Church and Caesar: A Legal Primer for Church Office-berers

New Publication!!! This manual provides an overview of key biblical and legal principles that office-berars should consider as they work on behalf of the church. Chapters include information on decision-making in the church, reporting to the sate, the church as employer, dealing with finances, counseling and abuse issues, discipline, and speaking out publicly. Setting a big-picture framework, Church and Caesar will help elders and deacons manage the matters before them more informatively and judiciously.

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Forthcoming RHB Books

Obadiah and Micah: The Prophets of God’s Faithfulness
Jacob Westerink
Rev. Jacob Westerink's Obadiah and Micah make these difficult minor prophets come alive in three-dimensional color. The exegesis is honest, the historical insights are helpful, the applications are personal, and the discussion questions are relevant. Use this Bible study to gain insights for contemporary Christian living from two relatively unknown Bible books.

Church and Caesar: A Legal Primer for Church Office-bearers
Ray Pennings
This manual provides an overview of key biblical and legal principles that office-bearers should consider as they work on behalf of the church. Chapters include information on decision-making in the church, reporting to the state, the church as employer, dealing with finances, counseling and abuse issues, discipline, and speaking out publicly. Setting a big-picture framework, Church and Caesar will help elders and deacons manage the matters before them more informatively judiciously.

Heirs with Christ: The Puritans on Adoption
Joel R. Beeke
The Puritans have gotten bad press for their supposed lack of teaching on the doctrine of spiritual adoption. In Heirs with Christ, Joel R. Beeke dispels this caricature and shows that the Puritan era did more to advance the idea that every true Christian is God’s adopted child than any other age of church history. This little book lets the Puritans speak for themselves, showing how they recognized adoption’s far-reaching, transforming power and comfort for the children of God.

“Trading and Thriving in Godliness”: The Piety of George Swinnock
J. Stephen Yuille
George Swinnock (1627–1673) was a gifted English Puritan, known for his vivid illustrations of biblical truth. Here, J. Stephen Yuille highlights Swinnock’s conviction that godliness should main job of every Christian, analyzing the influences on, groundwork for, and expressions of piety in Swinnock’s life and thought. The book also contains 50 selections from Swinnock’s writings, exemplify his teaching on the foundation, entrance, value, pursuit, nature, means, and motives to godliness.

Union and Communion with Christ
Maurice Roberts.
This is a moving account of the riches of salvation that come to us through personal union with the God-man Christ Jesus. Roberts expounds this profound doctrine with great clarity, a readily accessible style, and a noticeably devotional quality. Those who reflect upon these pages in faith will discover a ministry of the assurance of Christ’s care for his own.

Teacher’s Bible Commentary
This commentary provides teachers a rich understanding of Scripture and a helpful resource to teach the Bible to any age group. The main events of the Bible are taught chronologically in 163 lessons. An appeal is made to the student’s mind, heart, and life, while being directed to the grand story of redemption wrought by Christ. Appropriate Scripture memory verses for three age levels are included.



Two SDG Books Being Reprinted by RHB

The Almost Christian
Matthew Mead
This work shows twenty ways that a person can be deceived into thinking he is a Christian when he really is an “almost Christian” (Acts 26:28). Mead explains the need for self-examination, signs of the unpardonable sin, and reasons for a believer’s lack of comfort. He concludes with three matters that every reader must be convinced of: the evil and filthy nature of sin, the misery and desperate danger of the unregenerate, and “the utter insufficiency and inability of anything below Christ Jesus to minister relief.” The two-fold purpose of this short, readable classic is to shake nominal believers out of their complacency and to comfort true believers.

The Genius of Puritanism
Peter Lewis
This is an excellent introduction to the Puritans, their writings, and their pastoral work. It examines Puritans as pastors, counselors, and theologians, as well as private people. The section on spiritual depression is detailed and helpful.

Precious Blood: Christ's Atoning Work!

RHB this weekend is in Atlanta, Georgia attending the Alliance's Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology. It is being held at Rev. David Hall's most beautiful Midway Presbyterian Church. The conference topic for 2008 is, Precious Blood: Christ's Atoning Work. The speakers this year include; Robert Godfrey, Richard Phillips, Philip Ryken, R. C. Sproul, Derek Thomas and RHB's very own Joel Beeke. If the conference did not happen to attend near you, or you were unable to make it out and would like to hear the sessions, they will be available in a later time here. For those of you that live in Grand Rapids, MI get ready for April 18th - 20th so that you to can attend this conference!

Bestselling RHB Titles of 2007

5. Building on the Rock, by Dr. Joel Beeke Diana Kleyn
Daily Devotional Stories for Children and availible by individual volumes: How God… 1. Used a Thunderstorm, 2. Stopped the Pirates, 3. Used a Snowdrift, 4.Used a Drought and an Umbrella, 5. Sent a Dog to Save a Family.These books contain recommended scripture readings, prayer points and questions for reflection and application.

4. Reformation Heros, by Dr. Joel Beeke & Diana Kleyn
The Reformation did not happen instantaneously; it was something God patiently arranged over a number of years. As you read this book, you will learn how the Lord used some people to plant the seeds of church reform long before October 31, 1517, when Martin Luther published his ninety-five theses. Luther's story is well-known; we trust you will find it interesting and instructive to read about him and about forty others (John Knox, Peter Martyr Vermigli, Zacharias Ursinus, Willem Teellinck, etc.) who contributed to the Reformation - some well known and others not so - most of whom are Reformation heroes. To provide a more full picture of the many sided Reformation, chapters are also included on the Anabaptist and Counter Reformation movements. The book concludes with a brief summary of the influence of the Reformation in different areas of life

3. The Epistles of John, by Dr. Joel Beeke
There are few safer guides to the themes of John's epistles of the nature of true faith and the experience of assurance than Joel Beeke. He guides us safely through these often stormy waters with the sure touch of a seasoned navigator. -Derek Thomas

2. Meet the Puritans, by Dr. Joel Beeke
“Joel Beeke and Randall Pederson have produced a tremendous gift to and resource for all who want an entryway into the study of the Puritans. They not only provide accurate biographical and theological introduction to every Puritan whose works have been reprinted in the last fifty years, but also combine with their helpful summaries an insightful analysis. If this were not enough, they’ve added major appendices that include the so-called ‘Scottish Puritans’ (that is, the great Scottish theologians who were contemporaries of and like-minded brethren in doctrine and piety with the English Puritans) as well as the Dutch

Further Reformation divines. Meet the Puritans, With a Guide to Modern Reprints is a must have. I know of nothing like it. If you are looking for a reliable window into the life, theology, piety and ministry of the Puritans—this is it.”
—DR. LIGON DUNCAN, Senior Minister, First Presbyterian Church, Jackson, Mississippi, and President, Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals

“ Meet the Puritans is a cornucopia of good things: a remarkable portrait gallery, a wonderful library of biographies, a reader’s guide to great Christian literature, a record of an international movement of the Spirit, a personal tutorial in Puritan history and theology—and much more. The student of Puritanism will often reach for it, and yet the bedtime reader will be enthralled by it. It will persuade you that giants for Christ did once exist. Here are their stories. They will make you want to grow tall spiritually, too.”
—DR. SINCLAIR B. FERGUSON, Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, South Carolina

“Joel Beeke and Randall Pederson have given us a priceless treasure in this introduction to the Puritans and Puritan literature. I have often wished for just such a resource. An encyclopedic wealth of biographical and bibliographical information has been distilled here in a simple, readable, understandable, and wonderfully useful compendium. For the novice lay person who wants a reliable introduction to the Puritans, this is the perfect handbook. And for the seasoned scholar seeking a catalogue of the best available Puritan literature, this is also an indispensable tool. My prayer is that it will help spark a new wave of interest in the Puritans, a new appreciation for their theology, and especially a revival of their passion for careful biblical exposition.”
—DR. JOHN MACARTHUR

“Finally, the resource we’ve always needed! Meet the Puritans is one of those books that raises the question: Why has this not been done before now? We are in Joel Beeke and Randall Pederson’s debt for giving us the best introductory book on the Puritans ever made available. Meet the Puritans is nothing less than a who’s-who of the Puritan tradition.”
—DR. R. ALBERT MOHLER, JR., President, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky

“The Puritans—English, Scottish, American, and Dutch—are being read again! In an era of superficial discipleship and erratic, impotent, ailing, and dying churches, this is indeed a hopeful sign. And this wide-ranging handbook of backup information about the writers themselves, their special strengths, and modern reprints of their books, is another hopeful sign. Meet the Puritans is a fascinating compendium, scholarly yet popular and accessible, that Puritan-lovers will value very highly—and justly so.”
—DR. JAMES I. PACKER, author of Knowing God and A Quest for Godliness

“As furnaces burn with ancient coal and not with the leaves that fall from today’s trees, so my heart is kindled with the fiery substance I find in the old Scripture-steeped sermons of Puritan pastors. A warm thanks to the authors of Meet the Puritans for all the labor to make them known.”
—DR. JOHN PIPER, Pastor, Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota

“The recent revival in interest in and commitment to the truths of Reformed theology is due in large measure to the rediscovery of Puritan literature. The Puritans of old have become the prophets for our time. This volume is a treasure for the church.”
—DR. R. C. SPROUL, President of Ligonier Ministries

