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Post by Admin on Sept 13, 2023 9:10:50 GMT -5
It is actually Reformed Baptist Growing
How a Judgmental Spirit Impairs Listening to Preaching
SEPTEMBER 11, 2023
DANIEL S.
In my studies last week for the Lord’s prohibition about judgment (“Judge not,” Matt. 7:1), I came across these comments by the “Father of the Puritans,” William Perkins. As I read this, it grieved me to consider the fact that such a heart actually impairs the means of salvation (both in the narrow sense of justification and in the broader sense of sanctification). The reason is because hearing the Word wrongly means that you become or remain dull to the things that Lord may be saying to you simply because you’ve focused on the man through whom the Lord is speaking. I’ll make some more comments at the end:
When in hearing the Word preached, and sins reproved in the congregation, some hearers misapply it, such as, for example, when the minister reproves the sin of swearing, of drunkenness, or any such sin. Then someone guilty of the sin does not only surmise but also breaks forth into this speech: “now the preacher means me;” “he speaks this of me;” “he censures my acts and speeches.” Hereupon follows spite and malice against the person of the minister, and also rash censuring and condemning of his ministry. They also sin this way: by applying the reproofs of sin to the person of others, such as when they say, “now such a one is touched”; “there is a good lesson for such a one if he would learn it.” Yea, others go further and say, “now the preacher means such a man;” “now he speaks against such a man.” But this is also rash judgment in hearing of the Word. They misconceive of the purpose of the minister, for his manner is not when he stands in the room of God to rip up the secrets and lives of some particular hearers, but to deliver the will of God concerning such and such sins unto all. It is the power of the Word, not the mind of the preacher, that causes it to touch your conscience. Therefore, everyone ought to apply the Word to his own heart, and not to lay it upon others, or else take it to be spoken of himself for his disgrace. For it is to misapply the Word, and to judge amiss of the preacher. And this is a common sin which is the reason why many men reap so little profit by the Word preached as they do.
William Perkins, 1.590 (RHB Edition; modified for readability)
There are three things to consider in this.
First, if you are a listener, do not expect that the preacher is speaking about you. Have you told him about your particular struggle, complained about some particular item, confessed some particular sin? Is he now preaching about that item? Do not assume he is personally attacking you. There are two things to remember that may help you not to judge rashly. First, you aren’t the only one to struggle with that item. Many Christians struggle with the same items and share those things with their pastors. If you have ever been a teacher, you know that students struggle with the same items in your course, and your addressing of those things is not a personal attack on the student. Second, remember that the Bible is written in such a way that it addresses the same issues over and over and over again. Complaining, parenting, finances, traditionalism, insubordination, anxiety, sexual immorality, division, gossip, and other such things come up over and over again for the same reason as my previous point: they are common struggles. If the pastor is speaking about something in your life, don’t assume he has you personally in mind. You may be “one of” those whom he knows is struggling with something, but that doesn’t equate to him “coming after” you.
Second, and more briefly, don’t be overly concerned with how you can make someone else aware of the issue confronted in the sermon. That matters, but consider first how it applies to you. If you get in the habit of thinking, “This only applies to my neighbor,” you’ll be even more prone to think “Now he’s coming after me!” when he gets to a particular issue. Think regularly, “How has my faith weakened in this area, my knowledge become fuzzy, my actions become rote or absent?”
Third, pastors, be sure to approach the work of preaching in a way that it is true that you are not making your sermons personal inappropriately. While it would be very difficult to preach without thinking of particular conversations and issues you have come across in private, do not make the sermon about a response to one particular person or conversation. Your manner when you stand in the room of God must not be to rip up the secrets and lives of some particular hearers, but to deliver the will of God concerning such and such sins unto all. Like my counsel to listeners above, if some particular conversation comes to mind, consider similar conversations, similar issues and think through how to open up the Word more generally about common issues. Leave God to deal with the particulars.
Share this:I serve as pastor at Grace Baptist Church in Chambersburg, PA, and I recently finished a Ph.D. in Systematic Theology at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies from Boyce College and Master of Divinity at Southern. I served in the Army as an Infantryman for almost 6 years, spending part of my first deployment to Afghanistan as a Chaplain Assistant as well. I deployed twice, was wounded by IEDs twice, and medically retired from the Army in 2013. I’ve been married since 2007, and we have 4 beautiful children, 2 older girls (Ana & Mimi/Malia) and 2 younger boys (Danny & John), each about two years apart (14, 12, 9, & 7). Before coming to Grace Baptist Church, I pastored in Massachusetts and Louisville. At Southern I studied under Stephen Wellum. My interests are wide and varied. My hope and prayer is that God will cause me to be of some use to his church by helping Christians to think deeply about their faith and what it means to live out of that depth.
