Only One Way of Salvation ... by J.C. Ryle

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Only One Way of Salvation...
J.C. Ryle
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Reviewer: 
Joseph J. Adrian

The 19th century Anglican Minister, J.C. Ryle, whose writings continue to have considerable influence in our day, opens the text Acts 4:12 "Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." This is one of the numerous clear statements in the New Testament that assert that Christ is the only way of salvation. Is Christ set forth as "The Only Way" in the Old Testament as well? Absolutely! Not in plain outright statements as in The New Testament but in type and shadow.

A Fourfold Salvation by A.W. PInk

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A Fourfold Salvation
A.W. PInk
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Reviewer: 
Joseph J. Adrian

When does salvation begin in the experience of the Believer? Some in the present day and in past centuries as well, have asserted that it begins with the Believer's justification (when faith in Christ is exercised). This cannot stand biblical scrutiny. It must be, so Pink correctly contends, at regeneration (when God begins the work of saving His People from “The Pleasure of Sin”). It is when a person is “Born Again,” that they now have a nature that hates evil and loves holiness. Why must regeneration precede believing faith?

What Can We Know About God by R.C. Sproul

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What Can We Know About God
R.C. Sproul
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Reviewer: 
Joseph J. Adrian

Religion and Theology-—What is the distinction between these two studies? Religion is man-made and usually has to do with, ". . . the worship practices of human beings in particular environments." Theology is concerned with "The Study Of God." Religion is natural and theology is supernatural (above nature). One thing that most people will (or at least should) concede is that God is incomprehensible. God is infinite and we are not, so we cannot possibly have a comprehensive knowledge of God.

Evangelistic Praying by John MacArthur Jr.

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Evangelistic Praying
John MacArthur Jr.
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Reviewer: 
Joseph J. Adrian

Should believers be concerned for those who are lost? If so, how great should that concern be? The Pastor of Grace Community Church since 1969, assumes that it is natural for a Christian to have a burden for those who do not know The Lord-"When someone we love doesn't know Christ, it's natural to pray for his conversion." Is the scope of a believer's concern for the lost limited to their loved ones? MacArthur cites 1Timothy 2:1-8 in considering 'Evangelistic Praying'.The apostle Paul begins the second chapter of 1Timothy by exhorting believers to bring supplications for all men.

The World Conquered By The Faithful Christian

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The World Conquered By The Faithful Christian by Richard Alleine
Richard Alleine
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Reviewer: 
Joseph J. Adrian

The three great enemies of the Christian are the world, the flesh, and the Devil. The Puritans being acutely aware of this engaged their pulpits and their pens with these themes with much greater frequency and depth than the present generation of believers. There is a corollary between these enemies of God's people; the devil being the Prince of this world and the flesh being man's fallen nature, which gravitates to and has a love of the world. This treatise addresses in detail one of these enemies as it relates to the Lord's people——the world.

Satan and His Gospel by A.W. Pink

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Satan and His Gospel
A.W. Pink
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Reviewer: 
Joseph J. Adrian

Who is Satan? Does Satan really exist? How does Satan deceive men and women?

Satan is an enemy of God's people. He is an intelligent and powerful being who opposes God and God's Church. One of his devices is to keep people in darkness as to his existence and his activities: "An intelligent enemy always keeps in the background and remains hidden out of sight. It is an important consideration with him that his identity should be concealed." When he deceived Eve, it was through a serpent concealing his true identity.

Harmless As Doves by Thomas Watson

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Harmless As Doves
Thomas Watson
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Reviewer: 
Joseph J. Adrian

If the question is asked, "What is a Christian?" I think one of the best responses would be, "The true definition of a Christian is to be "in Christ." If someone is a genuine Christian, what is one of the surest marks of this? He is a "New Creature." Being joined to a visible Church does not make anyone a new creature. To be baptized, or to profess Christ does not mean someone truly possesses Christ.

The Greatness Of The Soul by John Bunyan

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The Greatness Of The Soul
John Bunyan
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Reviewer: 
Joseph J. Adrian

John Bunyan lamented in his day, ". . . The horrid neglect that everywhere puts forth itself with reference to eternal salvation." He was convinced that there was one in a thousand (perhaps two in ten thousand) that seriously attend to the salvation of their soul. If Bunyan lived today, I think his concern would be much greater now than it was in his day. All of his books have a strong evangelistic thrust——this book especially. As he is considering this portion of God's Word, ". . .

Knowing God by J.I. Packer

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Knowing God
J.I. Packer
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Reviewer: 
Joseph J. Adrian

What can be more important than knowing God? If you have an intense desire to know God, it should be of great concern to you that you have an accurate knowledge of the One True God. Early in his influential ministry, the 19th century Baptist Preacher C.H.

The Doctrine Of Human Depravity by A.W. Pink

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The Doctrine Of Human Depravity
A.W. Pink
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Reviewer: 
Joseph J. Adrian

In the chapter "It's Enormity," A.W. Pink laments two great weaknesses in the theology of the 20th century: "It's teaching concerning God and it's teaching concerning fallen man." Man has sunk much lower due to his fallen nature than many realize - "Sin is infinitely more vile in its nature than any of us realize." The Devil is the author of sin. Sin has brought its devastating effects upon man. "It has completely ruined his nature and brought him under the curse of God." Sin is an infinite evil, for sin is committed against an infinite and glorious being.