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Bringing to light the riches of the Banner of Truth Magazine archive for the encouragement of believers today.
Episodes
Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
In this short, encouraging meditation, David Campbell reminds us that the Lord is sovereign over all of our days, and that it may be in our latter years that we discover new avenues of fruitfulness for Christ's kingdom.
Featured article:
– 'God's Intriguing Timeframes', David Campbell, Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 690 (March 2021).
David Campbell ministers at North Preston Evangelical Church, Lancashire, England. He is a trustee of the Banner of Truth, and author of Sanctification: Transformed Life (Banner mini-guides).
Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org
Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine
Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast
Monday Mar 03, 2025
Monday Mar 03, 2025
Tarry any length of time with evangelical and Reformed Christians, and one is likely to hear the name of Martyn Lloyd-Jones. ‘The Doctor’ as he was affectionately known, had a ministry that was used by God in a quite unique way in the mid to late twentieth century.
This week’s articles provide a stimulus to engage with Lloyd-Jones through two distinct types of media: his letters and his books. Jeremy Brooks highlights the value of the volume of Letters published by the Banner in 1994 for our understanding of the Doctor, and Iain H. Murray offers a guide to Lloyd-Jones’ book output, with suggestions as to which volumes readers ought to prioritise.
Whether you’ve benefitted from Lloyd-Jones for years, or have just discovered him, these articles will provide valuable insights and encouragement to read the work of a wonderful servant of Christ.
Featured Articles:
– 'Revisiting Lloyd-Jones' Letters', Jeremy Brooks, Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 736 (January 2025).
– 'Advice on Reading Dr Lloyd-Jones', Iain H. Murray, Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 510 (March 2006).
Our thanks to Jeremy Brooks, pastor at Wellcome Hall Evangelical Church, Catshill, Bromsgrove, for reading the article he authored.
Resources by Lloyd-Jones:
The All-Sufficient God: Sermons on Isaiah 40
Authentic Christianity (Acts Set)
Born of God: Sermons from John Chapter 1
Knowing the Times: Addresses Delivered on Various Occasions 1942-1977
Letters of D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Old Testament Evangelistic Sermons
The Puritans: Their Origins and Successors
Saved by Grace Alone: Sermons on Ezekiel 36:16-36
Resources about Dr. and Mrs Lloyd-Jones:
D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Iain H. Murray (2 volume biography. Volumes can be bought separately: The First Forty Years, 1899-1939 and The Fight of Faith, 1939-1981)
Lloyd-Jones: Messenger of Grace, Iain H. Murray
Memories of Sandfields, Bethan Lloyd-Jones
The Life of Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Iain H. Murray (1 volume, 'a re-cast, condensed and, in parts, re-written version of the author’s two volumes D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones: The First Forty Years (1982) and The Fight of Faith (1990). Since those dates, the life of Dr Lloyd-Jones has been the subject of comment and assessment in many publications and these have been taken into account. The main purpose of this further biography, however, is to put Dr Lloyd-Jones’ life before another generation in more accessible form. The big story is all here.')
Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org
Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine
Leave us a voice message: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast
Monday Feb 24, 2025
Monday Feb 24, 2025
The second instalment of our Puritan mini-series looks at John Flavel, the great evangelist and pastor-theologian of Devon, in England's southwest. A man who knew the Lord's blessing as a disciple, an evangelist, a pastor, and a writer, he also knew great hardship and government-sanctioned opposition.
See map of Devon (the county where Flavel ministered).
Featured Resources:
– 'John Flavel', presumed to be by Iain H. Murray, featured in the Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 60 (September 1968).
– 'The Character of a Complete Evangelical Pastor Drawn by Christ', John Flavel, sermon notes featured in the Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 8 (August 1957).
Works by Flavel
Binge Drinking (Pocket Puritans, 80 pages)
Facing Grief: Counsel for Mourners (Puritan Paperbacks, 136 pages)
Impure Lust (Pocket Puritans, 80 pages)
The Mystery of Providence (Puritan Paperbacks, 224 pages)
None But Jesus: Selections from the Writings of John Flavel (Pocket Puritans, 176 pages)
Preparations for Sufferings (Puritan Paperbacks, 176 pages)
Sinful Speech: Sins of the Tongue (Pocket Puritans, 96 pages)
The Works of John Flavel (6 Clothbound volumes, 3667 pages)
Second clip from Sinclair Ferguson used with the permission of Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary.
Original Clip: I've never read any Puritan books, where should I start?
Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org
Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine
Leave us a voice message: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast
Monday Feb 17, 2025
Monday Feb 17, 2025
In May of 1871, Charles Haddon Spurgeon contributed an article to The Sword and Trowel on the kind of ministry, and the kind of minister, needed by the churches, and how such ministers might be raised up.
Spurgeon's blend of sanctified common sense and discerning, even wry commentary on trends current in his own day will, it is hoped, stimulate thought on the sort of ministry the Scriptures encourage us to pursue and foster.
Featured Article:
– 'The Ministry Needed by the Churches', C. H. Spurgeon, The Sword and Trowel, May 1871, featured in the Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 20 (April 1960).
Related Resources:
Charles Bridges, The Christian Ministry: With an Inquiry into the Causes of its Inefficiency (https://banneroftruth.org/store/church-ministry/the-christian-ministry/)
Charles Spurgeon, Lectures to my Students (https://banneroftruth.org/store/church-ministry/lectures-to-my-students/)
Charles Spurgeon, The Pastor in Prayer (https://banneroftruth.org/store/christian-living/the-pastor-in-prayer/)
Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org
Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine
Leave us a voice message: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast
Monday Feb 10, 2025
Monday Feb 10, 2025
The Puritans were a diverse group of evangelically-minded, confessionally reformed pastors of the seventeenth century whose great priority was to glorify God in their personal lives, in their families, and in the churches they served.
This week we introduce two lesser-known Puritans from the north of England, Thomas Jolley (or Jollie) and Oliver Heywood, along with some of their brethren. In the crucible of affliction, these men proved the faithfulness of God to those who labour in His harvest fields, even when the harvest is hampered by temptations within and trials without.
Featured Articles:
– 'Thomas Jolley of Wymondhouses', Iain H. Murray, Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 49 (July/August 1967).
– 'First Nonconformist Ordinations in Yorkshire', Roy Middleton, Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 146 (November 1975).
Related Resources:
– Text version of 'First Nonconformist Ordinations in Yorkshire': https://banneroftruth.org/resources/articles/2019/the-first-nonconformist-ordinations-in-yorkshire/
– Book: William Grimshaw of Howarth, by Faith Cook (clothbound, 368 pages – also available in paperback).
https://banneroftruth.org/store/history-biography/william-grimshaw-of-haworth-2/
– Book: Douglas Higgins: Autobiography of a Yorkshire Christian (paperback, 104 pages).
https://banneroftruth.org/store/history-biography/douglas-higgins/
Banner Borders Conference (serving the north of England and south of Scotland):
https://conferences.banneroftruth.org/conferences/borders-conference/
Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org
Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine
Leave us a voice message: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast
Monday Feb 03, 2025
Monday Feb 03, 2025
'Religion was first hatched in families', wrote Thomas Manton, 'and there the devil seeketh to crush it.'
It behoves us, then, as believers, to be watchful, and to guard the spiritual vitality of our families.
This week's podcast episode is an extended encouragement to all fathers and mothers to pursue family piety.
Featured Resources:
– 'Epistle to the Reader' by Thomas Manton, found in The Westminster Confession and Associated Historical Documents (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 2018).
– 'Letter to Pastors Regarding Family Worship', article by Dr. Joel R. Beeke, featured in the Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 582 (March 2012).
– 'Family Worship', excerpt from sermon by J. H. Merle D'Aubigne, featured in the Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 582 (March 2012).
