Writing

In his magisterial history of New England, Magnalia Christi Americana, Cotton Mather notes that, after finishing his time with Mrs. Drake, Thomas Hooker “in a little time… grew famous for his ministerial abilities, but especially for his notable faculty at the wise and fit management of wounded spirits.” The Puritan divine who would grow in stature both in England and America started out as a young college graduate called to a seemingly hopeless situation. As would soon become evident, his love for others and his skill in handling the Scriptures aided him in ministering to a woman teetering on the verge of heaven and hell.  [Originally published January 31, 2020.]

While the human heart is prone to sin in many ways, the sin of pride is perhaps the most grievous in the eyes of God. When pastors get puffed up, there are always consequences. Sometimes it’s as subtle as a rebuke from a friend. Other times, it can be as devastating as disqualification and the loss of an entire ministry.  [Originally published November 8, 2019.]

The quest for human dignity became a hallmark of R.C. Sproul’s ministry, as he sought to educate people on who they are and how they ought to live as Christians before a watching world. These ideals are expressed in the twin virtues of dignity and integrity.

The Reformer John Calvin (1509-64) ardently declared the doctrine of justification by faith alone to be “the principle hinge by which [the Christian] religion is supported” (Institutes 3.11.1). Known as the material principle of the sixteenth-century Reformation, the doctrine of justification by faith alone was at the epicenter of the battle to bring needed reform to the church. This biblical doctrine is central to preserving an accurate understanding of the gospel even as we find it so clearly taught in Paul’s letters to the churches of Rome and Galatia.  [Originally published January 18, 2019.]

There has not been a more crucial time in recent history when Christians have needed to stand firm in their faith. As culture becomes increasingly antagonistic to Christianity, the temptation for believers is to be ashamed of biblical truth, and even to deny Jesus Christ who is Himself the truth (John 14:6). When Christian truth is unpopular and unappealing, there is immense pressure from the world to compromise our witness. However, we are called not to waver or to fear others but to stand unashamed of Christ. And while many may fall away from the faith, our Lord has a solemn warning for those who would be ashamed of Christ and of His truth.

The modern pulpit has been hijacked. At many times throughout history, pulpits have been filled with the preaching of the Word of God, but now they are often filled with the shifting opinions of men. The thrust of the problem in much of the preaching we see is the pervasiveness of weightless sermons devoid of biblical truth. Churchgoers are consistently fed a steady diet of junk food, which leaves their souls emaciated. This is a tragic thing.

At present, one of the most hated people in American church history is Cotton Mather (1663-1728). Vilified for nearly three centuries, he has been portrayed as sinister and bloodthirsty, “the representative of all the hateful features of his time,” an “insufferable young prig,” “the Salem witch-hanger,” having “a crooked and diseased mind.” Mather is so infamous, in fact, it would be hard to find a person more hated in all of American history, save his own father.

The Apostle Paul told the church in Rome that “faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (Rom. 10:17). We know from the context that he is making reference to the proclamation of the gospel leading to saving faith in Jesus Christ. In fact, the preaching of the gospel is the single greatest means through which the Holy Spirit brings heart conversion and transformation. However, in the case of John Cotton, hearing gospel preaching did more than convert him to Christ; it also converted him to expositional preaching.

The blessings that come from reading Christian biography cannot be fully enumerated or overstated. There is a measure of comfort, joy, and inspiration that comes from beholding the hand of God in the lives of His flawed yet faithful servants. So inspiring are the lives of believers in history, in fact, that even the world often takes note and admires the remarkable fortitude and towering influence of Christian heroes. And while there is tremendous benefit from reading the many secular biographies available, I want to argue for the specific value and practice of Christians writing Christian biographies.

A new edition of George H. Williams’ classic monograph about the history of Gilmanton Theological Seminary in New Hampshire.

This book is excerpted from the sermons of Isaac Smith’s on spiritual leadership. Rev. Isaac Smith (1744-1817) served as the first pastor of the First Congregational Church of Gilmanton, New Hampshire during the American Revolution and Second Great Awakening. As a graduate of Princeton (1770), he ministered faithfully for 43 years, and was regarded by some as one of the most notable preachers of his day. During his lifetime, only a few of his sermons were printed. Now, for the first time, the marrow of his teaching on leadership has been edited into one volume by Nate Pickowicz.

John Cotton influenced the churches of New England, and pioneered what would come to be known as “The Congregational Way,” which would later be adopted by other Puritan ministers such as Thomas Goodwin and John Owen. Beyond his ecclesiological influence, Cotton was a formidable scholar, competent catechist, and dynamic expository preacher. In a day when many towns were struggling to sustain themselves spiritually, the Boston church was experiencing intense revival as hundreds of residents were coming to faith in Jesus Christ through Cotton’s labors.

Cotton Mather wrote Directions for a Candidate of the Ministry (Manuductio ad Ministerium) in 1726 after a lifetime of ministry experience. Geared toward younger pastors-in-training, Mather skillfully approaches every aspect of the pastorate with precision and care. For more than a century, this volume was required reading for every candidate of ministry, and still has much to offer in our day.

The doctrine of justification by faith alone is under attack, not only by those outside the Protestant faith, but now by many within her walls. But throughout church history there have been champions of the doctrine who have taken up the fight against her enemies. Two of those are here, Cotton Mather and his grandfather Richard Mather. Cotton Mather’s work is The Everlasting Gospel of Justification, first published in 1700. Richard Mather’s title is A Treatise on Justification, first published in 1652. Together these sermons give us the weapons we need to repel the attacks on “the doctrine by which the church stands or falls.”

While serving his church in Boston, Lincolnshire, John Cotton preached a sermon series on First John. The exposition was so impactful that, in 1651, he thought it beneficial to publish his sermons on 1 John 5:12-17 under the title Christ the Fountain of Life. What makes Fountain so timeless is its beautiful and detailed focus on the person of Jesus Christ, as well as the fullness and assurance of life enjoyed by all true believers.

The battle of the Protestant Reformation was waged over this primary question: How does a sinful person get right with a just God? At the heart of it, the Reformers contended that sinners are justified (declared righteous) by God through faith alone in Jesus Christ. While Martin Luther is often credited with re-discovering the doctrine of justification, it was Calvin who more fully explored the depths of this doctrine, giving it a thorough treatment in his magisterial work, Institutes of the Christian Religion. In this volume, Nate Pickowicz has selected out and edited Calvin’s treatment on justification — the marrow of Reformation doctrine.

Christ and Creed: The Early Church Creeds & their Value for Today. From the Latin word credo, meaning ‘I believe’, creeds are statements of personal belief. They have been used throughout the history of the church to helpfully condense the fundamental beliefs of the Christian faith. They are a valuable in that they Summarize Christian truth, Testify to what the Church has always believed, Help us be precise in how we express truth, Guard us against heresy and error, and Unify believers who share the same testimony. In Christ & Creed Nate Pickowicz helpfully examines the early major ecumenical creeds, providing historical context and highlighting the distinctives in the Apostles’ Creed, the Nicene Creed, the Definition of Chalcedon and the Athanasian Creed. He shows how these statements are still invaluable for the church today. It also includes a glossary of terms and recommended further reading. [Study session recordings are available.]

R.C. Sproul: Defender of the Reformed Faith traces the five decades of R.C.’s public ministry, observing a thematic connection to the five solas of the Reformation. While much has already been written, with much more to come, this book takes a unique look at R.C. Sproul as doctrinal defender. In a cultural climate where doctrinal disagreements can easily descend into personal attacks and division, R.C. models the utmost care for doctrinal precision without sacrificing the love and grace needed to be kind to those with whom we disagree. Even after his passing, R.C. still has much to teach us about what it means to contend earnestly for the faith.

Loving God means loving His Word. If you’re feeling distant from God, could it be because you’re ignoring His Word? But maybe you don’t know where to start. Maybe the long books and strange names feel overwhelming. Maybe you just don’t like reading. Whatever the case, How to Eat Your Bible will help you cultivate an appetite for life-long study of God’s Word. Find practical guidance for overcoming the hurdles that have kept you from making Bible study a regular part of your life. You’ll also become encouraged to pursue God’s Word by learning how other Christians throughout time maintained this crucial practice. Pastor Nate Pickowicz also includes a unique Seven Year Bible Plan so that you can apply what you’ve learned and continue drawing near to God as you consume His Word.

In The American Puritans, Dustin Benge and Nate Pickowicz tell the story of the first hundred years of Reformed Protestantism in New England through the lives of nine key figures: William Bradford, John Winthrop, John Cotton, Thomas Hooker, Thomas Shepard, Anne Bradstreet, John Eliot, Samuel Willard, and Cotton Mather. Here is sympathetic yet informed history, a book that corrects many myths and half-truths told about the American Puritans while inspiring a current generation of Christians to let their light shine before men.

How do you discern true vs. false Christianity? In the days of the Protestant Reformation, the core tenets of the faith were strenuously examined. In the end, the Reformers maintained that at the heart of the Christian faith stood five main credos: sola Scriptura, sola gratia, sola fide, solus Christus, and soli Deo gloria. This book examines these five “solas” and makes a definitive case for why we’re Protestant.

At one time in history, New England was a light to the nations. From its origination, the Northeast region has been a spiritual powerhouse, leading the way for Christianity to flourish in America and beyond. However, after three centuries of vibrant Christian influence, it encountered a perfect storm comprised of false doctrine, liberalism, and materialism, which crippled the church, and plunged the region into spiritual darkness. In Reviving New England, Nate Pickowicz makes a case for the inestimable value of the region, and offers a series of biblical prescriptions for faithfulness. Revival is desperately needed — a mighty work of the Spirit of God to stir the hearts of the people. Now, more than ever, the church must devote herself to the Lord. Not only will the reader be encouraged and spurred on, but Reviving New England offers plausible steps for churches to rededicate themselves, be revitalized, or be planted anew. This is a passionate call to action!