« CVBBS: Expert Book Advice
05/12/2008
Could you recommend any books for female high school graduates?
Michelle,
Thank you for your important question. I would recommend the following:
James Packer/Carol Nystrom, GUARD US, GUIDE US; Baker
James Packer/Carol Nystrom, PRAYING; Baker
Elizabeth Prentiss, STEPPING HEAVENWARD; Solid Ground
Hope Marston, AGAINST THE TIDE (The Valor of Margaret Wilson); P & R
Nancy Leigh Demoss, LIES YOUNG WOMEN BELIEVE; Moody Press
Peter Jeffrey, BITE-SIZED THEOLOGY; Evangelical Press
I hope this helps.
Your Book Servant,
Steve Martin
Posted: 01:12:00 PM :: permalink
05/09/2008
Hi, I've had a number of people who are coming out of Dispensationalism recently ask me about books which discuss the origin of the doctrine of the rapture. Can you recommend some books which would deal with how this doctrine developed and where it came from? And could you also recommend some books which discuss how Dispensationalism as a whole developed? Thanks, Sam
Hi Sam,
You have asked an important question. I would recommend the following books to help you help others.
O. T. Allis, PROPHECY AND THE CHURCH; P & R/Wipf & Stock--the classic
study of the historical backgrounds and poor theology of
Dispensationalism.
Clarence Bass, BACKGROUNDS TO DISPENSATIONALISM (Its Historical
Genesis and Ecclesiastical Implications); Baker/Wipf & Stock--ditto
Ronald M. Henzel, DARBY, DUALISM AND THE DECLINE OF
DISPENSATIONALISM; Fenestra Books
Michael Williams, THIS WORLD IS NOT MY HOME (The Origins and
Development of Dispensationalism); Christian Focus/Mentor
Crawford Gribben, RAPTURE FICTION AND THE EVANGELICAL CRISIS;
Evangelical Press
Kenneth G. C. Newport and Crawford Gribben, eds; EXPECTING THE END
(Millenialism in Social and Historical Context); Baylor University Press
Gary DeMar, LAST DAYS MADNESS; Nelson--exposes the endless false
predictions of dispensational teachers and the bad theology underlying
such predictions
R. C. Sproul, THE LAST DAYS ACCORDING TO JESUS; Baker--exposes the
bad hermeneutics/exegesis of dispensational eschatology, especially
Matthew 24 and Mark 13
John Wilmot, INSPIRED PRINCIPLES OF PROPHETIC INTERPRETATION;
Reiner Publications (with a highly commendatory foreward by Dr.
Martyn Lloyd-Jones)--shows how to handle the Scriptures and how
NOT to handle the Scriptures when it comes to studying prophecy
G. E. Ladd, THE BLESSED HOPE; Baker--in the early chapters refutes the unscholarly treatment of church history by some dispensationalists who have claimed to find dispensationalism in the early church. (Ladd belieces in historic premillenialism.)
Some of these books are not in print but should be available on used book sites such as BOOKFINDER.COM
Your Book Servant,
Pastor Steve Martin
Posted: 04:52:00 PM :: permalink
Dear Steve What is the difference between Alec Motyer's two books on Isaiah? One is entitled "Isaiah: An Introduction and Commentary" and the other is "The Prophecy of Isaiah: An Introduction and Commentary". Are both necessary, or does the one at $19.99 incorporate all the same information that is in the one for $10.99? Thanks Jennifer
Dear Jennifer,
Thank you for your fine question. There is a difference between the two. [Once in a while, biblical commentators are asked to write more than one commentary on a book of the Bible, but for two different series with two different aims. For example, Leon Morris has two fine commentaries on the Thessalonian epistles. R. T France has two fine commentaries on Matthew's gospel.] Usually a thorough student of the Bible has far more material than he can include in a single sermon, Sunday School class or in this case, commentary. There is usually much left over. But if one is asked to speak twice or write twice for two distinctly different audiences, then material not used or emphasized in one venue can then be used in the other, usually as a supplement to the first one.]
All this to say that Alec Motyer's two commentaries on Isaiah have some overlap but are really supplemental to each other. If you want an aid in reading/studying Isaiah for personal edification or to teach a Sunday School class or small group Bible study, then I would recommend the cheaper and smaller volume. If you wanted to really dig into the text, had some familiarity with biblical languages and how they work, I would recommend the larger, more expensive volume.
Professor Motyer is a one of the best biblical scholars today, even in retirement. His works on Isaiah, Amos, James, and Philippians, along with the NEW BIBLE COMMENTARY are outstanding.
I hope this helps.
Your Book Servant,
Pastor Steve Martin
Posted: 11:41:00 AM :: permalink
05/07/2008
What is the difference in total content of the hardcover ESV Reformation Study Bible and the leather ESV RSB? Thank you, L Melnik
Thank you for your question. There are no differences between the ESV Reformation Study Bible in content between the two cover styles you mentioned. The covers are the only difference.
Your Book Servant,
Steve Martin
Posted: 05:00:00 AM :: permalink
05/02/2008
Hi Steve! I was wondering if you could recommend any books on the Book of Revelation that would be relatively brief and accessible to the average member of the local church. What I am looking for specifically is something that will give some helpful interpretive keys to help us not "miss the forest for the trees". I think that the Book of Revelation is about giving hope to the persecuted church and I want to avoid the "conspiracy theory, science fiction novel, see a B-52 bomber behind every allegorical vision" type of approach (in other words, I am not looking for books with an exclusively futurist viewpoint). Just to help focus your recommendations I am in the amillenialist camp and lean towards a partial preterist position (though I am not yet fully convinced). Jay Adams' work "The Time Is At Hand" is one possibility, and I also like William Hendriksen's "More Than Conquerors", even though these two books approach the Revelation from somewhat different perspectives. Any thoughts? Your friend, Jerry
Dear jerry,
Thank you for your good question. I would recommend the following:
The two volumes you mention are fine. The following are at least as good for laymen beginning to read Revelation with understanding.
Richard Brooks, THE LAMB IS ALL THE GLORY; Evangelical Press
Derek Thomas, LET'S STUDY REVELATION; Banner of Truth
Dennis Johnson, THE TRIUMPH OF THE LAMB; P & R
I hope these help.
Your Book Servant,
Pastor Steve Martin
Posted: 02:40:00 PM :: permalink
04/30/2008
Hi, Could you recommend a good book for young men graduating from college? Thank you, Teresa
Dear Teresa,
Thank you for your good question. I would recommend the following:
J. C. Ryle, THOUGHTS FOR YOUNG MEN; various publishers
John Piper, DON'T WASTE YOUR LIFE; Multnomah
Jerry Bridges, THE GOSPEL FOR REAL LIFE; NavPress
James Packer, KNOWING GOD; IVP
Sinclair Ferguson, DISCOVERING GOD'S WILL; Banner of Truth
Mark Chanski, MANLY DOMINION; Calvary Press
Any or all of these would be a good read. Together they would cost about $40-50 and would keep him busy for his first year or two out of school, assuming he is a Christian and a reader and will read them!
Your Book Servant,
Steve Martin
Posted: 07:16:00 PM :: permalink
04/21/2008
Apart from Commentaries, what are first 5 to 10 "must have" books or references that will help a pastor expound any text of Scripture?
Dear Adam,
What a good question! I recommend the following:
1. THE DICTIONARY OF BIBLICAL IMAGERY; IVP
2. THE NEW TESTAMENT'S USE OF THE OLD
TESTAMENT COMMENTARY; Baker
3. THE LITERARY STUDY BIBLE; Crossway
4. THE NEW BIBLE DICTIONARY; IVP
5. THE REFORMATION STUDY BIBLE; Reformation
Trust; and THE ESV STUDY BIBLE; forthcoming
from Crossway
6. THE RYKEN BIBLE HANDBOOK; Tyndale
7. THE STORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT by Alec
Motyer; Baker
8. PROMISES MADE (The Story of the Old
Testament) by Mark Dever; Crossway
9. PROMISES KEPT (The Story of the New
Testament) by Mark Dever; Crossway
10. THE NEW TESTAMENT: AN INTRODUCTION TO'
ITS LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE by J. Gresham
Machen; Banner of Truth
I hope this helps.
Your Book Servant,
Steve Martin
Posted: 05:13:00 PM :: permalink
04/01/2008
One of the families in our church is trying to deal with their rebellious teenage daughter(and step-daughter). I think the mom and step-dad are fairly unified in their approach to her, so that's good, but they could use some more Biblical wisdom. One book I plan to give them is "Age of Opportunity" by Paul Tripp. Are there others books you could recommend for them or for her to read? Thanks! Rick
Dear Rick,
Thank you for your important question. I would recommend the following:
Lou Priolo, HEART OF ANGER; Calvary Press (dealing with your child's
anger issues)
Lou Priolo, HEART OF ANGER WORKBOOK; Calvary Press
Lou Priolo, GETTING A GRIP (THE HEART OF ANGER WORKBOOK FOR
TEENS); Calvary Press (a workbook for the teen himself/herself)
Mark Chanski, MANLY DOMINION; Calvary Press (men to to be sure they
are the head of their home and the wife is a submissive help-mate,
otherwise, their individual rebellion against their respective roles
shows itself in the rebellion of their teen [who has been discipled by
rebellious parents and not surprisingly live out their learned rebellion.
What's more, he even uses the illustration of a blended family in
the section on Manly Dominion on Husbanding. )
J. W. Alexander, THE FAMILY; Sprinkle Publications--the section of the
wife's submission has a valuable contribution to the effect: "children
learn submission to authority by observing their mother's submission
to their father")
I hope these help.
Your Book Servant,
Steve Martin
Posted: 02:25:00 PM :: permalink
03/28/2008
I was reading through the "expert book advice" page and noticed that you recommended John Stott's book on Romans. As he holds to "conditional annihiliation," I was wondering why you recommended him. Serving Him, Freeman Weems
Dear Freeman,
Thank you for your fair question. I recommended John Stott on Romans because I think his commentary on Romans is one of the better commentary on Romans. I do not recommend his theology in general and certainly not his heterodox view of "conditional annihilation".
As a Reformed and Baptist pastor, I recommend books by non-Baptists
(Presbyterians, Congregationalists, Lutherans, Anglicans, etc). As a Reformed and Baptist pastor, I recommend books by evangelicals that are not necessarily or clearly Reformed and by some who are not (e.g. A.W. Tozer or C. S. Lewis come to mind here). That does not mean I agree with all their theology. When I recommend a book, a recommend THAT BOOK. Some men are generally safe to recommend in all areas; others one must recommend on only a limited basis. That is what I am dong with John Stott on Romans. I hope this answers your question.
Your Book Servant,
Steve Martin
Posted: 05:36:00 PM :: permalink
03/25/2008
Thank you for your ministry and great prices on books at CVBBS! I would like your opinion about good books to start helping my 3 year old memorize scripture. Something that focuses on a few verses but includes a story that helps her remember. Also, what are some good family devotions we can read at the brkfast table or before we sleep? Finally what would you recommend for children when it comes to understanding catechisms? Thank you for your help, Alpesh Patel
Dear Alpesh,
Thank you for your important question. Faithful Christian parents want to train their children in the things of the Lord. I recommend the following:
DEVOTIONAL BOOKS TO READ ALOUD TOGETHER:
Miriam Schoolland, LEADING LITTLE ONES TO GOD; Eerdmans
Sinclair Ferguson, BIG BOOK OF QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS; Christian
Focus
Sinclair Ferguson, BIG BOOK ON JESUS; Christian Focus
Thomas Gallaudet, THE CHILD'S BOOK ON THE SOUL; Solid Ground
Thomas Gallaudet, THE YOUTH'S BOOK OF NATURAL THEOLOGY; Solid
Ground
Thomas Gallaudet, THE CHILD'S BOOK OF REPENTANCE; Solid Ground
John Abbott, THE CHILD AT HOME; Solid Ground
Graham Abbott, THE FAMILY AT HOME; Solid Ground
J. C. Ryle, BOYS AND GIRLS PLAYING; various
BOOKS BASED ON CATECHISMS:
Tom Nettles, TEACHING TRUTH, TRAINING HEARTS (Catechisms in
Baptist Life); Calvary Press
THE BAPTIST CATECHISM; Reformed Baptist Publications
Thomas Vincent, THE SHORTER CATECHISM EXPLAINED; Banner of
Truth
G. I. Williamson, WORKBOOK FOR THE WESTMINSTER LONGER
CATECHISM; P & R
Starr Meade, TRAINING HEARTS AND TEACHING MINDS; P & R
BOOKS ON HOW TO DO FAMILY DEVOTIONS:
Don Whitney, FAMILY WORSHIP (in the Bible, in History and in Your
Family);
Jerry Marcellino, FAMILY WORSHIP; Audubon Press
I hope these help get you started.
Your Book Servant,
Steve Martin
Posted: 08:49:00 PM :: permalink
03/23/2008
My husband and I are christians and by the grace of God we just realize that we don't clearly understand the roles of husband and wife. What good Bible studies for couples do you recomend to learn about these roles? or what book do you recomend for us to read about these roles? Please advise... Thank you!
