Book Briefs: “The Glory of Grace: The Story of the Canons of Dort” by William Boekestein

The Glory of Grace: the Story of the Canons of Dort by William Boekestein Once again William Boekestein has given us a fantastic book for children. The Glory of Grace: the Story of the Canons of Dort is his third book in a series from Reformation Heritage Books. Each book is illustrated by Evan Hughes and looks at the historical background to one of the confessional statements that make up the “all three titles. You won’t be disappointed.

Pick up a copy of this book at any of the following online retailers: Westminster Bookstore, Christianbook.com, Amazon, or direct from Reformation Heritage Books.

Disclaimer: This book was provided by Reformation Heritage Books. I was under no obligation to offer a favorable review.

About Book Briefs: Book Briefs are book notes, or short-form book reviews. They are my informed evaluation of a book, but stop short of being a full-length book review.

Puritan Jeremiah Burroughs on “What Is the Gospel?”

I’m reading through A Life of Gospel Peace: A Biography of Jeremiah Burroughs by Phillip L. Simpson, recently published by Reformation Heritage Books. This is actually the first full-length biography written about the Puritan preacher Jeremiah Burroughs. Burroughs is perhaps most remembered for his book The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment.

Simpson points out that Burroughs’s preaching was noted for its gospel-centeredness. Six of his books were published posthumously with the word “gospel” in their title (i.e., Gospel Fear, Gospel Remission, and Gospel Reconciliation). Burroughs took the time to respond to the question “What is the gospel?” in his work Gospel Conversation (originally a series of sermons preached in 1646).

I wanted to post Burroughs’s thoughts on the Gospel here for my readers as I found them particularly helpful. As we get ready for a new year, this celebration of the Gospel may serve to orient our thinking and shape our priorities. Having been blessed with this glorious Gospel, may we be encouraged to serve Christ more faithfully in 2012.

————————————-

In response to the question, “What is the gospel?” [Burroughs] said:

“It is the good tidings that God has revealed concerning Christ…. All mankind was lost in Adam and became the children of wrath, and was put under the sentence of death. God, though He left His fallen angels and has reserved them in the chains of eternal darkness, has… provided a way of atonement to reconcile them to Himself again. Namely, the Second Person in the Trinity takes man’s nature upon Him and becomes the Head of a second covenant, standing charged with man’s sin, and answering for it by suffering what the Law and Divine Justice required. He made satisfaction and kept the Law perfectly, which satisfaction and righteousness He offered up unto the Father as a sweet savor of rest for the souls of those that are given to Him.

“And now this mediation of Christ is, by the appointment of the Father, preached to the children of men, of whatever nation or rank, freely offering this unto sinners for atonement for them, requiring them to believe in Him and, upon believing, promising not only a discharge of all their former sins, but that they shall not enter into condemnation, that none of their sins or unworthiness shall ever hinder the peace of God with them, but that they shall, through Him, be received into the number of sons. They shall have the image of God renewed again in them, and they shall be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation. These souls and bodies shall be raised to the height of glory that such creatures are capable of. They shall live forever, enjoying the presence of God and Christ in the fullness of all good. This is the gospel of Christ.” [pg. 151-152]

————————————-

You can pick up a copy of this book at any of the following online retailers: Westminster Bookstore, Christianbook.com, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or direct from Reformation Heritage.

Disclaimer: This book was provided by Reformation Heritage Books for review. I was under no obligation to offer a favorable review.

The 12 Days Before Christmas Book Giveaway: Day 11

Well, Christmas is almost here! I hope you’ve enjoyed Cross Focused Media’s 12 Days Before Christmas Book Giveaway this year. Giving away 203 books/media has certainly helped us get in the Christmas Sporit! The 21 publishers who have made this possible have certainly been generous. We hope that this giveaway will also help introduce you all to these great companies and their fine products. Good Christian books change lives, and we hope to in some small way help further the impact of Christian materials in the lives of those who come across our blogs.

We still have big giveaways today and tomorrow. Be sure to check back in with us in the new year, too, as we may be bringing you new giveaways from time to time. Or better yet, sign up for our free newsletter (at the bottom of our giveaway form).

Now, today’s giveaway is sponsored by Reformation Heritage Books, Zondervan, Christian Focus Publications, InterVarsity Press, Theocentric Publishing Group, and Sovereign Grace Ministries. From the books and CDs provided by these fine publishers, we have assembled the following four prize packs. You’ll want to use the links provided to answer the questions in the entry form below.

