Banners Books

This book both I and my daughter have read and both of us enjoyed the 4 stories within. Each story is by a different author that neither of us had read any books from before and I would certainly read other books from these authors. I would recommend this book to any who want a light romantic read.

Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques

The Christmas Portrait by Megan Daniel
Cassie Douglass is a designer of window displays for a well-known department store in New York City. She puts huge amounts of time and effort into designing the Christmas window to duplicate the exact portrait of a famous Christmas Ball from 1882. As she stands looking at the window, she imagines what it must have been like to be at that party. Suddenly, Cass finds herself at the ball, and face to face with Nicholas Wright, the portrait artist in the flesh. As Christmas draws nearer, so do Cass and Nicholas, in spite of the mental scars he faces from a time in his past. Now Cass is frightened... will she be whisked back to her own time or will she remain with Nicholas and the love they have found?

This was a delightful Christmas tale, taking place in a Victorian era New York City. Ms. Daniel paints a vivid imagery of the city at the peak of the holiday season. One will feel as if actually at the balls and galas, wearing the glittering jewels and fabulous gowns. The passion between Nicholas and Cass is immediately obvious, as is Nicholas' angst over his present lifestyle.

The Spirit of Things to Come by Vivian Knight-Jenkins
Taylor Kendall is a kindergarten teacher from Massachusetts, on her way to her parents' home, and dreading every minute of it. She sees a deer in the road ahead and swerves to miss it, sliding in the snow and going off the road, knocking her head on the steering wheel. When she comes to, she finds herself in 1692 Massachusetts, and in the heart of a puritanical town. She ends up in jail for openly and knowingly violating one of their laws she feels is stupid. Jared Branlyn, the local smithy, takes her in as his apprentice, keeping secret that she is a female. The more time he spends with her, the more attracted to each other they become. Taylor finds herself wishing she can stay with him, yet scared that her own time may call her back.

This tale takes place in an often neglected period of American history. The restrictions placed on the every day lives of the Puritans makes one more appreciative of the rights found in today's society. This is a good story for making people remember just how special Christmas is.

The Ghost of Christmas Past by Eugenia Riley
Jason Burke is a news reporter for a New York paper, who has lost his drive to write and has no desire to pen a series of "fluff" articles on Christmas traditions in England. He is touring the old Simmons hotel and is led on his tour by the hauntingly beautiful Annie Simmons. He cannot get her out of his mind and when he returns to visit the hotel, he ends up in 1852 where he meets Annie alive and well. He realizes his purpose there is to save her from a horrible fate destined to occur on Christmas Eve... and he does just that, falling in love in the process.

This is an excellent story with a paranormal twist like this reviewer favors. The way Jason focuses so completely on his self-proclaimed mission to rescue Annie, backfires in a fascinating way, adding to the story. A true gem, Ms. Riley has written another wonderful tale.

Twelfth Night by Flora Speer
Aline Bennett is mourning her beloved Grandfather's death, looking through his ancient Book of Hours, admiring a Christmas painting of Medieval times. She blinks and unexpectedly finds herself living the life depicted in the painting. She meets her soul mate at the same time and longs to stay with him forever. But will she be able to stay when fate calls her to return to her own time?

This is yet another delightful story by one of the masters, Ms. Speer. Aline blends right into her new life, enriching the lives of all who come in contact with her. Her passion for life is real, as is her agony of wondering if she will be sent home with no warning. This is a great story to round out an even better collection.

Who doesn't dream of life in another time and place at least once in their lifetime? Christmas is a time about taking one back to wonderful memories and treasuring loved ones. So what better way to showcase such a theme of time travel then at Christmas? Let this book warm the reader's heart, and encourage reminiscing over Christmases past. This reviewer's only regret is in not having discovered this delightful read at an earlier date.

The first story, A Christmas Portrait was definitely my favorite because it was so well-written. The scene in the store window was vividly described with such exquisite detail that it came alive to the reader as well as to the main character who was transported into it! I could feel the textile of the ball gowns and the decor of the home! As a New Yorker, I relished in the detailed illstrations of the city 100 years ago versus present times!

