With the arrival of Christmas each year, the SBC bookstore is stocked with books containing seasonal themes along with books that would make excellent gifts. Often, I look for books to send to my grandchildren. This past year was no exception and of the books being offered I was drawn to Emblems of the Infinite King, written by, J. Ryan Lister, especially after reading the following synopsis from Amazon, “In an imaginative journey through the grand story of the universe, this book introduces kids ages 10+ to God’s radiant beauty using the main categories of systematic theology: God, humanity, sin, Christ, the Holy Spirit, salvation, the church, and last things. Full of captivating illustrated “emblems” meant to symbolize key facets of Christian doctrine, this unique book seeks to bring theological truths from words to life. The creative design combined with rich theology will challenge young readers to search God’s Word for important answers to big questions about themselves, God, and the gospel.”
Before sending this book to my grandchildren, I took time to read it, and as I read, my heart overflowed with awe and wonder, as I discovered things about God and His plan that I had never discovered before in my forty-seven years as a follower of Christ. While I was reading, I kept reminding myself that this was a book for children. Though written in a form that the 10+ crowd can understand, the theology that is unpacked in this book will leave adults amazed and longing for whatever it is that the next chapter holds in store.
I know that as pastors, we tend to use words that are not part of the layman’s everyday vocabulary, systematic theology being an example. Systematic theology is a discipline of Christian theology that formulates an orderly, rational, logical, and coherent account of the doctrines of the Christian faith. Emblems of the Infinite King is a great place to start, whether you are new believer or a seasoned one. And when you’re done reading it, pass it along to your children and grandchildren.
Presently there are a dozen hardcover copies of the book in our bookstore. The cost of the book is $16.00. I encourage you get a copy and then prepare for an amazing adventure of discovery.