I have been doing some thinking lately and I have decided not to go in depth about the TULIP. I feel like it would be a waste of time when I can talk about more edifying and less controversial topics.
I will be re-reading through Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem. I will attempt to blog more, however here is an older post about Systematic Theology. I hope you enjoy!
What is systematic theology? Why learn it? Who cares. There are better things to learn than theology, theologian are a much of people who think they know it all.
The bold above is what quite a few people think and say. In this post I will try my best to explain the importance of Theology and why study it and what the correct purpose of a theologian really is.
"Systematic Theology is any study that answers the question, 'What does the whole Bible teach us today? about any given topic."-John Frame
Theologian Wayne Grudem says the definition above indicates that systematic theology involves collecting and understanding all the relevant passages in the Bible on various topics and then summarizing their teachings clearly so that we know what to believe about each topic."
"The duty of a theologian is, not to please the ear with empty sounds, but to confirm the conscience by teaching things which are true, certain and profitable. "- John Calvin
As we see here, if a theologian or someone who likes to study theology shouldn't be arrogant about their knowledge but rather should want to talk about God without cramming God down people's throat and shouldn't talk about how spiritual they are. Knowledge doesn't save you.
Grudem also says "...systematic theology focuses on summarizing each doctrine as is should be understood by present-day Christians...Defining systematic theology to include 'what the Bible teaches us today'."
Why should believers study theology? Why isn't just reading my Bible sufficient enough?
"...systematic theology somehow can 'improve on the Bible by doing a better job of organizing its teachings or explaining them more clearly that the Bible itself has done. Thus we may begin to implicitly to deny the clarity of Scripture or the sufficiency of Scripture."-Grudem
How are we to fulfill the Great Commission? Yes, Bible reading will and must be done to be effective and to spend time with God. But to have the most impact, you need to know theology with the back up of scripture to answer questions some may have. Even if a believer asks you a question, you will be able to help them and minister to them because you know the Bible.
Also, when we study theology, it helps us overcome the wrong ideas of or ideas about God. If we had no sin in our lives we could read God's Word back to back, and we wouldn't actually need God's Word, we could just talk to God in person. We would learn everything about Christ, God, Holy Spirit almost instantly.Studying theology helps us make better decisions for our lives. You may ask how. Well, the reason is being that you know what God wants and what his will is on any topic(some topic just takes prayer and mediation with supplication). Whatever doctrinal issues come about over the years, we will have learned theology/scripture to defend whatever issues that may arise.Another reason for studying theology is that we will grow to be more like Christ and that should be our number 1 desire as true Holy Spirit filled believers. The more we know, the more we will trust in Him.
"In fact, the Bible often connects sound doctrine with maturity in Christian living: Paul speaks of ' the teaching which accords with godliness'(1 Timothy. 6:3) and says that his work as an apostle is 'to further the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth which accords with godliness'(Titus 1:1). By contrast, he indicates that all kinds of disobedience and immorality are 'contrary to the sound doctrine'(1 Timothy 1:10)." -Wayne Grudem
Objections to studying systematic theology
Many scholars think it all fits together to 'neat'.1. We as believers then must ask the objector to tell us the exact part he or she disagrees with in the light of scripture. Ask what have I misinterpreted. Be open to your possible mistake. Then deal with the misunderstanding. Sometimes they may object to nothing that is in scripture, then what do you do? The only thing I would say to do is to talk to them and use scripture to defend what you said that cause controversy.
2. Is has to be said that God's own mind and the nature of reality itself, true facts and all ideas are always consistent with each other. So, if we accurately interpret the scriptures, then the conclusion would be that it all fits together perfectly.If there are any questions, please feel free to comment and ask. That's what I'm here for.
How shall we study theology?
"We should study systematic theology with prayer." Study theology is studying God's Holy Scriptures, so therefore we should do what the Psalmist says and pray. (Psalm 119:18)(1 Corinthians 2:14)
No matter how smart the student is, if they stop praying, stop seeking God with a humble heart. The scripture will be a misunderstood and doctrinal errors. Now we all don't want that to happen so I suggest that we continue to pray fervently.(James 5:16-17)
Why study with humility. Peter tell us to in 1 Peter 5:5. You will learn many things of the teachings of God's Holy Word. You may also come to understand things your leaders in the church don't know.We should study with other people or at least talk with someone else about theology.(1 Corinthians 12:28) Believers have different gifts, so we all can learn from one another."We should study systematic theology by collecting and understanding All the relevant passages of Scripture on Any topic."
We should be excited to study theology and learn more and more about Christ. Not all people are wired to have a desire to crave theology. For myself, I love theology, I love talking about it. That is how I was wired to be like. Does this mean this is ALL I talk about. NO! I had a friend get on me for this. She would say stuff in a sarcastic way but it did hit me, stuff like, "Do you ever stop thinking about theology." There are times to talk about it and there are times not to. It's up to you to make that call...If someone gets upset at you because of your talking of theology, best thing to do is to stop.I hope this is a basic understanding of what Systematic Theology is and the importance of it. I hope you benefit from it. May God be with you!
In Prayers,
-AgapeTheologian
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Total Depravity
Can man choose God on His own? Is man completely fallen or just somewhat fallen? Is man dead in their nature or is man just sick and is in need of some assistance in accepting Christ?
Let's take a look at scripture, and see what scripture says...
