John Chrysostom - Earl Blackburn

This is part of EP Books' bitesize biography series and is written with a general readership in mind. Informative, inspiring and interesting, this little biography on the life, times and works of John Chrysostom (349 - 407AD) gives a desire to know more of this man and his works, especially as he had an influence on John Calvin.It is good that Christ reigns over all, particularly in his church. Otherwise, biblical Christianity would disappear from the earth. Chrysostom is proof positive that the mediatorial Lord of heaven and earth rules and overrules in the affairs of men and that he sometimes takes his servants through dark and soul-jarring providences to cause his Word to triumph at last.Chrysostom also demonstrates that men of God can faithfully (by the sustaining power and grace of Christ) expound the whole counsel of God and leave a lasting mark upon Adam's fallen race, even when wicked people and all the forces of Hell converge against their souls. As long as the history of Christianity is studied, the name Golden Mouth, this preacher mighty in the Word, will never be forgotten.'This is truly a charming, informative and inspiring book. Blackburn, as an experienced pastor himself, has sought out those aspects of Chrysostom's ministry that show the strengths - courage, humility, faithfulness, doctrinal integrity, confidence in the power of proclamation - that every pastor should covet, while pointing to the weaknesses and troubles endemic to the historical context of bishop John. I found not only the subject, but the style of presenting it, to be engaging and provocative of high thoughts.'