Friday, November 07, 2008

Nourishment from the Word: Select Studies in Reformed Doctrine by Kenneth Gentry


This book is created for all serious Christians desiring to dig deeper into the Bible and find the truth, as the Truth will set us free. We need to be consuming the meat and not just the milk of theology. Wisdom is the principle thing, so says the Word of God; it comes from the fear of the Lord, from knowledge (Epistemology), understanding of reality (Ontology) and Gods Law (Theonomy), developing our faith by the hearing and reading of Gods revelation. Together we dig for Gods nuggets of gold. Dr. Kenneth Gentry, an astute, brilliant Bible Scholar and devoted man of God, helps the reader find those golden nuggetsdissecting, comparing Scripture with Scripture, deciphering the context and time of eventsall in a systematic theological manner empowered by the Holy Spirit. His background in the Reformed tradition of the faith (see About the Author), his intentional deep study of Holy Writ and his precise and gentle, loving style of communicating, makes this book a must for students who want to follow Jesus lovingly, obediently and wisely. Here is a tiny sampling of the tasty morsels you will discover in this book from Dr. Gentrys informed pen A growing understanding of the Bible comes only through reading it, systematizing it, studying it, hearing it expounded and applying it. (Chapter One, page 8) The fact that the truth of Scripture is of no private interpretation is a foundational principle of creedal theology. No interpreter of Scripture works alone; we all must build on the past labors of godly predecessors. (Chapter One, page 10) Reformed Christians are a people of The Book. We firmly believe that both the Old and New Testaments are Godbreathed and profitable for Gods people. Though we may easily discern obvious progress and development in Scripture, the Bible is, nevertheless, one Book. (Chapter Two, page 16) Actually the defense of Christianity is simple we argue the impossibility of the contrary. Those who assault the Christian system must actually assume the Christian system to do so. In fact, atheism assumes theism. (Chapter Five, page 90) But I believe this sufficiently demonstrates the validity of the Westminster Confession, which declares It pleased God the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, for the manifestation of the glory of His eternal power, wisdom and goodness, in the beginning, to create or make of nothing, the world and all things therein whether visible or invisible, in the space of six days; and all very good. (Chapter Six, page 99) Thus, the theme of Revelation is the execution of Gods divorce decree against Israel, her subsequent capital punishment and cremation, followed by His turning to take a new bride, the Church. (Chapter Eight, page 153) My personal gratitude to Dr. Ken Gentry for allowing us to republish his work in one volume, dispensing sound exegetical expository of Holy Scripture, helping all of us to learn, grow and enjoy this Nourishment from the Word in these Select Studies in Reformed Doctrine all to the glory of God. As Dr. Gentry affirms in his initial chapter It is fundamentally necessary to hold as ones credo I believe Jesus is Lord. Gerald Christian Nordskog, Publisher

Dr. Kenneth Gentry, Jr. received degrees from both the Reformed Theological Seminary and Whitefield Theological Seminary. He pastored for twenty-five years in both the Presbyterian Church in America and the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. He now serves as Director of NiceneCouncil.com and the executive director of GoodBirth Ministries. Both organizations are dedicated to advancing serious Christian education, scholarship and apologetics. Dr. Gentry is the author and co-author of over 20 books. Nourishment from the Word: Select Studies in Reformed Doctrine is for serious Christians following the Biblical encouragement to “be a good servant of Jesus Christ, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of sound doctrine” (1 Tim. 4:6). Dr. Kenneth l. Gentry, Jr. provides a banquet of nourishing entrees too seldom found on the menu of the modern evangelical church, to help hungry believers grow in understanding.

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