Why Bother With Theology?

Predestination, election, justification, substitutionary atonement, propitiation, and imputation. These are all things that come to mind when you hear the word theology. There are those who like to discuss, read about, and study theology, and there of course those who don't want anything to do with it.
For the first party, they are people who are drawn to theology. It catches their interests. It drives them into a deeper understanding and knowledge of events that surround the gospel. Then the latter party has little interest in theological matters. Why? Well from what I can gather is that theological terms like predestination for an example goes right over their heads. What do I mean? I mean that no matter how hard they try to understand, they just can't grasp it. Also there's a great deal of debate between calvinists and arminians; two groups of people that have opposing theological views on salvation and events relating to salvation. Those who have little interest in theology see this as pointless and turn away. There are without a doubt other reasons, I'm sure, that people in this party choose not to do much with theology, and I feel like that's alright.

Yet there are people who ask the question, "Why bother with theology?". They usually don't see a point studying and discussing theology. "Why not just keep it at Christ and Him crucified?" Let me give you several reasons why getting your feet wet in theology can be and is edifying, beneficial, and even in some instances, important.

1. It's Biblical- Yes the terms "election" and "predestination" are in the Bible. They both can be found in the books of Romans, the most theological of Paul's epistles. Predestination in chapter 8 and election in chapter 9. Other terms like imputed righteousness, justification, and substitutionary atonement can be found, but are not in plain sight in their original terms like election and predestination are. You just have to look closely at passages that explain those terms. Like justification can be found in the famed 2 Corinthians 5:21, "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." You can also find imputation in there as well too. So what's my point here? These theological terms and others are found in the Bible, so they are worth looking into. More so I would dare say that they are important to deal with and wrestle with.

2. Deeper Understanding of the Gospel- I know in my time of studying and reading up on justification or substituationary atonement has given me a deeper understanding of the gospel itself. As you dig deeper into the gospel these theological terms will come up and as you explore what these terms (and others) mean and how they all work within the gospel, then you will in turn grow deeper in knowledge and understanding of the gospel.

3. Humility- It's humbles me knowing that Jesus hung in my place, taking the punishment that I so justly deserve. In my place condemned He stood (Substitutionary atonement). Also that my sins were imputed to Him, and His righteousness imputed to me, therefore giving me legal right standing before God (Justification). As I meditate on these and other theological terms that relate to the gospel, I can't but help but be driven to my knees in humility over such grace & mercy that come from Him. That I don't deserve. Woe is me! For I'm a wretch! I'm a sinner! But Jesus died for me!

4. Thanksgiving & Gratitude- As I grow in a deeper understanding and knowledge of the gospel (in light of growing in the knowledge of theology), it cause thanksgiving and gratitude flow out from me to God for His glory. Expressing in word and deed how thankful I am for such a great salvation that I've been given, that I don't deserve.

5. Praise & Worship- Then it also compels me to worship and praise to God for His love, grace, and mercy. To worship a God who in His love would send His Son to come die in the place of wretched sinners like you and me. To worship a God who has chosen me before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before Him, and to be adopted in His family. For He is worthy of our worship and praise that we lift up to Him.

You can probably think of other reasons of why it's worth getting your feet wet in biblical doctrine and theology. Of course I touch only on soteriology (the doctrine of salvation), because that's the doctrine that relates to the gospel more than any other doctrine, at least I think so. There are others like eschatology (the end times) for example. Yet whether you were skeptical about getting your feet wet in theology, or you have dove right in already, I hope that your the time you spend looking into and studying theology is fruitful, beneficial, and God-glorifying. Most importantly that it will cause you to fall deeper in love with such an incomprehensibly GREAT God that we serve, and to savor and treasure Him above all else! For that it what I'm aiming for as I explore deeper into biblical doctrine. He is worthy!

In My Place Condemned He Stood

For the past couple weeks I've been meditating on and marveling at the beautiful biblical truth of substitutionary atonement.

As the song goes: In my place condemned He stood!"

To look at it personally just leaves me humbled and in joy! In light looking at the depth of my sin and depravity, and what I deserve. Then to see how Jesus known as the spotless lamb (1 Pet 1:19) hanging on the cross bearing my sins (2 Cor 5:21 & 1 Pet 2:24), taking the punishment that was due me, taking the wrath I deserved! Isaiah 53, the most well known prophecy in the whole of Scripture hit home on Christ's subsitutionary death.

