Richard F. Lovelace

In this classic work of spiritual theology, historian Richard Lovelace presents a history of spiritual renewals in light of biblical models. Drawing from the best of different Protestant traditions, Dynamics of Spiritual Life lays out a comprehensive approach to the renewal of the church. In the first half of the book, Lovelace surveys awakening movements since the Reformation, particularly emphasizing Jonathan Edwards's theology of renewal. He then goes deeper into specific elements of such movements and their significance for both doctrinal reformation and spiritual renewal. Lovelace examines such practical issues as renewal of the local congregation, ways revivals go wrong, prospects for closing the "sanctification gap," the historical role of evangelical movements in promoting both unity and division, and Christian approaches to the arts. With scholarly and pastoral insight, he offers a powerful vision of renewal that can unify various models across traditions, combining individual and corporate spirituality, social activism, and evangelism. For over forty years, this well-loved book has helped Christians understand the spiritual movement they are a part of and guided leaders in planting and pastoring churches. This expanded edition features a new foreword.

Richard Lovelace gives a history of spiritual renewals in light of biblical models. Isolating the elements of live orthodoxy, he proposes a comprehensive approach to renewal. Lovelace looks at such practical issues as renewal of the local congregation, the ways revivals go wrong, the evangelical thrust toward church unity, and Christian approaches to the arts and to social concern. A book for all concerned to revitalize the church.

Worship. Small groups. Community outreach. Prayer Evangelism. Political action. Missions. Signs of renewal are springing up everywhere. How can we encourage and sustain this spiritual vigor? How can we make renewal a way of life? Spiritual growth, says Richard Lovelace, depends on grasping and applying certain key biblical principles. We need to understand how the forces of evil work against us and what God has done for us in Christ. Lovelace begins by focusing on our need to develop a God-centered, kingdom-centered life. He then details the dangers and strategies of the world, the flesh and the devil. Individually we are renewed as we grow in Christ, who accepts us, frees us from bondage to sin, and lives in us through the Holy Spirit. Corporately we are renewed as we pray, participate in community life, increase our theological depth, and reach out with the gospel in word and deed. This book incorporates insights from seven years' thought since Lovelace's earlier Dynamics of Spiritual Life. Its shorter length and added discussion questions make it ideal for small group study as well as for individual reflection. This is a guidebook for all who desire spiritual growth.

Homosexuality and the Church [hardcover] Lovelace, Richard F [Jan 01, 1978]

In recent times the question of homosexual rights has burst upon the scene, becoming a burning, emotional controversy. Many church leaders have become embroiled in debate and entire denominations are sharply divided over this issue. Though the church has traditionally served as a moralistic commentator on the sidelines, it now finds itself in the middle of this controversy. Should self-affirmed, sexually active homosexuals be ordained as ministers? Should they even be welcomed as fellow believers? How should the Bible be interpreted, and what is its role in ethical guidance of reason, experience, and the Holy Spirit? Should the church tolerate a diversity of convictions and life styles in its sexual ethic? In How Should Christians Respond? Dr. Richard F. Lovelace deals with these questions from an evangelical point of view. He presents the historic church position from Augustine to Theilicke and surveys and analyzes the literature of recent decades which challenges the historic position. Biblical texts that speak specifically on homosexual behavior are studied extensively and brought into sharp focus by corollary Scripture passages. This is an intensely practical book, sensitively written to help the church reach out to the needs of homosexuals in constructive and compassionate ways.

Cotton Mather is probably best known for his contributions to the Puritanism of colonial America. Yet the subject of this book is Mather's theology of Christian experience, usually associated with continental Pietism, a dynamic movement of reform and renewal in the Lutheran church. Richard Lovelace summarizes the basic thrust of Mather's treatment of spiritual rebirth, sanctification, pastoral and social ministry, the need for spiritual awakening, and the effects he believed this awakening should produce in Christianity and the mission of the church. In Mather, the two great strains of American Evangelical Protestantism--Puritanism and Pietism--were combined, influencing Jonathan Edwards and American religion in general throughout the Great Awakening and subsequent revivals. Thus, the book is unique in tracing the roots of modern Evangelicalism beyond nineteenth-century Arminianism to the seventeenth- and eighteenth-century blend of Puritant-Pietist thought.

Book by Richard F. Lovelace

Teologia da Vida Cristã é um manual de teologia espiritual, disciplina que combina a história e teologia da experiència cristã. As palavras mais importantes nesse livro são avivamento e renovação e o resultado ou implicação deles na vida da igreja e do cristão.