The Spirit of Things to Come was also a well-written story that reminds us of the blessings we often take for granted. I love the strong main character Taylor and how she stood up for basic rights in the restrictive Puritanical society. Equally heartwarming was the tender way the smitty Jared treated her.

The Ghost of Christmas Past was a cute story. I loved the dynamics between the characters, and how Jason was determined to change Annie's fate. In Twelfth Night, Aline was an admirable character who made a difference in the lives of all the people she interacted with.

I enjoy just about anything concerning Alan Jackson.....Although it appears written for a young audience, I found it informative and interesting....

This biography is an excellent source for the pre-teens and teens who love Alan Jackson. The letters are larger and easy to read with all the information about Alan Jackson that one would find important. He is a great role model.

Having read the first half of his autobiography (The Early Years) and mid-way through the Full Harvest, it is a delight to read that the book continues the theme of the previous and is not so much about himself but his FATHER in Heaven. Rich in spiritual blessings and excellent guidance for pastors in compassion and management of the masses.
Ms. Spurgeon's input and that of Brother Spurgeon's friends are excellent.

Second volume of Spurgeon's massive biography is actually an edition edited by Banner of Truth (the full unedited original is published by Pilgrim Press). It is excellent. Full of numerous anecdotes, sermon extracts, letters, and data written by Spurgeon, Susannah Spurgeon (his wife), and Joseph Harrald (his secretary), this book was a real treasure to me.

It commences where volume one left off, near the building of the Metropolitan Tabernacle, where for thirty years Spurgeon heralded the gospel of Christ to thousands. Many aspects of his life are broadly covered, including his literary efforts, the pastors college and other institutions, information regarding his home, his trips to Mentone, France, his numerous afflictions, and the Down-grade controversy. Much of this book is fun and delightful, all of it interesting - at least, to a Spurgeon fan.

An excellent little book. Helm challenges you to understand "the calling" as something far deeper and broader than the typical evangelical assumption of "the calling to full time ministry". This book is a great service to the body of Christ.

.

Paul Helm has written a demanding little book, one which, is "bigger on the inside than on the outside."

Helm gives the most lucid, tightly-integrated and compelling treatment to the complicated matter of one's calling that I've seen. I find it difficult to imagine anyone doing a better job.

"The Callings" deals skillfully with matters which have languished in confusion lately, particularly the misguided (though old) notion that there is such a thing as "full-time Christian calling" as opposed to the calling placed upon everyone else. He also deals with the idea of multiple callings, not as fancies which we choose and reject, but as being placed upon all men and women (Christian or not) by God, and as crucual matters which we must discover and understand.

Helm is a philosopher, which perhaps explains why no words are wasted in his arguments. Those used to the fluff which is found in many popular writings directed to the Christian community will find him difficult, but immensely satisfying. He forces necessary thought about critial issues.

This book has the potential to change the way one looks at one's life, from mowing the yard and doing dishes to works of benevolence. Helm helps one to see that our lives are really seamless wholes, no matter how used to seeing them otherwise we may be.

This book, in my opinion, is a must read. Get two copies. You'll want to loan one out. His two other popular books, "The Beginnings" and "The Last Things" are equally well-written and worthwhile.

Many books today are written critiquing the theological landscape of evangelicalism, and specifically the seeker-sensitive movement. These books almost universally contain calls for better preaching and better pastors. What is shocking is that most of them do not explain how to preach deeper sermons, nor do they seem aware that there is markedly more to shepherding than preaching. Many services are evaluated and rejected based on the kind of music (too loud) or the number of illustrations (too short). Authors who decry depth in evangelicalism seem ironically unaware of the depth of the pastoral office, and that it goes deeper than what is observed in a five minute snapshot.

