Equipping Center

Surveys the teachings and beliefs of the Puritans, and calls today's Christians to follow their example of spiritual maturity.

Although first published in 1663, this volume by Thomas Watson is both clear and concise in its explanation and application of Romans 8:28. The chapters are short, the flow is logical, and the pastoral warmth is evident. This is no dry dissertation, but a volume that will stir the reader's affections for Christ as intimated by its original title, A Divine Cordial. As he stated in the book's original preface, Watson's aim toward his readers was to "buoy up their desponding hearts" and to "fill their hearts with joy till they run over."

This is a book about spiritual formation, the "grace-driven developmental process in which the soul grows in conformity to the image of Christ." The acid test of all spiritual formation is this: Are you becoming more like Jesus? Are the contours of your character being shaped by his image, formed in his likeness? This ongoing transformation is possible for you. You can become more and more like Jesus Christ. But there is only one way: through your increasing understanding and application of the gospel. That's what this book is about. Book jacket.

J. C. Ryle's "Holiness " is a lost treasure, written by one of the great Anglican priests and writers of the nineteenth century. Hendrickson reintroduces this classic text, largely unavailable today, on living a Christ-like life. "Holiness " is considered to be one of the most profound books on discipleship in the English language. Christians have recognized anew the critical importance of discipleship and spiritual formation to the life of the individual believer, the local church and to the Kingdom of God. Ryle's "Holiness " ranks among the core library of teachings on being a disciple of Jesus Christ. In this book, Ryle encourages the reader into a life of holiness, drawn completely from the Bible and not from contemporary books or preachers, or from any of the fads that were popular during his lifetime, much as they are today or in any era. He is writing about personal, or private, holiness, the life we live behind closed doors with our families and closest friends. "I have had a deep conviction for many years that practical holiness and entire self-consecration to God are not sufficiently attended by modern Christians in this country. Politics, controversy, or party-spirit, or worldliness, have eaten out the heart of lively piety in too many of us. The subject of personal godliness has fallen sadly into the background." --"J. C. Ryle "

The Christian life is not a playground, but a battleground. One of the fiercest foes in this battle dwells within our own hearts: the enemy of indwelling sin. The Scriptures command us to "put sin to death." This is what pastors and theologians of another generation called the "mortification" of sin. But how do we mortify sin? And what role does the gospel play in this effort to apply lethal force against sin? How can we avoid falling into legalism while still maintaining a passion for holiness? And what kinds of strategies actually work in the daily battle? These are questions I have personally wrestled with as both a Christian and a pastor. This book is my attempt to answer those questions and provide a biblical and practical guide for the war against sin.