Sacred Betrayal

     This book has been re-titled: "Sacred Betrayal: The Coming Destruction of the Baptist People."
     The late Pastor James Beller has to be applauded for covering or rather uncovering much historical information which champions
the humble yet strong proponents of religious liberty and Biblical convictions rooted among the Baptist people. This book is only 122 pages, historical and yet it isn't a cumbersome read. Pastor Beller covers three major issues in this book: The Ancient Ancestry (refuting the "spiritual kinship view" promoted by Whitsitt). The Revival Heritage (contrasting the Evangelical Alliance Fundamentalist revivals, and refuting "catholic-reformed" Reconstructionism). And The American Principles (exciting information on how and who influenced our founding fathers towards political and religious freedom for all). The epilogue of the book covers three important clarifications: David Barton's Omissions, Theocracy, Antichrist and the Coming Destruction of the Baptist People, and Repairing America through Her Principles of Liberty. 

     I gave this book 5 stars on the Amazon.com review site for the gravity of the topic and the excellent manner which the late Pastor did his work. This book also comes with 6 pages of helpful index. I do regret that this isn't in electronic format, at least for now.

You may purchase a copy by calling: 314-606-7326 or online at Amazon or Challenge Press
(c) 2005; ISBN: 978-0-9668766-4-2.

Daily Light

"Daily Light" Devotional Thoughts from the New Testament by Mr. Dave Olson is a newly formatted and released yearlong devotional that is sure to be a keeper. Whether you use it for your own private quiet time or family altar you will not be disappointed. Each entry is tied to a chapter in the New Testament which the reader is encouraged to read. Therefore by the end of the year, the reader has not only read the helpful devotional but also the entire New Testament!  It even features a "Daily Bible Reading Schedule" chart at the back of the book.

Published by Help4U Publications, (c) 2013, soft cover, 204 pages of good reading.

Contact: Mr. Dave Olson at (219) 771-0189.

email: help4uministries@gmail.com.

$12.00 per copy + shipping and handling.

My 2013 Christmas Book Wish List

This year, mainly due to the nature of my missionary deputation ministry, I would like to say that an Amazon/Kindle gift card or a Google Play gift card would be most appreciated.  I would purchase books with it by the following authors (no particular order): Peter Masters, Douglas Wilson, Joel Beeke, D.A. Carson, Tedd Tripp, David Cloud, Mark Jones, David Murray, just about any classic Puritan divine, and so on and so forth.  So you can see there's no end to the possibilities of authors and books via electronic means.  Having said that, there are some books that I wish to have but are not (oddly enough) in electronic format (which is a crying shame - - for real, people, this is 2013 you know, and soon to be 2014 - but I digress).  As usual, the asterisk indicates the books that I really, really, really like. A triple asterisks borders on bibliophile inordinatus, if you think it is superfluous verbiage, it ain't.

1. The God-Centered Preacher by Robert L. Raymond*
2. Voices From the Past by Richard Rushing*
3. To the Seven Churches by Thomas Strouse (available on Dec. 23)
4. Daily Light Devotional by David Olson
5. Help Me pray in one special set of rare ebooks*** - I won't say anything more, but if the right blessings line up, then I know it was meant for me to get.  What I want you to do...is pray.  And pray clear to the end which will be on 12/31/13 (I have a few things in place that will get me within reach of a good deal).

UPDATE: (12/27/13)...well, HO! HO! HO! I have placed a strikethrough on the names and titles that I am acquiring as a result of the blessings that many have given this Christmas.  I am thankful to God and thankful to those who gave...what a blessing! 

UPDATE (01/01/14)...No, I wasn't able to get the one special set of rare books, but at least I tried. There will be plenty of other opportunities all through life, I am sure. Be well!

New Evangelicalism: Its History, Characteristics and Fruit

"New Evangelicalism: Its History, Characteristics and Fruit" by Dr. David Cloud is an outstanding and informative book.  The information in the book contains many time bound facts (names and dates and events relative to the "neo-evangelicalism" movement or spirit, with an excellent treatment on Billy Graham) but it also contains many Scriptural truths and timeless principles refuting the compromise of the aforementioned phenomenon.  Prepare to be enlightened by Dr. Cloud's careful observations and virtually impeccable reporting.  This book is well documented and much needed to provide us with  a truthful context to the current trends in Christendom coming from a staunch independent Baptist fundamentalist.  It takes a whole lot of courage and wisdom to do what Bro. Cloud is doing for the Lord's people in these "last days."

