#basic christianity

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

Submitting our lives to the Word of God is not radical Christianity, it’s basic Christianity.

Paul Washer

[musicgoon]

Book Review: Basic Christianity by John Stott

The start of a new year (and a new decade) brings some interesting opportunities. It’s the chance for fresh beginnings. A chance to start over. And a chance to see with fresh eyes. In John Stott’s classic book Basic Christianity, we have the chance to be reintroduced to Jesus Christ and see where we stand with him.

Primarily written for those who want to examine Christianity, this landmark resource has been redesigned and republished as the first volume in the IVP Signature Collection. This series features special editions of iconic books to celebrate the 75th anniversary of InterVarsity Press. 

After a one-page forward by Rick Warren, we are challenged to take the right approach to examine Christianity. This means we understand that God has spoken, He has taken action, and we are to respond. The book is broken up into four parts, working as an excellent outline for the readers.

Who Christ Is and What We Need

Part One is on Who Christ Is. First, the claims of Christ focuses on his deity. Stott examines and explains the direct and indirect claims of Jesus. Second, the character of Christ focuses on his sinlessness. Third, we are brought directly to the resurrection of Christ. Interestingly, Stott claims that Christ’s miraculous conception and resurrection do not prove his deity, but they are consistent with it.

Part Two details What We Need. Stott first makes us aware of the fact and nature of sin. He declares the universality of sin, and fittingly lists and explains the Ten Commandments. He does not beat his readers over the head. But he does not cut corners with them either. He makes the keen observation of three consequences of sin: alienation from God, bondage to self, and conflict with others.

What Christ Has Done and How To Respond

In Part Three, we are shown What Christ Has Done. Prominently featured is the death of Christ. Stott makes the memorable mention that Christianity is a rescuer religion, meaning God has taken the initiative in Jesus Christ to rescue us from our sins. This is the theme of the entire Bible. He positions in our minds the centrality of the cross, and makes references from the Old Testament to the New Testament. To be sure, he acknowledges that there is a certain mystery of the cross that we should not try to analyze. Christ died as our example, and He is the bearer of our sin.

With Part Four, Stott shows us How To Respond. Of utmost importance is the call to follow Christ. We are to renounce the old self as well as our sin. And I especially appreciate his boldness in saying that there is no compromise to be made. We are to take up our cross and lose our life. Indeed, Christian conversion is so radical that it changes our attitude toward everything. And as his followers, we are to openly acknowledge Christ through baptism and proclamation. But following Jesus is not without its incentives. It is done for our own sake, for others, and for the glory of Christ.

Basic Christianity

The book ends with the call to reach a decision. Stott convinces us that no one is born a Christian by family or national background. Being a Christian means stressing the relationship we have with Christ. And we have responsibilities including our duties to God, the church, and the world.

Around 4-7 study questions for each chapter are included at the back of the book. This makes it an excellent gift to give to a new believer, and a useful tool for group study or personal devotions. At less than 200 pages, it is a quick and compelling read while providing enough detail and depth to command and convince.

I’ve been a believer since my childhood. I cannot believe I did not read this work until now. While I absolutely recommend it for seekers or new believers, I also recommend it to believers of all ages to get back to the basics. And this book is not an end in itself. Rather, it is a launching pad that made me want to get back to my Bible so I can see more of Christ. And if this is basic Christianity, I can’t wait to see what God shows me next.

I was provided a free copy of Basic Christianity but was not required to write a positive review. Read more of my book reviews and follow Dive In, Dig Deep on Instagram - my account dedicated to Bibles and books to see the beauty of the Bible and the role of reading in the Christian life.  

[andrewpcannon]

Daily Devo; Regeneration: Matthew 13:10-13

Daily Devo; Regeneration: Matthew 13:10-13

Pray, lifting your requests before God and praising Him for His goodness. Be sure to ask Him to speak to your heart during your devotional time.

Read today’s passage of Scripture in your Bible and be ready to journal.

Record your thoughts. What stands out to you?

How does today’s reading apply to your life? How does it reveal your insufficiencies? What change does God’s word call you to today?

Re…

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[godtreks]

Christianity is a rescue religion. 
It declares that God has taken the initiative in Jesus Christ 
to deliver us from our sins.
 This is the main theme of the Bible.

John Stott (1921–2011), in Basic Christianity

[godtreks]

Salvation is a wonderfully comprehensive term. It is a great mistake to suppose that it is merely a synonym for forgiveness. God is as much concerned with our present and future as with our past. His plan is first to reconcile us to himself, and then progressively to liberate us from our self-centeredness and bring us into harmony with our fellow men.

John Stott (1921–2011), in Basic Christianity

[godtreks]

God’s order is that we put him first, others next, self last. Sin is the reversal of the order. It is to put ourselves first, our neighbor next, and God somewhere in the background.... This basic self-centeredness affects all our behavior.

John Stott (1921–2011), in Basic Christianity

[godtreks]

The promise is clear: we can know whether Jesus Christ was true or false, whether his teaching was human or divine. But the promise rests on a moral condition. We have to be ready not just to believe, but to obey. We must be prepared to do God’s will.

John Stott (1921–2011) in Basic Christianity