We Just Moved Here: A Poetic Reflection on Ephesians

by Laura Springer, M.Div.




We just moved here
from fear,
surrounded
by terrifying power.

This power
seemingly strong,
all stolen,
derivative.
Jesus: Ultimate.

We just moved here
from immorality,
surrounded
by enslaving freedom.

Jesus,
the Ultimate,
commands holiness,
makes whole,
gives extravagant
kindness and power.

We just moved here
from division,
kept apart
by walls.

No more walls,
but one people.
Hidden,
hinted,
revealed,
becoming.
Continuity,
one people
always
in Him.

Why poetry? Because theology is more than intellectual ponderings; it is also the voice of the heart.

Originally published as WE JUST MOVED HERE on Laura's Writings.

LET US CHOOSE TO REST

A Reflection on Amos 3:1-5:17
by Laura Springer, M.Div.

From the beginning, God expected his people to evidence the covenant by their obedience (Deut 27:26). The blessings of obedience and the curses of disobedience were clearly laid out (Deut 28:1-68). Many of the Torah[1] laws concern treatment of fellow Israelites and strangers. Both are to be treated with justice and love. Other laws concern the worship of God. Israel has transgressed the covenant in her treatment of others (Amos 4:1) and in her worship (Amos 4:4-5).

Amos' prophecy proclaims the earned results of the people's choices. The people have transgressed the covenant, refused God’s grace, and ignored his sovereignty. God’s judgment of Israel followed many years of grace, in which he provided multiple opportunities for repentance.
Yet each opportunity was scorned (Amos 4:6-11). Israel had rightfully earned God’s judgment, for she had ignored the sovereignty of the only Creator and Lord of all. The ax is about to fall and all Israel can do is prepare to meet God, who comes in judgment not in deliverance.

Jesus, the Messiah who fulfills the old covenant and inaugurates the new, expects his followers to observe his instructions (Matt 28:16-20) as evidence of the new covenant in his blood. While blessings and curses are not spelled out in the detail we find in Torah, there are surely temporal consequences to our behavior. Obeying Jesus’ commands--taking his yoke (Matt 11:25-30)--brings rest. Might it be that disobeying Jesus brings unrest?

If our experience of his rest is influenced by our obedience, we ought to take seriously our obedience. Jesus keeps covenant. He is gracious and he guards his glory. If we continually trample his glory, there will be consequences. Let us choose, rather, to rest in his grace.
---
[1] The Torah contains the first five books of the Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. See a Wikipedia article on Torah here or a Bible.org article here.

Originally posted as CONSEQUENCES on Laura's Writings.

THEOLOGY OF RELATIONSHIPS

by Laura Springer, M.Div.

Humanity was designed to live in relationship, giving the self for the sake of the other, and we are most human when we live out that design. Like God, humans are necessarily relational (Gen 1:26-27). Father, Son, and Spirit exist in an eternal love relationship, and God created humanity as the bearer of that relational image. He created us male and female and together we bear his image. We are incomplete without the other.

Love, the giving of the self for the sake of the other, is essential to human nature because love is essential to God's nature (1 John 4:7-21). The God who is love commands his sin-corrupted image bearers to live out their essential nature by loving one another. We are able to love one another because we are loved by God. In fact, if we claim to love God, yet do not love each other, God declares us liars. The language here is very strong: if we love God, we will love each other.

Our essential relational nature is made perfect in God's kingdom (Rev 7:9-12). In Revelation 7, John describes a vision of humans from every tribe, tongue, nation, and people gathered around God's throne in worship. A numberless multitude from every culture gathers in community around the throne of God. Humanity, righteous and perfect, is humanity in relationship.

The implications for ministry are profound and systemic. Rather than having fellowship as an add-on involving red punch and donuts, should not relationship be central to everything we do? Rather than having every week of the church calendar filled with programmed activities, should we make a way for people to spend relaxed times with friends and family? Rather than relying on lecture-style teaching and preaching and supplementing that with small groups, should we not supplement our small groups with teaching and preaching? Rather than forming only programmed, short-term small groups, should we not foster indigenous, long-term friendships?

