In this first volume of a systematic trilogy, the reader is confronted with the gracious character of God and the glorious being of God in Trinity. The wonderful revelation of God in and through his Word and creative acts are then examined, followed by the immutable sovereign decrees of God and God's wisdom through providence. To help with our understanding of biblical truth, Dr. Bayes has examined the formation of doctrine from the early church creeds, such as the Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed, to modern creeds and confessions. Each chapter closes with an emphasis on pastoral application, reinforcing the fact that theology is meant to practically equip the believer for both life and worship.

Using Charles Haddon Spurgeon as a model, this book looks at how the personal spirituality and piety of a pastor is tied to his success and faithfulness in ministry. A Puritan and Calvinistic Baptist heritage served to mould Spurgeon's life and the development of his ministry. The pivotal influence of the writings of John Bunyan, John Gill and Andrew Fuller are examined in detail. Spurgeon's faithful and intimate walk with God undergirded his preaching, teaching and writing ministries and provided the impetus that led him to establish many organizations and societies to relieve poverty, assist people with addictions and provide homes for orphans. C.H. Spurgeon was the preeminent Baptist evangelist/preacher in nineteenth-century England. His sermons crossed the Atlantic and were printed and distributed each week for many years. Today, the advice he gave to ministry students, his extensive sermon collection and his written works continue to teach.