1. Walking as He Walked, by Dr. Joel Beeke
"A Christ-centered tour de force which gets us into Christ's servant heart and asks the pointed questions of what that means for us who are in union with Him. Deeply and affectionately pastoral, Dr. Beeke gives us a magestirial example of puritan-infused, preached prose that is as fresh as the air we breath. Like the puritan Richard Sibbes, know to his contemporaries as 'the sweet dropper' Dr. Beeke has a similar touch, presenting to us the confidence, richness, depth, and encouragement of the gospel." Derek W.H. Thomas "Too much modern presentation of the Christian faith is anaesthetized to remove pain and emotional stress. But here Dr. Beeke shows that if we mean to follow Christ realistically, we must gird up our loins, take up His cross, and press on through the thorns until we come into His glorious presence above. No cross, no crown. The love of Christ constrains us to follow in His steps until we see His blessed face. 'Walking as He Walked' conveys a much needed message today." Maurice Roberts

Bestselling RHB Titles of 2007

10. The Path of True Godliness, by William Teelinck
In nine short "books," this remarkable work by Teellinck shows believers the character of true godliness and the kingdom of darkness that opposes it. Dr. Joel R. Beeke, editor of the book, has included an introduction that chronicles Teellinck’s life and times. This is one of the best books ever written on the subject of sanctification. How does one flee from temptation? What is the best way for believers to open their hearts to God? Packed with scriptural guidance, this book answers these questions and many more about how to live godly in Christ Jesus.

9. The Law of Kindness, by Mary Beeke
"And be ye kind to another," begins Ephesians 4:32. Christians are called to this standard, but how seriously do we take it? In "The Law of Kindness," Mary Beeke examines the idea of kindness, shows how it is developed, and gives helpful advice for putting it into action, with specific chapters addressed to wives, husbands, parents, teachers, and children. Readers will be struck by their own lack of kindness, captivated by God's kindness toward us in Jesus Christ, and motivated to cultivate more of this precious virtue.

8. Our God, by Octavius Winslow
"Do you yearn to know God better? Read this book thoughtfully and prayerfully. "Our God" may well be Octavius Winslow's very best book, for what better subject can a believer desire to meditate on than the character of the triune God whom he loves, worships and fears? And who is better suited to expound the grandeur and to stammer about the infinity of such a subject than this author who always seems to write profoundly and winsomely about the most sacred themes with remark-able reverence and a commanding flow of language? This warmly experimential treatment of the attributes of God engages the mind and heart as no other that I have read on this glorious subject. Here is angel's food." Joel R. Beeke

7. A Sweet Flame, by Dr. Michael Haykin
“A Sweet Flame” introduces readers to the piety of Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758). Dr. Haykin’s biographical sketch of Edwards captures the importance the New England minister placed on Scripture, family piety, and the church’s reliance upon God. The remainder of the book presents 26 selections from various letters written by Edwards, two written by family members at his death, and an appendix drawing upon Edwards’s last will and the inventor of his estate. “In this collection of letters Michael Haykin offers you a behind-the-scenes look into the life of Jonathan Edwards. As you look, you will see him dealing with sick children, trying to make sense out of the conflict with his Northampton congregation, and reveling in the serendipities of friendship. Read these letters and you will find Edwards becoming your own ‘most obliging and affectionate friend in the labors of the gospel.’” --Stephen J. Nichols “Jonathan Edwards was not only a brilliant theologian, but also a devoted husband, father, pastor, and friend. Underneath it all, he was a man passionate about living in joyful obedience to God. In this highly recommended collection of letters, skillfully edited and annotated by historian Michael Haykin, Edwards’s warm-hearted piety shines through on every page, giving us a glimpse into the heart and mind of this servant of God.” --Justin Taylor “A rare privilege awaits you. In these pages, you are about to meet one of the great Christians of all time: Jonathan Edwards! Your guide is reliable. Dr. Haykin has gathered some of the choicest letters of Edwards. In them, you will discover the insights of this noble leader on “Piety,” up close and personal. Piety? That is the way we tap the resources God provides, to live for His glory and help others find them, too. Before going on to the high ridges of thought, your escort will sketch the chief events of Edwards’ life. Then, in the letters, you will find Edwards’ views on piety, in his own words. Treasures for all ages are here. Edwards tells how he found heaven within, God’s mighty presence, enabling him to meet every challenge and be more than conqueror. Best of all, he had the radiant hope of being at home with the Lord in the life beyond. Bringing the eternal into practical situations is no mean feat. Edwards, however, accomplishes just that. We see his role as a child, husband, parent, pastor, mentor, and educator—with pungent thoughts on conversion, prayer, the Bible, revival, evangelism, and other vital topics. Each fruit of the Spirit is to be found here, expressed in Edwards’ own words, dem¬onstrated in his life. The selections were chosen wisely. We are all indebted to Dr. Haykin for his outstanding service in making these classics available in such an attractive format. Now, to savor them!” --George S. Claghorn

