Vayahiy Press

Judah, a Praise to the Lord

2012-01-16T10:00:00.000-06:00

The Death and Life of Jacob

2012-01-02T19:04:00.000-06:00

Christ and Him Crucified

2012-01-02T09:23:00.004-06:00

You don't have to read over the shoulder of someone who has a preliminary copy of Christ and Him Crucified. It's now available at Amazon.com in both paperback and Kindle editions. You can also purchase it at CreateSpace.com if you have a discount code (Go to the book's Facebook Page to find out how). The paperback is also available at Barnes and Noble or wherever Christian books are sold.

Paperback List Price: $12.95

Kindle List Price: $4.99

10th Annual Lordship of Christ Conference

2011-09-15T12:37:00.001-05:00

10th Annual

Lordship of Christ Conference

2011

Dominion Baptist Church

Birmingham, Alabama

(205) 587-0925

Friday, Saturday, Sunday

Sept 30th – Oct 2nd

Our Theme – The Life of Elisha: The Man with a Double Portion of Elijah's Spirit

Last year we were treated to a feast of messages on the Life of Elijah the Tishbite. So we thought it fitting to follow up this year with the man God installed to minister to the nation after Elijah left in the fiery chariot. We need men today who come in the spirit and power of Elijah and that is exactly how Elisha came in his day, full of grace and truth, as all true ministers of the gospel do.

Speakers:
Friday: Jon Cardwell
Saturday: Michael Gaydosh, Luke Suttles, Jeff Robinson
Sunday: Jim Gunn, Ben Gardner, Roger Salter

FOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK HERE or go to http://iam-who-iam.com/blog/2011/09/14/10th-annual-lordship-christ-conferenc/

Sunday School Lesson @ SGBC

2011-08-23T14:32:00.001-05:00

Here is the latest Sunday School lesson from Sovereign Grace Baptist Church. Jimmy Turner taught from Luke 7:1-11.

These Kindle titles are only 99 cents at Amazon.com

Latest Messages from SGBC

2011-07-04T14:46:00.001-05:00

Sunday AM Worship Message, 7.3.2011; Text, Genesis 25:19-34.

Prayer Meeting Devotional, 6.30.2011; Text, Psalm 120

Available on Kindle

Sunday Messages at SGBC, 6.26.2011

2011-07-03T06:37:00.000-05:00

Morning Worship Message. Text, Genesis 25:1-18

Adult Sunday School. Text, Luke 6:1-5

These titles available on Kindle.

Midweek Devotional, 6.15.2011

2011-06-19T07:16:00.000-05:00

Text, Deuteronomy 20:1-20

Sunday Messages at SGBC

2011-06-14T11:13:00.001-05:00

Morning service, 6.12.2011. Text, Genesis 23:1-20

Sunday School, 6.12.2011. Text, Luke 5:27-32

Looky What's in Here!

2011-06-08T11:28:00.000-05:00

Gettin' edumacated with Slip and Sach.

Increasing the Caveats on Our Cover

2011-06-07T16:09:00.002-05:00

Revised & Expanded:

Includes an Apologetic from Jon Cardwell and interior graphics. Against Calvinism... condemned by Arminians and Roman Catholics everywhere.

Sunday AM Message, 6.5.2011

2011-06-06T20:01:00.000-05:00

Midweek Devotional, 6.1.2011

2011-06-03T06:54:00.000-05:00

Midweek Devotional, 5.25.2011

2011-05-26T16:32:00.000-05:00

Abraham, My Prophet

2011-05-23T18:19:00.000-05:00

WGRW Radio Broadcast 5.21.2011

2011-05-22T21:29:00.000-05:00

Luke 5:12-16 Sunday School

2011-05-22T17:07:00.000-05:00

Support Project Ireland

2011-03-12T20:13:00.000-06:00

Create a personalized gift at Zazzle.

Father, Into Thy Hand I Commend My Spirit

2011-03-09T23:48:00.000-06:00

Keep the Puritans and Reformers Close to Your Heart

2011-02-02T10:49:00.000-06:00

Keep a Reformer or Puritan close to your heart with one of these unique Justification by Grace neckties. Wear Spurgeon, Bunyan, Edwards, Luther, Foxe, Knox, Calvin, Owen, Newton, Mather, Baxter, Nettleton, Ridley, Latimer and a whole selection of others to church, a business meeting, a romantic dinner with your wife, or just wear them daily because they're so cool. More ties will be added in the weeks to come.