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Post by Admin on Sept 13, 2023 9:16:33 GMT -5
The purpose of this blog is to foster conversation for regular people about their all powerful God. This blog is much more personal and informal than the website and articles I put together with my friend Drew Sparks, called Baptist Dogmatics.
1) This is a Christian blog which means that it fundamentally affirms the God that exists in three co-equal and co-eternal persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It means that there is particular conviction that the Son took the nature of man, being born of a Virgin, lived a perfectly sinless life, died for those who repent and place their faith in Him, was buried for three days, resurrected from the dead, and ascended into Heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the world and initiate a New Heaven and a New Earth, receiving His own unto Himself and condemning His enemies to an eternity of just torment.
2) This is a Reformed blog which means that it upholds to the doctrines of grace, commonly called Calvinism, as well as a completely God-honoring life devoted to worship. The specific confessional stance is aligned with the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith, to which I subscribe fully and without reservation.
3) This is, finally, a Baptist blog which means that it reveals a conviction that baptism is valid only by the immersion of a believer and the local church is an autonomous body (not ruled by another church). It also means that I am convinced that churches ought to be in formal partnership with one another (historically called “associations”) and that one of the greatest tasks that congregations can undertake together is that of missions and evangelism. Those convictions are set, but conversation and dialogue about them is welcome and not to be done in hate or ill-will. In addition to the more robust Second London, one can see Southern Baptist convictions are laid out in the Baptist Faith & Message 2000, a less explicit confession that I also agree with and on which I’ve written an exposition (see Founders Press for that book).
The primary person that this blog is aimed at is the average Christian believer. I’ve stated some of the doctrinal stances up front so that it doesn’t seem like certain things come out of nowhere. You can expect a presupposed belief in the Triune God, the Gospel, a coming day of the Lord, God’s election of some to salvation, belief that faith necessarily produces works, Baptism being limited to professing believers, and so on. There may be times when these doctrines are dealt with as opposed to others, but, for the most part, these are the sort of things that are assumed and will simply be explained. I pray that God blesses this work for His glory and honor, and that He builds His church up through it. If there are any questions, feel free to ask. I am also willing to dedicate a blog post to a specific topic if someone would like. One last thing: I am a growing Christian as well and I do not have all the answers. I may very well state “I don’t know” to any number of things. If this is the case, I will try to point to resources that may help in figuring something out. Soli Deo Gloria! (To God Alone be the Glory!)
*Unless otherwise noted, Bible quotations are from the English Standard Version (ESV). This can be read online at any number of websites, but the official one is www.esvbible.org
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Post by Admin on Sept 13, 2023 9:22:57 GMT -5
Scheiderer, Daniel. “Revelation and the Religions: A Response to Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen.” Paper presented at the Tyndale Fellowship–Christian Doctrine study group, Cambridge, England, June 27–29, 2018.
Scheiderer, Daniel. “Theology is a Cathedral and a Science: Warfield’s Use of Historical Theology in His Theological Method.” Puritan Reformed Journal 11, no. 1 (January, 2019), 88–108.
Scheiderer, Daniel. “Progressive Covenantalists as Reformed Baptists.” Westminster Theological Journal 82 (2020), 137–152.
Scheiderer, Daniel. Still Confessing: An Exposition of the Baptist Faith and Message 2000. Cape Coral, FL: Founders Press, 2020.
(1)-Beginning (2)-Intermediate (3)-Advanced (Let me know if any links are broken)
*Remember, as with anything, “recommendation” doesn’t necessarily mean full agreement. Most recommendations below are items that are good for intellectual/theological engagement, and will aid in growth, though they will inevitably include things I disagree with.*
Bibles
English Standard Version (ESV)- This is a readable and reliable translation of the Bible from the Greek and Hebrew. This is the version I use for all my study, preaching, teaching, and reading.
New American Standard Bible (NASB)- This is an accurate translation of the Bible, used widely, especially amongst conservative Christians. Also very readable.