6. The Everlasting Word, by Frans Baker
With great pleasure we offer this daily devotional of meditations from the late Rev. Frans Bakker (1919-1965). His devotionals and meditations proved to be comforting and edifying to many of God's people in the Netherlands. Writing in a simple but penetrating style, Bakker emphasized the fullnes of Christ for needy sinners. In "The Everlasting Word," all of Bakker's published meditations have been translated and compiled with additional selections from his sermons. We trust that the end result is a collection filled with great nuggets of spiritual wisdom that you will enjoy. May this devotional be both an encouragement that edifies God's people and an admonition for a life with Christ in the present age.

RHB's Bestsellers in 2007

5. Ultimate Questions, by John Blanchard
Health, finance, family, the future — life is full of questions. There are deeper questions, too. Who am I Why am I here? Where am I going? Does life have any purpose? But the ultimate questions are about God. Does he exist? What is he like? Can I know him and experience his power in my life? And if so, how? This booklet tackles these vital questions head-on — and answers them simply, clearly and directly. Read it carefully. It could change your life — forever.

4. God Knows My Size: Silvia Tarniceriu, by Harvey Yoder
This inspiring story of life behind the Iron Curtain will strengthen your faith as you consider the great God who knows the minute details and needs of our lives. Meet Silvia Tarniceriu, a Romanian Christian, who finds out personally how real God is, first as He miraculously answers her prayer and later as He sustains her through persecution and prison. The faith and dedication of Christians serving their beloved Lord behind the Iron Curtain will work a jealousy in your heart for that same great faith.

3. Holiness, By J. C. Ryle
“Holiness is by far Ryle’s most important doctrinal and practical work, and I am pleased to see it in print, in a quality unabridged edition, for the first time in nearly half a century.... In any list of must-read books, this one should be somewhere near the very top. It is simple, clear, practical, and biblical—a clarion echo from an earlier time, but still an ideal corrective for this generation. I am thrilled to have a part in helping to get it into people’s hands.” John MacArthur

2. Sweet Communion: Trajectories of Spirituality from the Middle Ages through
the Further Reformation, by Arie de Reuver
After carefully defining the significant but often-neglected Dutch Further Reformation and concepts such as spirituality and mysticism, Arie de Reuver expounds the spirituality of the movement's divines through the lives, ministries, and writings of five premier representatives. The author shows that their 'secondary differences in emphasis do not thwart the spiritual basis that all of them have in common.' This unified experiential spirituality is perceptively set in its medieval backdrop, highlighting the influence and spirituality of Bernard of Clairvaux and Thomas a Kempis while stressing that the seventeenth- and eighteenth-century Dutch divines did not abandon their Reformed theological convictions. Rather, these writers were masters at marrying Reformed orthodoxy and Reformed piety to promote a life of intimacy and discipleship with God."--Joel R. Beeke

1. Christ Crucified: The marrow of the Gospel in 72 Sermons on Isaiah 53, by James Durham
First published in 1683, then in 1686, this collection of sermons was reprinted six times in the eighteenth century. The present reprint is carefully and beautifully done; it uses the 1702 edition as the base text but also takes the other editions into account. This book belongs in the class of Friedrich Krummacher’s The Suffering Savior. Like Krummacher, Durham was gifted at describing the sufferings of Christ through illustration, though his language is now antiquated. For example, in describing Christ’s agony in Gethsemane, he writes, “There was such a striving, wrestling and conflicting, not with man without him, but with inward pressures on his spirit, that he is like one in a barrace, or cock-pit, or engaged in a duel with a mighty combatant, sore put to it, very far beyond aught that we can conceive of, so that he sweat great drops of blood.” The sixty-ninth sermon on making use of Christ’s intercession is a masterpiece. This is an excellent book for believers who yearn for a more intimate fellowship with Christ in His sufferings. John Duncan said to a friend who wanted to draw closer to Christ, “Read Durham on the fifty-third of Isaiah at my request. He has much repetition and you may be disgusted with that. But it’s repetition of a very fine thing, the eating of Christ’s flesh and the drinking of His blood. Well, that’s what we must be repeating, in fact, all our life long.” The Marrow of the Gospel is one of the best commentaries ever written on Christ’s person and work in redemption. Charles Spurgeon highly recommended this book, saying, “This is marrow indeed. We need say no more: Durham is a prince among spiritual expositors.” Others have said this work equals if not excels all of Durham’s other publications.