If I was faced with a desert island scenario in which I had to choose a favorite commentary series, just one series to take with me, I am quite sure I would go with the Reformed Expository Commentary set published by P&R. For someone like me, someone who has no seminary education and who has very little knowledge of the original languages, this series offers trustworthy, accessible commentary on the biblical text. I have used them in sermon preparation, I’ve used them in writing books and articles and I’ve used them in personal devotions. In every context they have proved their worth.

The set now contains 16 volumes spanning 13 books of the Bible. The Old Testament has volumes on Jonah & Micah, 1 Kings, Esther & Ruth, Zechariah and Daniel. The New Testament has volumes on Ephesians, Acts, Luke (2 volumes), Matthew (2 volumes), 1 Timothy, Galatians, Hebrews and James. There is also a “Christmas” volume that focuses on Christ’s Incarnation in the Gospels.

In the Series Introduction the co-editors make clear that these commentaries were written for pastors, lay teachers and all other lay persons. "We hope that the devotional quality of these studies of Scripture will instruct and inspire each Christian who reads them in joyful, obedient discipleship to Jesus Christ." I think they've written the commentaries in such a way that this goal is attainable. As you may have discerning from the title, the commentaries are consistent with the Reformed creeds and confessions. They are biblical (committed to comprehensive exposition of the text), doctrinal (committed to the Westminster Standards), redemptive-historical (committed to a Christ-centered view of the Old Testament), and practical (committed to applying the text to people today). Individual volumes are endorsed by a wide variety of Reformed pastors and theologians (Baptist and Presbyterian alike).

Today I am giving away a complete set of these commentaries. And just to sweeten things even more, I’ve got another set of the Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament to add to it (see last week’s post for more information on this site).

So whoever wins this one will with both sets—16 volumes of the Reformed Expository Commentary and 4 volumes of the Zondervan Exegetical Commentary. 

I’m sticking with PunchTab to coordinate this giveaway. A few people have mentioned that they dislike PunchTab’s reliance on Facebook. Do know that they will soon open it up to people who do not have a Facebook account. However, with a giveaway like this one, PunchTab makes my life much, much (much!) easier.

Can’t See the Form?: If you are reading this via Facebook or RSS, please visit the blog to enter. If you are at the blog, trying hitting the “refresh” button in your browser.

This week’s sponsor for Free Stuff Fridays is, once again, CBD Reformed, a regular participant in these giveaways. As always, they are giving away 5 great prize packs, each of which contains 3 books. Five winners will each receive:

• God, Freedom and Evil by Alvin Plantinga - Retail price $15.00
• Generous Justice by Timothy Keller - Retail Price $19.95
• Operation World by Jason Mandryk - Retail Price $24.99

Also, CBDReformed is offering a sale on several items. Anyone is free to take advantage of these deals:

• Radical Together by David Platt - retail $14.99 / sale $8.99
• The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones - retail $16.99 / sale $9.99
• Systematic Theology: An Introduction To Biblical Doctrine by Wayne Grudem - retail $49.99 / sale $27.99

These items will be available at those prices from June 17 until June 20.

Giveaway Rules: You may only enter the draw once. Simply fill out your name and email address to enter the draw. As soon as the winners have been chosen, all names and addresses will be immediately and permanently erased. Winners will be notified by email. The giveaway closes Saturday at noon.

Note: If you are reading via RSS or email, you may need to click through to see the form.

The more stuff I give away, the more stuff I’m able to give away. I guess that’s a good thing. Today I am giving away a great little prize: Zondervan’s Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament. The series currently stands at 4 volumes and I’m giving away a complete set. Maybe if we get a big enough response I can convince them to part with another set or two.

Here is where the series stands so far:

• Matthew by Grant Osborne
• Galatians by Thomas Schreiner
• Ephesians by Clinton Arnold
• James by Craig Blomberg

With twenty volumes projected, this looks like it will be a must-have series for the student of the Bible (or the preacher of the Bible at any rate). Here is what Justin Taylor said about it, focusing on the ease-of-use:

I now think that the Zondervan Exegetical Commentary Series on the New Testament is probably the best in terms of creative typesetting and a well thought-through approach for making available the kinds of materials that pastors in particular need in preparing messages. The format it clean and attractive and useful. Especially helpful is the use of Greek instead of transliteration, the sentence flows that look at the logical relationships between the clauses and propositions, and the application section at the end. It's just the sort of thing I'm looking for when studying a passage, a chapter, or a book.

I agree entirely with his assessment. Here’s a PDF that allows you to check it out.

I’m going to stick with PunchTab to do the giveaway. Some have asked me why. Well, largely it’s because it is really, really convenient. I know a few have had trouble seeing the entry form and I think this may be connected to Internet Explorer. And I know that you still need a Facebook account to participate (though they’re working on opening it up). But bear with me, if you would.

This giveaway will close on Thursday morning.

If you are reading this via Facebook or RSS, please visit the blog to enter

For several years now every Free Stuff Fridays has been introduced with the same graphic. At long last it has gone into retirement and has been replaced by a new one. I guess that’s just the way the world works.

Now, let me get to the good stuff. This week’s Free Stuff Friday is sponsored by Missional Wear. Missional Wear provides quality apparel (and other stuff) that is inspired by reformed theology and missional living. They are giving away 5 prizes. 1 person will win a copy of The Resolutions Poster. “Beautifully designed to look like the original document, each poster is printed on a latex infused matte paper with eco-solvent inks that add to its vintage appeal.” I’ve got one hanging in the church office and love it! Another 4 people will each win a t-shirt of their choice plus a Soli Deo Gloria License plate frame.

As with the last time Missional Wear sponsored a giveaway, they have added a social element. If they get up to 5,000 Facebook fans they will double the prizes.

If you want to “like” them, just go ahead and click the button below…or click here and do it that way.

Giveaway Rules: You may only enter the draw once. Simply fill out your name and email address to enter the draw. As soon as the winners have been chosen, all names and addresses will be immediately and permanently erased. Winners will be notified by email. The giveaway closes Saturday at noon.

Note: If you are reading via RSS or email, you may need to click through to see the form.

I have been able to do some special giveaways lately and, well, I keep getting new opportunities to give away great stuff. And that is what I want to do today (and again a week from today!). I’ve got another Kindle to give to a reader of this site.

Let me give you the context (I know, I know…most of you have already just skipped to the bottom and just entered!). Revive Our Hearts, the ministry associated with Nancy Leigh DeMoss, has just begun to give away some great items to every Friend of the Blog. With all the books they have also offered up several Kindles. Some will go only to Friends of the Blog while others, this one included, is available to anyone.

The prize is a 3rd generation Kindle 3G (which is the latest generation…). It will come pre-loaded with a whole library of Nancy Leigh DeMoss books including Becoming God’s True Woman, Brokenness, Surrender, Holiness, Choosing Forgiveness, Choosing Gratitude, Lies Women Believe, Lies Young Women Believe, A Place of Quiet Rest, 30-Day Walk in Psalms, Seeking Him, and Voices of the True Woman Movement.

Kindle is Amazon’s bestselling product, the most-gifted, the most-wished-for and the one with the most 5-star reviews. Here’s what it offers:

• All-New, High-Contrast E Ink Screen - 50% better contrast with latest E Ink Pearl technology
• Read in Bright Sunlight - No glare
• New and Improved Fonts - New crisper, darker fonts
• New Sleek Design - 21% smaller body while keeping the same 6” size reading area
• Battery Life of One Month - A single charge lasts up to one month with wireless off
• Double the Storage - Up to 3,500 books
• Books in 60 Seconds - Download books anytime, anywhere
• Free 3G Wireless - No monthly payments, no annual contracts
• Built-In Wi-Fi - In addition to the 3G wireless, you can connect to Wi-Fi hotspots

To make my life a lot easier, I am using some software to manage the giveaway. For the time being this widget relies upon a Facebook account, so you’ll need to have a Facebook account to participate (it will ask about a Facebook app—go ahead and allow it; it’s safe). Once you’ve clicked the entry button, you’ll have the opportunity to increase your chances of winning by leaving a comment, by mentioning the giveaway on Twitter, and so on. 

So here you go. Enjoy!

This is the second week in a row that we’ve had a new sponsor for Free Stuff Fridays. Last week it was Peacemaker Ministries and this week it is Family Christian Stores, a name most are familiar with, I think. Family Christian is giving away the complete set of Gospel Coalition booklets.

There are 5 prizes to win which means that 5 people will each receive all 8 of the booklets.

This is what the Gospel Coalition says about these books:

During a 2008 Council meeting, we decided to partner with Crossway to produce a series of books for local church leaders. The first book--issued initially as a series of booklets published this week--unpacks TGC's Foundation Documents. Several Council members and like-minded friends have written the initial eight booklets on a variety subjects of crucial doctrinal importance.

The books cover gospel-centered ministry, creation, the Holy Spirit, restoration, the church, the gospel, the plan and whether we can know the truth.

You can find out more about them here:
 http://www.familychristian.com/gospelcoalition/

Giveaway Rules: You may only enter the draw once. Simply fill out your name and email address to enter the draw. As soon as the winners have been chosen, all names and addresses will be immediately and permanently erased. Winners will be notified by email. The giveaway closes Saturday at noon.

Note: If you are reading via RSS or email, you may need to click through to see the form.

We’ve got a new sponsor for this week’s edition of Free Stuff Fridays. But it is a name that is probably familiar to you. Peacemaker Ministries will be giving away five complete sets of their new video group study, Resolving Everyday Conflict (regular price $249). Each set contains the materials needed for a group of 10 to go through the study together (including DVD set, study guides, peacemaking reference book, promotional materials, and more). 