Dear Maria,
Thank you for your good question. I recommend the following materials:
FOR THE HUSBAND:
Mark Chanski, MANLY DOMINION; Calvary Press
Stuart Scott, THE EXEMPLARY HUSBAND; Focus
Christian Books
FOR THE WIFE:
Martha Peace, THE EXCELLENT WIFE; Focus
Christian Books
Elizabeth Prentiss, STEPPING HEAVENWARD; Solid
Ground Christian Books
Another book you can purchase on the Internet at BOOKFINDER.COM is REFORMING MARRIAGE by Douglas Wilson. We at CVBBS do not carry it because Mr. Wilson has veered from the classical Protestant and Reformed understanding of the gospel. NEVERTHELESS, this book is outstanding and was written before Mr. Wilson's teaching began to change. You should read it aloud together and discuss it AFTER the husband has read it and prayed over it. It is very good!
May the Lord bless your studies and efforts.
Your Book Servant,
Steve Martin
Posted: 11:11:00 PM :: permalink
03/17/2008
What good books on relationships do you recommend. Relationships with friends, marriage, kids, co-workers etc.. Thank you!
Dear Maria,
Thank you for your important question! I recommend the following:
Jerry Bridges, TRUE FELLOWSHIP; P & R--Christian fellowship should be
relationships at their best. How to work toward this.
Sinclair Ferguson, CHILDREN OF THE LIVING GOD; Banner of Truth
(being adopted into God's family and its new relationships)
Jonathan Edwards, CHARITY AND ITS FRUITS (1st Corinthians 13 and
Christian Charity--KJV word for 'love'); Banner of Truth
Martyn Lloyd-Jones, THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT; Eerdmans (Christian
holiness is the universal solvent for problems in relationships of any
kind--friendship, husband/wife in marriage, parent-child, with co-
workers, etc.)
May our Lord help each of us to 'do unto others as we would have them do unto us'!
Your Book Servant,
Steve Martin
Posted: 07:46:00 PM :: permalink
03/15/2008
I have begun a study of Christ's Church and the responsibililties of each member in the local church. Could you recommend some resources that could help me. Thank You
Dear David,
Thank you for your important question. I would recommend the following:
Eric Lane, I WANT TO BE A CHURCH MEMBER; Grace Publications
John Angell James, THE DUTIES OF CHURCH MEMBERS; various publishers
Wayne Mack and David Swavely, LIFE IN THE FATHER'S HOUSE; P & R
Jerry Bridges, TRUE FELLOWSHIP (The Crisis of Caring); P & R
Out of print books are available from BOOKFINDER.COM
Your Book Servant,
Steve Martin
Posted: 08:30:00 PM :: permalink
03/13/2008
I am considering two biographies of spurgeon; the one by Lewis and the other by Drummond. I have some familiarity with Spurgeon. Which do you recommend? Thank you.
Dear Kevin,
Thank you for your request. If I am not mistaken, Lewis Drummond has a biography of Spurgeon but I do not know of a separate one by a Lewis.
I actually do not recommend Drummond's biography because he does not agree with Spurgeon's theology or methodology and distorts both in the process. There is much that is factually true but it is not the best.
I would recommend the following who understand his theology and the methodologies that came out of it:
Iain H. Murray, THE FORGOTTEN SPURGEON; Banner of Truth
Arnold Dallimore, SPURGEON: A NEW BIOGRAPHY; Crossway
Thomas J. Nettles, forthcoming
I hope this helps.
Your Book Servant,
Steve Martin
Posted: 05:04:00 PM :: permalink
Hi Pastor Steve, It's that time of year when graduations are coming up. Can you recommend a devotional that would be good for a new college student? Any other recommended reading for a high school graduate going off to Christian college (not reformed) would be great. Thanks, Patty
Dear Patty,
Thank you for your important question. Many thousands of young Christians are graduating from high schools across America and moving on to the next phase of their lives. What to give them to challenge them and enrich their lives as they make the transition?
Here are my suggestions.
FOR YOUNG MEN:
John Piper, DON'T WASTE YOUR LIFE!; Crossway (gift edition with DVD)
J. C. Ryle, THOUGHTS FOR YOUNG MEN; various publishers
Donald Drew, LETTERS TO A STUDENT; Christian Focus
FOR YOUNG WOMEN:
Elizabeth Prentiss, STEPPING HEAVENWARD; Solid Ground
John Piper, DON'T WASTE YOUR LIFE; Crossway (gift edition with DVD)
Nancy Leigh DeMoss, LIES WOMEN BELIEVE; Crossway
DEVOTIONAL BOOKS FOR GRADUATES:
Charles Spugeon, MORNING AND EVENING; modern edition by Alistair
Begg; Crossway
I hope this helps.
Your Book Servant,
Steve Martin
Posted: 08:04:00 AM :: permalink