RECOMMENDED BOOKS - HEROES, PURITANS, AND REFORMERS

ALL OF GRACE
Charles Spurgeon
Category: Heroes, Puritans, And Reformers
Click Here To Order
"To him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness." Spurgeon's masterpiece on grace from Romans 4:5 is an outstanding description of God's love and unmerited grace to those whom He saves. It is one of the clearest examples of salvation by grace ever written. Spurgeon's masterpiece is one the finest expositions ever penned on faith, repentance, and regeneration. Believers and unbelievers alike can learn from this classic presentation on faith and grace. In twenty short and clear chapters, powerful preacher Charles Spurgeon reveals the true meaning of being saved.


CITY OF GOD
Augustine
Category: Heroes, Puritans, And Reformers
Click Here To Order
Augustine wrote this monumental treatise to explain Christianity's relationship with competing religions and philosophies, and to the Roman government with which it was increasingly intertwined. It was written soon after Rome was sacked by the Visigoths in 410. This event left Romans in a deep state of shock, and many saw it as punishment for abandoning traditional Roman religion for Christianity. It was in this atmosphere that Augustine set out to console Christians, writing that, even if the earthly rule of the empire was imperiled, it was the City of God that would ultimately triumph — Augustine's eyes were fixed on Heaven. The book presents human history as being a conflict between what Augustine calls the City of Man and the City of God. The City of God is marked by people who forgot earthly pleasure to dedicate themselves to the eternal truths of Christian faith. The City of Man, on the other hand, consists of people who have immersed themselves in the cares and pleasures of the present, passing world.


CONCERNING CHRISTIAN LIBERTY
Martin Luther
Category: Heroes, Puritans, And Reformers
Click Here To Order
It is argued by many that this essay is one of Luther's most important theological treatises. It has sometimes been rendered into English as The Freedom of a Christian, or simply On Christian Liberty. The Christian life is marked by faith working through love. When a man applies himself with joy and love to his works he is satisfied in the fullness of his own faith. No Christian lives in himself, but in Christ and too his neighbor. It is not from works that we are set free by our faith in Christ, but our belief in Christ will justify us before God. One of Luther’s main aims in this piece was to condemn belief in works, and establish a right view of salvation by faith alone, in Christ alone. Christian freedom was being free from the idea that good works were a means to salvation, yet in Christian freedom one would exercise good works in light of the grace God had shown in salvation.


IN MY PLACE CONDEMNED HE STOOD
J I Packer, Mark Dever
Category: Theology, Heroes, Puritans, And Reformers
Click Here To Order
An important anthology that reaffirms the classic doctrine of substitutionary atonement and counters the ongoing attacks against it. If ever there was a time and a need for an enthusiastic reaffirmation of the biblical doctrine of substitutionary atonement, it is now. With this foundational tenet under widespread attack, J. I. Packer and Mark Dever’s anthology plays an important role, issuing a clarion call to readers to stand firm in the truth. In My Place Condemned He Stood combines three classic articles by Packer—“The Heart of the Gospel”; his Tyndale Biblical Theology Lecture, “What Did the Cross Achieve”; and his introductory essay to John Owen’s The Death of Death in the Death of Christ—with Dever’s recent article, “Nothing but the Blood.” It also includes an outstanding bibliography compiled by Ligon Duncan.


INSTITUTES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION
John Calvin
Category: Heroes, Puritans, And Reformers
Click Here To Order
John Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion is a monumental work that stands among the greatest works of Christian theology and Western literature. It ranks with works such as St. Augustine's Confessions and City of God in value, insight and significance. The Institutes have molded the church's understanding of Christian doctrine for generations and has had untold influence in the development of Western thought in both the religious and civil arenas. Calvin's Institutes represent his life work in teaching theology. They first appeared in 1536 and went through three significant revisions - each expanding and building upon the previous. This particular edition represents the final form and of which Calvin was very pleased.


LUTHER GOLD
Ray Comfort (Editor), Martin Luther
Category: Heroes, Puritans, And Reformers
Click Here To Order
Martin Luther was a man of prayer who said: "all who call on God in true faith, earnestly from the heart, will certainly be heard, and will receive what they have asked and desired." Martin Luther was a church leader and reformer, who said at his trial: "here I stand, I can do no other, God help me. Amen." Martin Luther was an evangelist, who said: "Faith is a living, daring confidence in God's grace, so sure and certain that a man could stake his life on it a thousand times." Ray Comfort has gleaned pure gold from Luther's writings for our benefit so that we can learn what the greatest reformer in the history of the Church had to say about many things, particularly our need to reach out to the lost. Luther's key revelation of salvation by grace through faith alone sparked the Reformation, which spread the Gospel throughout Europe.


