Customer Reviews

God's Truth Revealed: Biblical Foundations for the Christian Faith

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Kathy Howard does a spectacular job of shining a biblical light on our Heavenly Father, who he is, what that means to us--how knowing him changes our lives. With practical lessons to understanding what the Bible teaches and how we can apply those teachings, God's Truth Revealed may be just the Bible-basics study guide you've been looking for!

This book is a good introduction to the basic foundational truths of Christian doctrine. Someone who isn't sure if they are a Christian or who has never been schooled in the fundamentals of the faith would appreciate this as a good introduction. The 'Churchy Words Dictionary', 'Bible Reading Plan', 'Scripture Memory Plan', and 'Recommended Resources' at the end of the book would be especially helpful to seekers and new believers and work well as a resource for group study and discussions.

"God's Truth Revealed" is a 12-session small-group (or individual) Bible study for those who are exploring what Christianity is about. Several of the sessions would also be good for new believers. The study covered: the Bible is accurate; God is real and how mankind can know Him; God created everything and made humankind special; the purpose mankind was created for; why the world and our relationship with God is so messed up; what God did to make it possible for us to have a fixed relationship with Him; why we can't fix this ourselves; how we can be made right with God; God also gave us a future hope; and what God wants from us once we're a Christian.

Each session started with a brief illustrative story then introduced a new concept. The author gave Bible verses for the participants to read (some of which were included in the book) and then discussed those verses. She gave cultural, historical, and scientific evidence to help the reader better understand the idea and verses. She defined the "churchy" words when she used them. She asked some good discussion questions based on the verses. Each session ended with a testimony of how God brought a person into a personal relationship with Him and a "Find Out More" page-long study with some more verses and questions.

At the end of the book, there was a "churchy words" dictionary, suggested Bible Reading plan, Scripture memory tips, and a leader's guide.

I thought that she picked good verses to study, that the questions were generally very good, and that the book was written in an easy to understand way, especially for people not used to Christian words or concepts. She included information on the accuracy of the Bible and why evolution isn't how God created. She promoted actively building a relationship with God through time spent with him in two-way communication (prayer) and reading God's Word.

There were a couple places where I felt the author didn't cover the full meaning of a phrase or concept or I would have defining them slightly differently. I also would have included another session or two to cover some more key concepts from the Old Testament. However, overall, I felt the study was an excellent one and would recommend it to seekers.

As a pastor I am always looking for easy-to-read and easy-to-understand books and resources on Christian theology and the faith. Kathy Howard's new book, God's Truth Revealed: Biblical Foundations for the Christian Faith is one of those good resources for new believers.

Howard's goal is to cover the Christian faith from Creation to Resurrection. The book covers much of Christian theology and the major themes of the Bible especially sin and salvation. After reading the book, it is apparent that one of Howard's primary objectives isn't to just inform but to evangelize. The gospel and all of its intricate parts are dealt with in several chapters and repeatedly the author calls on sinners to repent.

The main subjects discussed by the author include the Bible, creation, the Fall, Jesus, the cross, repentance, and forgiveness. As you can see, there is a heavy emphasis on the gospel (and for that she should be commended).

My main concern with the book regards how little is said regarding the Old Testament. Though the author frequently quotes from the Old Testament, she skips much of it in her survey of major Christian doctrines. After discussing creation and the Fall (Genesis 1-3) she then skips to the New Testament. My concern is for new believers to think that everything from Genesis 4-Malachi 3 is unnecessary and secondary. One must wonder why God went through so much trouble writing the Old Testament if it wasn't central to Christian theology?

Another concern regards how brief some subjects are treated. Of course I am different from most Christians in that I have an undergraduate and an advanced masters in theology and so I long a lot of theological detail. The author says what needs to be said but leaves a lot of rocks uncovered. The author is essentially forced to do this due to the space given to discussion questions and personal stories. Though these other aspects aren't good (they are oftentimes very helpful), but they force the author to be more selective and brief on what is discussed in the main text. As a result the author can only speak in a matter-of-fact way without interacting with some of the common questions that new believers raise.

