Reformation Heritage Joel R. Beeke Collection (24 vols.)

by Joel R. Beeke; Joseph A. Pipa Jr.; Garry J. Williams; James W. Beeke

and

9 more

Publishers:

Reformation Heritage; Bryntirion Press

, 1997–2013

Overview

Reformation scholar and pastor Joel R. Beeke is widely known for his wealth of knowledge on Puritan theology, the people of the Reformation, and pastoral insights from the Reformed perspective. This collection brings together 26 volumes of this renowned pastor’s writings. Discover what biblical teachings Beeke unearths about family, prayer, and worship, and how they could impact your life and forever change those around you.

These volumes are geared around supporting a healthy Reformed spiritual life, growing in knowledge and appreciation for the Reformers, and passing on these values and legacies to future generations. With such essential volumes as A Puritan Theology: Doctrine for Life, Taking Hold of God, Meet the Puritans, and Beeke’s works from the Family Guidance Series, your Puritan studies and pastoral knowledge will deepen in what you have to offer your church.

Key Features

• Thorough character studies of the heroes of the Reformation
• Puritan insight for daily life
• Pastoral advice for prayer, family devotions, and worship

Product Details

• Title: Select Works of Joel R. Beeke
• Publisher: Reformation Heritage Books
• Volumes: 26
• Pages: 6,367
• Christian Group: Reformed
• Resource Type: Collected Works
• Topic: Practical Theology

Encouragement for Today’s Pastors: Help From the Puritans

• Authors: Joel R. Beeke and Terry D. Slachter
• Edition: 2nd
• Publisher: Reformation Heritage Books
• Publication Date: 2013
• Pages: 224

The Scriptures advise us to learn from examples of faithful ministers (Heb. 13:7). The Puritans were a group of such ministers whose teaching and living can be particularly encouraging to troubled and discouraged pastors today. They were steadfast in adhering to Scripture as the Word of God, in confessing the great truths of the Reformed faith, and in applying sound doctrine to the problems of life in an age and culture nearly as challenging as our own. In Encouragement for Today’s Pastors, Joel R. Beeke and Terry D. Slachter examine the writings of these pastors of a bygone era consider how they can help struggling pastors today. Here pastors will find a helping hand, reminding them of the importance of cultivating personal piety, resting in God’s sovereignty recovering clarity in their calling, discovering means of support God provided, recognizing the dignity of their office, and taking comfort in grace and glory to come.

As the fresh sea breeze, these Puritan mentors refresh our senses as they discuss the office, calling, and blessing of pastoral ministry. This small compendium contains more useful guidance than some whole seminary curriculae. Any pastor seeking wisdom, any pastor needing fuel should turn to these godly and biblical counselors. Their ideas, as well as passion, are needed now more than ever. It is so refreshing to hear from real experts, proven pastors—not the hirelings. Like eavesdropping on a Roundtable of worthies, this conversation is priceless (and not overpriced!). Drink from this well often; it will help your flocks, along with their shepherds. I commend this heartily to all our friends and the next generation of pastors.

—David Hall, pastor, Midway Presbyterian Church of America, Atlanta

Terry D. Slachter is the executive director of Project Philip, a ministry that helps equip local churches to fulfill the great commission through Bible distribution and discipleship materials, and served in parish ministry for over 25 years in the Christian Reformed Church.

Prepared by Grace, for Grace: The Puritans on God’s Way of Leading Sinners to Christ

• Authors: Joel R. Beeke and Paul Smalley
• Publisher: Reformation Heritage Books
• Publication Date: 2013
• Pages: 256

Few teachings of the Puritans have provoked such strong reactions and conflicting interpretations as their views on preparing for saving faith. Many twentieth-century scholars dismissed preparation as a prime example of regression from the Reformed doctrine of grace for a man-centered legalism. In Prepared by Grace, for Grace, Joel Beeke and Paul Smalley make careful analysis of the Puritan understanding of preparatory grace, demonstrate its fundamental continuity with the Reformed tradition, and identify matters where even the Puritans disagreed among themselves. Clearing away the many misconceptions and associated accusations of preparationism, this study is sure to be the standard work on how the Puritans understood the ordinary way God leads sinners to Christ.

Contents:

• Introduction: The Question of Preparationism
• Preparation and Modern Scholarship
• Precedents to Puritan Preparation: Augustine to Calvin
• Preparation and Early English Puritans: Perkins, Sibbes, and Preston
• Preparation for Conversion: William Ames
• Preparation in Early New England (I): Thomas Hooker
• Preparation in Early New England (II): Shepard and Pemble
• Preparation and the Antinomian Controversy: John Cotton
• Preparation at the Pinnacle of Puritanism: Westminster, Burroughs, and Guthrie
• Preparation under a Scholastic Lens: Norton
• Preparation and Later Puritan Critiques: Goodwin and Firmin
• Later Puritan Preparation: Flavel and Bunyan
• Jonathan Edwards and Seeking God
• Continental Reformed Perspectives: Zwingli to Witsius
• The Grace of Preparation for Faith
• Appendix: William Ames’s Theological Disputation on Preparation

Paul M. Smalley is a teacher’s assistant for Dr. Beeke.

