Why should one have a high view of the visible church and its ministry? The short answer is, Because this is what the Bible requires. Jesus said ‘I will build my church.’ He charged the disciples to baptize their converts into the church and in the process teach them all of his commandments (Matt. 16:18; 28:18–20).

Bible texts not only transform one’s personal life, but also shape one’s outlook on the church–its ministry and mission. In Texts that Transform: Church and Ministry, Terry Johnson shows how the Bible determines our understanding of such things as a Christian’s calling in general, the specific role of the minister, the shape of public worship, the content of the church’s public services, and the character of the day on which those services are conducted. Why do we do what we do in life and ministry? Because these are the things that the Bible–the word of God–directs us to do.

The post Texts That Transform: Church and Ministry appeared first on Banner of Truth UK.

This new book is a rare combination of devotional, memoir, and Bible study that brings the reader into a sense of relationship with the author and renewed connection to God’s word. Travelling through Terry Johnson’s conversion, call, and growth in Christian understanding and character, one reflects on the passages that have influenced his spiritual life. The non-Christian reader will find a winsome companion and instructor in foundational theological truths; the Christian will be challenged to consider what verses have guided his or her own path.

The truth of the gospel, the dangers of hypocrisy and legalism, freedom from anxiety, the urgency of evangelism – these are all helpful topics. But it becomes clear that Terry’s real passion is the beauty, the humanity and the holiness of the Lord Jesus Christ, and this is the heart of this warm and pastoral book.

The post Texts That Transform: Life appeared first on Banner of Truth UK.

There can be no doubt that a seismic shift has taken place within the English-speaking world over the last sixty years regarding what used to be referred to as ‘the Christian Sabbath.’ What was considered to be a day of rest, worship and holy activity is now just like any other day of the week — one for the shopping mall, the sports stadium, or for some self-indulgent ‘me-time.’

What has led to this transformation? Or, more importantly, how ought we to think of the first day of the week? Were our forefathers correct in their understanding of ‘the Lord’s Day’ or ‘the Christian Sabbath’? And what did the Lord Jesus Christ mean when he said that ‘the Sabbath was made for man’ and that he was ‘Lord of the Sabbath’?

Terry Johnson investigates these questions and the issues raised by them. He draws out the teaching of Scripture and illustrates it from the writings of many of the great teachers of the Christian church. He then sets out practical recommendations to help today’s Christians experience the benefits and blessings of the special day God has given us.

The post The Christian Sabbath appeared first on Banner of Truth UK.

‘This book is both profound in its theology, lucid in its exposition, and deeply pastoral and practical in its tone and intention. Anyone wanting to dive into the doctrine of God who wants to see how classical theism connects to everyday Christian life – and what is therefore practically at stake when such theology is abandoned – should read this book.’ — CARL TRUEMAN

Book Description

The problem identified by the prophet Hosea in his day is still with us today — ‘There is no. . .knowledge of God in the land’ (Hos. 4:1). We were made to know God. We were saved to know God. Jesus said, ‘This is eternal life that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent’ (John 17:3).

Our chief end and purpose is to know God and thereby to honour and enjoy him. These pages explore God’s identity. The God who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is also Creator, Governor, and Redeemer. This one true God is infinitely and unchangingly holy, just, good, and loving. This work is offered with the hope that it might promote the true knowledge of the true God. As Matthew Henry said, ‘To know the perfections of the divine nature, the unsearchable riches of divine grace, to be led into the mystery of our redemption and reconciliation by Christ, this is food; such knowledge as this is a feast to the soul.’

‘It has been said by someone that “the proper study of mankind is man”. I will not oppose the idea, but I believe it is equally true that the proper study of God’s elect is God; the proper study of a Christian is the Godhead. The highest science, the loftiest speculation, the mightiest philosophy, which can ever engage the attention of a child of God, is the name, the nature, the person, the work, the doings, and the existence of the great God whom he calls his Father… I know nothing which can so comfort the soul; so calm the swelling billows of sorrow and grief; so speak peace to the winds of trial, as a devout musing upon the subject of the Godhead.’

— C. H. Spurgeon

Table of Contents Expand ↓

Review

• Review from the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals

The post The Identity and Attributes of God appeared first on Banner of Truth UK.

Communicating the faith to children is one of the great responsibilities of Christian parents. In this book, Terry Johnson, a father as well as a pastor, shows how the Shorter Catechism can be of great help to parents facing this vital task.

Many generations of Christian parents have found the Westminster Shorter Catechism to be one of the most effective ways of raising their children in the ‘discipline and instruction of the Lord’ (Eph. 6:4); for not only does it provide a clear explanation of the gospel, but it is still one of the best introductions to the most important doctrines of the Christian faith.

Concise, brief, informative, and above all practical, this book will be a great help and a most useful guide to parents and grandparents, pastors and Sunday-school teachers.

Table of Contents Expand ↓

The Value of Learning The Shorter Catechism

• Article by John Murray

Review

• Review by Ryan McGraw
• Review by Alan Hill

Interview With the Author

• Interview from The Shorter

The post Catechizing Our Children appeared first on Banner of Truth UK.

This is a timely piece of writing that argues passionately and persuasively for a serious reconsideration of the great scriptural principles that under-girded the Protestant Reformation of the sixteenth century. Far from being outdated and irrelevant to the church today, Terry Johnson shows that these very principles are the essence of biblical Christianity.

Sadly, the term ‘Protestantism’ has been rendered virtually redundant by years of misuse and abuse. it is seen as being antiquated and irrelevant in this present age of open-mindedness and political correctness. But Terry Johnson demonstrates that there is a powerful strong case to be made for the church to rediscover what this ‘unpopular’ and ‘unfashionable’ term really stands for. Using the great ‘Reformation watchwords’, he focuses our attention on Scripture, Christ, faith, grace and the glory of God in all aspects of daily life. Here is a well-written book, attractively presented and full of rich Bible teaching interspersed with thrilling illustrations from church history.

Table of Contents Expand ↓

The post The Case for Traditional Protestantism appeared first on Banner of Truth UK.