Spiritual Formation Bundle

Product Description

These five titles in our Spiritual Formation Bundle represent the best tradition of practical and experiential Reformed piety. Instead of presenting a shallow view of sanctification or one that pictures a rigid doctrinal framework that lacks experiential life as is often seen in the present day, these titles present a robust union of theology and practice that will challenge you to grow in your Christ-likeness.

Thoughts on Religious Experience

The nature of spiritual experience is probably both the most interesting and the most difficult subject in Christian literature: interesting because it concerns human life in all observable stages from childhood to death, and embraces all the emotions and behaviour possible in a man regenerated by the Holy Spirit; difficult because the adequate treatment of the subject makes immense demands upon the author. To trace sanctification and backsliding, as they appear in human consciousness, presupposes a sound biblical theology as well as a spirituality of mind and a pastoral knowledge broad enough to interpret all the varieties in type which occur.

Twenty years a pastor and preacher in a revival era, then forty years a professor at Princeton Theological Seminary (commenced in 1812 when he was the sole instructor), Archibald Alexander brought to this volume the best wisdom of his life. From his own observations, and from case histories drawn from Christian biography, he follows his subject with the hand of a master. He was, in Dr. Theodore Woolsey’s words, ‘The Shakespeare of the Christian heart’. Primarily concerned with what ought to be the impression made upon the life by scriptural truths he has nothing of the vague devotionalism of the religious mystics. But within this biblical context a wide variety of experiences passes under review, along with a consideration of the practical problems involved in an understanding of the new-birth, Christian growth, spiritual conflict and kindred subjects.

This is a lucid and fascinating volume almost alone in the field which it covers.

The Character of Christ

Author Jonathan Landry Cruse examines the godly attributes of the fruit of the Spirit in the Lord’s example and shows us that we can bear true fruit for God only by our union to the the life-giving Vine.

Most experienced Christians are familiar with the fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians. Love, peace, patience, and so on are often considered both gracious marks of true Christian character and ideals to aim for. But what do they look like when lived to the fullest?

The Character of Christ answers this question by studying the fullness of the fruit of the Spirit in the life of Christ. In a warm and engaging style, Jonathan Landry Cruse examines Christ’s example, comparing them with our own faltering efforts at holiness. He roots the reader firmly in the Scriptures, revealing the work of bearing the fruit of the Spirit is God’s work, not ours – and this is good news for all those who yearn for greater sanctification.

Valley of Vision (P/B)

The strength of Puritan character and life lay in prayer and meditation. In this practice the spirit of prayer was regarded as of first importance and the best form of prayer, for living prayer is the characteristic of genuine spirituality. Yet prayer is also vocal and may therefore on occasions be written. Consequently in the Puritan tradition there are many written prayers and meditations which constitute an important corpus of inspiring devotional literature. Too often ex tempore prayer lacks variety, order and definiteness. The reason for this lies partly in a neglect of due preparation. It is here that the care and scriptural thoroughness which others found necessary in their approach to God may be of help. This book has been prepared not to ‘supply’ prayers but to prompt and encourage the Christian as he treads the path on which others have gone before. The author was a Canon of St. Albans Cathedral, sometime Rector of Little Munden and Sacombe, Hertfordshire, and was for seventeen years a tutor in Biblical Theology and Christian Doctrine at All Nations Christian College. He died in October 1994 aged 79.

‘When used slowly, for meditation and prayer, these pages have often been used by God’s Spirit to kindle my dry heart.’ — MARK DEVER

Charity and Its Fruits

Entirely free from sentimentality, this moving exposition of 1 Corinthians 13, like the better known Religious Affections, reveals Edwards’ insistence both that true Christian experience is ‘supernatural’ – Spirit produced and Christ centered – and that ‘all true Christian grace tends to practice.’ Charity and Its Fruits show how it is possible to steer between Arminianism on the one hand and Antinomianism on the other. The concluding chapter on heaven as a world of love is perhaps the most beautiful in all Edwards’ writings.

Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices

The detailed analysis of Scripture together with the malfunctions, diseases, and spiritual cares of members of the body of Christ found in Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices is an outstanding example of Thomas Brooks’ deep knowledge and understanding. Many have benefited from his insights into gospel antidotes to the means Satan employs in unsettling God’s people.

Alexander Grosart, editor of the nineteenth-century edition of Brooks Works, records the words of a missionary who had become deeply perplexed by a situation in which she found herself:

‘I…turned to my closet for an hour, giving the time to prayer and to my dear little help-book ‘Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices’. In that time God taught me what to do, and strength was given for the day.’

Precious Remedies continues to be a ‘help-book’ to Christians today. Pastors will find its insights valuable in caring for Christ’s flock.