Make a personalized gift at Zazzle.

Essential Spurgeon

2011-01-05T15:33:00.000-06:00

by joncardwell

Fullness of the Time

2010-12-22T03:18:00.000-06:00

A new cover and a few minor editing improvements have been completed on Fullness of the Time. List price: $14.95 Also available on Kindle for $9.99

We do most certainly value the distinct perspectives offered by each of the four gospels, and encourage the study of those books from those particular perspectives; yet, having a basic grasp of how these gospels fit together in an historical narrative is something that will encourage believers, strengthen their faith, help many to consider the Bible in its broader scope, so that the full counsel of God, from the pages of all 66 books, is in the heart and on the mind.

Fullness of the Time, in twelve chapter divisions, spans the incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection and ascension of Christ. Two appendices are also included for additional and significant insights into Jesus Christ's crucifixion and resurrection. Here is a brief survey of what each chapter contains:

1. The High Way
Opens with a brief survey of the perspectives emphasized by each of the gospel accounts.

2. Between the Testaments
Covers approximately the 400 years of prophetic silence in Israel, during the period between Malachi's last prophecy until the appearance of Gabriel to Zachariah.

3. The Eternal God
Presents the Biblical truths of Christ's deity and eternality, specifically recorded in the prologue of John's gospel account.

4. The Birth of God's Son
Presents consistent perspectives of Christ's birth from Matthew and Luke.

5. The Childhood of God’s Son
Covering the period that tell of Christ's early years prior to His baptism and public ministry, specifically from Matthew and Luke.

6. The Ministry of God’s Son
Covers the approximate 3 to 3-1/2 years of Christ's public ministry contained in all four gospel accounts.

7. The Prophetic Time of God’s Son
Covers approximately the last twelve months of Christ public ministry prior to His triumphal entry into Jerusalem.

8. The Presentation of God’s Son
Covers approximately the four days prior to the Lord's triumphal entry into Jerusalem and the four days following until His crucifixion.

9. The Betrayals of God’s Son
Covers the betrayal of Christ by Judas Iscariot, Christ's arrest in Gethsemane, and His trials: two before two high priests, one before the Sanhedrin, two before Pontius Pilate, and one before Herod.

10. The Atoning Death of God’s Son
Provides an approximate timeline for the events of Christ's crucifixion until His burial in the new tomb provided by God through Joseph of Arimathaea.

11. The Resurrection of God’s Son
Provides a timeline from Christ's burial for three days and three nights until His bodily resurrection.

12. The Ascension of God’s Son
Presents the reality of His ascension to the right hand of Majesty, with the promise of His return.

Two chapters are contained within our appendices:

a. The Propitiation through Faith

This is an exposition of Romans 3:23-27, which gives a few more insights into the eternal and infinite majesty of Christ's propitiating sacrifice by His atoning death.

b. The Sign of Jonah

This is an explanation of Christ's words from Matthew 12:38-41, which provides some insights into the belief that Christ was crucified on Wednesday and actually buried for three days and three nights.

Puritan Bible Primer Now in NASB

2010-12-16T14:02:00.000-06:00

The long awaited A Puritan Bible Primer: New American Standard Bible is now available on Amazon.com, CreateSpace.com, and SermonAudio.com.

PRODUCT DETAILS
Paperback: 90 pages
Publisher: Create Space/ Vayahiy Press
Language: English
ISBN: 1456469118
ISBN-13: 978-1456469115
Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5

List Price: $12.95

A Puritan Bible Primer is an elementary level guide for parents to prepare the youngest members in Christian families to read the Bible and to receive instruction from God's truth. It is designed for parents to provide their very young children Bible instruction as early as possible. This primer includes: "The Disciple's Prayer," "Books of the Bible" memorization, "A Primer Catechism," a General Confession of Faith, poems, and selected hymns and psalms. It is currently available in ESV, KJV, NASB.

Please Note: All titles offered through Justification by Grace and Vayahiy Press are available at publisher’s cost, plus shipping, to churches desiring to make a bulk purchase. What constitutes “bulk” is negotiable. For some churches, it may be as few as three or four books. Contact me via email at jon@justificationbygrace.com.