The Christian Ministry (TCM), by Charles Bridges shows an understanding of the pastoral ministry that avoids the traps common to modern-day authors. He recognizes the importance of preaching- indeed he spends two-thirds of his book on it- but he likewise shows that "not all the work is done in the study and in the pulpit" (343). He rightly calls pastors to better preaching, but unlike many modern books, Bridges explains how and why.

TCM does not satisfy itself with a cursory look at its topics. It digs beneath the surface to show the exact reasons for failings in the ministry. Bridges shoots arrows at the pastor's heart when talking about laziness in ministry, and does not content himself with vague indictments. He gives specific examples of sin in pastors, examples that convict even the most stalwart to the quick. His section on pride in young ministers (71, 328) did not just call pastors not to be prideful; rather he gave sample conversations and thoughts that are sinful, and then showed what exactly it is about pastoral ministry that opens itself up to these charges. His description of the young convert described the early stages of my faith better that I could have, and he showed why this is so. Every topic covered shows this kind of depth. [A lone exception is his treatment of the infidel (362), where he lapses into a Pascal's Wager type of argument- notable for its uniqueness in the book.]

The subjects covered are properly mixed with both practical advice and theological correctness. For example, he shows how a hindrance of effectiveness in ministry is the lack of God's blessing, and follows it with a call for pastors not to be lazy. Later he admonishes pastors to preach the entire "chain of salvation," by which he means the doctrines of grace. He immediately follows that call with a charge to be extremely practical in preaching, lest the congregation not understand what is expected of them (268). That section shows the unique danger Calvinistic preachers have, and it shows why their theology sometimes tempts them to avoid application in their sermons. His call to avoid that trap cannot help but resonate in the minds of young preachers. Bridges shows theologically why prayer is important to the preacher, but he then shows practically how to make prayer a priority in preaching (214-6).

This was not a perfect book. Written during the genesis of dispensationalism, Bridges shows familiarity with dispensationalism's teachings (he even uses their vocabulary), but seems to intentionally not be dubious about his view of it. At one point he says that those who teach it show "arrogance" and that it leaves a "black cloud" on the future of the church. But he likewise insinuates that it is the future of the church (54).

TCM, through its in-depth treatment of its subjects that is both honest and powerful, shows that it rightly has been retained as the bench-mark for books on pastoral ministry. It is helpful, thorough, complex, and highly recommended.

The Christian Ministry by Charles Bridges is simply one of the most powerful books I've ever read. Virtually every page was helpful. Bridges' book is a theological and practical expose' on what it means to be a Christian pastor and preacher. It is significant that a book this old (1849) is still incredibly relevant. There are five parts to the book - let me give a quick run-down of each.

I. In part one, Bridges covers the origin, institution, dignity, use, necessity, trials, difficulties, comforts, encouragements, and qualifications of the Christian ministry, along with four steps of preparation for the ministry: habits of general study, special study of the Scriptures, habits of special prayer, and employment in the cure of souls.

II-III. Parts two and three deal with five general reasons and ten personal reasons why ministers are often ineffective. The general reasons include:
1. the withholding of divine influence
2. the enmity of the natural heart of man
3. the power of Satan
4. local hindrances
5. and the lack of a Divine call to ministry

The personal reasons (i.e. causes of ministerial inefficiency connected with our personal character) are:
1. want of entire devotedness of heart
2. conformity to the world
3. the fear of man
4. the want of Christian self-denial
5. the Spirit of covetousness
6. neglect of retirement (time alone with God)
7. the influence of spiritual pride
8. the absence or defect of personal religion
9. the defect of family relgion; and the want of connection of the Minister's family with his work
10. lack of faith

I can scarcely describe how heart-searching these chapters were. When I was working through these some months back, I felt very deep apprehension and fear over my personal accountability to God for the souls in my charge. I needed (still need) to feel that and Bridges pressed it into my heart like probably no author ever has. Those of you who know me best will readily see how much work yet needs to be done in my life regard to these ten things. Pray for me.

