J C Ryle

The nineteenth century was an age that witnessed great progress in many areas of exploration and learning. However, according to J. C. Ryle, it was an age of great ignorance too. "With all the stir made about education," he wryly observed, "the ignorance of our own country's history is something lamentable and appalling and depressing." What particularly distressed Ryle was the scant knowledge of the English Reformation evident amongst his contemporaries. In this lay a grave danger: one of the reasons so many congregations drift from their evangelical foundations is their sheer ignorance of Christian history, and their lack of understanding of the major doctrinal controversies and why they matter. Therefore he taught that one of the best ways to stop Christians wavering "with every changing wind of doctrine" (Eph. 4:14) is to instill in them a deep love for Reformation and Puritan teaching, and a willingness to suffer for those gospel truths. The Bible often calls us to remember the past, Ryle explained, but the devil tries to make us forget. If the church is to be strengthened, then Christians must be persuaded to read the saints of the past and to learn the lessons of church history. Ryle's abiding hope for Light From Old Times is that our souls will be stirred to prayer and action by the great testimonies of Reformers and Puritans found within its pages, and then that we will dig deeper into the writings of these spiritual giants.

J. C. Ryle was a great communicator of biblical truth. Ryle identifies challenges young men face, and presents relevant biblical approaches to overcome them. As always, he is clear, concise and perceptive, but never judgmental.

Bishop J. C. Ryle's method is obvious--scriptural and expository. He never starts with a theory into which he fits scriptures. He always starts with the Word and expounds it clearly and logically. The result is a clear enunciation of doctrine and a call to action, and is entirely free from the sentimentality often described as "devotional." The Bishop had drunk deeply from the wells of the Puritans and his writing is a distillation of true Puritan theology presented in a highly readable modern form. Ryle offers no easy way to holiness, but produces that "hunger and thirst after righteousness" which is the only indispensable condition to being "filled."

As with all Ryle's works, Practical Religion is clear, concise and penetrating. It was designed to be a companion to his other books, Old Paths, Knots Untied and Holiness, providing guidance on how the Christian believer is to live. In Ryle's own words, it 'treats of the daily duties, dangers, experience, and privileges of all who profess and call themselves true Christians.' Far from advocating a works-based religion, these papers are all about how a Christian can practically respond to the grace that has been freely given to him in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Ryle was a great enemy of hypocritical and nominal religion, or 'churchianity' as he called it. These articles remain a great plea for a real, heartfelt devotion to the Lord in love and service, founded on the great doctrines of Scripture. No Christian who reads any one of these papers will be left unaffected. 'Believer in Christ, remember this Whatever you do in religion, do it well. Be real. Be thorough. Be honest. Be true.'

From his own time until today, J. C. Ryle has been acknowledged to be an outstanding communicator of biblical truth. Ryle shares his approach in this little classic which should be on every Christian teacher's book shelf.

Why are J. C. Ryle's works so popular after over a century? Firstly, he expounded timeless Biblical truths using scripture, and secondly, he employed simple, concise, direct language. In "Knots Untied" Ryle explains what he means by "Evangelical" and presents and justifies the evangelical understanding of salvation, private judgement, baptism, regeneration, the Lord's supper, the real presence, the church, priests, confession, worship, the Sabbath, fallibility of ministers, idolatry, and other points. This classic is an excellent start for one wishing to understand or critique the evangelical position.

Why are J. C. Ryle's works so popular after over a century? Firstly, he expounded timeless Biblical truths using scripture. And secondly, he employed simple, concise, direct language. In "Knots Untied" Ryle explains what he means by "Evangelical" and presents and justifies the evangelical understanding of salvation, private judgement, baptism, regeneration, the Lord's supper, the real presence, the church, priests, confession, worship, the Sabbath, fallibility of ministers, idolatry, and other points. This classic is an excellent start for one wishing to understand or critique the evangelical position.

"Backsliding, generally first begins with neglect of private prayer." -- J. C. RyleJ. C. Ryle observed that private prayer is both the most important and the most neglected of the Christian disciplines, so he delivers this passionate and reasoned call to private prayer. As ever Ryle is clear, direct, practical, soul-searching but warm and encouraging--never sentimental. This is a attractive hardcover edition.

Thoughts for Young Men is a book written by J. C. Ryle that contains his advice on how to lead a proper Christian life. This is a great read for young Christians on how to avoid certain temptations and pitfalls. J. C. Ryle was the first Anglican bishop of Liverpool and a strong supporter of the evangelical school. Ryle was also a pastor but he is best known for writing many popular Christian books. Ryle's book Holiness is considered a classic among Christians of all denominations.

Thoughts for Young Men is a book written by J. C. Ryle that contains his advice on how to lead a proper Christian life. This is a great read for young Christians on how to avoid certain temptations and pitfalls. J. C. Ryle was the first Anglican bishop of Liverpool and a strong supporter of the evangelical school. Ryle was also a pastor but he is best known for writing many popular Christian books. Ryle's book Holiness is considered a classic among Christians of all denominations.

Originally published in 1879, Holiness: Its Nature, Hindrances, Difficulties and Roots is a timeless classic on holiness and among the best single works on the Christian life. In this book, Bishop Ryle, being driven by a deep conviction for many years that practical holiness and entire self-consecration to God are not sufficiently attended to by modern evangelicals in the country, addresses hard and trying subjects that most modern evangelicals have chosen to ignore: the power and depth of indwelling sin, the necessity of a holy life, the struggle and fight of faith, and counting the cost of following Christ, among others.

Originally published in 1879, Holiness: Its Nature, Hindrances, Difficulties and Roots is a timeless classic on holiness and among the best single works on the Christian life. In this book, Bishop Ryle, being driven by a deep conviction for many years that practical holiness and entire self-consecration to God are not sufficiently attended to by modern evangelicals in the country, addresses hard and trying subjects that most modern evangelicals have chosen to ignore: the power and depth of indwelling sin, the necessity of a holy life, the struggle and fight of faith, and counting the cost of following Christ, among others.