Book Review - Christian Essentials

Author:
Susan Harris
Date:
July 5, 2023

book by Ken Noakes

This book is very readable and structured into key topic chapters. Ken Noakes has arranged the content to explain in an everyday way the basics of the Christian faith. It has been written ‘for the person who wants to be essentially Christian.’ (p7).

Each chapter begins with a well written, casual story starting with an aspect of a story from the book of Acts that readily relates to the chapter topic. This then leads the reader onto a Bible Study, followed by some theological analysis of the topic. Topics include, Saved by Grace, Faithful in Prayer, and two I found particularly helpful, Resilient in Suffering and Godly in Giving. Ken writes with clarity and with helpful examples that encourage the reader.

‘Although I am a Christian and those standing on the football sidelines might not be, there is still much we have in common – kids, football, weather, school, local news…These topics are a good place to start,’ (sharing Jesus) (p92)

Christian Essentials is for those searching, firming up their faith, or for those reassessing what it means to grow as a Christian. This is a book well worth reading that can be read intermittently one chapter at a time. Very good for those who struggle to find time to read.


Susan Harris is now retired from the education profession. She has enjoyed a productive and fulfilling working life in schools, while also enjoying a loving home life with husband Roger and, together, parenting 3 daughters.  Susan is now Nanna to 8 grandchildren. One of Susan’s loves has always been reading. Retirement has allowed more time and she has joined a Book Club. She also volunteers at Engage Work Faith and is a member of Rotary. Reading allows her to experience worlds beyond her own. Annie Barrows and Mary Ann Shaffer, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society: “We clung to books and to our friends; they reminded us that we had another part to us.”
Photo by Todd Quackenbush on Unsplash

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