Blessings of the Faith (5-Volume Set)

“These careful, balanced, and well-reasoned volumes will occupy an important place on the book stalls of Presbyterian and Reformed churches. We need short, accessible books written by thoughtful, seasoned pastors for regular members on the foundational elements of church life and ministry. That’s what we need, and that’s what this series delivers: wise answers to many of the church’s most practical and pressing questions.”

“In this scripturally based, theologically sound, and practically helpful book, Jason Helopoulos has provided a concise yet robust resource for anyone who wants to know more about the truth and beauty of covenant baptism. As he rightly states in the first chapter, the key to understanding and embracing baptism is knowing “the kindness of our covenant-making God.” In other words, God is so incredibly gracious that he lavishes amazing gifts on his people and their children. Baptism is one of those gifts. I will be recommending and using this book frequently.”

“This is a truly remarkable, page-turning book that is peppered with personal illustrations and persuasively and winsomely presents a robust defense of the baptism of infants of believers. Written from the overflow of the big heart that this pastor and father has for children and the church, it excels at being biblically enlightening, doctrinally sound, experientially balanced, and practically helpful. The Q&A section is superlative—so succinct, so wise, so “spot-on.” One does not have to agree with every detail Jason Helopoulos propounds in order to realize that this book has immense potential to move the church community forward by helping it to grasp the beauty of baptism without either overestimating or underestimating it. Highly recommended!”

“This is an immensely helpful study of God’s Word on a very important topic. The Q&A at the end alone is worth the read. If you want to understand Reformed teaching on baptism, look no further.”

“Discussions of baptism can so easily raise the temperature in the church and draw lines among Christians. We may be grateful to Jason Helopoulos for gifting the church with a clear, accessible, irenic, and practical treatment of the Bible’s teaching on baptism. Whether you have been thinking about these questions for a long time or for the first time, Covenantal Baptism will inform your mind and stir your heart as Helopoulos shows you the blessing that God intends for baptism to be.”

“Undoubtedly, books written with “wisdom from above” on preaching are a blessing. Now David Strain, in God’s providence, has given us a book written with “wisdom from above” on hearing the Word preached. This book is biblical, readable, and engaging. Tolle lege!”

“There are several good books on how to prepare and deliver sermons, but there are other pressing questions that we must answer. Why do expositional preaching? Why regard preach- ing the Word as the center of the church’s worship, edification, and evangelism? How can we listen to expositional preaching to benefit the most from it? David Strain responds to these questions (and more) with brief, biblical, and heartwarming answers. This is an excellent book for pastors, seminary students, and the people who hear them preach.”

“David Strain has given us his against-the-stream argument for expositional preaching. He’s heard all the gripes and objections to it (and deftly handles them in his own Q&A). His case is evenly balanced yet with an edge that cuts in all the right places. Is it too much to hope that elders and deacons will digest it—as well as all personal-devotion, small-group, online-preaching addicts? How refreshing to read a work that agrees with the orneriness of God in insisting on the supremacy of preaching in the local church”

“David Strain has given us a thoughtful, engaging, stimulating primer on the importance of hearing God’s Word. As a seasoned pastor, Strain understands how vital it is for church members to hear God’s Word rightly and have it shape how they think and live. In these rapidly changing and unsettling times, I am convinced that the health of the church depends on its taking to heart the principles and convictions Strain so plainly and passionately sets out in this little gem. A must-read for church members and pastors alike.”

“ love this book! In an inviting and compelling way, Persistent Prayer captures the desperate, urgent need we have to pray. As you read through these pages, you will find yourself encouraged and inspired to talk to God. Thank you, Guy, for giving us such clear answers, anchored in the Scriptures, for why we should pray. What a gift.”

“We don’t believe in the power of prayer—we believe in the power of God, and that is why we pray. This book by Dr. Guy Richard helps us to understand what prayer is and why we pray. Having served as a faithful pastor for many years, Dr. Richard beautifully weaves together his pastoral wisdom and his academic experience to provide all Christians with a clear and accessible book to help us to grasp that prayer is more about communing with God than simply talking to God.”

“Most Christians know that we should pray, that we ought to pray, that we need to pray. What we really need sometimes is a wise mentor to encourage us along the way so that we actually take up the practice of prayer. Guy Richard is such a mentor. Graciously, winsomely, compellingly, he prods us along the path of lifting our desires to our good and gracious God, knowing that he does, and will, answer our prayers for his glory. Here’s a rich source of encouragement to spend time with our loving God!”

“Guy Richard’s book on prayer may be small, but its impact on the heart is mighty. It not only encourages but also equips the reader to cry out to God in prayer. Be prepared: after reading this book, you’ll want to pray big, God-honoring prayers.”

“It sounds axiomatic, but God answers prayer. If for no other reason, we should pray more. Guy Richard offers to the church a clear and encouraging path to reclaim and revive prayer as the grace of pleading with God. Honestly, I don’t pray as much or as earnestly as I should. I fear most would give a similar confession. Yet this book does not indict as much as it encourages. It is written not from the lofty perches of the academy but from the humble heart of one hungry to know God. When you read this book, you will find one who—like you—struggles to pray and yet rejoices to know that God graciously welcomes and answers our prayers.”