Known primarily for his allegorical work, The Pilgrim’s Progress, John Bunyan was also a preacher, a gifted theologian and interpreter of Scripture. Academically, he was not a learned man, but when it came to practical and experiential mastery of the Scriptures and their theology, he was as gifted as anyone. His writings have a beauty and practicality not often found. He teaches that the greater the Christian’s understanding of truth, the stronger their own passion for Jesus will be, and the greater their worship and doxology will become.
Jacob Tanner’s enlightening biography traces Bunyan’s life from his humble beginnings to his calling home to the Celestial City. From his debaucherous youth to glimpses of grace and eventual calling to ministry.
There are lessons here for any twenty–first century Christian. He can teach men to be mature, fathers to be loving, husbands to be faithful, pastors to be tender,
saints to suffer well, Christians to be steadfast. One of his greatest lessons to modern Christians is how to live faithfully for Christ in a world that is antagonistic to God.
Endorsements
Perhaps no single pastor has shaped the Christian imagination more than John Bunyan, but few today know much about this tinker–turned–pastor. Jacob Tanner beautifully tells the story of Bunyan’s life and ministry, allowing us to observe and be shaped by Bunyan’s progress down the pilgrim’s path.
Scott Aniol Executive Vice President and Editor–in–Chief, G3 Ministries; Professor, Pastoral Theology, Grace Bible Theological Seminary, Conway, Arkansas
This work provides insightful reflections on historical events used by God to produce one of my spiritual heroes. I highly commend this work to anyone who desires to get to know the man who gave us ‘The Pilgrims Progress’ better.
J. Garrett Kell Pastor, Del Ray Baptist Church, Alexandria, Virginia
In his excellent book … Jacob Tanner has given the Church a great gift: a timeless treasure of Bunyan’s life and ministry.
Dave Jenkins Executive Director, Servants of Grace Ministries
Full of life, intrigue, and expressiveness, Tanner’s biography on John Bunyan gives us an even–handed yet sympathetic treatment of one of Puritanism’s most well–loved heroes. Warmly recommended!
Nate Pickowicz Pastor, Harvest Bible Church, Gilmanton Iron Works, New Hampshire
We owe Jacob Tanner a debt of gratitude for his fresh work on Bunyan. Through this new book, Bunyan lives again.
Ray Rhodes, Jr. Pastor, Grace Community Church, Dawsonville, Georgia; author, ‘Susie; The Life and Legacy of Susannah Spurgeon’
The Tinker’s Progress is the kind of autobiography we need: brief, bold, and beautiful. … dive in … and learn of the grace abounding to the chief of sinners.
Chris Marley Senior Pastor, Miller Valley Baptist Church; guest lecturer, Institute of Pastoral and Theological Training, Egbe, Nigeria
Jacob Tanner is pastor of Christ Keystone Church in Middleburg, Pennsylvania. A regular contributor to Meet the Puritans, Place for Truth, G3, and other ministries in the Reformed tradition, he is pursuing his M.Div through Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife Kayla have two sons.
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