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Portraits of Faith: What Five Biblical Characters Teach Us about Our Life with God
We often use the word faith without thinking much about its meaning. We know that without faith, it is impossible to please God and that faith is the core and foundation of daily Christian living. But what is faith? Author Joel R. Beeke believes we can best understand faith by seeing how it operates by the Spirit in the lives of fallen sinners like us. Accordingly, he considers essential aspects of faith operating in the lives of Adam and Eve, the Shunammite woman, the Canaanite woman, and Caleb. With pastoral warmth, he challenges readers to ask themselves three Do I have this kind of faith? Am I exercising the particular aspect of faith being described? How can this example of a particular dimension of faith be used in my life to make me a mature believer? Study questions for each chapter encourage meaningful reflection for both individual and group study.
115 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2004
9 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
About the author
Joel R. Beeke
446 books349 followersDr. Joel R. Beeke serves as President and Professor of Systematic Theology, Church History, and Homiletics at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary. He has been in the ministry since 1978 and has served as a pastor of his current church, Heritage Reformed Congregation, since 1986. He is also editor of the Banner of Sovereign Grace Truth, editorial director of Reformation Heritage Books, president of Inheritance Publishers, and vice-president of the Dutch Reformed Translation Society. He has written, co-authored, or edited fifty books and contributed over fifteen hundred articles to Reformed books, journals, periodicals, and encyclopedias. His Ph.D. (1988) from Westminster Theological Seminary is in Reformation and Post-Reformation Theology. He is frequently called upon to lecture at Reformed seminaries and to speak at conferences around the world. He and his wife, Mary, have three children: Calvin, Esther, and Lydia.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 17, 2023
An encouraging little book
January 6, 2026
Encouraging
December 27, 2018
The average Bible study analyzing biblical examples of faith would normally turn with rapidity to Hebrews 11. It's the "Hall of Faith," and rightfully so, there are plenty of great examples there. But what if we can learn the beauty, the extraordinariness, the profundity of Christian faith from chapters like Genesis 3, 2 Kings 4, Matthew 15, and Numbers 13-14?
These may seem obscure examples, but Joel Beeke's goal is to highlight some of the more "underdog" stories of faith we find in Scripture, to illustrate the multi-faceted picture of what faith in Christ looks like. The men and women Beeke puts under the microscope are Adam and Eve, the Shunammite woman, the Caananite woman, and Caleb (3 of the 5 are women, which even more brings to light what is sometimes sadly looked over). In Portraits of Faith, Beeke has shared with us much of his research on this important doctrine, stemming from a seminary project that he spent much time on trying to find out the right way to present it! Beeke provides a very important anecdote:
I spent nearly fifty hours on this assignment before I wrote one sentence, yet everything I had done left me unsatisfied. Somehow it was too abstract...Then I began to think, this is the way! You can best understand faith by seeing how faith operates by the Spirit in the lives of fallen sinners like us. (7-8)
The book is very short, and could easily be a 4-week small group discussion or a quick personal study of four important biblical pictures of Christ-centered faith. I found all of the chapters helpful, but the two I most enjoyed were the Childlike Faith of Adam and Eve, and the Mature Faith of the Canaanite woman. Beeke is not dealing with easy texts here. He has not done a concordance search, found the word "faithful" in a story narrative, and simply expounded on it. Rather, he has found characters (such as Adam and Eve, the folks who helped usher sin into the world!) we may not expect, in situations we wouldn't think we could find the doctrine of faith shine.
It is an encouraging study, because it reminds us that faith is a gift from God, not something we muster up in ourselves. Faith, according to this book, is a childlike, submissive, maturing, and preserving confidence in Christ alone. It is a leaning on the Holy Spirit to guide us, to guard us, to be our Helper. Faith is often a grey, murky word in Christian circles, but Beeke has sought to define it through people, and has succeeded. This is a small, but packed book. I definitely recommend it.
Note: I was provided this book by Cross Focused Reviews in exchange for my honest review.
July 9, 2017
I wasn't really sure what to expect from this book. Was this one of those little devotional type books that pick out little tidbits from the lives of Biblical characters? Kind of. But it goes much deeper than that.
Presenting five Biblical characters as examples of faith, the author really delves into what faith consists of. After giving brief dictionary-esque definitions at the beginning, he goes deeper into these five characters' stories and demonstrates how they lived our lives of faith.
I especially enjoyed how he presented Adam as a man of faith. We tend to overlook Adam's faith in the promised seed to come. I really appreciated how the author mentioned this and presented Adam in one positive way.
