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Living for God: A Short Introduction to the Christian Faith
"Primers like this―a trenchant reminder of the vital matters that lie at the heart of the Christian faith―are ever needful, and especially so in this theologically befuddled generation that is far too often heedless of the value of the past. Highly recommended!"
― Michael A. G. Haykin , Professor of Church History and Biblical Spirituality, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary What difference should doctrine make on our day-to-day Christian life? This book summarizes Christianity in 5 core truths the Trinity, the Son of God, the Spirit, the church, and heaven and hell to show how theology is intended to bring people closer to God. Drawing from writers throughout church history particularly St. Augustine, Richard Baxter, and C. S. Lewis this book summarizes the building blocks of pure Christianity and how they shape minds, hearts, and actions, so readers can know simply and concisely what it means to live for God.
― Michael A. G. Haykin , Professor of Church History and Biblical Spirituality, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary What difference should doctrine make on our day-to-day Christian life? This book summarizes Christianity in 5 core truths the Trinity, the Son of God, the Spirit, the church, and heaven and hell to show how theology is intended to bring people closer to God. Drawing from writers throughout church history particularly St. Augustine, Richard Baxter, and C. S. Lewis this book summarizes the building blocks of pure Christianity and how they shape minds, hearts, and actions, so readers can know simply and concisely what it means to live for God.
- GenresTheologyDiscipleship
272 pages, Paperback
Published February 11, 2020
20 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
About the author
Mark Jones
29 books78 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Rev. Dr. Mark Jones (PhD, Leiden Universiteit) has been the Minister at Faith Vancouver Church (PCA) since 2007. He is also Research Associate in the Faculty of Theology at University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa. He lectures at various seminaries around the world and is currently writing a book titled, "Knowing Christ" (Banner of Truth, forthcoming).
He also blogs at Reformation21.org.
Rev. Dr. Mark Jones (PhD, Leiden Universiteit) has been the Minister at Faith Vancouver Church (PCA) since 2007. He is also Research Associate in the Faculty of Theology at University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa. He lectures at various seminaries around the world and is currently writing a book titled, "Knowing Christ" (Banner of Truth, forthcoming).
He also blogs at Reformation21.org.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
March 31, 2020
Introductory books to the Christian faith are a “dime a dozen” these days. My usual response is to pass on such books since many of them are doctrinally weak and shallow. Living for God: A Short Introduction to the Christian Faith by Mark Jones is an exception to the rule. This book is anything but weak and moves readers from the “shore” to the “deep end” of the pool.
The first two sentences in the book are important and set the stage for what follows: “Living for God. True living is when we live for God.” Jones adds, “Our approach to the Christian life must be grounded in the conviction that sound doctrine and godly living go hand in hand, with the former providing the foundation for the latter.” Unfortunately, many pastors and authors either jettison sound doctrine or minimize the importance of godliness. Jones maintains that doctrine is the “engine” that drives our Christian lives. “Doctrine and life are inextricably linked,” Jones writes. “Indicatives lead to imperatives.”
Living for God is arranged in five parts:
In short chapters, the author presents clear and biblical instruction that guides readers into truth. These chapters are both readable and reliable guides for the people of God. No shortcuts are taken. Rather, Jones uses his writing gift to instruct and edify willing readers.
In the end, what really matters is that Christians are living for God. This challenge is nicely summarized by Jones, which is also a summary of his well-written book:
The first two sentences in the book are important and set the stage for what follows: “Living for God. True living is when we live for God.” Jones adds, “Our approach to the Christian life must be grounded in the conviction that sound doctrine and godly living go hand in hand, with the former providing the foundation for the latter.” Unfortunately, many pastors and authors either jettison sound doctrine or minimize the importance of godliness. Jones maintains that doctrine is the “engine” that drives our Christian lives. “Doctrine and life are inextricably linked,” Jones writes. “Indicatives lead to imperatives.”
