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 click for details | | THE BEATITUDES: A Puritan Exposition of Matthew 5:1-10 Thomas Watson NO LONGER HAVE A COPY FOR 50% OFF. SORRY. ‘What announces itself as an exposition of Matthew 5:1-10 turns out to be a digest of all the central Puritan teaching on the Christian life. The Beatitudes are treated as mineshafts into the whole economy of grace , as indeed they are.’ — J.I. PACKER The opening verses of the best-known of all Christ’s sermons were handled by many of the Puritans, for the Beatitudes gave full scope to the combination of sound doctrine, practical wisdom and heart-searching application which characterized their preaching. In addition to these general Puritan characteristics, Thomas Watson added certain of his own: a master of a terse, vigorous style and of a beauty of expression, he could speak not only to win men’s understanding but also to secure a place for the truth in their memories. More than most of his generation he sought to follow the example of Christ’s teaching by employing all manner of illustrative material from common life, and with simplicity and charm he spoke words not easy to forget. Two hundred years after Thomas Watson’s death William Jay of Bath said that he could go to any one of his books and ‘find it ever fresh, pointed and instructive.’ The Beatitudes, first published in 1660, has been one of the rarest of Watson’s works. In this edition the layout has been entirely revised and editorial notes supplied. TABLE OF CONTENTS To the Reader xi 1 INTRODUCTION 1 The preacher: Christ and his qualifications The ministry does not ‘lie in common’ The pulpit The occasion Ministers should embrace opportunities of service Exhortations to ministers Exhortations to the flock of God 2 THERE IS A BLESSEDNESS IN REVERSION 13 Wherein blessedness does not consist Blessedness does not lie in externals Wherein blessedness consists Blessedness in practice 3 THE GODLY ARE IN SOME SENSE ALREADY BLESSED 25 Evidences that the godly are already blessed Practical issues 4 BLESSED ARE THE POOR IN SPIRIT 31 Various observations The meaning of ‘poor in spirit’ Several questions propounded Why Christians must be ‘poor in spirit’ Poverty of spirit is true riches How we may know whether we are ‘poor in spirit’ Four persuasions to be ‘poor in spirit’ 5 THE POOR IN SPIRIT ARE ENRICHED WITH A KINGDOM 43 Saints glorified may be compared to kings The kingdom of heaven excels other kingdoms The kingdom of heaven is infallibly entailed upon the saints Corollaries and inferences from the above A scrutiny and trial whether we belong to the kingdom of heaven Serious exhortations to the wicked and to Christians 6 BLESSED ARE THEY THAT MOURN 55 A two-fold mourning which does not make us blessed The object of holy mourning A five-fold mourning which is spurious The right gospel-mourning The accompaniments of gospel-mourning We must mourn for the sins of others We must mourn for the miseries of the church The seasons of holy mourning The degrees of mourning The opposite to holy mourning 7 SUNDRY SHARP REPROOFS 71 8 MOTIVES TO HOLY MOURNING 75 Eleven divine motives to holy mourning An objection answered 9 THE HINDRANCES TO MOURNING 81 Nine hindrances considered 10 SOME HELPS TO MOURNING 89 11 THE COMFORTS BELONGING TO MOURNERS 89 The relationship of comfort to mourning The nature of the comforts during the earthly life Three differences between true and false comfort Reasons why mourners may lack comfort The nature of the comforts in the world to come An exhortation to comfort 12 CHRISTIAN MEEKNESS 109 Meekness towards God and towards man Meekness in the bearing of injuries Meekness in the forgiving of injuries Meekness in recompensing good for evil Meekness shows the character of a true saint Ten reasons why Christians should be meek How to attain the grace of meekness 13 THE NATURE OF SPIRITUAL HUNGER 129 Hungering after righteousness A reproof for such as do not hunger after righteousness A reproof for such as hunger but not after righteousness Five signs of spiritual hunger Comforts for such as know spiritual hunger Six differences between spiritual and carnal hunger Believers’ objections answered A persuasion to spiritual hunger Helps to spiritual hunger 14 SPIRITUAL HUNGER SHALL BE SATISFIED 145 God can fill the hungry soul: why and how he does so The objections of carnal and godly men considered 15 A DISCOURSE OF MERCIFULNESS 151 The nature and source of mercifulness Mercy is to be extended to the souls of others