Faith Simplified Book Review and Giveaway

Are you looking for a book explaining the core doctrines of the Christian faith? One that is easy to understand yet not watered down? Then, check out this book review of Faith Simplified: What We Believe and Why We Believe It.

Let me assure you from the get-go, this book is not a heavy-duty, over-your-head academic book. Nor is it so simplified it misses the mark.

Trevin Wax, writer and vice president of resources and marketing at the North American Mission Board writes a compelling foreword for Aaron Armstrong’s book:

     Faith Simplified reminds us that theology isn’t just for scholars. It’s for everyone. Aaron wants you to engage with these truths, to wrestle with them, to own them . . .

     The heart of our faith isn’t simply a set of theological bullet points or a list of ethical dos and don’ts. It’s about a Person. All Christian theology is a response to that pivotal question Jesus asked his disciples: “Who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15).

. . . So whether you’re just now dipping your toes into the Christian faith, or you’ve been swimming in its waters for years, Faith Simplified is a book worth diving into. Aaron has given us a gift—one that will help you to know and love God more deeply. Enjoy the swim.

-Excerpts from Trevin Wax’s foreword in Faith Simplified by Aaron Armstrong

Allow me, to tell you more about the book and why I’ve ordered more copies. Also, be sure to check out the book giveaway at the end. You may win your own copy or a copy to give a friend.

About the Author

The author, Aaron Armstrong says he went from an average guy “who didn’t care if Jesus was real to someone who has spent nearly 20 years helping people know Him and follow Him more faithfully.”

As an adult convert to Christianity, Armstrong writes “to engage those curious about the faith, encourage new believers, and equip those who come alongside them.”

Armstrong earned a Master of Arts Degree in Biblical Studies from Redemption Seminary and a Master’s Degree in Theology at Covenant Theological Seminary. For nearly 20 years, he has served local churches as a preacher, small group leader, and children’s ministry leader. He and his wife, Emily, have three teenage children.

He has written several books, Bible studies, and films for adults, teens, and kids. You can learn more about these and read illuminating blog posts at https://aaronarmstrong.co/

Faith Simplified is a book to guide new adult Christians through some of the early experiences they may face as believers.

“Perhaps you are where I was in my first year as a Christian. You believe, but there’s a lot you don’t know that will help shape your faith.”

– Aaron Armstrong

About Faith Simplified

This 266-page paperback book is published by Harvest House. After the introduction, the book is divided into seven parts: God Is, God Speaks, God Makes, God Judges, God Rescues, God Restores, and God Reigns.

Each part contains two to five subsections addressing foundational truths of the Christian faith, which new (and seasoned) believers may have questions about.

Aaron Armstrong is not a new author, but his writing is new to me. When it comes to faith-based books, whether they’re for children or adults, I try to find out as much as possible about the author. Most importantly, what they believe. Before I review a book, I check out the author’s website and try to locate and read interviews, critiques, and more. Also, I don’t breeze through a book. I read it cover to cover.

I am not an academically trained Biblical scholar, but as a Bible-believing Christian, I read books with a critical eye in search of anything that doesn’t line up with God’s Holy Word. Faith Simplified is embedded with Scripture and the author writes with a Biblical worldview.

Several Things I Like About This Book

I like how Armstrong introduces a theological term, what some call a “church” word, and then he proceeds to explain it in layman’s terms.

One example is from page 233:

“The Lord’s Supper: Also called communion or the Eucharist, the Lord’s Supper is a sacrament for all who believe, all who have been saved through faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection.”

He expands on concepts like this in further detail by pointing readers to what the Bible says. Sometimes Armstrong mentions what his knowledge, or lack thereof, about a concept was before he was saved and what he has learned since. His writing style has an engaging conversational tone.

Each chapter ends with 3 – 5 questions for readers to ponder.

Also, I appreciate the format of the book. Readers can open it to any section to learn more about certain topics. While it may be helpful, the chapters do not necessarily have to be read in consecutive order.

The last chapter is titled “What Will You Do with What You Know?” In this section the author informs readers he hasn’t told us everything there is to know. God and His Word never changes. But Armstrong says believers are always growing, learning, and changing. He reminds us that this book is simply an invitation to keep exploring and learning from the Scriptures ourselves.

At the end, the author includes helpful endnotes.

Recommendation

I highly recommend this book. My pastor-hubby has ordered more copies to give to new believers along with Bibles. Not long ago, he baptized an older gentleman after he received Christ as his Lord and Savior. This man has been on fire with a desire to learn more and has new questions every week after studying his Bible. He will receive a copy of this book as well.

Also, we have ordered a few copies og this book to give to seasoned believers. We believe this book will be an excellent resource for them to have on hand when explaining the foundations of the Christian faith in a way that all can understand.

Giveaway

Normally, to make things easy, we select book winners from this blog’s email subscribers list. Subscribing to receive blog updates is free.

But, this time, along with our email subscribers, anyone who comments about something they like about their pastor or church will have an entry in the drawing, regardless of whether they subscribe for blog updates or not. Participants in book giveaways must live in the contiguous United States.

We’ll select a winner on November 14, 2025 and announce it here on the blog post, and on my Facebook page. After I contact the winner, they have two weeks to respond (Nov. 28). If I don’t hear from them, I will take that as a nod to select another winner.

So, share with us. What is one way you’re blessed through your pastor or church family? If you don’t have a church family, then you can share something that has brought you joy today. 🙂

I received a FREE copy of this product for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.

Motivated by the power of story, history, and His Story, Sally Matheny’s passion is telling the next generation wondrous things.

Her nonfiction writing appears in worldwide, national, and regional publications including Appleseeds, Clubhouse Jr., Homeschooling Today, and The Old Schoolhouse.

She and her husband live in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and are blessed with three children, two sons-in-law, and armfuls of grandbabies. Connect with Sally on several social media sites, but her favorite hangouts are at SallyMatheny.com and Pinterest.