Reading these brick-like books alone is not easy, right? Let me share three ways to use this book. The first method is the easiest one. There are quite a few practical applications that we can implement when we love life. It is a process of thinking and becoming a theologian on your own. I think it would be good to explain how the entire structure of this book and each chapter is organized. The overall structure usually divides into seven parts, which is common in systematic theology textbooks. It is not necessary to divide it into exactly seven parts, but doing so makes it seem complete, right? Therefore, many systematic theology textbooks are divided into seven parts, and this book is no exception. The first part is about the doctrine of God's Word, which philosophically relates to epistemology.

That would be applicable, right? So we can think about what is true and what is not based on something. However, this book is based on the Bible from the beginning, addressing topics like the Bible, God's word, and revelation. The second part deals with doctrines about God, which can be seen as a prologue. For example, it discusses God's nature and what He does, particularly in the created world. What's especially interesting is that it has a separate chapter dedicated to Satan and demons. There are quite a few systematic theology textbooks that do not address Satan and demons, but this book seriously dedicates a chapter to them. Additionally, when discussing providence, it also covers miracles and prayer. This is quite good because when thinking about providence, one inevitably has to consider the aspect of miracles, which includes many apologetic discussions.

We see that God answers our prayers and what it means when He does not respond. In the third part, we can consider human nature, discussing the creation of humans, the distinction between male and female, and the fall of humanity. It addresses what God does to save fallen humans, which is included in the covenant. The fourth part focuses on Christology, exploring who Jesus Christ is and what He has done, particularly through the person and atonement of Christ. It also discusses the Holy Spirit. The fifth part is about the application of redemption. In fact, many systematic theology schools often refer to this section as biblical theology.

Because the Holy Spirit is the one who does this, we are now looking at what those who have actually received salvation enjoy. Typically, we cover doctrines such as regeneration, repentance, justification, and adoption. These aspects are quite useful and can be practically applied in our lives. 

Now, regarding ecclesiology, there are doctrines about the church. This includes the essence of the church, church governance, and various roles within the church. 

Lastly, the seventh part deals with eschatology, which looks at what will happen in the future, including the second coming, the millennium, and the new heaven and new earth. As we move into this section, the biblical basis becomes clearer, and personal opinions may also be adjusted. So even if you have already seen the first edition, the second edition offers new insights.

I think it will be very helpful if you see this. There are appendices, and there are about four appendices that include historically significant confessions of faith. Specifically, it includes confessions from the Reformation era. If you look at it, it starts with the Apostles' Creed and includes the Nicene Creed, the Chalcedonian Definition, and the Athanasian Creed. Up to this point, these are creeds that the entire universal church can agree on. However, there are also the Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion, the Westminster Confession of Faith, and the New Hampshire Baptist Confession. Recently, regarding the inerrancy of Scripture, not all universal churches may agree, but there are contents that Reformed or Calvinist believers would strongly agree with and appreciate. Additionally, there are reference explanations and lists, and finally, theological terms have been explained. This is quite useful, so the theological terms...

Among them, there are quite a few difficult concepts, but I have created a resource that simplifies these topics, making it easier to explore. I believe you will find it useful. Now, let me explain how each chapter is structured. Every chapter begins with definitions, explanations, and biblical foundations. For example, if we take the canon, it starts with what the canon is and what the Bible says about it. Various biblical verses are used to provide a thorough explanation, and this section includes detailed descriptions of various aspects. Particularly through the verses, you will be able to understand the content clearly. The explanations in this part are very easy to follow and well detailed. Additionally, each chapter addresses practical applications. It discusses how we can live if we believe in this doctrine or how we should live based on it, providing several applications grounded in the doctrine.

For those who preach or lecture, this will be very useful. It will also be quite beneficial for those who are contemplating how their lives can change through studying doctrine. Next, there are personal application questions. Through these questions, I believe you will find opportunities to discuss, reflect, or apply the content in different ways. Always remember that next to the personal application questions, there are theological terms. Don't just overlook these terms; take a moment to understand them before moving on. This is important because many concepts are repeated throughout the book. Moreover, when you look at this book and other theological texts, you will often find these terms used without explanation. If you come across many unfamiliar terms, it can be overwhelming.

You won't be able to take good things, so let's go over these terms and think about what each term means. After that, if you want to define them again, it would be good to look at the glossary at the back of the book and redefine them. Next, there is a bibliography, which will be quite useful as a reference for scholars. The good thing about the bibliography is that it shows how each denomination views these topics. This book primarily explains everything from a Calvinistic and Reformed Baptist perspective, but we can also see what materials are available from other denominations, such as Lutheranism and Reformed Presbyterianism, and what references can be consulted. Then, there are memory verses. When the community comes together, they can actually memorize these verses or take tests or assignments related to them.

You can definitely do it; it's very useful. Next, there are hymns, and hymns are always accompanied by modern worship songs. It's not just hymns; there are also modern songs that can be sung together. Following this process, we can start from theoretical understanding and move towards worshiping God. Now, let me explain how to use this book. I will share three methods with you. The first method is the easiest: just read it. This is the method I used. You can simply read from cover to cover, and it will be very helpful. It is particularly well-organized, so it would be good to check off each part as you read. I especially recommend having the Bible next to you while reading.

I would like to say this: I did it when I read. In this book, there are parts that directly quote the Bible, but there are also quite a few parts that indirectly reference it. If you find and look at those indirect references while considering the explanations here, it will make the stories much easier to understand. It will also help you think critically. You might ask yourself, Is this biblical text really supporting the doctrine being discussed? Throwing out such questions can be a way to reflect and engage in the process of becoming a theologian. 

The second method is to read together in a small group. In fact, this is a very effective way to read such a thick book because there is a community to share with. You can support each other, and regardless of which part you are on, you can almost always move towards the back.

We will first ask personal application questions as we move to the back. A small group has gathered, maybe four or five people. Then, there are personal application questions that, of course, can only be answered if one understands the content of the chapter, but there are still some that can be addressed. Most of the questions are quite shareable, so we will discuss these questions together. While sharing, we will read the content aloud together. This way, we can understand the content of each chapter along with the parts we discussed earlier. By applying this, we can encounter various opinions from different people. This allows us to correct any misunderstandings we may have had. Additionally, when it comes to applying this in our lives or in teaching, we can approach it in various ways. Finally, we will look at the worship and either sing together, pray, or worship God.

I would like to recommend ending with a worship service. In my opinion, studying theology in a community is the best approach. When you study theology alone, there is a risk of forgetting God, as I mentioned earlier. However, when you do it together as a community, you form people who share the same thoughts and theology. You also have people who try to apply it and live the same life together. So, you make friends, which I think is very beneficial. Especially in small group meetings or community gatherings, you can utilize these aspects and incorporate them into church programs. I once studied in Canada for a short time, and although I wasn't specifically studying theology, the church I attended used this book for study. The small group meetings we had at that time were like this.

I did it in that way. First, I asked that question. At that time, the person who asked the question was a small group leader, and they also created separate questions. After studying the book in advance, we shared those questions, read the book together, had conversations, and prayed together. It was really wonderful. The third method is for the church community to create a curriculum for a year or more. In my opinion, the best way to learn something is to teach it. For example, after I first started the church, I conducted doctrinal education. Our church has a morning service and an afternoon service. During the morning service, I mainly focused on expository preaching, and in the afternoon service, I conducted doctrinal education. Each time I taught doctrinal education, I used Wayne Grudem's book, which discusses the Trinity.

I summarized these concepts on my own, as if I were Wayne Grudem, and then I taught them in front of others. I organized a curriculum, and the entire church studied it. This greatly helped the congregation as their doctrinal knowledge increased, forming a community that shares a common faith. It was especially beneficial for the pastors. If going through the entire book feels overwhelming, it might be good to focus on certain parts, such as the section on theology. The book is divided into seven chapters, or seven parts, and while each part is organically connected, it could also be a good idea to structure one part as a standalone curriculum. Through this, the community can study together and go through a process of learning a shared doctrine. I think these methods of application would be beneficial.

If you think about it and actually apply it, I believe you will be able to use various methods more effectively. Many people think of doctrine in this way: they believe that studying doctrine makes one sharp and only interested in attacking, and that it doesn't really affect their actual faith life. To some extent, this is true. Those who understand the doctrines of the Bible clearly and accurately cannot help but be bothered by incorrect interpretations. I think this book is well-written to prevent that mindset from becoming too rigid. Therefore, I have a special desire to recommend it. The clarity of the content and the neat distinction between what is right and what is wrong are great, but I also hope that many people can use this book as an introduction to Christian theology. It would be wonderful if you could engage with the church and...

I hope you can receive some help in your faith journey within this small group. There is a newsletter for the theology class that goes out every Tuesday. If you subscribe to the mailing service, you will be able to participate in reading systematic theology together. It can be quite challenging to read those brick-like books alone, but if you join in, I believe it will be beneficial for you to solidify your understanding of theology through these texts.

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벽돌책 겁내지 마세요, 이렇게 읽으면 누구나 완독 가능합니다! | 이정규 목사님의 웨인 그루뎀 "조직신학" 리뷰 (2부)

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