Hello Blogworld!

I am on summer vacation! I just finished writing a paper for my theology 1 class and now I have until late August to prepare for the coming fall semester. Anyhoot, here are some things to think about that I learned in my theology class. If you're saying that this sounds familiar, it probably is. We discussed the contents of this blog and upcoming blogs at our Wednesday Night Bible Study! Alrighty, enjoy!!!

p.s. - I changed the citations, I just put the name of the book in parenthesis.

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What is Theology? Why is it important?

“Doctrine divides” is a phrase that I often heard in the church community in which I was raised. The attitudes of those surrounding me towards doctrine and theology were downplayed, much like many of the westernized churches today. From my perspective there is a lessoned value that is set on doctrine and theology in church circles today because of its potential to “divide” the church. Theology is vital for the church and for the believer as an individual.

What is Theology?

Perhaps the reason why people are so fearful to indulge in theology is because of a lack of understanding of what it actually is and the benefits it produces in the Christian walk. Theology is the study of God. We can accomplish this in many ways (Biblical Theology, systematic theology, historical theology, etc.) but all must be traced back to one common source—God Himself as revealed in His Word . Wayne Grudem defines systematic theology as, “any study that answers the question, ‘What does the whole Bible teach us today?’ about any given topic” (Systematic Theology, 21). Theology must be centered on the Word of God. I am strongly convinced that theology is vital in the believer’s life, both for their salvation and their sanctification.

The Gospel and Theology

It is inevitable that theology and the Gospel are intertwined together. What I think about God can drastically change my outlook on the Gospel. The Gospel is rooted in God Himself. It is rooted in His character, His work, His love, His personhood, His very nature. If I fail to have proper doctrine in key area regarding the Gospel I put myself and those I minister to at risk of eternal disappointment. The key teachings of the Gospel must be theologically and Scripturally sound in order to avoid any pitfalls. My response to “doctrine divides,” is an emphatic, “doctrine does divide—the sheep from the goats!” But the importance of theology does not only end here with the Gospel but even extends itself into my very own walk with God.

Worship and Theology

The benefits of theology and doctrine to the believer are valuable. By achieving the answer to “what does the Bible teach today?” the believer has at his hands precious truths that can significantly alter his walk with God. Wayne Grudem comments saying, “I do not believe that God intended the study of theology to be dry and boring. Theology is the study of God and all his works! Theology is meant to be lived and prayed and sung!” (Systematic Theology, 16). It is not knowledge to be horded solely for the mind of the believer but must find its way into the life of every believer. Wayne Grudem continues to say, “Nowhere in Scripture do we find doctrine studied for its own sake or in isolation from life. The biblical writers consistently apply their teaching to life” (Systematic Theology, 23). Theology can richly deepen my love and walk with God!