Celebrating One Year of the ESV Study Bible
By Geoff Dennis, Crossway Executive Vice President of Sales, Marketing, Media

On October 15th, 2008 Crossway launched the ESV Study Bible to help people understand the timeless truth of God’s powerful, compelling, and life-changing Word in a deeper way. And now, one year later, we rejoice and praise God as we see how the ESV Study Bible is reaching and equipping individuals, leaders, and churches here in the U.S. and abroad.

Over 250,000 ESV Study Bibles have gone from the Crossway warehouse into the hands of readers worldwide. We continue to hear stories of those who have been impacted by the ESV Study Bible, people from all over the world who are better equipped to love, teach, and live God’s word - from Hungary, South Africa, the Philippines, Sierra Leone, Liberia, the Ivory Coast and beyond.

It has also been a privilege to make God’s Word, along with all of the study notes, maps, and articles available on the web, mobile devices, and Kindle—allowing readers to conveniently access the Study Bible wherever they are. Watch for our soon-to-be released application for the iPhone, and a completely updated ESV Online website.

In keeping with the launch of the ESV translation in 2001 and the ESV Study Bible in 2008, Crossway has plans to release other, life-transforming editions of the ESV Bible that should have a worldwide impact on the Body of Christ. In the Fall of 2010 we are planning on releasing the ESV MacArthur Study Bible, with other significant editions under way, including a new iPhone application.

It is a tremendous joy and privilege to participate in the ministry of God’s holy word. May God bring a renewed love for His word, an ever-growing desire for sanctified living, and a greater commitment to the gospel - all for the glory of Christ!

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.

Proclaiming the Gospel through Publishing: An Introduction and a Special Offer

My name is James Kinnard and I serve as the Director of Marketing at Crossway. I help organize our marketing and communication efforts. Crossway’s not-for-profit publishing ministry is fueled by a desire to proclaim the gospel through publishing and see God’s Word applied to every area of life. To that end we publish Christian books, the English Standard Version (ESV) Bible, and other gospel literature.

Our team approaches marketing simply as a path for introducing the church to these resources that, by God’ grace, strengthen minds and hearts for the work of the gospel around the world. Energized by the endless opportunities, we aim to do “the Lord’s work in the Lord’s way.”

If you’re familiar with Crossway, we want to hear your thoughts on how we’re doing and where we can improve to better serve you, your family, and your church, business, or school. As readers of Tim’s blog, we know your love for books and we’re anxious to get your input.

We invite you to interact with us via Facebook, Twitter, or at the Crossway Blog. Or, I’d love to message with you directly on Twitter @JamesKinnard.

Special Offer

We want to make you aware of an online special this week. As you may know, John Piper has written a five volume collection called “The Swans are Not Silent” in which he overviews great historical figures of the faith, giving voice to their stories. This week each volume is 35% off on Crossway.org (ends 10/12/2009).

The fifth book, published earlier this year, is titled Filling up the Afflictions of Christ. In this volume Piper shares his insights into the lives of William Tyndale, Adoniram Judson, and John Paton—three faithful ambassadors that endured great afflictions so that others could reap an eternity in heaven.

“Suffering”, says Piper, “is one essential means in the triumphant spread of the Good News among all the peoples of the world”. He goes on:

“I am saying more than the obvious fact that suffering is a result of faithful obedience in spreading the gospel. That is true. Jesus said suffering will result from this faithfulness. “You will be hated by all for my name’s sake” (Luke 21:17). “If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20). I am saying that this suffering is part of God’s strategy for making known to the world who Christ is, how he loves, and how much he is worth.”

I commend this book to you. You’ll be inspired to live more radically for Christ as you look at what God did through the lives of Tyndale, Judson, and Paton. You’ll grapple with what Paul is saying in Colossians 1:24 where he writes, “I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church”. You’ll see how, as Piper claims, when we “suffer with him in the cause of missions, we display the way Christ loved the world and in our own sufferings extend his to the world”.

And you just might decide you should listen to Piper giving fresh voice to Augustine, Luther, and Calvin (Book 1); Bunyan, Cowper, and Brainerd (Book 2); Newton, Simeon, and Wilberforce (Book 3); and Athanasis, Owen, and Machen (Book 4).

The discount ends next Monday.

If it helps get you going, our friends at Desiring God have the full text of Filling Up the Afflictions of Christ available for free download. Check it out.