Romans 3:9-11, 18
What then? Are we better than they? Not at all; for we have already charged that both Jews and Greeks are all under sin; as it is written, “THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE; THERE IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS, THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS FOR GOD . . . THERE IS NO FEAR OF GOD BEFORE THEIR EYES.”
Romans 7:18
For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not.
Ephesians 2:1-5
And you were dead in your trespasses and sins,
No one seeks after God! None whatsoever. Humans are dead in their nature! Nothing good dwells in fallen man.
John Piper writes, "It is a myth that man in his natural state is genuinely seeking God. Men do seek God. But they do not seek him for who he is. They seek him in a pinch as one who might preserve them from death or enhance their worldly enjoyments. Apart from conversion, no one comes to the light of God.Some do come to the light. But listen to what John 3:20-21 says about them. "Every one who does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does what is true comes to the light, that it may be clearly seen that his deeds have been wrought in God."Yes there are those who come to the light—namely those whose deeds are the work of God. "Wrought in God" means worked by God. Apart from this gracious work of God all men hate the light of God and will not come to him lest their evil be exposed—this is total rebellion. "No one seeks for God...There is no fear of God before their eyes!" "
Joh 5:40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.
That verse specifically states that we will not come to Christ on our own!
Joh 8:43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.
Joh 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
How can someone of the devil choose to come to Christ when we are archenemies of God?
Joh 8:47 Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God."
Joh 10:26 but you do not believe because you are not part of my flock.
"So we have a very distinct metaphor here - spiritual death, then rebirth, then life...Man is so dead in his sins that only God can save him. Man cannot even try to choose God. It isn't that he has no will - rather, sin has so tilted the scales of his will that he can only choose to do evil and wander away from the Lord. Only God can even the scales of man's will and give true freedom - the freedom to freely serve God. Thus, only God can give free will."-Taken from AspiringTheologian, http://aspiringtheologian.blogspot.com/2006/04/god-chose-you-look-at-calvinism.html#total
AspriringTheologian says "only God can give us free will". Free will is a very misleading term, so I choose not to use the word "free". We must see that God ordains everything, nothing comes at Him by surprise. I totally agree that man has a will. But God is the one who causes us, man, to act a certain way by secondary agents. God does not force us as man to do anything we would not like to do. God does not make us do things. God does not cause us to do anything contrary to our will.
We as man are God's workmanship. God can do whatever He wants to do with his "clay".
One error that keeps coming back to me if you say, "God gives or allows free will," is no guarantee that the Bible is inerrant, no mistakes. If man has totally free will, then wonder if one of the authors of the Bible exercised free will instead of God causing the man to write what we have today. God would have had to be okay with a mistake. Then we would have to discern what the mistake is. Or even worse, maybe the whole Bible is full of errors. What then?
That is only one reason why God has to be sovereign over all and not just some. The Bible must be inerrant.
I will be talking about grace in my next post. Thank you for reading. God bless,
-AgapeTheologian
Can man choose God on His own? Is man completely fallen or just somewhat fallen? Is man dead in their nature or is man just sick and is in need of some assistance in accepting Christ?
Let's take a look at scripture, and see what scripture says...
Romans 3:9-11, 18
What then? Are we better than they? Not at all; for we have already charged that both Jews and Greeks are all under sin; as it is written, “THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE; THERE IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS, THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS FOR GOD . . . THERE IS NO FEAR OF GOD BEFORE THEIR EYES.”
Romans 7:18
For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not.
Ephesians 2:1-5
And you were dead in your trespasses and sins,
No one seeks after God! None whatsoever. Humans are dead in their nature! Nothing good dwells in fallen man.
John Piper writes, "It is a myth that man in his natural state is genuinely seeking God. Men do seek God. But they do not seek him for who he is. They seek him in a pinch as one who might preserve them from death or enhance their worldly enjoyments. Apart from conversion, no one comes to the light of God.Some do come to the light. But listen to what John 3:20-21 says about them. "Every one who does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does what is true comes to the light, that it may be clearly seen that his deeds have been wrought in God."Yes there are those who come to the light—namely those whose deeds are the work of God. "Wrought in God" means worked by God. Apart from this gracious work of God all men hate the light of God and will not come to him lest their evil be exposed—this is total rebellion. "No one seeks for God...There is no fear of God before their eyes!" "
Joh 5:40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.
That verse specifically states that we will not come to Christ on our own!
Joh 8:43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.
Joh 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
How can someone of the devil choose to come to Christ when we are archenemies of God?
Joh 8:47 Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God."
Joh 10:26 but you do not believe because you are not part of my flock.
"So we have a very distinct metaphor here - spiritual death, then rebirth, then life...Man is so dead in his sins that only God can save him. Man cannot even try to choose God. It isn't that he has no will - rather, sin has so tilted the scales of his will that he can only choose to do evil and wander away from the Lord. Only God can even the scales of man's will and give true freedom - the freedom to freely serve God. Thus, only God can give free will."-Taken from AspiringTheologian, http://aspiringtheologian.blogspot.com/2006/04/god-chose-you-look-at-calvinism.html#total
AspriringTheologian says "only God can give us free will". Free will is a very misleading term, so I choose not to use the word "free". We must see that God ordains everything, nothing comes at Him by surprise. I totally agree that man has a will. But God is the one who causes us, man, to act a certain way by secondary agents. God does not force us as man to do anything we would not like to do. God does not make us do things. God does not cause us to do anything contrary to our will.
