This book is nonfiction.
This is one of the most theologically sound books I have read in a long time. It is full full full! Patty Houser seeks, in this text, to teach us the importance of knowing exactly what you believe about God and His Word. She encourages us to stay in the Word daily and to seek out the Truth of God.
Patty is a master communicator and writer! So many books in the Christian realm are so fluffy these days with no substance and depth but this is CERTAINLY NOT ONE OF THOSE. Patty is highly educated and well researched on matters of theology and Christian apologetics. She lays the facts and information out very clearly for both the novice and the seasoned theologian.
For this year I have seen a recurring theme as God has spoken to me about how we should we live.
The passage in Mark 12:30....
"And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and
with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." (ESV)
has been at the forefront of what I keep hearing and reading. Patty's book addresses this theme over and over again.
I mentioned apologetics and I have heard women (and men) say that they do not put stock in apologetic and feel that apologetics are divisive. They clearly have no idea what apologetics are so I will not assume here that everyone knows that word. Here is the definition of apologetics from the source carm.org...
The word, "apologetics," is derived from the Greek word, "apologia," which means to make a defense. It has come to mean defense of the faith. Apologetics covers many areas: who Jesus is, the reliability of the Bible, refuting cults, Biblical evidences in the history and archeology, answering objections, etc. In short, it deals with giving reasons for Christianity being the true religion. We are called by God to give an apologia, a defense: "but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence," (1 Pet. 3:15).
More simply put in the book by Patty in the glossary section, apologetics is... a rational defense for the truth-claims of Christianity.
I feel that apologetics are essential for all Christians and to say otherwise is a cop out. Patty agrees and in her book she lays out how we should know what we believe and then how we should reach out to the world around us with the Truth of God's Word. She encourages us to have a personal relationship with Christ and to KNOW HIM and His Word intimately.
Her challenge to us is to KNOW what you believe...
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15
and then go into the world and give them the Truth to bring them to Christ.
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
This is an important book that will go on my shelf next to writers like C.S. Lewis and J.I. Packer because it is that valuable to our daily walk with Christ. No, it is not the Bible but it exalts Christ and the Bible in a way that many modern day Christian writers completely miss. It is a great resource for every Christian.
The book ends with a checklist of what we believe. It is intended to show us where we might be unsure so that we might focus on those beliefs and really study them for ourselves. Lifelong study is key and we can never know all there is to know about God but we should constantly be in search of His Truth.
Add this one to your resources if you are serious about your relationship with Christ and studying the Bible. It is something for both new believers who are trying to figure out this journey and more mature Christians who have read and reread the Bible throughout their lifetime.
Get it for yourself... gift it to a fellow Christian or new believer.... it will bless you both!
I give this one a solid 5 out of 5!
This book is published by Bethany House: a division of Baker Publishing Group.
This book was provided to me free of charge for an honest review.
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