Hi, my name is Keith Wiederwax and I work in the marketing department of Moody Publishers. Like you, I’m a reader of Tim’s blog and appreciate his open, thoughtful, and biblical perspective. I hope to follow that same “recipe” here with this sponsored post. My job at MP is to simply make you aware of our books and what need or niche they fill. It’s my hope that these books help lead you to a fresh encounter with Jesus Christ. With that in mind, I want to introduce you to (or remind you of) some of our current and upcoming releases. ((Side note - I’ve been blessed to see Tim review some of our recent titles (Completely his decision!) but let me give you my quick take on some of them. ))

Why do we need a set of rules from an authoritarian deity? In Words From the Fire - Hearing The Voice of God In The 10 Commandments, Dr. Albert Mohler lets us know why. I already appreciate Al Mohler for standing up for Christ and a biblical worldview in today’s culture. (He has a great radio program that you should check out.) Now he’s growing on me as an author. This book looks at the importance of the Ten Commandments and how they relate to us in today’s culture. He reveals great insights from each commandment like taking God’s name in vain has little to do with unspeakable words. Rather, it involves misrepresenting his reputation. Good stuff! If you want to dive in a little deeper regarding the Ten Commandments you won’t want to miss what Tim says is “the best of the bunch” of Mohler’s books. Check out the rest of Tim’s review or go to www.AlbertMohler.com

The Reason For Sports - A Christian Fanifesto by Ted Kluck - Many of the readers of this blog may know Ted Kluck as the co-writer of Why We’re Not Emergent and Why We Love the Church. I know Ted, as a Christian, a good writer, and a sports fan! He is very practical and down-to-earth in his perspective and writing. If you have played sports or are a fan of professional sports, you will relate to this book. It is not a dissertation quoting chapter and verse of where God told the Israelites to go forth and win the big game. (Hint - He never did!) Instead, it takes a look at different cultural issues taking place in sports today and provides a biblical perspective on them along the way. Often funny and engaging, (the chapter on “when bad fantasy teams happen to good people” cracked me up and is a must read if you are a fantasy football player!) the book is a fun read that will also challenge your thinking at times. There aren’t many books today with a Christian viewpoint on today’s sports issues so it’s really perfect for the sports fan in the family! Again, here’s Tim’s recent review, or check out Ted’s website.

Sometimes it seems like a day doesn’t go by when I don’t hear or read of a family, ministry or career that hasn’t been damaged or destroyed by sexual sin. It’s tragic and I feel awful, but what can I do and where do you start to reverse this plague? You might want to think about reading Undefiled: Redemption From Sexual Sin, Restoration for Broken Relationships by Dr. Harry Schaumburg. Here’s a guy with 30 years of Christian counseling experience giving his insights. It’s not going to stop every affair or sexual addiction, but it offers hope out of those problems and is a big step in the right direction…towards God and holiness. See Tim’s review here or visit here for more resources and a study guide.

I have only been with Moody Publishers since January, but I did participate in a meeting with John MacArthur and one thing he said really struck me. He said that he felt his New Testament commentary series would probably be his greatest legacy to the church. Considering all he’s done and been involved in that is really significant. The next volume releases on October 1 and it’s Luke 1-5 of the MacArthur New Testament Commentary Series. Pastors really love these (A good gift for Pastor Appreciation Month in October maybe?….sorry, but I am a marketer after all!) but so do laymen Bible study teachers and I’ve even used them occasionally for my devotional reading. I’m looking forward to MacArthur’s thoughts as he explores the Christmas story and the beginning of Christ’s earthly ministry in Luke 1-5! You can find out more about John MacArthur’s ministry here.

I couldn’t let you go without giving the “young, restless and reformed” something to look forward to this winter. Have you wanted to know more about Jonathan Edwards, but didn’t want to read a huge textbook or try to decipher all the old English in his original notes and sermons? If so, then I really think you will enjoy The Essential Edwards Collection! This will be five inexpensive paperbacks that cover Edwards’ life and major writings. With an introduction by John Piper and written so that everyone can know and appreciate Edwards’ views(Co-author Owen Strachan kept asking himself, “Would my mother understand this?”), you won’t want to miss it! Look for it to arrive with the cold February winds. Brrrrrrrrr!

Thanks for reading everyone and have a great week! (Time for me to get back to work and clean my desk off.)