– Excerpts from Chapter IV of The Lives of Philip and Matthew Henry (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 1974). This title is currently out of print.
Other Episodes on Similar Topics:
– When a Child Turns Away: https://bannermagazine.podbean.com/e/when-a-child-turns-away/
– The Home Under Christ: https://bannermagazine.podbean.com/e/the-home-under-christ/
– A Godly Father's Counsel to His Children: https://bannermagazine.podbean.com/e/a-godly-father-s-counsel-to-his-children/
– The High Calling of Motherhood: https://bannermagazine.podbean.com/e/the-high-calling-of-motherhood/
Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org
Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine
Leave us a voice message: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast
Monday Jan 20, 2025
Monday Jan 20, 2025
The hearts of Christian parents should long for the salvation of their children.
This week, we read J Gary Aitken's digest of some of the letters of James Henley Thornwell (1812–1862). These touching letters manifest Thornwell's watchful concern for his children's eternal happiness, encouraging and challenging believing parents today.
Featured Article:
– 'Readings from a Covenant Father's Heart', article by J. Gary Aitken, featured in the Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 172 (January 1978).
About the contributor:
Dr J. Gary Aitken ministered at First Presbyterian Church, Clarksdale, Mississippi, and Covenant Presbyterian Church, Colombia, South Carolina.
Buy The Collected Writings of James Henley Thornwell:
https://banneroftruth.org/store/collected-workssets/collected-writings-of-james-henley-thornwell/
Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org
Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine
Leave us a voice message: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast
Monday Jan 13, 2025
Monday Jan 13, 2025
'This book will make a traveller of thee...'
So begins John Bunyan's classic The Pilgrim's Progress. Many Christians of the past four centuries would testify that it is indeed a book to stir up the heavenbound pilgrim – offering encouragement, challenge, warning, and hope to the man, woman, or child, who desires to attain to the life to come.
But the book has its critics, even prominent ones, and can be a challenging read for modern Christians. With this in mind, we read John Muether's commendation of Bunyan's classic, and an excerpt from the Trust's recent paperback edition of C. H. Spurgeon's Pictures from Pilgrim's Progress.
Featured Content:
– 'Why Evangelicals Don't Read Pilgrim's Progress (and Why They Should)', John Muether, originally published in a Reformed Theological Seminary publication. This was featured on the Banner website on Nov. 2, 2003:
– C. H. Spurgeon, Pictures from Pilgrim's Progress (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 2024), pp. 145–153.
About the Contributors:
John R. Muether joined Reformed Theological Seminary-Orlando as Library Director in 1989. Mr. Muether also serves as Professor of Church History, teaching core courses on education in the church, Christian engagement with culture and church government as well as elective courses on various topics.
Mr. John R. Muether's faculty page: https://rts.edu/people/mr-john-r-muether/
C. H. Spurgeon was, for most of the second half of the 19th century, England’s best-known preacher, becoming converted to Christianity at the age of 15 in 1850. During the 1850s, London’s largest halls overflowed with people wanting to hear this youthful minister preach. During the 1860s, he founded the Metropolitan Tabernacle, along with a college for pastors and an orphanage, and he was already publishing sermons and a monthly magazine. He authored many books, with some of the most popular Charles Spurgeon books including Flowers From a Puritan’s Garden with its inspiring illustrations and meditations; A Defence of Calvinism, where Spurgeon explains and defends Biblical teachings about God’s grace in the Gospels; and the C.H. Spurgeon Autobiography, volumes 1 and 2. Volume 1 is subtitled “The Early Years,” while Volume 2 is “The Full Harvest 1860-1892.” The C.H. Spurgeon Autobiography is also available as a two-volume set.
Buy Pictures from Pilgrim's Progress:
https://banneroftruth.org/store/theology-books/pictures-from-pilgrims-progress/
Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org
Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine
Leave us a voice message: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast