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This Week's Sponsor - Banner of Truth
- 10/12/09
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No matter how you cut it, there’s something different about The Banner of Truth!
I knew it 30 years ago when I was working my way through seminary.
I knew it 20 years ago when I was pastoring families outside Philadelphia.
I knew it 5 years ago when I took over the helm here at Banner’s North American office.
And I can honestly tell you - it’s still true today.
There’s something different about The Banner of Truth!
Tyler discovered it not long ago. A young guy from the University of Pennsylvania, we met at a recent conference. As he was checking out Banner’s Puritan Paperbacks, I asked, “Have you ever read these guys?” His growing smirk said it all; my challenge was on! “Tyler, I will give you this copy of Owen’s ‘Mortification of Sin’ with my business card if you commit to two things: Read the entire book, and email me when done. Deal?” His smirk became a grin. “Deal!”
Four months later, I received the following email:
Steve. I finished ‘The Mortification of Sin.’ Excellent book! By the last chapter my brokenness hit me like a tidal wave. I actually broke down crying on the train in my commute. First from brokenness and despair, but then from joy of grace. Do I want more? Yes! — Tyler.
Another guy, Jason, discovered it more recently. Similar to Tyler, I met this high school senior at another conference. “Ever read these guys?” I asked. He shook his head. I made my offer. He accepted. This time, the free book was “Impure LUST,” from Banner’s new Pocket Puritan Series, a sermon John Flavel preached several hundred years ago to a group of “sea-going men” - Navy guys! It’s brilliant! As you might imagine, I was thrilled when Jason’s name appeared in my inbox:
Mr. Burlew. I finished “Impure Lust” and am writing to thank you. Lust is an area in which I struggle greatly. At first I chafed against Flavel’s lengthy discourse on the danger and damage of lust. I didn’t see the point. But by the time I reached the end, I realized why Flavel did it that way: he wanted to give the reader a genuine hatred of lust before he gave them tools to fight it. Thank you for giving me that very timely book; it has helped me do battle with my enemy within. The battle is far from over, but I’m fighting now, as I’ve never fought before. Jason.
John Owen. John Flavel. Richard Baxter. Thomas Watson. Richard Sibbes. Thomas Manton. Yes, there are a lot of dead guys in this Banner of Truth warehouse. But although dead, they really do still speak! And what they have to say will blow you away!
At the same time, authors like Iain Murray, Sinclair Ferguson, Derek Thomas, Sharon James and newer additions like Paul Wolfe and Ken Wingate would like you to know that NOT ALL of Banner’s authors are dead! With 20-25 new releases coming off the presses each year, Banner of Truth now has more than 600 titles well worth your investment of money and time. Sure, they include Puritan works in complete sets, or more manageable forms like the Puritan Paperbacks or Pocket Puritan Series. But also riveting biographies that have gained “classic” status are D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, George Whitefield, John G. Paton, Charles Spurgeon, Jonathan Edwards, and more. Spiritually moving devotionals that change the way you think and pray like, “Through the Year with William Still,” the pastor that Sinclair Ferguson said has had the greatest spiritual impact on his life. Or certainly, “The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions” which caused one pastor to remark, “This book has changed my prayer life forever!”
People often ask how Banner has maintained this consistency over the years, still publishing what I call “Christian Literature Worth Reading: Biblical. Substantive. Trustworthy.” The answer is in Edinburgh, with our general manager, our editor, our trustees, combined with the criteria that each book is of the caliber that it needs to be read now, but will still need to be read in 400 years! Only then will it gain the Whitefield logo on its spine.
But Banner isn’t just about books. Eleven months out of each year, the Banner of Truth Magazine is sent directly from Edinburgh to houses, churches and college dorm rooms throughout the world. Nothing glitzy, but solid content well worth your time! Want to try a 3-month electronic subscription free? Email us: info@banneroftruth.org. Also, young and old continue to benefit from the fellowship and preaching of God’s Word at one of a number of Banner of Truth conferences. Personally, the U.S. Ministers’ Conference is a highlight for me. Men in ministry - pastors, elders, deacons, missionaries, chaplains, students - living together, eating together, worshipping together, praying together. It’s still unlike any conference I have ever attended. I was especially pleased that Tim Challies joined us and did live blogging from the conference a few years ago. How about doing that again in 2010, Tim? Details and video are available here: http://www.banneroftruth.org/reg2010/
Money is tight, and so is your time; there’s no doubt about it. That’s why I am thrilled to meet people of all ages across the country and introduce them to “Christian Literature Worth Reading.” What about you? If we’ve met during the past few years or if you have a story about a Banner book, leave a comment here. Or if you’re like Tyler or Jason, and have never read anything by a Puritan, how about accepting my challenge? If you can honestly tell me that you’ve never read a Puritan author, email me: steve@banneroftruth.org. The first 100 (perhaps more) who can accept my challenge will get a free book IF you commit to read it in full and email me when you’re done. How about it?
In the meantime, get off the computer and go read a Banner book!
Steve Burlew, Manager
Banner of Truth, North America Office
Carlisle, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
I am a follower of Jesus Christ, a husband to Aileen and a father to three young children. I worship and serve as a pastor at 
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Comments (77)
Thank you for this post! I enjoyed this approach. And I love Banner of Truth.
I highly recommend Memoirs and Remains of Robert Murray M’Cheyne, I read it while in college and it was very encouraging. See you in a couple weeks Steve.
Well said, Steve. I’m grateful for all the Spurgeon reprints. Invaluable.
I recommend The Mortification of Sin by John Owen in order to pursue a life of holiness, without which no one will see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14).
Thanks for the Post. I definitely recommend the Minister’s Conference. 2007 was my first year, and I plan to return every year that I am in the country and able to do so. Through the conferences and the many hours of conversation in the cars to and from it, I have learned many valuable lessons about ministry from my more experienced fathers and brothers in the faith. My calendar is already blocked off for 2010.
Well put Steve…we all know there is no publisher like Banner. I also don’t know of anyone more passionate about the books he sells than Steve Burlew. This guys loves the church enough to work incredibly hard at getting godly literature into our hands. I thank God he cornered me at a conference and introduced me to Banner!
Banner books really are literature worth reading. The Puritans need to be published and read today because they have what much Christian literature today lacks - a powerful combination of deep-rooted orthodoxy and fervent love for Christ and holiness. How many books are there that do not just inspire you to be a ‘better Christian’ in some area, but help you to love, really love, God and love His ways? So I thank God that there are organizations like Banner of Truth who publish orthodox and affection-inciting literature.
I love Banner of Truth!
First BOT book I ever purchased was “Valley of Vision.” I got half-way through it, gave it to my younger brother, and got me a new one, and one for my sister, too!
When I read, “The Thought of God,” I contacted BOT with a question about the author, and was surprised when Maurice Roberts himself replied to me.
Recently, visiting family in Brazil, I learned that Iain Murray had spoken at a pastors’ conference in my wife’s hometown. I contacted BOT to inquire which church had hosted the conference… and Iain Murray himself replied. Now we have a good home church when we are in Brazil!
I wouldn’t want to promote an expectation that Banner of Truth’s busy authors would always be so accessible (I’m still waiting for a reply from John Owen), but my experience is that Banner of Truth is a different kind of publisher, unlike all the rest!
I personally met Steve at his office in Carlisle the week I was proposing to my wife. I needed something to do so that my wife thought I left to return to Toronto and I headed to BoT. Steve was gracious to show me around, invited me to stay for staff pizza and gave me a couple free copies of the Puritan Paperbacks.
Not only are the books fantastic (we have so much to learn from the past) but Steve is a wonderful loving Christian brother who has prayed for me and I pray for him and his ministry. I love BoT and will support it for many, many years.
I met Steve about 2 years ago at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. I was blessed to be able to give him a ride around Louisville and introduce him to a few book store owners who sell BoT books. When I met him, there was another man who flew in from Chicago to meet with him. This young man kept calling Steve dad.
Granted I only got to talk and ride around with Steve for a few hours, but I can honestly say that I have made a life-long friend with the man. So, yes, there is something different about Banner. It began 400+ years ago with the writings of the Puritans and it continues today with men like Steve Burlew who want nothing more than to help Christians of all doctrinal persuasions drink from the deep well of the Puritans.
Yeah! Banner of Truth! I have a section of my library where Banner of Truth books go! Keep up the good work, Steve.
Steve, Glad to see the Banner connecting with Tim Challies! Tyhe Banner’s books and magazine are the mainstay of my reading, and have been for over 20 years now. Some of the books are used with great regularity in my ministry (such as commentaries on Psalms and Proverbs) and some have shaped the direction of my ministry — such as Dr Lloyd-Jones on the purtians. Thanks for your faithfulness. Hope others check out The Banner of Truth!
Build a library for your family’s future generations. Steve’s a great resource to help get you started.
Thanks to Banner for all that they do- I met Steve 3 years ago at the Carlisle office. Ever since then, my life has been slowly transformed from the wisdom and application found in these books. I’m grateful for the ministry presented in the pages, and the hearts of the ministers. Keep up the hard work
During college in the late 90’s I was always on the hunt for great used bookstores. One day I decided to go to Carlisle, PA with my wife on a used bookstore quest. We found some great deals, but the highlight of the trip was discovering Banner of Truth’s office. We went in not knowing what to expect. We were already Banner fans. Yet, being told that in the warehouse there was a few piles of “damaged” books…that put me over the top! A few months later I even brought a friend to visit Banner’s small collection of “damaged” books.
Since 2001 we have moved away from PA. Every time we visited family we drove up I-81 and I begged my wife to stop, but in the mysterious providence of God it was always on a Saturday or Sunday. Oh well. For the best, I guess.
I am currently reading two Banner books: Flavel’s The Mystery of Providence and Spurgeon’s Autobiography. This quote alone from Spurgeon (in my mind) justifies the existence of Banner:
“Too many think lightly of sin, and therefore think lightly of the Saviour. He who has stood before his God, convicted and condemned, with the rope about his neck, is the man to weep for joy when he is pardoned, to hate the evil which has been forgiven him, and to live to the honour of the Redeemer by whose blood he has been cleansed.” - Spurgeon, Autobiography, 54.
As a college freshman, I cut my teeth on Reformed theology and the Puritans by reading John Owen’s “Communion with God.” Since then my spiritual life has completely changed as I delved into more of Owen and the rest of the Puritans, thanks to Banner of Truth. Owen, Bunyan, Spurgeon, Sibbes, etc. have all become my dead mentors. And, of course, Sinclair Ferguson has become one of my living heroes through his life & books.This past summer I was privileged enough to not only attend the Banner of Truth conference, but also to make it my “bachelor party.” Steve was a great host, and I left with, literally, a suitcase full of great books. I have read many, but not all of them, and I can truly say Banner of Truth has been the biggest aid to my spiritual growth outside the Bible and my local church! I will always be grateful for their ministry.
I’m most familiar with Valley of Vision. There are times when I read some of those selections and wonder how the author was able to see into my soul. I recently encouraged another brother to dust off the copy I gave him and give it a try. Time for me to get it out for some refreshment also.
Banner of Truth is an exceptional publisher because every book they publish is quality. I purchased Calvin’s Tracks and Treatises a few months ago and have been enjoying them ever since. Keep it up Banner.
Approximately one fifth of the books in my library are Banner books. I have a tremendous appreciation for what Banner does to revive old, worthy works and make them readily available. Keep up the good work!
Thank the Lord for the Banner of Truth. My debt of gratitude for the Banner runs deep, not only for the scores of their books I have read, but even more so for their humble, faithful stand for sober Reformed truth and warm experiential biblical faith. I would recomment everything Banner of Truth, but especially their wonderful pastor’s conference. There is nothing like it for sincereity, simplicity, and a sweet love for the Savior. May God continue to bless Steve and all our friends at the Banner.
With so many books today that are labeled or pass for “Christian literature,” Banner of Truth books are the books that have been consistently God glorifying, and Christ centered. In reading BOT literature, it has greatly blessed me. May the Lord continue to use BOT literature in the lives of His people. Ever since my first BOT book, there’s not a year that goes by where I have not purchased from your store and in the pastor’s conferences where your books are sold. Thank you Steve.
I praise the Lord for the Banner. God used Banner books over 20 years ago to challenge and stimulate me to grow. I grew up in the church but I was Arminian and stagnet. Since I started reading Banner books I have grown and grown. I attended Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary (www.gpts.edu)and was often assigned good books to read that the Banner published. I have attended the mininsters’ conference in Carlisle, PA for nine years now and always come home blessed. I often arrive discouraged and weary but after the opening sermon I am refreshed and blessed and say, “If this is the all I go home with it was worth the time, travel and expense.” Then the Lord blesses again and again with more solid teaching and preaching and I go home ready to reengage ministry for my King. I praise the Lord for the Banner of Truth! I am a pastor and I have been steadily been stocking our church library for four years now and the majority of the books are Banner books. The saints are reading, feeding and growing. May the Lord bless the Banner of Truth for generations to come.
One of my favorite books is A BODY OF DIVINITYby Thomas Watson!
Great reading!
May God continue to bless and use all the wonderful Banner of Truth Books…..sent out all over the world…!!
Robert
Best would have to be Lloyd Jones on Romans! Go Banner of Truth !!
Stories about us youngsters are true. It has happened. I have given Mortification of sin to about 10 other college students.
One of the things I love what Steve is doing over at Banner is sending a frequent email out that lets us know books that are being overlooked that shouldn’t be. He calls these PURE GOLD and I have to agree.
I would highly recommend anyone to check out their biography selections.
What a blessing Banner has been to me over the years. I am truly thankful.
Thanks to Banner for all they have done. First with the idea, and then putting that idea into practice and publishing great books that were out of print. I also encourage those who have never gone to the BOT conference up at the Messiah College in PA, to go next year. You’ll love it. It’s in a great area, and I met many brethren from many denominations. Banner books are all great, some are harder to read than others, but all are great. The Lloyd-Jones biography was very, very good, also Whitefield’s biography was great. Thanks Steve for all you do for us who love to read, and may I add read great books!
I know Steve personally and he does so well at representing Jesus and Banner of Truth Books. I am exited about BOT and the fact that because of their ministry many more people now have Puritan books in their hands.
Not only is Banner of Truth a one-of-a-kind publisher but Steve Burlew is a one-of-a-kind manager and an amazing representative. Banner has been my favorite of all time publisher since I fell in love with the Puritan’s and books that were actually worth my time. But the first time I met Steve, I was at a Desiring God Pastor’s Conference, the nervous, young (age 22) pastor I was. Steve was the first person I met outside of my crew (two pastor’s from our church that came with me) and after talking about our mutual love for Banner of Truth, he asked if he could pray for us! We spent a lot of time with Steve, and it was an unforgettable time.
I say that because Banner of Truth not only produces some pretty amazing books but also has some pretty amazing people working for them. May God continue to bless Banner of Truth for spreading the truth.
I was introduced to the Banner of Truth magazine in the early 80’s and have been a subscriber for 26 years. I keep all the copies and have them in a personal index when I need to reference a particular topic or passage of Scripture. Needless to say I also have a significant number of Banner titles on my bookshelves, none of which have ever disappointed me. Both the books and magazine have been invaluable tools in my personal walk and in my SS teaching. Because I use frequent quotes in class, I was asked in class if all I ever read were dead men! Not quite, but there was a depth there that is rarely seen today. Thanks, Banner.
I met Steve at the Gospel Coalition 2009. He was very gracious and went straight to the heart issues. I really appreciate his friendship. He gave me Impure Lust at the conference, and it was a really good read, though not my first exposure to BoT.
I can’t say how thankful I am to Banner of Truth. Steve was able to get some puritan reading into my hands when we met on the other side of the nation. Don’t stop allowing God to working through Banner of Truth!
I have been reading Banner of Truth Books for most of my Christian life. They were one of the chief means God used in building me up in the historical reformed faith. The things that characterize their books are:1. A supreme respect for God and His glory2. A supreme respect for God’s word and its truth3. Unrelenting effort to hold to the true Gospel4. The pursuit of the joy and holiness of the saints
This is what I expect from anything with that little Whitefield logo on it. I have attended 3 BoT conferences now, and I hope Lord willing to get every man in my Seminary (RPTS) to attend this Summer. [Seminary bus discount Steve?]It too is the highlight of my summer.
The first book that I read as a Christian was ‘Heaven Taken By Storm’ by Thomas Watson…. still reading Banner books- and still profiting tremendously!
Thank God for what Lloyd-Jones and Murray did 50 years ago!
I’m so glad I found the Banner of Truth a couple of years ago. Most of the christian “Study Guides” and devotional material at my local christian bookstore seemed more devoted to drama, pretty graphics, and christian fiction than anything else. It’s a shame I wasted my time and money on pop-christian study material, when I could have been reading Thomas Watson instead.
Further, I’m convinced the Holy Spirit was behind my discovery of The Banner of Truth, as it was time for me to leave the milk and start taking meat.
Keep up the good fight Banner.
John LinkPine Colorado
Soon after I was converted by Christ a copy of the Banner’s edition of “The Death of Death” with Packer’s intro made its way into my hands. Later, as I was searching for stability in amidst unstable Pentecostalism, the Puritan Paperbacks became like manna for my soul.God bless The Banner for untold numbers like me the world over.
I am a “babe in the woods” in my Christian walk. I was converted last year during a deathbed experience and subsequently drawn into an exploration of Christian classics. I did not have a method for determining the biblical from the less-than-biblical so I followed my frustration to Tim Challies’ book, “The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment,” his website, and related readings from www.discerningreader.com. These sources seemed to refer to several of the classics published by the BOT. So off I went to investigate this new resource!
I knew the BOT was a special resource because I wept when I read my first BOT title “The Valley of Vision.” I am continually humbled and astounded by the power and urgency of the messages imparted by BOT authors. My copies of William Gurnall’s “The Christian in Complete Armour” , Thomas Brooks’ “Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices” and Thomas Watson’s “The Doctrine of Repentance” are becoming dogeared because of highlights, margin notes and underlined passages.
I am deeply grateful for these books and look forward to expanding my Christian classics library! Thank You Tim Challies and Banner of Trust ;)
I met Steve at the Shepherd’s Conference last year and he encouraged me to read several complimentary Banner books and also just to catch up with him over facebook which I have done and have been incredibly encouraged.
The book that Steve really encouraged me to read was “Mortification of Sin” by John Owen. Steve was keeping me accountable on my reading and so when I had finished he asked me how I liked it. I had never considered the entanglement of sin as such a wide ranging issue that would take so much of my conscience effort to defeat. John Owen definitely opened my eyes and through God’s grace I have now been fighting the personal struggles with sin that I see every day. Now I know the strength of Satan’s temptations and how through God’s grace to defeat them.
May the Lord richly bless Banner Books for their work in educating the saints.
Gotta love Banner of Truth!I met Steve at a conference when I was just discovering the Puritans and Banner and he has been a great friend ever since. I have been to the pastor’s conference twice and my pre-seminary library is probably half Banner titles! I foresee a long relationship with Steve and Banner of Truth. They have had a profound impact on my spiritual growth. Keep the solid titles coming!
Steve,When I go into a used book store I scan for publishers. That is; are there any Banner books there! I can also judge the spirituality of a city by what I find in used book stores.I think you need to mention that Banner sends hundreds of books to third world/developing nations which are hungry for good books. I admire their consistency and especially there missionary zeal in sending out good books to poor pastors.Thanks for the encouraging words. My wife is troubled by my obsession with getting puritan writings but I keep telling her how great an investment they are. They are worth more than gold!
What Banner title should I praise the most? As I scanned my shelves, in order that they jumped out at me: Spurgeon v. Hyper Calvinism by MurraySovereignty of God by PinkRare Jewel of Christian Contentment by BurrowsCharity and Its Fruits by EdwardsThe St. Andrew’s Seven John PatonAnd of course: A Thoughtful Critique of Covenant Theology (This one hasn’t been published yet, but I’m eagerly waiting.)
I first met Steve in Carlisle at the BOT publication house with a good friend of mine, Jeff, and before we knew it… Steve gave us both $100 of BOT books. Jeff and I just about had a heart attack. Since then, the Lord has been putting my life to the millstone. The works of Edwards, Owen and especially Spurgeon have altered the way I minister on a foundational level. The prayers in the Valley of Vision have significantly changed the way I pray. I believe there is a direct correlation between good theology and good practice, something that men like Calvin and Bunyan could recognize. Modern day pastors and laymen of the church see theology as something that divides, when the exact opposite is the case. Little do they realize that our theology influences our actions much like our muscles influence our movement. The great thing about consistantly studying theology is that the only real outcome is knowing the Lord better. Banner of Truth has helped me and many of my peers to realize our need of Jesus and the urgency of the great commission. I am thankful for the Banner of Truth press for their ability to respond to the call of the growing amount of young men who are aware of the theological drought of modern-day books and churches. Thank you for your constancy in producing tremendous books so that future-pastors can feed future-congregations more than what is currently given today.
Tony D.
I live in Gloucester, England and have recently retired. This September/October I took a holiday in the Canaries with my wife, Bev, and have just re-read Spurgeon by Arnold Dallimore. It was a real treat to read about the amazing way God used that man to fearlessly preach the Gospel to so many people of his day. My special thanks to Mr Dallimore and Banner of Truth for publishing this fantastic paperback. My copy which I purchaesd in 1985 for 4-95 is falling apart but still readable !
Thanks for your article Steve!
As one who attends the conferences, Steve has personally ministered to me. I started going in 2007 and have been there every year since. I went expecting great preaching and teaching, but was not prepared for great pastoring as well. Praise be to our God for your personal ministry Steve; for your joy, God’s glory, and the joy and progress of His people’s faith!
P.S. Thomas Boston’s, Human Nature and Its Fourfold State is a must read!
My first banner book was Iain Murray’s biography of Edwards that I bought in my first year of University. I wish I could honestly say I never read a puritan to take up this guy’s offer on the Puritans however I have and I have been greatly blessed by their works. There are so many Banner books that I want but I will probably never buy anytime soon because of money.
I do not have the depth of experience reflected in many of the previous comments; however, the BOT has over and over again brought me back from the present world and helped ground my thinking. Ian Murray’s writings have been especially appreciated as he provides examples of past believers and their commitment to living a life glorifying to God. I thank God for the existence of BOT.
Yours in Christ
My husband enjoys bringing in the mail when Banner of Truth arrives because I almost squeal with delight. I am so grateful for this publication and for all the resources it points me to.
Although D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones is a name familiar to me, I have never read him. I am now eager to receive the final work as reviewed by Iain H. Murray, Living Waters: Studies in John 4. One extract lifted from that review causes my heart to sing in response: “Another feeling experienced by those truly convicted of sin, is that the desire to be holy is altogether greater than the desire to be happy.” Thank you for this magazine!
I too have benefited greatly from BoT. For example, I love Edwards for theology, Iain Murray for biography/history, and Spurgeon for preaching. The magazine is a wonderful reminder each month of what we are about as God’s people.
But above all, I am so grateful for the fact that through BoT I was introduced to those men and women whose names and works appear in print from BoT and other publishers. I know what I can trust in my library and I have the BoT to thank for that. My life has changed because of what you do.
My sister gave me a copy of The Valley of Vision 2 years ago for my birthday. I have ordered 3 copies since to give for gifts. The collection of Puritan prayers and devotions have enriched my private worship.
In 1988 I began receiving Banner of Truth as a magazine and in 1990 received a $200 gift credit to purchase Banner Books. Later that year, thanks to Ferguson’s John Owen on the Christian Life I made friends with Dr. Owen. My theological sanity was saved by reading Banner and Owen and Lloyd-Jones Sermon on the Mount. I find Banner of Truth materials and Conferences to be ballast that keeps me stable in rocky times in the ministry. I am so thankful for what I have learned. As a result I will recommend any Banner Book to anyone, whether I have read it or not. And the magazine is the only one I read cover to cover, ever!