Prize #1

The Gathering CD (Sovereign Grace Music) For Calvinism by Michael S. Horton (Zondervan) Against Calvinism by Roger E. Olson (Zondervan) Joy in Worship by James Vickery (Theocentric)
PREVIEW

LEARN MORE

PREVIEW

LEARN MORE

PREVIEW

LEARN MORE

PREVIEW

LEARN MORE

Prize #2

The Gathering CD (Sovereign Grace Music) Reading Scripture with the Reformers by Timothy George (IVP) Reformation Heroes by Joel R. Beeke & Diana Kleyn (Reformation Heritage)
PREVIEW

LEARN MORE

PREVIEW

LEARN MORE

PREVIEW

LEARN MORE

Making Godly Choices by Martin Murphy & James Vickery (Theocentric) Magnify the Lord by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (Christian Focus)
PREVIEW

LEARN MORE

SAMPLE

LEARN MORE

Prize #3

The Gathering CD (Sovereign Grace Music) Taking Hold of God edited by Joel Beeke & Brian Najapfour (Reformation Heritage) Taking a Serious God Seriously by James Perry (Theocentric)
PREVIEW

LEARN MORE

PREVIEW

LEARN MORE

PREVIEW

LEARN MORE

Experiencing Spiritual Encouragement by Ann Varnum (Theocentric) Children and the Lord’s Supper edited by Guy Waters & Ligon Duncan (Christian Focus)
PREVIEW

LEARN MORE

PREVIEW

LEARN MORE

Prize #4

Amos (Focus on the Bible series) by T.J. Betts (Christian Focus) Meet the Puritans by Joel Beeke & Randall Pederson (Reformation Heritage) The Essence of Christian Doctrine by Martin Murphy (Theocentric)
PREVIEW

LEARN MORE

PREVIEW

LEARN MORE

PREVIEW

LEARN MORE

Developing a Healthy Prayer Life by James Beeke and Joel Beeke (Reformation Heritage) My Christian Apology by Martin Murphy (Theocentric)
PREVIEW

LEARN MORE

PREVIEW

LEARN MORE

Contest is now closed. Winners will be announced soon.

“The Quest for Comfort: The Story of The Heidelberg Catechism” by William Boekestein

Note: A free audiobook of this title is available for download through the Heritage Booktalk blog.

Book Details:
  • Author: William Boekestein
  • Illustrator: Evan Hughes
  • Category: Children’s Books
  • Publisher: Reformation Heritage Books (2011)
  • Format: Illustrated hardcover
  • Page Count: 32
  • ISBN#: 9781601781529
  • List Price: $10.00
  • Rating: Highly Recommended

Review:
Growing up, I was introduced to a wide assortment of “heroes of the Christian faith.” But most of them were Americans — pastors, or presidents, or missionaries — and most were from the last two hundred years. As an adult, I came to a deeper appreciation of the Reformation, and I learned about a whole era of church history that was to some degree overlooked in my education. I now appreciate men like John Calvin and Martin Luther for their courage and tenacity, their faith and piety. As I continue to study the Reformation, it’s lesser-known figures are also catching my eye. The work of men whom history has almost entirely forgotten, continues down to this day in such influential church documents as the Westminster Confession of Faith and the Heidelberg Catechism.

In a new book by William Boekestein, the story of the creation of the Heidelberg Catechism is told on a child’s level. The Quest for Comfort: The Story of The Heidelberg Catechism traces the life stories of Caspar Olevianus, Zacharius Ursinus, and Frederick III. These three forgotten men, are the primary authors of the most enduring Reformation era Catechism: The Heidelberg Catechism.

The turbulent period of the Reformation and the fervent faith of these great men are captured well in this short book. Children will see preachers in jail, and Christians in exile — and such realities are sure to encourage reflection and interaction with the story. The book also introduces the Heidelberg Catechism and would serve well as a book to be read alongside a family study of this important catechism.

Young readers will be enthralled by the names of these men, if not their tales. And the pages of this book are fully illustrated with a classic look and rich, full colors which will transport the reader to another age. The deluxe hardback binding will ensure the book stands up to the constant use young minds will make of it.

I would imagine that young readers in the 3rd – 6th grades would be able to read this independently. And children from Kindergarten and up will find the story fascinating. The color pictures make the book ideal even for younger children in a family devotions setting.

I wish as a child I had access to books like this that majored on the Reformation story, and the rich and varied history of the Christian faith. Author William Boekestein has written other tales for children, such as Faithfulness Under Fire: The Story of Guido de Bres (the author of the Belgic Confession). His simple and direct style is suitable for children and I hope he goes on to write many more wonderful tales such as these for children.

I highly recommend this book. Listen to the free audiobook and consider possibly purchasing this book as a special Christmas gift for a young person in your life. You’ll be doing them a big favor and introducing them to the world of the Reformation.

Author Info:
William Boekestein (M.Div., Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary) is pastor of Covenant Reformed Church in Carbondale, Pennsylvania. He previously taught in a Christian school for several years. He and his wife, Amy, have three children.

Evan Hughes is an illustrator and graphic designer. He and his wife, Kate, live in Scranton, Pennsylvania with their two sons.

Where to Buy:

  • Christianbook.com
  • Amazon
  • Reformation Heritage Books

Book Trailer:

Related Media:
  • Author interview about this book
  • PDF copy of this review

Disclaimer:
This book was provided by the author for review. I was under no obligation to offer a favorable review.