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Dug Down Deep

Doctrine and theology can be fun. No, seriously.

Joshua Harris has done both serious and light-hearted on this subject of uber-importance. As he writes early on, "all of us are constantly 'doing' theology." Since "all of us have some idea or opinion about what God is like" we might as well 'do' theology properly.

See, we all know things about God. But we have to be pushed to make the applications for that knowledge. For instance, it's one thing to know that God is good. But what does that mean for us in a practical sense? Sigh if you must, but it's the working out of in depth questions, like how a good God can allow bad things to happen or even knowing if God can make a burrito so hot that even He can't eat it.

Yeah, it's deep stuff.

So Joshua tackles all the basics, from reading the Bible, redemption and sanctification to the 3 personalities of God. He even tells us why church is important. As a pastor, I have to give that chapter 2 thumbs up.

He does it all with an understated humility, which is where he ends his book as well. The truth is not something for Christians to use as a weapon, against other Christians or non-Christians. The truth is something that exists outside of us. Since we cannot control it or own it, but only claim it, we need to be careful how we use it. Joshua emphasizes that our main task is to live by this truth. Much like the parable of the wise and foolish builders, our job is to dig down deep and continue discovering core truths and then shaping our lives by the Truth.

I received this book from my good friends at Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing. They send me books for free and ask that I say something about said books. This latest edition comes with an in-depth study guide, which would be great for small groups.

You can purchase this book here. I recommend that you do.
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