Directions for Daily Communion with God

Book: 
Directions for Daily Communion with God
Matthew Henry
Reviewer: 
Joseph J. Adrian

"Directions for Daily Communion with God" by Matthew Henry——whose commentary on the Bible is still widely used——is a series of three lectures preached in 1712 on beginning the day with God, spending the day with God, and ending the day with God. That true believers desire to, and in fact, do commune with the Living God on a daily basis, very few would deny. Many with whom we interact on a daily basis know nothing of this reality. They do not speak to or commune with God at all——"Many are not sensible of this, and it is their sin and misery; they live without God in the world . . .

Give Yourself unto Reading

Thursday, August 27, 2020

"Give yourself unto reading. The man who never reads will never be read; he who never quotes will never be quoted. He who will not use the thoughts of other men’s brains, proves that he has no brains of his own. You need to read."

—Charles Spurgeon

Walking With God

Book: 
Walking With God
J.C.Ryle
Reviewer: 
Joseph J. Adrian

"Walking With God" is an abridged version of J.C. Ryle's 19th-century work "Practical Religion." Some think Ryle is among the most helpful Christian writers on practical Christianity. The Anglican Gospel Minister, in the chapter Effort, is looking at Luke 13:24, "Strive to enter through the narrow gate . . ." He comments on one of the ways in which the gate is narrow——"It is narrow for those who love sin and are not willing to part with it."

The Importance of Meditation

Thursday, July 30, 2020

"It is not he who reads most—but he who meditates most, who will prove the choicest, sweetest, wisest and strongest Christian." Thomas Brooks (1608-1680)

A Call To Delaying Sinners

Book: 
A Call To Delaying Sinners
Thomas Doolittle
Reviewer: 
Joseph J. Adrian

Thomas Doolittle was a 17th century Gospel Minister. The only other book that I'm familiar with of his is "Love To Christ Necessary To Escape The Curse" (one of the best books on "Love To Christ" that's ever been written). "A Call To Delaying Sinners" consists of eight sermons on Psalm 119:60——"I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments."

Profiting From The Word

Book: 
Profiting From The Word
by A.W. Pink
Reviewer: 
Joseph J. Adrian

A.W. Pink has been called by some, "A modern day Puritan." One of the reasons for this is because his writings were greatly influenced by the Puritans——he quotes from the Puritans frequently. During his lifetime, many libraries were discarding Puritan books. There was little to no interest in their godly writings or their doctrinal positions. Much of what they believed was not in vogue. I believe Pink's influence, primarily through his written ministry, was a significant factor in promoting a renewed interest in the writings of these men (who Spurgeon believed were spiritual giants).

How Christ Is To Be Followed As Our Example

Book: 
How Christ Is To Be Followed As Our Example
by Nathaniel Vincent
Reviewer: 
Joseph J. Adrian

In the section "Persuasion's to Follow Christ's Example," Nathaniel Vincent contends that "Walking as Christ Walked" will make it evident that you are indeed "In Him." If we profess to be in Christ, but do not depart from iniquity, that reveals that we are not truly His.

The Rare Jewel Of Christian Contentment

Book: 
The Rare Jewel Of Christian Contentment
by Jeremiah Burroughs
Reviewer: 
Joseph J. Adrian

These sermons by Jeremiah Burroughs, published a couple of years after his departure to be with his Lord, are an exposition of Philippians 4:11, "I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." This godly Pastor, who was one of the members of the Westminster Assembly, believed that "The Doctrine of Christian Contentment" was—". . . the very life and soul of all practical divinity." To be content, in all of the varied circumstances of this life, is part of "The Mystery of Godliness." It is not something that comes without effort on the believer's part—". . .

One Holy Passion by R.C. Sproul

Monday, May 18, 2020

"He is here with us and all that He is is with us." R.C. Sproul, One Holy Passion, (Thomas Nelson: Nashville, TN, 1987) p. 37.

The Still Hour

Book: 
The Still Hour
by Austin Phelps
Reviewer: 
Joseph J. Adrian

Helpful books on prayer are relatively scarce, but are exceedingly valuable to Christians of all ages. Prayer is one of the greatest blessings, yet among the most difficult responsibilities and privileges, in this dispensation. Austin Phelps asks a couple of searching questions——"Why did we pray this morning? Do we often derive any other profit from prayer, than that of satisfying convictions of conscience. . .

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