Tim Keller on the Christian Life: The Transforming Power of the Gospel

Publisher's Description:

"Pastor and author Timothy Keller (1950–2023) built a lasting legacy in Christian ministry, planting Redeemer Presbyterian Church and cofounding the Gospel Coalition. With sharp biblical insight that has shaped countless church leaders, along with counsel on the Christian life that has stirred and strengthened audiences worldwide, Keller’s teaching promises to influence generations to come. Synthesising Keller’s work topic by topic, each chapter of this book highlights a key aspect of the Christian life—covering his views on prayer, suffering, friendship, vocation, intimacy with God, and more. Written by pastor Matt Smethurst, Tim Keller on the Christian Life draws from Keller’s nearly 50 years of sermons, conference messages, and books to share practical theological insight that will galvanise leaders and laypeople alike."

Endorsements:

• “Matt Smethurst has researched an impressive amount of content for this book: sermons, books, papers, courses, articles, and unpublished conversations. He found resources even I wasn’t familiar with, and he has produced a work of scholarship that will long stand as the most thorough examination of the biblical themes that animated all of Tim’s ministry.” — Kathy Keller

• “Few pastors have demonstrated a multilayered, multifaceted understanding of how the gospel of Jesus Christ transforms everything like Tim Keller did. Matt Smethurst has done a wonderful job organising Tim’s teaching on the gospel in everyday life—in a way that is engaging, practical, and heart and life changing. May this gospel continue to transform us and everything our lives touch. Read and reread this book!” — Paul David Tripp, author, Everyday Gospel

• “Imagine sitting with Tim Keller in his living room and asking him whatever is on your mind about the Christian life. Well, my friend Matt Smethurst has opened the door to that room in this book. Flip its pages and you’ll receive compelling wisdom from this beloved pastor, which will help you practice your faith within your family, job, or community. This is particularly timely, as many of us are struggling to make Christ-honouring imprints on our sceptical culture. But by the last chapter of this remarkable work, you’ll grasp what it means to truly embody the gospel in all your spheres of influence. Thank you, Matt, for giving us the very best of Tim Keller.” — Joni Eareckson Tada, Founder and CEO, Joni and Friends International Disability Center

• “The way the ministry of Tim Keller and Redeemer Church penetrated the secularised culture of Manhattan drew the attention of a surprised media. Remarkably, this was based not on an ever-changing pragmatism (‘whatever works’) but on an intelligent, clearly articulated, and winsomely expounded Christ-centred biblical theology. This book explores the manifold ways this theology shaped Tim’s understanding of how the gospel restores and transforms. Those who heard Tim will be understandably eager to read these pages, and all readers will find a stimulating exploration of the impact of gospel grace. Congratulations and thanks are due to Matt Smethurst for this groundbreaking study.” — Sinclair B. Ferguson, Professor of Systematic Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary; author, The Whole Christ

• “You don’t need to agree with everything Tim Keller said to recognise that God gave him uncommon wisdom that can benefit the church and your own discipleship. Matt Smethurst has done an impressive job distilling this wisdom, spread across many books and countless sermons, into ten engaging chapters. Think of it as a ‘Keller’s Greatest Hits’ volume. It’s a remarkable and grace-giving work, one that I’ll certainly encourage my family members and church members to read.” — Jonathan Leeman, Editorial Director, 9Marks

• “What a blessing to read a book by a friend, about a friend’s wisdom on the Christian life. I got to watch Tim Keller practice what he proclaimed, especially while battling terminal cancer. No matter your familiarity with Tim’s body of work, Matt Smethurst’s distillation will prove an aid and blessing. He puts his finger on themes and emphases that will enrich your engagement with our brother’s enduring ministry. Matt has told the story faithfully.” — Collin Hansen, Vice President of Content and Editor in Chief, The Gospel Coalition