What We Believe and Why
An insightful, accessible, plain-spoken (and a little bit feisty) look at the Christian faith – from its Jewish roots to its future hope – beyond denominational struggles and doctrinal war.

For individuals, small groups and congregations seeking deeper knowledge of the faith and greater maturity in Christ. Includes an exhaustive "Glossary Plus" of Christian and Jewish terms, an extensive Bibliography, a detailed Index, and a little Humor in the back.

The Christian faith--the basics and much more. In this sweeping and careful account of the essentials and non-essentials of the faith, Dr. George Koch lays out the foundation of what Christians believe, why they believe it, and how the Bible calls them to live with each other and the world. This begins with understanding "being saved," through learning to live and love like Jesus (it's hard!), and the content of eternal life with Him.

The profound Jewish roots of the faith are revealed and explained, along with the deep meaning of the Hebrew and Greek behind the words of the Old and New Testaments. The true purpose of prayer is explored in some surprising ways, across denominations and history. Then the nature of God's love is looked at--with its ability to burst open prisons of the heart and mind. And obedience: What does God expect from us, and how can we fulfill it?

Next is covenant--the very way of God with Abraham, Moses, Jesus and us--like a marriage: intimate, caring, protected. Then on through issues of the Holy Spirit, peace, mercy, heresy (it's probably not what you think!), the Trinity, and Bible authority.

Koch then examines how competing religious concepts arose in the Church, and how these are often used--against the explicit commands of Jesus--to drive apart believers. He sets forth several specific and biblical steps that opposing Christian groups and individuals can take to begin to embody the unity that Jesus desired of His followers--to find true reconciliation with God and with each other.

The journey of this book is a challenging one, but can help Christians learn to refocus on the love of God, neighbor and enemy that Jesus taught, rather than differences over concepts about God and the Church. The true purpose of the Christian life is not merely to know more about God, but to know God more.


EARLY PRAISE ROLLING IN:

"I read one or two books a week, and for me What We Believe and Why has become my breakthrough book of the year! The Holy Spirit spoke powerfully to me through its pages. Some chapters were helpful reminders stated in a fresh manner; others were totally new insights. Fortunately, George Koch writes in such a way that not only his fellow theologians can understand, but also plumbers, bus drivers and even individuals like me."

Dr. David R. Mains
Director, Mainstay Ministries


The following is from an email sent by the author, John H. Armstrong, to a friend (and later forwarded to Byron Arts):

"I have THE book for you... It is called What We Believe and Why... [George Koch] is Anglican, catholic, orthodox, evangelical, insightful, helpful, readable, etc. In fact, the book is a primer that ordinary folks can read and...it has a great glossary so people do not get lost in terms, etc. The cover says that the book 'is insightful, accessible, plain-spoken and a little feisty.' That is a perfect description. It [does not] require anyone to be an Anglican to treasure his work and his insights. Honestly, I've not seen a book like it and will be promoting it soon on my blog site...If I were pastoring this is what I would use, hands down."

John H. Armstrong
President of Act 3; blogger; adjunct professor of evangelism, Wheaton College Graduate School; author; former pastor and church-planter

When I plant the Messianic Jewish Congregation of Chicago, I will be using your book as a resource for teaching the basics of theology in our Shabbat School. Blessings to you, brother."

Roy Schwarcz
Midwest Regional Director, Chosen People Ministries; Congregational Planter, Messianic Congregation of Chicago


WHAT READERS ARE SAYING:

"I've been hearing these concepts since boyhood, but it wasn't until I spent 2 hours with this book that I really understood what they meant. I am richer for it."

Brad C.
Wheaton, IL


"I just have to tell you that I am reading the Kindle edition of What We Believe and Why. The section I just finished, on being born into the Kingdom, is just stunning. I cannot thank you enough for writing. I wish I knew you personally, just to tell you face-to-face."

Craig W.,
Raleigh, NC
1109140977
What We Believe and Why
An insightful, accessible, plain-spoken (and a little bit feisty) look at the Christian faith – from its Jewish roots to its future hope – beyond denominational struggles and doctrinal war.

For individuals, small groups and congregations seeking deeper knowledge of the faith and greater maturity in Christ. Includes an exhaustive "Glossary Plus" of Christian and Jewish terms, an extensive Bibliography, a detailed Index, and a little Humor in the back.

The Christian faith--the basics and much more. In this sweeping and careful account of the essentials and non-essentials of the faith, Dr. George Koch lays out the foundation of what Christians believe, why they believe it, and how the Bible calls them to live with each other and the world. This begins with understanding "being saved," through learning to live and love like Jesus (it's hard!), and the content of eternal life with Him.

The profound Jewish roots of the faith are revealed and explained, along with the deep meaning of the Hebrew and Greek behind the words of the Old and New Testaments. The true purpose of prayer is explored in some surprising ways, across denominations and history. Then the nature of God's love is looked at--with its ability to burst open prisons of the heart and mind. And obedience: What does God expect from us, and how can we fulfill it?

Next is covenant--the very way of God with Abraham, Moses, Jesus and us--like a marriage: intimate, caring, protected. Then on through issues of the Holy Spirit, peace, mercy, heresy (it's probably not what you think!), the Trinity, and Bible authority.

Koch then examines how competing religious concepts arose in the Church, and how these are often used--against the explicit commands of Jesus--to drive apart believers. He sets forth several specific and biblical steps that opposing Christian groups and individuals can take to begin to embody the unity that Jesus desired of His followers--to find true reconciliation with God and with each other.

The journey of this book is a challenging one, but can help Christians learn to refocus on the love of God, neighbor and enemy that Jesus taught, rather than differences over concepts about God and the Church. The true purpose of the Christian life is not merely to know more about God, but to know God more.


EARLY PRAISE ROLLING IN:

"I read one or two books a week, and for me What We Believe and Why has become my breakthrough book of the year! The Holy Spirit spoke powerfully to me through its pages. Some chapters were helpful reminders stated in a fresh manner; others were totally new insights. Fortunately, George Koch writes in such a way that not only his fellow theologians can understand, but also plumbers, bus drivers and even individuals like me."

Dr. David R. Mains
Director, Mainstay Ministries


The following is from an email sent by the author, John H. Armstrong, to a friend (and later forwarded to Byron Arts):

"I have THE book for you... It is called What We Believe and Why... [George Koch] is Anglican, catholic, orthodox, evangelical, insightful, helpful, readable, etc. In fact, the book is a primer that ordinary folks can read and...it has a great glossary so people do not get lost in terms, etc. The cover says that the book 'is insightful, accessible, plain-spoken and a little feisty.' That is a perfect description. It [does not] require anyone to be an Anglican to treasure his work and his insights. Honestly, I've not seen a book like it and will be promoting it soon on my blog site...If I were pastoring this is what I would use, hands down."

John H. Armstrong
President of Act 3; blogger; adjunct professor of evangelism, Wheaton College Graduate School; author; former pastor and church-planter

When I plant the Messianic Jewish Congregation of Chicago, I will be using your book as a resource for teaching the basics of theology in our Shabbat School. Blessings to you, brother."

Roy Schwarcz
Midwest Regional Director, Chosen People Ministries; Congregational Planter, Messianic Congregation of Chicago


WHAT READERS ARE SAYING:

"I've been hearing these concepts since boyhood, but it wasn't until I spent 2 hours with this book that I really understood what they meant. I am richer for it."

Brad C.
Wheaton, IL


"I just have to tell you that I am reading the Kindle edition of What We Believe and Why. The section I just finished, on being born into the Kingdom, is just stunning. I cannot thank you enough for writing. I wish I knew you personally, just to tell you face-to-face."

Craig W.,
Raleigh, NC
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What We Believe and Why

What We Believe and Why

by George Koch
What We Believe and Why

What We Believe and Why

by George Koch

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Overview

An insightful, accessible, plain-spoken (and a little bit feisty) look at the Christian faith – from its Jewish roots to its future hope – beyond denominational struggles and doctrinal war.

For individuals, small groups and congregations seeking deeper knowledge of the faith and greater maturity in Christ. Includes an exhaustive "Glossary Plus" of Christian and Jewish terms, an extensive Bibliography, a detailed Index, and a little Humor in the back.

The Christian faith--the basics and much more. In this sweeping and careful account of the essentials and non-essentials of the faith, Dr. George Koch lays out the foundation of what Christians believe, why they believe it, and how the Bible calls them to live with each other and the world. This begins with understanding "being saved," through learning to live and love like Jesus (it's hard!), and the content of eternal life with Him.

The profound Jewish roots of the faith are revealed and explained, along with the deep meaning of the Hebrew and Greek behind the words of the Old and New Testaments. The true purpose of prayer is explored in some surprising ways, across denominations and history. Then the nature of God's love is looked at--with its ability to burst open prisons of the heart and mind. And obedience: What does God expect from us, and how can we fulfill it?

Next is covenant--the very way of God with Abraham, Moses, Jesus and us--like a marriage: intimate, caring, protected. Then on through issues of the Holy Spirit, peace, mercy, heresy (it's probably not what you think!), the Trinity, and Bible authority.

Koch then examines how competing religious concepts arose in the Church, and how these are often used--against the explicit commands of Jesus--to drive apart believers. He sets forth several specific and biblical steps that opposing Christian groups and individuals can take to begin to embody the unity that Jesus desired of His followers--to find true reconciliation with God and with each other.

The journey of this book is a challenging one, but can help Christians learn to refocus on the love of God, neighbor and enemy that Jesus taught, rather than differences over concepts about God and the Church. The true purpose of the Christian life is not merely to know more about God, but to know God more.


EARLY PRAISE ROLLING IN:

"I read one or two books a week, and for me What We Believe and Why has become my breakthrough book of the year! The Holy Spirit spoke powerfully to me through its pages. Some chapters were helpful reminders stated in a fresh manner; others were totally new insights. Fortunately, George Koch writes in such a way that not only his fellow theologians can understand, but also plumbers, bus drivers and even individuals like me."

Dr. David R. Mains
Director, Mainstay Ministries


The following is from an email sent by the author, John H. Armstrong, to a friend (and later forwarded to Byron Arts):

"I have THE book for you... It is called What We Believe and Why... [George Koch] is Anglican, catholic, orthodox, evangelical, insightful, helpful, readable, etc. In fact, the book is a primer that ordinary folks can read and...it has a great glossary so people do not get lost in terms, etc. The cover says that the book 'is insightful, accessible, plain-spoken and a little feisty.' That is a perfect description. It [does not] require anyone to be an Anglican to treasure his work and his insights. Honestly, I've not seen a book like it and will be promoting it soon on my blog site...If I were pastoring this is what I would use, hands down."

John H. Armstrong
President of Act 3; blogger; adjunct professor of evangelism, Wheaton College Graduate School; author; former pastor and church-planter

When I plant the Messianic Jewish Congregation of Chicago, I will be using your book as a resource for teaching the basics of theology in our Shabbat School. Blessings to you, brother."

Roy Schwarcz
Midwest Regional Director, Chosen People Ministries; Congregational Planter, Messianic Congregation of Chicago


WHAT READERS ARE SAYING:

"I've been hearing these concepts since boyhood, but it wasn't until I spent 2 hours with this book that I really understood what they meant. I am richer for it."

Brad C.
Wheaton, IL


"I just have to tell you that I am reading the Kindle edition of What We Believe and Why. The section I just finished, on being born into the Kingdom, is just stunning. I cannot thank you enough for writing. I wish I knew you personally, just to tell you face-to-face."

Craig W.,
Raleigh, NC

Product Details

BN ID: 2940014786126
Publisher: Byron Arts
Publication date: 06/14/2012
Sold by: Barnes & Noble
Format: eBook
Pages: 376
File size: 976 KB

About the Author

About the author: The Reverend Doctor George Byron Koch (pronounced coke) is Pastor and teacher at New Jerusalem House of Prayer in West Chicago, Illinois (USA). He is also a former Senior Vice President of Oracle Corporation, author of a best-selling book on database design (Oracle: The Complete Reference), another book on Christian discipleship and small groups (The Country Parson’s Advice to His Parishioners, brought into modern English from an anonymous 1680 text), and numerous articles in magazines and newspapers, ranging from The Wall Street Journal to Christianity Today. His first degree is in Physics, and science is an ongoing a field of interest for him. His doctoral studies focused on healing and reconciliation, and he continues to teach on these subjects.
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