King James Version (KJV; also called Authorized Version, or AV)- This translation of the Bible remains one of the most used English translations in the world, and has a certain majesty about it. It can be difficult to understand, but with practice most difficulties go away. It is also accurate. You can also take a look at the modernized version of this translation, the NKJV (New KJV).
(I do not recommend the NIV, The Message, the Amplified Bible, and many others. It is not that these are altogether bad, but that much more reliable/accurate translations are available for the same cost. The (H)CSB is one that I thought about adding to my list of recommendations, but there are certain quirky aspects that make it cumbersome in corporate settings.)
Bible Reading Plans
Books (links open to WTS Books if available, otherwise they will open in Amazon. Please understand that though these are “recommended,” it does not mean that I necessarily agree with everything in them. Read with discernment, searching the Scriptures to see if what they say is true.)
Christian Classics Ethereal Library (CCEL)– This is a website including tons of Christian books from all eras. I regularly use it. Their books can be read for free (usually) in PDF or online, and often purchased for a couple bucks on Amazon. I’ll list it under “websites” as well, without this long statement.
Monergism– This site has many books, as well as other materials, all within the Reformed tradition. In some ways its more limited than the website above, in some ways it has more materials (because it includes mp3’s, etc.). This will also be listed below in the websites section.
Reformed Reader– Library of Reformed Baptist documents, including books and confessions. Use the “documents” and “library” tabs at the top. There’s also a helpful “International Church Directory” on the side that provides information on (often) Reformed Baptist churches across the world. Also listed in websites section.
Books at a Glance– This website provides summaries, reviews, interviews, and blog posts on good books as they come out. They also keep an updated list of the various articles associated with the current Trinity debate regarding the unbiblical notion of the eternal submission of the Son to the Father.
Creeds, Confessions, and Catechisms
The Creedal Imperative by Carl Trueman
1689 Baptist Confession of Faith: A Modern Exposition by Sam Waldron
1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith– This is accessible in a variety of formats, and Westminster’s price is probably the most expensive I’ve found.
An Orthodox Catechism by Hercules Collins
Baptist Confessions of Faith by William Lumpkin
Confessing the Faith: The Living Legacy of Southern Seminary’s Abstract ofPrinciples by the faculty of Southern in 2016 (This book can only be purchasaed through the campus LifeWay Bookstore, which can be contacted at 502-897-4506. The link here opens to a Baptist Press article on the book).
My own book expositing the BFM&2000 can be viewed at the link provided at the top of this page.
Biblical Theology
(2–3) God’s Glory in Salvation through Judgment by Jim Hamilton
(3) Kingdom through Covenant by Peter Gentry and Stephen Wellum (This book could also be categorized in Covenant Theology below. See my article mentioned at the top of this page that highlights commonalities with what’s called Progressive Covenantalism, which this book establishes, and the form of covenant theology I would affirm, outlined in the Coxe, Barcellos, and Renihan books below).
(2) God’s Kingdom through God’s Covenants by Peter Gentry and Stephen Wellum (an abridgement of the book above)
(2–3) Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments by Geerhardus Vos (this is the standard for Reformed Biblical Theology)
Covenant Theology
(1) Kingdom of God: A Baptist Expression of Covenant & Biblical Theology by Jeffery Johnson (Baptist)
(1–2) The Mystery of Christ: His Covenant & His Kingdom by Samuel Renihan. This book begins fairly dense as he lays the groundwork, but once the tools of interpretation are in place, it’s an accessible read. (Baptist)
(2) Covenant Theology: From Adam to Christ by Nehemiah Coxe and John Owen (Baptist)
(2) The Distinctiveness of Baptist Covenant Theology by Pascal Denault (Baptist)
(2) Recovering a Covenantal Heritage: Essays in Baptist Covenant Theology by Various (edited by Richard Barcellos, Baptist)
(2-3) The Display of Glorious Grace, or The Covenant of Peace Opened by Benjamin Keach, Also, his Everlasting Covenant
(2–3) Getting the Garden Right by Richard Barcellos (This is an argument for the covenant of works and the enduring reality of the Sabbath, even into the New Covenant. Thus, I include it below as well under “Creation”)
(2–3) Economy of the Covenants by Herman Witsius. This is something of the touchstone of original works of covenant theology.
(3) The Covenant of Redemption: Origins, Development, and Reception by J. V. Fesko (expensive, but great historical overview)
(3) The Trinity and the Covenant of Redemption by J. V. Fesko. (This is a biblical and systematic treatment, though it includes a summarized version of the book above.