A Puritan Theology: Doctrine for Life

• Authors: Joel R. Beeke and Mark Jones
• Publisher: Reformation Heritage Books
• Publication Date: 2012
• Pages: 1,060

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

A Puritan Theology: Doctrine for Life offers a groundbreaking treatment of the Puritans’ teaching on most major Reformed doctrines, particularly those doctrines in which the Puritans made significant contributions. Since the late 1950s, nearly 150 Puritan authors and 700 Puritan titles have been reprinted and cataloged by Joel Beeke and Randall Pederson in their 2006 collection of mini-biographies and book reviews, titled, Meet the Puritans. However, no work until now has gathered together the threads of their teaching into a unified tapestry of systematic theology.

A Puritan Theology, by Joel Beeke and Mark Jones, attempts to do that. The book addresses Puritan teachings on all six loci of theology, covering fifty areas of doctrine. The book explores Puritan teachings on biblical interpretation, God, predestination, providence, angels, sin, the covenants, the gospel, Christ, preparation for conversion, regeneration, coming to Christ, justification, adoption, church government, the Sabbath, preaching, baptism, heaven, hell, and many other topics. It ends with eight chapters that explore Puritan “theology in practice.” Some chapters highlight the work of a specific theologian such as William Perkins, William Ames, John Owen, Stephen Charnock, or Thomas Goodwin on a specific topic. Other chapters survey various authors on a particular subject. The goal of A Puritan Theology is to increase knowledge in the mind and godliness in the soul. It was written for theologians, historians, pastors, and educated laymen who seek to learn more about Puritan theology.

For more than half a century primary research on Puritan theologians and their teaching has been in full swing. Here now is a massive compendium of the findings, digested into sixty lively chapters. The authors’ expository skill will keep readers on their toes, and the Puritans’ own concern for godly living, which runs through everything, will send readers to their knees. This is a landmark book in every way.

—J. I. Packer, Board of Governors’ Professor of Theology, Regent College

A Systematic Theology, covering the main loci of doctrine, from a Puritan perspective, with insightful comment and analysis from two respected Puritan scholars of our time—what more needs to be said by way of commendation? A necessary text for seminarians and all serious students of theology.

—Derek W. H. Thomas, professor of systematic and historical theology, Reformed Theological Seminary

No expression of the Christian faith has excelled that of the great Puritans and those who followed in their steps. This excellent volume by Dr. Beeke and Dr. Jones presents to the reader a rich feast both in academic theology and practical divinity. It deserves to be read, studied, and re-read by all who are hungry to know God better and to know how to glorify Him more.

—Maurice Roberts, emeritus minister in Inverness, Free Church of Scotland

Mark Jones is the minister of Faith Presbyterian Church, a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), in Vancouver, British Columbia. He is also research associate in the faculty of theology at University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa.

Living Zealously

• Authors: Joel R. Beeke and James A. La Belle
• Series: Deepen Your Christian Life
• Publisher: Reformation Heritage Books
• Publication Date: 2012
• Pages: 160

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

In Living Zealously, Joel R. Beeke and James A. La Belle address the much overlooked topic of Christian zeal. Having mined the depths of Puritan wisdom on what it means to live earnestly for Christ, they explain it in a way that is familiar to our modern ears and applicable to our souls. Beeke and La Belle do us a valuable service by helping us see the importance of Christian zeal and encouraging us to obtain it. Read this book and ask God to deepen your Christian life with a burning and holy zeal.

The reason for the resurgence of interest in the Puritans today is found in their extraordinary devotion to the things of God and the depth of their understanding and exposition of sacred Scripture. I welcome this series of books that make the Puritans even more accessible in our day on a variety of important but often neglected subjects.

—R. C. Sproul, founder and president of Ligonier Ministries

We are indebted to the authors for bringing together and expounding this valuable selection on the subject of zeal from Puritan writings. It is zeal in the church that brings life to the world. The need is indisputable.

—Iain H. Murray, cofounder of The Banner of Truth Trust

A preacher can be forgiven if he lacks great intellectual ability or if he has to live with some physical weakness, but no preacher can be excused if he lacks zeal. If his heart is not aflame with a consuming passion for the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ he stands as a condemned man. By extension, that is true of every believer as well, as Beeke and La Belle show so poignantly from the Puritans.

—Geoff Thomas, Alfred Place Baptist Church, Aberystwyth, Wales

Jesus redeems, purifying a people who are to be ‘zealous for good works’ (Titus 2:14). With crystal clarity and perceptive practicality, Beeke and La Belle make quite a team. This book lays before us the solid, biblical, personal, pastoral, and urgent need for zeal in the Christian life. When Christianity still shows signs of flabbiness and inertia, these pages ignite with passion and persuasion.

—Derek W. H. Thomas, First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, SC

James A. La Belle is the pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Cape Cod, OPC.

