Book Application: The Story of the Puritans

The Story of the Puritans

-         Errol Husle

This booklet (article) was published by Reformation and Revival Journal, Volume 5, Number 2 ●Spring 1996. I read it in November 2016 as a part of the required reading for the class of Church History. Here are the Two Applications I deduced after reading it:

1.      The Importance of Reading Books (especially the Foxe Book of Martyrs)

Rev. Errol Husle, the author observed four formative influences in the making of the golden era of Christian Church History – the Puritans. He includes John Foxe’s Books, The Book of Martyrs in 2^nd position (page 18.) After that, he demonstrated how the successive puritans were encouraged and followed the Martyrs such as John Bunyan (page 43.)

            The Puritans were not just preachers, they were writers. Their writings were not just theoretical for they had lived out and demonstrated their writings to their congregations. Those books were as the results of their studies and applications from their studies of the Bible. It did not come from the ivory tower. Here is a lesson for pastors and church leaders, to read their (Puritans) writings and also to reproduce the same for their own congregation (like Puritans) based on their reflection of the teaching of the Bible.

            There are scores of people who have gone ahead and have left their footprints on the page of history that will have eternal fruitfulness. Their lives were not an easy life. Their legacy lives and causes others to reproduce the same committed people like them through their death as a martyr. We do need to read this book, the Book of Martyr, both pastors and congregations to be faithful to the Caller of the church, Lord Jesus Christ.

2.      The Importance of Christian Family and Community.

On page 48-49, the author wrote about the creation of the Christian family in the English-speaking world and its influences on the whole part of the world. It is also about their Unity in the Community to live as Christians. They have “constancy in prayers” (John Bradford of page 23). They sanctified even a horse to God (p.48). They enjoyed Lord’s Day. What a blessed family and community theirs are!

            In this modern world, people demand that religion must be privatized. One is not supposed to discuss religion in the market and Public Square. One is allowed to talk about football stars, movie stars, politicians, intellectuals, but not about Christ. Religion is not even discussed in the family. It is personal and private things. Puritans were not. Christianity (the Gospel) penetrated the family, community, and all their lives. Christ of the Bible and His teachings became the foundation, sustainer, problem-solving, comforter, joy, and delight of their lives. We need to reflect on the lives of these people. Our society and families are torn. We need to follow them. If we want our children to be successful, we need to follow their example. If we don’t want our children to bring grief to our souls, we need to follow their lives. We are not to privatize religion (the Gospel). We are to live out. We are to proclaim it. We are to persuade others to believe the Gospel too. We are to swim against the current of the culture of “tolerance” and “political correctness.”

Book Review: One Perfect Life

One Perfect Life by John MacArthur

I have read One Perfect Life, Dr. John MacArthur’s book last year. This January, I got a chance to read again. I cannot make a scientific attempt to summarize it, but let me just give a simple review. I read an Indian Edition, 2013. It is the complete story of the Lord Jesus Christ – a blended harmony of the four Gospels account with other Scripture passages of the whole Bible.

I am impressed that the blending is based on the Gospel of Matthew, as Matthew is the first canonized book placed in the New Testament. Moreover, the book begins with the account of Genesis, and then pull in all important passages of the whole Bible: Genesis through Isaiah through Colossians through Revelation. It is interesting to see different authors of the Bible at different places at different times (over 1600 years) wrote about the same Person, and this book is the demonstration of their writings.

The Introduction clearly states that the objective of this book for the believer is to be sanctified, and for the non-believer to be saved. Thus making this book appealing to everyone. Some of the interesting things in this book are:

1.      The blended Scripture is interesting enough to read on and on (though 516 in pages), but the inclusion of footnotes is really a treat. Footnotes comprise 40-50 percent of the whole book. By the way, Dr. MacArthur is known for footnotes, not just in writings but in sermons and “Questions and Answers” times.

2.    The book is set chronologically, not just of the events at the time of Christ, but the accounts of the different writers (from Genesis to Revelation). The inclusion of the First Part “Anticipating the Lord Jesus Christ” and the Last Part “New Testament Reflections on the Gospel of Jesus Christ” in this book are very insightful and well thought-out!