(3) “The Doctrine of the Covenant in Reformed Theology” by Geerhardus Vos
(3) Progressive Covenantalism: Charting a Course Between Dispensational and Covenantal Theologies by Various (edited by Stephen Wellum, Baptist but different from those above)
Whole Systematic Theologies
(1) Everyone’s a Theologian by R.C. Sproul
(1–2) Pilgrim Theology: Core Doctrines for Christian Disciples by Michael Horton (This is a simpler version of his Systematic Theology below)
(1–2) Manual of Theology (and Manual of Church Order) by John Dagg. This is a very approachable, Reformed and Baptist work of systematic theology. Two items of note: Dagg was the first writing Southern Baptist theologian and Dagg was blind.
(2) Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine by Wayne Grudem (There are serious shortcomings in Grudem’s theology, but this is an often referenced volume today so familiarization with it is important.)
(2–3) Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin (translation by Battles is easier to read and includes helpful notes)
(2–3) Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Christian Belief by John Frame (This includes abridged material from Frame’s “Doctrine” books below)
(2–3) Abstract of Systematic Theology by James P. Boyce
(2-3) A Puritan Theology: Doctrine for Life by Joel Beeke and Mark Jones (consider their Meet the Puritans listed below under church history; the two are companions and can often be purchased together)
(2–3) Christian Faith: A Systematic Theology for Pilgrim’s on the Way by Michael Horton (This is a fuller version of his Pilgrim Theology above)
(2–3) The Christian’s Reasonable Service by Wilhelmus á Brakel (This is a surprisingly readable set works on theology; though I link to WTS, it is often cheaper on Reformation Heritage Books‘ site)
(3) Systematic Theology by Charles Hodge (this three-volume work is immense in its influence on American theology)
(3) Reformed Dogmaticsby Herman Bavinck (This is a 4 volume set; I will also be including the individual volumes of this work in their categories below)
(3) Reformed Dogmatics: Abridge in One Volume by Herman Bavinck
(3) Institutes of Elenctic Theology by Francis Turretin
(3) Body of Divinity by John Gill
(3) Summa Theologiae by Thomas Aquinas (often just called Thomas), his theology was adopted pretty much wholesale by the Roman Church, but it was also very influential for the reasoning behind many doctrines expressed by confessional Protestants as well (see this by Carl Trueman; this work can be accessed in a variety of forms)
(3+) Syntagmatis Theologiae Christianae by Amandus Polanus. If you want to try your hand at reading very dense theology in a language most of us weren’t taught as children, this work has been one of the standards for high-level Reformed Orthodox theological discourse.
Prolegomena (“First things,” i.e. how to do theology)
(1) A Little Book for New Theologians: Why and How to Study Theology by Kelly Kapic (Two notes on this book: 1) Kelly is a man, not a woman and 2) “Little” and “New” does not mean that this is for children. It is for beginning theologians, i.e. anyone looking to begin studying theology)
(2-3) Doctrine of the Knowledge of God by John Frame
(3) Reformed Dogmatics: Volume 1, Prolegomena by Herman Bavinck
(3) Covenant and Eschatology by Michael Horton
Scripture
(2–3) God’s Word Alone: The Authority of Scripture by Matthew Barrett (one of the most accessible books for a whole doctrine of Scripture)
(3) Thy Word is Still Truth: Essential Writings on the Doctrine of Scripture from the Reformation to Today by Various
(3) The Doctrine of the Word of God by John Frame
(3) Light in a Dark Place: The Doctrine of Scripture by John Feinberg
(3) Inspiration and Authority of the Bible (it is also volume 1 in the Works) by Benjamin B. Warfield
(1–3) God’s Word Alone: The Authority of Scripture by Matthew Barrett– I hesitate to categorize this one on a difficulty scale because I believe it is both very accessible and fairly thorough
(3) The Enduring Authority of the Christian Scriptures ed. by D. A. Carson
(3) The Death of Scripture and the Rise of Biblical Studies by Michael Legaspi. This is a historical book that is key to understanding the posture of the academy to the Bible today
Theology Proper (Doctrine of God)
(1) Holiness of God by R.C. Sproul
(1) Knowing God by J.I. Packer
(1) Consubstantial Trinity by Michael A. G. Haykin
(1–2) The Trinity: An Introduction by Scott Swain. See my post on it here.