This is not to say that potlucks, programs, preaching, and small groups are passé—by no means. Rather, let us go deeper. Let us work toward becoming the type of faith community that provides space and encouragement for people to live out their essential relational nature. Let us create a place where giving the self for the sake of the other is the obvious norm. This is the life for which we are designed, but in our faith communities it is often not the life we have. Creating a faith community that takes relationship seriously might require a difficult paradigm shift, but being a place where humans can be truly human is well worth the struggle.

Original version published March 2, 2005 on Laura's Writings.

BEING CHURCH, PART TWO

by Laura Springer, M.Div.

What does it mean to be church? Last month, we looked at the first two answers given by the church fathers in the Nicene Creed. First, the church is one because of her One Head, Jesus Christ. Second, the church is holy because she is composed only of those who trust Jesus. She is holy because he is holy. This month we look at the final two answers: catholic and apostolic.

Catholic: When we say the church is catholic or universal, what do we mean? Before answering that question, let us clearly understand what it does not mean: it does not mean that every human is part of the church and therefore going to heaven. Holiness teaches us that, union with Christ is the qualification for membership in the body of Christ; only those in union with Christ are in the church. Catholicity teaches us that all those who trust Christ are in the church. Therefore, the church proclaims the gospel to all who will listen, in all places and cultures. Her mission covers the globe and penetrates her own community. Each local congregation proclaims this message alongside and in partnership with other local congregations, because all who trust Christ are members of the one church.

Apostolicity: Apostolicity can be thought of as alignment, making sure we are going in the same direction as God. By the Holy Spirit, the apostles translated into text their knowledge and experience of the message and mission of Jesus. This Text carries authority because these particular apostles were commissioned by Jesus and guided by the Holy Spirit. This Text is the definer of one, holy, and catholic, and is over history, culture, and experience. The church is apostolic in as much as she listens to, submits to, and proclaims the message and mission of Jesus.

BEING CHURCH, PART ONE

by Laura Springer, M.Div.

“I know it when I see it,” may be a fine initial answer to the question, “What is church?” Surely, there is more. In AD 325 and 381, in the midst of intense and important theological struggles, the early church fathers offered an answer in the Nicene Creed. Most every Christian tradition still holds this today: “I believe one, holy, catholic, apostolic church.” This month we will look at the first two concepts: one and holy.

One. A glance through the “church” page of the yellow pages may cause one to question church unity. Some attempt an external unity, for example, the World Council of Church, but is this what Jesus intends? In his huge systematic theology, Church Dogmatics, Karl Barth says that a unity based on external conformity or agreement is a false unity. True unity is only gained by a radical and intentional trust in the One Head, Jesus Christ. Unity is not gained by the removal of historical, cultural, or national differences or by forced doctrinal conformity; it is gained by relationship in and participation with the One Head. Each local gathering is responsible for confessing its disunity and for maintaining true unity.

Holy. When I look at myself with earthly eyes, I do not see a holy person. When I look at the church with earthly eyes, I do not see a holy church. Each of us alone and all of us together are filled (to a lesser or greater degree) with a mixture of worship and doubt. This is evident to earthly eyes. Yet, something else is evident to the eyes of trust. Hidden within the earthly/visible church (of which we, as a followers of Jesus Christ are necessarily members) is the holy, indestructible body of Christ. This is a matter of revelation and is seen and known only by trusting the Spirit.

Next month, we will look at the church as catholic (universal) and apostolic.

=========
COMING IN JANUARY

TFB Academy: What is Church
January 12, 2008
9 AM to Noon
2118 Carson Street
Torrance, CA 90501

For more information email tangentrider at gmail dot com

"I’M ONLY HUMAN"

by Laura Springer, M.Div.

“I’m only human.” We hear it far too often as an excuse for unrepentant and unconfessed sin. This excuse assumes sin is essential to human nature, but the Bible exposes that false assumption.

In Genesis 1:26-28, God creates humanity in his image, sharing his authority with them. In Genesis 1:31, God looks at everything he has made and declares it all “very good.” In Psalm 8:5-6, the psalmist declares that though the universe dwarfs humanity, humanity has glory, honor, and dominion from God.

To call oneself “only human” is to disrespect God as Creator and Redeemer, for to be human is not to be an “only.” Humanity is glorious and majestic because it carries the image of its glorious and majestic Creator.

