R. C. Sproul: Defender of the Reformed Faith

R.C. Sproul: Defender of the Reformed Faith traces the five decades of R.C.’s public ministry, observing a thematic connection to the five solas of the Reformation. While much has already been written, with much more to come, this book takes a unique look at R.C. Sproul as doctrinal defender. In a cultural climate where doctrinal disagreements can easily descend into personal attacks and division, R.C. models the utmost care for doctrinal precision without sacrificing the love and grace needed to be kind to those with whom we disagree. Even after his passing, R.C. still has much to teach us about what it means to contend earnestly for the faith.

160 pages.

“R.C. Sproul was a hugely popular personality and a faithful friend to many, as well as an extraordinarily gifted theologian and communicator. Nate Pickowicz has captured something of the heart of R.C.’s vision, energy, and exuberant joy in God and all things in relation to Him. I commend it most warmly.” - Liam Goligher, Senior Minister of Tenth Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia, PA.

“One of the most remarkable aspects of Western Evangelicalism in the last half of the twentieth century has been the re-emergence of classical Calvinism as a major force in the Evangelical world. And if one were to enumerate the key factors in this restoration of the Reformed Faith to a position of intellectual and spiritual prominence, the life and ministry of R.C. Sproul demands inclusion. Nate Pickowicz’s biography of Dr. Sproul is therefore most welcome, for he captures the brilliance and passion of this lifelong advocate of Reformed life and thought. Highly recommended!” - Michael A.G. Haykin, Chair and Professor of Church History, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, KY.

“From his theologically rich writing to his exceedingly practical teaching, the influence of R.C. Sproul is extensive in my own Christian walk and ministry. From afar, Sproul has served as a pastor to my heart, unceasingly pointing me to Christ. Yet, to know his life story—struggles, challenges, battles, victories—is to see a man that was wholly dependent upon God’s unending grace. Nate Pickowicz has written a remarkable account of Sproul’s life. He provides not only a story of one of the greatest theologians of the twentieth century but also a sinner saved by grace. Though he is now counted in the number of the cloud of witnesses surrounding us, I’m convinced that R.C. would tell us to stop wasting time looking at him and ‘lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us’ (Heb. 12:1).” - Dustin Benge, Associate Professor of Biblical Spirituality and Historical Theology, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, KY.

“R.C. Sproul kindled a fire for God’s sovereignty and holiness in the lives of many Christians, including my own. Yet, the details of his life are not as known as his theology. Pickowicz remedies this by demonstrating how Sproul’s large view of God permeated everything he did and thought. In this brief book, a life well lived meets a biography well written.” - Brian J. Arnold, President of Phoenix Seminary, Scottsdale, AZ.

“I still remember when I was first introduced to R.C. Sproul in my early twenties by a group of men at a men’s Bible study in Pensacola, Florida. My life would never be the same. For the next few years, my eyes were opened to the great truths of Reformed Christianity and most importantly to the holiness of God through R.C. Sproul’s compelling teaching style. In the years that followed, I devoured his books and listened intently to his lectures and sermons—many of which I find myself going back to and relistening again. I can honestly say that no one has influenced my thinking more outside of Scripture than R.C. Sproul. For this reason I’m very excited that Nate Pickowicz has written this excellent and succinct biography of R.C. It serves as a great introduction to his life and theological ideas while also portraying the contagious joy in which R.C. lived his life. For the sake of God’s honor and glory, I pray that a new generation discovers R.C. Sproul and the holy God whom he taught us to know. I think God will mightily use this book towards that end.” - Grant R. Castleberry, Senior Pastor of Capital Community Church, Raleigh, NC.

“R.C. Sproul: Defender of the Reformed Faith simultaneously engages, edifies, and exhilarates by celebrating one of the greatest champions of sound Christian doctrine in our time. Nate Pickowicz has crafted an account that is excellent, concise, and accessible to non-specialists in theology. He skillfully employs the five solas of the Reformation as a framework for five decades of R.C.’s public ministry. This biography is worthy of its beloved subject, the late Dr. R.C. Sproul. Soli Deo gloria!!” - D. Scott Meadows, Pastor, Calvary Baptist Church (Reformed) Exeter, NH, author of God’s Astounding Grace: God’s Grace Simply Explained from Scripture.