Reproofs for such as have no mercy to souls Christians must be tender of one another’s names Mercy is to be extended to the estates, offences and wants of others A vindication of the Church of England and its doctrine of good works A check to the unmerciful Persuasions to mercifulness Nine persuasions to works of mercy Rewards for the merciful man in this life Six rules concerning works of mercy 16 A DESCRIPTION OF HEART-PURITY 185 The nature of heart-purity Reasons for purity of heart Christians must not rest in outside purity Signs of an impure heart Seven signs of a pure heart Nine exhortations to heart-purity Eight means to be used to obtain heart-purity 17 THE BLESSED PRIVILEGE OF SEEING GOD EXPLAINED 213 The sight of God in this life and in the life to come Nine excellencies of the beatific vision It is the sinner’s misery that he shall not see God We must labor to be rightly qualified for this vision A cordial for the pure in heart 18 CONCERNING PEACEABLENESS 221 A four-fold peace Two reasons for peaceable-mindedness Peaceable-mindedness a saint’s character A reproof for such as are unpeaceable An exhortation to peaceable-mindedness (under 11 heads) Some helps to peaceable-mindedness All Christians must be peacemakers 19 THEY SHALL BE CALLED THE CHILDREN OF GOD 237 By nature we are not children of God Children of God are made such by adoption and infusion of grace How we come to be children of God by faith Nine signs of divine sonship How Christians should bring up their children The love of God in making us his children The honor of God’s children Twelve high privileges of God’s children: 1) God’s love towards them 2) God bears with their infirmities 3) God accepts of their imperfect services 4) God provides for them 5) God shields off dangers from them 6) God reveals to them the great things of his law 7) God gives them boldness in prayer 8) God brings them into a state of freedom 9) God makes them heirs apparent to the promises 10) God gives them his blessing 11) God works all things for their good 12) God keeps them from perishing 20 EXHORTATIONS TO CHRISTIANS AS THEY ARE CHILDREN OF GOD 279 Let us prove ourselves to be the children of God Let us carry ourselves as becomes the children of God 21 CONCERNING PERSECUTION 285 Observations on persecution What is meant by persecution? Various kinds of persecution The causes of persecution The persecution of ministers The persecution that makes one blessed Lessons to be learned from persecution Two sharp reproofs Christians should possess themselves beforehand with thoughts of sufferings Christians must arm themselves for suffering: Labor to be persons rightly qualified for suffering Avoid those things which will hinder suffering Promote those things which will help you to suffer (especially self-denial): Inure yourselves to suffering Be well-skilled in the knowledge of Christ Prize every truth of God Keep a good conscience Make the Scripture familiar to you Get a suffering frame of heart Get suffering graces Treasure up suffering promises Set before your eyes suffering examples Lay in suffering considerations 22 AN APPENDIX TO THE BEATITUDES 329 The Lord’s commandments are not grievous Eight particulars showing that God’s commands are not grievous Christ’s commands compared with: The law The commands of sin The torments of the damned The glory of heaven Various reproofs beatit+ cwn23+ 52723 TWSP tw5 BOTN1023 THIS IS A BEAUTIFUL HARDCOVER VOLUME WITH A DUST-JACKET  SGCB Price: $23.00 (list price $30.00)ORDER WITH THE BRAND NEW TITLE 'THE UPSIDE DOWN KINGDOM: Wisdom for Life from the Beatitudes' BY CHRIS CASTALDO SGCB Price: $30.00 (list price $49.00)THIS IS THE PRICE FOR BOTH TITLES |
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 click for details | | THE SAINTS' HAPPINESS: Being 41 Sermons on The Beatitudes JEREMIAH BURROUGHS (1599-1646) edited by Don Kistler, Foreword by John Gerstner THIS BEAUTIFUL VOLUME HAS ARRIVED AND READY TO SHIP!!! These are the last sermons this great Puritan preached before he died of tuberculosis in 1646. Burroughs was a member of the Independent faction of the Westminster Assembly. Though he died at a relatively young age, the amount of material he left behind is staggering. This book was first published in 1660 by some of Burroughs’ friends and admirers, of which there were many. It was reprinted in 1867 in the Nichols Series of Puritan reprints and that edition was published again 1987 by Soli Deo Gloria. This is the first ever modern edition of this classic work. It is