Sound Doctrine: Helpful Resources

May 26, 2022 | by: John Lee | 0 Comments

Posted in: Pastoral Encouragement

As we have been going through Paul’s letter to Titus, a common theme that continually shows up is the importance of sound doctrine in one’s life. One main concern in Titus is for the continued growth in godliness which comes about through the proclamation of sound doctrine. In Titus 2:1, Paul exhorts Titus to teach all that accords with sound doctrine as opposed to the false teachers who taught a false gospel by seeking to add to the gospel.   

With that, it is good for us to remember that we are in need to have the gospel pressed upon our hearts daily. We need to be reminded that Jesus, His person and work, is truly enough and we can rest in Him! We need our lives to be saturated in God’s Word and to heed the sound doctrine that accords with godliness. For this week’s Touchpoint, I’d like to share some personal recommendations to help you and your families be saturated in the truths of Scripture. None of these resources should replace Scripture, but I pray that they would be helpful resources. If you’d like to borrow, discuss, or start a reading group with any of these, I’d love to share them with you. 

Books:

  1. The Westminster Confession of Faith

I know of no greater summary of the Bible’s theology as a whole than the WCF. Although produced in the 1600’s, the WCF gets at the truth and beauty of sound doctrine. In a world that is pleased to “pick and choose” when it comes to understanding God’s Word, the WCF helps to guide us to a more grounded understanding of the whole of Scripture.

Various Resources to help understand the WCF: Truths we Confess by R.C. Sproul; Confessing the Faith by Chad Van Dixhoorn; The Westminster Confession of Faith: For Study Classes by G.I. Williamson. 

  1. The Little Book on the Christian Life by John Calvin

This little book packs a punch. It is one of the few books I intentionally read at the start of the new year. This small little book gets to the heart of pursuing holiness and godliness. In other words, this book helps to connect sound doctrine leading to sound living. This is a wonderful short read on thinking through what it means and looks like to live your life as a Christ follower. 

  1. Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin

I know not many people will read tons of systematic theology works in their lifetime. If I had to recommend just one, this is the one I would urge for all to read through once. Although rich in theological and biblical doctrine, Calvin is keen on having sound doctrine applied to the life practically. Due to this being a relatively large work, I’d recommend reading this with friends, family, or a group for discussion. 

  1. Be Thou My Vision: A Liturgy for Daily Worship by Jonathan Gibson

This is one recommendation I took from Pastor Dale and the newest resource in my toolbelt. This is a helpful resource for those who are wanting a more intentional and focused time in their personal devotions. A daily liturgy is provided that is saturated in Scripture, prayers from church history, and biblically faithful catechisms. If you have felt a season in your personal devotions become mundane, aimless, and merely repetitive, this resource may serve you well. This would also serve well for family worship, Life groups, or prayer meetings. 

  1. The Gospel-Centered Life in the Bible Series (New Growth Press)

This is one of my most recommended resources for personal and small group studies for connecting the head and the heart. It takes you through a book of the Bible with a focus on the gospel and practical application from the text. I have personally benefitted deeply from this series and have seen many grow deeper in their love for Christ and the church through this as well. Current studies available: Psalms; 1 John; Ecclesiastes; Titus; Revelation; Ephesians; Ruth; Jonah; Mark (for students); Exodus (for students). 

Music and Podcasts:

  1. The Corner Room

The Corner Room is the worship ministry of Cahaba Park Church (PCA). They produce some great music that uses Scripture as the lyrical content (In the ESV translation!). I highly recommend their three albums from the Psalms and even their Kids’ album “Remember and Proclaim.” 

  1. Reformed Forum Podcasts

For those who want to be sharpened in thinking more deeply about the Reformed faith, Reformed Forum has some really wonderful content. It can be a bit dense, but is full of rich biblical and theological content. 

  1. Psallos

Creating albums based on books of Scripture, Psallos is a bit more artistic in their approach to their lyrics and music. Their albums are more like a concept album rather than songs that exist on their own. Although they are not simply putting God’s Word to music, nonetheless, their albums are pull out themes that are drawn from the wellspring of God’s Word.   

Once again, all of these resources are not to replace God’s Word, but merely as a supplement. I pray that these resources would be helpful for you and our church as we desire for the sound doctrine presented to us in Scripture to shape our lives to be healthy and sound for the sake of God’s glory. 

Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor John

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