Sin is a corruption of true humanity. It is humanity’s rebellious attempt to make itself like God (Gen 3:5). It is and was a willful choice (Gen 3:6-7; James 1:13-15). Jesus shows us true humanity, [1] for he is the only human to have lived his entire earthly life as truly human, trusting the Father and living by the Spirit. To be truly human is to be like Jesus. This is most certainly not an “only.”

The habits of sin are strong. On our own, it is impossible to replace them with habits of trust. But God has graciously given us everything we need to learn habits of trust. He has given us spiritual disciplines. Silence, study, service, corporate worship, and other disciplines provide opportunities to work alongside the Spirit as he retrains the habits of our souls. He has given us one another. The community of Jesus-followers provides feedback and support, as together we become more like Jesus. Finally, he has given us himself. The Spirit lives in our hearts, working with our hearts to make us more like Jesus.

We must stop making excuses and start making choices. We must choose to be the human persons God has created and redeemed us to be; we must choose to trust the Father, Son, and Spirit.

----------
[1] Jesus’ full humanity in no way diminishes nor detracts from his full divinity. The reverse is also true. Jesus’ full divinity in no way diminishes nor detracts from his full humanity.

NOTE: a previous version was posted on Laura's Writings

Doing Theology Together

by Laura Springer, M.Div.

In his first letter to the Corinthian church, Paul teaches his readers about knowledge (1 Cor. 13:8-13). Here, within time and space, knowledge is partial and dim. We see outlines and shadows, rather like sonar soundings. In contrast, when we stand in God’s presence and see him face-to-face, the former, shrouded knowledge will fall away and we will know as we have been known. Here in time and space, our theological ponderings are partial and tentative. We must acknowledge this tentativeness, hold our ponderings humbly, and remain open to community scrutiny.

Allow me to recommend a way of doing theology together: describe, analyze, sketch, decide, and communicate. The method begins with a situation needing community decision.

• Step One: Describe the situation, including reasons and purposes.
• Step Two: Analyze the situation using the Bible and practical wisdom.
• Step Three: Sketch the biblical truth and practical wisdom that must be honored in the decision.
• Step Four: Decide on a view or action that best honors the biblical truth and practical wisdom.
• Step Five: Communicate the decision to the larger community for implementation and feedback.

Such communal theological conversation corrects errors, adds detail, and results in a richer theology.

Resource:
What Are They Saying About Theological Reflection?
by Robert L. Kinast

The Big Deal about Theology

by Laura Springer, M.Div.

When may hear the word “theology,” they instantly think of something lofty and academic, something about as interesting as watching the lawn grow on a Saturday night, or both. Unfortunately, as often presented, these assessments may well apply. This is unfortunate because theology that is true and good is neither lofty nor boring.

The fact is all Christians are theologians and we do theology every day. Theology is simply understanding God in a way that makes sense. We sing theology every Sunday morning. We speak theology when we explain the love of Jesus to a child. We practice theology when we make choices based on Christian values.

Therefore, the issue is not whether any particular Christian is a theologian. Every Christian is a theologian. The issue is whether any particular Christian is an accidental or intentional theologian.

Accidental theologians read the Bible, worship with the church, pray, and try to live in a way that pleases God. But they rarely spend time thinking about these things. They rarely consider how their understanding of God ought to shape these things. They understand God “by accident.”

Intentional theologians read the Bible, worship with the church, pray, and try to live in a way that pleases God. But they go further. They think deeply about these things. They think about life and the beliefs behind and beneath how they live. They intentionally correct their beliefs and make adjustments in how they live because they know that their understanding of God shapes their reading, worship, prayer, and lives. They understand God intentionally.

Be an intentional theologian: read, worship, pray, live, and think.

For more on this topic read

How to Think Theologically, by Howard W. Stone and James O. Duke.

What is Learning?

by Laura Springer, M.Div.
What is learning and how do you know when it has happened? Is it remembering facts? Is it performing a skill? It is both and more. Think of learning as a triangle.


Romans 12:1-2 touches on each of the three aspects of learning. Read the passage before moving on to the next paragraph.