IV. Part four of the book details the public work of the Christian Ministry. Much space is given to the task of preaching, including the institution and importance of preaching, and preparation for the pulpit. The last sections of the book I actually read were those detailing the Scriptural mode of preaching the Law and the Scriptural mode of preaching the Gopsel. I suppose I put these off, because I didn't think I would agree with Bridges on his view of the Law, but I actually benefited immensely. I just underlined and underlined and underlined. It is so rich. Then there are also chapters on the mode of preaching (addressing both topical and expository preaching and extempore and written sermons) and the "Spirit of Scriptural preaching" (broken down into seven qualities: boldness, wisdom, plainness, fervency, diligence, singleness, and love).

V. Finally, part five deals with the Pastoral Work of the Christian Ministry, addressing first, the nature and importance of the pastoral work, and second how to treat specific cases in pastoral work (i.e. the infidel, the ignorant and careless, the self-righteous, the false professor, natural and spiritual convictions, the young Christian, the backslider, the unestablished Christian, and the confirmed and consistent Christian.) This was an especially helpful section, giving much encouragement to me in the midst of some challenging pastoral responsibilities, and also supplying much insight in how to apply the Word to specific kinds of people.

It is impossible for me to do justice to the helpfulness of this book. I really know of nothing else quite like it, except maybe Spurgeon's Lectures to My Students. But I think this is even better than that - because of its focus not just on preaching, but on pastoral work. Brdiges is eloquent and full of the Gospel. Like Spurgeon said of Bunyan, he just bleeds Bible - prick him anywhere and his blood is bibline. He was also very well-read in the Patristics, the Reformers, and the Puritans, and quotes from their works often. There are lots of gems scattered throughout that it would be almost impossible for anyone to find elsewhere, unless they pursued a PhD in church history. Perhaps the best thing I can say is that the book has weight - gravity. It is a serious book, but serious in a joy-giving and helpful sort of way. If you are a pastor or elder (or want to be), I highly recommend that you read it.

This is a solid review of evangelism, especially in relation to God and His sovereignty. Do not expect quick gimmicks on how to "win souls" here. This book provides a solid theological framework for evangelism. So often modern day evangelistic efforts lack depth, and the ideas being presented in this book are a great antidote to that! Not all parts of this book interested me, but I found it to generally cut right to the heart with a simple writing style that powerfully exhorts the reader with both emotion and reason! Kuiper definately has a great writing style, not spectacular but very Biblical and digestable.

Evangelism is the heart and soul of Christianity. Telling others the truth about our wretched condition before God, and His gracious provision in Christ is not optional. The problem with much of today's evangelism is that it is aimed at appealing to the hearer--the so-called "seeker sensitive" movement being a prime example. But if you have any experience with such methods, you know that they are ineffective at best, and harmful at worst. Kuiper gives evangelism the emphasis it deserves: a God centered presentation of the gospel. Yes, if you haven't figured it out yet, Kuiper is a Calvinist, and this book is simply a Calvinistic understanding of depravity, grace, and sovereignty. And yet, unlike many Calvinistic documents, this one gives asimple but effective instruction in the presentaion of the good news found in Jesus Christ. Tired of man-centered preaching that does no one any good? Let Kuiper show you the glory of God as you preach the gospel of God!

Five short Christian biographies providing interesting and profitable reading: George Muller, a man of faith and prayer who established orphanages in Bristol, England in the 19th century; Isobel Kuhn, a gifted Canadian who gave her life as a missionary to the Lisu people of China and Thailand, and died of cancer in 1957; Billy Bray, a unique 19th century Cornish evangelist who lived by faith and gave a cheerful and practical witness for the Gospel; David Brainerd, 18th century missionary to the North American Indians who endured great hardship and died at the age of 29; and Robert Annan of Dundee, Scotland, who came to love Christ and needy souls above all else and was an evangelist among the poor in 19th century Scotland. Reading the accounts of these five lives is an encouragement to learn more of these well-known and lesser-known servants of God.