LUTHER'S LARGE CATECHISM
Martin Luther
Category: Heroes, Puritans, And Reformers
Click Here To Order
Luther's Large Catechism consisted of works written by Martin Luther and compiled Christian canonical texts, published in April of 1529. This book was addressed particularly to clergymen to aid them in teaching their congregations. Luther's Large Catechism is divided into five parts: The Ten Commandments, The Apostles' Creed, The Lord's Prayer, Holy Baptism, and The Sacrament of the Eucharist. It and related documents was published in The Book of Concord in 1580. The Large Catechism typifies the emphasis which the churches of the Augsburg Confession placed on the importance of knowledge and understanding of the articles of the Christian faith. Primarily intended as instruction to teachers, especially to parents, the Catechism consists of a series of exhortations on the importance of each topic of the Catechism. It is meant for those who have the capacity to understand, and is not meant to be memorized but to be repeatedly reviewed so that the Small Catechism could be taught with understanding.


MOODY GOLD
Ray Comfort (Editor), D L Moody
Category: Biography, Heroes, Puritans, And Reformers
Click Here To Order
Moody Gold is the fourth book in the popular Gold series. This book draws from some of the best sermons by D. L. Moody and combines them with life application and inspiring commentary by best-selling author Ray Comfort. D. L. Moody was a true patriarch of the modern church. He once said, "The world has yet to see what God can do with and for and through and in and by the man who is wholly consecrated to him. I will try my utmost to be that man," and try he did in so many ways. This book is seared in my memory due to Moody's terrifying story about a man who "put off repentance" only to find himself on his death bed and unable to find it.


ON CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE
Augustine
Category: Heroes, Puritans, And Reformers
Click Here To Order
In On Christian Doctrine, Augustine helps readers discover, teach, and defend the truths of Scripture. According to Augustine, in order for Christians to fully understand Scripture, it should be interpreted with faith, hope, and love. He helps readers recognize and interpret figurative expressions and ambiguous language. Augustine suggests that readers consult original translations and commit difficult terms to memory. He also suggests we familiarize ourselves with the meaning of frequently used symbols, such as "shepherd" and "sheep." For those who teach the Scripture to others, he says we must teach in honesty - not for self-seeking purposes. This text offers an impressive wealth of practical wisdom for reading the Bible. It is evident that Augustine earnestly wanted his readers to understand God's Word.


PILGRIM'S PROGRESS
John Bunyan
Category: Heroes, Puritans, And Reformers
Click Here To Order
All the world knows that Bunyan wrote The Pilgrim's Progress, in two parts, of which the first appeared at London in 1678, and was at all events, begun during his imprisonment in 1676; the second in 1684. The earliest edition in which the two parts were combined in one volume was in 1728. If you are an average reader then it is recommended that you buy a version which is written in modern english. There are also several illustrated children's versions available. The Pilgrim's Progress is the most successful allegory ever written, and like the Bible is adapted to man in every clime. It is indeed the most commonly translated by Protestant missionaries after the Bible. It is thus read in all literary languages and is a world-classic.


PILLARS OF GRACE
Steve Lawson
Category: Heroes, Puritans, And Reformers
Click Here To Order
The doctrines of grace are often known as the five points of Calvinism, but they were not the invention of John Calvin or his reforming cohorts of the sixteenth century. Rather, they are biblical doctrines, as Dr. Steven J. Lawson demonstrated in his book Foundations of Grace (2006). Now, in Pillars of Grace, Dr. Lawson shows that the doctrines of grace have been understood and taught sometimes in embryonic form, sometimes with great clarity throughout church history. From the time of the early church fathers to the years of the Reformers, there have been key men in the church, pillars as it were, who stood on the foundation of Scripture and upheld the truth of God's sovereign role in salvation. In Pillars of Grace, Dr. Lawson walks readers through the ups and downs of church history, profiling these voices for the truth. The inescapable conclusion is that the doctrines of grace are no innovation, but the consistent witness of some of the greatest men of the church. This book is a vital, honest, and inspiring work on a much neglected part of church history.


