Gilber Tennent PDF

You can download a pdf of the recently posted study “The Life and Ministry of Gilbert Tennent” here. I hope it’s helpful.

This “lesser light” of the Great Awakening is worthy of more consideration than he usually gets. If you don’t believe me, believe George Whitefield:
“I never before heard such a searching sermon. He convinced me [...]

Lessons for Today from the Life of Gilbert Tennent (4 of 4)

We too need to balance heart religion and uncompromising orthodoxy.
We must beware of the extreme positions of Tennent’s opponents who insisted on either orthodoxy (Old Lights) or experiential religion (Arminians)…head or heart. Tennent urged heart religion within the bounds of sound doctrine…a legitimate experience and emotion governed by biblical understanding.
We too need to balance transdenominationalism [...]

Gilbert Tennent’s Contributions to the First Great Awakening (3 of 4)

Though Gilbert Tennent is outshined by such men as Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield, his contributions to the Great Awakening were no less significant. Alexander writes, “Indeed, all must acknowledge, that among the friends and promoters of the revival he stood pre-eminent.” [1] Whereas Edwards ministered mainly in the New England colonies and Whitefield [...]

Gilbert Tennent’s Theological and Ministerial Distinctives (2 of 4)

It is sometimes easiest to classify a man’s positions by considering his friends and foes. Tennent had plenty of both:
Tennent’s theological and ministerial positions are evident from his friends.
1. He was a student of Theodore J. Frelinghuysen and William Tennent.
2. He was a co-laborer and mentor of George Whitefield and Samuel Davies.
Whitefield wrote the [...]

Gilbert Tennent’s Personal and Ministerial Life (1 of 4)

In his own day Gilbert Tennent (1703-1764) was a renowned pastor and leader of the first Great Awakening. As an historical figure, however, he has been outshone by such men as George Whitefield and Jonathan Edwards and is largely forgotten. Our neglect of this good man is unfortunate, for he is in many ways exemplary [...]

The Life and Ministry of Gilbert Tennent (Preview)

Over the next several days I’m going to post the text from a lecture I delivered six years ago on Gilbert Tennent, one of the heroes of the Great Awakening. I was given the assignment by Pastor John Ashbrook for the 2002 Ohio Bible Fellowship Pastor’s Conference. The conference focused on American revival history and [...]

What I’m Reading: Not Even a Hint

I’m preparing for a short topical series during which I’ll be preaching on gender issues, including dating/courtship, marriage, lust, cultivating a “family” mindset toward brothers and sisters in Christ, and parenting in a sensual world. As part of my preparation, I took a couple hours today to reread Joshua Harris’ little book, Not Even a [...]

Quick Hits (4/4/08)

Here are some miscellaneous items that may make you laugh, think, or go “Wha…?“:
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If you’ve wondered what’s behind Peter Enns’ suspension from Westminster Theological Seminary, D. A. Carson’s review of Enns’ book (from back in 2006) will clear up the theological portion of the controversy for you. Carson’s article isn’t short or light, but it’s [...]

Quick Hits (3/11/08)

Lots and lots of little bits to pass on, some of which is important. The first one? Not so much. But it’s funny.
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Timing Is Everything

I’ve driven for 20 years without getting a speeding ticket. Twenty years! Well, I picked a doozy of a time to get my first. The car? A borrowed Lexus. The passenger? [...]

Pink on Sin and Grace

I’ve commented before (here) that I think A. W. Pink’s Life of David is overrated. However, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about David’s confession and forgiveness today. The chapters beautifully describe the grace of God in forgiving David’s (and our) sins. Pink rejoices in the gospel, and you can’t help but rejoice with Him. Here’s a [...]