If you are burdened by the plight of the poor, heartbroken over the reality of human trafficking, stirred by the cries of the oppressed, yet overwhelmed with work, pulled in numerous directions, and confused about where to begin… take heart. The extraordinary example of John Newton offers a model for pastors everywhere to remain faithful in their post, preaching and praying, and all the while quietly changing the world.
What can a 17th century German theologian have to say about 21st century concerns? Gerhard aims to fortify his readers with comfort and assurance as they face the certainty of death. “It is appointed for all to die;” he says, “but to die with piety, to die in Christ, to die happily is not for everyone. Therefore the soul must be prepared for that blessed ability to die well and must be armed with the shield of the Word and prayer.” Gerhard was equipped as few Christians are today to provide that preparation of the soul.
“Christian faith, and therefore Christian theology, emerges out of the shock of the gospel…the comprehensive interruption of all things in Jesus Christ (43).” So begins the late Professor John Webster (1955-2016) in a series of six lectures given in 1998 at the University of Otago in New Zealand, recently republished as The Culture of Theology.
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