(2) God’s Glory Alone by David VanDrunen
(2) The Triune God by Fred Sanders
(2) The Quest for the Trinity by Stephen Holmes
(2) None Greater by Matthew Barrett (my review)
(3) All that is in God by James Dolezal (see the lecture series this book was drawn from here).
(3) The Trinity (De Trinitate) by Augustine (this can be found online in English here or in the original Latin here or in various print translations, but especially this one) This is probably the most influential work on the Holy Trinity in the Western tradition
(3) Eternal God by Paul Helm (This book is extremely important for clarifying what we mean when we say God is “eternal”)
(3) Nicaea and Its Legacy by Lewis Ayres
Creation (Treatments here will usually cover such things as the relationship between God and creation, and therefore providence and sovereignty)
(1) Behold Our Sovereign God by Mitch Chase
(2) Trinity & Creation by Richard Barcellos. See my post on it here.
(2–3) Getting the Garden Right by Richard Barcellos (This is an argument for the covenant of works and the enduring reality of the Sabbath, even into the New Covenant. Thus, I include it above as well under “Covenant Theology”)
(3) The Providence of God by Paul Helm
(3) Reformed Dogmatics: Volume 2, God and Creation (p. 406ff) by Herman Bavinck
Anthropology (Doctrine of Man)
(2-3) Created in God’s Image by Anthony Hoekema. This is a good introduction to the topic. Read my review here.
Hamartiology (Sin)
(2-3) The Imputation of Adam’s Sin by John Murray
(3) Getting the Garden Right: Adam’s Work and God’s Rest in Light of Christ by Richard Barcellos (It’s hard to decide where to put this book, but I figure here’s as good a place as any because the first part deals with the covenant of works. The second, and much larger, part is a defense of the Lord’s Day as the Christian Sabbath)
Christology (Person and Work of Christ)
(2) The Cross of Christ by John Stott
(2) Christ Alone: The Uniqueness of Jesus as Savior by Stephen Wellum. This book looks at the whole topic of Christology, particularly highlighting near the end the importance of holding to this Reformation doctrine.
(2) On the Incarnation by Athanasius. This is a classic on the doctrine of the incarnation and the introduction by C. S. Lewis is a modern classic in its own right.
(2) On the Unity of Christ by Cyril of Alexandria. This is also a classic treatise in Christology, particularly looking at Christ’s two natures.
(2-3) God the Son Incarnate by Stephen Wellum. This book is the content of his Person of Christ Course at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He looks theologically at the contemporary, biblical, and historical issues related to this doctrine.
(2-3) The Person of Christ by Donald MacLeod
Pneumatology (Doctrine of the Spirit)
(2) The Holy Spirit by Sinclair Fergusen
(2) Rediscovering the Holy Spirit by Michael Horton
(3) On the Holy Spirit by St. Basil of Caesarea
(3) The Holy Spirit by John Owen, Works Vol. 3
(3) Reformed Dogmatics, Vol. 4: Holy Spirit, Church and New Creation by Herman Bavinck
(3) Engaging the Doctrine of the Holy Spirit by Matthew Levering **Roman Catholic** (Though he’s a Roman Catholic, and I generally refrain from recommending Papist works, this work does well at showing the contours of the doctrine of the Spirit in Augustine and Thomas)
Soteriology (Doctrine of Salvation)
(1) Chosen by God by R.C. Sproul
(2) Redemption Accomplished and Applied by John Murray
(2) Marrow of True Justification by Benjamin Keach (Two sermons, written in 17th century English, so I’m ranking them a “2”; he’s arguing against the errors of “Baxterianism”)
(3) Reformed Dogmatics, Vol. 3: Sin and Salvation in Christ by Herman Bavinck
(3) From Heaven He Came and Sought Her: Definite Atonement in Historical, Biblical, Theological and Pastoral Perspective by Various
(3) The Death of Death in the Death of Christ by John Owen
(3) Faith and Its Evidences by John Owen
Ecclesiology (Doctrine of the Church)
(1) Nine Marks of a Healthy Church by Mark Dever
(3) Baptist Foundations: Church Government for an Anti-Institutional Age by Various
(3) Believer’s Baptism: Sign of the New Covenant in Christ by Various
(3) Sojourners and Stranges: The Doctrine of the Church by Gregg Allison
(1–2) The Lord’s Supper as a Means of Grace: More than a Memory by Richard Barcellos
(3) The Works of William Perkins, vol. 7 by William Perkins, ed. Shawn Wright and Andrew Ballitch. This book is particularly helpful for demarcating the difference between Protestant catholicism and Roman Catholicism.
