Monday, November 19, 2007

The Westminster Shorter Catechism Explained by James Fisher

Nothing tends to the spiritual advantage and well-being of the Church than sound Scriptural standards of doctrine, worship and government, because, as they are a strong bulwark against contrary errors and opinions, so they tend to preserve Truth in its purity. We heartily commend the Exposition of the Shorter Catechism, and pray that it may continue to be blessed of God for the edification of souls in these degenerate days.

Publisher: Crown Rights Book Company (1999)

Saturday, November 17, 2007

The Songs of Zion by Michael Bushell

For more than a decade the Crosslanes congregation have exclusively sung the Psalms in worship. We have been blessed richly as we have been brought nearer to God when we praise Him in this way. Our souls have been nurtured with this heavenly manna. We highly recommend, “The Songs of Zion” to you, and fervently pray that all who are committed to the inerrancy of Scripture would seriously consider God’s authorised manual of praise.

Publisher: Crown & Covenant Publications (November 1993)
ISBN-10: 1884527043
ISBN-13: 978-1884527043

The Systematic Theology of John Brown of Haddington

We are always greatly blessed through the writings of Rev. John Brown, especially his Dictionary of the Holy Bible. His Systematic Theology is no exception. This work was printed in 1782 at the request of theological students. It offers Biblical focus, exegetical insights, a covenantal theme, experiential depth and compelling applications. Brown’s great aim was to cultivate love for Christ in the soul of the believer. For all who desire a systematic study of God’s Word, we commend this excellent book to you.

Publisher: Christian Focus (June 2002)
ISBN-10: 1892777665
ISBN-13: 978-1892777669

Friday, November 09, 2007

This is my friend


"this is my friend" - Song of Solomon 5.16

The Christian is one who truly knows the Lord Jesus Christ in their heart and life; they have a friendship, an acquaintance with Him, which is not false but real. We say of Him; “this is my friend”. Many of you may have some knowledge about the Lord Jesus Christ, for example; you may know certain things about His birth at Bethlehem, His life here upon earth, His death upon the cross and His resurrection from the grave. You may know these things but not understand what it is to say “this is my friend”.

It is a great blessing to me, to have Jesus as my friend. He, because of my sin, came to this world, lived a sacrificial life for me and then faced death on the cross for me. He said whilst He was here upon earth, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for His friends.” How thankful I am that I was led by grace to the Saviour, He caused me to repent of my sins and believe in Him. It is my prayer that you likewise would be led to know the Lord, He who is the friend of sinners.

If you come to know Him, unlike other friends you may have had in the past, He is a friend that will never leave you nor forsake you. Friends sometimes will let you down, He will never fail you. He is there in Heaven, to listen to you, to watch over you, and to care for you. At the time of death He will be there for you. The Psalmist said in those familiar words of the 23rd Psalm “Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me.”

The moment the believer dies they will enter heaven, and there, they will see, their Great and wonderful friend. In His immediate presence they will abide, His friendship, fellowship and love, they will know for ever and ever. It is a glorious prospect, is it yours? The Lord Jesus Christ said “Come unto me” Matthew 11: 28. If you come by way of believing you will know the best friend to have, and be able to say of Him “this is my friend”.