SINNERS IN THE HANDS OF AN ANGRY GOD
Jonathan Edwards
Category: Heroes, Puritans, And Reformers
Click Here To Order
Though first, delivered 250 years ago, Edwards's most memorable sermon is no less needed today. Far more than a depicition of the punishments of hell, it is a call to personal salvation through Christ and spiritual revival in our time. Heaven or Hell?Christ has thrown the door of mercy wide open, and He stands crying out to all to accept His call. Jonathan Edwards presents a clear picture of the predicament of every sinner and lukewarm Christian. Through his words, you can discover much about what it means to follow God. He shows how you can know you have God's favor, avoid the tricks of the Devil, understand more about what sin really is, avoid the destruction that awaits sinners, realize the need for immediate action, be an intercessor, and find your reward in heaven. With compelling words and imagery, Edwards describes the shaky position of those who do not follow Christ and God's urgent call to receive His love and forgiveness today.


SPURGEON GOLD
Ray Comfort (Editor), Charles Spurgeon
Category: Heroes, Puritans, And Reformers
Click Here To Order
Books about the life and ministry of “The Prince of Preachers” are not uncommon. However, Spurgeon Gold takes a unique approach. It has isolated the great preacher’s deep passion for the lost, many of his powerful gospel proclimations, and his convincing exhortations to Christians to share their faith. Spurgeon was an immense and prolific writer and this book will whet the appetite for much more of his writings. Furthermore, Spurgeon Gold is a literal goldmine of riveting, theologically profound, accessible, and inspiring treasures from the deep well of Charles Spurgeon's deep well of material - bound to wear out any highlighter pen!


THE ATTRIBUTES OF GOD
A W Pink
Category: Theology, Heroes, Puritans, And Reformers
Click Here To Order
The timeless appeal of this classic book, written by a preacher with a worldwide ministry during the first half of the twentieth century, demonstrates the deep hunger for a saving knowledge of God present in each generation. Arthur Pink sought to give readers not just a theoretical knowledge of God but pointed them toward a personal relationship of yielding to him and living according to his biblical precepts. The foundation of all true knowledge of God must be a clear mental apprehension of His perfections as revealed in Holy Scripture. An unknown God can neither be trusted, served, nor worshipped. In this book an effort has been made to set forth some of the principal perfections of the Divine character. If the reader is to truly profit, he needs to definitely and earnestly beseech God to apply His Truth to the conscience and heart, so that his life will be transformed thereby.


THE BONDAGE OF THE WILL
Martin Luther
Category: Heroes, Puritans, And Reformers
Click Here To Order
What is at the heart of Luther’s theology and of the doctrine of justification which struck his soul with a bolt of divine lightning? It is the original depravity and sinfulness in man – that which he knew well as an ascetic monk in the Augustinian order. No doubt this is a cornerstone work for the Reformation and for the truth. Luther thought that of everything he wrote, this was his best and most useful work. Every Christian should read this work. If we do not understand how our wills work, who we are before God, and how we ought to continually view our standing before Him as a result of Christ’s work, then we can never understand salvation.


THE GREATEST CENTURY OF REFORMATION
Peter Hammond
Category: Heroes, Puritans, And Reformers
Click Here To Order
The Greatest Century of Reformation gives the broad sweep of the unforgetable characters and momentous events that made the 16th Century the greatest century of Reformation. Dr. Peter Hammond aims to inspire, inform and involve the readers in a hunger for Revival and Reformation in our own day. The book begins with a fast moving overview of the dramatic events and geo-strategic conflicts involved in the 16th Century, then it takes a good look at the pre-Reformers, the Waldensians, Wycliffe and Hus. There are chapters on each of the great Reformers Luther, Zwingli, Tyndale, Farel, Calvin, Cranmer, Viret, Bullinger, Melanchthon and Bucer. There are also chapters on the politicians behind the English Reformation, the martyers of the Reformation, how the Reformation changed the church, how the Reformation changed the world, and Luther's Practical Programme to Revive Your Prayer Life.


THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE HOLY
A W Tozer
Category: Heroes, Puritans, And Reformers
Click Here To Order
Informative and inspiring, "The Knowledge Of The Holy" illuminates God's attributes - from wisdom, to grace, to mercy - and shows through prayerful and insightful discussion, how we can more fully recognize and appreciate each of these divine aspects. This classic by AW Tozer, will be treasured by anyone committed to the Christian faith. It bears eloquent witness to God's majesty and shows us new ways to experience and understand the wonder and power of God's Spirit in our daily lives.


