Bitesize Theology: An ABC of the Christian Faith

by Peter Jeffery

In this easy-to-read book, Peter Jeffery shows us just how tantalizingly enjoyable Bible teaching can be. With short but solid chapters on key subjects, he outlines the ABCs of the Christian faith. Each of the chapters is bite sized. There is just enough to manage at one time, and you will find there is much to nourish the mind as well as to warm the heart and inspire the will. Quotations from other writers are also included, as is as a list of recommended books for additional reading. There is also a guide for reading the New Testament and Psalms through in a year.

Genres: Theology, Christianity, Nonfiction, Christian, Christian Living

128 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2000

About the author

Peter Jeffery was born in 1937. In 1955, at the age of 17, he became a Christian — in spite of the fact that the very day he was converted he vowed, ‘I will never become a Christian!’ Peter married his high school sweetheart, Lorna, at the age of 21 and they had their first child two years later. Nine days after the birth the baby died of spina bifida.

Though Peter had been preaching since he was 18, this incident was used by God to call Peter into his service. He was ordained to the ministry in 1963 and served as the Minister at Ebenezer Congregational Church in Cwmbran, Wales. In 1972 he accepted a call to Rugby Evangelical Free Church where he ministered until 1986.

In 1986 Peter went to Bethlehem Evangelical Church in Port Talbot, South Wales (‘Sandfields’, where Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones had previously ministered), where he pastored until 1994. Since then he has had an itinerant ministry of preaching and evangelism allowing him to preach at churches and conferences around the world.

Now retired, Peter Jeffery has been preaching for more than 50 years. He has written over forty books, which have been translated into many languages. Many of his works focus on new Christians, the foundations of faith, evangelism and salvation. The Trust has published his titles, Windows of Truth, and Stepping-Stones: A New Testament Guide for Beginners (the latter also in Spanish – De Piedra en Piedra).

Reviews

[Ebookwormy1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was given to me by a seminary student. I found it an excellent brush up on core systematic theology. 20 Chapters cover the core beliefs of the Christian faith (God, Jesus, The Holy Spirit...Grace, Regeneration... The second coming, etc.). Each chapter contains a brief explanation of the doctrine, a quote by a scholar, a few questions to get you to ponder the teaching and a reference for additional study on that doctrine. Additional appendices include a definitions page and an outline for daily Bible reading.

It's Excellent. My husband and I have been talking about how helpful such a study would be to our small group and/ or small group leaders group.

I would also say that if you want a systematic theology overview but don't have the time, inclination, mental capacity or other, this book would be a great study for you and a great reference to own that you could refer back to as needed.

[Daniel Frederickson · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this little book Peter Jeffery defines basic doctrinal terms with solid theological reasoning and spiritual guidance. He also gives the reader resources for further growth and study which I thought was the book’s greatest strength.

The issues I had come back to one question I kept asking myself, “Who is this trying to serve?” He makes minor-but-frequent references to other doctrines and Biblical texts that may confuse people wholly new to the Christian faith. The book lacks the structure and stories needed to keep younger readers’ attention (this weakness I encountered first-hand with teenagers). Mature believers might find the book a helpful resource, but they would naturally be looking elsewhere for more depth.

I believe this lack of focus is the biggest weakness. Jeffery’s theology is sound, but the book as a whole falls short of its intended goal to teach basic doctrine to those who need to learn it for the first time.

I would not recommend for a personal or group study, especially when there are so many other good authors/books to choose from.

[Sierra Allred · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether you're diving deeper into your faith for the first time or have a doctorate in theology and have been a pastor for years, Bitesize theology is a great resource. The simple but well supported explanations make for a great tool to grow your faith. I reread this book for the first time since I was eleven, and I really appreciated using it to brush up on concepts that I remembered the gist of but would have a difficult time succinctly explaining. My sole complaint actually comes from the final chapter on the second coming. I just wish that the three main eschatological positions were explained a little more thoroughly and perhaps clearly. The last chapter is the only one I have this complaint for though. Regardless, I cannot recommend this theological primer enough!

[Darren Sapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Concise primer for those new to the faith, whether young or old.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple, easy to read, clear and concise. I don’t fully agree with the ‘election’ chapter, but everything else is good and important for both new and old Christians to know and understand.

[Adam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good. Useful enough as a group discussion starter.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for any believer, from the newest to the oldest. Peter Jeffery gives us a great simple easy to understand starting point for anyone's study of the doctrines of the Christian faith. He breaks them down to sizes we can all digest easily and yet, also manages to not make light of or skirt around the purposes of the teachings in our Bible and what it means to be a Christian.

It is a near perfect book for a youth group or home school group. Even a small group Bible study.

[Greg Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very easy to read and understand guide to Christian terminology. Each of eighteen key ideas are given a brief chapter. As the title indicates this is an entry level publication. The gospel is clearly presented throughout.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good, basic book on Reformed Theology. If you happen to appreciate reformed theology, this is a great to help with the basics, or encourage others that are learning.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent short book on theology in layman's terms!

[Keri Murcray · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very thorough guide to the basics of theology. Easy to understand and yet thought-provoking.

[Bruce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to read, core truth, handy reference.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quality, high-level book that covers the core theology of the Christian faith. A good introduction to whet the appetite for further study.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to read, short and concise but also filled with important theological insights. This gives a short summary of essential Christian doctrine without being drawn out and boring.