Politics
(1) How the Nations Rage: Rethinking Faith and Politics in a Divided Age by Jonathan Leeman
Eschatology (Doctrine of Last Things)
(2-3) The Bible and the Future by Anthony Hoekema. This is written from an Amillenial perspective and spends a decent amount of time articulating the problems with Dispensationalism.
(3) The Presence of the Future by George E. Ladd (Read my book summary at Books-at-a Glance here)
(3) Kingdom Come by Sam Storms
Prayer
(1) Praying the Bible by Donald Whitney. Read my review here.
(1) The Prayer that Turns the World Upside Down by R. Albert Mohler
(2) Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God by Timothy Keller
(3) Sacred Disertations on the Lord’s Prayer by Herman Witsius (Read my summaries here: 1, 2, 3, 4)
Sabbath
(1) Call the Sabbath a Delight by Walter Chantry
(1–2) The Day of Worship by Ryan M. McGraw
(1–2) The Lord’s Day by Joseph Pipa
(2) Getting the Garden Right by Richard Barcellos
(3) The Christian Sabbath by Robert Paul Martin
(3) Calvin and the Sabbath by Richard Gaffin
Church History
(1-2) Luther on the Christian Life by Carl Trueman, This looks specifically at some of the specifics in Luther’s theology and challenges some of the attitudes of Evangelicals today.
(1) Kiffen, Knollys, and Keach by Michael A. G. Haykin
(2) The Baptists, Vols. 1-3 by Tom Nettles
(2) The Excellent Benjamin Keach by Austin Walker
(2) Meet the Puritans: With a Guide to Modern Reprints by Joel Beeke and Mark Jones (consider their A Puritan Theology listed above under whole systematic theologies; the two are companions and can often be purchased together)
(3) James Petigru Boyce: A Southern Baptist Statesman by Tom Nettles
(3) From Shadow to Substance by Samuel Renihan
(3) Nicaea and Its Legacy by Lewis Ayres
Commentaries (Obviously, this is very selective. I’m only including commentaries that I find to be particularly helpful. Often commentaries have to be paired together to really get something helpful, so, again, these are only commentaries that are good 1) by themselves and 2) that I’ve read [at least enough to make a judgment]). I will mention here, since it would be too much to include in every book, that John Gill’s Exposition of the Old and New Testaments should be a regularly referenced work when studying Scripture or theology.
Genesis:
Augustine
Calvin (and Sermons)
Kidner
Waltke
C. John Collins
Daniel:
Mitchell L. Chase
John:
D. A. Carson
Acts:
Romans:
Galatians:
Ephesians:
Colossians:
Titus:
Hebrews:
First John:
Augustine
Stott
Akin
Booksellers/Publishers
Reformed Baptist Academic Press Title says it all
Solid Ground Christian Books Reformed Baptist literature
WTS Books Book Store of Westminster Theological Seminary. Proceeds go toward easing costs. Unfortunately the shipping costs usually dissuade me from purchasing from them.
Amazon Remember to link your account to “Smile” which donates some of your money to charity. I have mine set to the International Mission Board, but there are many others.
CBD Reformed Christian Book Distributers’ site dedicated to Reformed literature
Reformation Heritage Books Reformed literature of all types. My go to website for most books since, even with shipping, they are usually cheaper than Amazon.
Reformation Trust Publishing arm of Ligonier Ministries
P & R Reformed literature of all types
Banner of Truth Mostly dedicated to republishing the works of the Puritans, but includes modern works as well
Christian Focus Publications Evangelical (usually Reformed) publisher of practical, theological, and historical works.
Crossway Evangelical publisher, often with a bent toward Reformed literature
LifeWay Bookstore of the Southern Baptist Convention; usually a mixed bag between good literature and horrible (be cautious)
Eerdmans Protestant, usually academic, literature
Zondervan Evangelical publisher, sometimes great and sometimes not-so-great literature (be cautious)
InterVarsity Press (IVP) Evangelical (usually academic) publisher. Sometimes great books, often not-so-great (be cautious).
Theological Training
(1) Ligonier Ministries (Ligonier) Their motto is, “Bridging the gap between Sunday School and Seminary.” They offer introductory lectures and courses on a wide range of topics. This ministry did the most to shape my thinking prior to college/seminary, and even through my seminary education. They have a site dedicated specifically to going through courses called Ligonier Connect.