The Beauty and Glory of the Holy Spirit

• Editor: Joel R. Beeke
• Publisher: Reformation Heritage Books
• Publication Date: 2005
• Pages: 400

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

The essays in The Beauty and Glory of the Holy Spirit both exalt and revel in the third person of the Trinity. Through an assortment of studies—categorized according to their biblical, doctrinal, historical, or pastoral focus—this book sets before readers the inestimable ministry of the blessed Holy Spirit.

Contents:

• Biblical Studies
  • “The Greatest Revival in the Old Testament” by David Murray
  • “The Father’s Gift of the Holy Spirit” by Geoffrey Thomas
  • “How the Holy Spirit is another Comforter” by John Thackway
  • “The Ministry of the Spirit in Glorifying Christ” by Malcolm Watts
  • “Precursors to Pentecost” by Gerald Bilkes
  • “The Outpouring of the Spirit: Anticipated, Fulfilled, Available” by Michael Barrett
  • “Spirit and Revival” by John Carrick
  • “Cessation of the Gifts” by George Knight
  • “The Supply of the Spirit of Jesus” by John Thackway
• Doctrinal Studies
  • “Person of the Holy Spirit” by Morton Smith
  • “The Love of the Spirit” by Geoffrey Thomas
  • “Regeneration & Conversion” by Ian Hamilton
  • “Sanctification” by Ian Hamilton
  • “Witness & Seal of the Spirit” by William Shishko
  • “The Ordinary and Extraordinary Witness of the Spirit” by Malcolm Watts
• Historical Theological Studies
  • “The Holy Spirit in the Early Church” by William VanDoodewaard
  • “Richard Sibbes on Entertaining the Holy Spirit” by Joel R. Beeke
  • “Westminster Standards & the Spirit” by Joseph Morecraft
  • “John Owen on the Spirit” by Ryan McGraw
• Pastoral Study
  • “Spirit & Preaching” by Joseph Pipa
• Appendix
  • “KJV Text, Translation, and Tradition” by Michael Barrett

What a rich compilation of studies is gathered together in this volume! The doctrine of the Holy Spirit is set before us in all its grandeur from biblical, doctrinal, historical, and pastoral perspectives, giving us a theological feast that is both attractive and satisfying. In these days in which the Spirit's ministry in the church is identified either with extraordinary phenomena or emotional experiences, this book guides us to a biblical understanding of the Spirit as the one who exalts the Incarnate Word through the written Word, and applies redemption to those for whom Christ dies. Enjoy the banquet.

—Iain D. Campbell, pastor, Free Church of Scotland in Point on the Isle of Lewis, Scotland

The Beauty and Glory of Christ

• Editor: Joel R. Beeke
• Publisher: Reformation Heritage Books
• Publication Date: 2011
• Pages: 256

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

Enjoy the spiritual feast served in The Beauty and Glory of Christ, a compilation of the addresses given at the Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary’s annual conference in August 2010 at Grand Rapids, Michigan. Each essay sets before readers the unsearchable riches of the Lord Jesus Christ, the hope of our glory and the glory of our hope. Topics include Christ’s beauty prophesied and typified in Isaiah and Song of Solomon; Christ’s glory in His incarnation, earthly ministry, and death on the cross; Christ in historical theology and everyday life; and Christ’s glorious exaltation in His resurrection and in His triumph in the book of Revelation.

Contributors

• David Murray
• Iain Campbell
• Richard Phillips
• Gerald Bilkes
• David Carmichael
• Albert Martin
• Joel R. Beeke
• William VanDoodewaard
• Ray Pennings
• James Grier

B.B. Warfield, that great Presbyterian lover of Christ, once gave two reasons for his being a Christian: the invincible worldwide expansion of Christianity and ‘his own inner experience of the transforming power of his Lord upon the heart and life.’ But it strikes me that the one great indubitable proof of Christianity’s truth is Christ Himself, the paragon of all that is truly glorious and beautiful. Indeed, if there is one startling lack among much of modern Evangelical thinking and doing, it is that the Father’s supreme joy, the Lord Jesus, is strangely absent from so much of our activity. This collection of addresses is a great help to filling this dreadful lacuna. Page after page forces the reader to reckon with this one supreme fact: Christianity is Christ and being a Christian is first and foremost being ravished by His beauty and living for His glory. May God give this volume a wide spiritual impact, for its vision of Christ is sorely needed.

—Michael A. G. Haykin, professor of church history and biblical spirituality, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

Can there be a more delightful theme than this? Drawn upon the insights of a dozen mature preachers who have spent their days seeking to magnify the Lord Jesus Christ, displaying the beauty of His character, the accessibility of His life, the compelling cogency of His preaching, the winsomeness of His personality, His extraordinary courage facing His enemies, His bravery under their torture and mockery and His submission to the will of God, then who cannot but be challenged and strengthened reading these chapters? To know Christ as He was and is, to grow in affection for Him, to appropriate Him in His offices as teacher, Lamb of God, and protecting Shepherd of His people—this is the essence of Christian living and the condition of Christian usefulness. Reading these chapters one’s response is, ‘O that my soul could love and praise Him more; His beauties trace, His majesty adore.’

