Books"When you come, bring with you . . . the books, but especially the parchments.
" (2 Tim. 4:13).
"Till I come, bestow your attention on reading, exhortation and teaching" (1 Tim. 4:13).
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As there is by far more material available than could be of practical use to the saints, an effort has been made to recognize only those works of exceptional quality. These include works that have withstood the test of time - writings that most adequately fit in to the overall theme of God's eternal purposes, along with the "testimony" he has provided to and through man. Thus, most of what you will find are proven works: Writings that have borne much fruit to the glory of God.
A good portion of the material posted will not be found on the best seller list. Indeed! Some of the books can only be located on the used book market. Why? One other criteria used in the the selection process was purity of content. In this way, a clear and precise "note" will be sounded out, with the intent and purpose that no dishonor shall be done to the cause of Christ.
Therafter, is a list of publishers dedicated to providing solid and in depth materials for students of the Bible, followed by a list of used book dealers to assist in locating some of the older and/or harder to find gems that are dispersed throughout the various sections of the web site.
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Book Reviews
The Spiritual Man
by Watchman Nee.
Of the many books that bear his name, this is one of the few actually penned by Nee. Most were transcribed from his lectures and sermons by others who were faithful to preserve the wisdom and insights this brother shared with them.
Here we have a testament to the profound truth and spiritual law: The degree of light one receives is in proportion to the depth of the trial endured. The practical value of this becomes quite evident as one begins to comprehend the insights that are expounded. As he labored with the task of its writing, Nee endured some of the most severe trials of his life. Under the pressure of extreme spiritual warfare, compounded by an intense physical struggle with a dread disease, numerous times he reached the point of physical exhaustion. Many of those around him believed he was on his deathbed. But God had other plans.
The Spiritual Man will probably be the most comprehensive treatment of the tripartite nature of man ever written. With surgical precision Nee dissects the spirit, soul, and body of man, explaining WHO we are in the light of God's Word, WHY we are the way we are, and HOW it all fits together and relates to the triune God which created us. This reading is only for the serious minded Bible student. Most, will probably find, it requires several readings and many years before the truths it contains can be fully digested. Those who have done so, have found, it is well worth the time and effort.
Thanks to helper@interpath.com, whose comments greatly assisted in formulating this review.
The Ultimate Intention, by DeVern Fromke
When Galilleo’s discovery gave the earth a new center, it caused one of the greatest scientific revolutions known to man. The writings of centuries had to be adjusted in order to conform to the truth of the reality of the solar system. In a similar way the author addresses the issue of God’s ultimate intentions; only the thrust of the message is geared toward redirecting one’s perspective. All too often we interpret God’s plans and purposes with an attitude and orientation that is man-centered. While there may be a real concern for understanding Biblical truths, approaching them from a finite, self centered, location tends to restrict our ability to grasp the fullness and wonders of these facts. What is needed is an examination of God’s purposes and intentions using Him as the center. Modern day scholars have a term for such a radical change of thinking. It is known as a paradigm shift. Any other approach to God leaves one centered in self, and short of understanding God’s “ultimate” intentions. Using a myriad of helpful illustrations, DeVern Fromke masterfully addresses this issue.
Available through: Master Press.
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For the latest reviews - check out the latest newsletter!
Numerous others are interspersed throughout the various sections according to applicable subject matter.
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Publishers
Richard H. Akeroyd’s (the son-in-law to T. Austin Sparks) books are available through Searchlight Literature, or directly from Mrs. Akeroyd at 7409 Springvale Drive, Louisville, KY 40241.
Believers Bookshelf USA, and Believers Bookshelf Canada - offer Scripturally accurate materials to help the spiritual growth, development and welfare of Christians of all ages. Their catalog contains a selection of books and pamphlets by numerous Plymouth Brethren writers.
Bible Truth Publishers - Offers a wide range of "Open (Plymouth) Brethren" materials.
Chapter Two - Exclusive (closed) Brethren. Publishing quality materials that promote the Christian Faith.
