Why Theology Matters

If theology is all about recognizing that God wants us to know Him and cares what we think about Him, taking time out of our busy lives to orient our thoughts toward God and reflect carefully on Him in all His glory, then theology is a very particular kind of task.

It is worship.

-Marc Cortez, Western Seminary

This is an excellent reminder for all of us in Christ Jesus today! God's timing and will are so amazing, beyond coincidence and perfect in ALL situations...even when the situation seems so dark and no immediate rescue is in sight.

If you haven't read it, you should read The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom. Can you praise God for the fleas? Betsie and her sister, Corrie, were Christian Dutch women whose family hid Jews during WWII from the Germans. They were caught and sent to several concentration camps. One night, Corrie was complaining about the fleas. And, Betsie reminded her to praise God for the fleas. Because of the fleas the German guards left their shack alone and they were able to hold Bible studies and pray with the other captives.

Corrie and Betsie were sent to the Vught political concentration camp (in the Netherlands), and finally to the notorious Ravensbrück concentration camp in Germany, where Corrie's sister Betsie died on December 16, 1944. Before she died, she told Corrie, "There is no pit so deep that God's love is not deeper still." Corrie was released on New Year's Eve of December 1944. In the movie The Hiding Place, Ten Boom narrates the section on her release from camp, saying that she later learned that her release had been a clerical error. The women prisoners her age in the camp were killed the week following her release. She said, "God does not have problems. Only plans."

What is Theology? Simply put, it is the study of Who God is. We use God's personal journal to us, the Bible, to study about Who He is. I really liked the analogy Pastor Phil used on Sunday about him and Jen switching personal journals to get to know one another better. If you think about it, we are all interested in Theology...we just let the word goof us up sometimes. Theology isn't something just for seminary students, pastors or elders. In fact, we practice a form of this every day in our lives.

If we love God, as we say we do, we should want to spend time with Him, know all we can about Him, seek ways to please Him (glorify Him), respect Him, and grow deeper in our relationship with Him. And, if we know God, we trust Him. In all circumstances. Even when tornadoes come and wipe out a town, and people cry out, "Where was God in this?" We know and trust God to be actively at work. That is why theology is important.

I was just having a conversation with my best friend on Sunday about this very subject.

Good Theology praises God during the bad. If we don't have a right understanding of Who God is we flounder in times of trouble.

Good Theology praises God during the good. If we don't have a right understanding of Who God is we become prideful in times of goodness.

Keeping all situations in the right framework of a good Theology is what allows us to grow deeper in our love for God and our relationship with Him.

Read on for Erin's post from Lies Young Women Believe...

Tornados and Theology

Faith posted by Erin Davis on 05/30/11

Last week a massive F-5 tornado hit Joplin, Missouri, killing at least 139 people and leveling 30 percent of the city.

I live 60 miles from Joplin. Medical records from the hospital that was hit rained down on my neighborhood after the storm. I have friends and acquaintances who live in the torn city. My husband will spend the next week running a chainsaw to clean up debris there. In other words, this tragedy literally struck close to home.

In the days since the tornado, I have felt a range of emotions. From sorrow to helplessness to gratitude that my home and family are intact. But what I haven't felt is hopeless. I haven't felt angry. I haven't felt unsteady. My theology is strong enough to weather the storm.

In the aftermath of such unspeakable loss, questions about God often bubble to the surface. But while my emotions have been swirling this week, I have found an anchor in the truth about God from His word.

Because I know that God is good (Ps. 145:9) I don't have to wrestle with anger that God allowed this storm as a cruel cosmic joke. Because I know that God is a capable provider (Phil. 4:19) I am on the lookout for ways He is on the move instead of questioning where He was when the storm hit. In fact, His presence has been obvious in a million stories you may not see on TV. Despite these dark days for the people of Joplin, God has provided hope, peace, comfort, and safety for thousands of people.

Because I know that God is sovereign (Ps. 115:3), I don't have to feel out of control when circumstances are hard to comprehend.

