Crossway Short Classics

The Crossway Short Classics Series Presents Rare Sermons from Black Puritan Minister Lemuel Haynes Born in 1753, Lemuel Haynes was an indentured servant who grew to become a dynamic Reformed preacher. Nicknamed "The Black Puritan," he is credited as being the first African-American ordained for ministry in the United States. This addition to the Crossway Short Classics series presents some of Haynes's important yet little-known work. Selected Sermons features 4 rarely published sermons, along with a biography of Haynes. In "Universal Salvation," he preaches on the reality of hell and the character of Satan. "A Sermon on John 3:3" explores Jesus's command to be born again. "The Character and Work of a Spiritual Watchman Described" details qualifications for gospel ministers, and in "Liberty Further Extended," he presents a biblical argument against slavery and oppression. This collection of Haynes's sermons offers readers robust spiritual insight and a closer look at an extraordinary figure in church history. - Collection of Rarely Published Sermons: A unique, accessible resource for pastors and scholars - Written by Black Puritan Minister Lemuel Haynes: Includes his sermons on racial justice, regeneration, biblical qualifications for ministry, and the heresy of universalism - Part of the Crossway Short Classics Series: Other titles include The Lord's Work in the Lord's Way and No Little People; The Life of God in the Soul of Man; and Fighting for Holiness - Includes a Foreword by Jared C. Wilson

Theologian Stephen Charnock Explains the Unchangeableness of God's Essence, Nature, and Perfections Does God's purpose change when he answers a prayer? Does his will shift when he grants repentance to sinners? Was the essence of God's son altered when he came to earth as a man? The unchangeability of God is central to the gospel, but this doctrine is frequently misunderstood by believers and debated by atheists. In this classic essay, which has been edited and updated for a modern audience, theologian Stephen Charnock explains the doctrine of immutability. Comparing God's unchangeability to the inconstancy of all creatures, Charnock helps readers see the foolishness of relying on a perishing world rather than an eternal and perfect God. This concise, Scripture-based essay is essential reading for students, pastors, and laypeople. - Written by Theologian Stephen Charnock: Abridged and lightly edited, this essay focuses on biblical and theological evidence that God is eternally unchangeable - Part of the Crossway Short Classics Series: Other titles include What Did the Cross Achieve?; The Life of God in the Soul of Man; and Fighting for Holiness - Includes a Foreword by Mark Jones

A Classic Guide for Christians Who Want to Move from Empty Religion to Authentic Faith Writing to a friend who was disillusioned by religion, minister and theologian Henry Scougal created what would become a classic text on Christian living. Compassionately explaining what true religion is and isn't, Scougal shares biblical practices that lead to real spiritual transformation. In “The Life of God in the Soul of Man”, Scougal cuts through false ideas about religion and demonstrates how to pursue true unity with God. He explains that religion shouldn't be primarily focused on restraining or dictating outward behavior, but living a divine life characterized by faith, a love for God and others, purity, and humility. As it did for the recipient of Scougal's original letter, this book challenges believers to turn from empty religion and allow the Holy Spirit to conform them into Christ's glorious image. -Great Resource for Churches and Mentors: Scougal's words uplift disheartened believers and guide them toward true transformation -Use as a Devotional for Personal Growth: Recommended for nominal Christians and sincere believers interested in developing authentic faith -Approachable Guide to Christian Living: Dives into important topics such as trusting in God's providence, depending on the Holy Spirit, and fighting sin -Academic Study Resource: This edition of Scougal's classic work is ideal for use in Bible colleges and seminaries -Convenient Repackage of Popular Sermons: Includes a short biography of Henry Scougal and a foreword by theologian Joel R. Beeke

Put on the Armor of God in Your Daily Battle Against Sin "True Christianity is a fight," wrote J. C. Ryle in 1877. He argued that from the day of their conversion until the day they die, Christians are called to be soldiers for Christ in a war for their holiness. This inspiring call to action written more than 100 years ago continues to be a source of great encouragement and inspiration for believers today. In this addition to the Crossway Short Classics series, Ryle explains why the fight for holiness is one of absolute necessity for Christians. Identifying the three main enemies of every believer-the world, the flesh, and the devil-he emboldens them to "either fight or be lost" in their daily battle and offers biblical and historical examples of notable Christian "soldiers." Fighting for Holiness is a bold reminder for believers to daily put on the whole armor of God and train their eyes on Christ. - Spiritually Challenging and Inspiring: Helps believers identify and overcome 3 enemies: the world, the flesh, and the devil - A Christian Classic: Content adapted from J. C. Ryle's classic book Holiness - Part of the Crossway Short Classics series

Of the many good gifts the Lord has given his church on earth, none exceeds that of his love. The things of this earth are temporary, but "love never ends" (1 Cor. 13:8)-it is a present taste of future glory, made available through communion with the Holy Spirit. In this classic work, Heaven Is a World of Love, New England pastor Jonathan Edwards encourages Christians struggling through the imperfect life here on earth to experience the perfect love of God through an exposition of the biblical foundations for the cause of God's love, the objects of God's love, the enjoyment of God's love, and the fruits of God's love. Each page of pastoral insight will leave readers hungry to experience more of God.

A Close Look at the Complex Emotions of Christ In the search to understand the deity of Christ, Christians might overlook what the Bible reveals about his humanity. Did Jesus really feel emotions? What grieved him? What delighted him? How did Jesus-fully human and fully God-react to the world and people around him? Throughout Scripture, Jesus displays a range of emotions that can help believers understand him more intimately. In The Emotional Life of Our Lord, theologian B. B. Warfield explains how Christ's complex emotions and personality proved his humanity. It was necessary for Christ to be born in the likeness of mankind to bear their griefs, carry their sorrows, take their infirmities, and ultimately redeem their lives. In this encouraging book, readers learn to see Christ as a compassionate Savior through his sinless expressions of emotions-from righteous anger to abiding love. - An Important Look at Jesus's Humanity: Examines Christ's complex emotions and explains their significance to the gospel - Draws Readers Closer to Christ: Explains how Christ's emotions allow him to sympathize with believers today - Written by B. B. Warfield: Considered one of America's leading theologians in the 19th century - Part of the Crossway Short Classics Series

A Classic Essay on Penal Substitutionary Atonement from Theologian J. I. Packer Penal substitutionary atonement-the belief that Jesus's death on the cross satisfied God's wrath against sin-is central to the Christian faith, but frequently debated. Is it just to punish an innocent person in place of the guilty? How can the temporary death of one substitute for the eternal death of many? Why doesn't the cross grant Christians unlimited permission to sin? In this famous essay, late theologian J. I. Packer analyzes Scripture and the works of early Reformers to defend the truth of Christ's substitutionary suffering and death, the heart of the Christian gospel. Considered one of the most significant short works on penal substitutionary atonement from the 20th century, this careful, concise essay has influenced prominent theologians and is essential reading for students, pastors, and laypeople. - From Renowned Theologian J. I. Packer: This work was originally delivered as a Tyndale Biblical Theology Lecture - Part of the Crossway Short Classics Series: Other titles include The Lord's Work in the Lord's Way and No Little People; The Life of God in the Soul of Man; and Fighting for Holiness - Includes a Foreword by Mark Dever

Martin Luther's Classic Work, Newly Translated by Robert Kolb Originally published in 1520, The Freedom of a Christian is one of Martin Luther's most well-known and enduring treatises. In it, Luther examines Christian ethics and how justification by faith alone impacts the liberty of believers. He famously writes, "A Christian is a free lord of everything and subject to no one. A Christian is a willing servant of everything and subject to everyone." Luther also further develops ideas and doctrines that were key to the Reformation, such as the priesthood of all believers and union with Christ. This addition to the Crossway Short Classics series features a new translation from the original German to English by renowned Reformation scholar Robert Kolb. The Freedom of a Christian reminds modern-day readers that it is ultimately grace that transforms God's people and frees us to love and obey. - Accessible: Helpful for those looking to learn more about Luther and the Christian life, both new Christians and seasoned saints alike - Part of the Crossway Short Classics Series: Introducing modern-day readers to classic works of faith-other volumes include Fighting for Holiness; Heaven Is a World of Love; and The Emotional Life of Our Lord - New Translation: Translated from the original German by world-renowned scholar Robert Kolb, author of Martin Luther: Confessor of the Faith. - Foreword by Carl R. Trueman: Author of the bestselling book The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self

