Why teach the Bible?

Too many Christians have resorted to an understanding of the Bible that keeps them as far away from Theology and Doctrine as possible. It is fine to want to understand the love of Christ and focus on what Jesus did on the cross, but because theology has been given a bad name, too many have shoved it under the rug. As believers we are to be emboldened to learn the the Why's and the How's of Scripture. Theology sadly has become stereotypical of those in dark rooms, with lots of huge old books, who do not relate to anyone and do not know how to apply Scripture to life. Theology is not an archaic study of a book from yester-millenia but a study of the teachings of the Word that allow Christians to have more and more thirst for the things of God. In a search for the answers of Scripture, one must form worldviews and opinions about the Bible. This is theology!! How you apply the Bible to your life is theology. Unfortunately with the decline in a desire for good theology, too many, if not all people have formed religious opinions without understanding where they get those opinions. Was it from TV, movies, family history, the good ole' boys, or was it from a desire to know more about Jesus from the Word. God-centered theology leads to Godly living, then Godly thinking, and the Godly action. Theology is a way of worshiping God with our minds as well as our lives and our praise.

Christ is Our Peace

Ephesians 2:14-16 As I continue to study through the book of Ephesians I am continually challenged by the teachings of Paul. He is a man that is concerned with Theology. So many today are only concerned with the salvation experience, that we loose good discipleship (after Salvation teaching). Paul understood the importance of sharing with believers (In Ephesus here) how getting closer to Christ involves digging in God's Word. Christ, in v.14 through His blood has taken away labels (Jew and Gentile) that would divide, and has established a church by which all believers can unite under one name, Christian. He Himself has brought peace to this world. He has allowed us who were once a far off as foreigners to be called citizens of the Kingdom. If that doesn't give you confidence in Christ and His Word, I don't know what will!

The Fall of Man

In considering the Fall of Man contained in Genesis 3 it is interesting to note the fact that it was indeed Eve who ate and Adam who is blamed for the sin (Rom.5:12). Why is this? I believe that one must understand the Biblical roles of manhood and womanhood in order to fully understand this argument. And in an effort to remain somewhat concise on this blog, a fully exhaustive study will not be observed. That being said, man is ultimately responsible to God for his actions, his wife and his family. The wife is responsible always to the man. This goes against much of the teachings of modern day gender equality and feminism. It does not however support a male dominated society. God created men and women equally important, but with differing roles. Men are to be the leaders of the home, but this does not take away the leadership role of a wife in the family. A man is to love and a woman is to submit, but this does not mean that a woman is to disobey God to obey her husband. In a marriage relationship both the husband and wife are to contribute 100% to the marriage. If one day, the husband looses all loveliness, this does not give the wife a right to abandon her covenant vows at the marriage altar, or vice versa. The marriage is a relationship that is kept by God in heaven and is a representation of the relationship Christ has with His church. Men are to provide, love, initiate, and secure the marriage Women are to respond, submit, help, and provide tender relationship to the marriage. Without either of these roles a marriage is destined for failure. But any marriage is destined for failure without an anchor on the relationship each party has with Jesus Christ. I always find it amazing that an unbelieving couple can stand at the marriage altar and provide promise to God and witnesses, without either party having a mutual view of marriage. This couple is doomed for failure. But a couple that understands the good and the bad of a marriage relationship, understanding it is the hardest and most rewarding relationship on earth, will band together to form a bond that is kept in Christ and not on man.

Ephesians 2:1-10

This evening we will be continuing our Wednesday evening Bible Study by looking into Ephesians 2:1-10. I love how the writing style of Paul is so thorough. When God chose Paul to write such massive portions of the NT, He knew exactly what He was doing. Paul can communicate the sharpest truths to the most educated and simple minded men at the same time. This passage combines an understanding of the satanic world and the spiritual death of an unbeliever with the understanding that salvation comes by way of grace through faith and not by works. This doctrine is resonated throughout all of the Word, but is culminated in this section by verses 8-9. Paul does not hesitate to say that if it were by works, there would be reason to boast in salvation. But because it is strictly by way of grace on Christ's behalf, I don't have any say concerning the security of salvation. If salvation is a gift, it cannot be given back. If it is true in verse 6 that we will be raised to heavenly places, than there is no condition on what I can do to lose this wonderful promise. I am promised heavenly blessings and if I've put my faith in Christ those will happen. My salvation is secure, no matter what.

What's this blog about anyway?

This is a spot for theologically concerned or questioning individuals to hear what God has to say from the Word of God. We will discuss everything from end times events to leadership to missions to Biblical controversies to OT and NT, church history, etc. etc. We welcome questions and comments concerning the truth of the Bible and Christianity. Thanks for all the questions and interest so far!!! AC

How does God talk to us through the Bible?

I have been challenged in the present to pursue a teaching style that encompasses revealing the truths of the Word in a simple and understandable way. It is no small feat to begin with a great word and theology from God and begin to disect it to the simplest of all forms. However, all one must do is examine the Word itself. The Bible contains no teaching that is contrary to itself. One must always approach passages of the Bible in the same way. If I ever feel tempted to try to pull something out of the text that is not there (and you will be tempted at times to do this) I try to remember that God does not make His word difficult to understand. Charles Ryrie challenged us yesterday in our study concerning the language of God. God created language for 3 distinct purposes: 1. So He can communicate with us. 2. So we can communicate with Him. and 3. So we can communicate with each other. God communicates with us normally, so why should we attempt to try to interpret abnormally? All passages of the Bible are understood to be communicated from God to men. If this is true than there is one underlying principle in determing how God speaks to us through His Word: He does it plainly, normally, and understandably. There are many teachings such as the Emerging Church and Postmodernism that will attempt to extract meanings and doctrines from the words of Scripture that are not true and are not substantiated by any other text. if you cannot use the same rules to interpret passages about heaven, and salvation, and prophecy; start to question your interpretation methods.