Kevin DeYoung is becoming one of my most enjoyable authors. This year, I have read two of his books (this being the second) and I simply enjoy his content and structure. Earlier this summer, I reviewed Just Do Something and thoroughly enjoyed it. If you'd like to read that review before jumping into this one, then click HERE.

One of my favorite things about Kevin is that he is very clear about what you should expect out of his books. Much like his other books, he doesn't stray from that in this one. In the opening pages, he tells you exactly what this book is going to be about and where you'll be parked most of your time. I chose to read this book because I'll be teaching a class in October on "Understanding the Bible" at Logos Community Church and recently, several people have surrendered their lives to Jesus in addition to having many Christians who just began their walk with the Lord a few months ago. This class will serve a great start at opening their bible because for a new believer, the Word of God can be quite intimidating on top of not knowing where to begin.

My first impression of this book was that Kevin was going to expand on the subject matter of my class--an easy way to understand the Bible and he doesn't quite start there. In fact, in the opening chapter he tells his readers to not expect deep theological content or bible study plans and content. Instead, he begins with Psalm 119; serving as the crux of the book in an effort to paint a picture of an individual is completely in love with the word of God and His law. I absolutely loved this! It forced me to slow down my previous notions because he is essentially beginning with the gospel and his intention is to get you to capture the joy that is found in God's Word because it was God who breathed it out (2 Timothy 3:16).

Once he establishes and reminds you of the gospel as the foundation for this book, then he goes on expand on the doctrines of the sufficiency of Scripture, the clarity of Scripture, the authority of Scripture, and the necessity of Scripture (SCAN). What I enjoyed about his explanation on each of these doctrines is that they were clear and easy to understand while at the same time providing some challenging thoughts to process and opportunity for the reader to dive deeper into the meaning.

Remember, I read this book to determine if it was good content for a class filled with several new believers. For some, I believe the content will be just the right amount--confirming their thoughts on the Word of God or helping them to better understand Spiritual Disciplines because they hunger for God. For others, it will serve the previously mentioned reason and will open doors to further education as they walk faithfully with the Lord.

What About Grudem's Systematic Theology?

Elliot Grudem's edited version of his fathers book, Systematic Theology is definitely a great book. I think everyone should own a copy because it's clear, concise, and appropriate for a doctrine class. I decided not to go with Grudem on this class for two reasons:

(1) the content available by Grudem can be very intensive and many not be a great place for our people to start. Many of them do not come from a church background, much less had set foot in church before. I don't want to overload them.

(2) While I love Grudem's book, it does jump right into information regarding doctrine rather than beginning with the gospel. Again, our class is filled where the majority have heard the gospel for the first time several months ago; they're still on milk. In fact, our first day of class will simply be a preaching of the gospel as our foundation. I'm looking (not dismissing Grudem) to see transformation in light of the gospel not simply information provided.

Final Thoughts

If you find yourself wanting to check out a short read with great insight and enough depth that may leave you desiring more, then I definitely recommend Taking God At His Word. It will be a great reminder to the truth that is the gospel and it will be a great encouragement to you in light of evaluating where you stand--is the Bible enough? Check the book out and tell me what you think.

Recommended Reading: Just Do Something and Taking God At His Word by Kevin DeYoung; 20 Christian Beliefs by Wayne and Elliot Grudem; Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem.

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