—Geoff Thomas, pastor, Alfred Place Baptist Church, Aberystwyth, Wales

Bringing the Gospel to Covenant Children

• Author: Joel R. Beeke
• Series: Family Guidance
• Publisher: Reformation Heritage Books
• Publication Date: 2011
• Pages: 87

This book is packed with practical guidance on how to evangelize covenant children and how, by God’s grace, to make the home “a nursery for heaven.” After showing that Christians today fail to understand the role of the covenant in their children’s lives, Joel R. Beeke offers insight on the covenant relationship between God and man, and its implications for home and family. He then teaches parents how to instruct their children in the gospel, with detailed guidelines on how to use prayer, family worship, teaching, conversation, and mentoring to evangelize children. Leading a child to Christ is a lengthy but hopeful journey in which parents must use God’s appointed means while depending radically upon the Holy Spirit to produce the desired result.

In Bringing the Gospel to Covenant Children, Joel R. Beeke writes with refreshing biblical clarity, giving parents the confidence to open the Bible and show their children Christ and His gospel on every page. Parents who love Christ and their children will not want to miss this clear, practical, confessional, and imminently biblical work on how Christ and His gospel alone transform our covenant children. There may not be a more important resource for every Christian parent to read and re-read as they evangelize and nurture covenant children in Christ.

—Douglas Bond, author and teacher

Developing a Healthy Prayer Life

• Authors: Joel R. Beeke and James Beeke
• Publisher: Reformation Heritage Books
• Publication Date: 2011
• Pages: 99

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Is your prayer life characterized by such things as sincerity, urgency, and delight? Engagement in prayer is a vital part of our communion with God, making a profound impact on our growth in grace. In this book, you will find thoughtful meditations on prayer in the life of the believer, as well as ample encouragement to cultivate this spiritual discipline in your own life. If you want to be more devoted to prayer, or simply want to assess the health of your prayer life, read this book. It provides both a helpful examination and a needed tonic for those concerned about growing in godliness.

The ancient formula, ‘the law of praying is the law of believing’ (lex orandi, lex credendi), or, using other words, the way we pray determines what we believe, expresses an important but forgotten truth. To this adage we would add ‘the law of living’ (lex vivendi), that is, the way we pray determines the way we live. The strength of Developing a Healthy Prayer Life is that its 31 studies treat prayer not as an aspect of the Christian life, but as the Christian life itself. . . . Developing a Healthy Prayer Life is just the book to help us to unite our praying and our living in a Christ-honoring whole.

—Terry Johnson, senior minister, Independent Presbyterian Church, Savannah, GA

James Beeke is a former Ministry of Education Inspector/Director over Private Schools in British Columbia (Canada) and Superintendent of British Columbia-certified schools in China.

Taking Hold of God: Reformed and Puritan Perspectives on Prayer

• Editors: Joel R. Beeke and Brian G. Najapfour
• Publisher: Reformation Heritage Books
• Publication Date: 2011
• Pages: 267

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

In Taking Hold of God, you will enter the treasury of the church of Jesus Christ and discover some of its most valuable gems on the subject of Christian prayer. The writings of the Reformers and Puritans shine with the glory of God in Christ, offering us much wisdom and insight today that can make our own prayer lives more informed, more extensive, more fervent, and more effectual. Six contemporary scholars explore the writings and prayer lives of several Reformers and Puritans—among them Martin Luther, John Calvin, William Perkins, Matthew Henry, and Jonathan Edwards—guiding us to growth in prayer and a more grateful communion with God.

Many of us feel either infants in the school of prayer or intimidated and beaten down by those who accuse us of being prayer-less but do not teach us how to be prayer-full. But here can be found nourishment, example, instruction, encouragement, and, yes, deep challenge, all in one volume. May these pages serve as a tonic for our weakness, a remedy for our sickness, and an inspiration to greater prayerfulness in our churches!

—Sinclair B. Ferguson, senior minister, First Presbyterian Church of Columbia, SC, and professor of systematic theology, Redeemer Theological Seminary, TX

Here is a master stroke indeed!—a book on the prayer-filled lives and teaching of nine masters of the Christian life (plus others included for good measure).

—Richard D. Phillips, senior minister, Second Presbyterian Church of Greenville, SC

Taking Hold of God is a veritable gold mine on the subject of prayer. Beeke and Najapfour have brought together in one volume the teaching on prayer of the giants of the Reformation and Puritan eras: Luther, Calvin, Knox, Perkins, Bunyan, Henry, Edwards, and others. I was personally encouraged and stimulated to take my own prayer life to a higher and hopefully more productive level. All believers who have any desire to pray effectively will profit from this book.

—Jerry Bridges, author, The Pursuit of Holiness

Here is a great vault of spiritual riches for anyone who wants to learn more about prayer and be encouraged to pray whether you consider yourself Reformed or a student of the Puritans or not. But if some of the names in the table of contents are already favorites of yours, you will enjoy this book even more. This is a valuable book, and I am very grateful for those whose work made it possible.

