Petrus van Mastricht’s Theoretical-Practical Theology presents one of the most comprehensive studies of Christian doctrine ever penned. Freshly translated from the original Latin by Dr. Todd M. Rester, van Mastricht's masterwork presents a theological system committed to Scripture as the foundational and final authority, the classic Trinitarian and Christological formulas of Western Christianity, the Reformed confessions and covenant theology, and a vibrant emphasis on practical preaching. Van Mastricht treats every theological topic using what he calls "the best method of preaching:"
Exegetical: Drawing out the meaning of essential passages of Scripture that form the foundation of key doctrines. Dogmatic: Assembling the truths of Scripture into a coherent system of doctrine. Elenctic: Refuting objections and heterodox teachings that undermine Reformed orthodoxy. Practical: Applying these doctrines so that Christians can live for God's glory in Christ.
Here is an Old Testament introduction from someone deeply convinced that he’s handling the word of the living God. Many introductions waste inordinate time on skeptical theories. Dr. Michael Barrett’s formidable expertise does not prevent him from adopting a different posture: bowing humbly beneath Scripture rather than standing in judgment over it.
This is a rare work of scholarly rigor that will be of great use not just in the classroom, but also in the pulpit and in the pew. Ordinary Christians will benefit from new insights into familiar passages while their pastors will interpret with greater clarity and preach with renewed conviction.
Since the time of the Reformation and especially during the era of the Puritans, Christians have derived great benefit from reading edifying sermons. Christians today would do well to imitate godly saints of the past by supplementing their devotional diet with preaching in print.
As Joel R. Beeke says, “Though books of sermons do not tend to sell well today—unlike in Puritan times when nearly all their books were repackaged sermons—the reading of edifying sermons can still be a great blessing to God’s children today.”
This book presents thirty-six choice sermons from a veteran preacher who has also spent his career training ministers to faithfully preach God’s Word. These sermons cover a wide range of texts from Genesis to Revelation and treat a host of pertinent topics. Nevertheless, one grand theme resounds from each of them: Jesus Christ and how to live in Him, by Him, and out of Him. Each is spiritually beneficial, meant to help readers grow in spiritual maturation to the glory of the triune God.
Like Paul, the goal of every faithful preacher is to proclaim nothing but Jesus Christ and Him crucified (1 Cor. 2:2). This volume is evidence that Beeke’s two favorite things in life are to know Christ and to preach Christ. And as you read, by the Spirit’s grace, your love for Christ will deepen so that you shout from the heart, “For me to live is Christ!”
