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Theologians on the Christian Life
Stott on the Christian Life: Between Two Worlds
"Reading this book was a profoundly moving experience."
--Derek W. H. Thomas, Senior Minister, First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, South Carolina; author, Let's Study Revelation and Let's Study Galatians
John Stott was a twentieth-century pastor-theologian widely hailed for his heart for missions and expository preaching. Even today, Stott's
legacy continues to influence churches around the world. As both a faithful preacher and a thoughtful writer, Stott profoundly shaped evangelicalism's contemporary understanding of Christianity through an approach to the Christian life founded on the word, shaped by the cross, and characterized by the pursuit of Christlikeness in every area of life. Tim Chester invites a new generation of readers to experience the Christian life as John Stott envisioned it--not simply a theological puzzle to be solved, but the daily practice of humble service and compassion found in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
--Derek W. H. Thomas, Senior Minister, First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, South Carolina; author, Let's Study Revelation and Let's Study Galatians
John Stott was a twentieth-century pastor-theologian widely hailed for his heart for missions and expository preaching. Even today, Stott's
legacy continues to influence churches around the world. As both a faithful preacher and a thoughtful writer, Stott profoundly shaped evangelicalism's contemporary understanding of Christianity through an approach to the Christian life founded on the word, shaped by the cross, and characterized by the pursuit of Christlikeness in every area of life. Tim Chester invites a new generation of readers to experience the Christian life as John Stott envisioned it--not simply a theological puzzle to be solved, but the daily practice of humble service and compassion found in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
272 pages, Paperback
Published June 23, 2020
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173 people want to read
About the author
Tim Chester
149 books185 followersDr Tim Chester is involved in The Crowded House, a church planting initiative in Sheffield, UK. He was previously Research & Policy Director for Tearfund UK, and has been published widely on prayer, mission, social issues and theology. He is married to Helen and has two daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 3, 2020
Stott on the Christian Life: Between Two Worlds by Tim Chester is the latest installment in the excellent, Theologians of the Christian Life, edited by Stephen J. Nichols and Justin Taylor. John Stott was a formidable figure in the evangelical world, a reality that is seen throughout in Chester’s offering.
The author begins with a biographical survey of Stott’s life and serves as a fitting introduction to the uninitiated. Once the groundwork is laid, Chester launches readers on a tour of Stott’s life that is both informative and inspiring.
Stott’s work on the evangelical mind played a significant role in my own Christian pilgrimage. His book, Your Minds Matters was formative and helped establish early convictions as a young evangelical. Stott’s emphasis on creation, revelation, redemption, and judgment (which are the key pillars in the Christian worldview) help establish him as a key voice among evangelical leaders.
Stott was a model preacher and a fine example of a man who labored over the text and was committed to delivering expository sermons:
His expositional commentaries have been a major help in my own sermon preparation and have helped thousands of expositors for years.
Stott’s book, The Cross of Christ, which many (myself included) regard as one of the best books ever written on the subject is highlighted here. The Cross of Christ was his “greatest achievement,” and considered his magnum opus. The treatment of propitiation, redemption, reconciliation, and justification in this work is unparalleled and should be considered essential reading for pastors and students of theology.
While Stott held a high view of the authority of Scripture, one disappointment is his departure from the historic and orthodox teaching concerning eternal punishment. Chester adds, “Stott refused to ‘dogmatism’ about his position and asked people not to speak of his ‘endorsement of annihilationism.” Chester adds, “ … many assumed annihilations involved a denial of the authority of Scripture. Stott, though, explicitly warned against asking what one’s heart says rather than asking what God’s word says.”
I am impressed with the way that Chester handles Stott’s annihilationism. He does not shy away from the controversy but he also continues to pay proper respect to the man he regards so highly. His even-handed approach should be emulated.
In the remainder of the book, Chester focuses on several matters that concern Stott’s view of sanctification, evangelism, social matters, and the lordship of Christ.
