Discover new selections
Buy new:
$19.99
FREE delivery Thursday, April 24 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Ships from: Amazon.com
Sold by: Amazon.com
$19.99
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery Thursday, April 24 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or Prime members get FREE delivery Tomorrow, April 20. Order within 4 hrs 18 mins.
Only 13 left in stock (more on the way).
$$19.99 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$19.99
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Ships from
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Returns
30-day refund/replacement
30-day refund/replacement
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
$9.85
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
Crisp copy with a sturdy binding and light shelf wear. Used copies may not include access codes or Cds. Crisp copy with a sturdy binding and light shelf wear. Used copies may not include access codes or Cds. See less
FREE delivery Thursday, April 24 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or Prime members get FREE delivery Monday, April 21. Order within 3 hrs 18 mins.
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
$$19.99 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$19.99
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Sam Storms
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Packer on the Christian Life: Knowing God in Christ, Walking by the Spirit Paperback – June 30, 2015

by Sam Storms (Author), Stephen J. Nichols (Series Editor), Justin Taylor (Series Editor)
4.6 out of 5 stars 51 ratings
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$19.99","priceAmount":19.99,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"19","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"99","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"0BoQL9tz6MsXBJ1FI2ys%2FbNenSQYsQP%2BLgmObDO7hb9M5wRIIC7ZbYgI7Uc70a8ZXdQuoEXBNyQtw%2FcPpPGhwtnOhhXTgFxkaAUFMztb2zCT5zVyLpz0qqUVW27QuQGirmWAsUmtnm3t%2BMCq3n%2F5Tg%3D%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$9.85","priceAmount":9.85,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"9","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"85","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"0BoQL9tz6MsXBJ1FI2ys%2FbNenSQYsQP%2B5VJdnmV2oS13jz4ZIEi9M4RBOZbAdvJPhGmxhxlCogoLG25mRoGZEs5n9WtVfSY%2BXcn3JFwQD9jbSiyB%2B2NDstx1uQznuZVxTN9Kt6wNX1rnwFkwLO0%2BT1t6VTXQH8wLRLNn1LWgn%2BnQ1CZElQUNX7Qyy2Qc6dC2","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

J. I. Packer is widely recognized as a pillar of 20th-century evangelicalism and has had a profound impact on millions of Christians living today. Now in his late eighties, Packer still exerts an enormous influence on pastors and laypeople around the world through his many books, articles, and recorded lectures―works that overflow with spiritual wisdom related to the Christian life. In this soul-stirring book, well-known pastor Sam Storms explores Packer’s legacy and profound insights into prayer, Bible study, the sovereignty of God, the Christian’s fight against sin, and more, offering readers the chance to learn from a true evangelical titan.

The importance of Dutch theologian Herman Bavinck to Reformed theology is difficult to overstate. Bavinck's comprehensive four volume systematic theology, Reformed Dogmatics, is a modern classic that has influenced countless pastors and theologians over the past 100 years. In Bavinck on the Christian Life, scholar John Bolt brings the great Dutch theologian’s life and work to bear on following Jesus in the 21st century. By practically applying Bavinck's systematic works to the Christian life and looking at the life of the man himself, this book shows the direct connection between robust theology, practical holiness, and personal joy.

John Owen is widely hailed as one of the greatest theologians of all time. His many works―especially those encouraging Christians in their struggle against sin―continue to speak powerfully to readers today, offering much-needed spiritual guidance for following Christ and resisting temptation day in and day out. Starting with an overview of Owen’s life, ministry, and historical context, Michael Haykin and Matthew Barrett introduce readers to the pillars of Owen’s spiritual life. From exploring his understanding of believers’ fellowship with the triune God to highlighting his teaching on justification, this study invites us to learn about the Christian life from the greatest of the English Puritans.

Part of the Theologians on the Christian Life series.

Previous slide of product details
  1. Print length
    224 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Crossway
  4. Publication date
    June 30, 2015
  5. Dimensions
    6 x 0.58 x 9 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1433539527
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1433539527
Next slide of product details
The%20Amazon%20Book%20Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.