Because I know that God can redeem all things (Rom. 8:28), I can face any crisis with hope for something better rather than the hopelessness of feeling like bad news is the end of the story.

Because I know that earth is my temporary home (John 16:33), I am not undone when I see it destroyed, and I take great hope in knowing that at time is coming when all things, including the city of Joplin, will be made brand-new.

Because I have a shelter, I know where to run when the storms of life come. Nahum 1:7 says, "The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him."

And because my hope is in a good God who never leaves the throne room (Lam. 5:19), I don't have to be afraid the next time dark clouds start to form (Deut. 31:6).

This is why theology matters. This is why we all need to know what we believe about God and build a foundation of faith straight from His Word. Hard times will come. Circumstances we didn't expect will take things we didn't want to lose. Storms will roll in, winds will blow, and we will suffer loss. But you don't have to feel hopeless. You don't have to wrestle with disillusionment or fractured faith when life doesn't turn out like you've planned. If you know who God is, you can face the storm knowing that you serve a good God who is always working for your good and His glory.

Jesus taught this very principle during his ministry on earth. In Luke 6:47–49 we read, "As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete."

It's time to check your foundation. Are you grounded in the truth about God? Is your understanding of His nature enough to hold you up when the winds of life blow? Or are you lacking firm footings, causing you to be blown and tossed by your circumstances because you don't hold fast to the truth about God?

If you're not sure your faith would have held up if the tornado had struck your neighborhood, you've got some work to do. Shore up your faith by looking at who God is according to His Word. Memorize the attributes of God, and pray about areas where you have questions or doubts. Look for ways you see God at work all around you instead of wondering where He's gone when life gets tough. Use this post as a reminder that theology matters, because what you believe about God will determine the way that you live.

"'Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'" —Isaiah 41:10
--
Mary E.Hickcox
http://www.calvarybaptistsm.org/
http://mary-neotes.blogspot.com/

Happy Feet

No, this isn't a plug for the movie, "Happy Feet."  Never saw it...probably never will.  I'm more a "Tangled" kind of cartoon watching gal.  How about you?

 

"...if you're tired, busy, overwhelmed, or lacking creativity, I'd recommend not saving Jesus for a last resort. If you have to make time for just one thing, I'd start with Him. Somehow, He makes everything else fall into place. " By Rebekah Snyder , from her blog entry, "You Must be Happy" found here: http://beyondwaiting.wordpress.com/

 

I just came across, Rebekah Snyder's blog, Beyond Waiting, today and thought the above quote was pretty awesome.  Apparently, Rebekah can only write when she's happy...hence the blog & quote. 

 

According to Frank, I get "happy feet" when I'm happy, content, at peace, joyful, rested, unbothered, etc.  He always remarks by saying, "I see you've got your happy feet going."  And he'll smile and I'll smile...or sometimes I'll look at him unaware I was exhibiting "happy feet" syndrome. 

 

My son, Jameson, gets "happy feet" as well.  I noticed this just this last Christmas as he sat there, eating breakfast and anticipating opening presents. 

 

When he was a little boy, he'd jump into bed and shove his feet to the very end of the bed and swish them around, back and forth and stretch out his arms and legs until his tiny "mass" covered every possible dimension of his twin bed.  Bedtime was usually a happy time for us.  We'd read books, giggle and end the nightly routine with prayer.  It never occured to me at that time to start the day in prayer with him.

 

Lately, I find myself praying almost constantly.  I don't know if that is what's called an attitude of prayer, but it seems I'm doing it a lot.  I find great comfort and joy being able to stay plugged in to an ongoing conversation with my Lord, Savior, Comforter and Friend.  And, I notice my "happy feet," tend to activate frequently.  Perhaps that is why Rebekah's quote resonated with me today.

 

What about you?

Are you active in your relationship with Jesus?

Do you take Him with you throughout your day?

Do you find yourself captivated by thoughts of Him throughout your day?

Do Bible verses come to mind?

Do worship songs escape your lips in praise?

 

Saturate your day with Jesus.  He does "make everything else fall in to place."

 

Here are some verses to start memorizing...

Philippians 4:5-7 ⁵Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.  ⁶Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ⁷And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

I Thessalonians 5:16-18 ¹⁶Rejoice always; ¹⁷pray without ceasing;  ¹⁸in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 12:1-3 ¹Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, ²looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. ³ Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.

 

Matthew 11:29-30 (Jesus is talking here) ²⁹Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

 

Find rest in Jesus today.

Real, satisfying, better than an uninterrupted nap kind of rest. 

--
Mary E.Hickcox
www.CalvaryBaptistSM.org
http://mary-neotes.blogspot.com/

The Trials of Life...and Headline News

"It's been a Disney kind of week: The Last Song is on cable, a prince got married, and the bad guy died."  —Nicholas Sparks

 

Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign LORD. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live? (Ezekiel 18:23)

 

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.  Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. (Matthew 9:36-37)

 

Hello Youth, Parents & Friends,

It has been some time since I've posted.  I do apologize for the absence.  Work has been a flurry of activity...Dad's health has captured a lot of my energy...and, Frank & I have been walking, fully embraced, through the "Valley of Vision." 

 

When I was a little girl in San Antonio, Texas, I learned an acronym for Joy - J=Jesus first, O=others second, and Y=Yourself least of all.  We also used to sing the song, "I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy, down in my heart! Where? Down in my heart! Where? Down in my heart! Where? Down in my heart to stay!" And, though this was a rowdy song with all of us yelling and screaming "Where!" the Truth of this has stayed with me, all this time:  I have complete joy when I focus on Jesus and hide myself in Him.

 

In the midst of this past month, God, in His incredible grace and mercy toward me, has allowed me to know His joy and a peace which goes beyond my feeble understanding.  He has met needs, answered prayers and arranged circumstances to reveal His glory and His hand at work in my life, before I even utter, screamed or whispered a desperate cry of, "Help!"

 

He has assuaged my fears of Dad being home alone by allowing Randy French to minister to my dad on a daily basis.  Randy has been provided by God to allow me peace of mind so I can concentrate on work, while at work.  Randy has been an amazing blessing and I am so very thankful God has provided him at just the right time.

 

Also, God has allowed, at some time in the past, for some researcher or biochemist to develop a drug which helps Alzheimer patients stabalize their memory - and has allowed the neurologist dad sees to recommend this drug to dad to, "see if it will help him."  And, although we are only into the 3rd week of this new drug, both Frank, Randy and I have seen some improvement.  Praise God!

 

Then we went through a period of time when dad kept falling.  These were times when no one was home with him to be his memory and remind him he can't do all the physical labor things he used to do (like bringing in the garbage cans from the street).  It was clear to me that dad needed someone more than just a few hours a day.  I was so overwhelmed with this situation that I literally cried out my frustration to God and begged Him to help my dad.  On that SAME day, I logged in to facebook and a college student needed temporary housing for about a month...and was willing to stay with us!  And, though this wasn't to replace Randy, it was to give him some time off while I worked out some issues regarding dad.

 

It was so very sweet and clear to me God Almighty was (and is) taking care of my dad (and me & Frank).  He was already at work sorting everything out.  It was a gentle Father reminding me, His independent, stubbornly strong-willed child, to trust Him, lean on Him, wait on Him.  In hindsight, it was the calming presence of my heavenly Father already at work to prepare me for a new storm which was blowing our way.

 

Last Monday, Frank and I had to appear in a Los Angeles courtroom.  Frank and I are still having to deal with legal matters relating to a business we owned over 10 years ago.  And, though it is emotionally wrenching to have to go through this, I can and do have joy.  I'm really not a touchy feely person...but I cannot explain the physicial feeling, the overwhelming sense of peace, joy and God's providential hand washing over me.

