Doctrine for Life
This morning I spoke at John MacArthur’s Shepherds Conference in Los Angeles on “The Puritans: Who They Are and Why They Matter” and then did an interview on “Puritan Preaching.” Pray for God’s continued blessing on this wonderful conference of 4,000 ministers from dozens of countries.
We are honored at Reformation Heritage Books, working in conjunction with the Dutch Reformed Translation Society, to bring into print Gerhardus Vos’s “Natural Theology,” which includes an excellent 54-page introduction by J. V. Fesko and a helpful foreword by Richard Muller. Albert Gootjes translated it well from the Dutch language. This book is the fruit of the recent discovery of Vos’s lectures on natural theology in the Heritage Hall archives at Calvin Seminary. This book serves well as a partial introduction to the author’s recently published Reformed systematic theology—and is a must read for those interested in reading Vos on religion and proofs for the existence of God.
Another new, valuable title just arrived from Reformation Heritage Books: “Well Ordered, Living Well: A Field Guide to Presbyterian Church Government” by Guy Prentiss Waters (100 pages). Henry Reeder writes, “This biblical, faithful, and accessible volume written for all Christians is more than useful and commendable—it is vital.”
We had a great afternoon yesterday examining Rev. Ian Macleod (center of photo) for his comprehensive PhD exam and gave him unanimous approval for the proposed subject of his dissertation which will be on spiritual adoption: “‘My Father and Your Father’: The Nature and Privilege of Sonship.” He will undertake the study under the supervision of Dr. Stephen Myers (on Ian’s right). Others who participated in the examination are Dr. Bruce Baugus (on the screen), Dr. Adriaan Neele (on the right), and Dr. Michael Barrett (on my left).
Pray that God will richly bless brother Macleod as he undertakes this valuable study.
I am happy to announce that “Following God Fully: An Introduction to the Puritans,” coauthored by Michael Reeves and me (Reformation Heritage Books, 160 pages, hardback) has just arrived! Sinclair Ferguson says that it is “simultaneously a splendid introduction, a refresher course, and a great read,” and Steve Lawson calls it a “must-read for all; you will find this book easily accessible to those new to the Puritans yet extremely insightful for those well studied in these spiritual stalwarts.” Enjoy!
“…take Mastricht for divinity in general, doctrine, practice & controversy, or as an universal system of divinity; & it is much better than Turretin or any other book in the world, excepting the Bible, in my opinion.”
— Jonathan Edwards to Joseph Bellamy, January 15, 1747
Learn more at Reformation Heritage Books
I am grateful to report that RHB has just released the 8th volume in the expository sermon series on the New Testament that Jon Payne and I are editing: “Second Timothy” by Michael G. Brown who pastors in Milan, Italy. These 13 sermons on Paul’s last letter are clearly written and packed full of pastoral helps. In God’s kind providence, I had the privilege of editing this book on a flight to Europe where I happened to meet the author in Milan the day after I finished editing his sermons! Highly recommended for pastors, office-bearers, and church members alike!
On Tuesday I had a helpful and excellent 1.5 hour meeting in which these Reformation Heritage Books leaders brainstormed with me on how to ramp up various forms of social media and ministries that I am involved with to provide me with much-needed assistance in this area (I am a novice) and also for the benefit of RHB. Pray that God will bless these efforts to the furtherance of His truth and kingdom around the globe.
Yesterday evening we had a wonderful family dinner and fellowship with our children and grandchildren. It was a beehive of activity and love with seven grandchildren aged five and under. I took a picture of our three daughters as they suddenly realized they were all dressed similarly in black and white. What a blessing our family is to my Queen and me! At these gatherings, I cannot help but think about God’s unspeakable covenant mercies; He has been and is humblingly good to us beyond words.
