Sunday, December 31, 2006

Reformed Theology Rescources

I know most of the members of the book club come from reformed churches of different denominations.

For the benefit of other members who are currently looking into reformed theology, it would be great if you could recommend books that you found particularly useful, when you where learning about the 'Doctrines of Grace', or struggling to work out what you believed.

I have recently recommended to a friend R C Sprowl's, 'Heart of Reformed Theology', as I had found it useful, however it does assume a level of knowledge of Christian terms, that is not common to those from Pentacostal or Charismatic backgrounds, and I'm hoping for some recommendations that may be simpler, or at least explain things in a way that is easy to understand.

3 comments:

Ames said...

I found today an excellent summary of doctrines of Grace.

Life transformting truth
– an introduction to the doctrines of grace

by William E. Payne

Blurb:"Have you ever read the Bible and questioned the love of God? Are you perplexed about how God works in individual lives? Why are some people saved and not others? What does it mean to be a child of God? What does it mean to have faith in Christ? What is the real problem of humanity? Some of the truths of God's Word are difficult to understand.

William E Payne seeks to provide some answers to these key questions. Using simple language and a solid biblical foundation, Pastor Payne answers these profound questions as he explains and amplifies the doctrines of grace. He shows how God works in peoples lives to show them their need of salvation, how God saves and how God provides eternal hope for those who trust in Christ. He reveals the glory of salvation and it's life-transforming effect on the life of the true christian.

Be prepared to be challenged and changed as you read these pages and discover God's gracious dealings with humankind. These truths will transform your life - from the inside out - as you consider God's wonderful kindness to a sinful world."

Ames said...

Decision Making and the Will of God by Garry Friesen

Publishers Description: 'Does God have a perfect will for each Christian? Can you be absolutely sure you’ve found God’s individual will for your life? Garry Friesen examines the traditional view of God’s will, then sets forth a different view that more accurately reflects biblical teaching. This new edition of Decision Making takes up the practical issues of choosing a mate, picking a career, giving of one’s resources, and areas of disagreement between Christians to give readers a new approach to knowing the will of God. Mr. Friesen also addresses many of the arguments that have surfaced since the original printing of this book over twenty-four years ago. Does God Have a Perfect Will for Your Life? Does God have a perfect will for each Christian? Can you be absolutely certain of God’s specific will for your life? In this expanded twenty-fifth anniversary edition of his highly acclaimed work, Garry Friesen examines the prevalent view on God’s will today and provides a sound biblical alternative to the traditional teaching of how God guides us. This new edition includes these helpful resources: Study guide for small groups Responses to Frequently Asked Questions Guide to painless Scripture memorization Friesen tackles the very practical issues of choosing a mate, picking a career, and giving in this fresh and liberating approach to decision making and the will of God.'

Story Behind the Book: Most Christians have been taught how to find God’s will, yet many are still unsure whether they’ve found it. God does guide His people, but the question is, How does He guide? After putting out a fleece to decide which college to attend, Garry Friesen began pondering why it was so hard to find God’s will when he had so sincerely sought it. Was he the only one who did not have 100 percent clarity for every decision? Then a new possibility struck-perhaps his understanding of the nature of Gods will was biblically deficient. Maybe there was a better way to understand HOW God guides.

Ames said...

Guidance and the Voice of God by Philip Jensen


Publishers Description : "Guidance and the Voice of God has recently been added to Matthias Media's new series: Guidebooks for Life. As the series unfolds, it will deal with the important nuts-and-bolts topics that Christians need to know about as we walk each day with our Master.

How do I know what God wants me to do?
How can I make decisions which are in line with his will?
If God still speaks, will I recognize his voice?

These are important questions, and many Christians grapple with them.
Guidance and the Voice of God charts a way through these often confusing issues, and shows how for those who have ears to hear, God is still speaking loud and clear through his Son."