John Newton on the Christian Life, by Tony Reinke, is one book on the Theologians on the Christian Life series by various authors. Newton seems an odd choice for inclusion in the series, not usually associated with men like Augustine, Martin Luther, John Wesley or Francis Schaeffer. In fact, many Christians don't even realize that Newton was a pastor. He is most famously known as the former slave trader who turned to God and penned the hymn Amazing Grace.
The details of Newton's life shared in this book are inspiring and insightful in and of themselves, but also serve to illuminate why Newton emphasized certain principles for Christian growth and conduct.
Newton did not write much in the way of formal theology. Reinke had to immerse himself in the sermons from Newton's four decades of preaching in Olney and London. Reinke joins the common opinion that the sermons are hardly memorable.
The richer field of study is Newton's pastoral letters. He wrote hundreds of personal letters to people on many subjects. Many of these letters were later published, and became more popular reading than his sermons were. Newton's views, according to Reinke, were clear and consistent, making his views on the Christian life easy to explain – provided, of course, that one is willing to study these hundreds of documents.
The primary theme is Newton's letters is revealed to be the adoration of Christ. The cure for pride? Focus on Christ's magnificence. The cure for anxiety? Security in Christ. The cure for temptations of the world? Think of the glories Christ has prepared for us in Heaven. This may not sound like “theology,” but Reinke explains that while the perspective is simple, it is not simplistic. John Newton wrestled with hard issues and counseled many people in a wide variety of situations, but always brought matters back to this: keep your eyes on Jesus.
I recommend this book for its brief biography of John Newton, its clear explanation of Newton's concept of the Christian life, and its challenge for the reader to face all aspects of life with Christ's example, glory, provision and love in mind.
Rick and I both like the book. I have not finished it yet, but we would recommend it to you! And you can win a copy of it too! use the Rafflecopter form below to enter!
Or you can purchase a copy of the book HERE!
The details of Newton's life shared in this book are inspiring and insightful in and of themselves, but also serve to illuminate why Newton emphasized certain principles for Christian growth and conduct.
Newton did not write much in the way of formal theology. Reinke had to immerse himself in the sermons from Newton's four decades of preaching in Olney and London. Reinke joins the common opinion that the sermons are hardly memorable.
The richer field of study is Newton's pastoral letters. He wrote hundreds of personal letters to people on many subjects. Many of these letters were later published, and became more popular reading than his sermons were. Newton's views, according to Reinke, were clear and consistent, making his views on the Christian life easy to explain – provided, of course, that one is willing to study these hundreds of documents.
The primary theme is Newton's letters is revealed to be the adoration of Christ. The cure for pride? Focus on Christ's magnificence. The cure for anxiety? Security in Christ. The cure for temptations of the world? Think of the glories Christ has prepared for us in Heaven. This may not sound like “theology,” but Reinke explains that while the perspective is simple, it is not simplistic. John Newton wrestled with hard issues and counseled many people in a wide variety of situations, but always brought matters back to this: keep your eyes on Jesus.
I recommend this book for its brief biography of John Newton, its clear explanation of Newton's concept of the Christian life, and its challenge for the reader to face all aspects of life with Christ's example, glory, provision and love in mind.
Rick and I both like the book. I have not finished it yet, but we would recommend it to you! And you can win a copy of it too! use the Rafflecopter form below to enter!
Or you can purchase a copy of the book HERE!
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