Theology, ‘words about God,’ matters greatly on The Murfreesboro Post

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Theology, ‘words about God,’ matters greatly

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By: By Jim McClarty, Pastor Grace Christian Assembly

I get a lot of email. Due to the popularity of our website, I receive comments and observations from a wide range of denominations and countries. One of the most consistent themes emerging from my in-box is the general lack of doctrine and theology being taught in most churches. In its place, churches offer showmanship – clowns, puppets, lightshows, theatrical productions, surround-sound, smoke machines, rock bands, etc.

An elemental shift has occurred in the contemporary church. According to the Bible, although the followers of Christ are IN the world, we are not to be OF the world (John 17:14-16). We are called to reflect the principles and teaching of Christ, as salt and light in an otherwise decaying and dark environment. But, as church buildings and budgets have grown, churches have begun competing with the world over the disposable income people spend on entertainment. And in the process, doctrine and theology have suffered.

So, does that really matter? I mean, what’s the point of theology anyway? Is doctrine really that important?

The word “theology” is a contraction of two Greek words, meaning “words about God.” The Bible is full of such words. As you learn the Bible, you learn what God is like, how He thinks, how He acts, and what it takes to approach Him. It’s not enough to simply think ABOUT God. It matters WHAT you think about God. Proper theology teaches you how to think about God properly.

In his epistles, the apostle Paul urged the church repeatedly to concentrate on “sound doctrine.” That means: solid teaching. They were not to merely imagine what Christ was like or what He taught. They were to devote themselves to the solid, provable teaching handed down to them by the apostles. Proper theology leads to proper Christianity.

Biblical theology answers the most pressing, important question any of us will ever face: “How can sinners stand forgiven and un-condemned before a righteous, holy God?” Given that we are all mortal and the ratio of death so far is a perfect 1:1, what you think about God’s salvation is a very important consideration. Proper theology leads to peace with God.

And finally, once we understand our relationship with God and His Son, that knowledge affects every aspect of our lives. How we treat people, how we raise our kids, how we live in society, and how we treat our marriage, are all directly impacted by a genuine understanding of our position before God. In other words, proper theology leads to a proper life.

So, does theology matter? Yes. In fact, there is no other subject in this lifetime that will have a greater impact on your eternal destiny than the words you say about God.

Theology matters.

About Grace Christian

Grace Christian Assembly was formed six years ago and holds to the doctrines of the Protestant Reformation (commonly called "Reformed theology" or "Sovereign Grace"). We are located at 904 Hazelwood and we meet Sunday mornings at 10:10. We also have a mid-week meeting Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. In this electronic age it seems that most of our communication is done vis email (we have an expansive listening audience), but our phone number is 691-3072.

We concentrate on verse-by-verse exposition of Scripture. All of our messages are available as mp3 downloads from our website and everything on our site is free.

About Jim McClarty

The pastor of Grace Christian Assembly grew up and attended high school and college in Livonia, Mich.

McClarty moved his family to Middle Tennessee following the birth of his son. He joined the teaching staff of a sovereign grace church in Franklin and eventually was called to help establish GCA.

For more information visit: www.salvationbygrace.org
You can email Pastor Jim at: jim@salvationbygrace.org

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Member Opinions:

By: ellie on 10/22/07
To better understand the standard myth on which christianity is based, watch this documentary if you care to learn the truth, or you can believe in criptic documents written and revised during the Dark Ages by men with agendas.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeZB2EsPqGE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmzailhVl-U
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6UdQxt7b24

By: KeptMan on 10/22/07
ellie, anyone, and i mean anyone can post stuff on youtube. if anyone really cares to understand what the truth about christianity is based, read a history book. not to say they aren't slanted either, but they tend to be a bit more accurate than some fool on youtube. if anyone really has an open mind they'd question religion. they would ask why is this or that the way you say it is. but when you start to ask questions, they'll try to shut you up. that right there is the first sign it's bogus.

By: antebus on 10/22/07
I would like to know Pastor McClarty'a opinion on the bible park that is being proposed in Rutherford County. Does he feel this park will impart the important theology and teachings which should be supplied by a church? And if Pastor McClarty is for or against the park, I'd like to hear his reasoning.

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