Still more recommended reading: Biographical Sketch: J. I. Packer - monergism.com
Here are some of my favorite quotes by Dr. Packer from his book A Quest for Godliness - The Puritan Vision of the Christian Life:"To the question, 'should one preach doctrine?' the Puritan answer would have been, 'Why? What else is there to preach?' Puritan preachers were not afraid to bring the profoundest theology into the pulpit if it bore on their hearers' salvation...doctrinal preaching certainly bores the hypocrite, but it is only doctrinal preaching that will save Christ's sheep. The preacher's job is to proclaim the faith, not to provide entertainment for unbelievers. In other words, to feed the sheep and not amuse the goats."
"Yet in our day, much as we love to sing Amazing Grace (I suppose because we like the tune), are not inwardly amazed by grace as the Puritans were; it does not startle us that the holy Creator should receive sinners into his company; rather, we take it for granted! 'God will forgive. That's his job!' was the final scoff with which the French cynic went to meet his Maker."
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Recommended podcast: Charlie Daniels and J.I. Packer - A Tribute - Last of a Christian Heritage, by Pastor Kevin Swanson