We as man are God's workmanship. God can do whatever He wants to do with his "clay".
One error that keeps coming back to me if you say, "God gives or allows free will," is no guarantee that the Bible is inerrant, no mistakes. If man has totally free will, then wonder if one of the authors of the Bible exercised free will instead of God causing the man to write what we have today. God would have had to be okay with a mistake. Then we would have to discern what the mistake is. Or even worse, maybe the whole Bible is full of errors. What then?
That is only one reason why God has to be sovereign over all and not just some. The Bible must be inerrant.
I will be talking about grace in my next post. Thank you for reading. God bless,
-AgapeTheologian
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Common Grace
"Common grace is the grace of God by which he gives people innumerable blessings that are part of salvation."-Wayne Grudem's definition
I just finished chapter 31 in Wayne's book. The part I loved the most in this chapter is when he said that "Common Grace and Special Grace influence each other".
Common Grace is what God gives to believers and unbelievers alike. Such as Rain, Sun Light, Trees, Nature, etc...
Special Grace is the grace that God only grants to the believers. It's the grace to receive salvation.
It's Common grace that I am not burning in Hell this very instant. What grace that is! It's so miraculous that God receives glory by offering grace to every single person alive. All we can do is offer praise to God! Our God is good!
When unbelievers do something good, it's only by the Lord's common grace that the wicked do good. We, as believers, should focus on seeing Christ through their actions because of common grace!
Since we are believers of Christ, we need to be even more thankful for God's Common Grace and His Special Grace.
After reading this very very short post, think of at least 10 things that God has given you only because of His common grace...
In Prayers,
-AgapeTheologian
"Common grace is the grace of God by which he gives people innumerable blessings that are part of salvation."-Wayne Grudem's definition
I just finished chapter 31 in Wayne's book. The part I loved the most in this chapter is when he said that "Common Grace and Special Grace influence each other".
Common Grace is what God gives to believers and unbelievers alike. Such as Rain, Sun Light, Trees, Nature, etc...
Special Grace is the grace that God only grants to the believers. It's the grace to receive salvation.
It's Common grace that I am not burning in Hell this very instant. What grace that is! It's so miraculous that God receives glory by offering grace to every single person alive. All we can do is offer praise to God! Our God is good!
When unbelievers do something good, it's only by the Lord's common grace that the wicked do good. We, as believers, should focus on seeing Christ through their actions because of common grace!
Since we are believers of Christ, we need to be even more thankful for God's Common Grace and His Special Grace.
After reading this very very short post, think of at least 10 things that God has given you only because of His common grace...
In Prayers,
-AgapeTheologian
Friday, July 27, 2007
Sex God (Part 2)
To my surprise, I actually enjoyed Rob Bell's book. One negative I would like to point out is:
-Why does our culture say we have a wedding ceremony to be married. I'm not saying what Bell says, talking about people sleeping together yet not married, "But Maybe it's already a marriage in God's eyes, and maybe their having sex had already joined them as man and wife from God's perspective.
This isn't a low view of sex. It's a higher view of sex. It's a higher view of marriage. It's people living in the reality of the decisions they've all ready made."
1.If that's the case, their are a ton and I mean a ton of divorces in God's eyes...
Over all I give this book a 4 out of 5. I do like how Bell states that we were not created like animals who just do "it" when it's time. We are also not like angels who act like we don't know what sex is. However, we are created to be sexual beings. We are sexual!
In Prayers,
-AgapeTheologian
To my surprise, I actually enjoyed Rob Bell's book. One negative I would like to point out is:
-Why does our culture say we have a wedding ceremony to be married. I'm not saying what Bell says, talking about people sleeping together yet not married, "But Maybe it's already a marriage in God's eyes, and maybe their having sex had already joined them as man and wife from God's perspective.
This isn't a low view of sex. It's a higher view of sex. It's a higher view of marriage. It's people living in the reality of the decisions they've all ready made."
1.If that's the case, their are a ton and I mean a ton of divorces in God's eyes...
Over all I give this book a 4 out of 5. I do like how Bell states that we were not created like animals who just do "it" when it's time. We are also not like angels who act like we don't know what sex is. However, we are created to be sexual beings. We are sexual!
In Prayers,
-AgapeTheologian
Monday, July 23, 2007
SEX GOD (Part 1)
Here are my thoughts on Sex God by Rob Bell. This review will not be as detailed as Velvet Elvis was, but I will try to point out a few of the negatives that I have found in the book...
Despite how I felt about Velvet Elvis I actually really enjoyed this book. Rob Bell had slight errors and only a few things I really disagree with. I would actually recommend this book... I would just clarify a few of Bells mistakes.
Ch. 1
-Rob Bell says that lust doesn't seem that big of a deal since it is so common. He doesn't have a correct view on Matthew 5:27-30.
-His view on the Lord's Supper is a little weak.
As of Chapter one, the book is recommendable. As I continue to read, I am scared that this view may change and change very fast...
Ch. 5
Here are my thoughts on Sex God by Rob Bell. This review will not be as detailed as Velvet Elvis was, but I will try to point out a few of the negatives that I have found in the book...
Despite how I felt about Velvet Elvis I actually really enjoyed this book. Rob Bell had slight errors and only a few things I really disagree with. I would actually recommend this book... I would just clarify a few of Bells mistakes.
Ch. 1
-Rob Bell says that lust doesn't seem that big of a deal since it is so common. He doesn't have a correct view on Matthew 5:27-30.
