The themes of these last few blog posts have to do with true Christianity. It may not seem to make sense as I've hopped all around, but as I look at them I see a pattern.
At the start I discussed true truth, Veritas, as it relates to Christian faith. So, first and foremost is the "Truly, Truly" foundation that Jesus describes. In our postmodern world this just can't be emphasized enough.
Then I discussed "Technology and Theology" because I believe technology is a great connection to the order and structure design of the universe. Technology is a witness to the truth of God's existence and creation. Technology works because we live in an ordered and principled creation.
Then the next three posts were made to address the parable of "The Prodigal Son." This is to address a contemporary trend in Christianity on the love and grace of God, which is glorious, but to miss the necessity of repentance and faith from a Christian. The prodigal son first confessed, repented, humbled himself without conditions, and returned home to seek reconciliation with the Father. This is the emphasis of the parable. This is the spirit of true Christian faith. And then God receives us in open arms.
So, the message of the Bible is often missed, but it's most often right there plain as day, and we must always ask, "what does text say, what does it mean, and how does it apply to life?" The Bible is the word of truth and the focus of all our faith and doctrine. It is inspired by God and brings inspiration and truth to Christians. But we must interpret it through the lens of truth, just as it was intended.
As compared to a contemporary emphasis on grace, and even free grace, as it is often implicitly described, I also discussed Bonhoeffer's classic book, "The Cost of Discipleship." True faith is costly sometimes to us, just as it was to Christ. Simply saying we believe in Christ is not necessarily costly at all. We must have true faith through obedience to all God's commandments. Obedience is not legalism when living in the power of the Holy Spirit, it is true faith.
The truth of true faith brings great blessings. My thesis is that good theology leads to good faith and good faith leads to good living. Obedience to God's laws is good theology. No one is perfect, but good theology is a necessary start. The Veritas Fellowship is all about proclaiming true-Truth and the process of good "theology-faith-living," which leads to our sanctification into the image of Christ.
And this week I will add one more blog post on 3/21 if my schedule permits. For on March 21, 1976 I became a Christian and this will mark my 37th anniversary of living in faith. That's something to look back on. Wow, is all I can say. True faith brings lots of ups and downs, but faith is much deeper today than it was at the beginning. We are saved by Christ, by grace and through faith.
Soli Deo gloria.
At the start I discussed true truth, Veritas, as it relates to Christian faith. So, first and foremost is the "Truly, Truly" foundation that Jesus describes. In our postmodern world this just can't be emphasized enough.
Then I discussed "Technology and Theology" because I believe technology is a great connection to the order and structure design of the universe. Technology is a witness to the truth of God's existence and creation. Technology works because we live in an ordered and principled creation.
Then the next three posts were made to address the parable of "The Prodigal Son." This is to address a contemporary trend in Christianity on the love and grace of God, which is glorious, but to miss the necessity of repentance and faith from a Christian. The prodigal son first confessed, repented, humbled himself without conditions, and returned home to seek reconciliation with the Father. This is the emphasis of the parable. This is the spirit of true Christian faith. And then God receives us in open arms.
So, the message of the Bible is often missed, but it's most often right there plain as day, and we must always ask, "what does text say, what does it mean, and how does it apply to life?" The Bible is the word of truth and the focus of all our faith and doctrine. It is inspired by God and brings inspiration and truth to Christians. But we must interpret it through the lens of truth, just as it was intended.
As compared to a contemporary emphasis on grace, and even free grace, as it is often implicitly described, I also discussed Bonhoeffer's classic book, "The Cost of Discipleship." True faith is costly sometimes to us, just as it was to Christ. Simply saying we believe in Christ is not necessarily costly at all. We must have true faith through obedience to all God's commandments. Obedience is not legalism when living in the power of the Holy Spirit, it is true faith.
The truth of true faith brings great blessings. My thesis is that good theology leads to good faith and good faith leads to good living. Obedience to God's laws is good theology. No one is perfect, but good theology is a necessary start. The Veritas Fellowship is all about proclaiming true-Truth and the process of good "theology-faith-living," which leads to our sanctification into the image of Christ.
And this week I will add one more blog post on 3/21 if my schedule permits. For on March 21, 1976 I became a Christian and this will mark my 37th anniversary of living in faith. That's something to look back on. Wow, is all I can say. True faith brings lots of ups and downs, but faith is much deeper today than it was at the beginning. We are saved by Christ, by grace and through faith.
Soli Deo gloria.
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