Doctrinal studies

by Edgar P. Ellyson

Doctrinal Studies is being published to take the place of my Theological Compend which is now out of print. We appreciate the reception that the Compend has received and the call for a further edition. In arranging these doctrinal studies, while the material is much the same, we have had a slightly different purpose. Instead of just a general study of biblical theology as before we have now had especially in mind the course of study for ministers and the Leadership Training course for the church school together with the advanced Sunday school and other Bible study classes of the Church of the Nazarene. We must have not only general Bible study, but we must be taught Bible doctrine, especially those that are held essential by the church. There can be no successful work where the church workers are not acquainted with these fundamental doctrines. There must be no tossing about with every wind of doctrine; there must be a settledness and an understanding as to what we believe. This calls for a leadership that is familiar with these doctrines and preaches and teaches them to the people.Doctrinal Studies is now a required textbook in the regular ministerial course of the church and of the Leadership Training course of the church school. It may also be used as an elective course in the Young People's or Adult department of the Sunday school, a special text for Bible study in the Young People's Society, or other Bible study classes of the church, or for individual study. In this new arrangement these doctrinal studies are first Bible studies, a study of the Bible from the doctrinal standpoint. But they are, second, a study of the doctrines of the Church of the Nazarene as presented in the doctrinal statements of the Manual, which statements are quoted verbatim.For credit all of the Bible verses must be read and the assigned work at the end of each chapter must be done. For class work the text should be carefully studied before the class meets and the class session be given largely to discussion under the careful direction of the teacher.Doctrinal Studies recognizes the Bible as the Word of God, a revelation of the will of God to man, and the final authority as to Christian doctrine.It is our earnest prayer that these studies shall be a blessing to a large number of people.For Christ and the Church Edgar P. Ellyson Kansas City, Missouri April 14, 1936

Unknown Binding

Published January 1, 1936