However, the material that is given is quite good. I was pleased to read early on the authors inclusion and discussion on the issue of manuscripts and textual criticism. In her chapter on Scripture the author gave one of the best and most precise explanations of textual criticism and how it assures us that what we have is accurate and true. Throughout the book the author gives these sort of insights always in a brief but well discussed manner.

Overall, this is a good book but not the best. As one that likes to read boring theology, I could have done without some of the discussion questions and personal stories, but I am not like most Christians. The author has a heart for young believers and unbelievers and pleads for the unrepentant to embrace the cross and the redeemed to live like it.

For those looking for an easy to read book for beginners, this is a good place to start.

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Kathy Howard has done an excellent job in writing this Bible study. As Director of Women's Ministry of Kelview Heights Baptist Church in Midland, Texas, we have decided to use this particular study with our Women of Purpose class. Women of Purpose is a single mom's class and they are excited about studying about the basic principles of the Christian life. I'm excited Kathy Howard has put together such a wonderful study.

If you've ever known anyone that came to Christ as an adult, you know that, in many cases, they lack the basic foundation to build their faith upon...a foundation that some believers begin establishing in childhood . And, while it's true that God reveals Himself to each of us individually, personally and uniquely, with no regard to age or any other barrier, when there's no foundation from His Word to build on, new believers are sometimes left to stray. Unfortunately, sometimes straying away.

This new 12-week study by Kathy Howard encourages new believers to establish that much-needed foundation and does it in a way that is both genuine and understandable. Real stories from the lives of real seekers bring this study to life and will resonate with anyone wanting to connect...or reconnect...with the heart of God. Highly recommended for both individual and group study!

I work with new believers on a regular basis and this is a wonderful resource to get them moving down the road to understanding their place in Christ. From the authors pointed questions to get you thinking about Godly things, to "Churchy Words" a dictionary of terms known to the average church-goer but not fully undrstood and just down right confusing to the new beleiver. "God's Truth Revealed" is a exploration of the foundational beliefs necessary to a strong beginning in the lifelong living of the things of God. Use this in the teaching of new believers and the clarification of the foundational issues for the longtime Christ-follower.

When this cover says "Truth" revealed, it means it! This is an honest look at who God is, why we're here, and what lies ahead. Whether you're a new believer or just have questions about life and the meaning of it all, this book looks at the basic but hard questions and presents Biblical answers to teach us all the Truth of our Creator. I also highly recommend this book to any individual or group looking to cover the basics with fresh eyes. Kathy Howard speeks clearly in this study, making it easy to follow and tough to walk away from! Buy it now!

Kathy Howard's latest study, God's Truth Revealed, manages to delve deeply into scripture and yet it does not go over the heads of new believers or seekers. She makes the study accessible to such a broad audience by using lots of bite-sized text, with penetrating questions and by being vulnerable to her reader with first-person examples from her own life. Like her previous Bible study, Before His Throne, I wholeheartedly recommend God's Truth Revealed.

"Who is God?" "Why am I here?" "How can I be saved?" "What now?" "How do I follow God?" These are just a few of the questions that Kathy answers succinctly and with sensitivity in her new book God's Truth Revealed: Biblical Foundations for the Christian Faith.

Are you a "seeker"?...this book is for you! Are you a believer?...this book is for you! Are you a teacher of the Word?...this book is for you! It covers all the bases of faith!

Kathy has given us a valuable resource that can be used by teachers and leaders in a church setting. It can be used in small groups. However, the book has a kind of "sit around the kitchen table with a friend and talk" feel to it too. So if you have been nervous about talking to your friend or your neighbour about your faith, this book will equip you to share the foundations of your faith to anyone who has questions or has a hunger to know more about what it means to follow God wholeheartedly.

This book will change lives!

Lynn Dove - Author of Shoot the Wounded

Shoot The Wounded