Living for God is arranged in five parts:
A Trinity Oriented Life
The Christ-Focused Life
The Spirit-Energized Life
The Church Inhabited Life
The Heaven-Anticipated Life
In short chapters, the author presents clear and biblical instruction that guides readers into truth. These chapters are both readable and reliable guides for the people of God. No shortcuts are taken. Rather, Jones uses his writing gift to instruct and edify willing readers.
In the end, what really matters is that Christians are living for God. This challenge is nicely summarized by Jones, which is also a summary of his well-written book:
Live then, my brothers and sisters in Christ, a Trinity-oriented, Christ-focused, Spirit-energized, church-inhabited, and heaven-anticipated life for the glory of God and the good of your soul.
January 14, 2020
Pastor Mark has the ability to make difficult things easy and easy things difficult. But for this book he does the former. I always find his books inspiring and clarifying. He summarized the Christian life as Trinity oriented, Christ focused, Spirit energized, Church inhabited, and Heaven anticipated.
Contents
Part 1: The Trinity-Oriented Life
The Triune God
Communion with the Triune God
The Majestic Triune God
Part 2: The Christ-Focused Life
Person
Prophet, Priest, and King
Life and Death
Exaltation
Redemption Applied
Part 3: The Spirit-Energized Life
Gift
Conviction
Holiness
Illumination
Part 4: The Church-Inhabited Life
Structure
Worship
Washed
Fed
Part 5: The Heaven-Anticipated Life
The New Heavens and New Earth
The Place of Outer Darkness
Living to God: A Final Word
Contents
Part 1: The Trinity-Oriented Life
The Triune God
Communion with the Triune God
The Majestic Triune God
Part 2: The Christ-Focused Life
Person
Prophet, Priest, and King
Life and Death
Exaltation
Redemption Applied
Part 3: The Spirit-Energized Life
Gift
Conviction
Holiness
Illumination
Part 4: The Church-Inhabited Life
Structure
Worship
Washed
Fed
Part 5: The Heaven-Anticipated Life
The New Heavens and New Earth
The Place of Outer Darkness
Living to God: A Final Word
March 25, 2020
Author(s): Mark Jones
Endorsed By: Robert Letham, Conrad Mbewe, Michael Haykin, and Emily Van Dixhoorn
Pages: 227
Publisher: Crossway
Publication Date: 2020
Price: $18.99
Everyone is a learner! Young, mature, or repeating your 28th birthday for the sixth time, we are all learners. We should never stop learning, especially when it comes to our faith. Whether you’re a new or old believer, you may have questions about Christianity. The Bible is a big book. Even if you spent several lifetimes delving into treasures, you still wouldn’t know them all. Mark Jones explores the essential components of Christianity in this book. No matter how long you’ve been a believer, this book is an excellent tool for introduction or review to the basics of the faith.
The book takes an academic approach to teach about our faith. Mark pulls information from tons of reliable sources. His Notes section in the back of the book is exceptionally long. Writing and research aspects of Living for God required time and effort, which Mark Jones did exceptionally well. If you’re looking for a light or entertaining read, this book is not what you’re looking for. However, I would recommend that every believer read this book or something similar to it. Understanding the basics of our faith is crucial to defend against heresy.
As a book reviewer for the Bold Movement, I did receive this book for free as an Ebook. I wish I would’ve gotten this book as a physical copy. I am someone who likes to highlight and take notes when reading. I’m weird and like holding actual books. I don’t know why. There were a lot of thoughtful points and ideas within this book that I wanted to highlight and find at a later date.
Overall, I think every Christian should read this book, whether you’re a new or mature believer. Build and strengthen your foundational understanding of the faith with Mark Jones’s Living for God.
Book Breakdown
The Trinity- Oriented Life
1. The Triune God
2. Communion with the Triune God
3. The Majestic Triune God
Christ-Focused Life
1. Person
2. Prophet, Priest, and King
3. Life and Death
4. Exaltation
5. Redemption Applied
The Spirit-Energized Life
1. Gift
2 Conviction
3. Holiness
4. Illumination
The Church Inhabited Life
1. Structure
2. Worship
3. Washed
4. Fed
The Heaven Anticipated Life
1. The New Heavens and New Earth
2. The Place of Outer Darkness
Please Note: I did receive this book for free but was not required to give it a positive review.
