What Can I trust
One of my former Bible teachers (I wish I could remember which one) stated the following:
My life is too short.
My mind is too feeble.
My senses are too illusive.
I must trust the Bible.
As I've aged this has taken on more meaning. Empericism, Rationalism, Existentialism leave me empty and void. I've come to the conclusion, with solid conviction, that my teacher is correct. My experiences are not very helpful in regards to giving me purpose in this life. I don't live long enough to find purpose in discovering all the facts. Logic isn't so bad, but just how logical am I without the influences of my desires, motivations, ambitions, likes, dislikes, influencing me away from pure logic? Feelings are too illusive to give me security for living. Thanks teacher, you were correct, "I must trust the Bible."
Changes to GoryB2God
If you visited Glory B 2 God in the past, you have noticed that has been a complementary blog to www.BibleStudies-online.com.
Starting today this site will no longer be restricted to comments about the studies associated with the BibleStudies-online site. Instead, we will offer devotionals and general discussions (and questions) about Christianity, belief, theology, philosophy, ethics, other faiths, etc.
We have not stopped the allowing comments regarding www.BibleStudies-online.com but has changed the blog to http://s171048753.onlinehome.us and invite you to visit us there. There is also a link to the blog at the mother website.
We are looking for to the changes in this site and invite you to participate in the conversations.
Thanks for being patient with us in making these changes.
The Meaning and Nature of the Church
In the early 1960s the Green Bay Packers were led by a giant of a coach named Lombardy. Lombardy was stickler for the basics and was known to have started one particular season by holding a football in front of the players and announcing, "gentlemen, this is a football".
It's easy to loose grasp of the game and the fundamentals by focusing on something outside the basics; to attempt to be tricky or cool, or advancing to more difficult tasks without mastering the fundamentals.
This concept isn't just for football players, it's true for all sports. Ask any golfer how easy it is to loose touch with the fundamentals of the swing.
The Church is no different. A church can loose touch with what the Church is supposed to be about, often loosing perspective of the meaning and nature of the church by emphasising leadership or management principles used by
corporations, or by focusing on fads, or arguing over non-essentials regarding worship styles.
Over the next few weeks we will be presenting a series of eight studies focusing on the Bible for a proper understanding of the meaning and nature of the church. In our first study we will define the New Testament use of the term church and explain the difference between the local and the universal church. We will also attempt to mention misunderstandings of the term church that are popular in our modern culture.
If you're as frustrated as I am about what you see going on in the modern church, please go through this study. I invite you to make comments.
BibleStudies-online.com
GloryB2God is now connected to www.BibleStudies-online.com. I invite you to visit the Bible Study site and offer comments on any of the studies. Or, comment on devotionals and other ramlbings you may receive from me and friends here. Check out the study of the week at Bible Studies and come here to share your response.
I'm looking forward to our future discussions.
Relational Theology
Is all theology relational?
Soteriology, Eschatology, Eccesiololgy, Anthropology, and all the other -ologies often appear academic and sterile.
Yet, theology is about relationships. Gnostics believed salvation was in knowledge. Stoics focused on Logos as the divine mind. But Christians, though they must have knowledge of what to believe are not saved by their knowledge. Christians need knowledge of theology, but theology isn't what saves.
Our theology should be rational, but rational isn't as significant as relational. All theology is about relationship; God's relationship with man, man's relationship with God and his Son Jesus Christ, and man's relationship with man.
We should study to show ourselves approved unto God, rightly dividing the Word of God. Yet, knowledge without relationship is cold, stagnant, accademic. The knowledge should lead to a greater appreciation for our God, our Christ, for believers and our relationship with non-believers.
By saying this, it must be understood that I'm not denying Doctrine, or the study of theology. I am saying that all theology should be understood within the context of relationship. Therefore, we cannot hide behind our doctrine. Our doctrine move in the direction of responsible relationships.
When the Bible says, God so loved the world He gave his one and only son . . ., we ought to consider all the relationships that Scripture implies. God's relationship to His Son, His relationship to man, man's response and relationship to God and to His Son, etc.
Keep it relational.
GloryB2God
Thy Kingdom Come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Every knee shall bow and every toungue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
But, Until then, we wait, we study God's Word and we live a life that brings honor to His name.
Gloy B 2 God will attempt to treat God's Word with respect and people (whether believers or non-beleivers) with the dignity that being created in the image of God deserves.Theology will be discussed, but always in the context of relationship. Maybe we should call it Relational Theology. All Theology is relational, either between man and God, man and man, or man and the creation.Glory B 2 God will attempt to give glory to God and invite others to join in and do the same.