Contents:

About Way of Life’s eBooks

Introduction

The History of New Evangelicalism
     The Fundamentalist-Modernist Controversy
     A Rejection of Fundamentalism
     The Old Evangelicalism

The Influence of New Evangelicalism

The Characteristics of New Evangelicalism
     Repudiation of Separatism
     Dialogue
     A Love for Positivism
     Exalting Love and Unity above Doctrine
     Pragmatism
     Intellectualism
     Anti-Fundamentalism
     Inconsistency and Contradiction
     Essentials and Non-essentials
     A Social-Justice Emphasis
     Spiritual Pacifism

The Fruit of of New Evangelicalism
     Apostasy in Doctrine
     Apostasy in Ecumenism
     Apostasy in Christian Living
     Apostasy in Acceptance of Heretics

Conclusion

Published by Way of Life Literature, (C) 2006, soft cover, 197 pages of good reading.  An electronic version of this book is also available (amen!).


                          

The Reformation's Conflict with Rome - Why it Must Continue

Robert L. Raymond is fast becoming one of my favorite writers.  I have read good portions of his "New Systematic Theology" and I am generally pleased with his thoroughness and obvious incessant and untiring labor concerning many theological contours of belief.  He displays almost an encyclopedic array of information which makes his books an excellent read!  Academic but not dead.  This is a good balance.
His book "The Reformation's Conflict with Rome" is succinct but highly informative especially with regards to a truthful assessment concerning the modern rapprochement between two differing bodies of belief systems (faith alone vs.faith "plus" or "and" good works).
Dr. Raymond represents and promotes a classic protestant and reformed theological position which I am not in agreement with.  But I do believe there is great value and insight in this book.

CONTENTS:

Foreword by R.C. Sproul
Foreword by Nick Needham
Note to My Readers

The Central Issue Between Us: Paul's Doctrine of Justification by Faith Alone

Rome's Two Fold Authority
   Rome's view of Scripture
   Rome's view of Tradition
   The Papacy and Papal Infallibility
   The verdict of Church History on Rome's Papal Claims

The Apostate Character of Rome's Tradition Concerning Paul's Law-Free Gospel of Justification by Faith Alone
    The Apostolic Fathers and Their Influence
    The Church's Drift into Soteriological Apostasy

Modern Attempts of Rapprochment
    "Evangelicals and Catholics Together"
    "The Gift of Salvation"
    "Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification"

Protestanism's "Alone's" versus Rome's "And's"
    Rome's "And's" in the Accomplishment of the Atonement
    Rome's "And's" in the Application of the Atonement
    Rome's "And's" in Its Ecclesiology
    Rome's "And's" in Its Eschatology

The Conflict Must Continue for the Gospel's Sake!

Appendix: Review of Robert A. Sungenis' "Not by Faith Alone"

Subject Index
Persons Index
Scripture Index

Published by Christian Focus Publications, (C) 2001, soft cover, 155 pages of good reading.

The Book that Made Your World

Vishal Mangalwadi's book is a fascinating read! This book is a survey of how the West (and really the world itself) was greatly shaped by the Bible and Christianity. TBTMYW serves as a great reminder that in order for God to continue to bless America, we must return to the basic principles of faith, hope and charity. I couldn't put the book down. Mangalwadi's knowledge of culture, history and Scripture is magnificent! He truly is "India's foremost Christian intellectual."

Foreword
Prologue: Why This Journey into the Soul of the Modern World?

Part I:  The Soul of Western Civilization
1. The West Without Its Soul: From Back to Cobain

Part II:  A Personal Pilgrimage
2.  Service: Or a Ticket or Jail?
3.  Quest:  Can Blind Men Know the Elephant?
4.  Self: Am I Like a Dog or God?

Part III: The Seeds of Western Civilization
5.  Humanity:  What is the West's Greatest Discovery?
6.  Rationality:  What Made the West a Thinking Civilization?
7.  Technology:  Why Did Monks Develop It?

Part IV:  The Millennium's Revolution
8.  Heroism:  How Did A Defeated Messiah Conquer Rome?
9.  Revolution:  What Made Translators World Changers?