Christian Fellowship Publishers - Established by Stephen Kaung, who co-labored with Watchman Nee in China years ago. He has translated over sixty some books from the ministry of brother Nee into English. These are available through your local Christian book-store, or in quantity, at discounted prices, by contacting the publisher directly.
Christian Tape Ministry - offers tapes, books, leaflets, and more, from various speakers who are recognized as leaders in the stream of the Spirit's working.
Christian Literature Crusade - CLC Publications is an outreach of CLC Ministries International, and has been publishing books on the deeper life for over 50 years .
J.P. Dorsey of Dust And Ashes handles used Christian books, as well publishing reprints (such as The Narrative of Mueller set).
Harvey Christian Publishers. For over forty years Edwin & Lillian Harvey edited a magazine in Britain called "The Message of Victory."
Their search for inspired articles led to become aquainted with many precious gems. Some of that material is now compiled into inexpensive paperbacks on various subjects. It spans centuries, denominations, gender, and class, to express true faith in Jesus Christ - and Him crucified.
Kingsley Press is the publishing venture of Edward and Angela Cook. The aim is to provide Christ-centered literature that will encourage, inspire, and challenge those who read it. With a belief that the Church of Jesus Christ is larger than any one denomination or group, and that Christ has His love slaves in many different sections of the visible church in many different parts of the world, they are ardent admirers of the Revivalists of the 18th and 19th centuries, such as John and Charles Wesley, George Whitefield, Jonathan Edwards, and many others. They also have a great appreciation for such men of God as Charles Spurgeon, D. L. Moody, George Muller, G. H. Lang, Oswald Chambers, and a whole host of others too numerous to mention.
The ministry of Kingston Bible Trust offers the works of some "Brethren" recognized for their gift in Bible exposition. Charles A. Coates stands out as one of the most profound. In the UK contact Malcolm Withell for a catologue. In the US his materials can be obtained through The Dover Bible Fund.
Wheaton College has a comprehensive collection of Keswick materials, thanks to the late Professor, Stephen Barabas.
Stephen Barabas described Keswick as "[a]n annual summer gathering of evangelical Christians, held since 1875 at Keswick in the Lake District of Northern England. It had its origin in the Moody-Sankey evangelistic campaign in Britain in 1873-74 and in the writings of the American religious leaders Asa Mahan, W. E. Boardman, and especially Mr. and Mrs. Robert P. Smith. The first Keswick Convention was preceded by a number of similar conferences held by Smith throughout England and by larger ones held at Broadlands and at Oxford in 1874 and at Brighton in 1875. T. D. Harford Battersby, vicar of the Anglican church in Keswick, held the first Keswick Convention on his own church grounds, and the meetings, lasting one week, have been held there every week since. The convention has become the mother of similar conventions not only in England but in many other countries throughout the world.
From the beginning the convention has had as its aim the deepening of the spiritual life. It differs from the average Bible conference in that it aims not merely to impart Bible knowledge and spiritual uplift, but to be a spiritual clinic where defeated and ineffective Christians may be restored to spiritual health. It stands for no particular brand of denominational theology. Its motto is "All One in Jesus Christ."
Since the convention has a definite aim and purpose to accomplish in its meetings, the teaching given during the week normally follows a progressive order. On the first day the addresses focus on sin and its disabling effects in the life of the believer. On the second day the addresses deal with the provision God has made through the cross to deal with the problem of sin, not only its guilt but its power. Much is made of Romans 6-8, where Paul states that the believer is identified with Christ in his death to sin and is therefore set free from slavery to sin. Keswick does not teach the possibility of the eradication of the sin nature or the attainability of sinlessness in this life. The third day is devoted to teaching on consecration, which is man's response to God's call for complete abandonment to the rule of Christ, involving both a crisis and a process. The fourth day is occupied with teaching on the Spirit-filled life. All Christians, it is taught, receive the Holy Spirit at regeneration, but all are not controlled by him. The fullness of the spirit is made experiential by abandonment to Christ and abiding in that state of abandonment. On Friday the theme of the convention is Christian service, which is the result of the Spirit-filled life. Keswick has always stresses the importance of missions and has deeply influenced the missionary movement.
The majority of Keswick speakers have naturally come from England, but many have come from other parts of the world. Among the better known are Donald G. Barnhouse, F. B. Meyer, H. C. G. Moule, Andrew Murray, John R. W. Stott, Hudson Taylor, and R. A. Torrey. The addresses given at the convention are published annually in a volume usually called either The Keswick Convention or The Keswick Week.
Gospel Folio Press - publishes and distributes quality Christian books in the name of the Lord. (Plymouth Brethren connection).
Kregel Christian Books - Kregel has been offering quality Christian materials for two or three generations.
Living Stream Ministry was founded by Witness Lee, a disciple who ministered in China under the leadership of Watchman Nee. Publishing the works of both Watchman Nee and Witness Lee, they offer the most comprehensive chronological record of Watchman Nee’s lifetime ministry in a sixty-two volume set, under the title The Collected Works of Watchman Nee,
Set One, Set Two, and Set Three.
Loizeaux - Loixeaux has dedicated the last 125 years to publishing materials that help people better understand God's word. Closely associated with the Brethren movement.
Pass The Word - The original writings of Madame Guyon, Francois Fenolin, Michael Molinos, and others.
SeedSowers - - This "Alternative Christian Publisher" offers books not found in the mainstream of Christian publishing. They can be placed into two general categories: "The Deeper Christian Life," and "Church Life".
Schoettle Publishing - For over twenty years brother Lewis has been republishing valuable resources from sound expositors of the past. The focus or theme of the material is the kingdom, the judgment seat, and belivers rewards and/or punishments. Issues that should be of great concern to every believer.
Robert Taylor of Maranatha Ministries had this to say, "I'd like to congratulate you . . . I don't know any other company to this day that can match the quality of material which you handle. . . ."
Sure Foundation - Offers the God centered books of DeVern Fromke. Or, they can also be ordered through Sure Foundation - .
Three Brothers Treasures of Christian Wisdom encouraging a deeper life with God.
Truth For Today - Interested in the works of E. W. Bullinger? Many of them are still available. The serious minded Bible student might be interested in Things To Come. A major work of seven volumes, it contains the periodical published by E. W. Bullinger under the same title. For those disposed to a lighter approach, try E. W. Bullinger: A biography by J. Carey.
Theoloigically his beliefs placed him into a school of thought known by the term “hyper,” or “ultra-dispensationalist.” Put simply, these believe the promises to the Church do not begin until Acts 28:28. In other words, the Gospels were for the Jews. Decide for yourself! But this doctrinal view does not detract from the depth of His insights. There is much blessing and food for thought in them.
Schmul Publishing - Republishes many fine works and also handles out of print or used books. Check out their book club. While a good portion of their materials have a Wesleyan and armenian approach, there is also quite a selection of other works from authors who not only understood and lived the "life," but also wrote about it.
The Lamp Broadcast - Arlen Chitwood has written numerous books on various subjects. They present sound principles, filled with typical illustrations (types and shadows) and are offered free of charge.
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Used Book Sources
ADVANCED BOOK EXCHANGE - ABE Books One of the Internet's most popular service for buying and selling out-of-print, used, rare and antiquarian books. Free booksearch service, and online book search engine.
AddALL - Book Search and Price Comparison. Search and Compare among 40+ sites, 20,000 sellers, millions of books!
Amazon.com - Amazon has an excellent search engine for not only new, but also used books. Just click "book" in the search box and select "used books" to seach a large inventory from among used book dealers.
Bibliofind - An excellent search engine. And a large inventory of used and rare books offered by 1500 booksellers around the world.
Book Finder - A large inventory from used book dealers.
Bright Light Books - Their extensive data base
Kregel Christian Books - Kregel not only publishes Christian books, but also has retail outlets, and an extensive stock of used or out of print material. Know the title your looking for? Run a search for it on the used book site.
Peter Reynolds Books - Specializing in old Christian Books.
Rare Christian Books - Rare Christian Books is a good source for out of print materials. Most of their used books have depth. As would be expected, since these works reflect the spiritual stature of saints known to have acheived spiritual maturity in years gone by.
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