The final chapter is a wonderful summary of John Stott’s life and ministry. This is a life that can be summed up in his commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ and the power of his gospel. Stott gave his life for the great cause of the gospel. Tim Chester’s fine work bears this out in spades.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.
The author begins with a biographical survey of Stott’s life and serves as a fitting introduction to the uninitiated. Once the groundwork is laid, Chester launches readers on a tour of Stott’s life that is both informative and inspiring.
Stott’s work on the evangelical mind played a significant role in my own Christian pilgrimage. His book, Your Minds Matters was formative and helped establish early convictions as a young evangelical. Stott’s emphasis on creation, revelation, redemption, and judgment (which are the key pillars in the Christian worldview) help establish him as a key voice among evangelical leaders.
Stott was a model preacher and a fine example of a man who labored over the text and was committed to delivering expository sermons:
His expositional commentaries have been a major help in my own sermon preparation and have helped thousands of expositors for years.
Stott’s book, The Cross of Christ, which many (myself included) regard as one of the best books ever written on the subject is highlighted here. The Cross of Christ was his “greatest achievement,” and considered his magnum opus. The treatment of propitiation, redemption, reconciliation, and justification in this work is unparalleled and should be considered essential reading for pastors and students of theology.
While Stott held a high view of the authority of Scripture, one disappointment is his departure from the historic and orthodox teaching concerning eternal punishment. Chester adds, “Stott refused to ‘dogmatism’ about his position and asked people not to speak of his ‘endorsement of annihilationism.” Chester adds, “ … many assumed annihilations involved a denial of the authority of Scripture. Stott, though, explicitly warned against asking what one’s heart says rather than asking what God’s word says.”
I am impressed with the way that Chester handles Stott’s annihilationism. He does not shy away from the controversy but he also continues to pay proper respect to the man he regards so highly. His even-handed approach should be emulated.
In the remainder of the book, Chester focuses on several matters that concern Stott’s view of sanctification, evangelism, social matters, and the lordship of Christ.
The final chapter is a wonderful summary of John Stott’s life and ministry. This is a life that can be summed up in his commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ and the power of his gospel. Stott gave his life for the great cause of the gospel. Tim Chester’s fine work bears this out in spades.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.
March 29, 2022
wonderful introduction to a very misrepresented great of the Christian faith.
January 9, 2021
I’ve admired John Stott’s life and ministry for years, ever since reading his marvelous commentary on Acts over 29 years ago, followed by other rich books such as The Cross of Christ, Baptism and Fullness, The Contemporary Christian, and Between Two Worlds. Tim Chester skillfully synthesizes amd summarizes Stott’s theology of the Christian life, deftly weaving in biographical details from Stott’s own life as exemplary illustrations of what he taught. This is a very good book—one of the best in this series.
July 28, 2020
Another strong entry in this series. After reading it I'm actually wondering if Uncle John was perhaps underrated, if that's even possible. I don't agree with Stott on everything (how could I?), but his character was as sterling as sterling could be. This work contained more biographical narrative than many of the others in this series. This is entirely appropriate--Stott's influence is more recent and thus still needs discussed and hashed out through works like this, while books on, say, Luther or Calvin don't need to repeat what can be found in dozens of places elsewhere.
Stott has come under some fire for his supposed belief in annihilationism, the view that holds that the souls of the wicked will eventually cease entirely to exist. Now Stott never said this was his view; he merely said that he was open to it, and that he believed it could be held from Scripture. Annihilationism is not my view, but if forced I would probably say that you could attempt to defend it from Scripture. Not that I would recommend it.
Anyhow, I appreciate another great work from Tim Chester. I hope Crossway continues this series. They have not gotten anywhere close to the bottom of the barrel.
Stott has come under some fire for his supposed belief in annihilationism, the view that holds that the souls of the wicked will eventually cease entirely to exist. Now Stott never said this was his view; he merely said that he was open to it, and that he believed it could be held from Scripture. Annihilationism is not my view, but if forced I would probably say that you could attempt to defend it from Scripture. Not that I would recommend it.