Purchase It Here: https://www.crossway.org/books/living...
Endorsed By: Robert Letham, Conrad Mbewe, Michael Haykin, and Emily Van Dixhoorn
Pages: 227
Publisher: Crossway
Publication Date: 2020
Price: $18.99
Everyone is a learner! Young, mature, or repeating your 28th birthday for the sixth time, we are all learners. We should never stop learning, especially when it comes to our faith. Whether you’re a new or old believer, you may have questions about Christianity. The Bible is a big book. Even if you spent several lifetimes delving into treasures, you still wouldn’t know them all. Mark Jones explores the essential components of Christianity in this book. No matter how long you’ve been a believer, this book is an excellent tool for introduction or review to the basics of the faith.
The book takes an academic approach to teach about our faith. Mark pulls information from tons of reliable sources. His Notes section in the back of the book is exceptionally long. Writing and research aspects of Living for God required time and effort, which Mark Jones did exceptionally well. If you’re looking for a light or entertaining read, this book is not what you’re looking for. However, I would recommend that every believer read this book or something similar to it. Understanding the basics of our faith is crucial to defend against heresy.
As a book reviewer for the Bold Movement, I did receive this book for free as an Ebook. I wish I would’ve gotten this book as a physical copy. I am someone who likes to highlight and take notes when reading. I’m weird and like holding actual books. I don’t know why. There were a lot of thoughtful points and ideas within this book that I wanted to highlight and find at a later date.
Overall, I think every Christian should read this book, whether you’re a new or mature believer. Build and strengthen your foundational understanding of the faith with Mark Jones’s Living for God.
Book Breakdown
The Trinity- Oriented Life
1. The Triune God
2. Communion with the Triune God
3. The Majestic Triune God
Christ-Focused Life
1. Person
2. Prophet, Priest, and King
3. Life and Death
4. Exaltation
5. Redemption Applied
The Spirit-Energized Life
1. Gift
2 Conviction
3. Holiness
4. Illumination
The Church Inhabited Life
1. Structure
2. Worship
3. Washed
4. Fed
The Heaven Anticipated Life
1. The New Heavens and New Earth
2. The Place of Outer Darkness
Please Note: I did receive this book for free but was not required to give it a positive review.
Purchase It Here: https://www.crossway.org/books/living...
June 18, 2020
This is my review on the book: Living for God: A Short Introduction to the Christian Faith by Mark Jones.
This book is thoroughly biblical and filled with Scripture and puritan writing. The primary premise of this book argues that doctrine affects us in how we live our lives (An argument that I personally hold strongly to).
The book is divided into 5 parts:
1. Trinity oriented
2. Christ focused
3. Spirit energized
4. Church inhabited
5. Heaven anticipated
The 5 parts are well harmonised and reinforces practical living and Mark Jones summed up how it all interacts together:
Theology is the doctrine of living unto God through a Trinity-oriented, Christ-focused, Spirit-energized, church- inhabited, and heaven-anticipated life.
Mark Jones style of writing in this book serves to provide new Christians solid materials from Scripture and church history the fundamentals of the Christian faith. A more mature Christian would benefit from reading this book too as it serve as a reminder of how important doctrine is to living.
I would recommend every new Christian to pick up this book and read and discuss with older Christian.
Crossway has provided a complimentary copy of this book through the Blog Review Program.
This book is thoroughly biblical and filled with Scripture and puritan writing. The primary premise of this book argues that doctrine affects us in how we live our lives (An argument that I personally hold strongly to).
The book is divided into 5 parts:
1. Trinity oriented
2. Christ focused
3. Spirit energized
4. Church inhabited
5. Heaven anticipated
The 5 parts are well harmonised and reinforces practical living and Mark Jones summed up how it all interacts together:
Theology is the doctrine of living unto God through a Trinity-oriented, Christ-focused, Spirit-energized, church- inhabited, and heaven-anticipated life.
Mark Jones style of writing in this book serves to provide new Christians solid materials from Scripture and church history the fundamentals of the Christian faith. A more mature Christian would benefit from reading this book too as it serve as a reminder of how important doctrine is to living.
I would recommend every new Christian to pick up this book and read and discuss with older Christian.
Crossway has provided a complimentary copy of this book through the Blog Review Program.
February 11, 2020
This introduction to a system of theology is Mark Jones at his best. If you can condense most of his previous books you end up with this synthesis. This book touches on the main loci of theology from not just a theoretical standpoint, but from a practical one, and this hits home. Jones uses the whole Christian tradition as he cites from the greatest theologians of all time to make his points clear, from Church Fathers to Reformed Orthodox to Puritans.
The book’s cover reveals the contents of the book; following Goodwin, Mark Jones connects heaven and Earth by moving from Trinitarian theology, to Christ to the Spirit’s role, to the Church as the body of Christ to our heavenly hope. Every chapter deals with the most central points where doctrines are grounded, and while Jones avoids being controversial, he makes his positions clear while being charitable to dissenting positions.
This is a great book for anybody wanting to get their feet wet on basic Christian doctrines; great for a gift too. It makes a great devotional book where practical theology is emphasized for daily Christian living.
The book’s cover reveals the contents of the book; following Goodwin, Mark Jones connects heaven and Earth by moving from Trinitarian theology, to Christ to the Spirit’s role, to the Church as the body of Christ to our heavenly hope. Every chapter deals with the most central points where doctrines are grounded, and while Jones avoids being controversial, he makes his positions clear while being charitable to dissenting positions.
This is a great book for anybody wanting to get their feet wet on basic Christian doctrines; great for a gift too. It makes a great devotional book where practical theology is emphasized for daily Christian living.
April 28, 2025
This is sort of short and sort of an introduction. For most people, at least in the contexts where I've been in New England and the Midwest, this is over their heads, in part because of Jones use and quoting of the puritans. I tried reading through this with two men who are young in the faith, and it was too much. It'd be a good resource to teach through and highlights really key things for young Christians, i.e. the importance of the local church, which I appreciate.
January 13, 2024
One of the single best introductory texts to systematic theology I've read. Mark is a modern day puritan. Pastors will benefit from reading this book as it will give them a tool to disciple their people. Lay people will be stretched for the better as they contemplate what it means to live for God with Mark Jones.
Read
January 30, 2020Living For God by Mark Jones is an outstanding book about the basic building blocks of the Christian faith.
The books description reads:
What difference should doctrine make on our day-to-day Christian life? This book summarizes Christianity in 5 core truths―the Trinity, the Son of God, the Spirit, the church, and heaven and hell―to show how theology is intended to bring people closer to God. Drawing from writers throughout church history―particularly St. Augustine, Richard Baxter, and C. S. Lewis―this book summarizes the building blocks of “pure Christianity” and how they shape minds, hearts, and actions, so readers can know simply and concisely what it means to live for God.
Reading this book has helped me to grow so much in my own faith and understanding. I would highly recommend this book be in every church library. It would make a lovely gift for someone new in the faith or for anyone seeking to know more.
The books description reads:
What difference should doctrine make on our day-to-day Christian life? This book summarizes Christianity in 5 core truths―the Trinity, the Son of God, the Spirit, the church, and heaven and hell―to show how theology is intended to bring people closer to God. Drawing from writers throughout church history―particularly St. Augustine, Richard Baxter, and C. S. Lewis―this book summarizes the building blocks of “pure Christianity” and how they shape minds, hearts, and actions, so readers can know simply and concisely what it means to live for God.
Reading this book has helped me to grow so much in my own faith and understanding. I would highly recommend this book be in every church library. It would make a lovely gift for someone new in the faith or for anyone seeking to know more.
January 11, 2026
A tremendous little book on the basics of Christian theology. A must-read.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews