The Regulative Principle of Worship and Christmas by Brian Schwertley(See the summary for the free MP3 audio Is Christmas Christian (1/2 & 2/2) below, also by Brian Schwertley, for more information on this book, The Regulative Principle of Worship and Christmas (also free on MP3 below). This book is must reading if you are a Christian [especially if you are a Calvinist, as this book deals with the sovereignty of God over worship] and you are studying Christmas or any of the worship issues! Schwertley also makes the application of Sola Scriptura to worship in this important work.) FREE ebook at: http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/CHRISTMAS.htm
Christmas: A Biblical Critique by Kevin Reed, Brian Schwertley and D.W. Cason (Three excellent articles: 1.) "The Regulative Principle of Worship and Christmas" by Brian Schwertley; 2.) "Christmas: An Historical Survey Regarding Its Origins and Opposition to It of Creeds and Confessions" by Kevin Reed; 3.) "Christmas-Keeping and the Reformed Faith: A Response to Professor David Engelsma" by David W. Cason. Regarding the last article: "In 1994 and 1995, Professor David Engelsma defended Christmas observance in the pages of the Standard Bearer, a denominational publication of the Protestant Reformed churches. In support of Christmas-keeping, the professor used arguments which bear upon Reformed principles of worship in general, as well as Christmas observance in particular. In this booklet David Cason examines Engelsma's remarks, showing that the professor has seriously misrepresented principles of worship which are foundational to the Reformed faith. Cason shows how biblical principles of worship apply to ecclesiastical festivals, and he reviews the historic testimony of Reformed churches and authors regarding Christmas observance. The chapter 'Christmas Versus John Calvin' is especially interesting."
Church of Christ: A Treatise on the Nature, Powers, Ordinances, Discipline, and Government of the Christian Church (1869)
Two large volumes. A classic on the Church and worship!This is one of the most extensive studies of its kind ever compiled. Nothing compares to it on this subject. Regarding these gems, Iain Murray has stated,
In our day, however greatly we need an evangelical revival, we need more than that. We need another Reformation, a movement which will go 'to the root of the mischief' and bring back the visible church to the pattern of God's Word in her government, ordinances and ministry. The republication of Bannerman is a step in that direction... For those who wish to study the doctrine of the Church in its several aspects as it was held by the majority of the Reformers, Puritans, Covenanters and leaders of 'The Third Reformation,' it will prove an invaluable textbook.
Volume one deals with the nature and power of the church, containing a lengthy explanation of the Church in its relation to the state (which is one of the best treatments of this topic to be found anywhere!). From there it deals with matters in regard to which church power is exercised (i.e. in regard to doctrine, ordinances, the instrumentality and time of public worship — with a discussion of holy days, Independency, and confessions).
Volume two continues where volume one left off, providing a lengthy section on the sacraments, covering the parties in whom the right to exercise church power is vested, examining crucial points concerning Christian liberty, comparing the Popish, Prelatic, Independent, Congregational and Presbyterian systems, etc.
Nine appendices deal with a wide range of practical topics including union between churches, church/state relations, ordination, and valuable notes on the literature related to this subject.
If you are interested in Church issues, it is not likely that you will find a better set.
Older
Top
