The Certainty of Heavenly and the Uncertainty of Earthly Treasures


Book Description

This work by William Strong is a treatise on discovering where the treasure of your heart is placed. He shows the certainty and stability, and moral goodness, of the heart being placed on God (the greatest heavenly treasure), and the instability and fleeting nature of the heart placed on “earthly” treasures (everything else outside of God). He works from Christ’s direction in the text, “Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also,” (Matt. 6:20-21), demonstrating that every man in this life has a treasure, how to know what your chief treasure is, and the manner in which one should lay up treasure by placing their heart in God alone. This is an extremely convicting work that will in no way leave the regenerate Christian unaffected. This work is not a scan or facsimile, has been carefully transcribed by hand being made easy to read in modern English, and has an active table of contents for electronic versions.




Light from Old Paths: An Anthology of Puritan Quotations, Volume 1


Book Description

This book is a masterful selection of almost 1000 quotations drawn from a wide range of Puritan works. These quotes have been chosen with great care, and arranged under topical headings from "belief" to "worship". This work forms an ideal introduction to the writings of the godly men of the 17th century, and will prove to be rich devotional reading of the highest caliber. For those being introduced to the writings of the Puritans, or those who are already familiar with them, this devotional work will be a treasure to read again and again. The reading of Puritan works has brought great benefit to the people of God across barriers of culture and time. Christians owe a great debt of gratitude to those faithful theologians, pastors and preachers who continue to speak through their writings even though they have long since entered into their heavenly rest in Christ. In these pages, the reader will find that the Puritans knew how to teach and apply God’s Word in the power of the Holy Spirit, and for the glorification of Jesus Christ, while maintaining a solid biblical orthodoxy needed in our day and age. The purpose of this book is to open a door to the vast stores of biblical treasure and wisdom to be found in the writings of the Puritans and that it will stimulate further reading from our Reformed and spiritual heritage. Authors cited include: Nathaniel Vincent, George Walker, Francis Whiddon, William Perkins, Christopher Love, Thomas Hooker, Jeremiah Burroughs, Thomas Case, Jonathan Edwards, Matthew Mead, John Owen, Richard Sibbes, Samuel Ward, Thomas Watson, Thomas Mocket, Ephraim Pagitt, Edmund Calamy, John Arrowsmith, Cuthbert Sydenham, John Beart, Richard Rawlin, Nicholas Byfield, and dozens more. This work is not a scan or facsimile, has been carefully transcribed by hand being made easy to read in modern English, and has an active table of contents for electronic versions.







Sparks of Divine Glory: A Practical Study of the Attributes of God


Book Description

Is there a good reason to study the doctrine of God? Knowing God, or not knowing God, has eternal consequences to it. The Savior came to explain the Father (John 1:18) and he said that eternal life is knowing God and knowing Jesus Christ whom God sent (John 17:3). Such a knowledge must include something more than a mere knowledge of facts. It must show a relationship of those facts, one to another, and how they relate as a whole to the life of the believer. Such a study must show what the spiritual benefits are to the redeemed, which then turns to the spiritual experience they have as they grow in Christ. This volume deals with the application of the knowledge of God, and how the doctrine of God should be a practical, every day consideration, in the life of the redeemed believer. McMahon covers all the revealed Biblical attributes and perfections of God, which also include some not generally considered. He covers that God is incomprehensible, Trinitarian, glorious, a pure spirit, self-sufficient, simple, unified, impassible, immutable, infinite, omnipresent, eternal, invisible, omniscient, all wise, light, truth, free, holy, good, faithful, love, gracious, merciful, longsuffering, sovereign, omnipotent, righteous, just, wrathful, jealous, and eminently beautiful. He ends with a concluding chapter on how the Christian should always be rejoicing in God’s majesty.




Matthew


Book Description

The sixteenth-century Reformers turned to Scripture to find the truth of God's Word, but that doesn't mean they always agreed on how to interpret it. This RCS volume guides readers through a wealth of early modern commentary on the book of Matthew, drawing upon a variety of resources and voices from a diversity of theological traditions.




Gradual Reformation Intolerable


Book Description

How hard is it to encourage the people of God toward biblical Reformation and actually see it occur? Is there room for a new Reformation today? What should Christians think concerning revival today and reforming in the power of the Gospel? Could there actually be a present day “biblical reformation”? In the first part of the work, beginning with Leviticus 26:23-24, McMahon demonstrates that Reformation ought not to be gradual, but immediate. Gospel truth dictates spiritual action and God requires his church to be reformed by him through the power of the transforming word of God. In the second part, Anthony Burgess explains Judges 6. From this text he demonstrates both individual devotion and meaningful reform within the church. Set in an era marked by deep religious and societal shifts, Burgess's work stands out as a powerful request for spiritual reformation. He pushes believers to move beyond mere routine practices and emphasizes a genuine holiness that combines belief with action. He draws attention to the current importance of a swift reform, highlighting the risks of inaction and secular distractions. Reformation in this way, he says, should be immediate. He meticulously details the qualities vital for real reformation, acting both as a tender minister and a biblical critic against those who reject reform in the church. He spotlights the importance of understanding, passion, authenticity, humility, courage, and wisdom while also warning against the pitfalls of shallow faith. This work isn't just a historical or theological study; it serves as a biblical guide for those yearning for spiritual growth and reform before the eyes of King Jesus.




