Following God Fully: An Introduction to the Puritans (Joel R. Beeke & Michael Reeves)

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.  

Endorsements

“When I wonder about, or want to explore “The Puritans,” what would really help me would be a book of around 160 pages, written by one or two skilled and popular Christian communicators who were also scholars well-versed in Puritan history, theology, biography, pastoral ministry, and contemporary applicability. If only such a book existed! Now it does. It is called Following God Fully—simultaneously a splendid introduction, a refresher course, and a great read. Three cheers for this gift from the dynamic duo of Joel Beeke and Mike Reeves!”

— Sinclair B. Ferguson, a Ligonier Ministries teaching fellow and Chancellor’s Professor of Systematic Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary

“Anytime Joel Beeke and Michael Reeves collaborate to write about the Puritans, it immediately becomes a must-read for all. These two prominent scholars combine their strengths to write in their field of expertise about our forefathers of the faith. You will find this book easily accessible to those new to the Puritans yet extremely insightful for those well studied in these spiritual stalwarts. Be prepared to be greatly edified and encouraged by this brilliant book.”  

— Steven J. Lawson, president, OnePassion Ministries 

Table of Contents

PART ONE: Who Were the Puritans?

1. The Myth and Foundation of Puritanism
2. The Story of Puritanism
3. Puritanism Defined
4. Why Puritan Teaching Today?
5. Why the Puritan Lifestyle Today?

PART TWO: Puritan Stalwarts

6. William Perkins (1558–1602)
7. Richard Sibbes (1577–1635)
8. Thomas Goodwin (1600–1680)
9. John Eliot (1604–1690)
10. John Owen (1616–1683)
11. John Bunyan (1628–1688)
12. John Flavel (1628–1691)
13. Matthew Henry (1662–1714)
14. Jonathan Edwards (1703–1758)

PART THREE: The Triune God and His Saving Work

15. Communion with God
16. God the Father: Predestination, Creation, and Providence
17. Christ the Mediator
18. Christ the Compassionate Intercessor
19. The Holy Spirit
20. Covenant Theology

PART FOUR: A Saved and Holy People

21. Regeneration
22. Faith and Repentance
23. Union with Christ and Justification
24. Adoption
25. Sanctification
26. Assurance of Salvation
27. Perseverance
28. Heaven, A World of Love

PART FIVE: Christ’s Bride

29. Church and Worship
30. The Lord’s Supper
31. Church Offices and Government
32. The Lord’s Day
33. Preaching
34. Listening to Sermons
35. Pastoral Counseling
36. Evangelism

PART SIX: Puritans in Daily Life

37. Meditation and Prayer
38. Conscience
39. Marriage
40. Child-Rearing
41. Work as a Calling

PART SEVEN: The Puritans for Today

42. Learning from Puritan Faults
43. Lessons from the Puritans for Today
44. How Should We Begin Reading the Puritans?

About the Authors

Joel R. Beeke is president and professor of systematic theology and homiletics at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Michael Reeves is president and professor of theology at Union School of Theology, Oxford, UK.