Part V:  The Intellectual Revolution
10.  Languages:  How Was Intellectual Power Democratized?
11.  Literature:  Why Did Pilgrims Build Nations?
12.  University:  Why Educate Your Subjects?
13.  Science:  What Is Its Source?

Part VI:  What Made the West the Best?
14.  Morality:  What Are Some Less Corrupt?
15.  Family: Why Did America Surge Ahead of Europe?
16.  Compassion:  Why Did Caring Become Medical Commitment?
17.  True Wealth:  How Did Stewardship Become Spirituality?
18.  Liberty:  Why Did Fundamentalism Produce Freedom?

Part VII:  Globalizing Modernity
19.  Mission:  Can Stone Age Tribes Help Globalization?
20.  The Future:  Must the Sun Set on the West?

Appendix:  The Bible: Is It a Fax from Heaven?
Notes
With Gratitude
About the Author
Index

Published by Thomas Nelson, (C) 2011, Soft cover, 442 pages of good reading.

Keys to Discerning the Will of God

This image is the Kindle version of this book

Douglas Hammet, former senior pastor of Lehigh Valley Baptist Church, Lehigh Valley, PA and is now serving the Lord as a Missionary to Botswana, South Africa has put together an extremely useful and practical book on finding God's will.  The subtitle is: "Unlocking the door to wise and godly decisions."  God's will is such a vital topic because God does have a perfect will for everyone!  I really love the first key "Trust the God of the Plan."  The following chapters are just loaded with practical insights and Bible solutions to seemingly difficult situations that believers face in attempting to find or discern God's will.  168 pages of good reading material!  You may place an order by contacting Challenge Press at 610-965-4700 or visit their website at www.lvbaptist.org. Also, you can go to amazon.com and purchase the Kindle edition.  One more information, if you don't know it yet, you can also follow Douglas Hammet on Twitter (@DougHammett).

Table of Contents:

Key One - Trust the God of the Plan
Key Two - Avoid Diabolical Deceptions
Key Three - Obey the Clear, Revealed Will of God
Key Four - Go Forward in Faith
Key Five - Use the Sound Mind Principle
Addendum

Published by Challenge Press (C) 2008, soft cover, 168 pages.

My 2012 Christmas Book Wish List

If you are feeling mighty generous and desire to treat me with a book or two or three...(smile), well, lo and behold, here is a short list of some of the books that I would absolutely love to have, oh and thank you both kindly and in advance.  (Frankly, I doubt anyone in cyberspace is reading this - nevertheless, I will still let down the net)

1.  "Systematic Theology" by Louis Berkhof *
2.  "A New Systematic Theology of the Christian Faith" by Robert Reymond
3.  "The U.S. Constitution: A Reader" by the Hillsdale College Faculty *
4.  "The Heritage Guide to the Constitution" by Edwin Meese *

5.  "The Founders' Key" by Larry Arnn *

6.  "The Inspiration and Authority of Scripture" by Rene Pach

7.  "The Challenge of Islam" by Patrick Sookhdeo

8.  "The Martyr Lamb" by F.W. Krummacher

9.  "The Christian Ministry" by Charles Bridges

10.  "The Book that Made Your World" by Vishal Mangalwadi

11.  "Paul Missionary Theologian" by Robert Reymond

12. "Soft Despotism" by Paul Rahe

13.  "Vindicating the Founders" by Thomas West  

As usual, the asterisk symbol indicates what I really, really want.  There's something about my "wanter" that I cannot seem to control.  The "strikethrough" indicates that this book has already been given to me. :-) [Thank you, Marcia darling!]

P.S. Merry Christmas! I am so thankful that above all that I am privileged to read, I have read and continue to read, the Holy Bible (KJV) which is the most beautiful and divine book any mortal can ever read.  God is good to me! 

UPDATE (03/18/13) - A friend (Abby Garcia and company) got me a fabulous book written by Vishal Mangalwadi!  I  cannot put the book down.  It is an enchanting read because it is insightful about American culture as it is about Indian culture.  Thank you, Abby, you are so thoughtful and what a surprise!  Be well.  

UPDATE (03/28/13) - Stephanie Garcia this time gave me "Paul Missionary Theologian" written by a theologian, Robert Reymond.  WOW!  What a pleasant surprise!  OKAY - - If you are a Garcia or an associate of the Garcia's (and you all know who you are)...YOU ARE NO LONGER ALLOWED to purchase any of these books for me.  Seriously,  One of the biggest issues I am facing right now is storage of thousands of books while on my deputation ministry...so NO MORE, please (smile).  You folks are very special to me.  I really appreciate your generosity (BTW, these books aren't cheap neither).  ALSO, I am staying up way to late to read them anyway - I can't put them down, these two are fantastic!  ALSO, now I have to update my "Shelfari" account - so it's creating more work on that front.  But Thank you, thank you, thank you for such love!

The Rock of our Salvation

William S. Plumer (1759-1850) was an American, Baptist, lawyer, and statesman (NH Senator and later NH Governor).  His book The Rock of our Salvation is an excellent and concise survey of the person, character, sufferings, offices, and glory of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Some of Plumer’s interpretation of Scripture reflects a reformed view (ex. chapter 19 – Christ on the Judgment-Seat portrays a mixture of both the saints rewarded and sinners condemned).  A reformed view of Scripture is wrong because it convolutes the truth by interpreting the Bible allegorically.  Nevertheless, Plumer’s work stands as a magnificent survey of Christology.

Table of Contents:

1                     Christ All in All

2                     The Divinity of Christ

3                     The Sonship of Christ

4                     The Incarnation of Jesus

5                     The Messiahship of Jesus

6                     Christ the Mediator

7                     Christ a Prophet

8                     The Priesthood of Christ

9                     Christ a King

10                 Christ’s Humiliation

11                 General Views of the Christ’s Work

12                 Redemption by Christ

13                 The Atonement

14                 The Folly of Objecting to the Atonement

15                 Christ’s Resurrection

16                 Christ’s Ascension and Session at God’s Right Hand

17                 Christ in Heaven

18                 Christ’s Personal Absence from this World

19                 Christ on the Judgment-Seat

20                 Christ a Physician

21                 The Gentleness of Christ

22                 Christ Shall Yet Have a Glorious Reward

23                 The Gospel of Christ is Hid from Some

24                 The Sin and Danger of Not Believing in Christ

25                 The Reproach of Christ

26                 Conclusion

The edition that I read was a 2012 Kindle edition.  The Rock of our Salvation was first published in 1867.  This book is also available in hardcover.  Thus, for this review it is 414 KB of good reading. :-)

Biblical Strategies for Witness

"Biblical Strategies for Witness" by Dr. Peter Masters is a must read if you are interested in learning how to be effective in the vital area of being a personal witness for the Lord Jesus Christ.  Essentially, this book takes a closer look at how the Lord Jesus dealt with a variety of needs and types of people that need the Gospel.  The ideas presented in the book are simple but profound.  I do not want to give to much of a description about the book as to spoil the potential reader.  I have greatly benefited from this in ways like being challenged concerning becoming a personal witness, I have been reminded that the Word of God is still the best (really the only) remedy for the needs of people, I like how Dr. Masters takes a simple verse and opens up the spiritual and pastoral potential of that verse and how it directly relates to a clear Gospel presentation.  This book is both a challenging and enriching read.

Table of Contents:
1. Inspiring and Maintaining Personal Witness
2. God Really Does Use Instruments
3. Touching the Raw Nerve
4. Strategies for Different Kinds of Unbeliever
5. The Ignorant and Indifferent Person
6. The Self-Righteous Person
7. The Self-Interested Person
8. The Convinced Atheist
9. Prepared for Questions

ISBN: 1-870855-18-3
Publisher: Wakeman Trust, London (You can order this book through Christian Book Distributors here in the US)
(C) 1994, Paperback, 154 pages of provocative reading.

The Work of the Holy Spirit

"The Work of the Holy Spirit" by Octavius Winslow.  This book is an extremely well written and well thought out book on the person and work of the Holy Spirit.  It is somewhat of a tedious read, but there are blessings of Scriptures and poignant thoughts all through the book which in turn transforms this book into a rewarding read.

Contents:
The Godhead and Personality of the Holy Spirit
The Spirit A Quickner
The Spirit A Quickner
The Indwelling of the Spirit
The Sanctification of the Spirit
The Sealing of the Spirit
The Witness of the Spirit
The Spirit the Author of Prayer
The Spirit A Comforter

ISBN: 085151152X
Publisher:  Banner of Truth
(C) 2003, Paperback, 223 pages of blessed reading. 

The Trinity

"The Trinity: A Classic Study of Biblical Trinitarianism" by Edward H. Bickersteth.  This was a tough but absolutely rewarding read.  I have never come across a book that outlined in great detail the glorious truths about the essence, unity, distinctions and relationships between the Godhead.  Bickersteth wrote not only with depth of knowledge but with a spirit of evangelistic zeal.  His concern for his reader's soul is throughout his work.  Somewhere back in the late 1800s and in the church of England there still remained a witness for Bible truth with a soul-winning fire and Bickersteth's work is a case in point.

Foreword by Walter Wilson
Preface
1.  What Study the Trinity?
2.  Our Confidence in God the Creator
3.  Our Confidence in the Lord Jesus Christ
4.  Deity of Jesus Christ Coequal with the Father
5.  The Saviour's Condescension to Exalt Us
6.  Coequal Godhead:  Holy Spirit, Father and Son
7.  Assurance of the Trinity
Scripture Index

ISBN: 0825423945
Publisher: Kregel Publications
(C) 2000, Paperback, 182 pages of thick reading.
Roman numerals are supplied in the back to assist us who have a hard time remembering what "L" is in that numeric system.  (WOW! am I so glad for the Hindu-Arabic numbering system).

The Trials of Christ

"The Trials of Christ" by John Gilmore is a profoundly interesting and insightful read.  The subtitle is: The moral failures of those who judged Jesus (speaking about - Annas, Caiaphas, Pilate, and Herod Antipas).  This book is interesting because the subject is quite heavy and tedious but Dr. Gilmore boils it down for the average man.  He champions the Gospel of John and the rest of the Gospels for that matter, as faithful eyewitnesses about the two types of courts that Christ had to endure (Jewish and Roman).  Insightful background information about the trials, and the leaders, the times, etc.  If you are not interested in cumbersome reading, then this is certainly a book you will want to read.  I like it when an author takes away the burden of heavy reading.  I also really like the evangelical overtures that conclude each chapter.  It makes for good preaching seed-thoughts.
Contents:
Preface
Introduction
Christ before Annas
Christ before Joseph Caiaphas
Christ before Pontius Pilate
Christ before Herod Antipas
Christ before Pontius Pilate
Appendix 1:  Legal Questions
Appendix 2:  One or Two Temple Cleansings?
Appendix 3:  Academic Smoke and Mirrors?
Appendix 4:  So-Called Anti-Jewishness in the Gospels.
Notes (meaning End Notes).

ISBN:  1857926471
Publisher:  Christian Focus (Great Britain)
(C) 2001 - cover design by Owen Daily
Paperback, 175 pages of good reading.

The Law of the Offerings

"The Law of the Offerings" by Andrew Jukes.  Sub heading: The Five Tabernacle Offerings and their Spiritual Significance.  This is an amazing book because Jukes aptly parallels the Levitical offerings with the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ.  And along with that, our wonderful participation in spiritual blessings because we are "in Christ."  This isn't an easy read because of the typological details, but a worthy read for sure.
There are various editions of this classic work online, I own a copy which was published by Kregel, therefore I will use that for the outline and informational portion of this recommendation.
Table of Contents:
Preface
The Types in General
The Burnt-Offering
The Meat-Offering
The Peace-Offering
The Sin-Offering
The Trespass-Offering
The Offering as a whole
Appendix

ISBN: 0-8254-2957-9
Publisher:  Kregel Publications
(C) 1966 First printing.
Paperback, 219 pages of intricate reading.

The Reformers and Their Stepchildren

"The Reformers and Their Stepchildren" by Leonard Verduin is a historical background on European Anabaptists.  They were basically maligned and ridiculed by both Roman Catholics and Protestants (the book focuses on the latter half's mistreatment), however these Christians stood with great conviction upon what they conscientiously believe to be God's principles for everyday life.  In fact the pejorative appellations forms the outline for Verduin's work.

