Summary of Hold Fast the Faith: A Devotional Commentary on the Westminster Confession by Matthew Everhard

Dive into 'Hold Fast the Faith' by Matthew Everhard, where theology meets humor, making complex doctrines relatable and engaging for everyone.

Welcome to the delightful world of Hold Fast the Faith, where Matthew Everhard takes the 17th-century Westminster Confession of Faith (a document that could easily double as a brick) and makes it digestible for the modern-day believer.and that's no small feat. If you've ever wondered what a devotional commentary looks like when sprinkled with just the right amount of sarcasm, you're in for a treat. Grab your coffee, settle in, and prepare to dive into some serious theological waters without your floaties.

First off, the Westminster Confession of Faith, originally designed to unite a bunch of Puritans with a penchant for long discussions, covers essential doctrines of Christianity. You know, the stuff most people argue about at Thanksgiving-predestination, sacrament, the Trinity, and a few other gems. Everhard's goal here? To break down these dense theological concepts and turn them into daily nuggets of wisdom that even your grandmother would approve of.

He takes each chapter of the Confession and, in a brilliant mix of devotional and commentary, pokes holes in our understanding of some seriously intense doctrines. Each section is like going to the dentist but getting sprinkles on your cavity-filling. It's painful yet sweetened just enough that you keep coming back for more.

Everhard doesn't just throw out theological jargon like confetti at a New Year's party. No, he explains everything with relatable anecdotes, scripture references, and the occasional witty remark that makes you think, "Did he really just say that?" Trust me, he does. There's a systematic breakdown of concepts that make even the most biblically challenged feel somewhat enlightened. Spoiler alert: You might even leave with more faith than you started with, if that's your thing.

The book is arranged in such a way that you could literally pick it up, read a chapter, and feel as though you had a mini-sermon in your pocket. Each chapter is compact yet packed with solid teaching and encouragement. It's like having your own personal theologian on speed dial-minus the awkward small talk.

Everhard also ventures into discussions on how these age-old doctrines apply to our everyday lives. He takes a refreshing approach, suggesting that understanding these confessions isn't just for academic folks holed up in dusty libraries. No, it's for everyone-yes, even you, sitting on your couch in sweatpants.

So, what's the bottom line? Is this book going to make you the next great theologian? Probably not, unless you're dedicated and willing to actually take notes. But it will definitely help you hold fast to the faith, or at least know why you're holding onto it in the first place. By the time you finish, you may find yourself not just nodding along but actively participating in theological debates. And who knows? Maybe you'll earn a scholarship to your local divinity school.

In conclusion, Hold Fast the Faith is not your typical dusty commentary. It's filled with humor, practical insights, and maybe even a few gems that will leave you pondering long after you've turned the last page-if you can get to the last page without being sidetracked by your own thoughts on predestination, of course. Happy reading, and remember: faith is not meant to be a burden, but a joy that makes life-and theology-much more interesting.

Maddie Page

Classics, bestsellers, and guilty pleasures-none are safe from my sarcastic recaps. I turn heavy reads into lighthearted summaries you can actually enjoy. Warning: may cause random outbursts of laughter while pretending to study literature.