ALL THINGS MADE NEW?
John Flavel for the Christian Life
Selected and Edited by Lewis Allen
Banner of Truth. 299 pages £5.00
ISBN 978 1 848 717 336
Collections of Puritan sermons are seldom my first choice, but I am very glad to have read this one.
As the editor says: ‘Flavel’s work is easily accessible and speaks to all sorts of people today.’ He has selected an excellent set of sermons and has lightly edited them. The text reads smoothly to a modern reader. There is a short introduction to each chapter giving the context of the sermon and a brief summary of the content. This is an exemplary way to deal with such compilations.
Flavel’s sermons are clear and linear with lots of headings, although without multiple layers of sub-headings. The content is theo-logically rich. He does not hold back from a clear presentation of doctrine. The explanation of the two natures of the person of Christ from John 1.14 is succinct and expertly applied into the lives of believers. Pastoral application is a key feature. The implications of the humiliation of Christ from Philippians 2.8 are listed in seven points i n c l u d i n g ‘Satan never ignores a believer’ and ‘learn to love like Jesus’. I was particularly struck by the way Flavel applied John 3.16 to unbelievers. Studying this would reward those who preach regularly to mixed congregations.
The book is not primarily for preachers analysing sermons: any Christian will benefit from reading it. It could be used chapter by chapter to supplement personal devotional times. Chapters eight and nine were highlights for me. The sermon from John 8.36 explains the nature of true freedom in Christ. Proverbs 4.23 is a searching reminder about the importance of guarding our hearts, even above other duties. Recommended!