-His view on the Lord's Supper is a little weak.
As of Chapter one, the book is recommendable. As I continue to read, I am scared that this view may change and change very fast...
Ch. 5
-He says that some people are good enough for God.
1.Who is good enough for God. No one is good enough for God. It's by grace we are saved not on what I deserve.
-"God can do anything-that's what makes God, God. But God can't everything. God can't make us love him-that's our choice."
1.A very shocking statement. This statement puts a bitter taste in my mouth. That statement is denying God of who He is. It's saying that God is not in full control. It's saying God is not sovereign. It's saying God can't make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor. (Rom 9)
2.This is the biggest problem I have found so far.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Velvet Elvis! (Revised 07-27-07)
I just finished reading, Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell. Throughout the book I found myself a little, umm...disturbed. I don't want you to feel like I am attacking Rob Bell as a person. I am attempting to write this in a graceful matter, please do not take it any other way.
Introduction:
In the introduction of Velvet Elvis it sure seems like theology changes. Truth never changes. The book really risks damaging the faith. People will have different beliefs, but solid truth will never change.
Ch. 1
-"An atheist is a person of tremendous faith." I do agree with that. It is a funny thing to think about it, yet atheist just don't realize how much faith they really do have. Perhaps even more than Christians have today. Very sad, but possible.
-Bell risks claiming that Jesus was the Father in essence. Again, Bell risks it. I can't decide if whether Bell says it but it is possible that is what he meant. Which would be heresy if this is what he believes. Meaning Christ is God in bodily form.
-Bell says that we should take the Trinity out and "examine it. Discuss it, probe it, question it." However, the Trinity is key to salvation. If you don't believe in the Trinity, I would claim it is impossible for you to be saved. Rob Bell is questioning key points to the faith.
Ch. 2
-He says women have authority over their husbands. He takes 1 Corinthians 7:4 out of context.
-He challenged us to discern when we can curse non-believers. But again, the verse he uses is taken out of context.
-Truth is Truth. Trust doesn't change. Truth is the same for each person. Truth doesn't change to fit you. Although Rob Bell disagrees.-or atleast it seems to be the case
-Rob Bell basically said that can't know Truth. Check pg 60 fourth paragraph down.
-As far as I know, the Bible was not written because of oral history. If that was the case, how reliable is the Bible. Rob Bell doesn't elaborate of the matter. He has a false view of the Bible.
Ch.3
-Rob Bell said throw yourself to work in the church but we really need to find our gift in the church and use that for His kingdom.
-It appears as Rob Bell claims that the world is not fallen, just humans are. I would argue that the whole world is fallen. Everything in our world is tainted by sin, even the birds, the trees, etc...Humans are completely sinful as well as other created things.
(No issues in ch. 4, although it was a story about how Mars Hill was started)
Ch.5
-Rob Bell said Peter needed to have more faith in himself instead of Jesus when he was walking on water with Jesus. Peter doubted Jesus and started to sink that is why Jesus said,"You of little faith." Rob Bell is giving way to much responsibility to man. I wrote, "Wrong. Peter loses faith in Jesus. What do we have faith in ourself?" What Rob Bell says is pushing towards heresy.
Christ makes me more like Him. I don't make
myself like Christ.
-Rob Bell says we don't understand what we are capable of. Which is very false. God makes us who we are.
-Rob Bells says Christ believes in me, but Rob has it backwards. "God has faith in me."-NO! I have faith in God. God does not have faith I can be like Him which Rob claims. I need Jesus to make me like Him and He knows this.
Ch. 6
-"... it is possible for religious leaders to actually get in the way of people entering into the life of God." I know I have used strong language, and I am sorrow if I have offended anyone but these things must be said. With the quote from Rob, I think he may be talking about himself.
-He makes it appears as if I can not sin, but says we do. So, that doesn't make sense. God does not view me at Christ as Rob says God does.
-When I sin, it's good to feel shame, yet Rob says we shouldn't. He takes a verse from Romans out of context. Romans 8:1!
-Rob Bell says that their will be people in Heaven who are forgiven and people in Hell who are forgiven. Both places their will be full of people whom Jesus died for. "The difference is how we choose to live, which story we choose to live in, which version of reality we trust."
This is so, so false. I don't see any ounce of truth
in what he is saying. Does this qualify as blasphemy? Heaven and Hell is not based on works. Heaven is not based up to us!
Ch. 7
-In the story in Matthew where Jesus feeds 5000 people with 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread. Bell says that "God gives fish the ability to make more."-NO! God makes more with His power.
-He claims creation wasn't perfect, which in reality it is!
-Rob says that Christ died to save all. And what I mean by all is all creation. Rob says he died for every star and bird.-I may misunderstood what he meant. But I know Christ came to redeem man!
-The Bible is not equivalent to the Church.
-He uses the TNIV which may be some of the issue since that translation is not a very good translation at all.
-I don't agree with ladies being leaders in the church, but there is much debate among the topic which I haven't study effectively.
-He writes many information as fact but the truth is that what he says is not fact. But many people who don't study doctrine will easily believe him. I may have if I read this a year ago.
Throughout the book he asks lame questions.
-Rob contradicts himself. I tell you Christ had to redeem man, but His death also had to save the earth. The earth is under the curse as well.
Sadly, Rob Bell has potential to be one of the false teachers Peter talks about in his two books. Is Rob Bell dressed in Sheep clothing?
This is the impression I got from reading his book. I would not suggest the book to anyone. I can really see people who don't know their doctrine believe every word. But their is a lot of false facts in the book that people will take as truth.
With that said, I'm sorry if I have offended you. I didn't desire to. Please leave me a comment with your thoughts. Thanks for reading...
In Prayers,
-AgapeTheologian
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
I was doing some thinking lately. I've been told so many times that we have no language to express our joy and love to God. That just recently hit me. Our language, or any human language for that matter can not in any way express what we should towards God. We express what we can, but it's nothing compared to what the Trinity deserves.
It's so graceful that Jesus would actually listen and count what we say as a good thing. Why would Jesus have to listen to us? He doesn't. He chooses to out of His love and mercy. WOW!
God is...
"the eternal, independent, and self-existent Being; the Being whose purposes and actions spring from himself, without foreign motive or influence; he who is absolute in dominion; the most pure, the most simple, the most spiritual of all essences; infinitely perfect; and eternally self-sufficient, needing nothing that he has made; illimitable in his immensity, inconceivable in his mode of existence, and indescribable in his essence; known only funny by himself, because an infinite mind can only be fully comprehended by itself. In a word, a Being who, from infinite wisdom, cannot err or be deceived, and from his infinite goodness, can do nothing what its eternally just and right, and kind."-Adam Clark
It just has struck me that we have no language for God yet He still accepts us as we are. It's all of grace. Again, why would God listen to us? He shouldn't, yet He chooses to because He so desires. Grace, it's all grace!
In Prayers,
-AgapeTheologian
It's so graceful that Jesus would actually listen and count what we say as a good thing. Why would Jesus have to listen to us? He doesn't. He chooses to out of His love and mercy. WOW!
God is...
"the eternal, independent, and self-existent Being; the Being whose purposes and actions spring from himself, without foreign motive or influence; he who is absolute in dominion; the most pure, the most simple, the most spiritual of all essences; infinitely perfect; and eternally self-sufficient, needing nothing that he has made; illimitable in his immensity, inconceivable in his mode of existence, and indescribable in his essence; known only funny by himself, because an infinite mind can only be fully comprehended by itself. In a word, a Being who, from infinite wisdom, cannot err or be deceived, and from his infinite goodness, can do nothing what its eternally just and right, and kind."-Adam Clark
It just has struck me that we have no language for God yet He still accepts us as we are. It's all of grace. Again, why would God listen to us? He shouldn't, yet He chooses to because He so desires. Grace, it's all grace!
In Prayers,
-AgapeTheologian
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Today while pondering on the Word of God. I was reading in Psalm 107. A few things stood out to me. I am going off of a similar format that I learned at New Attitude.
-What this passage teaches me about God-
-What this passage teaches me about God-
- He is good
-His love is everlasting
- He redeems
- Deliver's people in need if they cry out.
- God satisfies my sould, my longing soul. He will fill my hungry soul with good things.
- Displays wonderous works to men.
- Makes 'storms' be se still.
-Bring Christians to their desired place
-What this passage teaches me about myself-
- I need to give thanks to God
- Cry out to the Lord in troubled times
-Cry out all the time
- Thank God for His love
- Humble myself before Him
- Sin may bring affliction (Vs. 17)
- Share God's marvelous deeds with other with 'joy'
- Extol Him
- If wise, I may see God.
I hope this was an encouragment to you. I just finished When I Don't Desire God: How to fight for joy, by John Piper. It was an excellent book. One part that I really enjoyed was that we need to be constantly in the word and memorizing God's Word. How can we fight for joy if we don't memorize God's word? We can't! It's like a spec ops going on a secret mission without his gun. We would not be prepared for battle. We have to battle our way through times of dry spells. Keep consistent in the Word!
In Prayers,
-AgapeTheologian
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
WORSHIP
God has taught me so much on worship over this past trip! The sound was different than I was used to. It was a lot heavier, but at the same time, not distracting. Pastor Timothy Durey said that he never thought he could worship to a guitar solo.
I used to never raise my hands, but God has taught me that when raising my hands is me giving so much more worship than just singing the words. I feel the Spirit coming upon me and feel new life in me. It's a great feeling!
That is just the basics. I've got to help get ready to leave this amazing conference!!!!!!!!
-AgapeTheologian
Monday, May 28, 2007
DISCERN YOUR HEART
Mark Dever and Al Mohler did a great job the previous sessons, but I am going to skip until last night when C.J. Mahanney spoke. He did an excellent job. I am going to try to summarize what he spoke about.
C.J. started off in Exodus 20 and reading where God tells Israel not to have any idols before Him or make anything of some sort. God couldn't of been any clearing. Idolatry is the most discussed sin in God's word, and it's the most condemning sin.
"Evil in our desires usually don't live in what we want, but that we want it TOO much."
John Calvin
"Human heart is a function of idols...from Mother's wound, expert in investing idols"
John Calvin
Some idol may be completely oblivious to me, but obvious to others.
1.Growth in godliness
-Purify heart
-Discerning, detecting sin.
-By grace destroy idols, by discern it.
2.Grow in great fullness to God
-Reminds us our need of forgiveness and our need of a savior
Luke 7:47
WE AFFENDED GOD, THE ONE WHO SAID, "YOU SHALL HAVE NO OTHER GOD'S BEFORE ME"
-AgapeTheologian
Mark Dever and Al Mohler did a great job the previous sessons, but I am going to skip until last night when C.J. Mahanney spoke. He did an excellent job. I am going to try to summarize what he spoke about.
C.J. started off in Exodus 20 and reading where God tells Israel not to have any idols before Him or make anything of some sort. God couldn't of been any clearing. Idolatry is the most discussed sin in God's word, and it's the most condemning sin.
- Prior to conversion, Idolatry was our offense to God. (Rom. 1)
- There's been a lot a bad trades in sports, but God made the worse trade of all.
- Why would God trade His son for us?
- We desperately need theologically discernment to be able to discern idolatry.
"Evil in our desires usually don't live in what we want, but that we want it TOO much."
John Calvin
"Human heart is a function of idols...from Mother's wound, expert in investing idols"
John Calvin
Some idol may be completely oblivious to me, but obvious to others.
1.Growth in godliness
-Purify heart
-Discerning, detecting sin.
-By grace destroy idols, by discern it.
2.Grow in great fullness to God
-Reminds us our need of forgiveness and our need of a savior
Luke 7:47
WE AFFENDED GOD, THE ONE WHO SAID, "YOU SHALL HAVE NO OTHER GOD'S BEFORE ME"
-AgapeTheologian
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Me getting my books signed my Joshua Harris! He is the coolest!Joshua Harris-First night at Na
Eric Simmons introduced before Josh came up and spoke.
Eric concluded:
1. Question your answers
-Humble yourself before God
2.Think of yourself first
-When discerning
3.Pray
-Always. That God will open my eyes to Truth
Joshua Harris:
- Rediscovery these truths with humility
- We want the Truth that has always been and have it change us.
- We need to humbly proclaiming this truth
- We need not to be people who are right, but people who are rescued.
- Discernment=testing what's good and evil ad acting on what we see and distinguish of what God values.
- WE NEED DISCERNENT
- We need to work at it
- We need to study the Bible
- Mature believers practice power of discernment.
Rom 12:1-2
- Truth of Gospel
- Gospel living
- Discern will of God
- Give God everything I am
- Give Him my LIVING BODY
- Lay myself on the altar as a living sacrifice
There were so much more things that he said. These are just the highlights. I want t leave you with one more thing.
"-We must have a strong doctrinal content.
-Display it.
-If theology doesn't shape your life, then you don't understand it."-Joshua Harris
Love you all!
Thanks for your prayers,
-AgapeTheologian
New Attitude #1
Devotions:
I read through Philippians 1-2. Here are a few things that stuck out to me.
3-11:
-All of out prayers should be prayed with joy. This doesn't necessarily mean you can't mourn, but mourn with joy because of our savior.
-God is the one who has begun the salvation process, He is the One who has begun the salvation process, He is the only One who can ad will finish it.
-To be able to approve what is excellent, pure, blameless...I need more knowledge and discernment.
12-30:
-I want to be with Christ, but Christ wants me here on this earth which is more necessary on my account. I will remain in progress and joy in my faith.
Chapter 2:
1-11:
-Do nothing out of RIVALRY, Christians should have he same mind. Rivalry doesn't equal love.
-Christ became so humble by becoming and man and by obeying His Father; Then he was hghly exalted.
12-18:
-God is the One who works in me for me Salvation and good works through us. (Almost repeat from Chapter 1)
-Everything I do, do it all without complaining, grumbling, and questioning. Then, I maybe blameless and innocent children of God. This doesn't mean I will be perfect, but I will further my sanctification. and get closer to glorification.
-I need to be 'blameless' in the perverse generation to shine for Christ. Then, it won't be in vain and Christ will be proud of me.
These are just a few things that I did for me devotions yesterday. I urge you all to check out, www.therebelution.com. They are the official live bloggers! I'll try to update on how it went yesterday ad my time seeing Joshua Harris speak, etc...
Keep Praying,
-AgapeTheologian
Devotions:
I read through Philippians 1-2. Here are a few things that stuck out to me.
3-11:
-All of out prayers should be prayed with joy. This doesn't necessarily mean you can't mourn, but mourn with joy because of our savior.
-God is the one who has begun the salvation process, He is the One who has begun the salvation process, He is the only One who can ad will finish it.
-To be able to approve what is excellent, pure, blameless...I need more knowledge and discernment.
12-30:
-I want to be with Christ, but Christ wants me here on this earth which is more necessary on my account. I will remain in progress and joy in my faith.
Chapter 2:
1-11:
-Do nothing out of RIVALRY, Christians should have he same mind. Rivalry doesn't equal love.
-Christ became so humble by becoming and man and by obeying His Father; Then he was hghly exalted.
12-18:
-God is the One who works in me for me Salvation and good works through us. (Almost repeat from Chapter 1)
-Everything I do, do it all without complaining, grumbling, and questioning. Then, I maybe blameless and innocent children of God. This doesn't mean I will be perfect, but I will further my sanctification. and get closer to glorification.
-I need to be 'blameless' in the perverse generation to shine for Christ. Then, it won't be in vain and Christ will be proud of me.
These are just a few things that I did for me devotions yesterday. I urge you all to check out, www.therebelution.com. They are the official live bloggers! I'll try to update on how it went yesterday ad my time seeing Joshua Harris speak, etc...
Keep Praying,
-AgapeTheologian
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Inerrancy of Scripture & Clarity of Scripture
Inerrancy can not be found in the Bible today. If anyone says one specific topic in the Bible is inerrant, then the whole Bible has to be inerrant. If one part of God's word doesn't speak truth, then we, Christians, are serving a false God. A lying God. Which we all know that can't be so. So, the Bible is full of truth.
Clarity:
"Deu 6:6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart.
Deu 6:7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. "
We need to be teaching our children God's word. God's word should be on the tip of our tongues and in all our conversations.
"Psa 19:7 the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;"
God's word is understandable. Many have claimed that only theologians can fully understand God's word. All christians should disagree. The Bible is very clear and every part of it should be, and is, very understandable.
Even unbelievers will find it clear if they are truly seeking out salvation; if they are not, God's word will be like a cloud.
"The clarity of Scripture means that the Bible is written in such a way that its teachings are able to be understood by all who will read it seeking God's help and being willing to follow it."-Wayne Grudem
After Grudem's quote, he himself even has said that we should realize that even godly men will mis-understand scripture.
In Prayers,
-AgapeTheologian
Inerrancy can not be found in the Bible today. If anyone says one specific topic in the Bible is inerrant, then the whole Bible has to be inerrant. If one part of God's word doesn't speak truth, then we, Christians, are serving a false God. A lying God. Which we all know that can't be so. So, the Bible is full of truth.
Clarity:
"Deu 6:6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart.
Deu 6:7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. "
We need to be teaching our children God's word. God's word should be on the tip of our tongues and in all our conversations.
"Psa 19:7 the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;"
God's word is understandable. Many have claimed that only theologians can fully understand God's word. All christians should disagree. The Bible is very clear and every part of it should be, and is, very understandable.
Even unbelievers will find it clear if they are truly seeking out salvation; if they are not, God's word will be like a cloud.
"The clarity of Scripture means that the Bible is written in such a way that its teachings are able to be understood by all who will read it seeking God's help and being willing to follow it."-Wayne Grudem
After Grudem's quote, he himself even has said that we should realize that even godly men will mis-understand scripture.
In Prayers,
-AgapeTheologian
Monday, January 29, 2007
Canon and Authority of Scripture
Canon
The Canon consist of 66 books that today we call The Bible. Why were these books part of the canon and others were not?
The church prayed about the books that should be included in the Canon. There were some controversies over specific books. The church had to read all sorts of books and made sure they went together doctrinally. That is a very brief summary of how The Bible came into being.
One book that had major controversy is the book of Ester. The biggest issue that church leaders had was that it didn’t mention God once in the book.
The Jews always considered this book to be inspired, and later on, the church leaders came to an agreement that the book of Ester was indeed inspired.
"The book of Esther was questioned because of the noticeable absence of any significant mention of God in the book. He is clearly behind the scenes, but there is very little direct reference to Him.
That said, the book was considered part of the cannon because of its God-centered message and its value in showing the providence of God, the faith and courage of Esther, and the protection of God's people through human events.
For more on this discussion, you might want to read John MacArthur's introduction in the Mac Study Bible…"-Pastor Mark Vroegop, senior pastor at www.calvaryb.org
The Romans Catholics still today believe that the Apocrypha is inspired, but protestants believe differently since the Bible would not be consistent.
We need to realize that a all loving God, who saved us from our sins won’t mess up with a Bible that is not fully from Him.
2.Authority of Scripture
When we read the Bible, we are reading God’s words. They are His words in human form. To say they are not fully His because he is infinite and we are finite, is to say that the Bible is not completely true. Which, we know is false.
If anyone disbelieves any part of scripture is to disbelieve God. If anyone disobeys any part of scripture, you are disobeying God.
Scripture is our highest authority. We know that God can not lie, is He did, then the Bible should be tossed. But since God can not lie, we know the Bible is our highest authority.
The Bible should be where we go to find all our answers in life.
I know this was brief, but I hope it was worth reading.
In Prayers,
-AgapeTheologian
Canon
The Canon consist of 66 books that today we call The Bible. Why were these books part of the canon and others were not?
The church prayed about the books that should be included in the Canon. There were some controversies over specific books. The church had to read all sorts of books and made sure they went together doctrinally. That is a very brief summary of how The Bible came into being.
One book that had major controversy is the book of Ester. The biggest issue that church leaders had was that it didn’t mention God once in the book.
The Jews always considered this book to be inspired, and later on, the church leaders came to an agreement that the book of Ester was indeed inspired.
"The book of Esther was questioned because of the noticeable absence of any significant mention of God in the book. He is clearly behind the scenes, but there is very little direct reference to Him.
That said, the book was considered part of the cannon because of its God-centered message and its value in showing the providence of God, the faith and courage of Esther, and the protection of God's people through human events.
For more on this discussion, you might want to read John MacArthur's introduction in the Mac Study Bible…"-Pastor Mark Vroegop, senior pastor at www.calvaryb.org
The Romans Catholics still today believe that the Apocrypha is inspired, but protestants believe differently since the Bible would not be consistent.
We need to realize that a all loving God, who saved us from our sins won’t mess up with a Bible that is not fully from Him.
2.Authority of Scripture
When we read the Bible, we are reading God’s words. They are His words in human form. To say they are not fully His because he is infinite and we are finite, is to say that the Bible is not completely true. Which, we know is false.
If anyone disbelieves any part of scripture is to disbelieve God. If anyone disobeys any part of scripture, you are disobeying God.