perhaps the greatest tribute to this man that his contemporaries held him in such high esteem. No less men of renown than Thomas Goodwin, William Greenhill, William Bridge and Edmund Calamy published six volumes of his writings after his death because of their regard for his piety. Burroughs’s irenic personality, noted by many who knew him, is clearly exemplified in his decision to exposit the Beatitudes (originally given in forty-one sermons and compiled into Saint’s Happiness) as found in Matthew 5, which extol meekness, mercy, and peacemaking. "I suspect that our Lord's BEATITUDES were never more Scripturally, poignantly and practically expounded than in the pages that follow. Truly it is a blessed exposition of the 'Blesseds.' Study this book if you want a refresher course in the whole Bible." -from the Foreword by John Gerstner The Original Letter to the Reader is as follows: "READER,—although all men desire happiness, and nothing be more needful to be known, yet great are the mistakes of men thereabout. It is not in sensual pleasures—if so, Dives had been happy, Luke xvi., and those [who] made their bellies their gods, Phil. iii.; it is not in honors—for then the dragon and the beast should have been happy, Rev. xiii. 4; it is not in riches, James v. 1; it is not in habits or acts of moral virtues—then heathens had been happy, and Paul in his pharisaism, Phil. iii.; it is not in knowledge, Eccles. i. 18, nor in contemplation of divine things—for then Balaam had been so. Num. xxiv. 3, 4, and Plato whose contemplations were such; it is in none of these, but in what is laid down by the Lord Christ and held forth in this ensuing work. Some deny saintship and happiness to be in this life, but David confutes the one, Ps. xvi. 3, and Christ the other. It is true, perfect happiness is not attainable in this life, because there is a mixture of sin, vanity, and misery with every condition and thing we enjoy; the best of men having more wormwood than wine. Yet there is a true blessedness in this life, which consists in those qualifications, actions, and sufferings, which have a clear, certain, and strong tendency unto perfect happiness, and may be called seminalis or radicalis heatitudo. Such are the beatitudes here mentioned, and many elsewhere in holy writ, as delighting in the law of God, Ps. i. 2; fearing the Lord, Ps. cxii. 1; being undefiled in the way, Ps. cxix. 1; and such men are blessed, but not simply blessed for the qualities had, things done or suffered, but because they lead up and issue into perfect blessedness at last. Reader, the times are perilous; a sentence of death is over most, if not all thy comforts; how soon thou mayest be stripped of thy seeming happiness, thou knowest not. If thou hast not a part in these Christian beatitudes, thou art a miserable man, thy life is a dream, and thy death will be dreadful. Here is propounded unto thee not that the world calls blessedness, or what thou thinkest so, but what the blessed Son of the blessed God hath pronounced so, and will be found in life and death to be so; reckon and make that therefore thy blessedness which the Lord Christ himself accounts and calls blessedness; and then let times, troubles, and changes be what they will, thou art a blessed man, shalt so abide, and have a blessed end. The reverend author of these sermons, Mr. Jeremiah Burroughs, did so, being the subject he preached on before his death. These sermons of his have lain thirteen years complete this very day in the dark, for he died the 14th day of the 9th month, 1646; but by the help of that hand which took most of those sermons [that] are already in print, are now brought to light, discovering themselves to be the genuine issue of such a parent, the face of whose spirit is lively represented in them. Reader, the aim of those [who] do publish them is that thou mayest know, desire, and attain true blessedness in these unhappy times, and have thy thoughts, affections, and actions suitable unto such a happiness, which that thou mayest have, and they may be, is the earnest desire of William Greenhill, William Bridge, Philip Nye, John Yates, William Aderly, Mathew Mead." TABLE OF CONTENTS Life of Jeremiah Burroughs Foreword by John H. Gerstner To the Reader (see above) Sermon 1 The Preface to the Sermon Sermon 2 The Scope of the Sermon Sermon 3 A Description of a Poor-Spirited Man Sermon 4 Promises to the Poor in Spirit Sermon 5 Comfort to the Poor in Spirit Sermon 6 Godly Mourners Shall Be Comforted Sermon 7 The Folly of Men Rebuked