12 Days of Christmas Quiz - Day 3

Scripture Enigma No. 1
1. This was sent by David to Joab; was spread out before the Lord in prayer by Hezekiah; was sent out in great numbers by Ahasuerus, first to condemn a nation and then to reverse that command.
2. One of two brothers who drove the oxen when the Ark of God was being brought back by David.
3. An expression of gladness and rejoicing. It is mentioned. on Saul's return from battle; in the service of the Temple; and at the worshipping of Nebuchadnezzar's image.
4. A king of Moab who sent for a soothsayer offering great promises of reward.

The initials and finals form two of the titles of Christ: one being the type of His sacrifice for sin in the Jewish dispensation; and the other that of His life-giving power.

12 Days of Christmas Quiz - Day 2

Scripture Character No. 1
1. He was born in a city which had been given to a brave soldier.
2. He was very handsome.
3. A question in three words was asked him by a woman; it was precisely the same as that which once greeted a prophet at Bethlehem.
4. He made a great feast, with captains, princes and a priest among the guests.
5. A friend of his once said to a king: "Thou lovest thine enemies and hatest thy friends."
6. He made two requests of his relations, the first of which was granted.
7. One of his brothers was defeated by the army of a "man of war."
8. Another received a present from a queen.
9. The son of a priest brought him alarming news when he expected good tidings.
10. His father lived for a time with a prophet at Naioth.
11. He went to the tabernacle, but not to worship.
12. A prophet complained of his conduct.
13. He was killed by a “man of rest."
14. At the time of his death a prophecy was fulfilled, spoken when Samuel was a child.

Answer in the comments tomorrow.

12 Days of Christmas Quiz - Day 1

This Christmas I will be uploading 12 Bible quizzes from the magazine Sunday at Home first published in 1889. One question will be placed on my blog each day and the answer the next day in the comments. My wife and I enjoyed trying to answer them and we hope you do to. You may need a King James Version for some of questions. There are no prizes – just the fun of pitting your wits against Christians from 1889!

A City of Scripture No. 1

1. This city had two names; another city was built by an old inhabitant and called by one of the names.
2. “The terror of God” fell on some cities near it.
3. Before the temple was built, a feast to the Lord was held yearly in a town just to the north of this city.
4. A famous judge visited it, and two friends passed through it together.
5. Sacrifices were offered there, both to Jehovah and to an idol, and idolatrous priests dwelt there.
6. When a company went up against it "the Lord was with them "; one of its citizens betrayed it to the enemy.
7. A vow was made there.
8. A woman was buried there, and h famous palm-tree grew near.
9. A young king met three men on their way thither and received a gift from them.
10. Spoil from the Amalekites was sent to the elders there by a king.
11. Three miracles took place there, on the same day.
12. A priest from Samaria, who had been taken prisoner, came and dwelt there.
13. A traveller sat down to rest under a tree near it.
14. Forty-two people were killed there in one day, but not in battle.
15. A prophet was sent there who foretold the birth of a good king.
16. One who had just visited the city met with sudden death.
17. The ashes remaining from idolatrous vessels that had been burned, were carried there.

Articles from Evangel now online

In cooperation with the editor and with the permission of the authors over that last week I have been digitising large numbers of  articles from Evangel - the British Evangelical Review. There are too many to list individually, but they can all be accessed via the Table of Contents. More articles are being added each day as permissions are received from the authors.

Look out for my "12 Days of Christmas Quiz" starting on Christmas Day.

A very Happy Christmas and a Successful New Year to all my readers!

The Use of the Old Testament in the New and Other Essays now on-line

Duke University Press have kindly allowed me permission to place online all the essays from the following Festschrift:

James M. Efird, editor, The Use of the Old Testament in the New and Other Essays: Studies in Honor of William Franklin Stinespring. Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 1972. ISBN: 0822302888. pp.332.


It contains two articles on the use of the OT in the New (always a popular subject) as well as contributions by renowned biblical scholars J.H. Charlesworth and W.D. Davies. Of note is the article on Gnostic exegesis of the OT. Click here for a full listing.

Reformation & Revival Volume 13 now on-line

Four more complete issues now available on-line in PDF. Click here to visit the full listing.

Reformation & Revival Volume 12 now on-line

Four more complete issues now available on-line in PDF. Click here to visit the full listing.

Reformation & Revival Volume 11 now on-line

Four more complete issues now available on-line in PDF. Click here to visit the full listing.

Charles H. Dyer on the Purpose for the Gospel of Mark

The following article is now available in PDF:

Charles H. Dyer, "The Purpose for the Gospel of Mark," Stanley D. Toussaint & Charles H. Dyer, eds., Essays in Honor of J. Dwight Pentecost. Chicago: Moody Press, 1986. Hbk. 0802423817. pp.49-62.

My thanks to Moody Publishers for their kind permission to place this article on-line.

Reformation & Revival Volume 10 now on-line

Four more complete issues now available on-line in PDF. Click here to visit the full listing.

Reformation & Revival Volume 9 now on-line

The following articles are now on-line in PDF:

Volume 9 No 1 - Theme: The Christian Pulpit

	John H. Armstrong, "Editor's Introduction Needed: A Reformation Of True Preaching," Reformation & Revival 9.1 (Winter 2000): 7-12.
	Phil A. Newton, "Biblical Preaching," Reformation & Revival 9.1 (Winter 2000): 13-33.
	Scott M. Gibson, "Biblical Preaching In An Anti-Authority Age," Reformation & Revival 9.1 (Winter 2000): 35-44.
	Tom Wells, "Preaching The Kingdom Of God," Reformation & Revival 9.1 (Winter 2000): 45-56.
	Victor Gordon, "The Calling Of The Preacher," Reformation & Revival 9.1 (Winter 2000): 57-67.
	Brandon G. Withrow, "An Empty Threat: Jonathan Edwards On Y2K And The Power Of Preaching," Reformation & Revival 9.1 (Winter 2000): 69-92.
	Cecil Siriwardene, "Dr. D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones: His Views Of Preaching," Reformation & Revival 9.1 (Winter 2000): 93-117.
	Gerald M. Bilkes, "The Preaching Of Samuel Davies," Reformation & Revival 9.1 (Winter 2000): 119-135.
	Michael A.G. Haykin, "Hearing The Word: Robert Hall's Reflections On How Best To Profit Spiritually From Preaching," Reformation & Revival 9.1 (Winter 2000): 137-146.
	John H. Armstrong, "Annotated Bibliography," Reformation & Revival 9.1 (Winter 2000): 147-161.
	Anonymous, "Book Reviews," Reformation & Revival 9.1 (Winter 2000): 163-208.
	John H. Armstrong, "Book Notices," Reformation & Revival 9.1 (Winter 2000): 209-217.
	Volume 9 No 2 - Theme: Restoring True Worship - Part One
	John H. Armstrong, "Editor's Introduction Recovering Worship: Regaining Our Focus," Reformation & Revival 9.2 (Spring 2000): 7-12.
	John D. Witoliet, "Discerning The Spirits: Making Wise Choices In An Era Of Liturgical Change," Reformation & Revival 9.2 (Spring 2000): 15-28.
	Ron Man, "Jesus Our Worship Leader: The Mediating Work Of The Son In Worship," Reformation & Revival 9.2 (Spring 2000): 31-43.
	Gregg Strawbridge, "How Sweet And Awful Is The Place: Zion And Congregational Worship," Reformation & Revival 9.2 (Spring 2000): 45-61.
	Marva J. Dawn, "Worship And Community," Reformation & Revival 9.2 (Spring 2000): 65-76.
	Ron Man, "Worship And The Glory Of God," Reformation & Revival 9.2 (Spring 2000): 79-99.
	Ronald B. Allen, "Worship In The Psalms Exodus 15 And The Praise Of God Part One," Reformation & Revival 9.2 (Spring 2000): 103-113.
	Tom Wells, "The Epistle To The Hebrews And Worship," Reformation & Revival 9.2 (Spring 2000): 115-129.
	Ron Man, "Annotated Bibliography," Reformation & Revival 9.2 (Spring 2000): 133-139.
	John H. Armstrong, "A Review Article Retrieving The Tradition And Renewing Evangelicalism: A Primer For Suspicious Protestants,"Reformation & Revival 9.2 (Spring 2000): 143-153.
	Anonymous, "Book Reviews," Reformation & Revival 9.2 (Spring 2000): 155-168.
	John H. Armstrong, "Book Notices," Reformation & Revival 9.2 (Spring 2000): 171-180.
	Volume 9 No 3 - Theme: Restoring True Worship - Part Two
	John H. Armstrong, "Editor's Introduction," Reformation & Revival 9.3 (Summer 2000): 7-9.
	Ron Man, "What The Church Needs Now: Worship Perspectives For The New Millennium," Reformation & Revival 9.3 (Summer 2000): 11-22.
	Eric E. Wright, "Seeking Balance In Worship," Reformation & Revival 9.3 (Summer 2000): 25-52.
	T.M. Moore, "Lament For A Lost Liturgy," Reformation & Revival 9.3 (Summer 2000): 55-57.
	John Mason Hodges, "Aesthetics And The Place Of Beauty In Worship," Reformation & Revival 9.3 (Summer 2000): 59-74.
	Tim Ralston, "'Remember And Worship': The Mandate And The Means," Reformation & Revival 9.3 (Summer 2000): 77-89.
	Tom Wells, "The Book Of Revelation And The Subject Of Worship," Reformation & Revival 9.3 (Summer 2000): 93-106.
	Ronald B. Allen, "Worship In The Psalms Exodus 15 And The Praise of God Part Two," Reformation & Revival 9.3 (Summer 2000): 109-118.
	Robert E. Webber, "Is Our Worship Adequately Triune?" Reformation & Revival 9.3 (Summer 2000): 121-129.
	Ron Man, "Worship And The Word," Reformation & Revival 9.3 (Summer 2000): 133-147.
	Dave Osterlund, "Annotated Bibliography," Reformation & Revival 9.3 (Summer 2000): 149-170.
	Richard J. Vincent, "A Review Article Lessons From An Apostate," Reformation & Revival 9.3 (Summer 2000): 171-186.
	Anonymous, "Book Reviews," Reformation & Revival 9.3 (Summer 2000): 187-210.
	John H. Armstrong, "Book Notices," Reformation & Revival 9.3 (Summer 2000): 211-221.
	Volume 9 No 4 - Theme: The Word of God
	John H. Armstrong, "Editor's Introduction," Reformation & Revival 9.4 (Fall 2000): 7-11.
	Tom Wells, "'What Do We Mean By "The Word Of God?'," Reformation & Revival 9.4 (Fall 2000): 13-22.
	Fred G. Zaspel, "A Brief History Of Divine Revelation," Reformation & Revival 9.4 (Fall 2000): 25-35.
	P. Andrew Sandlin, "Two Paradigms For Adherents Of Sola Scriptura," Reformation & Revival 9.4 (Fall 2000): 37-46.
	Robert Kolb, "Reality Rests On The Word Of The Lord: Martin Luther's Understanding Of God's Word," Reformation & Revival 9.4 (Fall 2000): 47-63.
	David G. Moore, "Raising Some Concerns Over The "Inductive Method" Of Bible Study," Reformation & Revival 9.4 (Fall 2000): 65-73.
	Michael A.G. Haykin, "A Spirituality Of The Word: The Scriptures In Early Baptist Life And Thought," Reformation & Revival 9.4 (Fall 2000): 75-89.
	Michael J. Glodo, "Sola Ecclesia: The Lost Reformation Doctrine," Reformation & Revival 9.4 (Fall 2000): 91-97.
	Zachary Eswine, "The Secret Of Preaching: Wise Counsel From 'Old Princeton'," Reformation & Revival 9.4 (Fall 2000): 99-141.
	John H. Armstrong, "Annotated Bibliography," Reformation & Revival 9.4 (Fall 2000): 143-160.
	Bassam M. Madany, "A Review Article The World In The Post-1990s," Reformation & Revival 9.4 (Fall 2000): 161-175.
	Anonymous, "Book Reviews," Reformation & Revival 9.4 (Fall 2000): 177-213.
	John H. Armstrong, "Book Notices," Reformation & Revival 9.4 (Fall 2000): 215-224.

Leading Christian Charity IBS-STL UK Announces Plans To Sell Operations Due To Financial Challenges

Leading Christian book and Bible charity IBS-STL UK today announced that it has appointed Baker Tilly Corporate Finance LLP to pursue the sale of its operations.

The move has come after a succession of financial problems, in particular the failed implementation of a new SAP computer system in October 2008, the effects of which were exacerbated by the economic downturn. These have caused significant cash flow pressures, excess stock, and supply chain and service difficulties in its distribution and retail units. They have culminated in the decision to exit the business.

IBS-STL UK convened an emergency task force led by Global President of Biblica and former CEO of STL, Keith Danby, which has been in constant dialogue with its suppliers and bankers. It had also engaged restructuring and business process consultants in an attempt to resolve the systems and financial challenges.

Danby said: “Given the severe financial and operational strains we have experienced, the Board of Trustees and management team believe a sale or exit from all or parts of certain operations is a prudent and necessary step. Whilst a difficult decision, we are focused on finding a solution to continue the important work of IBS-STL UK, to secure the jobs of the 490 people employed in our ministry, and to fulfill our financial obligations to our suppliers and creditors. We are working diligently and praying vigilantly for a successful outcome.”

The corporate finance division of Baker Tilly is actively marketing the operations of the charity to a number of interested parties and is hopeful it will complete negotiations for the sales or potential closures within the next few weeks. IBS-STL UK was founded in 1962 and has grown to become a major UK charity.

IBS-STL UK has three trading divisions; Authentic Media, a book and music publisher; STL Distribution, a distributor of Christian resources and Wesley Owen Books and Music, a retailer with 40 shops in the UK. IBS-STL UK is part of Biblica, a global Bible translation, publishing, distribution and outreach ministry serving more than 100 countries with books, Bibles and other Christian resources. Biblica said the planned sale of the UK operations will not impact its other global operations and donor funds supporting Biblica’s worldwide outreach ministries will not be affected.

Michael Fitch, Chairman of the IBS-STL UK Board of Trustees, concluded: “We continue to believe strongly in the power of God’s Word and Christian resources to change peoples’ lives. We are praying that we can pass the torch on to other likeminded organisations so that our UK staff, suppliers and ministry partners can carry our work forward.”

---
 
Comment: This is a sad day for Christian bookselling in the UK. The news was not altogether unexpected, as in addition to the reasons cited about STL was badly effected by the recent collapse of the SPCK bookshop chain. Please remember the staff in your prayers as they now face an uncertain future and what could be a miserable Christmas.