(1) Biblical Training This is a ministry that gathers actual seminary courses’ audio and provides them for free. You may also set up one of their paid certificate programs that take you through a sequence of directed study.
(1-3) London Reformed Baptist Seminary I didn’t really know how to categorize this one. It is a ministry of the Metropolitan Tabernacle, and could thus be seen as a continuation of Spurgeon’s Pastor’s College. It is cheap (30£, free for full-time ministers), and results in a Diploma in Theology and Pastoral Ministries. They say that prior education is not required, but most students are graduates. It is only for those looking at pastoral ministry, and thus only open to men.
(1-3) The North American Reformed Seminary This is perhaps the coolest thing that I’ve seen in some time. They are not accredited, but they offer degrees from Associate’s to Th.D. utilizing directed study and online materials. They will send you to websites containing lectures, and they require you to have a pastor (or someone with a Master’s or above) mentor you and check your assignments. While it is not accredited, it is affiliated with the ARTS (Association of Reformed Theological Seminaries). I’m not sure how it would work if you tried to continue your education somewhere else, though perhaps many seminaries would accept your lower level degree (Associate’s or Bachelor’s) from here. I am a Mentor for this school, so I can supervise independent learners at the ATS, BTS, B.Div., MTS, and M.Div. levels.
(1-3) Founders Study Center This is similar to Ligonier, except that it is explicitly Baptist and often Reformed Baptist. It is a ministry operating within the Southern Baptist Convention. I list it as 1–3 because you are also able to receive credit for these courses through either SBTS or SEBTS (see below).
(2) Boyce College Undergrad school of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. (Certificates through Bachelor’s, including an honors program and an advanced program for getting M.Div. and B.A. together in 5 years)
(2) Reformation Bible College Newer school established by R.C. Sproul that offers degrees utilizing a comprehensive classical education model (Associates and Bachelor of Arts)
(2) The King’s College (TKC) This is not a Bible College, but a Christian school in NYC geared toward educating leaders in society from a Christian worldview (As far as I can tell they’re all Bachelor’s degrees)
(2) Wheaton College (Wheaton) This is perhaps the most respected undergrad school in the Evangelical world, and has been for some time. The offer degrees in a wide range of disciplines, including biblical studies, law, science, etc. (I can’t tell what their shortest degree is, but they have Bachelor’s through Ph.D.)
(3) The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS) Recognized as a world leader in theological education, the school generally represents the Calvinistic portion of the SBC (Master’s through Ph.D., Boyce College, above, offers undergrad degrees)
(3) Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (MBTS) Like the two above (Associates and Bachelor through Spurgeon College, Master’s through Ph.D.)
(3) Institute of Reformed Baptist Studies (IRBS) Seminary Was once a Reformed Baptist certificate program at Westminster Seminary (California), led by renowned Reformed Baptist historical theologian, Jim Renihan, but it has now begun its own campus in north Texas. (M.Div; offers a PhD through PRTS)
(3) Westminster Theological Seminary (WTS, Philadelphia) A world leader in theological education and heavily influential school in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC) and Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) as well as other Reformed/Presbyterian denominations (Master’s through Ph.D.). This school is the “mother” to many Reformed schools in America.
(3) Westminster Seminary-California (WSC) Seminary in Escondido offering the Reformed community great scholarship and ministerial training (various Master’s programs)
(3) Reformed Theological Seminary (RTS) Multi-campus seminary offering top-rate theological education to various parts of the Reformed community (Master’s and D.Min)
(2) The Master’s University (TMU) and (3) Seminary are institutions led by John MacArthur and thus have a biblical (though Dispensational) and preaching focus. The University has degrees in a variety of fields, while the Seminary is well geared toward training men for ministry (Undergrad through Ph.D.)
(3) Puritan and Reformed Theological Seminary (PRTS) This seminary serves the broader Reformed community from a Puritan commitment to doctrine and holiness (Certificate and Master’s through Ph.D.)
(3) Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS) TEDS is another world leader in theological education from, as the name suggests, an evangelical stance. Though they are part of a university (Trinity International University), I only ever hear about the divinity school. (Master’s through Ph.D.)
(3) Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (GCTS) Respected evangelical seminary located just north of Boston (Master’s through Ph.D.). Unfortunately, it’s also egalitarian.