Now on Kindle

2010-11-23T00:36:00.000-06:00

AGAINST CALVINISM for $9.99

CHRISTIAN BEHAVIOR for $7.77

ESSENTIAL SPURGEON for $3.99

A Puritan Bible Primer (ESV)

2010-11-11T11:54:00.000-06:00

Front Cover

Back Cover

Now Available!

A Puritan Bible Primer

using the English Standard Version of the Bible.

ISBN: 1456349082
ISBN-13: 978-1456349080

Paperback
90 Pages
5.5" x 8.5"
List Price: ~~$12.95~~ Only $7.77 through SermonAudio.com (link below)

Purchase through CreateSpace.com

Discounted price through SermonAudio.com
(40% off, only $7.77)

Purchase through Amazon.com.

Refusing to Be Undersold

2010-10-24T05:35:00.000-05:00

In the early 70’s, John Fazio, president of Fisher Foods, expanded their business from the Midwest to open supermarkets in California. In 1977, Fazio’s began an ad campaign that was heard on the radio and seen on television throughout southern California feature John Fazio himself: “Mr. Fazio refuses to be undersold…” “I refuse,” were the words of John Fazio, closing out the jingle.

In keeping with Mr. Fazio’s tenacious attitude to keep prices lower than anyone else, every book title published by Vayahiy Press and printed by Create Space is on sale at the SermonAudio.com Bookstore with savings up to 40% off.

Against Calvinism Reg: $~~12.99~~ Now $9.25

A Puritan Family Devotional Reg: $~~12.95~~ Now $7.77

Christian Behavior Reg: $~~12.95~~ Now $7.77

Lord, Teach Us to Pray Reg: $~~12.95~~ Now $7.77

Christ as Advocate Reg: $~~15.95~~ Now $10.95

Fullness of the Time Reg: $~~14.95~~ Now $9.95

Essential Spurgeon Reg: ~~$14.95~~ Now $9.95

The Scottish Psalter Reg: ~~$19.95~~ Now $14.95

Brand New

A Puritan Family Devotional: Westminster Confession of Faith Edition Reg: ~~$12.95~~ Now $7.77

It's Here Early!

2010-10-23T19:05:00.000-05:00

A Puritan Family Devotional special edition containing the Westminster Shorter Catechism and the Westminster Confession of Faith is here one week early. It's available on sale this week at 40% OFF its list price of ~~$12.95~~ through the SermonAudio.com bookstore. SermonAudio sale price is $7.77 plus shipping & handling.

This title is also available through CreateSpace or Amazon.com.

Will Arrive by Reformation Day!

2010-10-19T16:36:00.000-05:00

The special "Westminster Confession of Faith" edition of A Puritan Family Devotional will be available for sale before Reformation Day, October 31st, 2010.

Get a sneak peak of CreateSpace.com's webpage for the book (click here).

Also coming soon: A Puritan Bible Primer. We expect to have two editions available before Thanksgiving: English Standard Version (ESV) and King James Version (KJV); and quite possibly, New American Standard Bible (NASB).

Presbyterians Not Left Out

2010-10-12T09:32:00.000-05:00

COMING SOON!

As a Particular Baptist who embraces and teaches the Biblical doctrines of grace, and as one who has been a missionary in remote locations, I have a great passion to ensure that the portion of the Lord’s Great Commission, “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you,” is not forsaken in our missionary endeavors, in our local evangelism efforts, and in the spiritual development of our families in the local congregations.

And though I am Baptist, having some differing opinions and interpretations than those of my Presbyterian brethren in some points of doctrine, I most gladly embrace our common fellowship through the truth of Jesus Christ crucified, buried, risen, ascended, and returning bodily; and by those Biblical truths recovered in the Reformation, that salvation of fallen man is by God’s grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, according to scripture alone, for God’s glory alone.

Therefore, having compiled and edited A Puritan Family Devotional for the benefit of the congregation I pastor, as well as for the beneficial use by other Baptist congregations who may be likeminded, it is upon my heart to produce, in one inexpensive paperback, a similar devotional for my Presbyterian brethren. If it is useful for them, I pray that it is received with much joy, with praise alone unto God our Savior for placing this thought in my mind and desire in my heart. If it is not a useful resource for practical Christianity among them, then nothing was lost for me to provide or produce this little book. Working on this has endeared me even more to my Calvinistic paedobaptist brethren, and by God’s grace, has drawn me near my Savior.

