1689 Media

11/11/2025

Dr. Sam Waldron’s book, The Doctrine of Last Things: An Optimistic Amillennial View (published by Free Grace Press), is a must-read. Though the book exceeds 500 pages, it is well worth the time and effort to read and carefully consider what Dr. Waldron has to say.

All biblical Christians agree that history is moving toward Christ’s second coming, the resurrection of the dead, and final judgment. Yet the timing and sequence of these events—and especially the role of ethnic Israel—remain subjects of ongoing and often intense debate.
In this outstanding work, Dr. Waldron clearly and charitably articulates the optimistic amillennial position, while firmly maintaining that it is the view most faithful to Scripture and arrived at through sound biblical interpretation. He interacts respectfully with differing perspectives yet presents his own position with clarity, conviction, and a convincingly systematic approach.

I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of eschatology (“last things”), including those already committed to a different millennial view.

Thank you, Dr. Waldron, for your careful scholarship, theological clarity, and gracious yet robust defense of the amillennial position.

11/07/2025

Dead theologian bookmarks! How do you keep your place in the books you are reading? Please tell me you don’t dog-ear the pages!!!

11/01/2025

I’m really enjoying this new devotional, “A Word in Season: 50 Days of Hope for Hard Times,” from Media Gratiae and Jeremy Walker. I’m only a few days in, and already it’s been a blessing and source of peaceful contemplation in the midst of the often noisy world around us. Jeremy Walker’s pastoral heart for the saints shines through in every entry. You can feel his care, his biblical wisdom, and his gentle urgency to point weary souls to Christ through the hope of the gospel.

These devotions are adapted from the excellent A Word in Season podcast (which I also highly recommend), available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms.

Whether you’re walking through hardship, supporting someone who is, or simply wanting to end the year grounded in hope and begin the new one with a strengthened foundation—this little book is a treasure. It would make a thoughtful Christmas gift, a meaningful stocking stuffer, or simply a helpful addition to your own daily devotions.
I believe it will encourage you deeply, just as it’s already encouraging me.

10/31/2025

Today we commemorate Reformation Day, marking the bold step Martin Luther took on October 31st, 1517, by nailing his 95 theses to the castle church door in Wittenberg. Luther's courageous act sparked a movement, echoing far beyond the church walls. His 95 statements ignited a call to debate and reform, emphasizing justification by faith, challenging the sale of indulgences, and calling for biblical repentance. We celebrate the impact of the Reformation, which drew many away from man-made traditions and back to Scripture as our ruler of faith and practice. Happy Reformation Day, brothers and sisters.
Martin Luther bust available from Missional Wear

10/28/2025

Don’t miss out on these great prices for the Reformation Day Sale. You can also pick up some last minute gifts for Pastor Appreciation Month. Save even more by using code: 1689 or purchasing directly from the link in the comments. If you follow the link the code should already been entered. I’ll also share some of my recommendations in the comments.

Equip your church and your shelf

09/25/2025

Happy day for our brother. A time of sorrow for all he leaves behind. A lion of the faith has been called to the Savior's side.

We are saddened to inform friends that our dear brother, Voddie Baucham, Jr., has left the land of the dying and entered the land of the living. Earlier today, after suffering an emergency medical incident, he entered into his rest and the immediate presence of the Savior whom he loved, trusted, and served since he was converted as a college student. Please pray for Bridget, their children, and grandchildren.

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. – Psalm 116:15

09/16/2025

What a gift to the church to have a hymnal like this. Westminster Bookstore sent me a copy of the Sing Hymnal and I I can say without hesitation that this is a tremendous resource for homes and churches of all sizes. God’s people are a singing people. They have been from the beginning and will continue to be a singing people for all eternity. When the church gathers to worship and sings praises to the Lord it is a foretaste of eternal joys yet to be experienced.

Regarding the hymnal itself, there are several things that make this stand apart from other hymnals out there. The selection of hymns spans from ancient to modern, all carefully chosen to edify and enrich the church as it worships our triune God. Some of the hymns were new to me and I really enjoyed going over each one, taking in and pondering the theology contained in the lyrics. The music scores are wonderfully written for congregational use, the parts well-developed with beautiful cords and cord progressions. These hymns and the manner in which they are written, while beautiful when sung solo, raise to a whole new level when voices join together and boldly sing the praises of our God.

Two areas of the hymnal that I really have grown to appreciate as I have gone through it, are the children’s section where there are several simple songs and melodies for the younger ones in the congregation and perfect for Sunday schools and bible studies, but I can tell you, we will be singing many of these with the whole congregation. The other section is toward the back where they have included a brief story about the hymn giving context to the circumstances under which the hymn was written or the reason for the hymn. Combining this with the scripture reference index is sure to be of benefit in personal devotions and small group bible studies.

The hymnal comes in several different editions including a lay-flat edition which contains cords, and a whole host of online options and search capabilities for finding the perfect hymns for a worship service or for any other occasion. If your church is considering new hymnals, I would highly recommend the Sing Hymnal. If not pick one up for your home, I assure you it will be valuable to you in family worship and in personal devotions.

Thanks to Westminster Books for sending this, and to Crossway and the Keith and Kristyn Getty for their work in producing and making it available. Head over to WTS Books to get your copy. Link to purchase in profile or use code: 1689 for discount.

09/15/2025

There’s no such thing as too much Spurgeon! What is your favorite quote from or story about Charles Haddon Spurgeon? I’ll post mine in the comments.
Spurgeon bust and playing cards available from .

04/24/2025

Still love this quote from Spurgeon!

03/19/2025

Highly recommend these. Writing out the scriptures is a great way to hide the Word in your heart.

03/14/2025

One of my favorite publishers, Reformation Heritage Books, is streaming one of the greatest documentaries ever produced. If you haven’t seen Revival, please go watch it. Link will be in the comments below. I long to see such a work in our day.

02/17/2025

What does it mean to be a true disciple of Jesus? This is one of the most important questions a professing Christian must answer. I have been slowly making my way through this 8 part study from Media Gratiae and it has been a tremendous blessing. I have been both convicted and strengthened through the study as I have been mediating on the scripture, going through the workbook, and watching the video sermons by Dr. Ian Hamilton. I highly recommend this for personal study but even more so for small groups and bible studies. I think going through this with others would lead to strengthening one another and biblical accountability in living as true disciples of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Let me just say, the title is fitting: “The Nature and Practice of True-Hearted Discipleship.” I’m not sure anything could better sum up what it’s all about. Too often we see those who profess to be Christians, yet bear no resemblance to their Lord and no fruit from regeneration. The nature of discipleship is the issue. The true hearted disciple is a new creation, born again of the Spirit with new desires and with fruit born of the Spirit of God. He is one who desires the Word of God, one who loves their Savior, follows Him through both trials and triumphs, one who battles the remainders of indwelling sin, and one who relishes the realities of what he is and what he possesses in Christ. The new nature of a true-hearted disciple of Christ leads to the practice of a true-hearted disciple.

The format of the study with the video sermons and workbook is perfect for group study. True to Media Gratiae’s style, it always grounds the study in God’s Word, bringing the student to the source of all wisdom and truth. The study is available to purchase as a DVD/Workbook as well as digital access/streaming.

Dr. Ian Hamilton’s pastoral discernment and care for souls shines through in the video lessons. Once again, grounding all he proclaims and teaches in the Word. This is extremely refreshing in light of the popular trends in the professing church, where the nature and practice of the false-hearted disciple, void of God’s Word, is all too often what’s on display to the world.

I hope you will consider taking part in this bible study series and that God blesses you through it as he has me, and that you grow through your union with Christ as His true-hearted disciple. Thank you to Media Gratiae, Ian Hamilton and all who supported the work to produce this resource for the Church. Soli Deo Gloria!