Anyhow, I appreciate another great work from Tim Chester. I hope Crossway continues this series. They have not gotten anywhere close to the bottom of the barrel.
May 10, 2020
Tim Chester is a clear writer, uses many good sources, and introduces John Stott as a real, lovable person. But with other volumes in this series, the gap between history/biography and practical theology for today is not bridged well. I do recommend this book, but mostly as an introduction to Stott as a historical figure. For more thorough study of Stott and other key evangelicals of the past 200 years, check out Evangelicalism Divided by Iain Murray.
February 24, 2021
“Stott on the Christian Life” is an excellent overview of the theology and ministry of one of the twentieth century’s most important pastor theologians. The book serves as a great introduction to John Stott for those who are not familiar with him. It is also a wonderful resource for others who are more familiar with him, but want to learn more about his life and ministry. Tim Chester draws from Stott’s books, sermons, and other materials to provide a well rounded view of his teaching on the Christian life. It is a great jumping off point for those who want to “study under” Stott through his writings and sermons. The ministry of John Stott reminds us of the importance of the church’s mission in the world, the shining city on a hill.
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March 17, 2021John Stott’s magnum opus, The Cross of Christ, was a crucial point in my formation as a Christian. Before that, I only had an elementary understanding of theology, and I couldn’t have adequately answered the question of why Jesus had to come and die. Sure, I knew he died for our sins. But why couldn’t God have just forgiven us? Stott answered my questions and gave me a sure footing in the doctrine of the atonement.
Because of this debt I owe to Stott, I was excited to see that Tim Chester released Stott on the Christian Life last year. I wanted to learn not just about what Stott believed, but how he lived out his theology. That’s the goal of Crossway’s ‘Theologians on the Christian Life’ series, with each volume aiming to summarise the main teachings of different theologians while also weaving in accounts of their lives. Chester’s contribution highlighted Stott’s character—his gentleness, self-control, and humility—which grew concurrent with his great achievements.
As a single person, I found it greatly encouraging to read about how Stott poured himself into gospel work. He embraced the freedom and flexibility that singleness afforded him, and so he pastored a church, wrote prolifically, joined many committees, travelled and spoke around the world, and still found time for his favourite hobby: bird-watching. Instead of wasting his singleness and leaning into self-centredness, he worked extremely hard for the glory of God.
Above all, what stuck out to me from Chester’s book was Stott’s commitment to Jesus. Naturally, Chester includes a specific chapter on the atonement, but this doctrine also suffuses all other chapters. We see how Stott’s preaching centered on Jesus, and how he engaged in mission and social causes for the glory of Jesus. Above all his achievements, his personal commitment to the cross stands out. Chester writes: “Stott’s contribution to our understanding of the atonement was foundational for a generation of evangelicals. But the cross was never simply a theological puzzle for him. It was the controlling passion of his life.”
Throughout this book, Chester paints a compelling portrait of John Stott, rich with theological truth and encouragement. He was willing to disagree with Stott and push back on his blind spots and errors. while respecting his contributions as one of the most influential evangelicals of the twentieth century. Rather than serving as a replacement for reading Stott’s books, this volume actually made me want to read his work more, knowing what an able guide Stott will be as I live the Christian life.
Crossway provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through the Blog Review Program. I’m under no obligation to post a positive review.
Because of this debt I owe to Stott, I was excited to see that Tim Chester released Stott on the Christian Life last year. I wanted to learn not just about what Stott believed, but how he lived out his theology. That’s the goal of Crossway’s ‘Theologians on the Christian Life’ series, with each volume aiming to summarise the main teachings of different theologians while also weaving in accounts of their lives. Chester’s contribution highlighted Stott’s character—his gentleness, self-control, and humility—which grew concurrent with his great achievements.