Scripture is our highest authority. We know that God can not lie, is He did, then the Bible should be tossed. But since God can not lie, we know the Bible is our highest authority.
The Bible should be where we go to find all our answers in life.
I know this was brief, but I hope it was worth reading.
In Prayers,
-AgapeTheologian
Sunday, January 14, 2007
WORD OF GOD
The Word of God. The Word of God doesn’t always mean the Bible as some like to think. It can even mean, Jesus Christ.(Revelation 19:13; John 1:1, 14; 1 John 1:1) Just because the Bible says, "Word of God", we can’t often think of it as Scripture, but think of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
God’s Word is seen through Scripture as speaking through human lips. God raised up prophets and spoke divine inspiration through them.
God says to Moses, "
Deu 18:18 I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. And I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him.
Deu 18:19 And whoever will not listen to my words that he shall speak in my name, I myself will require it of him.
Deu 18:20 But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in my name that I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that same prophet shall die.'"(ESV, Emphasis Added)
God made similar statements through out the Bible. It is obvious that if anyone who claimed to be a prophet from God, yet in reality is not was severely punished.
God’s Word in written form. The Bible is God’s personal address. Mosses was one case where he wrote down God’s Word; The Ten Commandments.
"Deu 31:9 Then Moses wrote this law and gave it to the priests, the sons of Levi, who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and to all the elders of Israel.
Deu 31:10 And Moses commanded them, "At the end of every seven years, at the set time in the year of release, at the Feast of Booths,
Deu 31:11 when all Israel comes to appear before the LORD your God at the place that he will choose, you shall read this law before all Israel in their hearing.
Deu 31:12 Assemble the people, men, women, and little ones, and the sojourner within your towns, that they may hear and learn to fear the LORD your God, and be careful to do all the words of this law,
Deu 31:13 and that their children, who have not known it, may hear and learn to fear the LORD your God, as long as you live in the land that you are going over the Jordan to possess.""
It also tells us in the book of Joshua that Joshua wrote the words of God in the book of the law. (Joshua 24:26)
"Once again it must be noted that these words are still considered to be God’s own words, even though they are written down mostly by human being and always in human language. Still, they are absolutely authoritative and absolutely true: to disobey them or disbelieve them is a serious sin and brings judgment from God. (1 Cor. 14:37; Jer. 36:29-31)"-Wayne Grudem
Final Thoughts:
If God were to speak to you in person or through a prophet, would you more likely to listen to Him? It’s kind of funny at times when we receive an email, a note from someone we really care about, we will read it over and over. But do we do that with God’s word? NO! We do not. Christians don’t always take good care of their copy of the Bible nor do they want to read this ultimate love letter. Some even treat it as something they have to read. The Bible is God’s love letter to us, we should care about Him just as He does us.
The Bible is our high authority from God, we need to follow it and pray for a desire to become thirsty from it…
In Prayers,
-AgapeTheologian
The Word of God. The Word of God doesn’t always mean the Bible as some like to think. It can even mean, Jesus Christ.(Revelation 19:13; John 1:1, 14; 1 John 1:1) Just because the Bible says, "Word of God", we can’t often think of it as Scripture, but think of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
God’s Word is seen through Scripture as speaking through human lips. God raised up prophets and spoke divine inspiration through them.
God says to Moses, "
Deu 18:18 I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. And I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him.
Deu 18:19 And whoever will not listen to my words that he shall speak in my name, I myself will require it of him.
Deu 18:20 But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in my name that I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that same prophet shall die.'"(ESV, Emphasis Added)
God made similar statements through out the Bible. It is obvious that if anyone who claimed to be a prophet from God, yet in reality is not was severely punished.
God’s Word in written form. The Bible is God’s personal address. Mosses was one case where he wrote down God’s Word; The Ten Commandments.
"Deu 31:9 Then Moses wrote this law and gave it to the priests, the sons of Levi, who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and to all the elders of Israel.
Deu 31:10 And Moses commanded them, "At the end of every seven years, at the set time in the year of release, at the Feast of Booths,
Deu 31:11 when all Israel comes to appear before the LORD your God at the place that he will choose, you shall read this law before all Israel in their hearing.
Deu 31:12 Assemble the people, men, women, and little ones, and the sojourner within your towns, that they may hear and learn to fear the LORD your God, and be careful to do all the words of this law,
Deu 31:13 and that their children, who have not known it, may hear and learn to fear the LORD your God, as long as you live in the land that you are going over the Jordan to possess.""
It also tells us in the book of Joshua that Joshua wrote the words of God in the book of the law. (Joshua 24:26)
"Once again it must be noted that these words are still considered to be God’s own words, even though they are written down mostly by human being and always in human language. Still, they are absolutely authoritative and absolutely true: to disobey them or disbelieve them is a serious sin and brings judgment from God. (1 Cor. 14:37; Jer. 36:29-31)"-Wayne Grudem
Final Thoughts:
If God were to speak to you in person or through a prophet, would you more likely to listen to Him? It’s kind of funny at times when we receive an email, a note from someone we really care about, we will read it over and over. But do we do that with God’s word? NO! We do not. Christians don’t always take good care of their copy of the Bible nor do they want to read this ultimate love letter. Some even treat it as something they have to read. The Bible is God’s love letter to us, we should care about Him just as He does us.
The Bible is our high authority from God, we need to follow it and pray for a desire to become thirsty from it…
In Prayers,
-AgapeTheologian
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