Dear Pastor, Ministry Leader, and fellow students of the scriptures.
We would like to introduce to you the ‘Theology Made Simple Series,’ which is the result of years of study and research, which includes the Early Church Fathers' writings, and comments. We believe you will find this course comprehensive yet easy to understand. It was written with the average Christian in mind.
May we suggest to you that many teachers of today, have turned our bibles into textbooks, rather than a life-changing journey into the spiritual Kingdom of Christ. Jesus said of His words, “It is the spirit that quickeneth [makes alive]: the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you they are spirit and they are life,” John 6:63.
The United States political establishment has stolen a phrase from the Church, in calling the United States Constitution a, ‘living document;’ we, of course, understand what they mean by this declaration, however, it is a reminder for us in the Church to re-establish in the minds of Christians that it is the scriptures which are alive, John 6:63 and Hebrews 4:12—when it is mixed with faith, Hebrews 4:2.
The orthodox Jew would teach their children at home the Old Testament scriptures. It was given to their children to understand that this was not just a book of principles, but rather their family heritage—it was their family history. This should also be the testimony of the Church, this is our heritage as well. Abraham is also our father and the scriptures are our story; we have been adopted into a spiritual family by virtue of the new birth. If the scriptures were taught in this way they would no longer be just an accumulation of abstract ideals, but it becomes personal, it’s our heritage. The Church years ago used to teach this method in their bible studies, it was called, ‘Bible Survey Class.’
We would now like to take this opportunity to introduce to you Jim Daniels, the author of our study materials. Jim Daniels originated from the Mid-West, served in Viet Nam, but later migrated to San Antonio, Texas; where he attended Bible College—graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Theology, and a Master’s Degree in Christian Counseling.
Brother Daniels served as Director of Chaplaincy programs for six jail/prison facilities, and a Community Outreach Center for ex-offenders and their families. Jim’s wife Shirley served as a social worker in several of the jail/prison facilities, and eventually became the Director of the Outreach Center for the Bexar County Detention Ministries—a community of Churches endeavor in San Antonio.
With Jim’s visibility within the Community of Churches of San Antonio, he consequently taught in many of the Churches in San Antonio. Jim also served as treasurer for the National Chaplains Association, Southwest Region.
Having published a book on Anger Management from a Christion perspective, ‘The Face of Anger’ (now out of print), he was subsequently awarded, ‘The Governor’s Innovative Program Award by George W. Bush, then Governor of Texas. Jim traveled extensively across the United States conducting seminars on this innovative program at conferences and seminars. Jim’s passion, however, has remained a continuing search and study of Scriptures. Jim has now returned to the Mid-West and continues to write. He has written a book called ‘The Chaplain A journey into darkness,’ which is now available at Amazon/Books.
Through years of experience, it has become evident that the average Christian of today lacks a comprehensive understanding of Biblical Doctrine. We have lost the Biblical concept of Discipleship; as a result, the average convert who enters the Kingdom of God—by virtue of the New Birth, begins attending a Church and is taught by Sunday Sermons which usually are varied and not comprehensive teachings by virtue of the time limit. If the disciple joins a Church Bible study group; it can also jump from topic to topic, and not comprehensive as well.
After seventy years of captivity, a new generation of Israelites prepared to return to Israel. Ezra, the scribe, who was knowledgeable in the scriptures, began to study and prepare to teach the returning Jews the scriptures (Ezra chapter seven). Upon returning to Israel, Ezra accompanied by the priests stood before the people, and read the scriptures to them, expounding on them as they read. (Nehemiah chapter eight).
In the book of Acts, the people would gather in houses after Paul’s teachings—searching the scriptures to see for themselves from God’s word, remembering of course that about eighty percent of the people at that time were illiterate, yet they turned the world upside down.
We live in a complex and busy society—far busier than need be; therefore the study of scripture is at a premium: Thus the ‘Theology Made Simple Series’ was birthed. These studies are designed for Bible study groups, in homes or Church setting. Though these studies are copyrighted, we give a free permission to copy them for Group Teachings. However, we do ask that they not be altered or changed from their original format.
We do not merchandise or profit from the scriptures, therefore they are given freely to those who would use them. We believe you will find our ‘Theology made Simple Series,’ both comprehensive yet understandable to the average Christian. When complex theological terms are used, you will find that they are always followed by a clear definition and meaning.
We trust that this study course will be a blessing to you and an asset to your ministry. We wish you God’s best in all you undertake in His name. Send all inquiries to our email address info@jimdanielsbook.com.