Sarah and Hagar


Book Description

In "Sarah and Hagar," Westminster Divine Josiah Shute presents an insightful exploration of faith, redemption, and divine promises through the biblical narrative found in Genesis 16. The work focuses on the complex relationship between Sarah and Hagar, two pivotal women in the life of Abraham whose lives demonstrate God's grace and the unfolding of His redemptive plan. Shute skillfully navigates the text, highlighting themes of obedience, hope, and divine intervention that resonate deeply with the Christian faith. Shute explores the concept of redemption, drawing parallels between Hagar's journey of submission and faith, and the Christian experience of salvation through Jesus Christ. The encounter of Hagar with the Angel of the Lord in the wilderness is depicted as a turning point, symbolizing the reformation power of God's grace that extends hope and redemption to the marginalized and oppressed. It explores typology and foreshadowing, connecting the Old and New Testaments in a manner that reveals Jesus Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises. Shute invites readers to reflect on the character of God, as revealed through His interactions with Sarah, Hagar, and Abraham. This theological contemplation sheds light on God's boundless faithfulness, grace, and willingness to intervene in the lives of sinful individuals, offering a message of hope and redemption. "Sarah and Hagar" also holds contemporary relevance, encouraging readers to find echoes of faith, grace, and redemption in their own lives. Shute challenges us to contemplate our personal spiritual journeys against the backdrop of these ancient narratives, recognizing the timeless scriptural foundations that continue to guide and inspire us as God’s word. Ultimately, the book calls readers to embrace hope, grace, and redemption through the intertwined events of Sarah and Hagar, enriched with divine promises and deep theological insights. It reminds us of God's unwavering fidelity to His redemptive promises and culminates in the ultimate promise of salvation through Jesus Christ.




The Difficulties of and the Encouragements to a Reformation


Book Description

How hard is it to Reform people? This is obviously the work of God. But how hard is it to take the people of God toward biblical Reformation? The answer is that there are many difficulties to hurdle, but there are encouragements to doing this for the glory of God. Burgess, a master exegete, teaches from Mark 1:2-3, “As it is written in the Prophets, Behold I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make thy paths straight.” He answers questions like, Are we reformed enough? Is God content for us to be sanctified just enough? What can church members and pastors do to promote true biblical reform in their congregations? This second edition is not a scan or facsimile, has been updated in modern English for easy reading and has an active table of contents for electronic versions.




Truth, the Great Business of Our Times


Book Description

The truth of God is the foundation of all true religion. This is why the first commandment in Exodus 20, in order to love God with all your heart, soul and mind, is to have no other gods before him, and to take God as your God, in the way God has revealed himself. God has deposited his truth, his will, his word, into the hands of the church (into the very heart of the church). It has been delivered to them. “…that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints,” (Jude 1:3). Maynard’s exposition of the “truth” comes from Proverbs 23:23, “Buy the truth and sell it not.” He gives two propositions that serve as his doctrines: 1.) An affirmative, or precept, Buy Truth, and, 2.) A negative, or prohibition, Sell it not. In this, Maynard shows 1. What is this Truth which we are required to buy? 2. What does it mean to buy Truth? 3. From whom must it be bought? 4. Why is this purchase necessary? In his second address, he covers Philippians 3:21, “According to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.” He will argue for Christ’s kingship, that the work and merit of the Savior is both a current reality in subduing his enemies, and a future reality in its completion. In light of this, he argues that if the Lord has honored you by adopting you into his family, it behooves you to render your absolute service to the King of heaven. Not only that you would see the delights surrounding the cross of Christ, but also the wonders surrounding the crown of the King. Not only that you would love the sweet Savior, but also that you would heed his commands and his truth as the commanding King.




Biblical Sincerity Discovered


Book Description

In "Biblical Sincerity Discovered," Nicholas Lockyer offers a timeless exploration of the weighty significance of Christian sincerity in the life of a believer. It masterfully unveils the enduring principles that underpin an authentic Christian faith. Lockyer's treatise revolves around four essential propositions: Proposition 1: Sincerity in faith is not optional but fundamental. It is the cornerstone upon which a true Christian life is built. Proposition 2: Sincere faith is marked by genuine love and devotion to God, reflecting one's inner convictions through outward actions. Proposition 3: Christian sincerity brings tangible benefits, fostering trust, credibility, and deepening the relationship with God. Proposition 4: The absence of sincerity in one's faith can have dire consequences, hindering spiritual growth and accountability. His work shows the eternal ramifications of Christian sincerity in a world (and church) filled with skepticism and hypocrisy. By exploring the core principles of sincere faith, Lockyer encourages readers to embody their beliefs authentically, becoming credible witnesses to the Gospel. This book is a masterful exploration of Christian integrity, offering insights that remain exceedingly relevant for believers today who are seeking to live out their faith genuinely and impact their home, church and community for King Jesus. Lockyer's wisdom is a light in an age where sincerity is often overshadowed by pretense, reminding us that the authenticity of our faith is a powerful testimony to God's regenerating power of the Spirit in the covenant of Christ's grace.