Who Are All for Mirth Sermon 8 How Mourners Should Order Their Mourning Sermon 9 The Comforts of Mourners for Sin Sermon 10 An Exhortation to Mourners for Sin Sermon 11 How to Mourn for the Affliction of Saints Sermon 12 Meek Persons Subjects for Christ to Comfort Sermon 13 A Reprehension of Professors Who Are Not Meek Sermon 14 Rules and Helps to Christian Meekness Sermon 15 Times of Righteousness Promised to the Church Sermon 16 The Desirableness of the Object Hungered After Sermon 17 Comforts to Those Who Hunger Sermon 18 The Excellence of the Righteousness of Sanctification Sermon 19 They Who Hunger Are Blessed for the Present Sermon 20 Rules to Help Souls in the Way of Hungering Sermon 21 Considerations to Support the Hearts of Those Who Hunger After Righteousness, Yet Lack Growth in Righteousness Sermon 22 The Several Workings of Mercy in the Heart Sermon 23 Comforts to Those Who Are of Merciful Spirits Sermon 24 Motives to Show Mercy Sermon 25 Wherein a Pure Heart Is Blessed Sermon 26 Uncleanness of Heart the Cause of Error Sermon 27 Wherein the Sight of God Appears to Be Such a Happy Thing Sermon 28 The Order of This Beatitude Sermon 29 Blessed Are They Who Make Peace Between Man and Man Sermon 30 The Difference Between Independency and Presbytery Sermon 31 What the Mystery of Godliness is in Adoption Sermon 32 Disciples of Christ Must Expect Persecution Sermon 33 Reasons Why Righteousness Must Expect to Suffer Sermon 34 Principles for Suffering Sermon 35 Some Headings From What Has Been Said About the Blessedness of Persecution Sermon 36 A Word of Use to Those Who Are Reviled Sermon 37 Saints Should Take Heed They Suffer Not for Evil Truly Sermon 38 Some Arguments for Helping Saints to Suffer Sermon 39 How Professors Are Said to be Unsavory Sermon 40 To Be the Light of the World is a Great Honor Sermon 41 Uses We Are to Make of the Ministry of the Gospel nhpn BNS joyt beatit+ 52723 NHP50 NEARLY 50% DISCOUNT ON THIS MASSIVE HARDCOVER VOLUME SGCB Price: $28.00 (list price $50.00)THIS IS COMPLETELY RE-TYPESET AND EDITED BY DON KISTLER. IT IS 720 PAGES- HARDBOUND, ON ACID-FREE PAPERTHIS ORDER WITH BURROUGH'S VOLUME 'MOSES' CHOICE' FOR NEARLY 50% OFF SGCB Price: $50.00 (list price $95.00)THIS IS THE PRICE FOR BOTH MASSIVE HARDCOVER VOLUMES |
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 click for details | | THE UPSIDE DOWN KINGDOM: Wisdom for Life from the Beatitudes CHRIS CASTALDO An Examination of the Beatitudes and Jesus’s Counterintuitive Blessings In our sinful world, we often struggle with anxiety, loneliness, and heartache. Everywhere we look, we see broken families and divided communities. How can we truly cultivate God’s kingdom “on earth as it is in heaven” in such a broken place? In the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:2–12), Jesus urges us to set ourselves apart from the world, living in a counterculture with a new identity rooted in him. The Upside Down Kingdom examines this counterintuitive wisdom and explores its relevance for today. Drawing on insights from the biblical story of redemption, church fathers, Reformation scholars throughout history, and contemporary life, this book equips and encourages readers to get their spiritual bearings in an upside-down world. Author Chris Castaldo ultimately points readers to the kingdom of Christ—not as a set of rules, but as a means of bringing peace and blessing here and now. **Written for Laypersons and Teachers of the Word: Perfect for those interested in issues confronting the church **Thorough Study of the Beatitudes: Each chapter explores a core teaching in Christ's Sermon on the Mount **Appeals to Pastors and Disciple Makers: A historically informed, biblically rich, and countercultural vision of Christian life TABLE OF CONTENTS Acknowledgments Introduction: You Are Invited Chapter 1: The Poverty That Makes One Rich Chapter 2: When Loss Becomes Gain Chapter 3: Gentleness in a Hostile World Chapter 4: Taste and See Chapter 5: The Face of Mercy Chapter 6: Seeing God Chapter 7: Peace Be with You Chapter 8: Even So, Rejoice Epilogue: When Down Is Up Notes General Index Scripture Index ENDORSEMENTS “G. K. Chesterton once defined a paradox as ‘truth standing on its head calling for attention.’ And this, most certainly, is what Chris Castaldo achieves as he deftly guides us through the inverted glories of the Beatitudes in The Upside Down Kingdom. His beautifully written exposition invites these eight compressed theological H-bombs to graciously detonate within our hearts. The Upside Down Kingdom is not only a treasure trove of wisdom; it’s also a bracing call to deeper devotion to Christ and the gospel.” -R. Kent Hughes, Senior Pastor Emeritus, College Church, Wheaton, Illinois “What happens if we read the Beatitudes from a relentlessly biblical perspective that interprets them in terms of the unmerited grace God has offered us in Christ? What happens when we read them in terms of what God has done for us in Christ’s cross work, what he is doing in us by the Holy Spirit, and what he will do for the world through us? Chris Castaldo’s 'The Upside Down Kingdom' startles us with the answers. Here is a book that equips us to be the world’s salt and light by helping us learn to live according to the ‘rhythms of heaven’ that beat in God’s own heart.” -Mark Talbot, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Wheaton College; author, Suffering and the Christian Life series “To modern readers, the Beatitudes can sometimes sound confusing or even off-putting. Chris Castaldo does a lovely job demystifying Jesus’s teachings—and therefore making them truly beautiful—for Christians today. His explanations and examples are easy to grasp, giving context in a gentle and winsome way. This book would be perfect for a group Bible study or individual devotions—I read with my Bible on my lap, highlighting and making notes the whole way through.” -Sarah Eekhoff Zylstra, Senior Writer, The Gospel Coalition; editor, Social Sanity in an Insta World “I love this book. Thank you, Chris Castaldo, for the gift of 'The Upside Down Kingdom'. This warm, engaging, and yet thought-provoking work wonderfully draws us to the vision of the Beatitudes. In the words of Castaldo, this is ‘a vision that invites us from the shadows of alienation into the purpose and joy of Christ's kingdom.’ Truly, when we embrace this counterintuitive vision and way of life, we will be portraits to a watching world of what it looks like to live according to God’s heart.” -Crawford W. Loritts Jr., author; speaker; radio host; President, Beyond Our Generation “Chris Castaldo is a model pastor-theologian, and 'The Upside Down Kingdom' puts his considerable pastoral and theological gifts on full display. Wise and winsome, subtle and profound, thought-provoking and heart-warming, his exposition of the Beatitudes captures the living voice of their original author and thus provides a tonic for the lackadaisical and a solace for the beleaguered—an invitation into Jesus’s upside-down kingdom. Beautifully done! Highly recommended!” -Todd Wilson, Cofounder and President, The Center for Pastor Theologians “Chris Castaldo has issued a timely and desperately needed prophetic call for the church to embody the lordship of Jesus Christ in distinctly countercultural and counterintuitive ways within our increasingly polarized world. Incorporating depth of biblical-theological reflection, historical perspective, pastoral experience, and cultural sensitivity, with appropriate nuance and refreshing personal honesty, this book warmly invites us to experience the blessedness of identity in Christ as we align our affections and allegiances more fully with Christ and his kingdom. In a day of significant cultural confusion, The Upside Down Kingdom is a clarion call for Christian identity and ethic.” -Laurie L. Norris, Professor of Bible, Moody Theological Seminary; coeditor, One Volume Seminary: A Complete Ministry Education from the Faculty of Moody Bible Institute and Moody Theological Seminary “The Beatitudes are a special part of the New Testament. Chris Castaldo’s excellent exposition brings them to life with the aid of real-life examples and the wisdom of the ages. A challenging and inspiring book that is recommended to all.” -Tony Lane, Professor of Historical Theology, London School of Theology “I’ve learned a lot from Chris’s teaching and example of following Christ through the counterintuitive turn of the kingdom. And I’m thrilled that many more will benefit likewise with this book. When we realize the way up first goes down, then we'll find the power of God to overcome today’s challenges.” -Collin Hansen, Vice President and Editor in Chief, The Gospel Coalition; author, Timothy Keller: His Spiritual and Intellectual Formation CWN23+ beatit+ 52723 cwn723 BOT50 CW60 8/26/25 BRAND NEW TITLE IN JUNE 2023 (OVER 50% OFF) SGCB Price: $9.00 (list price $19.00)ORDER WITH IAIN DUGUID'S BRAND NEW TITLE 'TURNING THE WORLD UPSIDE DOWN' SGCB Price: $24.75 (list price $43.00)THIS IS THE PRICE FOR BOTH TITLES |