3.    One will discover that the seeming discrepancies in the accounts of the different writers are just not true, rather it brings more light. Such as the story of Jesus commissioning the Twelve, regarding the things they should not take along with them (p.192), resurrection account (p.47-471)

4.    Also, one will be enamored to see that some of the seeming parallel stories are not the same story but a repetition such as the argument about the greatness, cleansing of Temple, washing of Jesus’s feet (p.160-161).

5.     Textual Criticisms are employed such as in the account of the “adulterous woman” (p. 256), “waiting for the moving of the water” in the story of a Lame man on the Sabbath (p. 121).

6.    The Historical settings are made available to have the clearest understanding of the story. Such as the “Coming Messiah” (p.30, 53), “eye of a needle” (p.335), widow’s mite (p.382).

7.     The Cultural Contexts which is necessary to help us understand the intent of the author is included. Such as the story of disciple plucking the heads of grain (p.127) mourning of Lazarus’s death (p.185), Jesus, Son of Mary (p.188), “take his cross and follow me” (p.194)

8.    The Geographical descriptions are just wonderful, as if one had been there, and know what the author is talking about. Such as the Sea of Galilee (p. 105, 178), the mount of Transfiguration (p.230),

9.    The authenticity, relevance, and sufficiency of the Bible confirmed in this book is mind-exhilarating. Such as Jacob’s well in the story of Samaritan Woman. “The spring is still active today” (p.95) the story of rich man and Lazarus (p.315).

10.                        Personally, the account of the Lord’s Supper is made clear to me in the footnotes such as the “dip” (p.405), “third cup” (p.411). Also. The footnotes serve a great light what (the occasion or event) made Jesus wash the disciple’s feet. The question and arguments about the greatness (p.407).

If I were to make a suggestion to the author is to include a Scriptural Index at the back. Of course, not necessary for the Gospels but the other books of the Bible, especially for the Old Testament.

My Final note: I have never read a book such as this. It is just second to the Bible because this book is completely the Scriptures except the footnotes given by the author. One may read Scripture from the Bible, but this book comes with the footnotes that exposit the text. Though no book can never substitute the Gospels of the Bible, this book is the greatest book I can pick up concerning the life of Jesus Christ. You do well if you read this book whoever you are!

Book Review: Once Saved Always Changed

Once Saved Always Changed by Steve Fernandez

This book has six chapters on the topics: 1. Significant of Regeneration: Crucial Truth, 2. Necessity: Sin, Depravity, Gospel, 3. Character: Radical Renewal, 4. Consequences: Changed Lives and Sin in the Church, 5. Order: Conviction, Regeneration, Saving Faith, 6. Implications: Evangelism, Discipleship, Counselling. As the subtitle of the book claims itself, it is about the meaning of new birth or regeneration of a believer. He wrote about the aspects, necessity, nature, and consequences of regeneration, and also about the relationship between regeneration and faith. The book ends with practical implication of the doctrine of regeneration.

It begins by stating that new birth (or regeneration, to use the theological term) is a radical change of the core disposition and nature of a person that fundamentally transforms both their attitudes and behavior of life. The author contends that the biblical and historical Christian position is that regeneration actually breaks and dethrones the general controlling power of sin so that the believer’s basic life-direction is now away from self and sin, and toward God and holiness.  He rightly refers to regeneration as the root of obedience and holiness. He writes that Christ’s purpose with Nicodemus (as with the entire Sermon on the Mount) was to show that external righteousness is totally inadequate. Regeneration is necessary because of man’s depravity. Man is born with a sin-corrupted nature and is an object of God’s wrath. Man is spiritually dead, he cannot be revived. Man has a God-hating heart and cannot welcome truth and needs a recreation through regeneration by God Himself. When a person is regenerated, it gives him not only a new birth but a new capacity, and new conduct which always follows because it made him a new person. He is born of the Spirit and it produces the life of the Spirit. Without Him, there can be no Salvation. He possesses a single nature, radically transformed, but with sin remaining as a vestige and remnant of the old man. He does not possess an “old nature” and a “new nature” as is commonly taught.

In chapter 5, Steve deals with the order in which God brings sinners, dead in their sins, to personal salvation and life in Christ under the term “calling.” God not only invites to salvation (the general external call heard by many through the preaching of the gospel), He also effectively brings specific people to the saving relationship with Himself. This call is the internal or effectual call. The initial step is the proclamation of the gospel. Next is the conviction process. When exposed to the truths of the gospel, the person becomes aware, and even concerned about their need to turn to Christ and of their guilt before God. Conviction, however, is not efficacious. That is, it does not bring a person to saving faith. People, because of their hardened heart, would not turn to Christ. The heart of a person must change, this is regeneration. God must do a further work in regeneration, or there will be no embracing of Christ in saving faith. The Word of God is the instrument (I Pet 1:2), and the Holy Spirit is the agent, but the new birth itself is totally the work of God acting directly upon in the person. Faith is exercised as the immediate and inseparable result of the new birth. Instantly and inseparably the sinner renounces sin and exercises trusting, reliant faith as he gladly embraces Christ. The reason he exercises saving faith, the reason he has come to salvation, is God Himself, in His love, interposing and regenerating and renewing his heart. It is to Him all the glory goes!

Steve, in the last chapter, writes about the implications of regeneration: to pray for the work of the Holy Spirit before evangelism and witnessing and not manipulations of tactics, and to avoid giving false assurance.

Recommendation:

It is the first book of Steve Fernandez I ever read. It motivates me to take prayer seriously for unregenerated people, especially those we are about to witness. It reminds me to take prayer seriously, and not just to rest on the power of the gospel, and not on intellect. It also reminds me of the depravity of myself, and mankind and the saving works of God. The implication of regeneration will force every reader to depend on the Holy Spirit and not on psychology or methods of counselling.

I recommend this book to every professing Christian to read this book and examine oneself and our church members on what it really means to be born again.

June 13, 2014

Book Summary: Knowing God

Knowing God by J.I. Packer

It is indeed a book that every Christian ought to read not because it is J.I. Packer’s most famous book but because of the content of it. The author aptly titled it as “Knowing God,” and not “Knowing about God.” He explained the difference between “knowing” and “knowing about” God. One may know about God and not know God, but one who knows God knows about Him. This book has three sections entitled as: Know The Lord, Behold Your God, and If God Be For Us. It has also 22 chapters, each having sub-headings. He has written in such a way that each chapter can be read independently for devotional reading. However, there is a pretty logical flow from one chapter to another chapter. It is interesting to see lots of hymns in this book. Each chapter has a hymn or more. Though the book is just 41 years old, some of his vocabularies seem to be missing in our present days’ books.

In the first section, Packer writes about why one needs to know God. He writes that one should study God like a “traveler” and not like a “balconeers”. He draws from Spurgeon that studying theology is the most profound and most humbling study to do. He points out that there are four pieces of evidence of knowing God: great energy, great thoughts, great boldness, and great contentment in God. Ultimately, what matters is not one knows God but God knows him. He writes sternly against using images in worship for whatsoever reasons. He writes about the incarnation of Christ as the supreme mystery – neither Good Friday nor Easter. In his word, “nothing in fiction is so fantastic as is this truth of Incarnation.” He also rejects the theory of “kenosis” pointing out that it cannot stands. In the last chapter of this section, he writes about the important works of the Holy Spirit. He observes that “the doctrine of the Holy Spirit is the Cinderella of the Christian Doctrines.”

In the second section, Packer points to the attributes of God. Firstly, he writes about the immutability of God. He defines repentance as “revising one’s judgment and changing of one’s action” which God does not do. Then he writes about the majesty of God so that one may have an optimistic view of God’s grace and mercy, and not to have “the thought about God as too human.” He also writes about the Wise God who knows everything about one’s trials. The wise God gives wisdom, and Packer gives steps to get it. He comments on Ecclesiastes that the “pessimistic conclusion” will lead to an optimistic expectation of finding the divine purpose of everything. Packer says that wisdom “is not sharing in all His knowledge, but a disposition to confess that He is wise, and to cleave to Him and live for Him in the light of His Word through thick and thin.” Then he writes about the truth of the Word of God, His Love, His Grace, His Judgment, and the Wrath of God. It is exhilarating to know that the NT writers invented the word “agape” to write about the wonderful Love of God. Packer also thrust one’s mind to God’s goodness and God’s severity. It makes one appreciate God’s discipline for He is patient and good. In the last chapter of this section, he writes about the holy Jealousy of God. God demands from His redeemed people the absolute loyalty. He will vindicate Himself from unfaithful people. Thus it implies to Christians that they must be zealous for God too – to be faithful.

 In the last section of this book, Packer writes about the richness of a person if the God he mentions above is to be his God. He goes directly to the heart of the Gospel to explain what God has done for this richness. He writes that Christ died as propitiation, not expiation. Christ not only removes the barrier of sins before God but pacifies the wrath of God. Justice sounds real only in the idea of propitiation. So, it was not easy for Christ to die. In the words of Luther, “never man feared death like this Man.” This gospel brings peace to a believer. His peace is a “power to face and live with one’s own badness and failings, and also contentment under the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune (for which the Christian name is God’s wise providence).” He is adopted as the son of God. He gets an intimate relationship with God as Father and highest privilege. He lives a Christian life, prayerful life, and a life of faith. Adoption shows the great love of God, gives the hope of glorification, gives the Spirit to understand the mystery. It motivates to repentance, and to live holiness of life. The Holy Spirit guides the believer through His Word for all matters. Then Packer writes about the trials in the believer’s life. He writes that God gives grace in trials not by shielding from troubles but by exposing to them “so as to overwhelm him with a sense of his own inadequacy, and to drive him to cling to God and be close to Him.” Then in the last chapter, he writes about the adequacy of God from the book of Romans, particularly chapter 8. He points to the sovereignty of God for a believer to rejoice in Him. He mentions that nothing can separate him  (a Christian) or accuse him, and nothing good will be withheld from him if God is for Him. Packer concludes that this God is the God of the Bible, the God revealed in Jesus Christ. Learning God is in Christ, which means it involves having a personal relationship with Christ.

 24^th November 2014

Book Summary: Does God Exist?

Does God Exist? by William Lane Craig  

Dr. William Lane Craig is arguing for the existence of God philosophically. He is employing five different types of argument, each independent of one another. However, he also shows the connecting link between one after another so that the reader will find enough evidence for believing or affirming in the existence of God. Indeed, the reader will acknowledge that it is reasonable to believe the existence of God. However, all the arguments he employs can be used by other theistic groups. These arguments do not carry the message of the Gospel. It does not point to the God of the Bible. Therefore, these arguments may not be fruitful for evangelism, yet it will challenge the minds of people who do not care that God exists. Definitely, these arguments will strengthen the faith of believers as we see the world has been campaigning for the anti-theistic society.

In chapter 1, Professor William Lane Craig presents the Cosmological Arguments which are defended today by philosophers such as Timothy O’ Connor and Richard Swinburne and others. The tenets of these arguments are 1. Everything that exists has an explanation of its existence. In other words, nothing exists without the explanation of its existence. 2. Granting the fact that the universe exists, the argument follows, the explanation of its existence is God. Because such a universe has to be originated from the immaterial and infinite One. This argument presents God as the uncaused God whose explanation of His existence is Himself.

In chapter 2, Dr. Craig presents his favorite argument, the Kalam Cosmological Argument. Philosopher such as Stuart Hackett and others defend this argument against criticism and counter-views. 1. The main argument of this is that everything that begins to exist has a cause. This rule out God because God does not begin to exist. He is eternal. He is uncaused being. The argument goes on to say that nothing comes out from nothing. 2. Drawing from scientific evidence and the affirmations of the scientific community, he proves that the universe has its own beginning. Granting these two premises, it is logical to come to the conclusion that the universe has its own cause. The cause of it is God, the creator.

In chapter 3, he presents the Teleological Argument which is defended by scientists and philosophers such as William Dembski, Michael Denton, Paul Davies, and others. This is also the most favorite argument of Intelligent Design’s Proponents. The argument is that the universe is intelligible beyond comprehension. It is not because of physical necessity or by chance. Therefore, it points to the designer who designs this universe. Evolutionist like Richard Dawkin questioned who design the designer. Craig rightly pointed out that one doesn’t  need an explanation of the explanation. Or else, it will lead to infinite regression. Thus this argument points toward the designer or Creator.

In chapter 4, Dr. Craig presents the Moral Argument. This is defended by people like Paul Coplan, Stephen Evans, Robert Adams, and others. This argument is by far the most touching one for humankind because of the sufferings, pains, sorrows, and so on. The argument is that, only in the framework of theism, can one establish the existence of absolute moral values and duties. If one denies the existence of God, there can be no absolute moral values and duties. Witnessing the fact of the existence of moral absolutes in everyday life, it is therefore, God, the moral law-giver exist.

