Newton on the Christian Life: To Live Is Christ (Theologians on the Christian Life), by Tony Reinke
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Newton on the Christian Life: To Live Is Christ (Theologians on the Christian Life), by Tony Reinke
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John Newton is famous for his legendary hymn "Amazing Grace." Many have celebrated his dramatic conversion from a life in the slave trade to his eventual work to end it. But often overlooked are Newton's forty years as a pastor ministering to parishioners and friends unsettled by the trials, doubts, and fears of life.Newton is perhaps the greatest pastoral letter writer in the history of the church. He took up his pen day after day to help others fix their eyes on Christ, which, he writes, is the underlying battle of the Christian life. Through a careful study of scores of letters, Tony Reinke brings together Newton's brilliant vision of the Christian life in one accessible place.
Newton on the Christian Life: To Live Is Christ (Theologians on the Christian Life), by Tony Reinke- Amazon Sales Rank: #64855 in Books
- Published on: 2015-05-31
- Original language: English
- Number of items: 1
- Dimensions: 9.00" h x .74" w x 6.00" l, .0 pounds
- Binding: Paperback
- 288 pages
Review
“Through Newton’s words and Tony’s words—one voice—God does eye surgery on the heart, so that we see Christ more fully. And more fully means seeing him as more precious. And more precious means more powerful to heal us and change us. Relentlessly focused on the sweetness and the greatness of Christ as the Savior and Satisfier of our souls, over this book flies the banner of John Newton: ‘None but Jesus.’”—John Piper, Founder, desiringGod.org; Chancellor, Bethlehem College & Seminary
“Here is mastery! As the Lord Jesus Christ, crucified and reigning, was the life-giving focus of the Evangelical Revival, and as George Whitefield was its supreme awakener, and John Wesley its brilliant discipler, so ex–slave trader John Newton was its peerless pastoral counselor and perhaps the greatest Christian letter writer of all time. In his 768- footnote digest of the spiritual wisdom in Newton’s thousand-plus published letters, along with his published sermons and hymns, Reinke distills a vast flow of pure honey for the Christian heart. This is a book to read over and over again.”—J. I. Packer, Board of Governors' Professor of Theology, Regent College
“Linger long here. The depths and riches within these pages are truly rare and answer what your soul most hungers for: life in Christ. I will be returning to this book many, many times over.”—Ann Voskamp, author, New York Times bestseller, One Thousand Gifts
“Newton on the Christian Life is a magnum opus (though Tony still has plenty of time to surpass it). A bold project, beautifully done. You know about John Newton; now you can be pastored by him. You will feel known by him. You will be encouraged that your struggles are like his and his congregants. And you will discover again that huge helpings of the beauty and love of Jesus are the perfect antidote for our self-consumed lives.”—Ed Welch, counselor and faculty, The Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation
“The Christian life is Christ, as John Newton clarified so helpfully. If you are still treating Christianity as a strategy for your own self-improvement, this book will not satisfy you. But if you have despaired of yourself and are now clinging only to Christ, this book will refresh you. Newton’s practical counsel, brought vividly to life again by Tony Reinke, will lead you into the green pastures and beside the still waters that are, at this moment, awaiting you in your all-sufficient Savior. For some readers, this book may just become the most important book, outside the Bible, they will ever read.”—Raymond C. Ortlund Jr., Lead Pastor, Immanuel Church, Nashville, Tennessee
“Best known for the iconic hymn ‘Amazing Grace,’ John Newton deserves to be equally known for his tremendous corpus of spiritual letters. In them, Newton’s gifting as a pastoral cardiologist with few peers is on full display. Many of the main struggles and joys of the human heart have not changed. And, as Reinke ably shows, Newton’s advice, given in a world somewhat different from ours, is still potent and relevant. Very highly recommended.”—Michael A. G. Haykin, Professor of Church History and Biblical Spirituality, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
“Newton’s pastoral letters are a unique and rich resource for Christians today, and both of us owe them a debt too great to describe. However, they constitute a notoriously difficult body of work in which to navigate. Many a time you can remember some gem you have read in these letters but now can’t locate. Here we have a guide to Newton’s main themes and topics, as well as considered treatments of many of his most valuable letters. This is a welcome tool for Christian growth and discipleship.”—Tim and Kathy Keller, Redeemer Presbyterian Church, New York City
“This book is worth every minute of your time, whether or not you have any interest in John Newton. Reinke brings out Newton in all his cheer to minister to readers. The result is a Christ-exalting manual for growth into Christian joy, freedom, and fruitfulness. No, more than a manual, this is a work of beauty to be read again and again.”—Michael Reeves, President and Professor of Theology, Union School of Theology, Oxford, England; author, Delighting in the Trinity, The Unquenchable Flame, and Rejoicing in Christ
“John Newton mentored his young friend William Wilberforce into politics, which eventually led to the abolition of the British slave trade. To this day, Newton’s letters continue to disciple generations of Christians. This book draws together Newton’s key life lessons in a way every Christian can apply. As a state governor, a former member of Congress, and a Christian in public service, I am reminded by Newton that we are never more valuable to our society than after we have been humbled by the amazing grace of God.”—Mike Pence
“Reinke takes us well beyond the hymn ‘Amazing Grace’ to explore John Newton’s stirring pastoral ministry and soaring vision of the believer’s life in Christ. I am delighted to recommend this book.”—Thomas S. Kidd, Distinguished Professor of History, Baylor University; author, The Great Awakening: The Roots of Evangelical Christianity in Colonial America
“This book, by one of the brightest writers in contemporary evangelicalism, examines the life lessons of a hymn writer, a freedom fighter, and a gospel preacher. Even if you don’t think you like church history, you will love this book. Reinke ties Newton’s life and thought to practical applications for every believer. I encourage you to read and savor anew the grace that saved wretches like us.”—Russell D. Moore, President, The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission; author, Onward
“You may think you are acquainted with John Newton: converted slave trader, pastor, writer of the hymn ‘Amazing Grace.’ Get ready to meet the man you only think you know. Reinke guides us on a tour of Newton’s theology through his life and letters. This book is pastoral theology at its finest. Newton was a man captured by Christ, exalting Christ, and caring for God’s people by pointing them to Christ and him crucified.”—C. J. Mahaney, Senior Pastor, Sovereign Grace Church of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
“Although he authored what would become America’s best-loved hymn, John Newton’s contemporaries thought his best gift was letter writing. Rarely, if ever, has so much wisdom, love, sanity, balance, genuine affection, and wonderfully down-to-earth-because-full-of-heaven practical counsel been expressed in letters written in the English language. Underneath them all runs knowledge of the Word of God, a devotion to the Son of God, and a love for the people of God. Newton makes us feel, even two centuries later, that he was writing for us, and that he knew us well. Reinke has done the whole church a service by recovering Newton’s letters from obscurity. Newton on the Christian Life is a taste of spiritual manna that will make us want to read the letters of Newton for ourselves.”—Sinclair B. Ferguson, Professor of Systematic Theology, Redeemer Seminary, Dallas, Texas
“This book presents valuable lessons from the ministry of John Newton. His perception of grace permeated his theology, his thinking, his experience, his hopes, his ministry, and even his dying. As Reinke writes, grace was ‘the air he breathed.’ Here we catch glimpses into the workings of Newton’s heart as he focused unreservedly on living for and through the Lord Jesus Christ.”—Marylynn Rouse, Director, The John Newton Project
About the Author
Tony Reinke is a staff writer and researcher for desiringGod.org. He is the author of Lit!: A Christian Guide to Reading Books and Newton on the Christian Life.
Stephen J. Nichols (PhD, Westminster Theological Seminary) is president of Reformation Bible College and chief academic officer of Ligonier Ministries. Previously, he served as research professor of Christianity and culture at Lancaster Bible College. He is an editor (with Justin Taylor) of the Theologians on the Christian Life series and is the author of several books, including The Reformation, For Us and for Our Salvation, The Church History ABCs, and Bonhoeffer on the Christian Life.
Justin Taylor (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is executive vice president of book publishing and book publisher at Crossway. He has edited and contributed to several books including A God-Entranced Vision of All Things and Reclaiming the Center, and he blogs at Between Two Worlds—hosted by the Gospel Coalition.
John Piper (DTheol, University of Munich) is the founder and teacher of desiringGod.org and the chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary. He served for 33 years as the senior pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and is the author of more than 50 books, including Desiring God, Don’t Waste Your Life, This Momentary Marriage, Bloodlines, and Does God Desire All to Be Saved?
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24 of 25 people found the following review helpful. A Superb Field Guide on John Newton and the Christian Life By Jared Oliphint I imagine many will think this book tells an important yet familiar tale of a repentant man who writes an enduring, widely appealing hymn. Though I was acquainted with Tony Reinke's writing, and knew I would enjoy the prose of the book, I admittedly could not get fired up about Newton. Just look at some of the other giants of the faith Crossway features in their series on Theologians on the Christian Life--Luther, Calvin, John Owen, Francis Schaeffer, Warfield--those guys get people's theological blood pumping.Lesson learned. My preconceived notions of what Newton (and this book) would be like turned out to be way off the mark, thankfully. I gained a rich appreciation for and fascination of Newton that was unexpected. In fact, Reinke doesn't allow the reader's preconceived ideas to shape the book's structure, but writes as if he is carefree of your expectations of Newton, which quietly strengthens the book. Rather than walk through its content and give a Cliff's Notes summary, a few key points deserve attention.Reinke understands his assignment well. This Crossway series focuses on important church figures and their take on the Christian life. That means this book should not be a biography, though it will certainly contain biographical elements (see p. 31). It means this book should not attempt to describe systematically Newton's theology as a whole, though there would certainly be value in such a book. This title focuses on a particular figure, Newton, with a particular theological focus--the Christian life.When writing on the Christian life, pitfalls can quickly crop up. Because of the nature of the topic, it can be tempting to focus solely on imperatives--"Do this in your daily walk, and don't do that. Repeat." There should be a vital place for emphasizing imperatives, and in employing Newton's works Reinke never shies away from proclaiming what we should and shouldn't do. But a crucial aspect to writing on the Christian life is placing it within its proper context of Christ's redemptive work and its application to the believer, and Reinke seems keenly aware of this context while he works through each chapter.Reinke achieves remarkable balance throughout almost every aspect of the book, which takes both a competent pen and a competent mind. Though not an academic title, academics will find themselves at home through the many footnotes and bibliographic material on Newton that informs what makes the cut to the printed page. It will be an essential addition to the secondary literature on Newton for those who have an academic curiosity. But despite its potential academic use, the book stays within a popular-level frequency in content and tone, especially fitting for a book on the pastoral Newton. John Piper's opening words in his foreword capture this tone well: "One of the most remarkable things about this book is that the voice of Tony Reinke and the voice of John Newton have become almost indistinguishable." (p.15) Reinke knows when to get out of the way and let Newton speak, and Newton knows when to get out of the way and point to Christ.A significant benefit of Reinke's writing comes from his sense of anticipating the reader's reactions and inner monologue while getting to know Newton. This comes through in various ways, even through seemingly throwaway lines. If the reader wonders what significance Newton's letters may have, aside from historical artifacts, Reinke provides historical translation with a quick, parenthetical explanation: "think blog, not e-mail" (p.22). Newton's "letters" were the social media of his day, meant to be read and shared with others.The 18th century pastor also liberally used metaphor, which gives Newton's writings vibrant color and pointed application. But coupled with the situational nature of Newton's letters, some of his writing could appear off-balance in its pastoral application or even in its theology, when isolated. Having combed through all of Newton's vast published material (see p. 30), Reinke has done the work of presenting Newton to us topically, so that Newton's corpus as a whole becomes the context for what he says on particular occasions. You will find this evidenced by the footnotes, which reflect quotations and ideas gathered from all over Newton's writings. On page 100, for example, you find references to Newton's works in volume six, volume four, volume one, in a particular letter, finishing with a reference to Thomas Boston to round things out. The fourteen chapters are anything but a serial survey of Newton's thought.A pastoral and theological balance runs through the entire book's architecture. In articulating the importance and priority of Christian joy, Newton is not so naive as to think that joy comes to the Christian automatically (p.63). Christ is the focal point of everything for Newton, but that focus avoids slipping into reductionism or simplistic theology (p.64). Christian joy is a reality, but gets eschatologically qualified, only fully realized in eternity (p.87). In Christ we have eternal security, but this does not mean that God does not grieve our sin (p.123). Newton refuses to pit one of Christ's benefits--either justification or sanctification--over another (p.138), walking a soteriological fine line. The Christian is called to spiritual maturity but not spiritual self-sufficiency (p.148). Newton includes strong warnings against political manipulation from the pulpit, yet he was valiant against the slave trade (p.175). Indwelling sin remains in the Christian in this life, but extended periods of willful sin threaten assurance: If we love Christ, we will obey him (p.222). Reinke has done the work of providing balance for the reader, and through that has served us by revealing a more accurate Newton.The book displays a refreshing literary sensitivity, and picks up on Newton's skillful use of metaphor (a "master craftsman," p.41) throughout his works. Newton's anthropomorphizing of "Seven Christian Blemishes" in chapter eight gives the reader much to think through, introducing us to figures like the chatty Humanus, the detached Cessator, and the nosy Curiosus. Newton describes the Christian life as a slow-growing oak tree, in contrast to a mushroom that sprouts immediately into full maturation (p.158). His skilled use of imagery applied to indwelling sin is particularly vivid, and Reinke's description is worth quoting in full:Imagine a Christian sitting down with a blank page and pen. He begins to write out his perfectly scripted life, explaining how he would love others, how he would structure his prayer life, or how he would sanctify his life by the Word. But indwelling sin and Satan crouch at his elbow, disrupting every pen stroke and messing up every word and sentence as our Christian friend tries to write the script. At every point in the Christian life Satan jabs our elbow, and our pen skids across the page as our perfect plan is reduced to scribbles. This is a metaphor of the Christian life with indwelling sin. Yet the biggest problem is that sin is not at our elbow--our sin is in us! (p.112)Aside from showcasing Newton's literary skill, Reinke intends to bridge past and present theological emphases through Newton. Seeing Christ throughout all of Scripture, including the Old Testament, is not a 20th or 21st century invention. Newton practiced a robust biblical theology (p. 208ff), which should not surprise us; you would expect a Christ-centered hermeneutic from such a Christ-centered focus. And he is clear that the reality and centrality of union with Christ informs all of the Christian (pp.46, 47, 55, 63, 68, 115, 139, 157, 199).Newton also displays experienced wisdom when giving pastoral advice on the topic of controversy (p.256ff), timeless and relevant for today. For those who wish to offer something of substance to current polemical discussions, I suggest Newton's words for required reading.But Newton would be the first to admit his own fallenness, and Reinke isn't afraid of pointing out some weaknesses. He saves his critique of Newton to the end of the book, which the reader should mentally bookmark, and which seems like a wise approach.The reader should be aware that the book approaches 300 pages, which is, I believe, one of its strengths. None of the material seems unnecessary or superfluous, and in many cases we are only given a glimpse into what can be found elsewhere in Newton, whetting the appetite.But the reader could have been better served by a few orienting markers. The book takes you through a rich landscape, and at times I found myself seeking a guidepost or two to help understand where I was located on the Newton map. When moving through the various chapters, what is the logic of moving from "The Discipline of Trials" to "The Goal of Bible Reading," for example? There is a nice logic to the book's structure, but readers would have been helped by a few reminders of the logic along the way.Criticism aside, this book shines. I could have mentioned well-known facts about Newton's life like his friendship to William Wilberforce, his close call with being shipwrecked, and the connections to his famous hymn, but Reinke ably incorporates all those elements with skill throughout his work. The book's practical character gives rich, biblical, Christ-centered wisdom to the most seasoned theologian and the budding believer. Volumes that are not only useful but theologically rich and written with ease of style are unfortunately rare; this one succeeds at mixing those elements well, earning a steady place on your bookshelf. As Reinke says, "Think of this book as a field guide meant to get dirty, dog-eared, and faded in the clenched hands of a Christian pilgrim" (p.32). I have no doubt the reader will do that.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Newton's Teachings on Living The Christian Life By Annette Source: Free ebook from Crossway in exchange for a review.Rating: 5 stars for excellent.Summary:I'd sang "Amazing Grace" many times before knowing the story of the author who'd written the hymn. John Newton had worked on several slave ships, also holding the office of captain. In 1747, and during a storm at sea, he cried out to the Lord. As a child he'd been introduced to the teachings of Jesus by his mother; but John Newton was a hardened, prideful, arrogant, and immoral man. After the storm experience at sea, Newton continued to work on slave ships but tried to harness the abuse of slaves. He left the sea in 1755, later becoming an ordained pastor in the town of Olney, England.Newton on the Christian Life is a study of his "personal letters." A total of "500 letters written and published during his lifetime" and another 500 published after his death. Tony Reinke and Crossway publishers have compiled and studied these letters, in order to teach modern readers the Christian life. Newton on the Christian Life is apart of a series of books subtitled "Theologians on the Christian Life." Other noted books are "Luther on the Christian Life," "Bonhoeffer on the Christian Life," and "Packer on the Christian Life."My Thoughts:Jesus told Nicodemus in John 3:3, you must be "born again." To be "born again" is to be radically changed (an about-face) from the person you were. A person is not "born again" in the flesh, but "born again" by the cleansing and renewal work of the Holy Spirit. When a person becomes "born again," their entire being is affected; further, it is displayed and manifested outwardly. John Newton had been an unrestrained, immoral, vile person. His transformation and sanctification was only possible because of the work of God's Spirit.To behold the glory of Christ is ammunition against unbelief and power for sanctification. A life focused on Christ is a life of faith, and it's a life opposite to a life focused on self, self-sufficiency, and self-wisdom. Christ and self are opposite aims. The opposite of selfishness is beholding Christ, and in the discipline of beholding Christ, by the 'eye of the mind', Newton wields a lethal weapon in the battle against sin. This weapon is available to any Christian who reads the Bible not merely as a book of motivation and inspiration, but as the manifestation of Jesus Christ and His glory. Chapter 3.I feel there are people who come to a belief in Christ Jesus, but never understand the importance of continual focus on Christ Jesus. They live a quasi-solo independence, picking and choosing what they want to out of the Christian life and ignoring the rest because it does not "fit" their idea of life. This is not the way to live the Christian life. It is living a life of "self."I was glad Reinke chose this topic for one of the beginning chapters in the book."Keep Christ in view at all times is, by far, the hardest-and the most essential-part of our calling as Christians."I read four other chapters that stood out to me as favorites.Chapter 4 examines "living for the glory of God alone." Reinke continues by stating that this can only be accomplished "by the moment by moment provision and support of God."Chapter 6 explains further about John Newton's conversion experience at sea.Chapter 7 includes a quote by Timothy Keller. "Most Christians stay babies all their lives and only a few even get out of that."Many years ago I was convicted of being an immature believer. And I became determined to not let anything dampen an abiding and growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Which leads me to another strong lesson in this chapter: Reinke points out our culture of impatience. As a growing Christian we do not grow at what we want our pace to be but by what God's pace would have us to grow. "Sync your spiritual expectations to the leisurely agricultural pace of God."Chapter 8 explores the various temperaments of "blemished" personalities. Each reader finds themselves in this list (I did.)Newton on the Christian Life is a book I wish I could memorize whole parts of. There are many sentences and paragraphs that are beautiful and rich in wisdom.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds in "Newton on the Christian Life" By jnjbrewer I rarely come across a book that captures my heart and sets my eyes on Christ more than this one has in the last few weeks. I have been so refreshed reading Newton on the Christian Life that just the mere thought of having a moment to pick it up encourages my heart because I know I will find great rest and encouragement in the Savior that Newton (and Reinke) so faithfully adore. I am grateful that Newton was faithful to write so many pastoral letters, but I am equally grateful to God for Reinke who combed through the letters and highlighted what would have otherwise remained hidden from me.
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