In this groundbreaking book, Matthew Barrett reveals a shocking discovery: we have manipulated the Trinity, re-creating the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in our own image. With clarity and creativity, Barrett mines the Scriptures as well as the creeds and confessions of the faith to help us rediscover the beauty, simplicity, and majesty of our triune God. What we believe about the Trinity also has untold consequences for salvation and the Christian life.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Acknowledgements

Foreword by Scott Swain

1. Trinity Drift

PART 1: HOW DID WE DRIFT AWAY?

2. Can we Trust the God of our Fathers? Retrieving Biblical Orthodoxy

3. Since When Did the Trinity Get Social? The Manipulated Trinity

PART 2: HOW WE FIND OUR WAY HOME?

4. How Does God Reveal Himself as Trinity? Eternity and the Mystery of the Gospel

5. Why Must God Be One to Be Three? Simply Trinity

6. Is the Son Begotten from the Father? Paternity and Filiation, Part 1

7. Is Eternal Generation Central to the Gospel? Paternity and Filiation, Part 2

8. Is the Son Eternally Subordinate to the Father? A Son Worthy of Worship

9. Is the Spirit Spirated? Spiration

10. Do Father, Son, and Spirit Work Inseparably? Communion with the Indivisible Trinity

Conclusion

Glossary

Notes

Bibliography

"Matthew Barrett has the evangelical instinct for classic, time-tested, deeply traditional biblical teaching about the Trinity. . . . Simply Trinity proclaims the good news of the unmanipulated doctrine of the triune God."--Fred Sanders, Torrey Honors Institute, Biola University

"Readers are led away from the rocks of those who have sought to convince us that biblical, classic trinitarian theology needs radical change, and into the calm, wide sea that is the Christian community's historic faith."--Lewis Ayres, Durham University

"The Trinity is one of the Bible's more challenging doctrines, and yet Matthew Barrett ably guides readers through the issues to present clear and cogent teaching. He opens the treasures of the past and draws on patristic, medieval, Reformation, and contemporary theologians to explain the doctrine of the Trinity. But he also usefully shows where some have gone astray and charitably speaks the truth in love. People would do well to read this book and plumb the depths of the Bible's teaching on the nature of our triune God." --J. V. Fesko, professor of systematic and historical theology, Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, MS

"Matthew Barrett offers a sane and sober recovery of the church's exegesis of Scripture and defends the Christian doctrine of the Trinity against its unwitting saboteurs."--Michael F. Bird, Ridley College

"I was blown away by this book, a clear, powerful intervention into trinitarian controversy. The critique of evangelical subordinationists alone is fantastic, and no attentive reader should miss their connections with social trinitarianism. Evangelical theology is in serious trouble, and I think many of us have known that for years, but this book will be impossible to ignore. We simply must turn this trend around or evangelicalism will lose its hold on the gospel." --Craig Carter, Tyndale University

"Simply Trinity will help nudge readers to a more scriptural and historically orthodox formulation of the doctrine of the Trinity; it will also help in doing the same for the various attributes of God. If you are interested in what Scripture teaches about God and Trinity, how the early creeds of Christianity formulated Scripture's teaching into creedal statements, and how many in our day have left the old paths on this issue, this book is for you." --Richard Barcellos, Grace Reformed Baptist Church, Palmdale, CA; IRBS Theological Seminary, Mansfield TX

MATTHEW BARRETT is associate professor of Christian theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the author of None Greater; Canon, Covenant, and Christology; and God's Word Alone. He is also the executive editor of Credo magazine and the host of the Credo podcast.

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click for details STEAL AWAY HOME: Charles Spurgeon & Thomas Johnson, Unlikely Friends on the Passage of Freedom
CHARLES SPURGEON & THOMAS JOHNSON, edited and devised by Matt Carter and Aaron Ivey

Thomas Johnson and Charles Spurgeon lived worlds apart.

Johnson, an American slave, born into captivity and longing for freedom--- Spurgeon, an Englishman born into relative ease and comfort, but, longing too for a freedom of his own. Their respective journeys led to an unlikely meeting and an even more unlikely friendship, forged by fate and mutual love for the mission of Christ.

Steal Away Home is a new kind of book based on historical research, which tells a previously untold story set in the 1800s of the relationship between an African-American missionary and one of the greatest preachers to ever live.

Review

"I loved this book and did not want it to end. I was unfamiliar with the story of the famous preacher Charles Spurgeon and the slave Thomas Johnson, and how our sovereign Lord brought them together in what can only be called a divine friendship. Now I am. I was greatly moved by this work and more than once brought to tears. Humans can be very evil, but our God is very good. This book is a wonderful witness to both of those truths." -Daniel L. Akin, President, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, NC

"I’ve long been a great fan of Charles Spurgeon. I wasn’t familiar with Thomas Johnson, and enjoyed reading about his part in the drama. As a fiction writer I appreciated the creative storytelling elements of this account. Matt Carter and Aaron Ivey have done a great job selecting historical realities and weaving them together into a compelling story. I really enjoyed Steal Away Home." -Randy Alcorn, author of Deception, Safely Home and We Shall See God: Charles Spurgeon’s Devotional Thoughts on Heaven

"We live in a time and a culture when many people feel their stories are worth telling. It is certainly not for me to judge the worthiness of every story out there, even the one you hold in your hands. However, I will offer this—I cannot imagine having not been given the opportunity to know this story.

Charles Spurgeon is, of course, a giant of both Christian history and lore. But where his story intersects that of the faithful, enduring man, Thomas Johnson, it creates for us an almost cinematic tale.

Matt and Aaron have worked tirelessly to accurately and fairly capture the history in which this story is set. The evil of slavery and of those who perpetuated it. The indomitable spirit of the African-American people, acutely seen through the life of Johnson. The sacredness of true friendship, and the beauty of the gospel are all at the fore, and I cannot more strongly encourage you to read this powerful work." --Pastor Léonce B. Crump Jr., Senior Pastor of Renovation Church and author of Renovate: Changing Who You Are By Loving Where You Are

"Gripping and creatively presented, Steal Away Home explores the unexpected friendship between Charles Spurgeon and the Virginia slave-turned-missionary Thomas Johnson. It is a remarkable story of courage and redemption—one that captures the spirit of both brave men." -Dr. Christian T. George, Curator of the Spurgeon Library, assistant professor of historical theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and editor of The Lost Sermons of C. H. Spurgeon (B&H Academic)

"A fresh and artful treatment of two remarkable, gospel-shaped men. I’ve read lots of books on Charles Spurgeon. I’ve never read one like this one. Once you start it, you won’t put it down." -J.D. Greear, Ph.D., Pastor, The Summit Church, Raleigh-Durham, NC

"Steal Away Home is the collaborative work of a pastor who specializes in truth, and an artist who specializes in beauty. Their subjects are a titan of truth and beauty in his own right, the great "Prince of Preachers," Charles Hadden Spurgeon, and his lesser known yet no less significant friend, missionary and abolitionist Thomas Johnson. While claiming to write historical fiction versus pure biography, Matt and Aaron have done a great job honoring two men whose profound impact shares a common thread: neither outgrew his need for Jesus and the gospel. As a preacher and aspiring abolitionist myself, I am moved by this volume not only to be a better minister, but to remain thirsty for our freedom-fighting, truth-telling, and beautiful God." -Scott Sauls, senior pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashville, Tennessee and author of Jesus Outside the Lines, Befriend, and From Weakness to Strength

"We are all craving God-fearing, humble, bridge-building examples of faith and friendship. Charles and Thomas are just that. I found myself relating and yet craving more for my own life. Prepare to be moved and changed by these men's lives.

The two men writing this book, Aaron and Matt, share a unique friendship on mission too, and I'm blessed to sit under their leadership weekly in our local church. They are humble seekers of God's glory, who desperately desire the same things today Charles and Thomas desired... men to be saved and know the love of God." -Jennie Allen, Visionary Leader of IF: Gathering, Author of Nothing To Prove

AUTHORS OF THIS VOLUME:

Matt Carter serves as the Pastor of Preaching and Vision at the Austin Stone Community Church in Austin, Texas, which has grown from a core team of fifteen to more than eight-thousand attending each Sunday since he planted it in 2002. Matt has co-authored multiple books including a commentary on the Gospel of John in The Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary series and two group studies, Creation Unraveled and Creation Restored, which traced the gospel message through the book of Genesis. He holds an M.Div. from Southwestern Seminary and a Doctorate in Expositional Preaching from Southeastern Seminary. He and his wife Jennifer have been married for more than twenty years, and they have three children, John Daniel, Annie, and Samuel.

Aaron Ivey is the Pastor of Worship at The Austin Stone Community Church in Austin, Texas, where he pastors a team of three hundred worship leaders, artists, storytellers, and musicians. Aaron has written and produced ten worship albums, and has written hundreds of congregational worship songs that are sung all over the world. His songwriting includes works represented in Worship Together, Jesus Culture, Capital Music Group, Doxology & Theology, and Austin Stone Worship. Passionate about mentoring and developing young leaders and world changers, Aaron spends much of his time communicating on topics of leadership, theology, art, and culture. He and his wife Jamie have been married for fifteen years, and have four children, Cayden, Amos, Deacon, and Story.

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click for details HOW TO MEMORIZE SCRIPTURE FOR LIFE: From One Verse to Entire Books
ANDREW DAVIES

A Simple, Proven Method for Memorizing Long Passages of Scripture

When God’s word abides in believers, it overflows with blessings for everyday life. Many Christians have individual Scripture verses “stored up” in their hearts, but there can be even greater spiritual benefit to memorizing long passages—even entire books—of the Bible. Unfortunately, this is often dismissed as impossible or too time consuming.

Andrew M. Davis helps readers commit to extended Scripture memorization so they may grow in holiness, resist temptation, and share the gospel with others. In this brief guide, he offers an accessible, time-tested pattern for studying Scripture that includes simple daily procedures and tips for long-term retention. By building up a storehouse of biblical truth in their hearts, readers will strengthen their prayer life and intimacy with Christ as they prepare to share God’s truth with others.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preface

1 Scripture Memorization Commanded

2 The Benefits of Scripture Memorization

3 Overcoming Excuses for Not Memorizing

4 Memorizing Individual Verses and Memorizing Books

5 Getting Started

6 Daily Procedures

7 Dealing with Challenges

8 Kissing the Book Goodbye . . . to Learn Other Books

9 Memorizing Long Books and Memorizing Faster

Conclusion

Appendix 1 Number of Chapters and Verses in Each Biblical Book

Appendix 2 Ephesians Memorization Plan

ENDORSEMENTS

“I cannot recommend this book highly enough! I wish that every Christian would read this book and do what it says, because I am confident that doing so would transform our lives, families, churches, and the world around us for our good and God’s glory in ways far beyond what we could ask or imagine.” David Platt, Pastor, McLean Bible Church, McLean, Virginia; Founder, Radical; author, Don’t Hold Back

“This may prove to be the most important book you read this year. For if you put it into practice, you will find yourself on a long-term course of Scripture memorization that will fructify your mind and heart for the rest of your life, and for all eternity.” D.A. Carson, Theologian-at-Large, The Gospel Coalition

“I recall listening spellbound to the testimony of a missionary who had recently been freed from prison in a country closed to gospel work and notoriously brutal in its treatment of Christians. Regularly beaten, often deprived of sleep, food, and water, this brother spent more than a year alone in a tiny cell. How did he survive emotionally and spiritually? He testified that it was Scripture that strengthened him and reminded him that he was never alone. Yet, he had no written copy of God’s word. Instead, it was the words written on his mind and heart that carried him, the words he had committed to memory over his years as a disciple. In How to Memorize Scripture for Life, Andy Davis emphasizes the vital importance of Scripture memorization for obedience to the teachings of God’s word and for growth as a disciple. He also provides practical instruction on how to carry out the Bible’s explicit admonitions and encouragements toward memorization of its teachings. In our day, when retained knowledge has been replaced by an online search engine and the discipline of memorization largely forsaken, Davis’s book is a gift to the church. Whether we are alone in a prison cell, standing to deliver a carefully prepared sermon, or doing the hard work of discipling a young believer, the Scriptures we have committed to memory will be the voice of God speaking to us and through us for his glory, our good, and the advance of the gospel.” Paul Chitwood, President, International Mission Board, Southern Baptist Convention

“I love Andy Davis and his Scripture-soaked ministry. In this book, he reveals his ‘secret’ behind a lost art in Christian circles—Scripture memorization. He is the right guy to write this book. He loves the Scripture, and he bleeds God’s word in how he preaches, encourages, and talks. Reading this book will make you love the Scripture more too. Davis will show you how to get it in your mind and heart in ways that will transform your life.” J.D. Greear, Pastor, The Summit Church, Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina

“Andy Davis is my Scripture memory hero. He is a devoted husband and father of a large family. He pastors a large church. He writes books. And yet somehow in the midst of his busy life he has managed to memorize (at this writing) nearly the entire Bible. This little book contains his secret. It is life-changing.” - Donald S. Whitney, Professor of Biblical Spirituality and Associate Dean, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; author, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life; Praying the Bible; and Family Worship

“How to Memorize Scripture for Life is soul repair for the weary, battle armor for the war-torn, and a lifeline for backsliders. May the Lord use Andy Davis’s life-changing book to raise up a generation of Christians who defy the trendy lies of the devil with the word hidden in their hearts. All Christians should read this book and practice its wise counsel.” - Rosaria Butterfield, former Professor of English and Women’s Studies, Syracuse University; author, The Gospel Comes with a Housekey and Five Lies of Our Anti-Christian Age

“Memorizing Scripture takes you deeper in your walk with the Lord and makes you better prepared to point others toward him. There are no shortcuts, but my friend Andy Davis has outlined some principles and suggestions that will help get you started and keep you on track in this profoundly rewarding journey.” - Kevin Ezell, President, North American Mission Board, Southern Baptist Convention

“When many of us think of Andy Davis, we think of Scripture memory. Memorizing whole books of the Bible has been momentous for the whole of his Christian life and pastoral ministry, and he has long been a contagious and capable advocate for others doing the same. But perhaps even more impressive, when many of us think of Scripture memory, we think of Andy Davis. Few voices today, if any, rise so clearly to the top as both skilled teachers and practitioners of such an eternally significant topic.” - David Mathis, Senior Teacher and Executive Editor, desiringGod. org; Pastor, Cities Church, Saint Paul, Minnesota; author, Habits of Grace

“Andy Davis is one of the most disciplined men I’ve ever met. So when I learned that he had much of the Bible memorized, I was not surprised. Still, I decided to quiz him. True to form, he went through the Scriptures from memory in a way that made me want to know Scripture like that! What you hold in your hand is what Davis has learned throughout a lifetime of Scripture memory. I can attest that it is helpful. So if you’ve wanted to memorize Scripture in larger portions and in a manner that you will remember, pick up this book and get to work.” - Juan R. Sanchez, Senior Pastor, High Pointe Baptist Church, Austin, Texas; author, Seven Dangers Facing Your Church

CW24 552923

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click for details NEWLY DISCOVERED COMMENTARIES ON JOHN, ACTS, 2 CORINTHIANS & 1 PETER
J.B. LIGHTFOOT edited by Ben Witherington III and Todd D. Still

VERY SPECIAL OFFER OF $20.00 FOR LIGHTFOOT'S NEWLY DISCOVERED COMMENTARY ON ACTS.

InterVarsity Press is proud to present The Lightfoot Legacy, a three-volume set of previously unpublished material from J. B. Lightfoot, one of the great biblical scholars of the modern era.

In the spring of 2013, Ben Witherington III discovered hundreds of pages of biblical commentary by Lightfoot in the Durham Cathedral Library. While incomplete, these commentaries represent a goldmine for historians and biblical scholars, as well as for the many people who have found Lightfoot's work both informative and edifying, deeply learned and pastorally sensitive.

Now on display for all to see, these commentary notes reveal a scholar well ahead of his time, one of the great minds of his or any generation. Well over a century later, Lightfoot's writings remain a relevant and significant resource for the church today.

Volume 1 covers the book of Acts, Volume 2 explores the Gospel of John, and Volume 3 covers 2 Corinthians and 1 Peter.