But he was wounded for our transgressions:
he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that
brought us peace,
and with his stripes we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have turned- every one- to his own way;
and the LORD has laid on him
the iniquity of us all. (vs. 5-6)

You can see how I made it where you can see how Jesus took what we deserved!
And here's how I see it:

Jesus Christ
The perfect & spotless lamb
Bore my sins on that cross
He took the cup
My hell
My punishment
The wrath
That was reserved for me
He died in my place
The Righteous for the unrighteous
The Holy for the unholy
The Just for the unjust
The Innocent for the guilty
The beloved Son of God for the Child of wrath
To show love towards the one who hatred-filled rebel
To have mercy and forgive
A wretch & sinner!
It leads me to shout, sing, and proclaim
"Oh what LOVE!"

I can spend all day just telling you the beauty and riches of the doctrine of substitutionary atonement. But I just hope and pray that what I just shared will cause you to be humbled, and rejoice singing, "In MY place condemned HE stood! Hallelujah! What a Savior!"

grace & peace
Joshua

This has become a desire of mine as of late. And a prayer.

Dear Father
May the songs I sing
And listen to
The books I read
And the things I write
Even the sermons I listen to
The conversations I have
And the time I spend
With family & friends
Every event I particpate in
From weddings to funerals
From meetings to parties
And every sort of gathering
With the body of Christ
Every sunrise and sunset
Every starry night sky
All the times of laughter, joy, & excitement
All the times of pain, tears, & suffering
All the highs
All the lows
Every breath-taking & awe-inspiring moment
And everything else
Big, small, & inbetween
Cause me to fall deeper in love with You
Use these things
Use whatever You will
To draw me closer to You
So that I may adore You
More & more
In the light of Your
Beauty, majesty, splendor, radiance, & glory
Amen

A Change of Heart

Ever since my senior year of highschool a passion to be a missionary to the unreached has burned within me. To be a missionary is what I'm aiming for and pursuing. It wasn't long ago though I very narrow-minded about it. Let me explain.
Before the whole idea of the possibility of moving down to Louisville, I was lost and in despair. With going to school or taking any classes, working, living at home, and hanging with friends, I was beginning to get restless. I have this passion and aim of being a missionary, but I felt like I was stuck., and I cried out to God, asking Him to lead & guide me. During that time whenever I would share my plight with friends they would say something like this: "Well Josh, God could very well be calling you to stay, and send others." I would kindly reject that idea by replying, "No, God has given me a passion to be a missionary, and besides I can't see myself doing anything else." Yea I completely understood that they were trying to be a help, and I did and still do appreciate it. Yet my heart stayed unmoved by the whole matter.
Matt, a good friend of mine one evening, as I was over at his place, he reminded me that God's mission to reach every nation (people group) will be accomplished! "God promises that in his Word", he said. Even John Piper is well of that.

"The mission to make disciples of all nations will succed"~ John Piper

The Scriptures, especially the Psalms, make it clear that His missions to make disciples of all nations will come to pass.

"All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord, and all families of the nations shall worship before you"~ Psalm 22:27

"I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth."~ Isaiah 49:6

"All the nations that you have made shall come and worship before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name."~ Psalm 86:9

Of course there are a good handful more of verses that display the promise, or you can say guarantee that His mission will come to pass. So what does this have to do with me and my desire and aim of being a missionary?
Well during my trip to Flagstaff, AZ earlier this summer with 25 other, to host a vbs for the Navajo, He gave me a change of heart towards the whole matter of missions. He open my eyes to the need here in the U.S., of how there definitely is a great need here! I can here Him saying, "Josh, my mission of making disciples of all nations will come to pass, whether I send you out as a missionary, or I call you to stay here and send others."
Now the crazy thing is that day by day I can more easily see what I would be doing if He just so happens call me to stay here and send others. Not to say that He has, or that I'm not still pursuing on being sent out to a people in Asia or Northern Africa to reach them with the Gospel of Christ, but if He does call me to stay and be one who sends, then I wouldn't lose heart or despair. I have that desire to be used in His mission, and I know He will. I know that either way the life I live won't be wasted.
His mission cannot fail, indeed it will not! All nations will be before Him on that Day, in reverence and awe of the glory & radiance of His presence and worship Him forever!

May I Not Forget the Cross

Dear Father
May I not forget
What happened at Calvary
May I never lose sight
Of what took place
At the Cross
When Jesus
The spotless Lamb
The innocent One
The Son of the Most High
Took my place
Hanging there as my substitute
Bearing my sins
Recieving the punishment
That I justly deserve
Asorbing the wrath
That was reserved for me
Crushed and slain
The innocent for the guilty
The just for the unjust
The righteous for the unrighteous
So that I can be forgiven
And set free
From the bondage of sin
So that I can be redeemed
And reconciled to You
So that You can be recieve the glory
So that I can behold Your beauty
And enjoy You forever
So yes may I never forget
The Cross
May I be reminded of it daily
May I preach it to myself daily
May I be humbled by it
Ever so thankful
May it be my only boast
May it be my heart's song
May it be what compels me
To keep pressing on
Consuming my heart & mind
May it captivate & mesmerize me
Drawing me nearer to You
Causing me to savor & treasure You
Above all things
Causing me to fall deeper
In love with You, my God
Amen!