This would be a good book to read for a class about faith. It feels like the type of book that would make for good discussion chapter-by-chapter.
Presenting five Biblical characters as examples of faith, the author really delves into what faith consists of. After giving brief dictionary-esque definitions at the beginning, he goes deeper into these five characters' stories and demonstrates how they lived our lives of faith.
I especially enjoyed how he presented Adam as a man of faith. We tend to overlook Adam's faith in the promised seed to come. I really appreciated how the author mentioned this and presented Adam in one positive way.
This would be a good book to read for a class about faith. It feels like the type of book that would make for good discussion chapter-by-chapter.
August 4, 2025
"Since then we are delivered from our misery, merely of grace, through Christ, without any merit of ours, why must we still do good works?"
Because Christ, having redeemed and delivered us by His blood, also renews us by His Holy Spirit, after His own image; that so we may testify, by the whole of our conduct, our gratitude to God for His blessings, and that He may be praised by us; also,that every one may be assured in himself of his faith, by the fruits thereof; and that, by our godly conversation, others may be gained to Christ.
- Heidelberg Catechism Q86
Because Christ, having redeemed and delivered us by His blood, also renews us by His Holy Spirit, after His own image; that so we may testify, by the whole of our conduct, our gratitude to God for His blessings, and that He may be praised by us; also,that every one may be assured in himself of his faith, by the fruits thereof; and that, by our godly conversation, others may be gained to Christ.
- Heidelberg Catechism Q86
March 5, 2023
I picked up this book on a whim. Small enough to fit in my purse, I thought I would read this during the wait of the School Pick Up Queue.
Only, once I started it this morning, I couldn’t stop reading. My Saturday housework was finished faster than normal.
As with most of my books this year, I’m planning on reading this again. Joel Beeke gives a thoughtful and powerful commentary on 5 often overlooked heroes of the Faith.
Only, once I started it this morning, I couldn’t stop reading. My Saturday housework was finished faster than normal.
As with most of my books this year, I’m planning on reading this again. Joel Beeke gives a thoughtful and powerful commentary on 5 often overlooked heroes of the Faith.
December 10, 2024
The book describes four examples of faith in the Bible that mice from initial faith to mature faith. The author describes what each of those faiths looks like and acts like an offer is very practical suggestions on how to exemplify those faiths. I really appreciated the balance between teaching and application. The author’s applications are biblical and very helpful.
June 26, 2020
Beeke communicates truth ...
...in a down-to-earth way that feels much more like a conversation than a lecture. If you having trouble maintaining a life of faith, or if you just need a little boost, this is the book for you.
...in a down-to-earth way that feels much more like a conversation than a lecture. If you having trouble maintaining a life of faith, or if you just need a little boost, this is the book for you.
September 2, 2020
Straight to the point. Noteworthy and has a lot of things to gain. I never quite saw that part of Adam before until I read this book. AMAZING!!!
Grab the book and read it again, and again oh did I say again again? AGAIN!!
Grab the book and read it again, and again oh did I say again again? AGAIN!!
June 29, 2023
This was a great book and very, very convicting at times. I took off one star because I thought his writing was maybe a little over the top at times. It started coming off as borderline cheesy, I'm not sure if that makes any sense. Overall, a great short book.
March 10, 2025
I could reread this book again and again. It’s a collection of four sermons on faith, using Biblical historical people’s examples of faith. The message is strong, applicable, clear, and thoroughly pastoral.
May 7, 2016
Faith is a term used throughout Scripture and one that in my humble opinion is often misunderstood, especially when it comes to understanding the dynamic between how a sound faith will result in godly behavior in the life of the believer. So what exactly does a godly faith look like in action? Do we have examples we can turn to in order to have a good sense of what it means to have a faith that pleases and glorifies God? The clear answer to that question is yes. There are numerous examples in Scripture of faith and in particular, faith in action. In his helpful book Portraits of Faith: What Five Biblical Characters Teach Us about Our Life with God, author Joel Beeke explores some of these examples we find in Scripture.
Beeke begins with a brief yet insightful introduction in which he defines faith. One cannot understand the examples set before them if they do not grasp what it is they should be looking for in those examples. Many are likely familiar with the definition of faith found in Hebrews 11. Beeke aptly points to how faith is traditionally defined in the Reformed traditions and confessions. With that said, I found his salient examples of how faith works to be a sound way of driving home exactly what faith is all about in everyday life. In summation, Beeke defines faith as “the activity of the entire heart expressed throughout life.” A simple yet pervasive approach to the topic.
The remainder of this book is spent examining the lives of five individuals, namely Adam and Eve who are looked at as a unit, the Shunammite woman, the Canaanite woman, and Caleb. As Beeke walks the reader through these individuals, one can observe a progression of faith unfolding. We begin with the childlike faith of Adam and Eve, then moving on to submissive and mature faith, concluding with a look at persevering faith.
We all begin our walk and relationship with God via a childlike faith. When we look at Adam and Eve, we are at the point in history where God had just concluded His six days of creative activity. He tells Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply, to fill the earth and subdue it. An interesting and often overlooked aspect of what we find in the early Genesis account is picked up on by Beeke and that is Adam naming his wife Eve – the mother of all the living. Adam had faith that if they obeyed God and the covenant that was established in the Garden between God and man, they would indeed fill the earth and subdue it with Eve as the first woman and Adam as the first man being the parents if you will of all humanity. We also find an element of faith in the redemption of humanity after the fall with Eve naming her son Cain which as Beeke rightly notes means “the man from the Lord”. She believed this would be the progeny that would either bruise the heel of the serpent or through his line/seed, the Redeemer would arise. We of course know in hindsight that was not the case; however, the overarching point is she had faith God’s word and promises would come true.
The other examples Beeke utilizes to discuss faith are equally as interesting. He notes a number of events and actions in the lives of the individuals in question that truly point the reader to what childlike, submissive, mature, and persevering faith looks like in action. Faith becomes more than just a theological concept. In reading this book, one will begin to understand that faith and action go hand in hand. If we have faith in God and the promises made to us as His people in His Word, that faith will reflect itself in loving obedience to God’s commands we move to a place of maturity in the faith, submission to His divine rule in our lives, and as we persevere in the faith and our walk with God regardless of what life might throw our way.
This is a book I highly recommend. While there are certainly more lengthy tomes on faith that might explore each and every avenue of theological thought on this topic, Beeke’s book takes an approach that provides us with some helpful examples of faith in action. He helps the reader understand the progression of faith in our life as we grow in our relationship with God. We can use the lives of these individuals as a point of reflection. They are after all provided by God in His Word for a reason and perhaps that reason is for us to have some concrete examples we can relate to concerning godly faith in action. The material is biblically sound, the discussion questions provided at the end will give some more food for thought and aspects to study, and for that reason, I suggest if you want to grow in faith, pick up a copy of this book. It will be very helpful in your studies on faith and more importantly, it will serve as a seed that when planted, will cause your faith in God and your relationship with to blossom and grow to a place of maturity.
I received this book for free from Reformation Heritage Books via Cross Focused Reviews and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Beeke begins with a brief yet insightful introduction in which he defines faith. One cannot understand the examples set before them if they do not grasp what it is they should be looking for in those examples. Many are likely familiar with the definition of faith found in Hebrews 11. Beeke aptly points to how faith is traditionally defined in the Reformed traditions and confessions. With that said, I found his salient examples of how faith works to be a sound way of driving home exactly what faith is all about in everyday life. In summation, Beeke defines faith as “the activity of the entire heart expressed throughout life.” A simple yet pervasive approach to the topic.
The remainder of this book is spent examining the lives of five individuals, namely Adam and Eve who are looked at as a unit, the Shunammite woman, the Canaanite woman, and Caleb. As Beeke walks the reader through these individuals, one can observe a progression of faith unfolding. We begin with the childlike faith of Adam and Eve, then moving on to submissive and mature faith, concluding with a look at persevering faith.
We all begin our walk and relationship with God via a childlike faith. When we look at Adam and Eve, we are at the point in history where God had just concluded His six days of creative activity. He tells Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply, to fill the earth and subdue it. An interesting and often overlooked aspect of what we find in the early Genesis account is picked up on by Beeke and that is Adam naming his wife Eve – the mother of all the living. Adam had faith that if they obeyed God and the covenant that was established in the Garden between God and man, they would indeed fill the earth and subdue it with Eve as the first woman and Adam as the first man being the parents if you will of all humanity. We also find an element of faith in the redemption of humanity after the fall with Eve naming her son Cain which as Beeke rightly notes means “the man from the Lord”. She believed this would be the progeny that would either bruise the heel of the serpent or through his line/seed, the Redeemer would arise. We of course know in hindsight that was not the case; however, the overarching point is she had faith God’s word and promises would come true.
The other examples Beeke utilizes to discuss faith are equally as interesting. He notes a number of events and actions in the lives of the individuals in question that truly point the reader to what childlike, submissive, mature, and persevering faith looks like in action. Faith becomes more than just a theological concept. In reading this book, one will begin to understand that faith and action go hand in hand. If we have faith in God and the promises made to us as His people in His Word, that faith will reflect itself in loving obedience to God’s commands we move to a place of maturity in the faith, submission to His divine rule in our lives, and as we persevere in the faith and our walk with God regardless of what life might throw our way.
This is a book I highly recommend. While there are certainly more lengthy tomes on faith that might explore each and every avenue of theological thought on this topic, Beeke’s book takes an approach that provides us with some helpful examples of faith in action. He helps the reader understand the progression of faith in our life as we grow in our relationship with God. We can use the lives of these individuals as a point of reflection. They are after all provided by God in His Word for a reason and perhaps that reason is for us to have some concrete examples we can relate to concerning godly faith in action. The material is biblically sound, the discussion questions provided at the end will give some more food for thought and aspects to study, and for that reason, I suggest if you want to grow in faith, pick up a copy of this book. It will be very helpful in your studies on faith and more importantly, it will serve as a seed that when planted, will cause your faith in God and your relationship with to blossom and grow to a place of maturity.
I received this book for free from Reformation Heritage Books via Cross Focused Reviews and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
August 9, 2017
What a little gem of a book! Great character study of some oft-ignored examples of faith in the Bible. I hope to read it with my daughters soon!
July 2, 2018
[My husband and I listened to this together on audiobook.]
November 21, 2023
This is an excellent and challenging book! I was encouraged and convicted! A must read!
January 7, 2024
Great read
March 5, 2024
Pretty good. Looks at faith at work in the lives of Biblical characters and groups that typically get looked over for the larger heroes of the faith.
November 20, 2024
I didn't find the commentary very captivating or enriching.
April 23, 2016
I primarily know Joel Beeke for his book Meet the Puritans and his involvement with Reformation Heritage Books, a great book publisher. In addition to his more scholarly works, Beeke also writes shorter tomes, like the rerelease title Portraits of Faith, of which I was able to snag a review copy from the publisher.
Portraits of Faith is not written for the scholar. In fact, it’s geared more towards newer believers and is based on some messages he gave a few years back. Explaining what faith is can be challenging. Most people can say it’s believing something or give the “Sunday school” answer that it is trusting in something. Others might quote Hebrews 11:1, that “faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Rather than give a textbook answer to the question, Beeke highlights four Bible stories that highlight what it means to have faith.
This is where I have an issue with the book. The subtitle on the cover reads, “What Five Biblical Characters Teach Us about Our Life with God.” While this is technically true, it sets the expectation that we’re about to learn from five different people in the Bible. Instead, Adam and Eve are each counted—Beeke only deals with four biblical stories. The others are the Shunammite woman, the Canaanite woman, and Caleb.
I most appreciated Beeke’s treatment of the Canaanite woman. I’ve heard more than one sermon try to downplay what Jesus said to her (it comes off as quite harsh). Beeke explains what Jesus was doing, and his explanation deals appropriately with the text. His treatment of Adam and Eve was not as strong. While I would agree that Adam and Eve had faith in God’s promise in Genesis 3:15, Beeke draws more out of Adam’s naming his wife “Eve” than is warranted, at least more than is warranted without a big caveat. It’s making a mountain out of a molehill, much like that pastor who preaches a whole sermon on each word in John 3:16.
Beeke’s writing is also influenced by his church tradition, which holds that Sunday is the new Sabbath, churches should sing the Psalms, and the King James Version should be the preferred translation. I can’t fault him for writing in accordance with his convictions, but criticizing those who don’t observe all Ten Commandments won’t win points with people who don’t hold his views on the Sabbath. Likewise, quoting from the King James has it’s place, but when Beeke has to define multiple words because they are so archaic, it points to the fact that the King James Version has outlived it’s usefulness for regular Christian use.
I would like to give Beeke higher marks, particularly because I love his work on the Puritans, but the treatment of Adam and Eve and the use of a translation that he has to frequently provide definitions for makes it an okay book, but not outstanding.
Portraits of Faith is not written for the scholar. In fact, it’s geared more towards newer believers and is based on some messages he gave a few years back. Explaining what faith is can be challenging. Most people can say it’s believing something or give the “Sunday school” answer that it is trusting in something. Others might quote Hebrews 11:1, that “faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Rather than give a textbook answer to the question, Beeke highlights four Bible stories that highlight what it means to have faith.
This is where I have an issue with the book. The subtitle on the cover reads, “What Five Biblical Characters Teach Us about Our Life with God.” While this is technically true, it sets the expectation that we’re about to learn from five different people in the Bible. Instead, Adam and Eve are each counted—Beeke only deals with four biblical stories. The others are the Shunammite woman, the Canaanite woman, and Caleb.
I most appreciated Beeke’s treatment of the Canaanite woman. I’ve heard more than one sermon try to downplay what Jesus said to her (it comes off as quite harsh). Beeke explains what Jesus was doing, and his explanation deals appropriately with the text. His treatment of Adam and Eve was not as strong. While I would agree that Adam and Eve had faith in God’s promise in Genesis 3:15, Beeke draws more out of Adam’s naming his wife “Eve” than is warranted, at least more than is warranted without a big caveat. It’s making a mountain out of a molehill, much like that pastor who preaches a whole sermon on each word in John 3:16.
Beeke’s writing is also influenced by his church tradition, which holds that Sunday is the new Sabbath, churches should sing the Psalms, and the King James Version should be the preferred translation. I can’t fault him for writing in accordance with his convictions, but criticizing those who don’t observe all Ten Commandments won’t win points with people who don’t hold his views on the Sabbath. Likewise, quoting from the King James has it’s place, but when Beeke has to define multiple words because they are so archaic, it points to the fact that the King James Version has outlived it’s usefulness for regular Christian use.
I would like to give Beeke higher marks, particularly because I love his work on the Puritans, but the treatment of Adam and Eve and the use of a translation that he has to frequently provide definitions for makes it an okay book, but not outstanding.
April 26, 2016
Portraits of Faith is a book by Joel Beeke about the faith of five people from scripture who are not your typical ‘heroes of the faith’. Instead, Beeke focuses on ordinary sinners like you and I and shows how God is at work to produce faith within them. The effect that this had on me as a reader was to magnify the glory of God as I found myself more and more convinced that God is indeed at work in me; “both the will and the deed even of his good pleasure”.
Starting with Adam and Eve, Beeke shows how the promised lineage of faith would bring about the Promised One who would bring life to those who were born into death. The one whose sin altered the course of human history and propelled us on the path of death was also the one who, upon hearing the curse of the serpent, seized upon the promise of life contained therein and named his wife Eve (‘life’). This was a profound expression of faith and trust in the good character of the God whom he had known since the beginning. Eve too seized upon this promise and looked forward to its fulfillment. From here Beeke moves on the the Shunammite woman whose faith in the God of Elisha was so sure that she insisted that it was well in the midst of profound tragedy. Then there is the Canaanite woman who, upon an initial rejection by Christ, persisted in faith and insisted that even the dogs eat the crumbs from their masters table. This was an incredible profession of faith as she recognized her lowly stature but also saw that God, in Christ was reconciling lowly people to himself. Finally, Beeke points us to Caleb; a supreme example of persevering faith.
Those familiar with Joel Beeke will at once recognize his pastoral love and grandfatherly affection for the church in this book. Those who are not yet familiar with him will be encouraged by his care for sinners. Portraits of Faith will encourage you in your walk and will point you to Christ to strengthen your faith. Beeke includes study questions for each chapter at the end of the book with the aim of pointing us away from ourselves and to the one who justifies, sanctifies, and glorifies his people. I would recommend this book to just about everybody. Each of us have times and perhaps even seasons in which we feel as if our faith is week. Portraits of faith provides a remedy for this by pointing us to the one who (slowly but surely) works faith within us.
Click here to search Amazon.com for the lowest price on amazon - http://amzn.to/232wyap
This book review first appeared at http://www.teleiaphilia.com
Starting with Adam and Eve, Beeke shows how the promised lineage of faith would bring about the Promised One who would bring life to those who were born into death. The one whose sin altered the course of human history and propelled us on the path of death was also the one who, upon hearing the curse of the serpent, seized upon the promise of life contained therein and named his wife Eve (‘life’). This was a profound expression of faith and trust in the good character of the God whom he had known since the beginning. Eve too seized upon this promise and looked forward to its fulfillment. From here Beeke moves on the the Shunammite woman whose faith in the God of Elisha was so sure that she insisted that it was well in the midst of profound tragedy. Then there is the Canaanite woman who, upon an initial rejection by Christ, persisted in faith and insisted that even the dogs eat the crumbs from their masters table. This was an incredible profession of faith as she recognized her lowly stature but also saw that God, in Christ was reconciling lowly people to himself. Finally, Beeke points us to Caleb; a supreme example of persevering faith.
