02 - INTRODUCTION

According to my research on church growth, I found that the greatest curriculum need of Christian education in the ’80s is Bible doctrine written in the language of the people. Since a researcher ought to place confidence in the findings of his exploration, I determined to write a book on Bible doctrine for the average Christian. Also, my major in seminary was theology and I have taught that subject for over twenty years. A book on doctrine gave me an opportunity to put the results of my studies into print.

First, I determined to write for contemporary Bible students, not for theologians. This meant I had to deal with the sophisticated and complicated issues facing modern Christians, without getting bogged down in ecclesiastical tangents or concerning myself with all the issues discussed in seminaries. I trust this is a simple book to understand as I have tried to explore the incomprehensible nature of God. It is still true that "profound truth is discovered in a simple expression." In the second place, I used selected theological words but tried to interpret them for the average layman by giving a biblical background, resulting in a definition. When the readers know correct theological terms, they have a basis for understanding the doctrine involved. In the third place, I have tried to make this book practical. Many times I have heard that theology dries up soul winning. Also it is said that theology may be true in the classroom but does not work in the church. I disagree with both of those statements. If doctrine is truly biblical, it will motivate the students to win souls for Jesus Christ. Also, if doctrine is presented correctly in the classroom, it is practical for the church. As a result, I tried to end each chapter with a practical section, applying the lesson to life. This book is adaptable for use in classes, in the Sunday school, or home Bible cells. There are fifty-two chapters, one for each week of the year. A daily Bible reading suggestion is tied to each chapter so that the serious student of Bible doctrine can cover every major doctrine in his daily devotional reading in one year.

Finally, due credit must be given to two of my students at Liberty Baptist Seminary for their contribution to this manuscript. It is only coincidental that both are from Canada, but this fact only adds to my appreciation for their educational system. Mr. Douglas Porter worked on research and composition, while Miss Margaret Barr typed and retyped the manuscript. Mrs. Marie Chapman read the text critically to strengthen its contribution. May God use this book for its intended purpose.

Elmer L. Towns