"J. B. Lightfoot was perhaps the greatest New Testament exegete in the nineteenth-century English-speaking world, and his works remain useful today. The discovery of his previously unpublished research, which addresses in a balanced and informed way many issues still debated today, is an epochal event in New Testament studies." --Craig Keener, Asbury Theological Seminary

"To have Lightfoot on Acts is astonishingly valuable, for three reasons. First, Lightfoot is peerless among biblical commentators of his day, and shows a breadth of learning and understanding which always illuminates the text he comments on. Second, Lightfoot deals in this commentary with key issues that are current today in study of Acts, such as the text, the historical value of the Acts narrative, the speeches of Acts and the portrait of Paul. Third, this book enlarges our understanding of Lightfoot's massive scholarship; he is truly a giant among New Testament scholars, and to watch him work - as in this book on Acts - is an education in the questions to ask, approaches to take and ways to draw evidence from disparate sources together to produce a coherent whole. We are greatly in debt to Ben Witherington, Todd Still and their collaborators for bringing this material to light for our day." -Steve Walton, Tyndale House, Cambridge

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NEWLY DISCOVERED COMMENTARY ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES
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NEWLY DISCOVERED COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN
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click for details THE REFORMATION OF THE CHURCH: A Collection of Reformed and Puritan Documents on Church Issues
Selected and Introduced by Iain H. Murray

The nature and life of the church is one of the most crucial issues facing Christians today. Questions of ministry and liturgy, authority and freedom, appear in a wide variety of guises throughout the world-wide church. Relativism and uncertainty seem to be as common in the church as in the world. Many Christians wonder whether there is any way forward.

In this context, The Reformation of the Church is an invaluable aid. An anthology of documents, drawn largely but not exclusively from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, it presents in a readily accessible form the finest thinking of the reformed fathers on authority and freedom, the need for reformation, the nature of the government, unity and membership of the church of Jesus Christ.

Warmly welcomed when first published in 1965, and widely used since then, these documents provide invaluable material for ministers, elders, leaders, students and all Christians who are concerned to see Christ’s church fulfill her God-given role at a critical juncture in her history.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION 7

SECTION I

THE NATURE OF THE CHURCH 15

SECTION II

THE RULE FOR REFORMATION – THE WORD OF GOD

1. Liberation from Human Authority by Martin Luther 30

2. The Reformers and the Regulative Principle by William Cunningham 38

3. The Regulative Principle and Things Indifferent by John Hooper 55

4. The Abolition of Vestments by John a Lasco 63

5. Scripture and the Ordering of Worship 75

SECTION III

THE NEED OF REFORMATION

1. The Necessity for Reformation: The Admonition to Parliament 1572 by Thomas Wilcox 85

2. Concerning a National Church by William Ames 99

3. The Relation of Church and State by Charles Hodge 107

4. Episcopacy: The Petition for the Prelates Examined 127

5. The Grounds of Nonconformity by Edmund Calamy 151

SECTION IV

NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH GOVERNMENT

1. The Book of Discipline 1587 178

2. A True Description of the Visible Church 1589 by Henry Barrow 196

3. The Form of Presbyterial Church Government 1645 by Westminster Divines 207

4. The Cambridge Platform 1648 234

5. The Savoy Platform 1658 276

6. The Difference between Independency and Presbytery by Jeremiah Burroughs 285

7. A Presbyterian View of the Difference with Independency 294

8. The Heads of Agreement 1691 301

SECTION V

THE UNITY OF THE CHURCH

1. The Way to Peace by Walter Cradock 314

2. What We Are to Bear with in Others by Jeremiah Burroughs 326

3. Union among Protestants by John Owen 345

4. The Scandal of Division among the Godly by James Durham 358

APPENDICES

1. The Church Membership of Children by Thomas Shepard 383

2. Episcopalian Writers on Church Government 410

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click for details WHO IS JESUS? The Book and Study Guide
GREG GILBERT with Foreword by Trip Lee

A famed historian once noted that, regardless of what you think of him personally, Jesus Christ stands as the central figure in the history of Western civilization. A man violently rejected by some and passionately worshipped by others, Jesus remains as polarizing as ever. But most people still know very little about who he really was, why he was really here, or what he really claimed.

Intended as a succinct introduction to Jesus’s life, words, and enduring significance, Who Is Jesus? offers non-Christians and new Christians alike a compelling portrait of Jesus Christ. Ultimately, this book encourages readers to carefully consider the history-shaping life and extraordinary teachings of the greatest man who ever lived.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Foreword by Trip Lee

What Do You Think?

An Extraordinary Man, and Then Some

King of Israel, King of Kings

The Great “I AM”...

...Is One of Us

The Triumph of the Last Adam

Lamb of God, Sacrifice for Man

Resurrected and Reigning Lord

A Final Word: Who Do You Say He Is?