Contents:
Preface
List of Abbreviations

Introduction
1.  Dontisten (Anti-sacralist society)
2.  Stabler (or "staff-carriers" - Anti-sword coercing or conversions)
3.  Catharer (from Cathar meaning "cleansed" - Anti-"liberty-ism")
4.  Sacramentschwarmer (they were Anti-sacramental salvation)
5.  Winckler (the idea of illicit or unauthorized; they worshiped in a corner)
6.  Wiedertaufer (Anabaptists or re-baptizers)
7.  Kommunisten (from "community of  goods;"  Anti-avarice with the clergy)
8.  Rottengeister (meaning "faction-makers;" Anti-oath takers)

I am not saying that the Anabaptists were perfect and lacked nothing in doctrine or in practice, nor that they didn't have within themselves heretical factions, but as a whole they were strong, and held to their beliefs with an unwavering attitude.  Eventually, we would owe much of our religious freedom and tolerance to them, and we have the medieval protest movements' scholar Dr. Verduin to thank for.

ISBN: 0-8010-9284-1
Published by:  The Christian Hymnary Publishers.
(C) 1964; reprint in 2004.
Paperback, 292 pages of good, and informational stuff.

Disciplines for New Believers

"Disciplines for New Believers" is an eight week devotional booklet with a special emphasis on Baptist Distinctives (beliefs that are exclusive to Baptists).  It also features a recommended reading resources page for further study and a Basic Bible study references page for the beginning student of the Bible.

Currently, I only have an electronic version of this booklet.  Hopefully, in the near future, I will be able to get this in an actual print format.


Table of Contents:

Week 1     More about God’s Word                           

Week 2     More about God                                        

Week 3     More about Salvation                                

Week 4     More about the Church                              

Week 5     More about Baptism and Communion      

Week 6     More about Prayer                                     

Week 7     More about Spiritual Warfare                    

Week 8     More about Serving the Lord                    

BTW, I hate formatting books for e-publishing.  I have tried several different platforms (Word, pdf, mobi, epub, txt, etc.) and softwares (Mobipocket Creator, and Calibre) but when I upload the document, it just gets messed up somewhere or there.  I drives me batty, and I will not spend any more time with this.

The Pastor in Prayer

"The Pastor in Prayer" by C.H. Spurgeon

Yes, another Spurgeon book!  I can't help it.  I really like reading Spurgeon.  This one is quite unique because it is a compilation of 26 "Pastoral Prayers."  The Pastor's prayer was a prelude to the sermon.  It was lengthy.  I am not sure who exactly wasn't engaged in prayer while transcribing the prayer, but I am glad to get an insight into the Preacher's prayer-life.  If you think his sermons are worth reading, then you must read his prayers.  They are insightful as they are convicting (if I may say so).  I will try to highlight excerpts that rung a bell with me on my Twitter page (assuming I can keep it to 140 characters), and if not, I shall share the longer ones on my main blog.  At any rate, this book is a worthy read.

Published by: Ambassador (Ambassador Classics) - My edition happens to be an older one.  However, a 2nd edition is published by Banner of Truth (in Hardback - as seen in the picture above).  No Kindle edition, to my knowledge, how unfortunate.
ISBN: 1898787891
Paperback, 164 pages of good stuff.

Quoting Shedd

"The distinguishing characteristic of Christianity is not the teaching of sound ethics, but the offer of mercy through a divine mediator and a radical change of human character." (Wm. Shedd, Dogmatic Theology, (c) 2003 P&R, page 88).

C. H. Spurgeon's Sermon's Beyond Volume 63

Publisher's blurb:  "Here are forty-five sermons which were awaiting publication in the Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit when it came to an abrupt end in 1917...and it was only on account of the shortage of paper and metal caused by the First World War that publication ceased...This volume brings to light the sermons which probably would have appeared in the remained of Volume 63 and at the start of Volume 64 of the Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit, sermons which originally appeared only in magazine format from 1877 to 1881."

Published by Day One Publications (c) 2009
ISBN: 978-1846251450
Hardcover, 640 pages of good stuff.

A must have for every Spurgeon fan.

The Minister's Self-watch by C.H. Spurgeon

[Quoting M'Cheyne] "...In great measure, according to the purity and perfection of the instrument, will be the success.  It is not great talents God blesses so much as likeness to Jesus.  A holy minister is an awful weapon in the hand of God." (Lectures, Chapter 1, page 8)