All For Christ and All About Christ: Friends (My brothers & Sisters in Christ)

It definitely has been amazing to see God working in the relationships He's given me with friends, all my brother's and sisters in Christ! My love for them all has grown so much as the years have come and gone. There have been times of laughter, grief, smiles, tears, late nights, early mornings, jamming with instuments, board games, road trips, prayer, worshipping & praising God, studying & sharing Scripture, deep conversations about Christ & the Gospel, sharing the Gospel of Christ, and so much more. The memories are unforgettable! I'm thank God so very much for blessing me with godly & Christlike friends. They have and continue to be a blessing and encouragement to me in Christ!
Yet there has been something that I've been thinking about off and on lately. Or I can say that it is the ultimate aim I have in regards to the relationships I have with my friends, my beloved brothers and sisters in Christ. My aim is this: That my relationships with my friend be all for Christ and all about Christ. Let me elaborate. I find joy in and delight in seeing my friends having joy and delighting in Jesus, the Gospel, God, and the Scriptures; it makes me smile and encourages me to hear what God has been teaching them in His Word, seeing them grow more into the image of Christ, and hunger for more of Him! I love it!
I can have those time of laugther, late nights, joking around, playing board games, and all that; yet if Christ is missing in the relationships I have with my friends, then these friendships would hardly be anything. They would all be for just selfish gain. So my ultimate desire in my relationships with my friends is to see them savoring and treasuring Christ above all else, and that God would use me to fuel that passion in their hearts for more of Christ in their lives!

This is my prayer in regards to me and my friends, my beloved brothers and sisters in Christ:

That I'd be selfless, humble and meek towards them. Being lowly and servant-like when around them. That I'd be I'd be a blessing, joy, and an encouragement in Christ when I'm with them. Always exlating Christ in my attitude, motives, intentions, conversations, and overall interactions towards them. Seeking to build them up and point them to Christ. Reminding them of God's promises that are in His Word. Wanting my time with them to be filled with Christ. Encouraging them to keep pressing on toward the goal (Phil 3:14), keep fighting the good fight of faith (1 Tim 6:12), keep running the race with endurance (Heb 12:1), with their gaze fixed on Christ! Oh that my relationship with them be all for Christ and all about Christ!

All For Christ and All About Christ: Facebook

Facebook........a social networking site that millions of people around the world invest their time on. MANY use it for their own pleasure and amusement, wasting hours upon hours on it. While VERY FEW use it to display and exalt Christ.
Now I ask you this question; What do you use facebook for? Do you use it for your own pleasure and amusement? Or do you use it to display and exalt Christ? Take a moment and think about it. Seriously.
For many many people facebook is an idol. They would spend half or even most of their day on it. Wasting their time on it. As a child of God, a follower of Christ; do you find yourself as one of those people who waste 7 to 8 hours on facebook a day? And do you use it just to goof around with others on it? Has it become an idol in your life? Just another thing that is keeping you from God?
I will admit I am one of those people who struggle with facebook. More so, I just don't know when to get off. Some people I know, dear friends of mine only get on 2 to 3 times a week. I'm jealous of those people. But I am aiming at just getting on only twice a week. For what purpose? To display and exalt Christ, to proclaim the gospel to those who don't know Him, and encourage and build up my beloved brothers & sisters in Christ! Namely I want my time on facebook to be all for Christ and all about Christ. Consider what Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:15

and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for Him who for their sake died and was raise-- 2 Cor 5:15

Then consider what he says earlier on in the chapter in verse 9

So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him-- 2 Cor 5:9

When we spend 5 minutes or an hour on facebook, is our aim focused on pleasing Him or ourselves?

Also let us not waste time on facebook, becasue as follwers of Christ we are called to live a life for Him, a life that is oh so difficult. We are called to fight the good fight (1 Tim 6:12), run with endurance the race set before us (Heb 12:1), and let us press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Phil 3:14). The time we waste on facebook, is time that could be spent being used by God, being poured out for the sake of Christ and the gospel. Time that could be spent whether on the streets of downtown Indy or in a small village in Uganda or China reach the lost with the Gospel of Christ!
Now I'm not saying that we all should get rid of facebook to do the work we have been called to do in Christ (although if you feel led to do so then I commend you for that), but what I'm saying get off facebook and long to be poured out and used for the glory of our God! And seek to use facebook for sake of Christ and the gospel, and for building up and encouraging the body of Christ! May it be all for Christ and all about Christ! He died not so that we would no longer live for ourselves, but for Him!