Those familiar with Joel Beeke will at once recognize his pastoral love and grandfatherly affection for the church in this book. Those who are not yet familiar with him will be encouraged by his care for sinners. Portraits of Faith will encourage you in your walk and will point you to Christ to strengthen your faith. Beeke includes study questions for each chapter at the end of the book with the aim of pointing us away from ourselves and to the one who justifies, sanctifies, and glorifies his people. I would recommend this book to just about everybody. Each of us have times and perhaps even seasons in which we feel as if our faith is week. Portraits of faith provides a remedy for this by pointing us to the one who (slowly but surely) works faith within us.
Click here to search Amazon.com for the lowest price on amazon - http://amzn.to/232wyap
This book review first appeared at http://www.teleiaphilia.com
April 25, 2016
I waffled between giving this four or five stars, since it probably could have been developed a little more in certain areas. However, the concise length is also a plus in some ways.
This book addresses the faith of five different individuals and certain aspects of their faith: Adam & Eve's childlike faith, the Shunnamite woman's submissive faith, the Canaanite woman's mature faith, and Caleb's persevering faith. Each chapter has shorter sections, often with a modern-day example or two. I liked how clear things were, and how insightful and convicting. In the Adam and Eve section there is something I question, but could very well be true--I just wonder at his dogmatism.
Great Quotes:
"Believe [the Lord]! Believe that He will take all those impossibilities that are breaking over the gunwales of your life and bring them to a melodious whimper at your feet. They may alarm you, but they will not drown you. He will take care of you. Believe that!"
"Through afflictions God teaches us, says Thomas Watson, to treat the world like a loose tooth in our mouth, which, being easily twitched away, does not much bother us. Christ ripens us for glory by weaning us from this world."
"We forget that there are more than three hundred biblical imperatives commanding us to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ."
"Unbelief is dreadfully contagious; it persuades people that the giants of Anak are larger than the promises of God; it eats away at the vitals of faith; it stunts spiritual growth. Every time you do not believe in the presence of God, your spiritual growth is bruised. But true faith turns giants into dwarves and shows God to be as big as He really is."
This book addresses the faith of five different individuals and certain aspects of their faith: Adam & Eve's childlike faith, the Shunnamite woman's submissive faith, the Canaanite woman's mature faith, and Caleb's persevering faith. Each chapter has shorter sections, often with a modern-day example or two. I liked how clear things were, and how insightful and convicting. In the Adam and Eve section there is something I question, but could very well be true--I just wonder at his dogmatism.
Great Quotes:
"Believe [the Lord]! Believe that He will take all those impossibilities that are breaking over the gunwales of your life and bring them to a melodious whimper at your feet. They may alarm you, but they will not drown you. He will take care of you. Believe that!"
"Through afflictions God teaches us, says Thomas Watson, to treat the world like a loose tooth in our mouth, which, being easily twitched away, does not much bother us. Christ ripens us for glory by weaning us from this world."
"We forget that there are more than three hundred biblical imperatives commanding us to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ."
"Unbelief is dreadfully contagious; it persuades people that the giants of Anak are larger than the promises of God; it eats away at the vitals of faith; it stunts spiritual growth. Every time you do not believe in the presence of God, your spiritual growth is bruised. But true faith turns giants into dwarves and shows God to be as big as He really is."
December 30, 2013
Beeke looks at the faith of some lesser-known characters (the Shunammite woman of Elisha’s day and the Canaanite woman of Jesus’ day), as well as more familiar names like Adam, Eve, and Caleb. From these lives, Beeke shows genuine faith as childlike, submissive, mature, and persevering. These sermons converted to book form are (as admitted) too brief to unfurl the full tapestry of faith. What we have here are a few threads suitable for tracing out.
April 29, 2016
This short little book is a collection of four sermons by Joel R. Beeke the president of Puritan Theological Seminary. It is a good little book. However, the subtitle is a little misleading in that it is actually four sermons (Adam and Eve are covered together, so it is five characters!). It is written at a lay person level and would be approachable for all readers. It is a helpful book as one examines their faith and how it affects their life.
Recommended
Recommended
April 28, 2016
I was really excited about this book, but just couldn't follow it. It didn't really have a good flow, but just felt like they stuck a whole bunch of mini-sermons into a 5 chapter book. Don't get me wrong, some of them were amazing. It just didn't fit the way it was put together in my opinion.
I received a free review copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I received a free review copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews