God's Grace in the Life of Samuel Rutherford

Is the Christian faith something we can pursue on our own, lone-wolf style? Or do we need mentors, instructors, and friends to grow? The Bible makes it clear that we cannot run the race alone—but we need encouragement from the examples of those who have faithfully gone before us (Hebrews 11). This year, our biographical sermon will be on the life of Samuel Rutherford, a 17th century pastor and professor who is well known for his prolific writings. His most notable work is the compilation of 365 letters, which later theologians like Richard Baxter and Charles Spurgeon found incredibly helpful to their ministries and lives. Rutherford was not only a great thinker and pastor, but one well-acquainted with suffering and sorrows. Throughout his life, he would lose the wife of his youth, several children, and be exiled from his pastorate in Anwoth. Yet through his life and letters, he testified to the loveliness of Christ and how Christ made the trials of this world "light and momentary". May examining his life encourage us to press on, as we journey to see our King and Savior face to face.