Puritan Book Club

Last night our Puritan Book Club met for the first time. While we had about 20 sign up, only about 8 came. I guess that is to be expected. Nevertheless, we had a beautiful evening and talked for nearly two hours on our June selection (which has been mentioned already on both this blog and James Kubecki's blog), The Almost Christian Discovered by Matthew Mead.

Dr. Doug Bookman brought interesting counterpoint to the discussion by beginning with a caution that the Puritans often struggled with the concept of assurance of salvation. I am at present more inclined toward the Covenantalist than the Dispensationalist, and so have less of a problem taking the whole hook, line, and sinker. My thought is, if the lack of assurance drives me to pursue a God-honoring lifestyle with greater zeal and fervency, what is the damage to God's glory? In this way assurance of salvation is both a carrot (when it is present) and stick (when it is withdrawn).

It was interesting to hear each man's greatest lesson learned from reading this book. For most it was their first experience with Puritan writers. All agreed, with varying degrees of zeal, that they would read more. In the end, it was a time that was both satisfying, sharpening, convicting, encouraging, and I believe, God-honoring.

Next month we are to read The Bruised Reed by Richard Sibbes. I already can't wait.