Bibliography; Specific Recommendations

In this part of the sermon: Martin illustrates that providing bibliographical guidance is not new, citing Richard Baxter, W.J. Greer, C.H. Spurgeon, John McLeod, and J.I. Packer (via Mr. Houghton) as…

Martin cites Richard Baxter's 'Christian Directory' (325 years prior) as an example of a pastor providing specific reading guidance, noting Baxter's 13 principles for reading other books and his recommendations of authors like Gurnall, Hall, Sibbes, and Rutherford, many of whom are still reprinted today.

books and to see how many have sought to do something similar to this at other periods in the history of the church. Approximately 325 years ago, Richard Baxter sought to do this for his people, for in the Christian Directory, which is volume one of the printed, recently reprinted works of Baxter, he has in chapter 20 directions for the profitable reading of the Holy Scriptures, and he gives 10 very helpful directives. I've wondered if perhaps it wouldn't be well to read out one of these before the preaching of the word every Lord's Day for 10 weeks. Very profitable suggestions. But chapter 21...

3:03 - 3:57 Read in full sermon

In this part of the sermon: Martin illustrates that providing bibliographical guidance is not new, citing Richard Baxter, W.J. Greer, C.H. Spurgeon, John McLeod, and J.I. Packer (via Mr. Houghton) as…

Martin lists several historical attempts to compile Christian bibliographies, including W.J. Greer's 'The Best Books,' Spurgeon's 'A Guide to Commentaries,' John McLeod's 'Some Favorite Books,' and J.I. Packer's 'My Life and Books,' to show that providing reading guidance is a common and valued practice among Christian leaders.

I then went through my own library and picked off the shelf various booklets that were an attempt to do this. The Best Books, a Guide to Christian Literature by W.J. Greer.

5:33 - 5:45 Read in full sermon

The point: Do not canonize the provided bibliography sheet.

Martin uses the analogy of 'one-size-fits-all' robes that don't truly fit everyone to explain that the bibliography he is presenting is not intended to be universally applicable, as individuals have different needs, backgrounds, and capacities.

This is not a one-size-fits-all attempt to give you a reading list. You've seen these men's robes. They don't have small, medium, large. It says one-size-fits-all.

10:01 - 10:16 Read in full sermon

The point: If you don't have a Strong's Concordance, get one to be strong in understanding God's Word.

Martin recounts how, as a young believer, he used Strong's Concordance to track the words 'repent' and 'repentance' throughout Scripture, which profoundly impressed upon him the necessity of repentance in the gospel, illustrating the practical value of the tool.

again. But it's been my companion in my earthly pilgrimage. It's an exhaustive concordance, has every word in the old authorized version and in the revised version, included even all the prepositions at the back. And when you're seeking to see how God himself has used a given word throughout scripture, it is an excellent tool to help you. The directions for using the number coding are relatively simple. And the lexicons or the dictionaries of the meaning of Hebrew and Greek words at the back is very helpful as well. If you don't have a Strong's Concordance, I would give you the little couplet ...

17:02 - 18:03 Read in full sermon

The point: Use Matthew Henry in conjunction with your own devotions, working through the whole Bible.

Martin mentions George Whitefield's practice of reading Matthew Henry's commentary multiple times on his knees, highlighting Henry's role as Whitefield's 'constant tutor' in the knowledge of God, thereby commending Henry's work for its devotional and instructional value.

There have been so many who have paid such glowing tribute to the worth and benefit of Matthew Henry. One hardly knows where to begin in commending those six volumes as something most desirable to be present in every single household. We have some in our own congregation who are using Matthew Henry in conjunction with their own devotion. Working through the whole of the Bible with Matthew Henry at their elbow.

22:27 - 22:56 Read in full sermon

The point: If teaching the shorter catechism to your children, use Watson's Body of Divinity for your own preparation and possibly read sections to them.

Martin compares Baxter's warning against 'the devil's books' like idle tales and romance novels to modern Harlequin novels and serialized TV programs, using it to underscore the timeless relevance of guarding against unwholesome media.

And then I must say a word about Baxter's Christian Directory under the advanced, and I put it under the advanced because of its size, and of its expense. I didn't even dare to try to carry one in my satchel. It would have crowded out a lot of other books. But most of you know they're about that wide and yay tall and weigh about three, four pounds a piece.

28:12 - 28:34 Read in full sermon

The point: Obtain 'The Church in History' by B.K. Kuiper and use it to acquaint your children with significant events in church history before they leave home.

Martin describes reading Daubeney's 'History of the Reformation' as being like a 'spy novel,' so captivating that he had to limit himself to an hour a day. This illustrates the engaging and passionate nature of Daubeney's writing, which blends history with a fervent Christian perspective.

And then if you can come on a copy of the History of the Reformation by Daubeney, I have the old four volumes in one double-column small print, and I remember the first time I read through it, I had to discipline myself and watch the clock and limit myself to an hour a day because it reads like a spy novel. It just captures the interest because Daubeney wrote not simply as a historian but as a philosopher. He was a fervent, godly Christian, and his blood and his guts are mingled with the history, and you sense that in reading it. Then under biography, this was most difficult to know where to b...

32:25 - 33:22 Read in full sermon

In this part of the sermon: Martin suggests books for the Christian life, particularly Ryle's 'Holiness,' Jerry Bridges' 'Trusting God Even When Life Hurts,' John Murray's 'Frowning Providence,' and Sinclair…

Martin mentions John Murray's 'Frowning Providence,' a book born out of Murray's personal suffering after losing a child in infancy, illustrating how profound spiritual insights can emerge from the crucible of difficult providences.

A dear personal friend. Who lost. A child in relative infancy. And out of the crucible of that suffering came.

43:56 - 44:05 Read in full sermon