Roots of Our Faith

Since theology is practical and has important implications for our lives and our churches, it is helpful to review the foundations of our beliefs and ask questions to deepen our understanding. In Roots of Our Faith, Morgan Byrd takes the reader on a journey through the rich doctrines of the Bible in a simple but thorough way, using the Abstract of Principles (1858) as a guide. The Abstract of Principles has long served as a summary of foundational biblical doctrines in Southern Baptist life. While brief, the Abstract is also diverse, clear, rich and rooted in the Scriptures. Byrd started using the Abstract as a base for teaching doctrine at his church, and this book is the eventual result of that teaching ministry. With a pastor's heart, Byrd expounds the biblical and theological basis for each article through an overview, an exploration of its Scriptural foundations, a line-by-line explanation, a look at misconceptions about the article and, finally, its practical application. This is deep, grounding theology for Christians of any age or life circumstance. There are twenty articles in the Abstract: The Scriptures, God, The Trinity, Providence, Election, The Fall of Man, The Mediator, Regeneration, Repentance, Faith, Justification, Sanctification, Perseverance of the Saints, The Church, Baptism, The Lord's Supper, The Lord's Day, Liberty of Conscience, The Resurrection and The Judgment. It is hoped that Roots of Our Faith will encourage Christians to grow in their love and understanding of God and be challenged to live out their faith with holiness and joy. May it also serve as a stimulus to those who have not yet embraced Christ as Saviour and Lord. Suitable for private reading or as the basis for a group or church study.