J.I. Packer, In His Own Words (Thanks, Crossway)

Anyone who's asked me about theologians who have influenced me will have heard me say that J.I. Packer is the first "official" theologian to capture my imagination and ignite my mind and heart.  I ran across his Knowing God in late high school, loved it, and have been hooked on doing theology in the service of the church ever since.

A few months ago I posted a video where evangelical leaders speak of Packer's influence and legacy, and am happy to see Crossway Publishing produce this brief video (approximately 20 min) helping others get to know J.I. Packer a bit better.  May the Lord continue to raise up theological leaders like J.I. Packer!

Directly below you'll find the video, and I've provided some time stamps outlining the video directly beneath that.

J. I. Packer: In His Own Words from Crossway on Vimeo.

0:00 - 1:40 - Introduction to J.I. Packer

• "one of the foremost influences among evangelical Christians" over the last six decades
• became famous on the strength of his books
• doing theology for the glory of God

1:40 - 7:33 - Part 1: Early Years

• Family and early life
• Accident 
• Love of reading
• Typewriter, early love of writing

7:33 - 12:55 - Part 2: Theological Influences

• The centrality of the Bible
• The importance of reading
• John Calvin and his Institutes
• John Owen
• Richard Baxter
• John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress - rereads this every year
• J.C. Ryle's Holiness

12:55 - 19:16 - Part 3: Legacy (and Conclusion)

• The English Standard Bible
• The authority of the Bible, the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ, the wonder of His substitutionary sacrifice
• Calling people to holiness
• Always courteous in controversy, but without compromise