Daniel B. Gilbert - The Big 5: Discovering the Five Foundations Every Christian Should Know!

THE BIG 5

Discovering the Five Foundations Every Christian Should Know!

Daniel B. Gilbert, Ph.D.

C opyright 2017 by Daniel B. Gilbert, Ph.D.

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Scripture quotations marked (NASB) are taken from the New American Standard Bible (NASB), copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. www.Lockman.org.

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In Christ Alone lyrics by Stuart Townend and Keith Getty Copyright

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The Big 5: Discovering the Five Foundations Every Christian Should Know / Daniel B. Gilbert, Ph.D.

ISBN-13: 978-1-945793-13-4

ISBN-10: 1-945793-13-9

What a timely book! What a needed book! ... Danny is an outstanding, reverent and accurate teacher of Gods Word.... He correctly sees a gaping hole in the body of Christ that needs to be addressed, now .... My prayer is that many will read The Big 5 and adopt what he expertly communicates in it. Please share this with others!

Brad Matthew Abley, M.Div., Pastor, Author, and Religious Broadcaster

As one who believes strongly that Christians are called to influence civic society and the broader culture, I believe Dr. Gilberts book, The Big 5 is essential reading for todays Christians. Dr. Gilbert explores what he calls the Big 5 doctrines that will help readers become grounded in sound doctrine and therefore be better equipped to stand firm in their Christian faith in ever-shifting and even hostile cultures. I have known Daniel for over 28 years and he has been true to God and an articulate defender of sound Christian theology. I encourage believers to read his book to grow stronger in the foundations of the Christian faith.

Ralph Reed, Ph.D., Founder and Chairman, Faith and Freedom Coalition

The Big 5 lays down influential stones of spiritual truth in a time of moral relevance. Daniel Gilbert provides the underpinnings from which a strong structure of lifelong faith can be built upon Gods word. His dedication as a theologian, his experience as a pastor, and his daily walk of prayer and study of Gods word are exemplified by his utter dependence on the ministry of the Holy Spirit. The Big 5 is a must-read for strengthening your core understanding of Gods word and provides a practical pathway to a dynamic walk and relationship with Jesus!

John Tayloe, President, Strategic Communications Group

I believe The Big 5 is a solid primer on the essentials of the faith as framed by the Reformation, and Luther in particular. Dr. Gilbert has developed a meaningful and helpful focus for times like these when we need to know in Whom we believe and be able to articulate the essentials that make our belief in Jesus understandable and, hopefully, unshakable.

David Gyterson, Ph.D., Associate Provost/Dean Beeson Center at Asbury Theological Seminary and Professor of Leadership Formation and Renewal

In The Big 5 , Dr. Daniel Gilbert does what he does best, which is to communicate the treasures of the Reformation in a way that is passionate, insightful, and clarifying. Dr. Gilbert throws dazzling light on the teachings of the reformers, and warns of the various ways in which their insights are in danger of being lost in the modern church. Drink from this well, reader, and be refreshed!

Michael J. Chan, Ph.D., US Naval Officer and Former Assistant Professor of Old Testament, Luther Seminary

From the opening paragraph, I wanted to read more and I wanted to read quickly.... This is a book all evangelical churches should make available to their members; and I think the old truths made new contained within the book ... should be read at least once a year. It is an excellent and timely reminder on where we base our faith: the word of God and the life, death and resurrection of His son Jesus Christ. Sadly, in many cases the church has lost its way. This book seeks to bring us back to where the truth lies.

Phil Smith, Elder and Businessman, Aberdeen, Scotland

I believe Dr. Gilberts book will enlighten and set lukewarm believers on fire and strengthen all believers in their faith.... If I were alone in paradise, I would only need my Holy Bible and a copy of The Big 5 to feed my soul. [ The Big 5 ] is a GPS that keeps us on course, steering us away from half-truths, idols, and misinformation. It is a true gyroscope for Gods Positioning System.

Deacon Charles Johnson, Bel Air Presbyterian Church, Los Angeles, CA

To the love of my life, Mary Beth, who has encouraged and supported me to write this book. I am so grateful for all her sacrifice and patience with me.

I also dedicate this work to my late spiritual father and mentor, Professor J. Rodman Williams, Ph.D. I am forever thankful for your mentorship of over nineteen years, your love for God, sound theology, and for making me your son of the faith. Without you, I would not have fallen in love with theology and pursued further education and ministry.

WELCOME

H ello, and thank you for purchasing The Big Five .

I wrote The Big Five so that every Christian can discover or rediscover some of the main doctrines and foundations of the Christian faith. It is my desire to help you and others understand how important these foundations are for believers.

Therefore, accompanying each chapter of the book is a set of reflective questions. These workbook sections serve as a practical tool to help you get the most out of the bookto help you truly understand and learn to apply the fundamental doctrines of our faith as found in Gods Word.

Each workbook section includes questions for discussion or reflection as well as a practical action step. I recommend you go through these sections with a pen in order to write your thoughts in the areas provided.

Whether you go through the questions on your own, with a friend, or with a small group, it is my hope that you will have a greater understanding of the Christian faith. I also hope you will thoroughly enjoy the book, grow from the experience, and then share it with a friend!

INTRODUCTION

What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 1:13 (NIV)

T he Big 5 is a phrase that may bring to mind a number of images. The most obvious is college football, but it also refers to five animals common to Africa: the lion, the elephant, the rhinoceros, the Cape buffalo, and one that is rarely seen, the leopard. This phrase also identifies a popular sporting goods chain store, Big 5.