“Jesus asked his disciples, ‘Who do you say I am?’ It’s a question each of us must answer. In a wonderfully readable and succinct manner, Greg Gilbert mines the pages of Scripture to consider the truth of Christ’s claims about himself. This is essential reading for the Christian and the seeker.” -Jim Daly, President, Focus on the Family

“Greg’s greatest asset is his ability to make profound things simple. As his book What Is the Gospel? helps us distinguish the true gospel from the false, so Who Is Jesus? helps us distinguish Christ as he presents himself from how we have remade him.” -J. D. Greear, President, Southern Baptist Convention; author, Not God Enough; Pastor, The Summit Church, Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina

“Clearly Christian, but more than polite and respectful to the skeptic, this book helps you consider Jesus carefully. Gilbert throws fresh light upon familiar scenes, joining facts with their significance. It is artful, yet plain and full of beautiful biblical theology. Here is an invitation to you the reader to come to know Jesus yourself.” -Mark Dever, Pastor, Capitol Hill Baptist Church, Washington, DC

“This book does two things at once. It credibly places Jesus in the context of his own times, and shows why he cannot responsibly be left there. It is for those who have never thought about Jesus as well as those who think they know him all too well.” -Timothy George, Distinguished Professor of Divinity, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University

“This little book will be a great tool for introducing people, including the athletes I coach, to the most amazing person who ever lived!” -Coach Ron Brown, University of Nebraska

“I am always looking for a short and clear book on the life of Jesus that I can put into the hands of someone wanting to truly know who he is and what he did. I now have it in Who Is Jesus? Greg Gilbert is right: ‘The story of Jesus is not the story of a good man. It is the story of a claimant to the throne.’ Consider the evidence presented in this work and see where it takes you.” -Daniel L. Akin, President, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

AUTHOR

Greg Gilbert (MDiv, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is senior pastor at Third Avenue Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky. He is the author of What Is the Gospel?; James: A 12-Week Study; and Who Is Jesus?; and is the coauthor (with Kevin DeYoung) of What Is the Mission of the Church? Greg and his wife, Moriah, have three children.

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THE BOOK: 138 Page Hardcover
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click for details THE AFFLICTED MAN'S COMPANION: A Directory for Persons and Families Afflicted with Sickness or Any Other Distress
John Willison (1680-1750)

THE AFFLICTED MAN'S COMPANION was written with the benevolent intention (according to the author) "that the afflicted may have a book in their houses, and at their bed-sides, as a monitor to preach to them in private, when they are restrained from hearing sermons in public;" and the work is admirably calculated to have the soothing effect intended by its able and amiable author.

"John Willison (1680-1750), an influential evangelical minister of the Church of Scotland, was renowned as a prolific writer of practical Christian literature. 'The Afflicted Man's Companion,' a veritable treasure-house on coping with sickness, dying, and other afflictions, was one of his most frequently reprinted titles. While being led through the valley of affliction some years ago, I frequently perused this volume with great profit. I know of no book so biblical, God-honoring, and practical for times of suffering, for the believer and the unconverted alike. Here is practical theology at its best. Give a copy to every suffering friend you have." --Dr. Joel R. Beeke, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan

"John Willison ranks with the great Scottish preachers and writers of long ago. Scotland has given us Knox, Durham, Boston, Colquhoun, among many others, and John Willison. His 'Afflicted Man's Companion' is a must-have book for those under God's afflicting hand. If you or someone you know is going through a time of dark providence, then give them this title. Read it; then read it again; and then read it again. The silver lining behind the cloud will begin to show itself to you eventually as God reveals Himself. " - Dr. Don Kistler, founder of The Northampton Press

Originally published in 1737, it was revised and reprinted numerous times in the 19th century by the American Tract Society. The eight chapters that make up this remarkable volume are as follows:

1- General Directions to All Families and Persons Visited with Sickness

2- Particular Directions to Those who are Sharply Afflicted with Sickness or Long Trouble

3- Special Directions to the Children of God when under Sickness or any other Affliction

4- Special Directions to Unregenerate Persons when under Sickness or any other Affliction

5- Directions to the People of God when the Lord is Pleased to Recover them from Sickness and Distress

6- Directions to the Unregenerate when Recovered from Sickness and Restored to Health

7- Directions to the Sick who are Apparently in a Dying Condition, and Drawing Near to Another World

8- Directions to the Friends and Neighbors of the Sick, who are Themselves in Health for the Time Being

As much as Job's Companion's were miserable comforters, this volume is one that would have been of great comfort and consolation to that deeply afflicted man so long ago. We live in a world of sin and misery, and any book that can help those visited by affliction is worth its weight in gold. Such is this work by the eminent Scottish Divine John Willison.

