Theology

<<the study of God>>

This is the study of religious faith, practice and experience, and especially God’s relationship with humanity. We will never be able to fully understand God, who is infinitely higher and superior than we are, and all our attempts fall short (Isa 55:8,9; Rom 11:33-36). However He wants us to seek Him will all our heart for the people who know their God will be strong and do great things (Dan 11:32). It should be our passion to know, love and obey the One we will spend eternity with.

“You will seek the Lord and find Him when you seek Him with all your hearts” (Deut 4:29; Jer 29:13). “They sought God eagerly, and He was found by them” (2 Chr 15:12). What a glorious truth. Are you doing this? He wants a vibrant, sincere, intimate, ongoing relationship with us, enabling us to live as He desires rather than following a set of rules or just having an intellectual knowledge of lifeless facts

Your face, Lord, I will seek – Psalm 27:8

about Him that doesn’t affect our daily lives (Jn 10:10, 20:31; Act 4:12; 1 Jn 5:11). Is my life being transformed by Jesus or am I just a walking encyclopedia, knowing the facts and having a form of godliness without any real power? The religious leaders in Jesus day studied the OT Scriptures thinking their teachings gave eternal life, yet they failed to recognise Jesus the life-giver that they were written about (Mt 15:14; Jn 5:39; Act 4:13; 2 Tim 3:5). Those who are truly born-again and connected to God have the Holy Spirit living with them to guide into all truth (Jn 16:13; 1 Cor 6:19).

The primary source of our knowledge of God is the Bible, though creation also tells us much (Rom 1:19,20). All Scripture is given for beneficial reasons, so “Find out what pleases the Lord” and apply its message of freedom (Jn 8:32,36; Eph 5:10; 2 Tim 3:16,17). Those who regularly mediate on the Word of God, allowing it to influence their whole lifestyle, are richly blessed because they have a sure foundation while just knowing the truth and not following it’s advice is futile (Ps 1:1-6; Mt 7:24-27; Jas 1:22-25, 4:17).

Theology has missed the mark if it gives rise to cults, heresy, endless talk or dry doctrine. To be of value theory and knowledge must translate into relevant and applicable instruction for everyday situations. It is bringing the resources of heaven into the here and now. Practical theology should affect a person’s walk, result in a changed lifestyle and prepare people for godly service (Mt 5:16; Eph 4:11-14; 1 Tim 1:3-7). Christianity is not complicated – the bottom line is to love God with all our being (the great commandment) and then love our neighbour as ourselves which is often termed the golden rule (Mic 6:8; Mk 12:30,31; Lk 6:31).