Does anyone know Louis Berkhof?

Is he your new pastor?

 

It is about time you started moving towards discipleship.

 

xdisciplex here is a bit of info on the guy: http://www.calvinseminary.edu/aboutUs/presidents/berkhof.php

I have not personally read any of his material, and had never heard of him until today, but you can take that for what it is worth I don't even think it would buy you a cup of coffee.

 

I hope not, he died in 57.

 

Louis Berkhof's Systematic Theology is excellent but it is dated in it's approach and will be somewhat difficult to wade through.

Here is an Outline of Louis Berkhof's Systematic Theology [link]

Personally I'd recommend Bible Doctrine by Wayne Grudem and Jeff Purswell [link] or Grudem's own Systematic Theology text [link].

Both of Grudem's books provide excellent coverage of the topic in a more readable format.

Rob

 

Well I would state it another way. When you have the Truth and you are teaching others, you aren't teaching what you have to say about the Bible, but you are teaching the Truths of the Bible.

Now if you are teaching something that is against Scripture then you are teaching what you have to say about the Bible. If it's Truth then it's Truth no matter who says what.

I think a number of folks use the "it's just what someone has to say about the Bible" bit as an excuse not to learn.

 

I wouldn't say the Bible is easy to understand, especially when you get to the meat of the Word and then the strong meat of the Word! And I think that is why we have gifted teachers that when they die to self the Holy Spirit teaches through them.

I don't know why God set it up that way, but that is the way He has and so we just have to go with it.

 

Berkhof's works are excellent and are worthy reading, along with Grudem's works that were recommended as well as his larger "Systematic Theology." For a good, brief, but thorough systematic theology accessible to layman or clergy alike, consult Bruce Milne's "Know the Truth" or James Boice's "Foundations of the Faith."

 

EXACTLY!!!

 

The best Christians are not necessarily the most learned ones.
The application of the Scriptures should be our highest priority.
Ultimately the world be not influenced by my views of Calvinistism, Creationism or on end-times theory but by my display of my Saviors grace.

On the other hand, those that hunger and thirst after righteousness also long to know their Savior better and there is no better place than searching his word.

Reading the life works of others that have studied the Scriptures for decades seems prudent.

Rob

 

X,
Ultimate truth and teaching come from the Holy Spirit.

John 16:13-14
13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.

If you have the Holy Spirit and a bible you will know the truth. Human teachers are wonderful and we can learn a lot from them, but God's word is the final authority.

 

It's understandable why you're so confused if you've been listening to so many different oppinions and theologians. I have been in that situation. That's why I told you to just stick with your bible. Stop reading other people's stuff and pray for God to open up His word for you. But, you will never understand God's word without the Holy Spirit who you receive at salvation. It is He who opens up the meaning for you. I was not raised in the church and knew absolutely nothing about God. Yet, I aways wanted to know God. In the process of seeking Him I have been exposed to all kinds of denominations and believe me it can cause extreme confusion. But after I accepted the Lord as savior, I asked God to just show me the truth. And He has! Through His word. I spend alone time with the Lord every morning. Just me and my bible. I have learned so much from Him. I still like to learn from other teachers like Charles Stanley, John Macarthur, Josh McDowell and others, but I know that even they are only human (like me) and can make mistakes. I have been part of the Baptist church for almost 5 years now. And even though I don't understand everything, there is no more confusion. All your confusion doesn't come from God, but outside influences. The gospel is for everyone not just the theologically brilliant.
Blessings

 

Not all the Bible is necessarily easy to understand, witness the many interpretations of Scriptures we see all the time.

As to "Why are there a few teachers which understand it all..."??

Simple! To begin with: There simply ain't no such animal!! Which does tend to kinda' make the rest of the sentence irrrelevant, wouldn't you agree?

Now as to those 'wannabe' teachers who would like for you to think they know or understand it all... :tonofbricks:

Ed