Courtesy of Calvinistic Cartoons

2010-10-11T10:37:00.000-05:00

Coming to us courtesy of Eddie Eddings of Calvinistic Cartoons.

A Puritan Family Devotional in ASV Available Now!

2010-10-06T12:36:00.000-05:00

A Puritan Family Devotional (ASV) is now available for purchase through CreateSpace.com, Amazon.com, and SermonAudio.com.

For family and individual meditations, containing Robert Murray McCheyne’s Daily Bread, Charles Haddon Spurgeon’s A Puritan Catechism, the Second London Baptist Confession of 1689, and selected hymns and psalms. Scriptures contained in this volume are from the American Standard Version of the Bible.

Produced by: Vayahiy Press

Edited by: Jon J. Cardwell

Publication Date: October 4, 2010

ISBN/EAN13: 1451580959/ 9781451580952

Page Count: 116

Binding Type: US Trade Paper

Size: 5.5” x 8.5”

Language: English

Color: Black and White

Related Categories: Religion/ Christian Life/ Spiritual Growth

List Price: $12.95

Purchase from CreateSpace

Purchase from Amazon

The Scottish Psalter Now Available!

2010-10-06T12:20:00.000-05:00

The Scottish Psalter: Including Scripture Paraphrases and Hymns is now available for purchase through CreateSpace.com, Amazon.com, and SermonAudio.com.

The Scottish Psalter was written anonymously in 1635 and published and appointed for use in worship by the Church of Scotland in 1650. Scripture paraphrases were added in 1781. The Scottish Psalter and Paraphrases was the primary hymnal used by the Church of Scotland through the 19th century. The Scottish Psalter was originally contained in one volume. When the scripture paraphrases were added in the 18th century, its addition expanded the singular volume.

Produced by: Vayahiy Press

Edited by: Jon J. Cardwell

Publication Date: October 2, 2010

ISBN/EAN13: 1453856242/ 9781453856245

Page Count: 146

Binding Type: US Trade Paper

Size: 6” x 9”

Language: English

Color: Black and White

Related Categories: Religion/ Christian Rituals & Practice/ Worship & Liturgy

List Price: $19.95

Purchase at CreateSpace

Purchase at Amazon

Discounts are available for churches, ministries, or Bible study groups that desire to purchase in larger quantites. Contact us via email at jon@vayahiypress.com.

Dusting off an Old Review

2010-09-28T22:20:00.000-05:00

Vayahiy Press does not exist merely to showcase the titles that we publish and produce, we also want to present other Reformed titles that we believe would be of benefit to the body of Christ. As we’ve only just launched this site, we’d like to begin by providing a review that was written and published a little over a year ago:

TRUSTING GOD:

a book review by Jon J. Cardwell

Trusting God: Even When Life Hurts

Author: Jerry Bridges
Publisher: NAVPress
Copyright: 1988, 2008
Format: Paperback, 240 pgs.
ISBN: 1600063055
ISBN-13: 9781600063053

Anyone who has read the best-selling The Pursuit of Holiness will recognize the very familiar, plain-English style and sense of Jerry Bridges. In the 20th Anniversary paperback edition of Trusting God, Dr. Bridges takes the very deep and extremely important doctrine of God’s sovereignty and lays it out clearly, simply, and not only well within the grasp of the newest convert to Christ, but also presents it logically and thoughtfully so that the most mature theologian can appreciate this work and glean many great things from it.

In his Preface to the treatise, he writes, “The purpose of this book is twofold: First, I desire to glorify God by acknowledging His sovereignty and His goodness. Second, I desire to encourage God’s people by demonstrating from Scripture that God is in control of their lives, that He does indeed love them, and that He works out all the circumstances of their lives for their ultimate good” (pg. 9). In this, Jerry Bridges accomplishes his goals most triumphantly.

Trusting God is categorized as Christian Living or Spiritual Growth for the very good reason that its approach to the circumstances daily faced by the individual believer is both practical and personal. Yet, the truths that Dr. Bridges presents concerning the attributes of God, especially in His sovereign goodness, would make this book equally at home on the shelf in the Theology section.

