Thursday, February 14, 2008

The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism

Tim Keller's much anticipated new book will soon be on the FCC book stand. This book is being called, probably unfairly, the Mere Christianity of the 21st century. Be that as it may, I do not know of a man more gifted and fit to write this book. Hot off the presses and in hardcover only, it will set you back a bit ($16.50).

You can listen to sermons related to the book here.

There's also a website dedicated to the book. It hasn't been updated yet but can be found here.

I can't wait to read it myself. Let me know what you think.

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

John Newton: From Disgrace to Amazing Grace

Pastor Tim recently taught from the life of Newton and mentioned this book. There are two copies on the book stand. It is an awesome cover! $16.00

Most Christians know John Newton as a man who once captained a slave ship, was dramatically converted to Christ on the high seas, and later penned one of the greatest hymns of the faith, "Amazing Grace." But he also had a huge impact on his times as an icon of the evangelical movement, as a great preacher and theologian, and as a seminal influence on abolitionist William Wilberforce. Newton's friendship with Wilberforce is portrayed in the major motion picture Amazing Grace.

Jonathan Aitken's new biography John Newton explores all these facets of Newton's life and character. It is the first biography to draw on Newton's unpublished diaries and correspondence, providing fresh insight into the life of this complex and memorable Christian. The result is a fascinating, colorful, and historically significant portrait of John Newton, a self-described "great sinner" redeemed by a great Savior through amazing grace.

David: Man of Prayer, Man of War

New to the book stand is this book by Walter Chantry on David. $12.50
Only the supreme providence of God and the unfathomable depths of divine grace could have conceived and forged the life of David. God made the son of Jesse into the emblem of the kingly office which only Christ would fulfil more gloriously. He embodied all the qualities of manly nobility and charm. Everyone in his day loved David, except the most ugly and despicable figures.

No matter how high David rose above other men, his spirit was childlike toward the Lord. He who was equally at home holding the shepherd's staff, the warrior's sword, the poet's harp, and the ruler's sceptre, was completely transparent in the humbling of himself before the God of all the earth. This ease and simplicity in worship draws out our deepest emotions as we read the life of David, King of Israel. We love this man for showing us how to pray from every point of life's compass. We love him for showing us how, in the midst of spiritual failure, we too can draw near to the Lord again in trust and devotion.

Perfectionists will not be comfortable with David. Those who stumble often, but who always turn with melted hearts to God for pardon and help, will find in him a brother for all situations. Such people will love the sacred history of his life and find it totally engrossing.

Words to Winners of Souls

Dr. Whitney mentioned this book in last Sunday's sermon. It will soon be on the book stand for around $4.00.
This timeless classic by Horatius Bonar, Scottish Presbyterian divine of 1808-89, offers spiritual, heart-searching counsel to all believers, especially ministers of the gospel.

Saturday, December 29, 2007

The Loveliness of Christ

Pastor Fred mentioned this little book by Samuel Rutherford, the 17th century Scotsman, in his recent sermon. The book is actually a collection of extracts from the letters of Rutherford that was compiled in 1909 by Ellen S. Lister. Many of the extracts deal with the sweetness of Christ in the midst of Christian suffering and the purpose of the Lord in bringing about His fruit in His children (See the quotes below). His language is beautiful. You can almost hear his Scottish accent. The book itself is quite nice. It is small (almost breast pocket small) and the cover is imitation leather, very similar to the little ESV covers. There should be a current bunch on the stand for $10.60 per.

"Why should I start at the plough of my Lord, that maketh deep furrows on my soul? I know he is no idle husbandmen, he purposeth a crop." Page 8

"'In all their afflictions he was afflicted.' Then Christ bore the first stroke of this cross: it rebounded off him upon you, and ye got it at the second hand, and he and ye are halvers in it. And I shall believe for my part, he mindeth to distil heaven out of this loss, and all others the like; for wisdom devised it, and love laid it on, and Christ owneth it as his own, and putteth your shoulder only beneath a piece of it." Page 77-78

"This soul of ours hath love, and cannot but love some fair one; and O, what a fair One, what an only One, what an excellent, lovely ravishing One is Jesus." Page 53

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

What Jesus Demands from the World

Pastor Tim recently mentioned John Piper's What Jesus Demands from the World as a resource we will use at FCC in discipleship. We currently have these on the book stand and will hope to keep them always in stock. Don't forget too, that you can read it for free online, here.

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Pierced for Our Transgressions

The subtitle of the book is Rediscovering the Glory of Penal Substitution. Should be on the book stand by Sunday, November 4. 384 Pages, $15.20

Description

The belief that Jesus died for us, suffering the wrath of his own Father in our place, has been the wellspring of hope for countless Christians through the ages. However, with an increasing number of theologians, church leaders, and even popular Christian books and magazines questioning this doctrine, which naysayers have described as a form of “cosmic child abuse,” a fresh articulation and affirmation of penal substitution is needed. And Jeffery, Ovey, and Sach have responded here with clear exposition and analysis.

They make the case not only that the doctrine is clearly taught in Scripture, but that it has an impeccable pedigree and a central place in Christian theology, and that its neglect has serious consequences. The authors also systematically analyze over twenty specific objections that have been brought against penal substitution and charitably but firmly offer a defining declaration of the doctrine of the cross for any concerned reader.


Endorsements

“The Bible historically has been understood to teach explicitly and implicitly that Christ died as a penal substitute for sinners. That’s what this excellent volume teaches us, too. Carefully studying the primary biblical texts and then answering numerous objections, this book explains and defends the understanding that Christ died in our place, taking our penalty for us. From the biblical material to patristic quotations, from pastoral implications to present objections, this book is a responsible and comprehensive introduction. All the authors’ careful work promises to make this book the new standard text on Christ’s atoning work. Now, I can’t wait to read it again, devotionally.”
- Mark Dever, Pastor, Capitol Hill Baptist Church

“This book is important not only because it deals so competently with what lies at the heart of Christ’s cross work, but because it responds effectively to a new generation of people who are not listening very carefully to what either Scripture or history says.”
- D. A. Carson, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

“One of the most comprehensive treatments available of the doctrine of penal substitutionary atonement. The writing is clear and understandable to non-specialists, but its authors fully understand the technical issues, so that the book makes a real contribution to the academic discussion as well.”
- John M. Frame, Reformed Theological Seminary, formerly of Westminster Theological Seminary

“This book is faithful to Scripture, knowledgeable of history, conversant with current debate, and deeply committed to seeing the church flourish in our day.”
- David F. Wells, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

“An important scholarly contribution to a current doctrinal debate with enormous spiritual and pastoral implications.”
- Timothy George, Beeson Divinity School

“The authors defend the doctrine of penal substitution with sparkling clarity and winsome logic.”
- Thomas R. Schreiner, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

“I commend this book for its comprehensive and fair scrutiny of the many objections brought against the doctrine of penal substitution in recent years.”
- I. Howard Marshall, emeritus professor, University of Aberdeen

“A very significant book. The authors have carefully and convincingly evaluated the biblical material on which the teaching of penal substitution has been based and reaffirmed it.”
- Peter T. O’Brien, Moore Theological College