 

Though what we are going through is nothing compared to what Job went through, I still thought about Job.  The verse, Job 13:15a "Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him:" another version translates, "...I will hope in Him:"  Throughout this past week, when given a decision or situation, my heart has rang out, "is this trusting God?" And, I have reacted accordingly.

 

We would appreciate your prayer for us.  We are not out of the dark woods yet, but we do have our loving, heavenly Father shining His lamplight of Truth over our very next step.  We are totally depending upon His guidance and have joy in His leading us.  Our hope is in Him.  Our circumstances are allowed by Him for His purposes and reasons.  To God be the praise, glory and honor!

 

In light of this past month, I've thought about the news of Osama bin Laden's death.  I am thankful God allowed his capture.  But, I was not in a celebratory mood.  It was for me, rather, a sobering moment.  And, I thought today's discussion from the blog, Lies Young Women Believe, was exceptionally good and edifying to me, and so I pass it along to you for your edification.

  

How should we respond to the death of Osama bin Laden?

Faith posted by Erin Davis on 05/09/11

A reader recently sent me this email:

Erin,

I have a question concerning the recent death of Osama Bin Laden. Of course, I am very pleased that he is no longer creating havoc on earth, but is it right to celebrate that he is most likely spending eternity in hell right now? It just seems odd to me. Could you maybe blog about that soon? Thanks!

Mary

Since this is a blog about lies and truth, I wanted to take the time to address Osama's death in light of God's Word. As you consider the world event, I want to urge you to keep God's Word in mind. More importantly, as you talk about the death of Osama Bin Laden with your family, in your classes, and among your friends, I hope you will seize the opportunity to point others toward God's truth.

Here are some key talking points.

1. God is Osama's judge.

Psalm 9:7–8 says "But the LORD sits enthroned forever; he has established his throne for justice, and he judges the world with righteousness; he judges the peoples with uprightness."

Navy Seals and governments and leaders may take credit for Osama's death, but ultimately God will judge his actions. It is a good reminder that we all answer to the Lord and that He is a God who always upholds justice.

2. If Osama did not know Jesus, he is separated from Him for eternity.

Romans 6:23 warns that the "wages of sin is death." Romans 10:9 provides hope that if we confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord and believe in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead, we will be saved from the death we deserve.

Ultimately we cannot know Osama's heart, but we can assume based on what he said and how he lived that he did not accept Jesus. The result of his sin is that he will be separated from Jesus forever.

This is a sobering reminder of the reality we all face. With Jesus we have the promise of eternal life in heaven. Without Him we face eternal separation in hell.

3. God's grace is big enough for Osama Bin Laden.

If Osama Bin Laden had accepted Jesus as Lord and confessed his sin to Him, even at the eleventh hour, he would be with Jesus in paradise right now. His sins were not too big for God to cover. Jesus would not have had to hang on the cross any longer to redeem him.

This truth may upset our American sensibilities. We want Osama Bin Laden to pay. We may even want him to suffer. But this does not match up with the beauty of the gospel. Jesus loves Osama Bin Laden. He created him and He did not desire for Osama to suffer for eternity.

Here's proof.

Second Peter 3:9 says, "The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance."

We certainly serve a big God with ample grace. Osama Bin Laden's death is a sobering reminder of this truth.

4. A somber response is necessary.

Proverbs 24:17–18 says, "Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles,
lest the LORD see it and be displeased, and turn away his anger from him."

In spiritual terms, Osama's death is not a great victory. God doesn't enjoy the thought of anyone spending eternity separated from Him. He isn't gloating right now and neither should we. Our world may feel safer, but the truth is it was always as safe as God allowed it to be. Tyrants may come and go, but God's authority to rule remains and His desire to redeem even those of us who seem beyond redemption is still on full display.

Thanks for pushing me to think this through, Mary. You've reminded me that I serve a God is who is big, loving, and always on the throne.

--
Mary E.Hickcox
www.CalvaryBaptistSM.org
http://mary-neotes.blogspot.com/