Those whose theology tends toward an emphasis upon the free will of man will most certainly gain a better understanding of how Reformed thinkers generally view the blessedness of God’s sovereignty; and those of us whose theology stands firmly on the doctrines of grace will find a very compassionate presentation of this doctrine, which by God’s grace, may temper us away from a tendency to approach God’s sovereignty like the proverbial bull in a china shop, just because we see the urgent need to proclaim this truth in American pulpits today.

The doctrine of God’s sovereign grace is so neglected today that this book is a must-read for those who have never read it; and it is also a must-reread for those who have already read it too many years ago. Trusting God, and the sovereignty of God this book proclaims, is more culturally relevant today than it was twenty years ago during its first publication. Therefore, I highly commend the reading of Trusting God to anyone that has a desire to worship God more deeply and commune with Him more

Psalter Coming Soon!

2010-09-27T21:21:00.000-05:00

The Scottish Psalter will soon be available from Vayahiy Press. List price through CreateSpace is $19.95.

During the Against Calvinism promotion, we will discount this title through our SermonAudio.com store.

Churches that would like to make larger purchases (seven or more books), please contact us at jon@vayahiypress.com or jon@justificationbygrace.com to reduce your price to our cost plus shipping.

Picked Up by BN Online

2010-09-24T22:05:00.000-05:00

Although the book cover thumbnail is not yet posted, and though Eddie Eddings is not yet listed in the credits, Against Calvinism has been picked up by Barnes and Noble Online booksellers. It took awhile to get posted online, but Eddie Eddings and his crew at Calvinistic Cartoons was quick to spot R.C. Sproul at the local Barnes and Noble advertising our book (see photo below). If you happen to have a “Free Shipping” card from BN or had other books in mind to purchase, it looks like BN has our title on sale for 28% off the regular $12.99 list price. BN sale price is $9.35.

CLICK HERE to go to the BN page featuring Against Calvinism.

And in case you’re new to this blog, or haven’t hear of our book, it has been dubbed “A Parody for Our Generation,” because all three authors ARE Calvinists.

Buy da book.

Satch & Skeeter: 40 Days of Predestination

2010-09-24T03:36:00.000-05:00

Bunyan's CHRIST AS ADVOCATE Available Now!

2010-09-22T12:32:00.000-05:00

CHRIST AS ADVOCATE

The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate

Clearly Explained and Largely Improved

for the Benefit of All Believers.

In his letter to the readers of this treatise Mr. Bunyan wrote, "Of the many and singular advantages, therefore, that such have by this their Advocate in his advocating for them, this book gives some account; as, where he pleads, how he pleads, what he pleads, when he pleads, with whom he pleads, for whom he pleads, and how the enemy is put to shame and silence before their God and all the holy angels." This treatise was published in London in 1689, one year after John Bunyan's death. Our edition of this work comes from George Offor's three-volume collection, The Whole Works of John Bunyan, published in Glasgow in 1862. Today, this excellent treatise, written by the author of The Pilgrim's Progress, is made conveniently available in paperback for Bible study and personal devotion. This paperback was edited by Jon J. Cardwell, pastor of Sovereign Grace Baptist Church in Anniston, Alabama.

Publication Date: Sep 18 2010
ISBN/EAN13: 1453830685 / 9781453830680
Page Count: 122
Binding Type: US Trade Paper
Trim Size: 5.5” x 8.5”
Language: English
Color: Black and White
Related Categories: Religion / Christianity / Baptist

Its regular price is $15.95 plus shipping and handling. CLICK HERE to purchase this title, or you can open a new window to copy and paste this url, https://www.createspace.com/3485110

This title is also listed at Amazon.com.

An Apologetic for the book, Against Calvinism

2010-09-21T08:52:00.000-05:00

I am tremendously blessed by the saints of Christ who have not only embraced the Biblical doctrines of grace, but by God’s grace, have extended a warm and loving graciousness toward others, not losing their sense of humor, while at the same time, knowing that the glory of God in the salvation of fallen man is a very serious topic indeed.