Learning is cognitive; it deals with content. Paul bases his instructions on the content of faith, especially on the meaning and significance of “mercy” as discussed in Romans 1-11.

Learning is affective; it deals with value and emotion. Paul appeals to his readers’ values and emotions; he does not merely command, but expects them to care.
Learning is volitive; it deals with response. Paul exhorts his readers to respond with action (“present your bodies”), attitude (“as a living sacrifice…”), and a new way of thinking (“renewal of your mind”).

Learning is like a triangle. If any one side is missing, you no longer have a triangle. Learning, by definition, is cognitive, affective, and volitive; it always includes content, values/emotions, and response. If any one aspect is missing, learning has not occurred.

Why Small Group Bible Study?

by Laura Springer, M.Div.

[1]That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. [2]And great crowds gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat down. And the whole crowd stood on the beach. [3]And he told them many things in parables, saying: "A sower went out to sow. [4]And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. [5]Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, [6]but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away. [7]Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. [8]Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. [9]He who has ears, let him hear."
Matthew 13:1-9

In the Parable of the Sower in Matthew’s gospel (13:1-9), the seed (the message of the Kingdom, 4:17; 13:19) is sown in four conditions of soil. The seed is good and brings life; the condition of the soil determines growth and fruit. Jesus’ interpretation (13:18-23) teaches us that the message must be understood (13:19, 23) with sufficient depth (13:20-21) and without distraction (13:22). Small group bible study is one place where God prepares soil and plants his seed.

Why “Bible”? Christian books and articles are helpful, but they are not God’s life-bearing message of the kingdom. The life-bearing message is the word of the Kingdom: Jesus, the crucified and risen One, is Lord of all. This is the message of the Bible, God’s very word. This is the message that bears life. This is the message that brings growth and fruit.

Why” Study”? Understanding is the minimum requirement. Without it, the message produces no life (13:19). With understanding, both life and fruit are possible (13:23). The youngest book in the Bible is nearly 2000 years old and a world away. Study help bridge the gaps of time and culture.

Why “Small Group”? Humanity is relational and is created by the relational, three-in-one God. We need each other. We need each other’s help to see things how they are. We need each other’s help to recognize and remove the filters that act as blind spots, hinder understanding, and hide distractions. When we wrestle together with God’s truth, we expose each other’s filters. This develops prepared and receptive souls where God’s truth can grow and bear fruit.

Additional Resources
Smaller Passionate Groups Outperform Large Generic Communities ht: Becoming Missional


Tag(s): bible study spiritual formation discipleship

BEDROCK BELIEFS LESSON FOUR

by Laura Springer, M.Div.

SOTERIOLOGY, ECCLESIOLOGY, AND ESCHATOLOGY: SALVATION, CHURCH, AND END TIMES

Read chapters 5-6 in the Reader.

Read the passages for days 16-20:

Day 16: Isaiah 53:1-6
Day 17: Isaiah 53:7-12
Day 18: Colossians 1:18-23
Day 19: Romans 8:1-11
Day 20: 1 Corinthians 15:51-58

Bring three questions for discussion.

BEDROCK BELIEFS LESSON THREE

by Laura Springer, M.Div.

ANTHROPOLOGY AND HAMARTIOLOGY: HUMANITY AND SIN

Read chapter 4 in the Reader.

Read the passages for days 11-15:

• Day 11: Genesis 1:26-31
• Day 12: Genesis 3:1-12
• Day 13: Genesis 3:13-19
• Day 14: Psalm 14:1-7
• Day 15: Jeremiah 17:5-10

Suggestion: try doing a lectio divina for at least one reading this week.
[Instructions are in the Reader, pg 3.]

Bring three questions for discussion.

BEDROCK BELIEFS LESSON TWO

by Laura Springer, M.Div.

THEOLOGY PROPER, CHRISTOLOGY AND PNEUMATOLOGY
GOD—FATHER, SON, SPIRIT

Prepare for the second lesson.

Read chapter 3 in the Reader.

Read the passages for days 6-10:

• Day 6: Exodus 15:11-18
• Day 7: John 1:1-4; Hebrews 2:14-15
• Day 8: Psalm 90:1-17
• Day 9: Psalm 139:1-12
• Day 10: Psalm 139:13-24

Suggestion: try doing a lectio divina for at least one reading this week.
[Instructions are in the Reader, pg 3.]

