Showing results by author "J. C. Ryle" in All Categories

Although arguably one of the simplest aspects of Christianity, prayer is also perhaps the most neglected, overlooked, and malnourished part of the average Christian’s day and life. While praying quickly before food and with a congregation on Sunday and for an ailing relative may be common enough, J. C. Ryle truly, and with palpable heartfelt and genuine care, pushes those of faith to see their lack of serious prayer for the spiritual health crisis that it is.

This inspiring sermon by J.C. Ryle encourages Christians to remain steadfast and active in their faith while waiting for Christ’s return. Drawing from the infamous biblical parable of the three men who are given talents to invest while their master is away, Ryle urges Christians to use their gifts to serve the kingdom and to advance the message of the Gospel. Criticizing an inactive approach to Christianity, Ryle expects Christians to put away laziness, keeping the impending return of the King at the forefront of their minds.

An encouragement to longtime Christians and first time believers of the gospel alike, What Is Your Hope? urges a reexamination of what it means to hope and of where that hope is placed. For a Christian, Ryle states that hope is not a fickle or weak thing, it is complete assurance, as it is based on an unchanging, perfect God. Ryle details how fully placing one’s hope in Christ brings unparalleled peace, strength, joy, and comfort. He also emphasizes the importance of being sure not to stray or lean on any other foundation, as that will inevitably prove unreliable and dangerous to the soul.

The 19th century was an age that witnessed great progress in many areas of exploration and learning. However, according to J. C. Ryle, it was an age of great ignorance too. What particularly distressed Ryle was the scant knowledge of the English Reformation evident amongst his contemporaries. In this lay a grave danger: one of the reasons so many congregations drift from their evangelical foundations is their sheer ignorance of Christian history, and their lack of understanding of the major doctrinal controversies and why they matter.

Written truly for everyone, Rich and Poor, speaks to the temptations and benefits of both those who have everything and those who struggle to have anything. Neither the wealthy nor the impoverished are loved less by God or placed on this Earth by accident. Stressing the importance of putting hope and trust in God over becoming engrossed in one’s circumstances, Ryle goes over the potential dangers of either situation. Striving to gain more wealth, becoming prideful, entitled, or jealous can tempt anyone and can ultimately lead to losing sight of God’s aim for his children’s lives.