Simplistic Theology

By Rev Shannel Taylor

"Simplistic Theology: Getting to know God" aims to help the reader learn who God is and how He relates to humanity that one may  form  a Christian  theology and confidently discuss her or his faith. The book takes you on a journey that helps you to pursue God and find your greater purpose in the world. As you take this journey, you will learn biblically-based theological doctrines about God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Trinity, to name a few, in a thorough but simplistic way. We answer the question: Is religion the only means to finding God? We discuss biblical characters such as Peter so that the reader can identify and become a character in the book!

"Simplistic Theology" is a cumulative reflection of my theological study over the years. Most of the discussions are an extension of sermons preached, and Bible lessons taught. A teaching tool in Bible study, a reference for sermons, and spiritual growth, the goal is to help the reader strengthen her/his relationship with God, discover their purpose, and walk-in victory! This book is a quick read and sure to engage you and cultivate further study.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rev Shannel Taylor
• Release date: Jan 29, 2021
• ISBN: 9781735717326

Book preview

cover.jpg

Published in the United States by Shannel Taylor, Belle Mead, New Jersey

Copyright © 2020 by Shannel Taylor, All rights reserved. No parts of this book are to be reproduced by any mechanical, photographic, or electronic process or in the form of phonographic recording. The text may not be stored in a retrieval system, transmitted, or otherwise be copied for public or private use – other than for fair use as brief quotations embodied in articles and reviews – without prior written permission of the publisher.

The author intends to offer information of a general nature to help you in your quest for studying and developing a spiritual relationship with God. If you use any of the information in this book for yourself, which is your constitutional right, the author or publisher assume no responsibility for your actions or the outcome.

Scripture is taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. They are used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.®

Book Coach – Robin E. Devonish

Cover Concept – Shannel Taylor

Cover Image Creation – Shane Taylor and Crystal Sewer

Cover Design – Okomota

Editing – Pen Publish Profit, LLC™

Interior Design – Istvan

Photography – CFK Photography

ISBN – 978-1-7357173-0-2

LCCN - 2020925462

PREFACE

Writing a book during the global pandemic of 2020 has been excruciating and healing. The challenge was devoting time to this task, which in normal circumstances is tedious while dealing with the daily news of relatives and friends being touched by Covid 19, and the worst, hearing of the many deaths. The uncertainty of global effects weighed heavily on the hearts and minds of many, including me. Questions about God seemed to burden people. Where is God? How could God allow this to happen? Is this God’s judgment?

My journey to writing this book began several years ago, and I could not seem to bring it to fruition. Now, I felt a sense of urgency to release this book during a time when people earnestly need to know God. As I wrote this book, I became reacquainted with God and found solace. I believe this book will transfer the same solace to every reader.

Whenever some people are randomly asked to explain their theology, they may clam up because they don’t understand the term. By all means, the term is not even in the Bible!

This book aims to simplify theology to satisfy one’s yearning to know God and help the Bible student strengthen their foundation. A secondary aim is to help the reader form or confirm their theology to articulate their faith. This book will provide an overview of Biblical doctrines to engage an astute student of the Word and push them toward further study. I will introduce some elementary Bible students to the proper terms related to the main doctrines of theology.

Research for this book involved hours of Bible study and review of notes from a few Seminary courses such as Foundations of Theology, Church History, and CREDO. I was able to connect my disciplined study of theology with Biblical truths. Ideally, you will receive an example of a formal Theological Education.

This book was birthed through daily devoted time in prayer, consecration, and meditation of God’s Word. I pray that my intense labor of love is reflected on every page.

Look for a Study guide and Online Courses to accompany this book very soon.

A Tribute to A Mother’s Flowering Love

My mother, the late Evangelist Phyllis A. Winston-Williams, was a compassionate, courageous, and wise woman of God who loved people and selflessly helped the disadvantaged secure the necessities of life. She is the model of a heroine in my life story. Mom raised me in a God-fearing, Christian home and introduced me to Jesus Christ as my Savior at the tender age of 5 years old. Parents, this is the best thing you could ever do for your children to secure their success in life. My mom’s faith in Jesus Christ became the umbrella that protected me from the dangers of urbanization and reversed the presumptions of society toward those raised in New York City public housing – we were not supposed to make it out. Mom did not send me to church; she brought me every Sunday, which ignited my faith. She encouraged me to worship God, attend prayer meetings, sing on the children’s choir, and serve on the usher board. She did not have to force me because I loved church as a child; this love grew into a lasting commitment to God.

When I was 15 years old, one Sunday morning, my mom asked if I was going to church that day. I was shocked by her question! Mom never asked me if I was going to church. It was never a question but a requirement, I thought. However, I’ve learned that mom was testing the source of my faith in God. Was it based on her command, or had I developed a personal relationship with God? Of course, my reply was a resounding, yes!

From mom’s seed of faith planted in me, a mature Christian faith grew with a hunger and thirst for greater knowledge and experience with the Lord. I continued my worship to God, sang on the adult choir, attended Bible College, served in evangelistic outreach ministry, and became an ordained Evangelist. Now, I pastor a church alongside my husband.

At home, my mother demonstrated what salvation is by having a weekly Bible study, devotions, and prayer. Sometimes she and I would sing gospel songs in the middle of the night, with full and loud voices, in our South Bronx apartment. After a while, neighbors would make song requests, and we were happy to oblige. This was indeed an example of raising your child in the way of the Lord.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

There are many people to acknowledge who have impacted my discovery of God. Virtually, all of my life experiences from the womb to this present moment – good, bad, and indifferent, interactions with family and friends, disappointments, sicknesses, and successes contributed to my theology formation. However, I would be remiss if I did not give all glory to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, first. I am convinced that it is through the power of the Holy Spirit that I live despite the many near-death experiences and life-changing events that should have left me ineffective in the kingdom. I learned that God used these experiences to process me in preparation for Kingdom work. Every adverse situation was an opportunity to build my faith in God and to prove God’s sovereignty. Today, I stand as the victor and not the victim.

Another significant influence is my former Pastor, the late Apostle William Brown. He was a dynamic preacher and teacher, great spiritual father, and mentor. Pastor Brown taught me the power of prayer with faith. One memory that leaves an eternal impression on my heart is when we had a death in our family. Apostle Brown left his home in the middle of the night, driving one hour to our house to comfort our family. His dedication and presence during our time of sorrow ministered to our family. My family and I were members of his church ministry for 35 years before he finished his course on earth.

I am forever grateful for my husband, Terrance, and our young adult children Shaniah and Shane, for their love, patience, and support while I spent countless hours studying in Seminary, writing papers, and many more hours writing this book. Through them, I learned much about unconditional love.

I acknowledge my Dad, the late James C. Williams. My father and I developed a loving