The book that I recently co-wrote with Jeff Peterson and Eddie Eddings, Against Calvinism, has stirred a great deal of emotion from both professing Arminians and Calvinists, much more than I could have imagined. Many of the most snide and venomous remarks have come from those who have either not read the content, nor read the caveat, neither have they bothered looking into the book any further than a brief glance. A few have accused us of suggesting or believing that those holding to Arminian theology are incapable of logical thought. One comment that came my way suggested that the premise of this book would cause those who hold to non-Calvinistic theology feel like we are calling those people illogical.

That just could not be further from the truth. I have not checked with Jeff or Eddie, but as for me, I don’t believe that people can be illogical. Fallen men can conclude logically or illogically based upon the premises available to them; however, I do not believe people are illogical. People are not premises, arguments, or conclusions. People can follow logical or illogical paths, make logical or illogical conclusions, act upon logical or illogical decisions; and in fact, even if a person followed a very logical sequence of premises, arguments, and conclusions, that person can still make a poor or foolhardy decision; yet, people as creatures, having being are not illogical.[1]

Although I believe the doctrines of grace and though I believe that the basic tenets provided by the “five solas of the Reformation” are the most consistent and logical interpretation of scripture, the truth of man’s salvation, sanctification, and man’s ultimate end in Christ alone. To insist that someone must believe one system of theology over another system of theology, apart from fundamental scriptural truths concerning salvation, would be to add to grace. This doesn’t mean that the doctrines of grace, say, do not exist, or are not true. What does matter is that Christ saves sinners; and that salvation is not based upon a theology, whether Arminian or Calvinism. Theology merely defines systematically how salvation has come to man from God based upon God’s written revelation of Himself in the scriptures. Although the means of salvation is by God’s Word (Romans 10:17), “salvation is of the LORD” (Jonah 2:9).

Then why, am I so adamant about the doctrines of grace? Because it is true what the late Dr. A.W. Tozer wrote,

“Always and always God must be first. The gospel in its scriptural context puts the glory of God first and the salvation of man second.”[2]

The doctrines of grace place the glory of God first and the salvation of man second. The doctrines of grace exalt the sovereignty of God without removing the responsibility of man. The doctrines of grace exalt the Person of Jesus Christ, because although Christ receives great glory in the salvation of souls, even if God saved no one (theoretically speaking), it would not diminish who Christ is in the least. He is the Almighty God, infinite, eternal and unchangeable in His being.

Even before we wrote this book, I, as a Calvinist, have been accused of arrogance because we Calvinists, they say, believe that we alone have the truth. The book, Against Calvinism, has provided yet another occasion for this accusation, not only to be applied to me, but also, I’m sad to say, to all those who hold to the doctrines of grace. Yet, those who look at the teachings of God’s free and sovereign grace from the scriptures, if meditated upon for only a few moments, should remove any pride, any arrogance from the truly Reformed Christian. It is by God’s grace that we have received this incredible blessing, and who am I, who are we, that God would be so merciful and gracious unto us? That is not to say that the true Calvinistic believer would never be prone to pride or arrogance. We are as susceptible as any other sinful descendant of Adam. Admittedly, any true Calvinistic believer should acknowledge that we are more prone to pride than most. Even Paul was given a thorn in the flesh, lest he “should be exalted above measure” because of that which was revealed to him by God’s grace (2 Corinthians 12:7). God grant us grace upon grace that we may continue to embrace grace, cling to Calvary’s cross, and cleave to Christ Jesus so that we may submit to His Spirit and walk in humility before Him, and not to think of ourselves “more highly than [we] ought to think” (Romans 12:3).

We have used humor, satire and irony in conveying the doctrines of grace in this book. As there has already been a few who have expressed their very strong displeasure with our use of humor to convey these truths, I’m certain that there will be others that will share that particular view. As far as the use of wit and humor, I’d like to provide this quote from Mr. Charles Haddon Spurgeon,

