Life and Faith

Category: On History

  • In Memoriam: JI Packer

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    Jon
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    It was about 10 days ago that I heard of the passing of JI Packer. What came to mind when I heard this news, as oddly as this may sound, were pleasant and appreciative memories for someone who has had an impact on my faith–from my view of the Bible, my view of theology, and…

  • Spurgeon on The Psalms

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    Jon
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    Across the centuries the Psalms have provided inspiration, encouragement, comfort, and consolation for many Christians. The Psalms reflect the prayer and praise of ancient Israel, and speak to our head and our heart. Perhaps due to its poetic nature, the Psalms lead us toward a devotional life with God. We find an amazing array of…

  • Martin Luther On Complete Forgiveness In Christ

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    Jon
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    In recent weeks I’ve found myself reading more about Martin Luther, the great reformer of the sixteenth century. I began reading more of Luther, again, because I picked up Eric Metaxas’ recent biography of the man. My understanding is that Metaxas isn’t looked upon too fondly within the scholarship world because of his writings and…

  • Published: Billy Graham and Gramps

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    Jon
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    I’ve been fortunate enough to have my original post about my grandfather and Billy Graham posted on The Gospel Coalition Australia website and in the ‘Baptist’ Magazine of The Baptist Churches of New Zealand. It was a such joy to research and write that I’m really pleased to have it spread a little wider than my…

  • The Laughing Theologian

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    Jon
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    Originally posted on Tony Reinke: Carl Trueman, Luther on the Christian Life: Cross and Freedom (Crossway, 2015), 198–199: In general terms, of course, Protestant theologians have not been renowned for their wit, and Protestant theology has not been distinguished by its laughter. Yet Luther laughed all the time, whether poking fun at himself, at Katie,…

  • Judson The Baptist

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    Jon
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    I’m currently reading through Adoniram Judson – A Bicentennial Appreciation of The Pioneer American Missionary by Jason G. Duesling. It’s a terrific read, giving good historical context to Judson’s decision in becoming a missionary and outline of his work and family. He began his faith as a Congregationalist, coming from the house of a Congregationalist…

  • Adoniram Judson’s Courtship Proposal

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    Jon
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    Ann Hasseltine asked Adoniram Judson to write to her father and ask for permission in order to begin a courtship with her, this is what he wrote in July, 1810: “I have now to ask, whether you can consent to part with your daughter early next Spring, to see her no more in this world;…

  • Jonathan Edwards On The Nature Of Conversion

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    Jon
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    Jonathan Edwards on conversion, in A Faithful Narrative of The Surprising Work of God: These gracious discoveries given, whence the first special comforts are derived, are in many respects very various. More frequently, Christ is distinctly made the object of the mind, in his all-sufficiency and willingness to save sinners; but some have their thoughts…

  • Church Marketing in 1892

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    Jon
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    I’m slowly making my way through the reading of old church meeting minutes (as you do) and I’ve come across this entry in the Deacon’s Meeting on June 15, 1892: “Resolved that Sunday services be advertised in (The) Age newspaper every Saturday.” It seems that this is the first evidence of church public church marketing…