In chapter 5, Dr. Craig presents his last argument, the Ontological Argument which was propounded by Anselm and is defended today by philosophers like Alvin Platinga, and others. One can appreciate the uniqueness of this argument. It is the argument of possibilities. Intuitively, everyone can grant the possibility of the existence of “maximal greatness” which means God, who is logically coherent in attributes like perfectness, omniscience, omnipotent, and so on. The argument follows, it is possible for God to exist. This argument though, thought-provoking and interestingly put up has to find good reasons for it to be accepted. Thus, evidence or arguments from other sources (it could even be cosmological and teleological arguments too) are brought in to support the second premise of this argument. This argument presents God as the maximal being, the Supreme Being.

Dr. Craig acknowledges that all the arguments he employs in this book do not build a case for the God of the Bible, though they give much for the ground of it. And therefore, he recommends one of his books, “Did Jesus Rise from the Dead” for anyone who wants to know more about Christianity, and the God of the Bible.

21^st November 2014

Book Review: Saved without a Doubt

Saved without a Doubt

Being Sure of Your Salvation by John MacArthur

The book begins with a letter from someone who was in doubt of his salvation. Then the author writes about people who have false assurance, who don’t believe in assurance, and about full assurance. The book is divided into three parts: 1. Is it a done deal? 2. Is it real? 3. Is it something I can feel?

The author, John MacArthur writes that we’re to be assured of our salvation first and foremost because Scripture promises eternal life to those who believe in Christ (John 20:31). He writes that salvation is a collective work: the Sovereign decree of the Father, the High Priestly work of Christ, the Seal of the Spirit. He explains those troubling verses: Galatians 5 and falling from grace, Hebrews 6 and those once enlightened, John 15 and the burning branches, Matthew 12 and the unpardonable sin. And then he provides 6 links in the chain of truth that bind all true believers eternally to their Savior and Lord: those are- peace with God, standing in grace, hope of glory, possession of divine love, certainty of deliverance, and joy in the Lord. If no sin a person commits prior to his or her conversion is too great for Christ’s atoning death to cover, surely no sin he or she commits afterward is too great to be covered. Then the rest of the section explain about the purpose of Salvation, giving a big picture: God created us so that there would be a group of people who would give Him the glory He deserves.

The second part starts with reference to false conversion. MacArthur framed eleven tests from an apostolic expert: Distinction between Saving versus Common operations of the Holy Spirit. The test includes sensitivity to sin by believers. The author is of the opinion that since unbelievers are so insensitive to the reality of their condition, human sinfulness is the right starting point in sharing the gospel.

In the third part of the book, MacArthur writes about how a Christian can experience the assurance of a secure salvation. One reason why people doubt is because of strong preaching, and then he writes that “the pulpit is supposed to create anxiety, but it should also give comfort and assurance to precious people who honor Christ and desire to be more like Him. Good biblical preaching maintains that balance.” Others doubted because of their guilty conscience because what conscience knows about is guilt and conviction. It knows nothing of grace and mercy. Then MacArthur writes about the Christian virtue to add Virtue upon Virtue: such as Remembrance, Diligence, Excellence, Knowledge, Self-Control, Perseverance, Godliness, Love, Fruitfulness, Beware of Spiritual Amnesia, Growing Spiritually, Enjoying Great Spiritual Reward, and Delighting in the blessings of assurance. Then he writes about gaining victory such as never to have a victim mentality, “Let that make an indelible impression on you because you’ll never get victory over sin if you believe sin is an unbeatable foe.” John also writes about the need for killing the enemy by using prayer to expose your hidden sins. The book ends with a chapter on perseverance.

Recommendation:

This is a very good book for everyone both for new believers and pastors. It is a must read book for every Christian or people who are not sure of their salvation. Personally, after reading this book, Romans chapter 8 becomes more precious than ever before, especially about the Security of Salvation and the Absolute Sovereignty of God. This book will be of significant help because it talks about Salvation, how it cannot be lost but is secured eternally even with troubling verses elsewhere in the Bible. It also instructs how we can live a life of sanctification, gaining victory over sins. It also shows how Christian can enjoy the salvation of God.

I recommend this book without any reservation for everyone.

Solomon Rwangmei, (The Master’s Academy India, Goa) June 13, 2014