Resolving Everyday Conflict is an eight-lesson study that unpacks the amazing things the Bible has to say about conflict and relationships. As you go through this study, you'll find the powerful and practical answers you are looking for to forever change how conflict looks in your life.

The primary places this study will be used are:

• The Church - Give your church members a tool for outreach to the community: This study will help your church reach people that you might otherwise have trouble reaching--the people on the fringe of your church life as well as the unchurched in your community. By offering this study, you can give them practical help with an issue that is relevant--conflict--and teach them about Jesus at the same time.
• The Workplace - Help employees deal with conflict at work (and everywhere else): Studying Resolving Everyday Conflict in the workplace has two key benefits: 1) It will help your team members by giving them practical tools to handle conflict at work and outside work; and 2) It is good for your organization--as your team learns to resolve conflict quickly and constructively (or avoid it altogether!), you'll have a healthier and more productive work environment.

By the way… Resolving Everyday Conflict works in lots of other places, too. We've already heard of it being used as a neighborhood bible study, in prison ministry, in college dorms, and more. It's flexible enough to work in just about any context where a group wants to learn to deal with conflict differently--in a way that reflects the reality of the gospel in all our relationships.

If you’d like to watch a video teaser of the course, you can do so here.

Giveaway Rules: You may only enter the draw once. Simply fill out your name and email address to enter the draw. As soon as the winners have been chosen, all names and addresses will be immediately and permanently erased. Winners will be notified by email. The giveaway closes Saturday at noon.

Note: If you are reading via RSS or email, you may need to click through to see the form.

I have been enjoying doing some special giveaways recently, and today seemed like the kind of day that I should do another one. And I think you’ll like it. Today I am giving away a brand spankin’ new Kindle.

The prize is a 3rd generation Kindle 3G (which is the latest generation…). It will come pre-loaded with copies of all 3 of my books: The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment, Sexual Detox and The Next Story. That will leave you room for 3,497 books of your own.

Kindle is Amazon’s bestselling product, the most-gifted, the most-wished-for and the one with the most 5-star reviews. Here’s what it offers:

Banner of Truth recently announced that Iain Murray’s next book, a biography, will be titled John MacArthur: Servant of the Word and Flock. Murray has previously authored highly-praised biographies of Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Jonathan Edwards, John Murray, and others.

I have had the opportunity to read John MacArthur and enjoyed it tremendously. Though by Murray’s own admission it is unlikely to prove the definitive biography of MacArthur (and really, how can any biography be definitive while the subject is still alive?), it is well-written and very informative as it describes the life and ministry of a faithful preacher of God’s Word. You can read more about it at Banner of Truth’s web site.

This biography will be available at the end of the month. But I have access to 5 early copies and would love to give you the opportunity to win them. At the same time I am going to test out some new software that may make giveaways just a little bit more entertaining. Or maybe not. But we’ll try it. This software will give you multiple opportunities to enter the draw—by “liking” this post on Facebook, by tweeting about it, by joining my Facebook page, by referring friends, and so on.

So go ahead and enter. Let’s give away some books and give this software a test drive.

Note: for this one you’ll need to have a Facebook account. Follow the steps (it’s all safe) and you’ll be entered. From there you can get extra votes.

(If you are reading this via RSS, you may need to click through to my site to enter)

This week’s Free Stuff Fridays sponsor is a regular around here and one you know well by now—CBD Reformed. And as they always do, they are offering five prizes, each of which contains three great books. And then they’ve got a list of deals that you may like to take advantage of as well.

Five people will each win these three books:

• A Praying Life by Paul Miller - Retail price $14.99
• What Is The Gospel? by Greg Gilbert - Retail Price $12.99
• Living The Cross-Centered Life by C.J. Mahaney - Retail Price $13.99

In addition, CBD Reformed is offering a 4-day sale (May 20 - May 23) on the following four products —they're all 50% off. Anyone is free to take advantage of the deals.

• ESV Study Bible - retail $49.99 / sale $24.99
• Historical Theology: An Introduction To Christian Doctrine by Gregg Allison - retail $44.99 / sale $22.49
• Systematic Theology: An Introduction To Biblical Doctrine by Wayne Grudem - retail $49.99 / sale $24.99
• The Reason For God by Timothy Keller - retail $16.00 / sale $7.99

Again, there are 5 prizes to win, so go ahead and enter below.

Giveaway Rules: You may only enter the draw once. Simply fill out your name and email address to enter the draw. As soon as the winners have been chosen, all names and addresses will be immediately and permanently erased. Winners will be notified by email. The giveaway closes Saturday at noon.

Note: If you are reading via RSS or email, you may need to click through to see the form.