Introduction to J.C. Ryle and the work for Exhorting [Young] Men

Introduction to J.C. Ryle and the work for Exhorting [Young] Men 1. J.C. Ryle’s BackgroundIntroduction: J.C. Ryle, a prominent Anglican bishop, theologian, and writer from the 19th century. the first bishopof Liverpool. He was an ardent defender of Evangelicalism in the face of opposition. J. C. Ryle had a gift for clearcommunication to the working class, and his legacy of exhortation and evangelism continues to speak volumestoday.  His insights continue to inspire and challenge Christians today.Q: What has been your personal exposure to J.C. Ryle?Part 1: Early Years & Theological Convictions Ryle was born in 1816 in Macclesfield, England.Ryle summed up the spiritual condition of his family and childhood as follows:The plain truth is that neither in my own family nor among the Hurts or Arkwrights with whom I was most mixed upwhen young can I remember that there was a whit of what may be called a real spiritual religion. There was literallynothing to make us young people thorough Christians. We never heard the gospel preached on Sunday and vitalChristianity was never brought before us by anybody from the beginning of the year to the end or on a weekday.In his autobiography Ryle mentions a number of significant events that he believed the Holy Spirit used in a special way to convert him. Two important one to highlight1. The first was a rebuke from a friend.2. The Second was the start of a new Church and it’s Evangelical ministry; St. George’s in Sutton.  The beginning of Ryle’s Christian pilgrimage was not easy. He had no spiritual mentors or guides. He was left to “fight outeverything” for himself and, as a result, “made sad blunders” - Perhaps reason for him to write “Thoughts for Young Men”2. J.C. Ryle’s EvangelicalismRyle’s theology is best described as Protestant, Reformed, Puritan, Evangelical, Anglican, and Premillennial.Ryle regularly and repeatedly identified himself as an “evangelical,” and evangelical religion, according to Ryle, wascharacterized by five leading features.1. First, evangelicals assign absolute supremacy to the Holy Scripture and regard it as the only rule for faith and practice.2. Second, evangelicals emphasize the doctrine of human sinfulness and corruption and the need for a radical cure.3. Third, evangelicals attach paramount importance to the person and work of Christ and the necessity of faith in Him.4. Fourth, evangelicals stress the importance of the inward work of the Spirit in the heart of the believer and an experimental acquaintance with it.5. Finally, evangelicals insist that the inward work of the Spirit will always be manifested outwardly by a holy life.For Ryle, these points and the importance of the diligent use of the means of grace. These included Bible reading, privateprayer, regularly attending public worship, regularly hearing the preaching of God’s word, and regularly receiving theLord’s Supper constituted the essence of the evangelical gospel and the Christian faith.+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++For more information about this group, please visit their website at reformationboise.com. Every weekday at 3:30 am and 7:30 am you can listen to The Gospel for Life on KSPD 94.5 FM and 790 AM Boise's Solid Talk in the Treasure Valley,  Idaho, USA.If you have a question, comment, or even a topic suggestion for the Pastors, you can email them.  If you enjoy The Gospel for Life, please give us a rating and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. That helps us a lot!Phone: (208) 991-3526E-mail: [email protected] website:  https://www.790kspd.com/gospel-for-life/to donate on line https://www.reformationboise.com/donate