I had the honor of talking with Kristi Mast about her experience in Bible college and the importance of women getting theological training.
Why Women Should Get Theological Training w/ Kristi Mast
Tag: theology
Paul Lamicela on the Importance of Understanding the Storyline of Scripture
When we don’t understand the storyline of scripture, we end up doing “viking exegesis” and miss the beauty and character of God.
Discover the Message of the Bible for Yourself
The message of scripture is a beautiful message! But we may miss its beauty unless we read it as one continuous story. Let me give you three practical tips anyone can begin doing right now that will revolutionize your reading and study of scripture.
While We Wait for the Return of the King
The Christian’s greatest emphasis while “watching and waiting” for the return of King Jesus should not be on figuring out dates and events that will take place in the end times. Rather, it should be remembering the redemption story, watching for the full restoration of creation, and participating in the work of restoration by living holy and godly lives.
How Should We Interpret the Bible?
The Bible is about God. He has a message he wants to communicate to humanity, and he has revealed it through this collection of writings. Here’s how to interpret what it says.
What Is the Bible and Do I Have to Read It?
The Bible is the collection of writings which reveal God’s message about his good creation and his design to walk in relationship with mankind. This message ultimately culminates in the person of Jesus Christ.
Why I Believe Anabaptists Have Something to Offer the World
Each of us has a story shaping who we are and what we believe. When I observe Anabaptist young people, I sense a general anxiety about whether the story that shaped their lives has any value in the world today. I believe it does. I see four things anyone from Anabaptist background has to offer the world, today.
The God Who Scares Us
Many millennials are wanting to understand God’s Spirit better. I think that’s wonderful. But I also think some of us expect our discovery of Him to radically change something about Christianity. And maybe it will. I don’t know. I just know there are many thoughts and ideas about the Holy Spirit, and not all of them seem in-line with Scripture.
But ignoring Him, not facing the possibility of having our perspective of God rattled and reshaped, is not an answer. That only limits our understanding of God, and therefore, our relationship with Him.
So, I’ve been going back to Scripture and trying to understand the Holy Spirit from God’s perspective, not from what I’ve heard and been taught before. As a part of this process, and in helping other discover God at a deeper level, I will write out what I’m finding.
Do Not Resist the One Who Is Evil, But…
For too long the church in America has walked under the intoxication of militarism. We’ve been duped into believing that it is our responsibility to protect our lives on this earth, whether by providing churches with armed security guards or by preaching a gospel compatible with materialism and the building of wealth.
But this is not the way of Christ. Not as laid out in Scripture, at least.
A Theology of Death
God has a story for us through death, I’m convinced. In my own wrestling and journeying I’ve begun studying, for myself, to find what God is saying. I’d like to share briefly what I am learning about God and death.
What I Got Wrong about Theology
Have you ever felt that Christians are more concerned about right and wrong beliefs then they are about being one with Christ?
I used to think the problem was that we focused too much on theology. All the different terms—soteriology, ecclesiology, eschatology, Calvinism, Arminianism, and so on. Most of them made no sense to me and I couldn’t figure out why people spent so much time debating over which ones were right.
So, I said once that we as Anabaptists focus too much on theology and not enough on relationships. Having said that, I’ve pondered it a lot and have concluded I was wrong.
Do You Agree with Every Book You Read?
Is it okay to learn from a book if the author has beliefs we’re not sure are Biblical?
I often refer books to my friends even though I have yet to read a book where I fully agree with the author. There is nothing worse the someone condemning a book who has not actually read it, or is not familiar with what the author teaches. Unless the author or speaker makes a significant theological or doctrinal error in his teaching, I think we benefit from hearing what they have to say.
I can’t promise that they won’t need discernment as they read the books I suggest, but there are a few thoughts I try to keep in mind that I believe can help all of us test authors in a healthy way.