Praise God that his servants at the Banner of Truth Trust have chosen to reprint this great book containing true stories of Christians from the past. These are great to read aloud to your older children. The stories of George Mueller and Billy Bray are especially well-rendered. The theme here is conversion, and this book will be a great tool for any Church workers who will use it to make soul-winning lessons for young folks.

Highly Recommended!

Good Reformed 19th century treatment of the history of doctrine from the pen of a famous theologian and scholar.

Two volumes makes Cunningham's book a very good resource for the study of the development of doctrine.

As the title indicates, this book is a book about the history of doctrine, from the council of Jerusalem in the NT to the seventeenth century. It is not a book on church history. You will look in vain for any material on (for example) the narrative of the seven ecumenical councils, the Crusades, or Calvin's life. Among different doctrines, it focuses on those that are important to Reformed Orthodoxy of the seventeen century. For example, while there are 140 pages on the Arminian controversy, 13 pages cover the whole discussion on medieval scholastic theology. Cunningham studies in detail the doctrine of church government, the person and work of Christ, and most of the doctrine of grace (the Five Points, doctrine of justification etc.)

This work is the lecture notes of a 19th century theologian. Therefore, there is no bibliography at all. Its purpose is not to retell the development of doctrine from a neutral perspective. It is an apologia for orthodox Reformed theology based on a history of doctrinal controversies. Cunningham asseses theology not from a contextual, historical perspective. It does not matter to Cunningham what century a particular theologian is speaking from. All that matter is whether the theologian expounds scriptural teaching correctly.

Owing to its uneven coverage and its methodology, Cunningham is misleading as a textbook of historical theology. However, as a defense of Reformed orthodoxy, it is hard to fine a better work than Cunningham.

i need more information and methods how to tain your horse race
and what is a new idea for tain your horse racining.

If you need a glitzy presentation to get you interested in spending time with your horse, DON'T get this book. If you are looking for a big, beautiful, and colorful book about horses to display on your coffee table, DON'T get this book. But if you are seriously ready to spend time with your horse(s) and are ready to tackle the subject of training far beyond any superficial level, THIS BOOK WILL NOT DISAPPOINT YOU! Though the print is small,the book is a jewel in which you will find the procedures (HOW to do everything) carefully explained and systematically laid out for you "simply for the taking!" The basic black and white photos are just that, very basic photos inserted into the text to clearly make a point. Phillips presents all the components of elementary dressage training. I have found most of the other books on horse training which have flooded the marketplace recently,to rely heavily on gorgeous photos, presumably to boost sales. Many of them seem to have holes and gaps in the information presented. Armed with Phillips' book, which is a 1982 reprint, you will need NO additional training books in your personal library...Yes, he says it ALL!

The finest book, today, on true Biblical preaching. A must for students of preaching and a great find for those who are seasoned preachers.

I found the first and last chapters to be the most helpful.

Perhaps I had missed this in other reading, but Carrick explores the nuances of the indicative-imperative as found in Scripture, especially in Paul's letters. The indicatives are the great objective facts of Scripture - what God has done in creation and redemption as well as who we are in Christ. The imperatives are the great commands of Scripture - repent and believe, present your body as a living sacrifice.

According to Carrick, there are two sets of indicatives with two sets of imperatives that are interwoven between them.

Indicative #1 - What God has done in salvation - the objective truths (e.g. the Apostles' Creed)
Imperative #1 - How we are to subjectively respond to the objective facts - repent and believe.
Indicative #2 - Having been born again, you are a new creation - you are justified and adopted. You are now a child of God (before, you were a child of wrath).
Imperative #2 - Now that you a co-heir with Christ, you are to flee temptation, resist the Devil, pursue holiness and righteousness.

Essentially, all four of these elements are necessary for solid, consistent expository preaching. They must be stressed in order and with balance. Imperative #2 is to follow Indicative #2 not precede it.

Also, he tackles the challenging problem of redemptive-historical preaching verses exemplary preaching. They are only fully biblical when in relationship to each other based on the four elements. Without all four, there is an unhealthy imbalance on either quietism or works-righteousness.