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The Christian Race: and Other Sermons (Ryle)
Description
When the aged J. C. Ryle announced he was to resign from the office of bishop of Liverpool, his friends encouraged him to publish a selection of sermons as a memorial to his sixty years of ministry, from country parson to diocesan bishop.
The resulting selection, chosen by one of Ryle’s colleagues in the Liverpool diocese, T. J. Madden, exemplifies the beating heart of biblical religion which epitomized Ryle’s approach to ministry. The title of the selection is taken from one of the sermons, and the themes covered in this volume will be found to equip readers, as they did their first hearers, to run the Christian race with endurance.
Themes such as regeneration, saving faith, righteousness, the character and privileges of the true Christian, the character of Jesus Christ, and heaven, among others, all serve to draw out the doctrinal teachings of the Scriptures, whilst applying those teachings to the practical realities of the Christian life.
Readers familiar with Ryle’s other works, including his Expository Thoughts on the Gospels, Holiness, Practical Religion, and Knots Untied to name but a few, will recognize in these sermons that same clarity of expression and practical wisdom which are a hallmark of his style.
In England, Ryle stands in the foremost rank of those who have held forth the word of life and fought the good fight of faith. He is one of the Lord’s standard-bearers of the late Victorian age. The ‘healthful spirit of God’s grace’ was upon him. Being dead he continues to speak.
About the Author
In 1837, John Charles Ryle was an outstanding athlete, excelling in cricket and rowing. But, when he became ill with a serious infection, he turned to his long-forgotten Bible and prayed. Then, one Sunday at church, he felt as though God was speaking to him, emphasizing the message that people are saved by grace through faith, which is a gift from God. Ryle ultimately entered the ministry in the Church of England, while also publishing popular tracts and books from a Biblical standpoint. J.C. Ryle’s Holiness is perhaps his best known book, describing the nature of holiness and the challenges of temptation, while Call to Prayer shares with readers the privileges of private prayer. J.C. Ryle’s Thoughts for Young Men offers up what one reviewer calls “true Puritan theology,” while Agency That Transformed a Nation shares timeless lessons gleaned from the 18-century Great Awakening.