Resist Tyrants, Obey God: Lessons Learned from the Life and Times of John Knox

John Knox was one of the most remarkable pastors, thinkers, and reformers that the West has ever known. Born in the turbulent era of the 16th century, Knox became known as a bold defender of the Christian faith who suffered greatly for the sake of the gospel of Christ and His Church. Yet, despite immense conflict with the Roman papacy, various kingdoms, and even his own countrymen, Knox made it abundantly clear that he would resist tyranny and obey God at every turn. Half biography, half historical theology, Jacob Tanner examines the life and times of this courageous reformer to see what modern Christians can learn from him.

Contents

Foreword
Introduction

1. Unlikely Origins
2. The Sparks that Lit the Fire
3. The Scottish Galley Slave Who Would Free a Nation
4. Church and State
5. Enemies on Every Side
6. A Ministry Ended
7. The Whole Picture
8. The Bold Prayers
9. The Thunderous Preaching
10. Loving God and the Saints
11. Obey God, Defy Tyrants
12. Knox, the First Puritan?

Endorsements

"Jacob has written a comprehensive biographical account of the life and ministry of John Knox and establishes the Biblical foundation for his resistance to tyranny. The rich heritage of Scotland is built upon the courage and conviction of men like Knox and this book is both an engaging narrative which also provides much needed pastoral challenges for the church today."
—John-William Noble, Pastor of Grace Baptist Church, author, founder of two Christian schools & Reformed Baptist publisher

"Jacob Tanner delivers the compelling story of a pivotal figure in Christian history, and he does so in a way that engages the reader on several levels. There is clearly the compelling saga of the fiery Scotsman who famously cried “Give me Scotland, or I die!” Yet there is also the humble portrait of a mostly-forgotten gravesite (parking space 23) where that Reformer was unceremoniously laid to rest. Jacob Tanner weaves these various threads of Knox’s story together to consistently point the reader to the portrait of a fallible man in a pivotal time, and the glorious ways that God used that Reformer for the kingdom. This read will not only engage and challenge the reader—it will lead to a greater and deeper worship of Christ."
—Josh Howard, PhD, Author, A Primer for Conflict