As a single person, I found it greatly encouraging to read about how Stott poured himself into gospel work. He embraced the freedom and flexibility that singleness afforded him, and so he pastored a church, wrote prolifically, joined many committees, travelled and spoke around the world, and still found time for his favourite hobby: bird-watching. Instead of wasting his singleness and leaning into self-centredness, he worked extremely hard for the glory of God.
Above all, what stuck out to me from Chester’s book was Stott’s commitment to Jesus. Naturally, Chester includes a specific chapter on the atonement, but this doctrine also suffuses all other chapters. We see how Stott’s preaching centered on Jesus, and how he engaged in mission and social causes for the glory of Jesus. Above all his achievements, his personal commitment to the cross stands out. Chester writes: “Stott’s contribution to our understanding of the atonement was foundational for a generation of evangelicals. But the cross was never simply a theological puzzle for him. It was the controlling passion of his life.”
Throughout this book, Chester paints a compelling portrait of John Stott, rich with theological truth and encouragement. He was willing to disagree with Stott and push back on his blind spots and errors. while respecting his contributions as one of the most influential evangelicals of the twentieth century. Rather than serving as a replacement for reading Stott’s books, this volume actually made me want to read his work more, knowing what an able guide Stott will be as I live the Christian life.
Crossway provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through the Blog Review Program. I’m under no obligation to post a positive review.
August 18, 2020
As someone who has not been exposed to much of Stott’s work and impact on the evangelical world and the Anglican Church in Britain, this book was a great primer to the esteemed pastor and theologian.
The beginning of the book lays out a foundation for Stott’s early life and conversion, which I found very interesting and compelling to read. Chester does a great job here. The rest of the book details Stott’s ministry and his various theological beliefs which Chester does a pretty good job in detailing, though at times one can tell where the author stands with regard to some of Stott’s beliefs and I would have preferred the book to be more objective in that regard (the Martin Lloyd Jones controversy for an example and some of Stott’s statements regarding social action). To be clear, this is not not-picking, just something I noticed while reading the book as I was expecting a historical biography simply capturing Stott’s life with limited expositions, though the author is never forceful with his opinions.
Overall, I did enjoy this work and learned much about Stott’s ministry and life. Which is something any young Christian in today’s society should cherish and do. While I disagree with some of Stott’s beliefs about annihilationism, the carnal versus spiritual Christian distinction which I believe should be no distinction at all as a carnal Christian, in my view, does not exist, as well as his staying with the Anglican Church/debate with Lloyd Jones, some of his beliefs regarding social action in the church (though I appreciate the quote from him on page 185 regarding the ecumenical Bangkok CWME Conference that salvation is not “socio-political liberation”), but I did end up later siding more with Billy Graham’s view on the later Lausanne Covenant that the covenant should have a more narrow objective of the gospel, and some of his dialectical approach as I do think sides have to be chosen at times, this is still a book to be picked up and learned from for a Christian of any age, whether familiar with Stott or not. And Stott’s emphasis on the Christian mind, spiritual disciplines, a progressive view of sanctification vs. an instant crisis change view of holiness, and Christ-likeness is much needed. His focus on the Christian mind will be what I will take away the most from this book, as someone who desires to love God with all of my mind and heart, and has been disheartened with past church experiences not giving the mind a high view in Christianity.
In short, while I may disagree with some of Stott’s theology, I was still immensely impressed by his life and ministry, and loved getting to know more of Stott and be introduced to his works through this book. (The Cross of Christ and Your Mind Matters are now excitedly on my future reading list).
Crossway provided me with this complimentary book as a part of the blog review program.
The beginning of the book lays out a foundation for Stott’s early life and conversion, which I found very interesting and compelling to read. Chester does a great job here. The rest of the book details Stott’s ministry and his various theological beliefs which Chester does a pretty good job in detailing, though at times one can tell where the author stands with regard to some of Stott’s beliefs and I would have preferred the book to be more objective in that regard (the Martin Lloyd Jones controversy for an example and some of Stott’s statements regarding social action). To be clear, this is not not-picking, just something I noticed while reading the book as I was expecting a historical biography simply capturing Stott’s life with limited expositions, though the author is never forceful with his opinions.