Bring three questions for discussion.

You might like to get a head start on your devotional notebook:

1. Write a short description of the doctrine.
2. Define/Explain important terms.
3. Choose meaningful passages to include.
4. Write some questions to help readers think about the doctrine (hint: you might also use these for your three questions).
5. Write a prayer/praise responding to the doctrine.

BEDROCK BELIEFS LESSON ONE

by Laura Springer, M.Div.

010407: updated 2 Peter and Psalm 119 passage references

PROLEGOMENA AND BIBLIOLOGY

Prepare for the first lesson.

Read chapters 1-2 in the Reader.

Read the passages for days 1-5:

• Day 1: Psalm 19:7-14
• Day 2: Hebrews 1:1-4
• Day 3: 2 Peter 1:16-21
• Day 4: Psalm 119:169-176
• Day 5: 2 Timothy 3:14-17

Bring three questions you would like this course to answer.

[more later...]

BEDROCK BELIEFS READER

by Laura Springer, M.Div.

The e-version of the Reader is not available at this time.
The Bedrock Beliefs posts contain most of the text.
The Reader will be available again in summer 2007.

BEDROCK BELIEFS: SOTERIOLOGY, ECCLESIOLOGY, AND ESCHATOLOGY

by Laura Springer, M.Div.


Christianity is defined by certain beliefs and practices. Bedrock Beliefs summarizes some of the beliefs that define Christianity. These beliefs, also known as “theology,” are an important part of following Christ, because our theology (what we believe about God, his work, and his world) shapes our worldview. Our worldview determines our attitudes and actions. Theology is about who we know and why we live how we live.

SOTERIOLOGY, ECCLESIOLOGY, AND ESCHATOLOGY: SALVATION, CHURCH, AND END TIMES

GOD’S ULTIMATE SOLUTION

Thank God, he has not left us hopeless. On our own, we are utterly infected with sin and unable to solve our problem. God’s solution is ultimate; it goes beyond the individual human and beyond time. It forms a people of his own who will live forever in a willing love relationship with him. The solution is seen in soteriology (salvation), ecclesiology (church), and eschatology (end times).

SALVATION

Several terms refer to different aspects of salvation: regeneration, conversion, forgiveness, justification, sanctification, perseverance, and glorification.

Regeneration is the imparting of life. On their own, individual humans are disconnected from God by their sin. Disconnection is death. Connection is life (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Conversion is the human act of turning away from trusting/following self and turning toward trusting/following God. It is an act of faith (trust) and repentance (obedient following).

Forgiveness is the gracious, humanward act of God removing the guilt resulting from our sin nature and our individual choices to sin (Colossians 2:13-14).

Justification is the gracious humanward act of God declaring righteous the person who trusts Christ.

Sanctification is the process that begins to make our salvation complete. The Spirit works in and with our spirits to teach us to do and to be Christ’s righteousness.

Perseverance is the absolute assurance that the ones God saves stay saved (Romans 8:28-30; Ephesians 1:7; 4:30; 1 John 2:1; Hebrews 7:25; 1 Corinthians 12:13).

Glorification is the finalization (consummation) of our salvation. It happens when a believer finally sees Christ face to face (1 John 2:1) and is made physically and spiritually perfect and fit for an eternal, willing love relationship with God. We finally become fully human as God intended in his design.

CHURCH

The church is made up of all those who trust Christ. Three important characteristics are unity, holiness, and catholicity. Unity means there is only one true church, not many. Holiness means that the church is separated out for God’s purposes, not for human purposes. Catholicity (universality) means the church goes across culture and time.

The church has two primary tasks in God’s work: disciple-making and representing the reign of God.

Disciple-making is the task of making more Christ-followers and better Christ-followers.

Representing the reign of God means being what we are: a community of human beings in an eternal, willing love relationship with God. Our message and behavior point to God. Worship is in all we do and all we say.

END TIMES

When humanity chose to disobey God and trust self, humanity chose death. Spiritual death (disconnection from God) was immediate. Physical death (the disconnection of the body from the soul) was assured. Salvation makes believers to be new creatures, but physical death remains as a consequence of sin. Physical death is inevitable, not natural. It is also not the end.

Trust determines what happens after physical death. Those who trust themselves have chosen to live without God forever. Eternity (forever life) without God is called Hell. Hell is the complete absence of God and the complete presence of sin and sin’s effects.

Those who have chosen to trust Christ have chosen to live with God forever. Eternity with God is called Heaven. Heaven is the complete absence of sin and the effects of sin and the complete presence of God.



WANT TO LEARN MORE?

If you would like to learn more about theology, worldview, and how these shape Christ-following, sign up for the January 2007 TFB Academy course:

Bedrock Beliefs
Sundays in January 2007, 4:30 pm
Instructor: Laura Springer, M.Div.
Tentative course outline available online

BEDROCK BELIEFS: ANTHROPOLOGY AND HAMARTIOLOGY

by Laura Springer, M.Div.

Christianity is defined by certain beliefs and practices. Bedrock Beliefs summarizes some of the beliefs that define Christianity. These beliefs, also known as “theology,” are an important part of following Christ, because our theology (what we believe about God, his work, and his world) shapes our worldview. Our worldview determines our attitudes and actions. Theology is about who we know and why we live how we live.

ANTHROPOLOGY AND HAMARTIOLOGY: HUMANITY AND SIN

WHO ARE WE AND WHY ARE WE LIKE THIS?

Thumb through the morning paper and you will find ample evidence that humanity is both amazingly good and incredibly sinful. How can we be both? The answer to this question takes us back to the beginning. In Genesis 1:26, God determines to create humanity in his image. In Genesis 3, humanity decides to disobey the Creator. By design, humanity is good. By choice, humanity is sinful.

HUMANITY BY DESIGN

Image of God. By design, humanity is very good. We were declared so by our Creator (Genesis 1:31). By design we are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27). Two aspects of the image of God seem fairly clear: personhood and attributes.

Personhood. Persons are self-conscious. We know we exist and can observe ourselves from the outside. We show this self-consciousness when we ask ourselves how we feel about something or why we made a certain decision. We are self-determined. We can make decisions that do not rely on instinct and are not under compulsion.

Attributes. Because we are created in the image of God we share limited versions of his communicable attributes.

Composition. Humanity is composed of both material and immaterial substances, of both physical and spiritual stuff (Genesis 2:7). The material substance (our physical bodies) began as dust. God took the dust of the ground and formed a human. The immaterial substance (our spirit/soul) was formed by the breath of God. (See A BIT OF THEOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY for more on humanity as material and immaterial.)

HUMANITY BY CHOICE

As we discovered earlier, an important part of personhood is self-determination—the ability to make real choices. It is to humanity’s first BIG choice that we now turn.

After God finished creating everything, he declared humanity and all of creation to be very good. God had planted a lavish garden for humanity and gave them all its fruit for food, except the fruit of two special trees: the tree of the knowledge of good and evil and the tree of life. The first man and woman, Adam and Eve, decided to take matters into their own hands and disobey God’s direct command and make themselves like God (Genesis 3:5). Sin entered humanity through our choice to disobey God and to make ourselves like God.

What is sin and how bad is the problem? Sin is guilt. Humanity has made itself guilty by overstepping God’s righteous standard (Romans 4:15), by missing the mark of God’s glory (Romans 3:23), and by rebelling against God (1 John 3:4).

Sin is also pollution. This pollution is commonly referred to as the sin nature (Romans 7:14-18) and humans carry it from the moment of conception (Psalm 51:5).

How bad is the problem? The guilt and pollution of sin has infected every human born of man and woman. Each act, thought, intention, and motivation is infected, even when they appear to be good. This means that it is impossible for any human to win points with God.

The guilt and pollution of sin have corrupted the image of God and distorted human attributes. Every part of our being is affected.

How can humanity be amazingly good and incredibly sinful? Humanity is amazingly good because we are created by a good God in his image. Humanity is incredibly sinful because we chose to disobey God’s direct command. On our own we are left in a completely hopeless situation.



WANT TO LEARN MORE?

If you would like to learn more about theology, worldview, and how these shape Christ-following, sign up for the January 2007 TFB Academy course:

Bedrock Beliefs
Sundays in January 2007, 4:30 pm
Instructor: Laura Springer, M.Div.
Tentative course outline available online

BEDROCK BELIEFS: THEOLOGY PROPER

by Laura Springer, M.Div.

Christianity is defined by certain beliefs and practices. Bedrock Beliefs summarizes some of the beliefs that define Christianity. These beliefs, also known as “theology,” are an important part of following Christ, because our theology (what we believe about God, his work, and his world) shapes our worldview. Our worldview determines our attitudes and actions. Theology is about who we know and why we live how we live.

THEOLOGY PROPER, CHRISTOLOGY, PNEUMATOLOGY: FATHER, SON, AND HOLY SPIRIT

WHAT GOD IS LIKE

God has certain traits (attributes). He shares some with humanity (communicable attributes), while others belong to God and God alone (incommunicable attributes): aseity, immutability, infinity, simplicity, and trinity.

Aseity is God’s self-existence. He depends on nothing and no one for his existence.

Immutability is God’s unchangeableness. God does not change in his being, his attributes, his purposes, or in his understandings.

Infinity is God’s unlimitedness. He is not subject to the limits of being, time, and space. He is absolutely perfect (complete) and unlimited in his attributes.

Simplicity is God’s unity. He is not composed of parts. There is only one God and there is no other like him (Exodus 15:11).

Trinity is God’s three-in-oneness. He is one God eternally present in three persons. Each person of the Trinity is wholly God and wholly himself.

God shares his communicable attributes with humans: knowledge, wisdom, goodness, love, grace, mercy, holiness, righteousness, veracity, and sovereignty.

Knowledge: God knows himself and all things possible and actual. His knowledge is an essential part of his nature.

Wisdom: God chooses both ends and means that are worthy. Wisdom is God’s knowledge in action according to his character.

Love: God eternally gives himself to the other. His love is a decided act toward the good of another. He expresses his love within the Trinity and toward his creation and humanity.

Grace: God gives his goodness to those who deserve only punishment. He gives because he decides, not because we deserve.

Mercy: God is kind to those in misery and distress. He helps us in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16).

Holiness: God is separated from sin and devoted to seeking his own honor. He will not allow his glory to be given to another and acts for the sake of his own honor (Isaiah 48:10).

Righteousness: God always does what it right and he is the measure of what is right. It is unimaginable that God should act unrighteously (Genesis 18:25).

Veracity: God is true in himself, in his revelations, and in his relationships. His words and works are true and can be trusted (Romans 3:3-4). He is true in his relationships and his promises can be trusted (1 Thessalonians 5:24).

Sovereignty: God’s will and power are sure. God in charge (Job 42:2), and has the power to accomplish what he decides (Jeremiah 32:27; Matthew 26:53-54).

WORK OF THE TRINITY

While the Trinity is admittedly confusing, it is nonetheless important to our understanding of God. God is one God eternally present in three persons. Each person has his own work.

The Father initiates; all things are out of the Father. The Son mediates; all things are through the Son. The Spirit completes; all things are brought to completion by means of the Spirit.

Our understanding of the structure of the Trinity and the work of the three divine persons is limited because we are human. The idea of three-in-oneness is beyond anything we know and all our explanations and illustrations fall short of the reality.

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

If you would like to learn more about theology, worldview, and how these shape Christ-following, sign up for the January 2007 TFB Academy course:

Bedrock Beliefs
Sundays in January 2007, 4:30 pm
Instructor: Laura Springer, M.Div.
Tentative course outline available

BEDROCK BELIEFS COURSE OUTLINE

by Laura Springer, M.Div.

-tentative and subject to change-
-updated 122106-

Course Description
Bedrock Beliefs introduces some essentials of Christian theology through readings and in-class discussion. Topics include the bible, God, humanity, sin, salvation, church, and last things. Special attention is given to worshipful theological reflection and the place of theology and worldview in forming Christ-followers.

Learning Objectives

Cognitive--Knowledge
1. Define key theological terms.
2. Explain how theology relates to godly living and thinking.
3. Describe the components of a worldview and theology’s contribution to that worldview.

Affective--Values
1. Practice worshipful theological reflection.
2. Explain the importance of theology in the life of the believer.

