Short Studies in Systematic Theology

What comes to mind when you think of the word church? In this volume, Gregg R. Allison helps define the church and its mission by presenting an overview of the specific doctrines and practices of different churches and denominations. He lays a basic foundation for better understanding the common practices among local church communities ("mere ecclesiology") and the ways that they diverge from one another ("more ecclesiology"). Through this systematic primer, you will come away knowing not only how various churches differ but also how they're ultimately united as the body of Christ and the temple of the Holy Spirit.

A Clear and Concise Exploration of the Christian Doctrine of Scripture The Bible is the written word of the living God. He speaks through this word, working in and through human agents as he reveals himself to his people. His word is trustworthy, yet many Christians struggle to articulate why they believe that to be true. Centered in the words of Scripture and especially the teaching of Jesus himself, this volume unpacks the doctrine of Scripture as taught by the church through the ages, helping to strengthen readers' confidence in God's word. Despite the challenges that are often leveled against the Bible, Thompson clearly articulates what Jesus taught about the Scriptures, how God speaks to his people through the written word, the crucial work of the Holy Spirit to apply the word, and the vital attributes of Scripture-its clarity, truthfulness, sufficiency, and efficacy. Readers will find encouragement to walk according to the word and to delight in the God who speaks. - Concise and Accessible: Intended for use by church members and leaders as well as those in academic contexts - Christ-Centered: Rooted in Jesus's own words about the Old Testament and his commissioning of the apostles who would go on to write the New Testament - Addresses Common Questions: Answers challenges about the Bible's clarity, truthfulness, sufficiency, and efficacy

A Clear and Concise Exploration of the Doctrine of Justification from Thomas R. Schreiner When we see the fallenness of the world, it is often challenging to understand how sinners can stand before a holy God, but the gospel gives hope-justification that comes through Jesus Christ. This doctrine is essential to the gospel but has sparked countless academic and theological disagreements throughout church history, even contributing to the Protestant Reformation in the sixteenth century. In this addition to the Short Studies in Systematic Theology series, Thomas R. Schreiner examines the biblical and historical background of the doctrine of justification. Schreiner explores it throughout church history and analyzes both the Old and New Testament teachings. By examining the relationship between justification and other doctrines of salvation-such as redemption, reconciliation, adoption, and sanctification-Schreiner shows how it gives peace, assurance, and joy to sinners through Jesus and hope for life today. - Accessible: Designed to be short and approachable, this text is an ideal resource for college students, pastors, and thoughtful laypeople - Part of the Short Studies in Systematic Theology Series: Other titles include The Person of Christ; Glorification; and The Doctrine of Scripture - Written by Thomas R. Schreiner: A renowned biblical scholar and professor who has authored or edited numerous books, including Run to Win the Prize; The Joy of Hearing; and Covenant and God's Purpose for the World

How Sanctification Transforms Christians Into Glorified Beings Facing sin, suffering, and an uncertain future, it's easy to become pessimistic, but believers in Christ know the best is yet to come. God promises that one day he will redeem his image bearers and renew the earth. Few books are written on the doctrine of glorification, but its promise of restoration brings urgent hope for Christ followers. In this addition to the Short Studies in Systematic Theology series, Graham A. Cole examines the concept of divine glory as well as God's plan for redeeming individual believers, the church, and the universe. Identifying two phases of glorification-one in this life and a final transformation into Christlikeness-Cole defines the role of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in the sanctification process. Through careful study of Scripture, he shows Christians how their future identity as glorified beings should impact their perspective today. - Thoughtful and Theological: Walks through the plotline of Scripture to explain redemptive history, the Trinitarian work of glorification, and the future of unbelievers - Thorough Introduction: Studies the Old and New Testaments to explain God's divine glory, including the stories of Moses, Isaiah, and Ezekiel, as well as the topics of creation, the incarnation, transfiguration of Jesus, and the picture of the new earth in Revelation - Great for Theologians, Pastors, and Students: This concise study dives deep into an overlooked area of eschatology and includes suggested resources for further reading

Everyone has thoughts about God. But how do we know if our thoughts are true? If we want to know the truth about God, we need a sound approach to incorporating what the whole Bible teaches. In this concise introduction to systematic theology, theologian Graham A. Cole explores how we move from Scripture to doctrine in order to shape what we believe, what we value, and how we live. He shows us the importance of having the right method: rooted in the word of God, consistent with church history, in the context of a broken world, dependent on divine wisdom, and ultimately aiming at pure worship.

"From beginning to end, Scripture unveils from shadow to reality that Jesus is God the Son incarnate." Some people think of Jesus as a great prophet or a wise philosopher; others see him as an important religious leader or even a revolutionary. In this addition to the Short Studies in Systematic Theology series, Stephen Wellum challenges these claims as he argues for the divinity of Jesus according to Scripture and in line with creedal Christianity. In this brief introduction, we are invited to rejoice in the centrality of Christ-who as both God and man reconciles us to God.