Overall, I did enjoy this work and learned much about Stott’s ministry and life. Which is something any young Christian in today’s society should cherish and do. While I disagree with some of Stott’s beliefs about annihilationism, the carnal versus spiritual Christian distinction which I believe should be no distinction at all as a carnal Christian, in my view, does not exist, as well as his staying with the Anglican Church/debate with Lloyd Jones, some of his beliefs regarding social action in the church (though I appreciate the quote from him on page 185 regarding the ecumenical Bangkok CWME Conference that salvation is not “socio-political liberation”), but I did end up later siding more with Billy Graham’s view on the later Lausanne Covenant that the covenant should have a more narrow objective of the gospel, and some of his dialectical approach as I do think sides have to be chosen at times, this is still a book to be picked up and learned from for a Christian of any age, whether familiar with Stott or not. And Stott’s emphasis on the Christian mind, spiritual disciplines, a progressive view of sanctification vs. an instant crisis change view of holiness, and Christ-likeness is much needed. His focus on the Christian mind will be what I will take away the most from this book, as someone who desires to love God with all of my mind and heart, and has been disheartened with past church experiences not giving the mind a high view in Christianity.
In short, while I may disagree with some of Stott’s theology, I was still immensely impressed by his life and ministry, and loved getting to know more of Stott and be introduced to his works through this book. (The Cross of Christ and Your Mind Matters are now excitedly on my future reading list).
Crossway provided me with this complimentary book as a part of the blog review program.
May 20, 2023
First of this biography series I’ve read but was excited to read more about Stott’s life since he’s one of my favorite authors. First chapter was captivating with lots of biographical nuance and detail and the rest of the book worked through his main doctrinal viewpoints, so it turned out to be more theological and less biographical than I was expecting but still worth it for the first chapter and last chapter! Am interested to see if the others in the series read the same way
December 8, 2024
I’ve been strolling through this series for some time now and each of them has been quite good, including this biography on John Stott. While not as impactful as the other characters like Augustine, Calvin, or Luther, Stott still helped to transform his time through precise and base doctrine. As Chester shows here, Stott was a pious and devout man and it was through consistent faithfulness that he left a legacy.
December 18, 2020
This an excellent piece of work examining John Stott's life and theology. His influence on modern day evangelicals is simply staggering - worth reading just to understand that. But Chester wonderful picks out his humble and Christ-Centered characteristics - ones which make him such an excellent role model today whether or not you agree with him on various doctrines.
September 18, 2021
Helpful Introduction to John Stott
This book is a helpful introduction to the thought of John Stott. Not a strict biography; the book goes in detail of Story's theology. The last chapter is exceptional.
This book is a helpful introduction to the thought of John Stott. Not a strict biography; the book goes in detail of Story's theology. The last chapter is exceptional.
January 23, 2025
Helpful introduction to John Stott. Five stars for him, but the reader chosen for the audiobook wasn’t my favorite. This combined with the disjointed feeling of the structure of the book made it hard for me to look forward to listening to.
July 29, 2025
Am I the only one who, deep down, wishes he could have been a late twentieth century Evangelical-Anglican?
I love this series from Crossway, and this book was a blast to listen to! I’m eager to continue to learn from Stott.
I love this series from Crossway, and this book was a blast to listen to! I’m eager to continue to learn from Stott.
October 15, 2022
Very encouraging and challenging book.
January 4, 2024
Pretty good. I have enjoyed the few books I've read in this series.
April 23, 2024
Stott is a significant and helpful voice. His words ring true in contemporary issues and conversations in the decades after he spoke, wrote, and pastored.
January 30, 2025
Excellent book on one of the leaders of evangelical Christianity, his theology and lessons for living the Christian life in the world today.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews