Category: Biography/History

J.I. Packer

On By BrianIn Biography/History

Packer

Another Christian giant has fallen – or better – been taken to be with his Lord, passing away July 17, 2020.  He had an early impact on me through his book, Knowing God, which  I read as a teen.  Rediscovering Holiness and The Quest For Godliness helped to teach me that salvation was meant to change your life.  More recently, Grounded in the Gospel, which he co-authored with Gary Parrett, helped me better think through Christian education.  I thank the Lord for him.

Here is a short biography, a few other tributes, and a collection of quotes:

J. I. Packer (1926–2020) – Justin Taylor

J. I. Packer: A Personal Appreciation – Ray Ortlund

J. I. Packer’s Final Words to the Church – Ivan Mesa (TGC)

10 Things You Should Know about J. I. Packer – Leland Ryken (Crossway)

40 Quotes from J. I. Packer (1926–2020) – Matt Smethurst (TGC)

 

 

Reformation Collection

On By BrianIn Biography/History, PASSION Collections

RefWall

As we continue celebrating the Reformation this week, here are some good posts on women of the Reformation, as well as some posts recognizing that the Reformers were flawed – in need of a Savior just like you and me.

The Forgotten Women of the Reformation – Stephen Nichols (Crossway)

5 Lessons from Reformation Women – Rebecca VanDoodewaard (TGC)

Whitewashed Heroes: The Flaws in Our Reformers – Scott Hubbard (DG)

Thank God for Flawed Heroes – Brad Littlejohn (TGC)

Reformation Collection

On By BrianIn Biography/History, PASSION Collections

RefWall

Here are some more short biographies of folks from the Reformation:

Thomas Cranmer: The Gospel Lobbyist – Matthew Westerholm (DG)

Guillaume Farel: The French Firebrand – Johnathon Bowers (DG)

Hugh Latimer & Nicholas Ridley: The British Candle – Scott Hubbard (DG)

Ulrich Zwingli: The Swiss Giant – Travis Myers (DG)

Hans Gooseflesh: The Accidental Reformer – Rick Segal (DG)

Reformation Collection

On By BrianIn Biography/History, PASSION Collections

RefWall

Here are some good short biographies by Stephen Nichols:

A Brief Introduction to the Life and Ministry of William Tyndale

A Brief Introduction to the Life of Pope Leo X

A Brief Introduction to the Life and Ministry of Martin Luther

A Brief Introduction to the Life and Ministry of Ulrich Zwingli

A Brief Introduction to the Life and Ministry of John Calvin

Reflections on Church History

On By BrianIn Biography/History

My youth/adult Sunday School class recently finished a 20 week study of church history. Looking back, here are a few thoughts:

  • The giants of church history were yet sinners saved by grace. Time and again as we looked at various heroes of the church, we saw not only great godly achievements, but also sinful failure. How could such a great man or woman of God do that? But God uses sinful people to accomplish his purposes so that we might glory not in the people but in their God. All have sinned and need a Savior.
  • God is still at work in his world. God wasn’t just active in Bible times, as it is easy to conclude when we ignore the last 2000 years. He has been at work in his church and world during the last two millennium, and he is still at work today.
  • The church today needs to study church history. It is important for us to know where we came from. It is essential for us to understand how the church came to understand Biblical truths so we can better discern truth from error today. It is helpful for us to look at life through the eyes of those who have gone before so that we might overcome some of the blind spots of our times. And it is a great benefit for us to learn from and be encouraged by the lives and writings of those who have gone before us.

If you have never studied church history, I encourage you to jump in!

Book Look: John Newton

On By BrianIn Biography/History, Book Look

NewtonI recently read John Newton: From Disgrace to Amazing Grace by Jonathan Aitken.  It was an enjoyable and easy to read look at Newton’s life.  Aitken takes us from the foul-mouthed slave trader to the country parson to the city pastor and mentor.

I have read other biographies on Newton, but I learned some things here.  Newton kept journals and wrote many letters, and Aitken has clearly dug into them, using them to flesh out Newton’s life.  I found particularly interesting Newton’s relationship with William Wilberforce throughout Wilberforce’s drive to end the slave trade.  Through Newton’s letters, we also learn much about his loving relationship with his wife Polly.

As a Christian, I was amazed again by God’s incomparable grace that saves people who are blatantly against God.  I was challenged by Newton’s personal devotional habits and his never ending wonder at God’s grace.  As a man, I was challenged by his love for his wife – and his ability to communicate it to his wife.  And as a pastor, I appreciated learning about his ministry – with lots of good ideas for today.

If you are looking for a good introduction to Newton, and want to be encouraged in your Christian life, marriage, or ministry, this is a good book to take up and read.

Book Look: A God Entranced Vision Of All Things

On By BrianIn Biography/History, Book Look

As I continue to read about Jonathan Edwards, I enjoyed the collection of essays found in the book, A God Entranced Vision of All Things edited by John Piper and Justin Taylor.  The essays are based on several addresses from a conference focused on the contributions of Jonathan Edwards.  The book begins with three chapters addressing his legacy, his life, and his wife’s life.  Part Two shares lessons we can learn from his life and teachings on revival, spiritual disciple, and church life.  The final chapter in part two addresses the issue of Edwards owning slaves.  Part Three explores some of his most important works on sin, the will, and religious affections.  All in all, the book makes a good introduction to his life and teachings, and provides plenty of challenges for our lives today.

Halloween and the Reformation

On By BrianIn Biography/History, Holidays

Here are a few more worthwhile posts for Reformation Day.

First, David Mathis talks about the history of Halloween and its possible connection to Luther’s nailing the 95 Theses on this day.

Second, Kevin DeYoung addresses whether the Reformation is over.  Hint: the answer is no.