Frequently bought together

Packer on the Christian Life: Knowing God in Christ, Walking by the Spirit
This item: Packer on the Christian Life: Knowing God in Christ, Walking by the Spirit
$13.00
Get it Apr 28 - May 2
Only 2 left in stock - order soon.
Ships from and sold by pennywisestore.
+
Owen on the Christian Life: Living for the Glory of God in Christ
$20.04
Get it as soon as Thursday, Apr 24
Only 10 left in stock (more on the way).
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
Calvin on the Christian Life: Glorifying and Enjoying God Forever
$21.99
Get it as soon as Thursday, Apr 24
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
Total price: $00
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Details
Added to Cart
Some of these items ship sooner than the others.
Show details Hide details
Choose items to buy together.

From the Publisher

More Books in the Theologians on the Christian Life Series from Crossway

This series provides accessible introductions to some of church history’s greatest teachers—exploring their personal lives and writings, especially as they pertain to the walk of faith—and offers readers wisdom from the past for life in the present.

Schaeffer on the Christian Life: Countercultural Spirituality
Luther on the Christian Life: Cross and Freedom
Bonhoeffer on the Christian Life: From the Cross, for the World
Newton on the Christian Life: To Live Is Christ
Calvin on the Christian Life: Glorifying and Enjoying God Forever
Spurgeon on the Christian Life: Alive in Christ
Customer Reviews
4.3 out of 5 stars 61
4.7 out of 5 stars 112
4.4 out of 5 stars 64
4.8 out of 5 stars 200
4.6 out of 5 stars 80
4.6 out of 5 stars 78
Price $15.97 $20.67 $20.66 $17.23 $21.99 $19.47
Author William Edgar Carl R. Trueman Stephen J. Nichols Tony Reinke Michael Horton Michael Reeves

Editorial Reviews

Review

“The writings of J. I. Packer have been a great help to many believers in many ways. It is therefore most welcome that Sam Storms has synthesized insights from those writings in this helpful, accessible book. I’m sure Pastor Storms agrees that the very best thing about his book would be if it encouraged readers to dive into Packer’s works themselves.”
―Mark Noll, Research Professor of History, Regent College; author, America’s Book: The Rise and Decline of a Bible Civilization, 1794–1911

“This is one of the best books on J. I. Packer I have read. It gets to the heart of this great theologian’s central concern, what Henry Scougal called ‘the life of God in the soul of man.’ For those of us who have sat at Packer’s feet for many years, this is a delightful reprise and refresher. For new Christians just getting to know Packer, fasten your seat belts!”
―Timothy George, Distinguished Professor of Divinity, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University; General Editor, Reformation Commentary on Scripture

“The most noteworthy feature of this book is the author’s ability to assimilate vast quantities of data, condense it, and put it into a systematic format. This begins with a wonderful biographical chapter and then proceeds to Packer’s theology. A brief version of the systematic theology that Packer has long promised the world, this book is a triumph of scholarship.”
―Leland Ryken, Emeritus Professor of English, Wheaton College

About the Author

Sam Storms (PhD, University of Texas at Dallas) is the founder and president of Enjoying God Ministries and serves on the council of the Gospel Coalition. Sam served as visiting associate professor of theology at Wheaton College and is a past president of the Evangelical Theological Society. He is the author or editor of 37 books and blogs regularly at SamStorms.org. Sam and his wife, Ann, are the parents of two daughters and grandparents of four.



Stephen J. Nichols (PhD, Westminster Theological Seminary) serves as the president of Reformation Bible College and chief academic officer of Ligonier Ministries. He has written over twenty books and is an editor of the Theologians on the Christian Life series. He also hosts the weekly podcast 5 Minutes in Church History.



Justin Taylor (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is the executive vice president of book publishing and book publisher at Crossway. He has edited and contributed to several books, and he blogs at Between Two Worlds―hosted by the Gospel Coalition.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Crossway; 1st edition (June 30, 2015)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 224 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1433539527
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1433539527
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 11.2 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.58 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 51 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Sam Storms

Sam Storms

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Sam has spent 39 years in ministry as a pastor, professor and author. He was visiting Associate Professor of Theology at Wheaton College from 2000–2004, and is currently Lead Pastor for Preaching and Vision at Bridgeway Church in Oklahoma City. He has authored 22 books and founded Enjoying God Ministries. He’s a graduate of The University of Oklahoma (B.A.), Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M) and The University of Texas (Ph.D.). He and his wife Ann have been married for 40 years and are the parents of two grown daughters and have four grandchildren. On a more personal level, Sam loves baseball, books, movies, and anything to do with the Oklahoma Sooners.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
51 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Top reviews from the United States

  • Jess W. Dixon
    5.0 out of 5 stars A book that screams: "This is what I have been looking for!"
    Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    We already have great confidence in and enjoy and are blessed by Sam Storms sharings. I have several J.I. Packer books and am reading his top seller, "Knowing GOD" a second time now and being doubly blessed. This book is beyond wonderful. I have copied and mailed to some of my children and their family, begging them to read it together and discuss Chapter 6 "The Struggle of Christian Living - The Battle with Indwelling Sin (Rom. 7)" and pray they will, for they will be blessed tremendously.
    I've always wished for a deeper intellect to understand those deeper gems of GOD's Word, but I was touched and blessed and encouraged deeply discovering that I was led only by the Holy Spirit in personal reading over and over Rom. 7 over the years, to reach the same conclusion of interpretation that Packer holds; and see a deeper GOD message in Mark 10:15 and Luke 10:42.
    I came out of a legalistic, sectarian up-bringing and education. If anyone can relate to such a programming, this book, I believe will be received as a life boat coming to save them in a sea of despair from a focus upon Old Covenant legalistic works, bound at the foot of Mt. Sinai, rather than at the foot of the Cross receiving forgiveness, acceptance, love, and eternal life.
    Oh, please order this book! If it doesn't impact you with rich blessings, give it to someone, anyone; for in MHO, this book is a Must Have for anyone confused, uncertain, dis-satisfied with what a religious system has given them, and has longed for joyous Freedom IN CHRIST! I do not see how possibly you would or could be disappointed!
    7 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Glenn E. Davis
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Addition to the Theologians On the Christian Life Series
    Reviewed in the United States on December 2, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Sam Storms' Packer on the Christian Life: Knowing God in Christ, Walking by the Spirit is another excellent addition to Crossway's Theologians on the Christian Life series. Storms walks the reader through Packer's major works and essays developing his thought on God's sovereignty, holiness, Biblical authority, Holy Spirit, salvation, evangelism, etc. Intentional or unintentional, Storms has created the systematic theology that Packer never wrote. I would encourage young believers to start their Packer reading with Storms' work. The book is an excellent introduction to Packer's wisdom and a good review for Packer aficionados. My only concern is that Packer is overly harsh toward the Keswick movement with whom Packer had a bad experience as a college student. Also, Packer is not gracious toward Charismatics with whom Packer has more in common theologically than he realizes. However, Packer's admonition about seeking God's guidance through impressions is a much-needed corrective to believers who live by their feelings instead of God's Word. Overall, Storms' effort is an excellent contribution to Packer studies.
    8 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • George L
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful insight
    Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Very insightful on a life that has touched all of Evangelically Christianity.
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Chris Ho
    4.0 out of 5 stars A Great Introduction to Packer. Highly Recommended!
    Reviewed in the United States on November 1, 2015
    If you hang around at the reformed circles long enough, I’m pretty sure you would have either heard of J. I. Packer or even read his book Knowing God. But if we limit out knowledge of Packer only to Knowing God, then we are surely short-changing ourselves.

    This book gives readers a full-orbed view of what Packer wants christians to know about Christian living. As with every book in this series. This book is good for the head (knowledge) and for the daily living. Sam Storms gives readers a good one volume introduction to the thoughts of Packer, highlighting especially his teachings for christian living.

    Before reading this book, I have not read any of Packer’s book, though I certainty have heard of him many times within the evangelical and reformed circles. But having read this book, I’m certain Packer will be one of the authors I’ll be spending substantial time reading up on.

    Storms first introduces the subject of the book to the readers giving a brief summary of the life and contribution of Packer and reveals interesting facts on Packer’s life, like how he still writes every one of his books using the typewriter! After a quick introduction, Storms moves to the most crucial doctrine of the Christian life for Christians - the atonement. I agree with Storms that this is the most fundamental doctrine for any christian to understand, that we are made right with God, because of the sacrifice and death of Christ. Without it, we have not reference to God either than Him as our Creator and our Judge.

    Next Storms moves to very relevant topics for christians like the bible and holiness. I have found the chapters on holiness, sanctification and indwelling sin most helpful for me personally. They help me not only understand my own christian life but also what Packer has to say about them. I have benefited from the summary of the teachings of Packer by Storms. It has pushed me to read Packer’s book on holiness too.

    I especially like how Storm ends the book on how we can end well in our Christian lives. This, I thought was a well apt ending for the book and for Packer’s writing. Thus far, the last book written by Packer talks about how we as christian always live and serve in weakness. I like how Storms highlights Packer’s insights on 2 Corinthians for christians to serve and end well, and this is also another book I hope to read in the future.

    All in all, this has been a great introduction and summary of J. I. Packer, I’ve benefited much from Storms’ summary and has gone away with a much deeper appreciation of Packer. Perhaps now the next thing I’ll be waiting for would be the systematic theology book that Packer will, God willing, finish in the future.

    'Rating: 4.5 / 5

    Disclaimer: I was given this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
    3 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Rev. Steven Baker
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in the United States on August 7, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    A inspirational and enlightening read. It captures the essential teachings of a true scholar and teacher.
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Joseph A kotopka
    5.0 out of 5 stars Easy to read
    Reviewed in the United States on August 23, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Very informative and well written. Easy to read.
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Jose ocasio
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Excellent book on the man and his life
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Being shipped on time, even better, ahead of time, and the book is just as described.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 18, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    For personal reading and preparing a talk with the information the book provides.
    Customer image
    Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Being shipped on time, even better, ahead of time, and the book is just as described.

    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 18, 2021
    For personal reading and preparing a talk with the information the book provides.
    Images in this review
    Customer image
    Report
  • Hanniel
    5.0 out of 5 stars Ein Panoramablick auf das geistliche Leben
    Reviewed in Germany on September 1, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Das Leseerlebnis

    J. I. Packer gilt als einer der einflussreichsten Persönlichkeiten des Evangelikalismus der letzten 100 Jahre. Dabei muss man sich keinen „Grandseigneur“ vorstellen, sondern einen „bescheidenen, demütigen christlichen Gentleman“ (so die Beschreibung des Kirchenhistorikers Carl R. Trueman). Packer ist zur der Erscheinung dieses Buches gegen 90 Jahre alt und noch immer aktiv.

    Packers Prosa ist so flüssig und klar formuliert, dass Sams Storms zögert, diese zu umschreiben. Packer kommt in diesem Buch ausführlich zu Wort. Die längeren Zitate bereichern den Text ungemein. Sie stärken zudem das Anliegen des Autors, den Leser zu den Originalen hinzuführen. In meinem Fall ist ihm dies gelungen. Es liegen bereits einige Bände auf meinem Nachttisch.

    Die inhaltliche Führung

    Der Gedankenfluss des Buches ist angenehm; dies gerade angesichts der inhaltlichen Breite und Fülle des Materials. Es beginnt mit einer kurzen biografischen Einführung und startet dann richtig mit dem zentralen Gedanken von Packers Werk: Dem stellvertretenden Sühnetod von Jesus Christus. „Christi versöhnendes Opfer ist Grundlage und Quelle von allem anderen, das in der christlichen Erfahrung folgt.“ (24) Was folgt, wird in zehn Teilen à 12 - 15 Seiten entfaltet: Die Rolle der Heiligen Schrift, die Bedeutung von Heiligkeit sowie Inhalte und Mittel der Heiligung, ergänzt mit einem eigenen Kapitel zur Auslegung von Römer 7,14-25; dann folgen Kapitel über die Rolle des Heiligen Geistes, die Notwendigkeit des Gebets, das Erkennen von Gottes Willen und die Unvermeidbarkeit von Leid. Storms lässt das Buch mit dem Zentralgedanken „Gott erkennen“ und dem Zielkompass, gut zu enden, ausklingen.

    Was heraussticht

    Durchs Band sticht J. I. Packers Liebe zur Schrift heraus. Es gibt kein christliches Leben ohne die offenbarte Wahrheit des Wortes Gottes (46). Dabei geht es um propositionelle, für den (erleuchteten) Verstand erkennbare Inhalte. Zweitens wiegt sein scharfes Unterscheidungsvermögen, das ihn zielsicher einfache Modelle entwerfen lässt, so z. B. zu den drei Zugängen zur Schrift (Subjektivisten, Traditionalisten und Objektivisten) oder zur Typologisierung der Evangelikalen (Aktivisten, Intellektualisten, "Abgelöschte").

    Packer gelingt es ausgewogen zu bleiben. Dies kommt beispielsweise in seiner Einschätzung der charismatischen Bewegung schön zur Geltung. Er scheut sich nicht, auch heisse Eisen mit klaren Worten anzupacken – etwa der Auslegung von Römer 7.

    Zwei Beispiele: Anwendung von Gottes Wort und Facetten des Gebets

    Zwei konkrete Beispiele: Erstens seine fünffache Anwendung von Gottes Wort im christlichen Leben (61). Wenn die darin offenbarten Prinzipien Wahrheit sind, was folgt daraus?

    1. Anwendung auf den Verstand: Welche Gedankengänge, –gewohnheiten und -gebäude werden gefördert und welche herausgefordert?
    2. Anwendung auf den Willen: Welche konkreten Handlungen und welche Typen von tugendhaftem Verhalten sollen folgen?
    3. Anwendung auf die Gefühle („affections“): Was wird gelehrt, was wir lieben, worauf wir hoffen oder insistieren, in denen wir uns freuen sollen?
    4. Anwendung auf die Motivation: Was ermutigt uns, der Gerechtigkeit nachzustreben und in ihr auszuharren?
    5. Anwendung auf die Selbsterkenntnis und die Selbstprüfung: Wie kommen wir diesen Anforderungen zur Zeit nach? Wo kommen wir zu kurz?

    Zweitens stellt Packer die verschiedenen Facetten des Gebets wundervoll dar (139ff): Gebet nimmt die Form des Anliegens (petition), der Konversation (durch Gottes offenbarten Willen in der Bibel), der Meditation (als aktive mentale Übung des Nachdenkens über die Schrift, Gott, die Schönheit der Schöpfung und die Wahrheiten der Erlösung), von Lob, Selbstprüfung und Klage an.

    Fazit

    Mich liess das Buch mit dem Verlangen zurück, in der Heiligung zu wachsen. Am meisten ermutigt wurde ich durch den „erfrischenden und hoffnungsvollen Realismus“ (133) . Sein Werk ist ein wirksames Gegenmittel gegen den gesellschaftlichen Imperativ des selbst-zentrierten Lebens. Gott und seine Herrlichkeit haben Vorrang. Und: Theologie und geistliches Leben gehen zusammen (29).
    Report
  • Warren H Charlton
    5.0 out of 5 stars Rich Food for the Soul
    Reviewed in Canada on September 19, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    J. I. Packer has been my theology and spiritual life teacher through his books since 1973 with "Knowing God." Storms' analysis and arrangement of Packer's thoughts, insights and challenges for Christ-focused godly living is EXCELLENT. I have often paused and prayed in response to what Storms shares of Packer's insights that are so rooted in Scripture. It was also helpful to me to become more aware of Packer's bibliographic works that I can purchase or consult.
    Report
  • Glenn Borthistle
    5.0 out of 5 stars A holistic summary of Packer's theology
    Reviewed in Canada on December 16, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    A broad and comprehensive overview of the theological cornerstones of J.I. Packer. More than just theology however, the author applies Packer's thinking to the daily walk of each individual Christ-follower. Highly informative & applicable for every disciple.
    Report