Fanning the Flame – What We’re Reading

This book is a timeless treasure. J.C. Ryle (1816-1900) was 71 years old the last time he revised this little book. As a husband, father of five (including 3 sons), and pastor there’s no questioning Ryle’s qualifications for writing such a book. Having worked in the Dean of Men’s office at Bob Jones University now for 3 years I have grown very familiar with this book. We use this book quite frequently here as a great resource for helping guys that are struggling with their spiritual walk. 

The book is divided into four sections: 
As you read this book it will really challenge your entire outlook on life. Sin really is a powerful thing in our lives and Ryle really paints this picture for his readership. Ryle paints the truth in such a way that it is equally as relevant today as it was 100+ years ago when he first wrote it. If you are a man ages 18-35 this is an absolute must read for you. You can read small passages of this book as a devotional or you can just take a couple hours out of your day and read the entire thing. Obviously the language and some of the content of the book are a little dated as you read it. At one point in the book Ryle exhorts young men to stay away from books and newspapers that will lead you to sin. I wonder what Ryle would think of our culture today with it abundance of information on the internet and TV. Ryle’s advise remains Biblical and practical for today’s Christian young man. Ryle is passionate in his appeal to young men that they be grounded in their beliefs and they behave as good soldiers of the Lord Jesus Christ. If you have not yet read this book I challenge you to do so as soon as you can.

Here’s the best news about this book: It’s free online! 

Posted by Caleb

A dear friend of mine at church recently gave me a copy of this book. The title stood out to me right away when I got a copy of it. In my mind I was thinking, “how can anyone forget about something Spurgeon wrote.” Admittedly I do have a love for all things Spurgeon (you’ll have to blame my Dad for that). If you have never read anything by Spurgeon you have missed a treat. There is a reason Spurgeon has been called “The Prince of Preachers.” He will forever be etched in history as a man whose theology drove his application. He is a solid expositor but at the same time makes his messages stick in the minds and hearts of hist listeners. The messages of Spurgeon remain timeless and continue to challenge our thoughts and our actions.

The sermons that are recorded in this book cover a range of subjects from having a “Happy New Year” to “Notes for the Encouragement of Saints.” While written over 100 years ago the sermons will still strike you right where you live today. This really is a book to treasure. Most of the sermons in the book are brief but they still pack a tremendous amount of wisdom that will require you to slow down as you read them. If you are looking for a book that doesn’t require you to read from cover to cover in order to grasp the books entire concepts this is the book for you. Since this is just a book that brings together a bunch of Spurgeon’s sermons you don’t even have to read the chapters in order. Just pick a chapter that sound interesting to you and start reading there. 

Posted by Caleb