Ed Joel R Beeke
Reformation Heritage Books
180, £13.67
ISBN: 978-1-80178-335-6
Star Rating: 5
This is a balanced, well-produced treatment of living out the Christian life. The biblical imagery of a tree, beginning from its roots and growing up to full maturity, is used.
We are taken through three lines of thought: ‘Christian living in its divine roots’, ‘Christian living in its human branches’ and ‘Christian living in its earthly storms’. The book contains addresses given at the 2013 Puritan Reformed Conference.
No one can truly live out the Christian life without first being spiritually transformed by the Holy Spirit; neither can anyone live practically without the inner, sanctifying work of the same Holy Spirit. How the Spirit sanctifies and beautifies is the first theme.
Next, we move on to the outworking of a believer’s inward faith. This is explored under the headings of family, workplace and evangelism. The final section deals with the struggles all Christians face. This ranges through afflictions, temptations, living in a negative culture, sickness and death, and, finally, living in hard times. The extensive coverage addresses almost all areas that most Christians must pass through.
In an age of great confusion, and of dealing with people saved from lives of debased, outward sin, this book provides answers. No matter one’s background, it is not specialised courses, counsellors or programmes that people need to combat the effects of sin. It is old-time, God-honoured faithful preaching and application of the Word.
This gem of a book will prove helpful to all Christians, at any stage of spiritual growth.
Stephen HollandWesthoughton