(3) Covenant Baptist Theological Seminary (CBTS) Covenant Baptist is a seminary run out of a church in Owensboro, KY. It is led by Sam Waldron, a respected Reformed Baptist Theologian, and has renowned visiting professors.
Blogs/ Websites
Long Plain Baptist Church This is the church I currently serve as preaching pastor.
Kosmosdale Baptist Church This is the church that I once served as an Elder. The blog tab is updated regularly with material written by some of our members (usually Bible College/Seminary educated) and Elders.
Unto Him My brother in ministry and spiritual mentor, writing various gleanings from his personal devotion and preaching ministry. He’s been known to post a poem or hymn as well.
Tabular Comparison of the WCF/SD/2LBCF– This man has put together one of the most useful tools to anyone who is concerned with the Reformed faith in English-speaking Chrisitanity. He places the three confessions side-by-side to highlight the commonalities and differences in the doctrines of these three major groups of Reformed Christians. For just the WCF and 2LBCF, click here.
Albert Mohler His web page has essays, podcasts, etc. If you don’t listen to Mohler, at least on occasion, you need to.
Challies Tim Challies is the most well-known blogger in Christianity, at least in Reformed circles. Sign up for his A la Carte email each day to get a few tips on good blog posts across the internet and Kindle deals.
For His Renown This the blog site of Jim Hamilton, and it also includes chapters/papers he’s written.
Denny Burk Burk offers commentary on ethical and theological issues, as well as other miscellanea. (My disposition is to always agree with him)
DeYoung, Restless, and Reformed In addition to his Monday morning humor, DeYoung gives thought on random issues in Christianity
First Things This is a web page/periodical devoted to cultural critique from intellectuals who hold to some form of historical orthodoxy (Roman, Eastern Orthodox, or Protestant)
Founders’ This is a ministry within the Southern Baptist Convention calling for a return to the doctrines and beliefs of the original founders of the Convention (i.e. Reformed Baptist).
WORLD This website/periodical is a news agency that operates from a Chrisitan worldview.
Christian Classic Ethereal Library (CCEL)– Website containing books from all eras that can usually be read free online or through PDF download.
Post-Reformation Digital Library (PRDL)– It is hard to overemphasize the importance of this site, which is put on by the Junius Institute. The aim of this website is to grant digital access to the whole complex of writings published in the Reformation and centuries immediately following. Not only English translations, but the original Latin, French, Italian, Dutch, etc. etc. etc., this site is crucial for any scholarship done on that era.
Monergism– Website containing ebooks, mp3’s, videos, etc. that align with the Reformed tradition. These aren’t always on their site (they often link to somewhere else), but it is a good resource.
Reformed Reader– Library of Reformed Baptist documents, including books and confessions. Use the “documents” and “library” tabs at the top. There’s also a helpful “International Church Directory” on the side that provides information on (often) Reformed Baptist churches across the world.
Books at a Glance– Provides book reviews and in depth summaries, along with author interviews and blog posts, on a subscription basis. The website is guided by The Gospel Coalition statement of faith. I have served as their associate editor and occasional contributor in the past.
Reformed Books Online– Another online site for accessing helpful books, mostly of the early English Reformed tradition of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.
Tyndale Bulletin– The Tyndale Fellowship, in England, is like the Evangelical Theological Society here in the U.S. This journal, then, is like JETS. All their articles from 1956 to 2014 are available on their website.
Podcasts
(1) The Briefing
(1) 5 Minutes in Church History
(1) Mortification of Spin
(1) Expositor
(1) Danvers Audio
(1) Risen Motherhood– This is a podcast that my wife listens to and recommends dealing with bringing the gospel into life as a mother
(1) Doctrine & Devotion
(1-2) White Horse Inn
(1-2) Theology on the Go
(1-2) The Sword & The Trowel
(2) Confessing Baptist- Though this podcast has discontinued, old episodes can still be listened to and benefited from. It dealt with issues specific to the Reformed Baptist community, including theological issues and Reformed Baptist events
(3) Reformed Forum- Probably my favorite podcast. Works through various doctrines, scholarly movements, Christian living, and the works of Vos (particularly his Biblical Theology).
Military/PTSD
(1) “Going to War is Easier than Coming Home: Ministry to Combat Veterans” by Bill Gasser– A basic explanation of the deployment process, effects, and ministry needs
(1) Mighty Oaks This is a faith-based PTSD recovery organization run by combat veterans
*More items will be added to this page as I come across them or am made aware of them
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