Avoiding Sin in Theology

This post emerged from a question posed to a prior entry ("Thoughts on Theology")... Question: What precautions could you take in the seminary environment to prevent sin through theology? (because that is a place where you run a high risk of placing the theologian over the scripture) I think the first and most important...

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Cool Website: The Art of Manliness

I've been made aware of one of the coolest websites, and it has afforded me much procrastination and entertainment over the past few hours, so I figured I'd share it with whoever pays attention to my blog. check it out here This little bit of awesomeness chronicles a wide variety of topics concerning the art of manliness in an era where...

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Thoughts on Theology

The following is an assignment from one of my classes... we were to define theology and then we had a discussion on whether theology could be sinful. Theology is the study of God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) in and through his self-revelation, human religious experience (including church practices like worship and teaching, and the processes...

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Groping for the Door

So I have been reading through Genesis for my Old Testament class. For the most part it has been a really refreshing look at the beginnings of our world, the foundations of theology from God’s revelation, and a convicting reminder of both humanity’s sinfulness and God’s sovereign grace. I made my way through Creation and...

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My Battle Axe and Weapons of War

I’m so very thankful for the wisdom of men and women who have gone before me into ministry and have felt the need to offer advice and direction to those following similar paths. Charles Spurgeon is one such man who has impacted countless souls for the sake of Christ both before and after his death. “Lectures to my Students”...

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What is the purpose of Doctrine?

The following is a short assignment for one of my theology classes in which I was to read all of 1 Timothy and briefly describe the nature and purpose of doctrine and theology. "But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine." - Titus 2:1 - Solid doctrine is not a myth or endless genealogies, and it doesn’t promote speculations or...

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Big Question Follow-Up

Follow-up to Big Question #4:So how exactly does a Reformed (Calvinist) person share the gospel using theologically precise language? How would it sound different than the typical Arminianist gospel presentation? My answer is that a Reformed gospel presentation should not sound very different from an Arminianist one, because the basis and...

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Big Questions - Day 5

Question #5: How much of our relationship with God is our responsibility? How does God's Spirit and our actions work together? When are we walking in the Spirit vs. flesh? I’ve got to say that this is by far the toughest question for me. It is a deep, involved discussion on which Scripture is not explicitly clear. I can tell you that if...

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Big Questions - Day 4

Question #4:What message of Good News are we supposed to bring to people in light of God's Sovereignty? Do we tell people that aren't Christians yet that it is in fact God's choice whether they will be saved or not? What would this message sound like? I think a lot of people in the Reformed camp are confused about this, and don’t really know...

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Big Questions - Day 3

Question #3:Since God is sovereign and He does choose some people to be saved and others to go to hell, does he hate those he doesn't choose to be saved? The short answer to this question is yes - BUT with a large footnote for clarification and explanation. God is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, abounding in faithful covenant love,...

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Big Questions - Day 2

Question #2:How do you stay focused on God's glory? My goodness… this one could easily fill a book. Actually, now that I think of it, John Piper has written a great book on this subject called “Desiring God”… I highly encourage you to read it and plod through it. It’s a great read, but it is thick and deep – so pack a lunch and some Advil. In...

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Big Questions - Day 1

Recently, an acquaintance of mine sent me a list of really good, tough questions about Christianity and Reformed theology. I have decided to post the questions and my answers to them here over the next five days (1 question per day) in hopes that it may help someone else, or at the very least get a good discussion going. Please feel free...

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Singles Ministry Scorecard

I recently came across a particularly satirical Christian blog and thought this post was especially funny... and it hit a little close to home. Below are my comments, and I have included some 'excellent' singles ministry logos down at the bottom for good measure. My Score: 28 My Personal Favorites Are:#5 - never really figured out how...

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Changing Times...

As the present now, will later be past The order is rapidly fadin'. And the first one now will later be last For the times they are a-changin'. " The Times They Are A-Changin’ " – Bob Dylan – Things are always changing – in fact they never stay the same. The world is constantly in flux – changing governments, changing weather, changing...

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Acting

"Do not be conformed to the world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." - Romans 12:2 I remember this time I took a theater class when I was in high school. I’m not really a theater-artsy kind of guy, so it was a challenge to get...

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Fig Trees and God's Sovereignty

The following was written in August 2007... Habakkuk 3:17-19 Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The sovereign...

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Geese and Confession

I was watching this show on the Discovery Channel and I observed something that made me immediately sit back and think. The show had a few men and women testing and foot-tagging Canadian geese for some kind of scientific data endeavor. They had helicopters hovering overhead so the geese would feel intimidated and not fly off, and then they...

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