Reading the Christian Spiritual Classics: A Review
Goggin, Jamin and Kyle Strobel (eds.). Reading the Christian Spiritual Classics: A Guide for Evangelicals. Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2013. 332 pp. (paperback). Have you ever tried to read a “Christian classic,” only to walk away confused? Perhaps your complaint was that the text was difficult to read and understand, or boring, or just plain weird. Or perhaps you understood it fine; you just couldn’t comprehend why it has received...
The Habit of Being of One Mind with God
Here is a helpful reminder of one author’s definition of holiness: “Holiness is the habit of being of one mind with God…It is the habit of agreeing with God’s judgment—hating what He hates—loving what He loves—and measuring everything in this world by the standard of His Word…A holy man will endeavor to shun every known sin, and to keep every known commandment. He will have a decided bent of mind toward God, a hearty desire to do His...
A Word on our Present Persecution
From the culture, media, and public square, we Christians are increasingly experiencing ridicule, hatred, and persecution. Here is a sobering reminder from Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a Christian who lived from 1906 to 1945, who also received persecution, and was even (many would say) martyred: The messengers of Jesus will be hated to the end of time. They will be blamed for all the divisions which rend cities and homes. Jesus and his...
From Rebellion to Reverence
Appear before the Queen of England and you will quickly discover a clear list of dos and don’ts [1]. Call it royal etiquette. For instance, you stand when she enters the room. You don’t speak, unless first spoken to. If spoken to, you address her in a proper manner worthy of Her Majesty. You certainly don’t initiate physical contact. If she deems your hand fit to shake, your handshake should be brief. You also dress in a particular...
A People Zealous of Good Works
Thomas Shepard was a Puritan in colonial New England, who lived from 1605 until 1649. He ties the “good works” question to Christ’s blood in this way: Christ shed his blood that he might purchase unto himself a people zealous of good works, not to save our souls by them, but to honor him. O, let not the blood of Christ be shed in vain! Grace and good works are a Christian’s crown; it is sin only that makes a man base. Now, shall a...
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