SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY WITH A SHEPHERD'S TOUCH - IS IT POSSIBLE?

If you have a hard time reading, even excellent, books presenting  the fundamental essential doctrines of the faith (and I could recommend some very good ones), then this book is for you.

Doctrine: What Christians Should Believe is an unabridged recording by Authors Mark Driscoll & Gerry Breshears. I found it to be very pastoral in its delivery. I do not know whose decision it was to use Sean Runnette to read, but it strongly added to the pastoral delivery of this book.

The pastoral expression of this came out in the tone in which it was read. In addition to this, the content is accessible (understandable) to all, helpful clarifications were given, and warnings (as needed) were given. I had the impression as I was listening to this that I was being shepherded.

This having been said, I am not taking everything at face value. There are some individual statements within the doctrines presented that I will be researching in more detail. These statements did not affect the fundamental truths being taught but, I would be a poor example of a Berean if I did not search for myself to see if even those things are to be found in Scripture. Overall, these various doctrines are "What Every Christian Should Believe".

I have no problem with recommending this book. If you are interested in it you can purchase it at http://christianaudio.com/.



I am a volunteer member of the christianaudio Reviewers Program. I am not required to give a positive review.

PRAY FOR THE PRESIDENT AND EVERYONE ELSE?

It has been a while since I last posted something, but this I thought was worth posting. May this be a used as a proding to:

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,  for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,  who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.
(1 Timothy 2:1-6)

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Blog Update

Islam's So-called Friends

I often find it amusing, enlightening and equally frustrating to read some of the Arabic/Islamic press. They have a knack for turning truth on its head. And when that happens, one gets a unique perspective. The brouhaha over some Islamists' take on Obama being Muslim or not Muslim is absolutely fascinating.

One writer who lives in the United States writes in an Islamic website explained to Arabs, in Arabic, her perspective on the questions over whether Obama is a Muslim or not.

She emphatically declared that he is not a Muslim in the truer sense of the word. Then she proceeded to explain to her Arabic readers about the Unitarian Church and many "other Christian denominations," referring mainly to mainline denominations, and why Muslims should be supportive of them.

She said they are not like those "traditional Christians" who believe in the divinity of Christ. They, like us "Muslims," believe that Jesus was just a good prophet: 'To be sure, they do not believe in Mohammad as the true prophet of Allah, but we can get along with them."

This concept reminds me of an Arabic saying, "Me and my brother against our cousins; but my brother and I and my cousins against our enemies."

Isn't it a true shame that Islamists feel affinity with the Unitarians and the liberal mainline denominations simply because they share one thing in common with Islam? Namely, they all reject Biblical truth.

When Jesus claimed that He is the only way, the only truth, and the only giver of eternal life (John 14:6), He drew a line in the sand. You either believe Me and my claims or reject Me. And wanting it or not, by rejecting Me, you would be joining forces with all My enemies.

One good thing about this entire buzz about religion, it is giving the true disciples of Jesus Christ an opportunity to take a stand. Lovingly, thoughtfully and wisely ... but the church is taking a stand none the less. The days of placing one foot in the boat and one foot on the pier are gone. The boat has left the pier! You are either for the full claims of Christ, or you are not. There is no smorgasbord in true Christianity.

Obama may not be a Muslim. But until he comes out and says, "Jesus is the only way to the Father and heaven," he is not a true Christian either.

So what is the response of all those who belong to Jesus Christ and live in obedience to His claim? Pray. Pray for our president daily. He is our president and the Bible commands us to pray for those in authority and leave the rest up to God.

Remember the prayers of a righteous man avails much. God is listening and He wants to hear our prayers. Remember Paul is just the means of the message. It is God who is urging us to offer  supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone, including kings, or for us, presidents and others in authority.

This is an awesome responsibility. Are you carrying it. I confess I have failed miserably.
Lord, grant me and all of us grace to obediently step up to our responsibility.