—Don Whitney, associate professor of biblical spirituality, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

Brian G. Najapfour, a pastor from the Philippines, is a recent graduate from Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary (ThM) and is a PhD student at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Contagious Christian Living

• Author: Joel R. Beeke
• Publisher: Reformation Heritage Books
• Publication Date: 2010
• Pages: 136

When some people smile, they ignite smiles in people around them. They have contagious smiles. If that’s what a contagious smile is, what is contagious Christian living? It is living that is so godly and so consistent that people around them cannot help but be impacted and inspired. In Contagious Christian Living, Joel R. Beeke looks at four people in the Bible to find out how people today can live an influential life in dependence on the Holy Spirit. Here is your invitation to read about, and pray for, the sacrificial submission of Jephthah’s daughter, the Christ-centeredness of Bartimaeus, the contagious blessings of Jacob, and the consistent integrity of Daniel.

One of Joel Beeke’s best books yet. In these pages he gives us profound truth in a luminously simple style, applied with a pastor’s insight to contemporary living. From the fascinating experiences of four real people he calls us to become contagious believers—winsome in self-sacrifice, integrity, and a passion for Christ. This is a wonderful volume—‘narrative theology’ as it should be but rarely is—and in itself contagious. Absorb it yourself and buy copies for your church. Anyone who wants to grow spiritually will benefit enormously and eternally from these sermons.

—Edward Donnelly, principal and professor of New Testament, Reformed Theological College

I wish I could have been there to hear these four marvelous addresses, but Dr. Beeke has kindly provided the material in these pages enabling us all to profit from his customary sure touch and devotional spirit. I know of few preachers alive today who could equal his mastery of the Reformed and Puritan tradition and be able to convey it with such enthusiasm. These addresses, if read with godly submission, will challenge and convict, edify and exhort to a greater love for the Savior and contagious zeal in following His loving commands. I cannot recommend this book too highly.

—Derek Thomas, John E. Richards Professor of Systematic and Practical Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary

Calvin for Today

• Editor: Joel R. Beeke
• Publisher: Reformation Heritage Books
• Publication Date: 2010
• Pages: 279

Calvin for the twenty-first century is an edited compilation of the stimulating addresses given at the Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary’s annual conference in August 2009, at Grand Rapids, Michigan. The book contains a wealth of information and practical applications about how to use Calvin’s thought in our challenging day. Topics include Calvin on preaching Christ from the Old Testament, missions, the church, Scripture, the Spirit’s work, redemption, ethics, believers’ benefits, the early church, reprobation, marriage, and reforming the church. A highlight is Ligon Duncan’s chapter on “The Resurgence of Calvinism in America.” The book concludes with a summary chapter by the editor, Joel Beeke, who expounds 12 reasons Calvin is important for us today. Additional writers include Jerry Bilkes, Michael Haykin, Nelson Kloosterman, David Murray, Joseph Pipa, Neil Pronk, Donald Sinnema, Derek Thomas, and Cornel Venema.

This superb anthology of essays exploring the relevance of John Calvin for our times is exactly what we are coming to expect from the faithful, burgeoning Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary and their faculty—a strong blend of mature scholarship from hearts promptly and sincerely offered to God. These essays, from one of the most successful North American conferences during the 2009 Calvin Quincentenary cycle, also comprise one of the finest literary offerings on the subject. Readers are given an expert introduction to Calvin as exegete, reformer, preacher, theologian, leader, missionary, ethicist, and to his enduring influence. It is a pleasure to read, it contains fine research, and it depicts the practical side of Calvin wonderfully.

—David W. Hall, senior minister, Midway Presbyterian Church, Powder Springs, GA

Living by God’s Promises

• Authors: Joel R. Beeke and James A. La Belle
• Series: Deepen Your Christian Life
• Publisher: Reformation Heritage Books
• Publication Date: 2010
• Pages: 172

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

In Living by God’s Promises, Joel R. Beeke and James A. La Belle draw from stellar Puritan treatises on divine promises by Andrew Gray, Edward Leigh, and William Spurstowe, and offer them in contemporary language for today’s readers. Moving beyond historical interest, this book explores a topic that is vital for Christian living. By God’s grace, it will help you treasure the promises that God establishes in Christ and conveys in His covenant love to comfort you in sorrow and strengthen your faith. With the Spirit’s blessing, this book will energize and deepen your life as you appropriate the precious promises in God’s Word.

The promises of God give light for the Christian’s path through life, and food for the soul on the pilgrimage. Living By God’s Promises provides us with a third sine qua non—a map book to guide us to the store houses in which we can find the bountiful provision God has given us for the journey.

—Sinclair B. Ferguson, senior minister, First Presbyterian Church of Columbia, SC, and professor of systematic theology, Redeemer Theological Seminary, TX

Living by God’s Promises will be enjoyed, whether by a new Christian, a seminary student, or a saint ready to go home to be with the Lord. It masterfully weaves the voices of Puritans as echoes to the voice of our Good Shepherd whose promises are lavish and bountiful. Enjoy this book—use it often, share it with others, and read it slowly to savor the nourishment. It brings not only comfort but an encouragement to holiness.

