The Roots of Endurance: Invincible Perseverance in the Lives of John Newton, Charles Simeon, and William Wilberforce (Swans Are Not Silent, #3)

The Roots of Endurance: Invincible Perseverance in the Lives of John Newton, Charles Simeon, and William Wilberforce (The Swans Are Not Silent #3)

4.2 of 5 stars 4.20  ·  rating details  ·  190 ratings  ·  20 reviews
John Newton, Charles Simeon, and William Wilberforce suffered lifelong opposition and endured for the causes of gospel truth, missionary zeal, and political justice. They found, in solid doctrine and humble joy, the tough roots for habitual tenderness in response to their adversaries-without doctrinal or moral flinching. They are examples of remarkable grace.

In Book 3 in T...more
Paperback, 174 pages
Published August 18th 2006 by Crossway Books
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Vaughn
The primary emphasis of this book is simply to introduce Christians today to a few heroes of the faith from yesteryear. This book is the third in The Swans are not Silent series and after reading this one, I'm looking forward to diving into the others.

But the book is not just biographical in nature – Piper does a wonderful job applying the lessons learned from the lives and struggles of these men to our own spiritual journeys. In this book, specifically, each man had to God-sized challenges to...more
Laurie
Key Quotes:

Referring to John Newton -- "Oh, how rare are the Christians who speak with a tender heart and have a theological backbone of steel...whose might in the truth is matched by their meekness...whose relational warmth is matched by their rigor of study" p. 42,43

Quoting John Newton -- "I had no apprehension of the hidden life of a Christian, as it consists in communion with God by Jesus Christ: a continual dependence on Him...I acknowledged the Lord's mercy in pardoning what was past, but...more
Nicholas
Endurance is essentail in sports. The ability to hold to what you know and finish to the end is important yet hard to do. The body will begin to protest sending messages of pain and exhaustion. Rivals get in the way attempting to end our advancement. At times old habits and desires get in the way of training, especially at hard times. The same is true with the Christian walk. It is hard to endure and hold to the truths of Christ when so much seems easier, more entertaining, or less threatening.

J...more
Brian
The part of this book on John Newton is worth double the price. Included in a short overview on Charles Simeon who and trained a generation of Pastors, suffered for the gospel, worked hard for the poor, and was resisted by his church but kept at it. Wilberforce who is the third man discussed here was a force against the slave trade, ultimately getting it outlawed in Europe. This book definetly shows what men can do when they believe the words of Christ. Highly recommended.
Zack Melvin
Clearer than normal for Piper; the short biography on Charles Simeon really changed my life a bit. Ultimately, we must view ourselves in aspect to God; we are wretched, while He is glorious. Only then may we learn to endure (but read it yourself!).
Bill
I continue to love these Piper biographies. Though after reading nine I'm beginning to want a broader perspective and a deeper treatment (which would probably please John Piper) -- but these short biographies are so accessible! Anyway, the theme of this collection is a favourite for me -- endurance. I was especially encouraged by John Newton, I need to read more about him.
Jeff Noble
The Roots of Endurance: Invincible Perseverance in the Lives of John Newton, Charles Simeon, and William Wilberforce (Piper, John, Swans Are Not Silent, V. 3.) by John Piper (?)
Kristina
Particularly appreciated getting to read about Charles Simeon, since there is less published on his life and experiences than the other two.
High Pointe Baptist Church
Book 3 in Piper's outstanding biography series: perseverance in the lives of John Newton, Charles Simeon, and William Wilberforce
Anthony Alvarado
Newton and Wilberforce are incredible but Simeon's bio and perspective has impacted me significantly.
Jonathan
Very easy read & very satisfying! A great introduction to three great men! I suggest this to anyone, especially anyone looking to read more about great saints of the past. It will certainly wet your whistle!
Jonathan Seger
The Swans Are Not Silent series have been some of the most enjoyable biographies I've read. Simple, to the point, and yet packed with meat. This book is no different. My favorite chapter was on John Newton. Ordinary pastor with many difficulties in his church, yet he remained there his whole pastoral life. That's endurance.
Rob
Most "amazing" account of John Newton's life and patterns for ministry.
Beth
There's a lot to learn from these awesome "dead guys"! They finished the race well and did their part (through Christ's strength) to change the world despite personal hardship and fierce opposition. A great encouragement to buck up and quit being so thin-skinned in the Lord's service!
Phil Dunn
Another of John Pipers excellent little series on important characters from church history. Great overviews of the men and their ministries. Particularly enjoyable are the points of application that Piper makes throughout.

Left me feeling encouraged to read more church history.
David
Newton and Wilberforce are two of my spiritual heroes, and I'm stingy with that appellation--as I am with the five-star rating. All of Piper's biographical sketches are pearl. The conference version is available for streaming or download as MP3 for free at the Desiring God website.
Dan
This biography of Newton, Simeon and Wilberforce is not as good as the other in Piper's biographical series The Legacy of Sovereign Joy or The Hidden Smile of God, but I am still glad I read it.
Wade
A solid and easy to read biography on the lives of John Newton, Charles Simeon and William Wilberforce. Showing their theology and their life struggles how that deeply applies to our lives today.
Tary
Three amazing men, amazing lives.
Tim Plett
Jul 09, 2007 Tim Plett rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Christians, people with an interesting in biography
Shelves: biography
I've referred often to this book.
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The Roots Of Endurance: Invincible Perseverance In The Lives Of John Newton, Charles Simeon, And William Wilberforce (Piper, John, Swans Are Not Silent, V. 3.)
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The Roots of Endurance (ebook)
The Roots of Endurance: Invincible Perseverance in the Lives of John Newton, Charles Simeon, and William Wilberforce (Swans Are Not Silent, #3)
Las Raices De La Perseverancia/ The Roots Of Endurance: La Inquebrantable Constancia Presente En La Vida De John Newton, Charles Simeon And William ... The Swans Are Not Silent) (Spanish Edition)

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John Stephen Piper is a Baptist theologian, preacher, and author, currently serving as Pastor for Preaching and Vision of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He is the author of numerous books, including ECPA Christian Book Award winners What Jesus Demands from the World, Pierced by the Word, and God's Passion for His Glory, and bestsellers Don't Waste Your Life and The Passion of...more
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Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist Don't Waste Your Life Passion of Jesus Christ Let the Nations Be Glad!: The Supremacy of God in Missions The Pleasures of God: Meditations on God's Delight in Being God

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