by Peter Masters

Hebrews 13:7 encourages us to learn from and imitate those who have gone before us. Each of us has known Christians who are now with the Lord, and whose lives, whilst here, were worthy of imitation. Church history has many more such examples, and Peter Masters introduces us to a few of men. Some names you will know, like Felix Mendelssohn and Lord Kelvin, and some you may not, but each biographical sketch in this book is informative and inspiring. Dr. Masters writes clearly and with an eye to helping his readers grow spiritually through the example set by his subjects. There is a wonderful variety in those he has chosen to set before us: Michael Faraday the scientist; Philip Bliss the hymnwriter, Henry Heinz the manufacturer, and the writer Daniel Defoe. This book is well worth reading, can be read quickly, and I believe you will find that it is exciting to read of those who, in various walks of life, have done great exploits for God.

by Tony Reinke

You need to read this book because you have a smart phone. You need to read this book because every generation of Christians needs to think through the impact of current technology on their Christian walk and witness. And then you need to read this book because it is so good. It is readable. It is convicting. It is well- research and balanced. Do you reach for your phone before you reach for your Bible? Do you imagine that you have hundreds and hundreds of “friends”? Do you think that an online community will meet the need of your soul and fill the loneliness? Is your device your idol? Oliver O’Donovan (a Scottish, Christian ethicist) writes: “This generation has the unique task assigned it of discerning what the new media are really good for, and that means, also, what they are not good for. If they fluff it, generations after them, will pay the price.” So, read this book. It will help us to be discerning and cut a straight path.

by Chris Bruno

This book is worth a read for several reasons. First, it is readable. It is crystal clear! Second, it will give you a broad overview of the story line of the Bible. Using broad strokes, it paints a picture of the Biblical story. You will see the forest, and not just the trees. It will help you to see where everything fits. Third, it will show you that we are privileged to be a part of something grand. We are involved in a plan of God that stretches over the ages and into eternity. It will take us beyond our brief little day and carry us along on the mighty river of God’s purposes. And it will do it all through the study of 16 key verses of the Bible. Give it a go, and get the big picture.

by Michael Reeves

The doctrine of the Trinity is foundational to Christianity, distinguishing the Triune God from idols and the Good News of God's redemptive work from false gospels. Yet, increasingly it seems the average evangelical does not pray, or witness, or think clearly and confidently in Trinitarian terms. We know that the Trinity is central to our creed, but are perhaps caught off guard if asked to define the Trinity or defend the biblical basis for our convictions. At around 130 pages, the book "Delighting in the Trinity"by Michael Reeves is easy to read, concise, and will help you in three ways. First, it will help you deepen your understanding of the doctrine of the Trinity. Second, it will help you defend your this Christian conviction from the Bible. And thirdly, it will help you delight in our Triune God. So if you don't know why you believe in the doctrine of the Trinity - this book is for you. If you would feel out of sorts explaining the Trinity to your Muslim neighbour, this book is for you. Or if secretly you think reading about the Trinity sounds as boring as watching paint dry, then "Delighting in the Trinity" is definitely for you. The strength of this book is that it leaves the reader excited about the Trinity, full of awe at how our eternal, loving, Triune God would welcome undeserving creatures - wretched sinners like us - into glorious loving fellowship forever.

Arnold Dallimore (1911-1998) was a Canadian pastor who served in Cottam Baptist Church (near Windsor) for almost 24 years. He has written many books, including the definitive two volume biography of George Whitefield.

Dallimore himself asks the question “Why another biography of Spurgeon, when so many have been written?” The two main ones are the large two volume work by G. Holden Pike, published in 1894. Pike knew Spurgeon well and was the assistant editor of The Sword and the Trowel.

The other work is Spurgeon’s autobiography, which is also fairly lengthy in two volumes. Much of this is based on Spurgeon’s own words, though it was compiled by Susannah Spurgeon (his wife) and Joseph Harrald, who acted as secretary to Spurgeon for many years.

Dallimore’s answer is that while these books are excellent and quite accurate in relating details, there are many areas of Spurgeon’s ministry that do not get a great deal of coverage. Dallimore gives attention to some of the organisations which Spurgeon started. There were over 60 such organisations. These include the pastor’s college, the orphanage, almshouses for the poor, and the monthly magazine: The Sword and the Trowel. He gives much attention to Spurgeon as an author. Not only did he edit a sermon for printing every week, but there were numerous other books. These were so successful that for many years he did not accept a salary from the church, because of the royalties. He also personally answered about 500 letters a week, written of course by hand. His wife, Susannah, though sick for many years, started a ministry of sending books to poor pastors.

Dallimore also focusses on Spurgeon’s close walk with the Lord, including his prayer life. One visitor to the Spurgeon home remarks on the rich blessing of the family devotions, especially his prayers.

Spurgeon was not just a great preacher—he was a man of God,that we do well to imitate in many ways.

Christian parents love to read to their children. Many books are fun and educational to read together, but of course, the Bible should always have top priority. There are simplified versions of the Bible that parents might use with the very young, but they need to be exposed to the full version as soon as possible. Our children need to know about creation, the familiar Bible stories from the Old Testament, and the life of Jesus; but have we given much thought to teaching our children systematic theology?

Marian Schoolland’s book is an excellent tool for this. Published in 1962, there are 86 chapters in 14 sections. It covers everything from the doctrine of Scripture; the character if God; salvation; the church; right through to last things. Each chapter concludes with suggested Bible readings, questions for discussion, a hymn and even a prayer for those who might struggle with praying out loud.

It is Presbyterian in its doctrine, but there are very few areas that might be problematic to Baptists. Even the chapter on baptism should cause no offence.

We heartily recommend Marian Schoolland’s book. It can be read and reread with the family

Spurgeon, of course is best known as a preacher, but he also had an extensive writing ministry. That began with his sermons. Every Monday he would edit one of his Sunday messages for publication. These soon became eagerly awaited. During his lifetime roughly 250 million were published, and they continue to appear from many sources.

He also wrote about 140 books. Perhaps the best loved is his masterful work on the Psalms—The Treasury of David. Another of his very popular books is Lectures to my Students. Spurgeon began his pastor’s college with one student, a man converted under Spurgeon’s ministry. He began by meeting with the young man once a week, but as others also asked for help with their preaching, he saw the need for more formal training and the college was founder. The expenses of many of these preachers were met out of Spurgeon’s own pocket. His concern was not to bring them to a high level of scholarship, but to equip them as preachers. None were received into the college unless they had demonstrated fruitful preaching gifts for at least two years. With very small beginnings, the college eventually had about 100 students, who planted and pastored churches all over the country.

One of the highlights of the week was Spurgeon’s Friday afternoon lectures. After a hard week of study, the time was keenly anticipated and enjoyed. Spurgeon was at his best, giving material that was very helpful to the students, but was also interspersed with humour and moving illustrations. Many of these lectures were incorporated into the book Lectures to my Students. A companion volume entitled An All Round Ministry covered addresses from the annual conference of the college.

These addresses are valuable not only for ministerial students, but for church members, to set before them what should be expected in a minister. Spurgeon covers areas dealing with the content of the sermons, but also with such things as illustrations and anecdotes. He also deals with the preacher’s personal devotional life, as well as voice, posture and actions, sometimes quite humourously.

Some of the chapters are:

The minister’s self watch

The preacher’s private prayer

The call to the ministry

The Holy Spirit in connection with our ministry

On conversion as our aim

Illustrations in preaching

Open-air preaching

Earnestness: it’s marring and maintenance