—David W. Hall, senior minister, Midway Presbyterian Church, Powder Springs, GA

God’s promises are exceedingly great and many. Other books list them, and there is a place for that, but in this book a Christian mentality is set forth to equip us by a regenerate mindset to perceive, understand, and appropriate the promises of the Bible. What assurance, courage, and energy may come from applying oneself to these pages!

—Geoff Thomas, pastor, Alfred Place Baptist Church, Aberystwyth, Wales

James A. La Belle is the pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Cape Cod, OPC.

Sing a New Song: Recovering Psalm Singing for the Twenty-First Century

• Editors: Joel R. Beeke and Anthony T. Selvaggio
• Publisher: Reformation Heritage Books
• Publication Date: 2010
• Pages: 196

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

The Book of Psalms occupies a unique place in Scripture, being both the Word from God and words to God from his people. Unfortunately, psalm singing no longer plays an integral part of worship in most evangelical churches. In this book, 13 well-respected scholars urge the church to rediscover the treasure of the Psalms as they examine the history of psalm singing in the church, present biblical reasons for the liturgical practice, and articulate the practical value it provides us today.

This volume explores the rich historical, biblical, theological, and pastoral contexts that inform a commitment to the prayerful use of biblical psalms in Christian worship today. The book challenges those who sing psalms exclusively to understand the strengths of their tradition. It challenges those who sing hymns primarily to reconsider their neglect of the Psalms. Above all, the volume invites all readers to reconsider the beauty of biblically shaped prayer and the astonishing grace offered us by a God who not only calls us to offer worship but also guides and inspires us in learning how to worship.

—John D. Witvliet, Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, Calvin College and Calvin Theological Seminary

It is sad that much of the contemporary church does not know her own history of worship and how vital the singing of psalms has been to her worship. This book not only lays out that history but provides biblical, theological, and Christological reasons that show the benefit of singing psalms today. A recovery of psalm singing in worship will enable God’s people to express themselves fully in worship, not only by singing the hymns of praise but also by expressing the sorrows and struggles of life through the laments. This book is not just for those who want to exclusively sing the psalms but will be beneficial to everyone who wants to enrich their worship through the singing of psalms.

—Richard P. Belcher, Jr., Reformed Theological Seminary, Charlotte, NC

Anthony T. Selvaggio is the pastor of College Hill Reformed Presbyterian Church (RPCNA) in Beaver Falls, PA. He is also visiting professor of New Testament studies at Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Pittsburgh, PA. He has a BA from Saint Fisher College, a JD from the University at Buffalo School of Law and an MDiv from Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary.

Calvin, Theologian and Reformer

• Authors: Joel R. Beeke and Garry J. Williams
• Publisher: Reformation Heritage Books
• Publication Date: 2010
• Pages: 170

This volume grows out of a conference at The John Owen Centre for Theological Study in London to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the reformer’s birth. Topics covered include Calvin’s life and reforming work, his Institutes of the Christian Religion, aspects of his theology, and his commitment to revolutionary living and powerful preaching.

Contributors

• Joel R. Beeke
• Sinclair Ferguson
• Ian Hamilton
• Anthony Lane
• Ray Pennings
• Paul Wells

The quincentenary of Calvin’s birth last year produced a veritable host of books on the French Reformer, some tremendous, some so-so. This is one of the best, and no wonder: combine the richest themes of Calvin’s theology and a stellar company of authors who know their subjects really well and you have the present volume. Truly a savory entrée of Calviniana!

—Michael A. G. Haykin, professor of church history and biblical spirituality, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

Garry J. Williams is director of The John Owen Centre for Theological Studies at London Theological Seminary in England and visiting professor of historical theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia.

Family Worship

• Authors: Joel R. Beeke
• Edition: 2nd
• Series: Family Guidance
• Publisher: Reformation Heritage Books
• Publication Date: 2009
• Pages: 66

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Dr. Beeke offers a heartfelt and solemn plea for families to return to biblical, consistent and passionate family worship. With pastoral insight and care the author provides practical and valuable answers to the practice of family worship and at the same time addresses objections raised against it. In a world of impossible standards and idealism, this book is a helpful and motivating guide to implement or increase the depth of your family devotions.

The Soul of Life: The Piety of John Calvin

• Editor: Joel R. Beeke
• Series: Profiles in Reformed Spirituality
• Publisher: Reformation Heritage Books
• Publication Date: 2009
• Pages: 220

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John Calvin is the most notable figure from the Reformed tradition. Unfortunately, he is often characterized as a stern and cerebral individual who had little concern for practical matters. However, Calvin was actually influential in promoting a profound sense of piety among early Protestantism. In The Soul of Life, Joel R. Beeke presents the life and ministry of Calvin with a special emphasis on Calvin’s efforts for cultivating healthy spirituality among the churches. The selections from Calvin’s own work will give readers a firsthand look at Calvin’s emphasis on godliness, and by God’s grace, will be a means for spurring on greater godliness in our day.

