Classic Bible Doctrine
594425
This book is a must read if you are confused, by what appears to be, contradicting passages in the Bible.
1755559
"Introduction to Christian Doctrine" is a great quick reference book for theology for anyone interested in brief understandings of the major views on major subjects with the authors input on which best fits the Scriptures.

Today many people are ignorant concerning any doctrinal position other than their own. In light of that fact it is important for Christians to understand other views than those they are accustomed to.

As Charles Finney noted:

"My brother, sister, friend--read, study, think, and read again. You were made to think. It will do you good to think; to develop your powers by study. God designed that religion should require thought intense thought, and should thoroughly develop our powers of thought. The Bible itself is written in a style so condensed as to require much intense study. Many know nothing of the Bible or of religion, because they will not think and study."

This book will help give you concise descriptions of major views of theology and assist you in reflecting on them.

I rate this book as 4 Starts because the author leans toward Calvinism while the book was supposed to be more of a neutral approach.
2923110
This is the original (classic) edition of "The Living Bible". The publishers moved-on to another translation called "The New Living Translation" offering many editions of that, but only one remaining editon of "The Living Bible" -- this one. Thank God for that! This is a nicely bound (hardbound) bible (classic dark green), with quality paper and printing (Notice: this might not be a "red-letter" edition anymore). I wish they published it as a "text bible" since the footnotes seem rather obvious, but no big deal. Font size is approx. 8 pt (wish it was more like 10 pt). I think much of "The Living Bible" is nicely written because Kenneth N. Taylor had a knack for language and his heart was in the right place: "When God began creating the heavens and the earth, the earth was at first a shapeless, chaotic mass, with the Spirit of God brooding over the dark vapors."

Celebrating 40 years, June 2011 Tyndale has issued a TuTone cover edition, ISBN: 1414358555
4288688
I still have Barclay's original commentary on the Gospel of John from many years ago. This updated version, with some corrected wording (and a good introduction by Drane), is faithful to the remarkable clarity and depth of Barclay. He speaks directly to all of us in simple and understandable language. I recommend it without hesitation.
3427420
This is a excellent classic in Christian Theology. It is excellent because Pink gives a thoroughly biblical basis for sanctification. One can come away with plenty of scriptural source material for further study. This book is great for the intermediate student of the word of God.
3160816
Wayne Grudem has simplified volumes of theological doctrine to make this book of concise, understandable doctrines.  This would make a good sunday school study and is just plain helpful for all Christians.
1551775
Grudem does a great job of taking the doctrines of the Bible, even the difficult ones, and explaining them in a way that is understandable to the layperson.  He provides Biblical support for the doctrines and addresses many of the ways that various doctrines are misunderstood or misinterpreted and shows where they strayed from what the Bible actually teaches.
6636
This book is a fine treatise on what the greatest writer of Biblical doctrine had to say about the role of women. It can, and should, be used to quickly and thoroughly refute anyone who questions that women have a visible, active, beautiful, and important role in the family and church. The author knows his Greek and Hebrew languages well, and he is very familiar with how the Classical cultures shaped the mindset of early Christians. He easily and thoroughly explains this in plain English for the average literate person to understand.

That said, a couple of his interpretations fall short. In chapter 2, most notably, he correctly asserts that wives are not to be "ruled" by their husbands like servants by a dictator. He states that the husband is more like the physical head of a body or the leader of an army, he who charges into battle first. However, Bristow then asserts that this form of headship or military leadership conveys no kind of actual leadership by the husband over his wife at all. This is pure logical fallacy - one cannot liken a husband to a military leader whom his troops follow into battle and then say that this is not leadership. Further, to do this robs Christ of His active leadership of the Church. It's plain as day for Christians - wives are to support their husbands' leadership of the family in a marriage as we are all to support Christ's leadership of the Church in church.

This glaring fallacy notwithstanding, this is still an excellent book. I recommend it for anyone serious about understanding God's view of how Humankind in His image is supposed to function.
536629
Perhaps no other pastor has bequeathed a greater treasure to the church, than Matthew Henry and his commentary on the entire Bible. Since 1710 his commentary has blessed generations with a clear explanation and devotional treatment of Scripture. His work set the bar for future commentaries with its blend of accessibility, practicality, spiritual warmth and doctrinal depth. It is truly a classic which should continue to endure for years to come.

Charles Spurgeon, the great Baptist preacher from the 19th Century, recommended that ministers read through Henry's 6 volume commentary once a year. Few pastors today have done so. Many churchgoers today, have an abridged Henry on their shelf or access to his entire work in a Bible study computer program or online, but few of them have read significant portions of his work. I must confess myself to be in the number of those who haven't read enough of Matthew Henry.

Randall Peterson has offered a wonderful introduction to Henry's writing, through a selection of daily devotional readings excerpted from his commentary. "Matthew Henry: Daily Readings" is nicely published and presented in a leather bound, conveniently sized edition, complete with a ribbon bookmark like you would find in most Bibles.

Each reading includes the day's date, a title for the selection, a Scripture verse from the ESV, and at the bottom of the page, the section of Henry's commentary where the selection is to be found. Selections cover the wide range of the Bible with a special emphasis on Psalms.
Henry has a firm grasp of the Gospel and will not lead the believer wrong. An excerpt from his May 21st entry illustrates how challenging this devotional can be:

"We know not his riches and our own poverty, therefore we run not to him; we perceive not that we are lost and perishing, therefore a Savior is a word of little relish. Were we convinced of the huge mass of guilt that lies upon us, and the wrath that hangs over us for it, ready to fall upon us, it would be our continual thought, Is the Savior mine? And that we might find him so, we should trample on all that hinders our way to him."

This devotional will not be as easy to read as Our Daily Bread, but its nutritional content will be a balm to your soul. I highly recommend this excellent work which is suitable for a special gift or a lifelong treasure.

Disclaimer: This book was provided by Christian Focus Publications for review.  I was under no obligation to offer a favorable review.
4474342
Dispensational, not overly technical, but not simplistic either.  Good treatment of eschatology as a whole doctrine of the Bible.  Every pastor, teacher, and student ought to have this book if he can only have one on the subject.
4954296
H.L. Nigro's book is wonderful and easy to understand.  With a clear precise reading of biblical text, Nigro shows how the easiest stance on the rapture is the one of Pre-Wrath.  Today, most evangelical churches lull their members into an escapism mentality with the doctrine of the pre-trib rapture.  Once one realizes that early church fathers held to the pre-wrath position, as sited by Nigro, one starts to unravel the mystery which shouldn't be confusing for those who aren't in darkness (I Thess 5:4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief).  It's clear, concise, and not convoluted.
377464
Alfred Edersheim's writings are considered a benchamrk by many.  His original "Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah" (3000 pages) is a classic.

I purchased his book regarding the temple based on his track record.

The book, though written years ago, is a thorough study in the set-up, operation, and functionality of the temple in all its glory.

Anyone desiring to understand present-day worship in the church needs to understand the worship in the original temple.  Not necessarily to imitate it, but learn how to approach God in a manner consistent with Who He is.  Understanding the methods of the "original" temple worshippers, yields many "keys" on how to worship God today.  Desire to understand worship of God?...I recommend reading this book.
3889889
This book is a modern classic. It contains some of the best foundational teaching for Christian growth based on sound biblical principles that I have ever found in one book.
4954035
This is the best book I have ever read on Christian growth. I have probably read it over the years,when I'm feeling spiritually dry, over 50 times. Ryrie is such a clear Bible teacher. I often find Dr. Ryrie looks at all the teaching on the subject and he often shows exceptions to general assumptions, such as in lordship salvation. This book is very balanced, as the title shows, but also strongly promotes personal holiness. There is great emphasis for the believer to dedicate his life to the Lord (Rom. 12:1,2). It also looks at practical issues in sanctification and how we can glorify God in our every day life. It was written in 1969,but it is a timeless classic.
2276832
Dr Chapel does not disappoint in his biblical approach to the study and delivery of God's word. I have been forever changed to read the wisdom Dr Chapel provides. My prayer now is that I am able to apply it to my preaching.
112475
This is an excellent bible comentary, better than others I have read, It explains very well the deeps of the good content of the bible. Alfred Edersheim an excellent bible master.

You will not regret to buy this book @ very low price!
999460
If anyone is interested in reading sound Biblical Doctrine without personal opinions and comments, then this book (and the other 4 in the series of 5) is the book for you.  The entire set included 5 Volumes.  Mr. Nichol was noted for his easy to read style of writing.  In composing these 5 books (in addition to many others he wrote in his lifetime), Mr. Nichol follows the dictum of "Speaking where the Bible Speaks, and Silent where the Bible is silent".  His books (and in particular this series) achieve this goal and one can be feel safe in reading these writings, as the Scriptural References are given and often quoted in all cases of the Doctrine he elucidates in this 5 Volume Set and his other writings.  Clear, concise and doctrinally as pure as one could possibly find explaining the basic tenets of the Christian Faith.  Highly recommended.