Behavioral--Actions and Skills
1. Meditate on key passages and journal theological reflections.
2. Create a devotional notebook that combines theological reflection, key Scripture readings, and prayers of praise and request.

Learning Activities
1. Read assigned chapters in the Theology Reader in preparation for each class discussion (see the assignment schedule).
2. Meditate on the assigned Scripture Readings in preparation for each class discussion (see the assignment schedule).
3. Keep a journal of theological reflections, questions, insights, and prayers.
4. Create a devotional notebook. For each category (prolegomena, bibliology, theology proper, Christology, pneumatology, anthropology, hamartiology, soteriology, ecclesiology, and eschatology) the notebook should include:
a. Definitions of key terms/Explanations of key ideas
b. At least one pertinent Scripture reading
c. A prayer of request and/or praise

Schedule

Jan 7
Prolegomena: First Things
Worldview
Bibliology: the Bible

Jan 14
Theology Proper: Father
Christology: Jesus
Pneumatology: Holy Spirit

Jan 21
Anthropology: Humanity
Hamartiology: Sin

Jan 28
Soteriology: Salvation
Ecclesiology: Church
Eschatology: Last Things
Developing a Christian Worldview

BEDROCK BELIEFS--BIBLIOLOGY: BIBLE BASICS

by Laura Springer, M.Div.

Christianity is defined by certain beliefs and practices. Bedrock Beliefs summarizes some of the beliefs that define Christianity. These beliefs—also known as “theology”—are an important part of following Christ, for our theology—what we believe about God, his work, and his world—shapes our worldview. Our worldview determines our attitudes and actions. Theology is about who we know and why we live how we live.

BIBLIOLOGY: BIBLE BASICS

THE BIBLE IS GOD’S WRITTEN WORD

As a divine book, the bible has certain characteristics: inspiration, inerrancy, infallibility, and authority.

Inspiration means that the words of the Bible are “God-breathed” or “God-spoken.” The Holy Spirit worked through the human writers so that while freely writing according to their own style and personality, the result was the Word of God.

Inerrancy means that the original manuscripts do not say anything contrary to fact. This includes not only statements about theology, but also statements about history, geography, and the like.

Infallibility means that the Bible will not lead us in the wrong way when it comes to the content and practice of faith. It can be trusted as a guide to salvation and to Christ-following, for it is the revelation of God in words.

Authority means that to disbelieve and disobey the Bible is to disbelieve and disobey God. The Bible is master, not servant. It is the source and measure of the content and practice of faith.

If the Bible truly is inspired, inerrant, infallible, and authoritative, then how should we respond? The Bible must be handled with respect. Even odd stories and genealogies are God’s Word.

The Bible must be allowed to speak for itself. Commentaries, bible study guides, and even preachers are useful, but their words do not determine what the Bible says. The Bible determines what they say.

The Bible must be obeyed. If our reading and study of God’s Word does not result in obedient behavior then we have not treated the Bible as the Word of God.

THE BIBLE IS GOD’S WRITTEN WORD.

While the Bible is a divine book, it is also a human book. The Holy Spirit used the style and personality of the human authors to communicate his Word. To understand the Bible we must consider culture, history, genre, style, and occasion.

Culture is the worldview of the writer and the intended readers. The Bible was written over a span of about 1,500 years, in three ancient languages (none of which is English), and in a number of nations (none of which is the USA). Culture is crucial.

History includes the significant events happening at the time of the writing and at the time of the story.

Genre is the type of literature as shown in style, form, or content. There are a great number of genres in the Bible: for example, narrative, poetry, apocalypse, and letter.

Style is the author’s distinct manner of expression. Different authors choose to use different words, different levels of complexity, different grammatical structures, and different moods.

Occasion is the situation that prompted the writing. In a few rare cases, the situation is specified. Most of the time, we must look at clues in the biblical book and then make our best guess.

RESOURCES

to be added later...

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

If you would like to learn more about theology, worldview, and how these shape Christ-following, sign up for the January 2007 TFB Academy course:

Bedrock Beliefs
Sundays in January 2007, 4:30 pm
2118 Carson St, Torrance, CA 90501
310-328-5030
Instructor: Laura Springer, M.Div.