THE PURSUIT OF GOD
A W Tozer
Category: Heroes, Puritans, And Reformers
Click Here To Order
A. W. Tozer wrote The Pursuit of God almost overnight on a train trip from Chicago to Texas in the 1940s. Little did he know that this manuscript would be translated into 15 different languages with over 1.7 million copies in print. The Pursuit of God is a classic resource authored by one of the best-known and loved Christian writers of all time. The Pursuit of God is written in a humble yet convicting tone. It strikes right into the heart of its readers, making them see themselves clearly in the light of the Word of God and ushers them into a sense of contemplation on where they have been in their walk with God, where they are, and where they desire to be. The Pursuit of God is replete with Scriptures and Tozer’s insights on those Scriptures. Every person, young and old, ought to read this Christian classic considered as a spiritual treasure.


THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD
A W Pink
Category: Theology, Heroes, Puritans, And Reformers
Click Here To Order
AW Pink is noted for his independent thinking. He was so well read, and had such a photographic memory, that he could give you the page and column in a host of reference works and commentaries. This book shocked the Christian world in 1919 when he published it. He fiercely defends the sovereignty of God, and all the cognate doctrines such as the Doctrines of Grace. It is a provocative read and some of the chapters are a must read for any new Christian. Pink was a Baptist preacher who held pulpits in England, America, and Australia. His early training was in scientology. His conversion was instant, and complete dedication to the cause of God and truth quickly became evident. This early book by Pink lays Scripture end to end to prove God's control over all persons and events. It is uncompromising, and as such it raises the hackles on the necks of many new students of this doctrine. Persons who knew Pink seldom objected to anything he taught, because he could literally quote hundreds of verses of Scripture verbatim on the subject under discussion. This book may be overwhelming, but it is certain that its many printings have been used of God to convince people of His sovereignty.


TILL HE COME
Charles Spurgeon
Category: Heroes, Puritans, And Reformers
Click Here To Order
Spurgeon is most famous for his pastorship at London's Metropolitan Tabernacle, where he regularly preached to huge crowds. In his lifetime, Spurgeon preached to over 10,000,000 people and published over 55 books, sermons, and meditations which have been translated into 34 languages. Till He Come is a collection of addresses centered on the Lord's Supper. Some were preached to the congregation at Metropolitan, while others were spoken to small groups of Christians Spurgeon hosted on Sundays to celebrate communion. The collection addresses a diverse range of scriptures, but all stick to the common theme of Jesus' symbolic last meal. It will prove helpful to anyone looking for further insight on this interdenominational practice and will encourage believers to "do this in remembrance of me."


WESLEY GOLD
Ray Comfort (Editor), John Wesley
Category: Heroes, Puritans, And Reformers
Click Here To Order
How could one man turn a whole country upside-down? How could he be disciplined to daily read his Bible, have private prayer, meet others for public prayer, and yet not be saved? Why did he say, I went to America, to convert the Indians; but oh! Who shall convert me? What did he read that “strangely warmed his heart” and brought him to Christ? These questions and others are answered in Ray Comfort's compilation of golden nuggets from the life of the great field preacher John Wesley who said that "The World Is My Pulpit". Loaded with great inspiration for evangelism and appreciation for our Christian heritage.


WHITEFIELD GOLD
Ray Comfort (Editor), George Whitefield
Category: Heroes, Puritans, And Reformers
Click Here To Order
A collection of pearls painstakingly harvested from the work of the "Trumpet of the Great Awakening", George Whitefield. Editor Ray Comfort shares the "best of Whitefield's best" with other Christians who seek inspiration and sage advice regarding evangelism, open air preaching, and the Christian life. Organizing the sensitively revised material into short, titled sections, Comfort leads the reader through an energetic exploration of elegant work that's guaranteed to strengthen the skills and fortitude of anyone leading another person to the Lord. This compilation is also accompanied by a biography and photographs that will bring Whitefield to life.


WHY REVIVAL TARRIES
Leonard Ravenhill
Category: Heroes, Puritans, And Reformers
Click Here to Order
One of the twentieth century's greatest authorities on revival, Leonard Ravenhill gives a no-compromise call to the principles of biblical revival. The heart of his message to the church is in this volume. Appalled by the disparity between the New Testament church and the church today, his message is drastic, fearless, and often radical. As timely a call to revival today as when published nearly fifty years ago, more than 350,000 copies are in print worldwide. This book is somewhat dated through no fault of the author. The dead orthodoxy that Ravenhill rails against doesn't even exist today. I struggle to find any orthodoxy - living or dead. It is important to remember this when reading this book that this is not a call to indifference to theological training, but rather that orthopraxy would follow orthodoxy.