The Daring Mission of William Tyndale (A Long Line of Godly Men Profile)

American people have the right and the freedom to criticize military movements in a foreign theater. This kind of deplorable behavior makes freedom loving Americans cringe - for the freedom to criticize is actually secured and maintained by the very soldiers "under the gun" of critique. In like manner, Christians have become quite adept at either criticizing their theological heritage at worst or downplaying the importance of church history which subtly undermines the heroes of the Christian faith. This mind-numbing, soul-shrinking language that discounts the pillars of church history only strengthens the assertion that R.C. Sproul often makes: "We live in the most anti-intellectual period in all of church history."Yet church history is making a comeback. Church history is rising from the ashes and is beginning to shine once again. The heroes of the Christian faith who have been sidelined are making their way back onto the field. Calvin, Luther, Edwards, Whitefield, Knox, and Spurgeon are returning to the collective consciousness of the church - especially in the younger generation. In my own Christian pilgrimage, I give most of the credit to R.C. Sproul for rattling the cage of my mind and shaping my hard heart in order to not only appreciate church history - but to actually love it!Another important contributor to this resurgence in the study of church history is Steven Lawson. In 2007, he introduced the series entitled, A Long Line of Godly Men. The first volume, The Expository Genius of John Calvin introduced readers to the Genevan theologian and sought to "raise the bar for a new generation of expositors." Since that time, several new volumes have been released that survey the lives and ministries of Jonathan Edwards, Martin Luther, John Knox, C.H. Spurgeon, Isaac Watts, John Owen, and George Whitefield.The newest installment in the series, The Daring Mission of William Tyndale summarizes the life of brave Brit, credited with the first English translation of the Bible.Lawson presents the high points of Tyndale's life and guides readers on a step-by-step tour which culminates in the martyrdom of a courageous and godly man.Tyndale's theological convictions are summarized in five monumental sections:Radical CorruptionSovereign ElectionParticular RedemptionIrresistible CallPreserving GraceLawson is quick to alert readers to the Calvinistic piety of Tyndale, a man who stood shoulder to shoulder with the other giants of the Christian faith.The Daring Mission of William Tyndale is yet another gift to the church from the pen of Steven Lawson. Young and old will be challenged, emboldened and encouraged as they read about a man who lived what he preached and died for a worthy cause.Highly recommended!I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.5 stars

I knew very little about William Tyndale and have now come away with a greater appreciation. Thank you, Dr Lawson.

This book is so powerful. After reading it I felt intensely embarrassed that I had not known more facts and history about this man who gave his life to make it possible for English speaking people to read and study the Bible. William Tyndale’s name should be recognized and revered in every Christian household. Dr. Lawson did a beautiful job of conveying the burning passion that drove William Tyndale to work tirelessly on his translations so that even the plowman in his field would be able to easily read and understand God‘s Holy Word. Such an interesting book with so much historical detail! I wasn’t able to put it down.

This book is about a really interesting man, but seems to have a lot of repetition from the people who wrote in the compilation... It's like the publishers put together a bunch of research papers on Tyndale... now I know how my English teachers felt!I did learn some really interesting information about him, but after the 3rd or 4th time being repeated, it was enough, thank you.

Thank you, Dr. Lawson, for this magnificent book detailing William Tyndale's courageous mission to translate the bible and get it into common people's hands. What an encouragement this book in my own life as I think about the superficial difficulties I face compared to the sacrifice Tyndale made for the dissemination of the bible. William Tyndale is my favorite reformer.

I enjoyed this book. It helped me recognize a great warrior of faith in the face of death. Someone who’s contribution brought glory God and helped change the English world.

For those who love the scriptures it is amazing to consider the perseverance and hardship required for us to receive it in English. This is a five star book because the author sticks to the purpose of giving us the salient message. His use of repetition is a brilliant teaching tool, as well.I recommend this book to those who struggle with motivation to read the Bible as it lays out the cost for the book they so readily hold in their hands.

Steven Lawson has uncovered one of the bravest and talented men of the English Reformation. Everyone ought to read this book. Get to know William Tyndale, you will never read your English Bible the same ever again. It will take on a new meaning to be able to read the Word of God in your own tongue, thanks to a little known English scholar who risked life, limb, safety and comfort so that you could read and understand the Word of God for yourself. A man who paid the ultimate price so that millions could read and understand the message of God's saving Grace.

Fascinating and compelling read, what we take for granted cost people enormous suffering and eventually martydom.