Description
Christ declares, “Abide in me, and I in you. As a branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me” (John 15:4). A branch derives life from the vine by virtue of its union with the vine. Similarly, Christ is the vine, and we are the branches. There is a vital, organic union between us. We draw on Christ’s life through the Holy Spirit, who dwells in us. We must, therefore, abide in Christ by cultivating close and constant communion with him. We must continually look “unto Jesus the author and finisher of faith” (Hebrews 12:2).
This book seeks to explain what this looking implies. It does so by turning to the writings of two largely forgotten Puritans and Baptists from the seventeenth century – Thomas Wilcox and Vavasor Powell. Together, they teach us that to abide in Christ is to behold him in his manifold roles and relations. As we do so, Christ becomes our all in all.
About the Author
J. Stephen Yuille resides in Glen Rose, Texas, with his wife, Alison, and their daughters, Laura and Emma. He is the Teaching Pastor at Grace Community Church and Adjunct Professor of Practical Theology at Redeemer Seminary in Dallas. He is the author of The Inner Sanctum of Puritan Piety (2007), Puritan Spirituality (2008), Trading and Thriving in Godliness (2008), and Living Blessedly Forever (2012).
Contents
Foreword by Tom. J. Nettles
Introduction
1. A Guide to Eternal Glory by Thomas Wilcox
2. The Christ-Centered Piety of Thomas Wilcox
3. Saving Faith Discovered in Three Heavenly Conferences by Vavasor Powell
4. The Christ-Centered Piety of Vavasor Powell
Conclusion
Bibliography
Endorsements and Reviews
Stephen Yuille loves the Puritans (as do I). There are four themes that cause him to continually return to their writings: God-fearing, heaven-seeking, sinhating, and Christ-exalting. It is this latter theme he pursues in Looking unto Jesus, particularly through the writings of Thomas Wilcox and Vavasor Powell. Though not well known, both men have a word for those whose passion is Christ. The Puritans must never be lost. This work will help in ensuring this does not happen.
Daniel L. Akin, President, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
From the pen of pastor Stephen Yuille comes a refreshing and enlightening look at two lesser-known seventeenth-century Baptist Puritans: Thomas Wilcox and Vavasor Powell. I have always been drawn to the genuine piety and holiness of life to which the Puritans aspired and about which they wrote with evangelical passion and warmth. Aptly titled Looking unto Jesus, this book will help you do just that. Take up and read, and be blessed.
David L. Allen, Professor of Preaching, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Yuille’s Looking Unto Jesus is another valuable publication that seeks to bring more obscure theological writings to modern readers. … Yuille provides the means by which modern readers can engage with these works, expounding on themes, issues and biblical passages in order to show more clearly how much can be gained from reading the work of such passionate preachers.
Rachel Adcock, in Modern Believing, Vol 57.2