A Collection of Sermons on Christian Leadership from Theologian Francis A. Schaeffer Christians serving the Lord can fall into two traps: depending too heavily on their own power or underestimating their God-given purpose. In this collection of classic sermons, renowned theologian and philosopher Francis A. Schaeffer teaches believers how to rely on the Holy Spirit-not personal effort or status-in matters of service and leadership. This short ebook includes an excerpt from Schaeffer's sermon, "The Lord's Work in the Lord's Way," plus 2 sermons from the book No Little People. Covering topics including humility and servanthood, Christian office, spiritual battles, and trusting God's methods, Schaeffer encourages pastors, students, and church members to live as consecrated people, working humbly for God's approval instead of human praise. - Classic Yet Timely Messages: Powerfully addresses common issues for the church, including spiritual pride, humanism, and how to live as consecrated people - Perfect Gift for Students and Pastors: Motivates those serving in ministry to keep a Christ-centered perspective - Accessible Introduction to the Thought of Francis Schaeffer: With a foreword by Ray Ortlund Jr., this inspiring collection introduces modern audiences to Schaeffer's work

Thomas Chalmers was a Scottish Presbyterian minister who served most of his life at St. John's parish in Glasgow-a congregation that was both the largest and the poorest congregation in the city. Known for his extensive charitable work in caring for the poor and downtrodden, Chalmers was also an astute theologian. One of his most notable works is The Expulsive Power of a New Affection, in which Chalmers inspires his readers to remove the tangles of sin through the expulsive power of a new affection-desiring God. As a result of the fall, human feelings of love are often misplaced on the creation rather than the Creator. This classic work of the faith reorients our affections toward him.

For those who are struggling in their daily walk with God, or living in the dark of night waiting for the light of day, there is hope. Encouragement for the Depressed, by esteemed 19th-century pastor Charles Spurgeon, is a gracious reminder that little faith is still saving faith. Spurgeon himself was not unfamiliar with depression, having dealt with it for most of his life. With personal experience and pastoral care, Spurgeon encourages both the new believer struggling to grasp the tenets of the faith and the experienced Christian struggling to enjoy the truths they once cherished to hold fast, for God is faithful.

This Abridged Version of Thomas Goodwin's Classic on Free Grace Urges Readers to Trust in God's Enduring Compassion The grace of Jesus, free and everlasting, isn't diminished by iniquity but is inclined toward the afflicted. The Savior, who was tempted but never sinned, shows tender affection for sinners. And in the book of John, when Jesus spoke of his coming ascension to heaven, he didn't focus on his own glory; he promised to remain close to believers, interceding for them from heaven. Puritan theologian Thomas Goodwin preached extensively on Jesus's grace in his most popular work, The Heart of Christ Toward Sinners on Earth (1645). This abridged version, edited for modern readers, features updated language and a foreword by Dane Ortlund. As readers follow the last week of Jesus's life and meditate on his love, they will be moved to confidently seek God's throne of grace. - Use as a Devotional for Personal Growth: Recommended for nominal Christians and sincere believers interested in developing authentic faith - Approachable Guide to Christian Living: Explores the doctrine of free grace - Great Study Resource: This edited and abridged edition of a classic work can be used in Bible colleges, seminaries, and churches - Convenient Repackage of Popular Sermons: Includes a short biography of Thomas Goodwin and a foreword by Dane Ortlund, author of Gentle and Lowly