Books on Puritan sermons abound. Many are great, while many are good in their own way but difficult to read and follow. There are many books by Puritans that warm the soul, and speak to the Christian like a gentle parent to a son or daughter. Loving Christ and Fleeing Temptation by Andrew Gray is one of those books I accidently (read: by the providence of God) that has already impacted my life. This book is a collection of 50 sermons by Puritan Andrew Gray. They are all centered around the topics of loving Christ, who He is, and what He has done for sinners like us, and fleeing temptation and killing sin in your life. The bottom line is that if you have $22, definitely buy this book and read these sermons. It is that good.
Each sermon is approximately 10 pages in length, and has been edited slightly to enhance readability. It is not a reprint of an earlier edition, and is newly typeset and bound. Gray is very theological, yet his theology does not overburden the text or the message. He is more than anything a preacher, and proclaims the truth of Christ and yearns for sinners to recognize their sin and come to Christ. He also exhorts Christians to better love and appreciate Christ and His work, and put away all of the idols of this world that, yes, even we as Christians hold onto. Each sermon is easy to read, flows well, and speaks volumes to the reader’s heart in a way that is clearly missing from much of evangelicalism and Christianity in general today. If these sermons were preached or even read in today’s churches, we would undoubtedly see many come to Christ. They are sufficiently personal to speak to the “me” crowd in churches today, yet gospel-driven so as to cut to the quick and get right to the heart of the matter.
Gray must have had some engineering school, because he spells everything out clearly and in lists. IT is almost like a bullet point of the 17th century. He makes a number of points in each sermon, and spells them out numerically. Within those points, he enumerates on his subpoints very clearly and in an organized fashion. I think this is why he is so clear and succinct, with lots or meat. He doesn’t go on and on down every little rabbit hole on every point, because most of his statements are quite frankly simple yet profound, thoughtful, and challenging. Gray does not skimp on Scripture, but makes sure the reader (or hearer) gets the meaning and purpose and application of it in their lives.
Dr. Joel Beeke writes, “Gray’s profound insights, poignant statements, and succinct summaries on the preciousness of Christ, resisting the devil, spiritual pride, temptation, prayer and many other truths are priceless. Gray is a master at presenting ‘old truth’ in fresh ways. With the Spirit’s blessing, let Gray’s sermons lead you to Christ, convict you of slothful-ness, prick your conscience, and urge you to godliness.”
Amen. Get this book.
