Following God Fully: An Introduction to the Puritans

Who are the Puritans? Why are they important for me today? If you have asked questions like these and still await adequate answers, this book is for you. Following God Fully provides a basic introduction to the Puritans that reveals a people intent on pursuing God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. Joel R. Beeke and Michael Reeves introduce us to nine Puritan stalwarts that we all should be familiar with. Then they show us the practical contribution the Puritans made in discussing doctrines related to God, salvation, church, and daily life. Read this book and be moved to following God fully like the Puritans.

Contents

PART ONE: Who Were the Puritans?

The Myth and Foundation of Puritanism
The Story of Puritanism
Puritanism Defined
Why Puritan Teaching Today?
Why the Puritan Lifestyle Today?

PART TWO: Puritan Stalwarts

William Perkins (1558–1602)
Richard Sibbes (1577–1635)
Thomas Goodwin (1600–1680)
John Eliot (1604–1690)
John Owen (1616–1683)
John Bunyan (1628–1688)
John Flavel (1628–1691)
Matthew Henry (1662–1714)
Jonathan Edwards (1703–1758)

PART THREE: The Triune God and His Saving Work

Communion with God
God the Father: Predestination, Creation, and Providence
Christ the Mediator
Christ the Compassionate Intercessor
The Holy Spirit
Covenant Theology

PART FOUR: A Saved and Holy People

Regeneration
Faith and Repentance
Union with Christ and Justification
Adoption
Sanctification
Assurance of Salvation
Perseverance
Heaven, A World of Love

PART FIVE: Christ’s Bride

Church and Worship
The Lord’s Supper
Church Offices and Government
The Lord’s Day
Preaching
Listening to Sermons
Pastoral Counseling
Evangelism

PART SIX: Puritans in Daily Life

Meditation and Prayer
Conscience
Marriage
Child-Rearing
Work as a Calling

PART SEVEN: The Puritans for Today

Learning from Puritan Faults
Lessons from the Puritans for Today
How Should We Begin Reading the Puritans?