Sometimes, anecdotes have force in them on account of their appealing to the sense of the ludicrous. Of course, I must be very careful here, for it is a sort of tradition of the fathers that it is wrong to laugh on Sundays. The eleventh commandment is, that we are to love one another, and then, according to some people, the twelfth is, “Thou shalt pull a long face on Sunday.” I must confess that I would rather hear people laugh than I would see them asleep in the house of God; and I would rather get the truth into them through the medium of ridicule than I would have the truth neglected, or leave the people to perish through lack of reception of the truth. I do believe in my heart that there may be as much holiness in a laugh as in a cry; and that, sometimes, to laugh is the better thing of the two, for I may weep, and be murmuring, and repining, and thinking all sorts of bitter thoughts against God; while, at another time, I may laugh the laugh of sarcasm against sin, and so evince a holy earnestness in the defense of the truth. I do not know why ridicule is to be given up to Satan as a weapon to be used against us, and not to be employed by us as a weapon against him. I will venture to affirm that the Reformation owed almost as much to the sense of the ridiculous in human nature as to anything else, and that those humorous squibs and caricatures, that were issued by the friends of Luther, did more to open the eyes of Germany to the abominations of the priesthood than the more solid and ponderous arguments against Romanism. I know no reason why we should not, on suitable occasions, try the same style of reasoning. “It is a dangerous weapon,” it will be said, “and many men will cut their fingers with it.” Well, that is their own lookout; but I do not know why we should be so particular about their cutting their fingers if they can, at the same time, cut the throat of sin, and do serious damage to the great adversary of souls.[3]

As Mr. Spurgeon instructed his students, I believe that if we have conveyed the truth, even from our book with that which seems a ludicrous, ridiculous means in expressing it, if it has served to arrest sin in the believer, provoke holiness in the saint, or draw a Christian nearer Christ, moving him or her to embrace grace, cling to the cross, and cleave to Christ, then this should be seen as a good thing. Would any of us rob our children of receiving the very best of gifts, or the riches of wealth or treasures? When I consider the testimony of a few souls that have expressed a better understanding of God’s free and sovereign grace through this book, their exaltation of Christ and His work upon the cross, their deeper desire to glorify God and to see the blessedness of His Son Jesus Christ in the scriptures, and I weigh that against some people that are offended because this book insults their theology, whether Calvinistic or Arminian, I would rather laugh with the children as they rejoice in the free and sovereign grace of God through Jesus Christ.

It is our duty, and should be our pressing passion to preach the gospel to a lost and dying world. Quite often, however, our loving but firm presentation of the gospel, be it the public proclamation of Christ’s gospel in open air, or the worshipful teaching of doctrine, appeal to truth, and exhortation of holiness from the pulpit in expositing God’s Word, we are met with opposition; and very often, met with the vile and venomous insults of gross cavilers. Would we not still preach the gospel? We must, and we will by God’s grace, Lord willing. Likewise, if the doctrines of grace are true, and I believe they are, as a preacher of the gospel and a pastor of a local congregation, would I not have a grave responsibility before God to proclaim these truths, despite objections from those who believe otherwise?

Finally, if there is anything I have been growing to learn in these last 25 years walking with my Master, I tremble often in His presence, often before His people, and often when I read the blessed truth of His Word. Why? Though I have grown in grace by God’s grace, I am nothing apart from His grace and worthy of the eternal wrath of God for every sin I’ve committed, every righteous deed omitted, and every thought in my mind that failed to give God glory for who He is. Though saved by His amazing and incredible, free and sovereign grace, there is much in my life, still, worthy of much criticism and correction. No, my friends, I have not yet arrived, neither have I apprehended. I pray, that by God’s grace, I may press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. I am certainly the least of all saints and do ever need His grace upon grace and mercy upon mercy. Therefore, I am looking at these comments, critiques, and even e-Buffets very seriously and prayerfully. If I have brought dishonor to my Lord Christ through this book, then I would surely pluck it out and cast it far from me, repenting before the Lord with sorrow upon sorrow. If this book has brought disgrace to the gospel, then I would likewise repent. If this book has brought shame to the body of Christ, His church and beloved bride, again, I would repent before God in the presence of His people. I appreciate all your prayers with that regard.

S.D.G.

—Jon J. Cardwell

[1] Please keep in mind that when I am making this reference to people and logic, I’m speaking of the study or science of arguments (declarative sentences, propositions, premises); I am not speaking in the sense of the logos of Greek scripture.

[2] A.W. Tozer, Born After Midnight, Ch.4, “The Key to Human Life is Theological.”

[3] C.H. Spurgeon, Lectures to My Students Vol. 2, Lecture 3, “The Uses of Anecdotes and Illustrations.”

Against Calvinism Redo for You

2010-09-13T23:24:00.000-05:00