We live in a day and age where doctrine is often replaced with how people feel instead of what the Bible teaches. The result of this is a type of “Christianity” that emphasizes sharing what we feel above knowing what we believe to be true from the Word of God, and submitting to the teaching therein. This is why we (as believers) need books like Taking God Seriously: Vital Things We Need to Know, by Dr. J.I. Packer. Packer has had an incredible influence over several generations of evangelicals for good reason; he is clear, biblical, helpful and practical in his writing. In this book Packer takes aim at the “feel-good Christianity” that is prevalent in our day and pleads for our use of a sober, thoughtful, and orthodox theology that informs the head and enflames the heart to the glory of God. To this end, the author soberly works through the essentials of the faith, doctrine, Christian unity, repentance, the Church, the Holy Spirit, baptism, and the Lord’s Supper.
Taking God Seriously will help Christians to know what biblical Christianity teaches and why it matters. The importance of this lies in the fact that sound doctrine leads to sound (or right) living before God. The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Timothy 4:16, “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching.” Paul’s point here is that both doctrine and the manner in which Timothy lives his life are equally important. The same is true for every Christian; this is why we need books like Taking God Seriously: Vital Things We Need to Know. This book will strengthen the hands of faithful servants of the risen Christ, and equip and empower new believers to truly know what they believe, why it matters, and how to live a faithful Christian life.
Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah. He is a writer, editor, and speaker living in beautiful Southern Oregon. Dave is a lover of Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology. He serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries, the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine, the Host and Producer of Equipping You in Grace Podcast, and is a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word. He is the author of The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age (G3 Press, 2022), and Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024). You can find him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, or read his newsletter. Dave loves to spend time with his wife, going to movies, eating at a nice restaurant, or going out for a round of golf with a good friend. He is also a voracious reader, in particular of Reformed theology, and the Puritans. You will often find him when he’s not busy with ministry reading a pile of the latest books from a wide variety of Christian publishers. Dave received his M.A.R. and M.Div through Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
