Preparing the Body of Christ Series: Part 1 - Systematic Theology
For the next couple of weeks I am going to bring you to class with me! For the next eight weeks I want to challenge your mind! As a believer in Christ Jesus living in a relativistic culture, the body of Christ is continuing to be challenged at every level. Yet the body of Christ (the church) is anemic when it comes to providing an answer to the claims that we make concerning the creation of the world, to the validity of Christ and argument of absolute truths. I hope that this series in the next few weeks will challenge you to prepare yourself to have an answer. In the words of Paul,
To study systematic theology means bringing us to the text (Scripture)and asking what does the text say concerning a topic of interest, whether it be a social (abortion) or doctrinal issue (is there a hell?). Systematic theology allows us to look at all issues and form a logical conclusion, thus the importance of biblical, historical and philosophical theology.
When biblical theology is used we must read the Scriptures in the way God intended it to be read. When we read a law, its law. When we read a prophecy, it’s prophecy. So when we read a promise,
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5
That promise given to Jeremiah by God, can also apply to us, because we too were formed in the womb for such a time as this as confirmed through the words of David.
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” Psalm 139:14-16
Biblical theology helps us look to Scripture for answers, thus providing a conclusion based on God’s word. So when one looks at abortion and says that it’s the taking of an innocent life or that its murder, one can go to the Scriptures to understand God’s idea of murder as based on the 6th commandment “Thou shall not murder”.
Historical theology plays a role by allowing us to look at an issue through history and how we have come to that conclusion. Example would be the idea of hell. Throughout history the church was very straight forward with the idea of hell and eternal separation from God. Yet today due to relativistic/postmodern thought, the idea of hell is being challenged and preached by some as a place that one experiences here on earth, or going as far as saying there is no hell because God is an all loving God. To see how we came to this moment in church history, we need to look back throughout history to help us determine if this emerging idea is true. This is also an opportunity for biblical theology and historical theology to mesh, for we find Christ using the phrase “weeping gnashing of teeth” nearly six times in Matthew in reference to those that are “thrown outside” the kingdom. If this is repetitive it then must stand as something that is important and true.
As for philosophical theology it can be used to answer the very tough questions of life. Why am I here? Is there life after death? How do you determine right and wrong? Philosophical theology brings us into the marketplace by challenging us to have an answered for the skeptic, based on doctrine and most importantly God’s Word. So when one looks at abortion one may use the foundation of God’s word to provide an answer, yet at the same time give a logical explanation as to why the unborn is human and not a blob of flesh. The same can be done to answer the idea of hell and why we believe that there is eternal separation from God or eternal life with God through Christ. Each of these areas of theology, I believe can be used together. Sometimes one, more than the other, yet they all work together to help provide an answer.
I love the challenge of philosophical theology. Working with young people (high school) who are constantly asking “Why?”, I love to challenge them to know what they believe. So many of our Christian young people who have grown up in church do not know how to use their critical thinking skills or even know how to answer the simple questions of the creation of the world; life after death and right verses wrong. Philosophical theology allows me to get into the mind of a young person and challenge the thoughts of modern culture that have influced their lives. It opens the door for me to point towards Scripture (biblical theology), sharing God’s hope through Christ and the daily life through the Holy Spirit.
Christianity is more than just saying it, its living it out each and every day, always ready to have an answer! Be prepared, for your time will come and when it does, what will you say?
His call. His gift to you. Your purpose. Irrevocable.
“Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers[a] of this world, rather than from Christ.” Colossians 2:8 (NLT)
To study systematic theology means bringing us to the text (Scripture)and asking what does the text say concerning a topic of interest, whether it be a social (abortion) or doctrinal issue (is there a hell?). Systematic theology allows us to look at all issues and form a logical conclusion, thus the importance of biblical, historical and philosophical theology.
When biblical theology is used we must read the Scriptures in the way God intended it to be read. When we read a law, its law. When we read a prophecy, it’s prophecy. So when we read a promise,
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5
That promise given to Jeremiah by God, can also apply to us, because we too were formed in the womb for such a time as this as confirmed through the words of David.
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” Psalm 139:14-16
Biblical theology helps us look to Scripture for answers, thus providing a conclusion based on God’s word. So when one looks at abortion and says that it’s the taking of an innocent life or that its murder, one can go to the Scriptures to understand God’s idea of murder as based on the 6th commandment “Thou shall not murder”.
Historical theology plays a role by allowing us to look at an issue through history and how we have come to that conclusion. Example would be the idea of hell. Throughout history the church was very straight forward with the idea of hell and eternal separation from God. Yet today due to relativistic/postmodern thought, the idea of hell is being challenged and preached by some as a place that one experiences here on earth, or going as far as saying there is no hell because God is an all loving God. To see how we came to this moment in church history, we need to look back throughout history to help us determine if this emerging idea is true. This is also an opportunity for biblical theology and historical theology to mesh, for we find Christ using the phrase “weeping gnashing of teeth” nearly six times in Matthew in reference to those that are “thrown outside” the kingdom. If this is repetitive it then must stand as something that is important and true.
As for philosophical theology it can be used to answer the very tough questions of life. Why am I here? Is there life after death? How do you determine right and wrong? Philosophical theology brings us into the marketplace by challenging us to have an answered for the skeptic, based on doctrine and most importantly God’s Word. So when one looks at abortion one may use the foundation of God’s word to provide an answer, yet at the same time give a logical explanation as to why the unborn is human and not a blob of flesh. The same can be done to answer the idea of hell and why we believe that there is eternal separation from God or eternal life with God through Christ. Each of these areas of theology, I believe can be used together. Sometimes one, more than the other, yet they all work together to help provide an answer.
I love the challenge of philosophical theology. Working with young people (high school) who are constantly asking “Why?”, I love to challenge them to know what they believe. So many of our Christian young people who have grown up in church do not know how to use their critical thinking skills or even know how to answer the simple questions of the creation of the world; life after death and right verses wrong. Philosophical theology allows me to get into the mind of a young person and challenge the thoughts of modern culture that have influced their lives. It opens the door for me to point towards Scripture (biblical theology), sharing God’s hope through Christ and the daily life through the Holy Spirit.
Christianity is more than just saying it, its living it out each and every day, always ready to have an answer! Be prepared, for your time will come and when it does, what will you say?
His call. His gift to you. Your purpose. Irrevocable.
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