Five English Reformers
By: J.C. Ryle
The Pastor’s Monthly Book Selection – October, 2015
Every so often Christians can be blessed by being reminded of the struggles that previous generations endured for the sake of the gospel. In 1890 the Anglican bishop, J.C. Ryle penned a small but powerful book entitled Light from Old Times. This little work has been reprinted and released by Banner of Truth Trust under the name, Five English Reformers.
J.C. Ryle details the defense of the gospel and the martyrdom of five English churchmen during times of severe persecution in their nation. In my opinion, the first chapter entitled, “Why were our Reformers burned?” is worth the price of the book. The accounts of John Hooper, Rowland Taylor, Hugh Latimer, John Bradford, and Nicholas Ridley demonstrate the truth that although Christians may suffer and even die for the sake of Christ, they serve a God who will not desert them even in their darkest hours. I pray that all who read this work will be strengthened in their faith and emboldened in their conviction to stand for the gospel of grace. As we read the testimonies of these Protestant martyrs may we be reminded that God was faithful to ensure (as Bishop Latimer said to Ridley when dying at the stake) that their death would “light such a candle … (that) shall never be put out.” By God’s grace alone that small candle lit a gospel flame that still burns brightly in Bible believing churches throughout the world today
The Pastor’s Monthly Book Selection – August, 2015
Written by a pastor in the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland, Engaging with Atheists attempts to encourage and equip the Christian to reach out to their friends and neighbors that have been raised with no recognition of God’s existence or that have discarded the Christian faith for various reasons and now consider themselves atheists. The author tries to help the reader understand the positions that atheists hold, common misconceptions about Christianity, and the questions atheists may inwardly have about the issues of life. Throughout this small book Robertson approaches his topic with a fairminded and gracious attitude, remembering that atheists are human beings made in God’s image and deserving of love and respect. I would recommend this short book as a starter for those who are interested in reaching their unbelieving friends with the gospel but often find it difficult to know where to begin.
Prayer is one of the indispensable articles of the Christian life. Yet, too often our prayers seem dull and without heavenly content as our minds wander off topic. Arthur Bennett has done a great service to the Church by providing a composition of Puritan prayers that help the reader to reflect deeply on the Lord and to humble him/herself in God’s presence. The Valley of Vision is the type of devotional that teaches us to pray as we think through the worship, longings, and petitions of saints that have gone before us. They have tasted the Lord and found Him to be faithful. May all those that purchase this book do the same.
As Christians, we all acknowledge that the gospel has the power to change lives. Unfortunately, many of us waver about that when we see so many people rejecting the good news of our Savior. In the book War And Grace, Don Stephens offers up 13 accounts of individuals that found Christ in the midst of the dark days of World War II. In this volume, the reader receives a glimpse of God’s redeeming power throughout every nation, tribe, and tongue as the author presents stories of people from many backgrounds, all finding the forgiving love of Christ in their lives.
This small book was the second of two books written by John Stott that my children gave to me last Christmas. As with the first book, which was recommended a few months ago, this work was a blessing to my soul. Why I Am A Christian was compiled from earlier writings and sermons by Stott in his later years of life and makes a case for the veracity of the Christian faith. Throughout the book, the author writes with a warm and irenic spirit as he tells why he is a Christian. Each of the seven chapters offer a reason for faith that ultimately points the reader to Jesus Christ. Although this work was written to answer skeptics and critics, I found it to be a source of encouragement and comfort for me as a believer. I recommend this text to Christians who simply want to rest by the quiet streams with their Savior as well as to those that wish to know why Christians feel so compelled to follow the Lord Jesus.
What are the five points of Calvinism? Are they taught in Scripture? How can I describe them to someone else? If you’ve ever wrestled with these questions, or if you have encountered people who find the historical Presbyterian position of God’s sovereignty to be offensive, this small but thorough summary might give you a framework from which to discuss this topic.
The Pastor’s Monthly Book Selection – February, 2015
I have just finished a truly great book by the late John Stott. The Radical Disciple was the last written work of this godly saint before he went home to be with the Lord in 2011. Penned when Stott was 88 years old, it is a reflection on what it means to follow Jesus into the world. Even where I did not agree with Stott, such as his opinion on global warming, the challenge to be like Christ in every area of our lives was very powerful. There is much that commends this book. However, his chapter on Dependence was a thought provoking rebuke to my own pride as he articulated the concept of “mutual burdensomeness” where we are both willing to accept help for ourselves and willing to provide help to our brothers and sisters. I highly recommend this farewell address to the church by a man who unwaveringly lived his life for His Savior.
