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Theology or doctrine is more a matter of the head. It’s
thinking together in the community of believers about
faith and discipleship. It’s reflecting on the gospel. It’s
examining the various beliefs we hold as a church.
Some may say that theology is only for professionals,
but this is not true.
As we read and study and pray our way through scripture and worship each week, we develop a theology that reflects the nature of Christ. This occurs not because we just read or come to a worship service somewhere, but because we grow in community with other beloevers. This is a necessary development for new and "seasoned" Christians so we do not go off on a tangent - so we do not depart from the basic message of the Cross.
The message of the Cross is that Jesus Christ was: prophesied about in the Old Testament, born, lived, suffered, died on the Cross, and rose from the dead in fulfillment of scripture. He ascended to heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father. This we believe. Yes - this is a mystery, but God said it would happen - and it did.
All of us, young and old, lay and clergy, need to work at this theological task so that our beliefs will actually guide our day-by-day actions and so that we can communicate our belief to an unbelieving world.
As we read and study and pray our way through scripture and worship each week, we develop a theology that reflects the nature of Christ. This occurs not because we just read or come to a worship service somewhere, but because we grow in community with other beloevers. This is a necessary development for new and "seasoned" Christians so we do not go off on a tangent - so we do not depart from the basic message of the Cross.
The message of the Cross is that Jesus Christ was: prophesied about in the Old Testament, born, lived, suffered, died on the Cross, and rose from the dead in fulfillment of scripture. He ascended to heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father. This we believe. Yes - this is a mystery, but God said it would happen - and it did.
All of us, young and old, lay and clergy, need to work at this theological task so that our beliefs will actually guide our day-by-day actions and so that we can communicate our belief to an unbelieving world.
Faith is the basic orientation and commitment of
our whole being—a matter of heart and soul.
Christian faith is grounding our lives in the living God
as revealed especially in Jesus Christ. It’s both a
gift we receive within the Christian community and a
choice we make. It’s trusting in God and relying on
God as the source and destiny of our lives.
And then it is also something of a mystery! Hebrews 11:1 says,
"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."
Perhaps that is as "clear as mud" to you, but try to understand that faith is experiential in nature, not a measurable piece of data. Faith is a present-future event, where we accept God's promises for us, and endeavor to put them in to action in our lives now - and for the future.
We do something similar (but not exactly the same!) when we elect people for public office. We trust they will do what they say, and believe it when it comes to pass. With faith in God, we trust God will do for us what He promises based on His past track record. Bottom line: God says what He will do, and does what He says. I can live with that, and hope you will too!
And then it is also something of a mystery! Hebrews 11:1 says,
"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."
Perhaps that is as "clear as mud" to you, but try to understand that faith is experiential in nature, not a measurable piece of data. Faith is a present-future event, where we accept God's promises for us, and endeavor to put them in to action in our lives now - and for the future.
We do something similar (but not exactly the same!) when we elect people for public office. We trust they will do what they say, and believe it when it comes to pass. With faith in God, we trust God will do for us what He promises based on His past track record. Bottom line: God says what He will do, and does what He says. I can live with that, and hope you will too!
What we Beleive: faith and theology
Theodore United Methodist Church
- a Christ-centered community -
- a Christ-centered community -