Basics for Believers: 5 simple things to remember

D.A. Carson is a prolific writer, and a good one. He is also one of the founders of The Gospel Coalition, the group which has re-issued his book Basics for Believers; the Core of Christian Faith and Life (A Study of Philippians). (Baker Books, 1996; repackaged 2018).

                 I was skeptical at first that this small book—only about 150 pages—could even begin to cover the basics, but Carson has done a remarkable job of simplifying the list of things believers need to know. And he came at the task from an unlikely perspective.  I often have people read John’s gospel to learn about Jesus as God, or perhaps chapters 5-7 of the Gospel of Matthew, or James’ letter to see how Christians should act. But Carson turned to the book of Philippians, a joy-filled letter written by the Apostle Paul while he was in prison, to point out five important things for believers to focus on.

               

             Starting with chapter one of Philippians (verses 1-26), we see that we should “put the gospel first”.  In everything: no exceptions, no excuses. Much easier said than done!

                

              Using Phil 1:27 to 2:18, Carson shows why the believer should stay focused on the Cross, and with the death of Jesus as the standard, how we test our outlook on life and death. It’s certainly a different perspective than most people are used to.

              

            We can’t do it alone, and every believer is not called to reinvent the wheel. Based on Phil 2:19-thru 3:21, Carson says that we should emulate worthy Christian leaders.  This piece of advice seems simple at first, but think about it. Who gets to decide who those leaders are? We’re left to find the people who are living a Christ-like life, and to follow and emulate them. And sometimes we get confused!

                And lastly, based on the 4^th and final chapter of this letter, we are reminded to never give up the Christian Walk. Paul, even from prison continued with his ministry of sharing the Gospel throughout the empire. He didn’t give up, and neither should we.

          

                  As a member of their bloggers’ team, I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

                4/5