Part of the SUFFERING TRILOGY

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click for details THE COLLECTED SERMONS OF JAMES DURHAM: Vol. One: General Sermons, Vol. Two: CHRIST CRUCIFIED:The Marrow of the Gospel in 72 Sermons on Isaiah 53; Vol. Three, THE TEN COMMANDMENTS
James Durham

VOLUME ONE: This volume contains sermon series titled 'The Blessedness of the Death of Those That Die in the Lord,' 'The Unsearchable Riches of Christ' (Communion sermons), 'Heaven upon Earth' (on conscience), 'The Great Gain of Contenting Godliness,' and 'The Great Corruption of Subtle Self,' as well as miscellaneous sermons that appeared in various publications. The last includes a recent transcription from manuscript of one of Durham's most important sermons preached at the beginning of the Protester-Resolutioner schism in Scotland. All have been uniformly edited and cross-referenced as needed. Also included is an introduction covering the life and works of Durham.

VOLUME TWO: CHRIST CRUCIFIED - First published in 1683, then in 1686, this collection of sermons was reprinted six times in the eighteenth century. The present reprint is carefully and beautifully done; it uses the 1702 edition as the base text but also takes the other editions into account.

This book belongs in the class of Friedrich Krummacher's 'The Suffering Savior.' Like Krummacher, Durham was gifted at describing the sufferings of Christ through illustration, though his language is now antiquated. For example, in describing Christ's agony in Gethsemane, he writes, "There was such a striving, wrestling and conflicting, not with man without him, but with inward pressures on his spirit, that he is like one in a barrace, or cock-pit, or engaged in a duel with a mighty combatant, sore put to it, very far beyond aught that we can conceive of, so that he sweat great drops of blood."

The sixty-ninth sermon on making use of Christ's intercession is a masterpiece. This is an excellent book for believers who yearn for a more intimate fellowship with Christ in His sufferings. John Duncan said to a friend who wanted to draw closer to Christ, "Read Durham on the fifty-third of Isaiah at my request. He has much repetition and you may be disgusted with that. But it's repetition of a very fine thing, the eating of Christ's flesh and the drinking of His blood. Well, that's what we must be repeating, in fact, all our life long."

The Marrow of the Gospel is one of the best commentaries ever written on Christ's person and work in redemption. Charles Spurgeon highly recommended this book, saying, "This is marrow indeed. We need say no more: Durham is a prince among spiritual expositors." Others have said this work equals if not excels all of Durham's other publications.

Size: 7+10. Hardcover. Smyth sewn.

704 pages.

Extensive Table of Contents, Subject and Scripture Index. Side headings

VOLUME THREE: AN EXPOSITION OF THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

Of the works of James Durham, this exposition of the Ten Commandments was reprinted most often. As with his sermons, it is filled with perspicuous opening of the Word, practical application, and the clearing of 'several momentous questions and cases of conscience.' The only regret is that because he was preaching similar material at the time, the coverage of these lectures on the first table is lengthier than the coverage of the second table. Nevertheless, the work has always been held in high regard, and the in-depth treatments of the second, third, and fourth commandments commend it and make it particularly useful today when the Lord’s name, worship, and day of worship are much abused. Gilfillan observes on the last that 'the Law Unsealed of the eminent James Durham, published in 1675 by his widow, contains a very full and able discussion of Sabbattic doctrine and duty, and discovers the learning and deep piety which are evident in his other writings. It received the warm commendation of Dr. Owen, and its numerous editions attest the large measure of popular favor which it has won.' Indeed, Walker observes, Durham's 'thorough, searching, cumbrous intellect, reminds you not seldom of John Owen.'

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THE COLLECTED SERMONS OF JAMES DURHAM: VOLUME ONE
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61 SERMONS PLUS AN INTRO ON HIS LIFE AND WORKS

THE COLLECTED SERMONS OF JAMES DURHAM: Volume Two - CHRIST CRUCIFIED on Isas. 53
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OVER 70 SERMONS ON ISAIAH 53

AN EXPOSITION OF THE TEN COMMANDMENTS
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click for details LECTURES ON JOB
JAMES DURHAM

Lectures on Job, by James Durham (1622-1658). Case bound. 254pp. New Edition. 2nd Naphtali Press edition with table of contents, subject and scripture indices. Complete lectures on the whole book of Job. Retail $30.00. One of the rarest and sought after Puritan Commentaries. Part of the 17th Century Presbyterians series.

A Rare Puritan Commentary.

James Durham was a Scottish Presbyterian minister, who served the ministry a brief ten or eleven years, yet left behind quite a legacy. His books were very popular in Scotland and new editions of his works were published as late as 1840. No new edition of any of his books was published until 1990 when Naphtali Press printed his Treatise Concerning Scandal. Spurgeon in his Commenting and Commentaries, highly recommended all of Durham's commentaries and sermons.

The Lectures on Job are perhaps one of the rarest and hardest to obtain of the many Puritan works of that time. Spurgeon in his day was unable to find a copy, but he said, "It is certain to be good, for Durham is always admirable." Durham comments on every chapter and ends each lecture with a set of uses or applications, which are alone worth the price of the book. This format, as many have told Naphtali Press, makes the book very useful for family devotions.

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PSALMS: A Geneva Commentary
DAVID DICKSON (1583-1663)

Of all the books of Scripture, the Book of Psalms has ever occupied a foremost position in the experience of believers. For three thousand years it has nurtured infants, guided pilgrims, fired Reformers, inspired preachers, solaced martyrs, and comforted the aged. In those eras when the power of godliness has been most evident, the Psalms have been central in the life of the Church.

The importance of the Psalms is reflected in the vast amount of literature devoted to them. From Athanasius in the fourth century to C. H. Spurgeon in the nineteenth, valuable commentaries on the Psalms have steadily multiplied. The particular value of this work by Dickson is that it is simply written and is a compact size. It is suggestive rather than exhaustive and designed not for the deliberation of scholars but for the meditation of saints. While Dickson aims primarily at giving an accurate exegesis his main emphasis is instructive and devotional.

ENDORSEMENTS

‘A rich volume, dropping fatness. Invaluable to the preacher. Having read and re-read it, we can speak of its holy savour and suggestiveness. We commend it with much fervour.’ — C. H. SPURGEON

AUTHOR

David Dickson (1583-1663) was the son of a wealthy merchant in Glasgow. His early aspirations to enter the family business were diverted through an illness and a subsequently lengthy period of convalescence. The result was that he entered the University of Glasgow (then under Principal Robert Boyd) and prepared for the Christian ministry. Following graduation he remained in the University as a regent until, in 1618, he was called to the parish of Irvine in Ayrshire.

Deprived of his ministry in 1622 by the Bishop of Glasgow for his opposition to the Five Articles, he was banished for a year to Turriff in Aberdeenshire, but on his return was the instrument in the hand of God of numerous conversions. It was out of his pastoral experience that his famous manual of spiritual counsel, Therapeutica Sacra, was written.

In 1638 he was present at the famous Assembly which restored Presbyterian government in Scotland, and the following year was chosen Moderator of the Scottish Church. In 1640 he became Professor of Divinity in Glasgow, transferring to Edinburgh ten years later. During that period he played a considerable part in establishing vital, orthodox Christianity throughout the land. He helped to draw up the Directory for Public Worship, and with James Durham compiled The Sum of Saving Knowledge (a work instrumental in later years in the conversion of Robert Murray M’Cheyne).

Restoration troubles after the return of King Charles II in 1660 hastened his death. As the end drew near, he spoke the memorable words: ‘I have taken all my good deeds, and all my bad, and cast them in a heap before the Lord, and fled from both, and betaken myself to the Lord Jesus Christ, and in him I have sweet peace.’

Dickson is the author of Truth’s Victory Over Error: A Commentary on the Westminster Confession of Faith and a commentary on the Psalms in the Geneva series, both published by the Trust.

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NEARLY 1100 PAGE HARDCOVER VOLUME WITH DUST-JACKET
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