Garth M Rosell

In this series of twenty-four beautifully crafted sermons, first delivered to the congregation of Boston's historic Park Street Church in 1942, Harold John Ockenga systematically works his way through Paul's letter to the Romans--explaining its key theological teachings, wrestling with some of its most difficult passages and applying those teachings to the daily lives of his parishioners. With the skill of an artist, Ockenga challenges each of us to conform our lives and our thinking to the truth of God's Word and with the insights of a spiritual physician, he points the way to God's amazing mercy and grace. For those who yearn to grow in their understanding and experience of the Christian faith, this is the book for you. ""A leading statesman of neo-evangelicalism, Harold John Ockenga saw himself first and foremost as a pastor and preacher of the gospel of Jesus Christ. For almost 33 years (1936-1969), Ockenga led Park Street Church of Boston, a flagship evangelical church. In this volume, first issued in 1942, the young, articulate preacher opened up Romans to his congregation and to a wider New England audience by radio. Through a series of 24 sermons he extolled and evinced his deep predilection for expository preaching because it made congregations 'conversant with the doctrines, precepts, and practices of New Testament Christianity.' His immense depth of preparation, clarity of presentation, and conviction still speaks to us today by challenging us to take our next step of faith."" John M. Adams, Pastor, First Baptist Church, Easley, South Carolina Harold John Ockenga (1905-1985) studied at Taylor University, Princeton Theological Seminary, Westminster Theological Seminary and the University of Pittsburgh. From 1931 to 1936 he served as pastor at Point Breeze Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh, and from 1936 to 1969 as senior minister at historic Park Street Church in Boston. From his base at Park Street he rose to international prominence, becoming one of the most recognized leaders of the resurgent evangelical movement that swept across America and around the world during the 1940s and 1950s.

In this series of eight beautifully crafted sermons, first delivered to the congregation of Boston's historic Park Street Church in Boston in 1938, Harold John Ockenga invites his listeners--then and now--to rediscover the spiritual insights of the Protestant Reformation of the sixteenth century. The important work of reformers like Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Knox, and Ulrich Zwingli come alive once again for modern readers. ""Harold John Ockenga was not afraid to provide his congregation with a meaty appetite of Scripture, theology, and church history from the pulpit. This sermon series on the Protestant Reformation was presented to his Park Street Church congregation in Boston during 1938, a time of great upheaval in church and society. The Fundamentalist-Modernist controversies had divided American Christianity. Effects of the great depression were giving way to threats of another world war. For Ockenga, Christians must understand the centrality of Reformation Protestantism because 'America is the product of Protestantism'. To lose sight of Luther, Zwingli, Calvin, Knox, Cromwell, Roger Williams, and other Reformation forebears is to jeopardize the freedom and liberty that have marked the United States since its founding. Ockenga desires that his congregants be familiar with the foundations of the Reformation not simply as knowledge of the past (though that is important) but as the foundation that makes Christian citizenship meaningful. Unity for Protestants 'must be in Spirit and in truth' and not in forced uniformity that broaches no dissent. Because 'freedom of dissent in religion and freedom in civic life go hand in hand.' And without authentic gospel freedom, Ockenga argues that both American Christianity and American society are doomed."" Robert J. Mayer, Senior Librarian, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary Harold John Ockenga (1905-1985) studied at Taylor University, Princeton Theological Seminary, Westminster Theological Seminary, and the University of Pittsburgh. From 1931 to 1936 he served as pastor at Point Breeze Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh, and from 1936 to 1969 as senior minister at historic Park Street Church in Boston. From his base at Park Street he rose to international prominence, becoming one of the most recognized leaders of the resurgent evangelical movement that swept across America and around the world during the 1940s and 1950s.

An invaluable landmark and an inspiration to all Christians, Boston's Park Street Church has led the way in missions, education, and evangelism and has had an enduring impact on the life of this nation. In this fascinating book, gifted historian Garth Rosell tells the amazing two-hundred year story of one of America's most famous churches. Peppered with illustrations and photographs, this chronicle turns a fresh eye on the church's storied past and the exceptional people who have helped it thrive for two centuries. "[This] is at once a wonderful read and more than a record of the church's two hundred years of faithful ministry--it is required reading for all who ask, 'What will ensure that my church will be faithful to our Lord in the years that are to come?'"--Walter C. Kaiser Jr., President Emeritus, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary "Rosell's study of this Boston landmark sharpens our understanding . . . and it will inspire future generations to keep alive the church's rich legacy."--Dana L. Robert, Truman Collins Professor of World Christianity and History of Mission, Boston University School of Theology "This important book is no typical congregational history. Garth Rosell has given us an exciting and inspiring story of a historic center of vital ministry that has had--and is still having!--a profound impact on the hearts and minds of people around the world who are serving the cause of the gospel of Jesus Christ."--Richard J. Mouw, President and Professor of Christian Philosophy, Fuller Theological Seminary