Reformed theology
topics are hard to find in your local Christian book stores. They are filled
with rows and rows of books will feel good messages and self-help books. There
seems to a push to sell more books, rather than guard God's word. Today I'd
like to introduce you to a writer you should know. He is a man in whom I have a
great deal of respect. He upholds the truth of God's word. He makes church
history interesting (now, that is saying something!). Bryan Holstrom is an elder in my
church (Covenant of Grace OPC in Batavia, Il) and he is someone I'd like to introduce you to.
Me: Hello Bryan!
Bryan: Hi Shari.
Me: Please tell us a little about yourself.
Bryan: I’m a husband and father of four who works professionally as an investment advisor but also happens to write books on theological topics in some of my spare time.
Me: What books have you written?
Bryan: The first was entitled Infant Baptism and the Silence of the New Testament, a work which sets forth the Reformed case for the historic practice of infant baptism. Next was an exposition of the person and work of the Savior entitled Thinking Rightly of Christ. And this past year I released my third book entitled The Gift of Faith: Discovering the Glory of God in Salvation.
Me: Why is sound doctrine so important?
Bryan: Because having a proper understanding of who God is and what he has done produces (through the work of the Holy Spirit, of course) holy lives and sound living. There’s an old axiom in biblical studies that “the imperative is rooted in the indicative.” That is to say, what the Bible calls us to do (the imperative) is grounded upon the truths expressed about God and his work of creation/redemption, etc. (the indicative). We see this pattern of instruction throughout Scripture, but especially in Paul’s epistles, where he draws out ethical principles for living only after first having set forth the doctrinal foundations from which they flow.
Unfortunately, we live in an age where it is not uncommon to hear voices in the church attempting to pit doctrine against practice, as if the study of sound doctrine were actually an impediment to holy living, rather than the spur to it. The end product of such thinking, however, is a bare legalism or works righteousness mindset. Having the proper understanding of biblical doctrine is the way in which we avoid such faulty thinking, which is characteristic of the ‘natural’ man, not the Spirit-led Christians that Christ has called us to be.
Me: There seems to be a shortage of current reformed authors in our society today. Which of your books would you recommend to my readers if they could only check out one of them, and why?
Bryan: I suppose if I had to choose one it would be Thinking Rightly of Christ, because nothing is more practical or beneficial for the Christian than cultivating a deeper appreciation for the significance of the one whom we worship as Lord and Savior. The book attempts to strip away some of the misconceptions that plague our understanding of Christ’s person and work, with the goal of increasing our devotion to him in the process. In my (humble) opinion, everyone on the planet should read it.
Me: Are there any plans for a 4th book? If so, can we get a sneak peek?
Bryan: I suspect there will be a fourth book at some point, though I consider myself to be on an extended break from writing right now. As to subject matter, I have several ideas brewing at the moment, but don’t know what I might finally settle on. I’m leaning toward a book with more of a historical bent next time. At any rate, I’ll make sure that you are the first to know when I finally make a decision, Shari.
Me: Any last thoughts you'd like to share?
Bryan: Yes. Soli Deo Gloria.
Me: Thank you for your time!
Bryan: Hi Shari.
Me: Please tell us a little about yourself.
Bryan: I’m a husband and father of four who works professionally as an investment advisor but also happens to write books on theological topics in some of my spare time.
Me: What books have you written?
Bryan: The first was entitled Infant Baptism and the Silence of the New Testament, a work which sets forth the Reformed case for the historic practice of infant baptism. Next was an exposition of the person and work of the Savior entitled Thinking Rightly of Christ. And this past year I released my third book entitled The Gift of Faith: Discovering the Glory of God in Salvation.
Me: Why is sound doctrine so important?
Bryan: Because having a proper understanding of who God is and what he has done produces (through the work of the Holy Spirit, of course) holy lives and sound living. There’s an old axiom in biblical studies that “the imperative is rooted in the indicative.” That is to say, what the Bible calls us to do (the imperative) is grounded upon the truths expressed about God and his work of creation/redemption, etc. (the indicative). We see this pattern of instruction throughout Scripture, but especially in Paul’s epistles, where he draws out ethical principles for living only after first having set forth the doctrinal foundations from which they flow.
Unfortunately, we live in an age where it is not uncommon to hear voices in the church attempting to pit doctrine against practice, as if the study of sound doctrine were actually an impediment to holy living, rather than the spur to it. The end product of such thinking, however, is a bare legalism or works righteousness mindset. Having the proper understanding of biblical doctrine is the way in which we avoid such faulty thinking, which is characteristic of the ‘natural’ man, not the Spirit-led Christians that Christ has called us to be.
Me: There seems to be a shortage of current reformed authors in our society today. Which of your books would you recommend to my readers if they could only check out one of them, and why?
Bryan: I suppose if I had to choose one it would be Thinking Rightly of Christ, because nothing is more practical or beneficial for the Christian than cultivating a deeper appreciation for the significance of the one whom we worship as Lord and Savior. The book attempts to strip away some of the misconceptions that plague our understanding of Christ’s person and work, with the goal of increasing our devotion to him in the process. In my (humble) opinion, everyone on the planet should read it.
Me: Are there any plans for a 4th book? If so, can we get a sneak peek?
Bryan: I suspect there will be a fourth book at some point, though I consider myself to be on an extended break from writing right now. As to subject matter, I have several ideas brewing at the moment, but don’t know what I might finally settle on. I’m leaning toward a book with more of a historical bent next time. At any rate, I’ll make sure that you are the first to know when I finally make a decision, Shari.
Me: Any last thoughts you'd like to share?
Bryan: Yes. Soli Deo Gloria.
Me: Thank you for your time!
I hope you all have
had your interest piqued and will get a copy of each of his books to
read!
For the record, I am
not being paid for this endorsement. I just really think that his books are
truly worth reading! There are just so few reformed, contemporary authors
worth recommending! :)
Now, run, don't walk,
to Amazon.com and check out his books! (here)
Sorry, giveaway has now ended.
Be sure to leave a comment here to be entered to win! Thanks :)
ReplyDeleteI already have all three books (and thus am not entering in the free giveaway :) ), and I have found them very profitable. I'm looking forward to that fourth book!
ReplyDeleteHis second book was finished just before my first trip over there, and the third one right before my second trip... maybe I should plan another trip and see if it results in another book!
There are so many good preachers and authors we don't know about. Thanks for introducing us to one (I hope that didn't sound worse than I meant). So this is my entry and I'll be liking the page.
ReplyDeleteJeff
Congratulations! You won the drawing for a copy of Thinking Rightly of Christ. Please email me your address and I will get that sent out to you this week! Thanks for reading :)
DeleteSorry-probably should tell you my email address! :)
Deleteczer513 (at) gmail (dot) com
I would like to enter, I've heard many good things about mr holstroms books!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! You won a copy of The Gift of Faith. I already know your contact info! Thanks for reading :)
DeleteI would love to own "Thinking Rightly of Christ". It sounds engaging. send and I lead small group Bible studies. I wonder if he has any books that would be good for married couples?
ReplyDeleteI don't know anything about these books, but I love reading! And I like free stuff. XD
ReplyDeleteKaty
So far, sadly, he has not written a book for married couples, but we can hope we will in the future! Thanks for reading :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Cowboy and Scripture Zealot! You have won the drawing. The drawing is currently closed but you can still leave comments. Thanks!
ReplyDelete