Follow the Doxological Rhythm of Creation to Discover God's Glory Why did God create the world "out of nothing"? What does this reveal about his majesty? How, as created beings, should humanity respond? In this addition to the Short Studies in Systematic Theology series, professor Tyler R. Wittman carefully examines the doctrine of creation, explaining the relationship between God and creatures, the nature and end of creatures, and how God fulfills his creation in the worship Christ leads in his church. Wittman presents the creation account as a hymn, examining its literary structure and poetic imagery. He then explores creation as like a great "song" of its Creator. With helpful visuals and key definitions, this accessible study invites readers to delight in God's beauty and respond liturgically in worship as they await the "new song" of redemption. - God-Centered and Worshipful: Provides a thoroughly biblical analysis of creation that centers on the Trinity and the doxological purpose of all created life - Great for Theologians, Pastors, and Students: Designed to be short, applicable, and approachable, with a glossary and suggestions for further reading - Part of the Short Studies in Systematic Theology Series: Other titles include Humanity and Sin; Glorification; and The Doctrine of Scripture

How to Be Certain That Your Understanding of God Reflects the Truth of Scripture If we want to know the truth about God, we need a sound approach to incorporating what the whole Bible teaches. In this concise introduction to systematic theology, theologian Graham A. Cole explores how we move from Scripture to doctrine in order to shape what we believe, what we value, and how we live. He shows us the importance of having the right method: rooted in the word of God, consistent with church history, in the context of a broken world, dependent on divine wisdom, and ultimately aiming at pure worship. The first volume in the Short Studies in Systematic Theology series, this book explores what it means to do theology, why theology matters, and what it looks like to derive doctrine from God's word-helping us understand what to believe, what to value, and how to live. Each chapter looks at 1 of 5 crucial components for constructing good theology: revelation from God, tradition from the past, worship, wisdom, and experience of brokenness, with case studies illustrating how doctrine is developed from each of these important sources. Readers will be left with a deeper understanding of how to make sure their theology faithfully reflects the truth of God's word. - 5 Crucial Elements of Constructing Good Theology: Explores revelation from God, tradition from the past, worship, wisdom, and experience of brokenness - Practical: Explains how to move from Scripture to doctrine - Accessible: Uses case studies to demonstrate the importance and elements of good theology - Replaces ISBN 978-1-4335-5911-2: Formerly titled Faithful Theology

A Compelling Introduction to the Work and Person of the Holy Spirit The third person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit, is equal to the Father and the Son, yet he is often overlooked and misunderstood. In this helpful introduction, theologian Fred Sanders clears the confusion by highlighting the Holy Spirit's place in the Trinity. He focuses on the Spirit's relation to the Father and the Son, and then on his work in the lives of believers. Written for pastors, students, and laypeople, this addition to the Short Studies in Systematic Theology series underscores the essential role the Holy Spirit plays in salvation history.

Practical Theology for the Church Today The Trinity is one of the most essential doctrines of the Christian faith, as it reveals a magnificent truth about God-that he is one God eternally existing as three distinct persons. While Christians often struggle to find the right words to describe the union of Father, Son, and Spirit, the Bible gives clarity concerning the triune God's activity in nature (creation), grace (redemption), and glory (reward). In the second installment of the Short Studies in Systematic Theology series, theologian Scott Swain examines the Trinity, presenting its biblical foundations, systematic–theological structure, and practical relevance for the church today.

How can we (created beings) know God (the Creator)? Throughout history, the church has recognized the importance of studying and understanding God's attributes. As the Creator of all things, God is unique and cannot be compared to any of his creatures, so to know him, believers turn to the pages of Scripture. In The Attributes of God, renowned theologian Gerald Bray leads us on an exploration of God's being, his essential attributes, his relational attributes, and the relevance of his attributes to our thinking, lives, and worship. As we better understand God's attributes, we will learn to delight in who God is and how he has made himself known to us in Scripture.

A Concise and Systematic Exploration of the Doctrine of Predestination How can God choose to save some and eternally punish others? What about my loved ones who are not believers? For many, contemplating predestination brings about fear, trepidation, controversy, and emotional exhaustion, making it a difficult topic to study-let alone view as a blessing. This addition to the Short Studies in Systematic Theology series carefully examines God's word to answer 15 commonly asked questions regarding the doctrines of election and reprobation. With helpful visuals, key definitions, answer summaries, and prayer responses, this concise guide is perfect for all believers who want to discover and delight in what God has revealed throughout Scripture. Readers will not only learn how God saves his people from their sins, but will be stirred to respond to him in worship. - Great for Theologians, Pastors, and Students: Designed to be short and approachable, this concise study dives deep into the doctrine of predestination - Part of the Short Studies in Systematic Theology Series: Other titles include The Person of Christ; Glorification; and The Doctrine of Scripture - Written by Andrew David Naselli: Pastor and professor of systematic theology and New Testament

A Concise Introduction to the Doctrine of the Atonement The atonement is central to Christian theology and essential for following Jesus. In this addition to the Short Studies in Systematic Theology series, pastor Jeremy Treat explains what Scripture teaches about the atonement and how it impacts one's daily life. Treat demonstrates that the death of Christ is a multi-dimensional work within the story of the kingdom of God. While the accomplishments of the cross are unending (including forgiveness, victory, and renewal), the heart of the cross is substitution-Jesus dying on behalf of sinners. Christ's atoning work reconciles believers to God and to one another, calling them to a life of obedience. This book presents a kingdom-framed, substitution-centered, trinitarian, integrated, communal, and life-changing approach to the doctrine of atonement. - Accessible: Designed to be short and approachable, this text is an ideal resource for college students, pastors, and laypeople - Practical: The depths of the gospel are applied to discipleship, community, and ethics - Part of the Short Studies in Systematic Theology Series: Other titles include Faithful Theology; The Attributes of God; and The Church