Searching Our Hearts In Difficult Times

Mid-levelBusy pastors, Pastors-in-trainingStrong recommendation
Author: John Owen
Publisher: Banner of Truth
Theological Perspective: Reformed
Resource Type: Puritans

Evaluation

Overall Score: 8.4/10

Wise spiritual diagnosis that exposes self deception while leading back to Christ.

Publication Date(s): 2019
Pages: 160
ISBN: 9781848718814
Devotional Richness: 8.4/10
Devotional richness is searching and wise, pressing honesty before God without breeding introspective gloom.
Theological Clarity: 8.5/10
Theological clarity is dependable, helping readers hold assurance and repentance together in gospel balance.
Helpfulness for Preaching: 8.1/10
Helpfulness for preaching is practical, especially for pastoral application around fear, doubt, and spiritual dryness.
Faithfulness to Scripture: 8.5/10
Faithfulness to Scripture is clear, with careful use of biblical categories to test the heart.
Depth and Challenge: 8.4/10
Depth and challenge are strong, calling for humility, self examination, and renewed faith.
Overall Value: 8.2/10
Overall value is high for pastors who want diagnostic help that ends in Christward comfort.

Summary

At a Glance

Length
160 pages
Type
Devotional
Theo. Perspective
Reformed
Overall score
8.4 / 10
Strength
Helps pastors ask better questions and offer better comfort in seasons of pressure.
Limitation
Those prone to introspection should read it with a steady gospel lens.

We find Owen skilful at spiritual diagnosis, helping us name what is going on beneath the surface in seasons of pressure.

We are not left staring inward as an end. We are redirected to Christ, and to the steady promises of God that hold when feelings wobble.

Why Should We Read This Resource?

We are helped by careful distinctions that expose self deception and strengthen assurance where it is grounded in the gospel.

We also find material that can be shaped into pastoral questions and gentle counsel for believers who are anxious, weary, or spiritually numb.

We should read it with an open Bible, letting Scripture set the terms for honest self examination.

Closing Recommendation

We commend it for pastors and thoughtful readers who want heart work that ends in renewed faith, clearer repentance, and steadier obedience.


Where to buy
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Classification

  • Level: Mid-level
  • Best For: Busy pastors, Pastors-in-training
  • Priority: Strong recommendation

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Commentary

Puritans

Bible Atlas

Reviewed by

An Expositor