Obviously this means that we are regular readers of the Scriptures. This is where our churches can be a huge encouragement to the body to be regularly in the text. I am deeply encouraged by whole congregations that are reading through the Bible together. Ministries like Bible Study Fellowship, Precepts and others make huge contributions to the body in this regard.
Every believer should understand and be able to define key biblical words and concepts that define theology: incarnation, redemption, reconciliation, the fall, sanctification, gospel, salvation, creation, the image of God, heaven, hell and sin. These and other words come directly from the Bible and are absolutely key to the understanding of who God is, what he has done for us, his eternal plan and our place in that plan. This is not exhaustive obviously but illustrates the point.
I have another conviction. Almost all of us have the ability to read and understand books on theology. There are many theological books that are very accessible to the average but discerning reader. We read many books on the Christian life. What about reading books that directly help us understand who God is from those who have spent a lifetime studying Him?
In addition there are many online courses available today from great Christian colleges and seminaries. My challenge is that however we do it that we regularly are learning more about God, His Word and the central themes of Scripture. Central themes of Scripture should be known and understood by His followers.
I titled this blog "Theology for non-theologians." The truth is that every believer is by definition a theologian. The question is whether we are good theologians or poor theologians.
2 comments:
TJ,
Thank you for offering sincere encouragement for us to pursue ways to be continually growing in our knowledge. I appreciate that you included both a knowledge of God and also an understanding of the major themes of Scripture. In my home church the leaders are working at establishing a more intentional culture of discipleship that includes continual learning in these very areas.
I hope that you and other leaders within the EFCA will not be afraid to repeat this message, calling us to come and worship our great God and Savior with a heart, mind, and soul hungry and actively learning/studying His Word.
As we have looked into additional resources to facilitate our discipleship studies in our church, we have found several great churches/ministries/schools which offer material geared to help the adult learner. These 'booster shot' resources have proven to get the wheels turning and our people interested in the hard work of serious study and meditation on the entire scope of the Christian worldview. We haven't arrived yet, but we're on the path.
Again, thank you for the encouragement. If possible, in a followup post, perhaps you could point to some specific resources to help churches and teachers get their feet under them and move forward.
God Bless You.
Could you provide some specifics around the "good" online classes?w
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