By any measurement John Calvin was one of the most remarkable and influential figures in all church history. His was truly a purpose-driven ministry. As a preacher he was committed to systematic biblical exposition, as a lecturer in Scripture to careful and wise teaching, as a pastor to deep personal care, and as an international leader, to the encouragement of other ministers. Few men today understand such a multi-dimensional life program as well as Dr. Joel Beeke, whose own ministry echoes Calvin's in many ways. He is the ideal guide to introduce us to Calvin. And The Soul of Life is an ideal guidebook. Read on, and you will want to read more.

—Sinclair B. Ferguson, senior minister, First Presbyterian Church of Columbia, SC, and professor of systematic theology, Redeemer Theological Seminary, TX

A Habitual Sight of Him: The Christ-Centered Piety of Thomas Goodwin

• Editors: Joel R. Beeke and Mark Jones
• Series: Profiles in Reformed Spirituality
• Publisher: Reformation Heritage Books
• Publication Date: 2009
• Pages: 138

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Thomas Goodwin (1600–1680) was a faithful pastor, Westminster divine, advisor to Oliver Cromwell, and president of Magdalen College, Oxford. In this book, Joel R. Beeke and Mark Jones acquaint the reader with Goodwin through an informative biographical introduction. The remainder of the book, 35 selections from across the works of Goodwin, displays Goodwin’s constant attention to Christ in his various theological engagements. You will learn much about the life and works of this influential Puritan, and perhaps, be strengthened with a habitual sight of Christ.

Christology lay at the very heart of the best of Reformed Orthodox theology and practice. In this short book the reader is not only introduced to a brilliant Puritan theologian but also to the very center of his vital Christian piety. I hope this book introduces the writings of Goodwin to a new generation.

—Carl R. Trueman

In the long line of distinguished Puritans known as the ‘Spiritual Brotherhood,’ Thomas Goodwin had a formative impact on a host of contemporaries, including John Owen. On many a day while writing my doctoral dissertation on Goodwin, I found myself overwhelmed with emotion as well as penetrating insight as this servant of God set Christ forth in His saving office. Thomas Goodwin’s work defies any tidy division between doctrine and doxology.

—Mike Horton

Mark Jones is pastor of Faith Presbyterian Church in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Heirs with Christ: The Puritans on Adoption

• Author: Joel R. Beeke
• Publisher: Reformation Heritage Books
• Publication Date: 2008
• Pages: 134

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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.

Dr. Beeke is well-known for his landmark work setting the record straight on the Puritan doctrine of assurance. Now he comes to our aid again with a superb treatment of the Puritans on adoption. I welcome his expert entry into this important field, and commend his keen insights and careful analysis to all who are interested in knowing ‘what the Puritans really said’ about adoption.

—J. Ligon Duncan, president, Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals

In this short but spiritually substantive book, Dr. Beeke—a wise and careful ’pastor theologian‘ in the best sense of both words—introduces us to the Puritans’ comforting and transforming work on spiritual adoption. More than just historically informative, this volume should be warmly welcomed by all Christians who want to learn more about this crucial aspect of our identity as sons of God and joint-heirs with Christ.

—Justin Taylor, VP of editorial, Crossway

The Family at Church

• Author: Joel R. Beeke
• Series: Family Guidance
• Publisher: Reformation Heritage Books
• Publication Date: 2004
• Pages: 80

This book contains guidance on two important areas of family life. First, it explains how we should prepare our families for public worship. Second, it addresses the subject of prayer meetings, their importance and the scriptural warrant for them. Dr. Beeke’s approach involves a sketch of the past uses of such practices and a detailed exposition, in such a way, that the reader can apply it to everyday living. This book will help a family focus the Sabbath wherein it can truly be a delight to the soul.

In The Family at Church, Dr. Beeke has given us valuable and judicious advice about listening to preaching and the need for corporate prayer. . . This book is more of the same; rich in pastoral advice, timely in biblical focus, and warm in fervent exhortation.

—Derek W. H. Thomas, First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, SC

The Heritage Reformed Congregations: Who We Are and What We Believe

• Author: Joel R. Beeke
• Publisher: Reformation Heritage Books
• Publication Date: 2007
• Pages: 33

Cherishing the church as the universal bride of Christ in her invisible form goes hand in hand with valuing and being committed to the church’s visible manifestation in terms of specific churches and denominations. Too often today, church members do not understand their own church and denomination, with the result that they do not love it enough. Then, too, denominations often do a poor job of communicating their beliefs, distinctive, and ministries to those who may be interested in knowing them, especially similar-minded churches around them. This booklet seeks to address this need for the relatively new Heritage Reformed Congregations by setting forth its goal and vision; origin and history; doctrinal standards and worship; biblical, doctrinal, experiential, practical, and ecclesiastical emphasis; and its denominational ministries. Our prayer is that this booklet will promote a deeper appreciation of and commitment to Christ’s bride, as laid out in Scripture and envisioned by the Reformers, as she functions within the Heritage Reformed denomination.

Reformation Heroes

• Authors: Joel R. Beeke and Diana Kleyn
• Publisher: Reformation Heritage Books
• Publication Date: 2007
• Pages: 250

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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.

I hope this book will help awaken youth in America to the vital truths set forth so clearly and boldly by the historic heroes of the Reformation.

—R. C. Sproul, president, Ligonier Ministries

Diana Kleyn is a member of the Heritage Netherlands Reformed Congregation in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She writes monthly for the children’s section in The Banner of Sovereign Grace Truth magazine, and is coauthor with Joel R. Beeke of the series Building on the Rock.

Meet the Puritans

• Authors: Joel R. Beeke and Randall J. Pederson
• Publisher: Reformation Heritage Books
• Publication Date: 2007
• Pages: 896

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This encyclopedic resource provides biographical sketches of all the major Puritans as well as bibliographic summaries of their writings and work. Meet the Puritans is an important addition to the library of the layman, pastor, student and scholar.

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.

—John Piper, pastor, Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis

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.

—J. I. Packer, professor of theology, Regent College

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.

—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.

—R. Albert Mohler, Jr., president, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

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.

—R. C. Sproul, president, Ligonier Ministries

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.

—Sinclair B. Ferguson, senior minister, First Presbyterian Church of Columbia, SC, and professor of systematic theology, Redeemer Theological Seminary, TX

Randall J. Pederson (MTS, Calvin Theological Seminary) is a member of the Heritage Netherlands Reformed Congregation in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and the author of several publications relating to Puritanism.

Jehovah Shepherding His Sheep: Sermons on 23rd Psalm

• Author: Joel R. Beeke
• Publisher: Reformation Heritage Books
• Publication Date: 2001
• Pages: 379

Sheep are mentioned 176 times, lambs 164 times, and shepherds 80 times in Scripture. No mention of the Shepherd-sheep metaphor is so well-known as Psalm 23. Though three millennia have passed since the sweet singer of Israel first sang about the shepherd care of God, this psalm still lends itself today to profound truths and invaluable lessons. Shepherding practices in Biblical times underscore that this psalm poignantly describes the unchanging spiritual life of communion between the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ, and His flock, the living church of God.

Dr. Joel Beeke combines outstanding intellectual gifts and wide learning with a deep passion for Christ and His people. The reappearing of his early work, Jehovah Shepherding His Sheep, will be warmly welcomed by the ever-increasing number of Christians who have come to appreciate his ministry.

—Sinclair B. Ferguson, senior minister, First Presbyterian Church of Columbia, SC, and professor of systematic theology, Redeemer Theological Seminary, TX

Knowing and Living the Christian Life: Weekly Devotions

• Authors: Joel R. Beeke and James D. Greendyk
• Publisher: Reformation Heritage Books
• Publication Date: 2001
• Pages: 295

Christ is the essence of life. To live with purpose and joy, we must know Him and live out of him personally and experientially. The theme of Christ-centered living runs like a scarlet thread throughout these 52 weekly devotions, aiming for the conversion of the unsaved and for the spiritual growth of believers.

Adapted from radio addresses, these messages are intended to assist a variety of readers on knowing and living the Christian life. They address the unsaved, those seeking for salvation, the healthy and the backsliding Christian, and young people.

These fifty-two short, pointed, and instructive meditations provide a Biblical tonic which will help to put you on your feet spiritually and encourage you in real Christian living.

—Sinclair B. Ferguson, senior minister, First Presbyterian Church of Columbia, SC, and professor of systematic theology, Redeemer Theological Seminary, TX

James D. Greendyk is pastor of the Heritage Reformed Congregation of Fort Macleod, Alberta. He is a regular contributor to The Banner of Sovereign Grace Truth.

Gisbertus Voetius: Toward a Reformed Marriage of Knowledge and Piety

• Author: Joel R. Beeke
• Publisher: Reformation Heritage Books
• Publication Date: 1999
• Pages: 36

This booklet aims to introduce Voetius to an English readership and to show how he wed a reformed scholastic methodology to a heartfelt piety. The church today needs Voetius’ balance of systematic and experiential theology to promote what John Murray has aptly called “intelligent piety.”

Puritan Evangelism: A Biblical Approach

• Author: Joel R. Beeke
• Publisher: Reformation Heritage Books
• Publication Date: 1999
• Pages: 78

In this book, Joel Beeke investigates how the Puritans proclaimed what God’s Word counsels regarding the salvation of sinners. He describes the preaching of the Puritans (thoroughly biblical, unashamedly doctrinal, experimentally practical, holistically evangelistic, and studiously symmetrical), the primary methods of evangelism (plain preaching and catechetical evangelism), and the inward disposition of the Puritan evangelist (dependent on the Holy Spirit and prayerful).

This is a well-written, easy introduction to the subject of Puritan evangelism, and an important reminder that gimmicks and showmanship are not God’s way to evangelize.

—The Presbyterian Banner

About Joel R. Beeke

Joel R. Beeke is president and professor of systematic theology and homiletics at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, pastor of the Heritage Netherlands Reformed Congregation in Grand Rapids, Michigan, editorial director of Reformation Heritage Books, and editor of the Banner of Sovereign Grace Truth. He has written, coauthored, or edited over 70 books.