Death by Living is N. D. Wilson’s newest nonfiction book, and sort-of a follow-up to 2009’s Notes from the Tilt-A-Whirl. I read Notes in 2009, and re-read it in 2010 . . . I also led a men’s book study/discussion group over the book. Notes was a fun read. Humorous and rewarding. But at points the prose was forced. However, I just finished reading Death by Living, and it is a great book. Overall, less humorous, but the prose is tight. Reading this book was effortless and sheer joy. Oh, and convicting. 

“Young men, I beseech you earnestly, beware of pride. Two things are said to be very rare sights in the world–one is a young man that is humble, and the other is an old man that is content. I fear that this is only too true” (J.C. Ryle, Thoughts for Young Men, 23).

“Many people find note-taking helpful in retaining the teaching of a sermon. An elderly woman told me, “I take thorough sermon notes. When I bow my knees on Sunday evening, I put my notes in front of me, underline those things that I should strive to put into practice, and then pray through them one at a time.” For many people taking notes helps them remember specific ways in which God challenges their hearts. Recognize, however, that note-taking is not for everyone. For some people, writing gets in the way of active listening, because it makes them lose their train of thought. In that case, note taking does more harm than good. Do whatever helps you remember and pray over the sermons you hear” (Joel R. Beeke, The Family at Church: Listening to Sermons and Attending Prayer Meetings, 26).

“Pride sits in all our hearts by nature. We are born proud. Pride makes us rest content with ourselves–think we are good enough as we are–keep us from taking advice–refuse the gospel of Christ–turn every one to his own way. But pride never reigns anywhere so powerfully as in the heart of a young man” (J.C. Ryle, Thoughts for Young Men, 22).

“Young men, I want to save you all this sorrow, if I can. Hell itself is truth known too late. Be wise in time. What youth sows, old age must reap. Do not give the most precious season of your life to that which will not comfort you in the latter days of your life. Sow yourselves rather in righteousness; break up your hard ground, don’t sow among thorns” (J.C. Ryle, Thoughts for Young Men, 18).

“In the twenty-first century, few things are more controversial than the Bible’s plain teaching on sexuality and gender roles” (Carolyn McCulley, Radical Womanhood: Feminine Faith in a Feminist World, 188).

“Mediation helps us digest truth and personalize it. One sermon properly mediated upon with the assistance of the Holy Spirit will do more good than weeks of unapplied sermons” (Joel R. Beeke, The Family at Church: Listening to Sermons and Attending Prayer Meetings, 28).

“As you listen to the Word of God, ask yourself, how does God want me to be different on account of this sermon? Ask what God wants you to know what you did not know before. Ask what truths you are learning that he wants you to believe. And ask how He wants you to put those truths into practice. In every sermon you hear–even those on the most basic gospel-themes–God offers you truths to believe and put into practice. Pray for grace to work at listening” (Joel R. Beeke, The Family at Church: Listening to Sermons and Attending Prayer Meetings, 20-21).

“As you listen to the Word of God, ask yourself, how does God want me to be different on account of this sermon? Ask what God wants you to know what you did not know before. Ask what truths you are learning that He wants you to believe. And ask how He wants you to put those truths into practice. In every sermon you hear–even those on the most basic gospel themes–God offers you truths to believe and put into practice. Pray for grace to work at listening” (Joel R. Beeke, The Family at Church: Listening to Sermons and Attending Prayer Meetings, 20-21).

“Young men, young men, I wish you did but know the comfort of a conscience not burdened with a long list of youthful sins. These are the wounds that pierce the deepest. These are the arrows that drink up a man’s spirit. This is the iron that enters into the soul. Be merciful to yourselves. Seek the Lord early, and so you will be spared many a bitter tear” (J.C. Ryle, Thoughts for Young Men, 17).