Bible Bridges: FINAL INSTALLMENT - "Forming a Biblical Theology"

This is my last installment in the Bible Bridges series. While I could say much more about how to study the Bible, and even delve into deeper questions relating to hermeneutics, it is time to build traction on application. To that end, I have started a new series I call the Personal Syllabus for Ongoing Growth.

This new series could arguably be spliced into the Bible Bridges. That is because that series attempted to refine the reader's Bible interpretation methods and hermeneutic, both of which certainly engage application. Hermeneutics is more focused on the theory. Because my goal of this blog are to inculcate a strategy for constructing a biblical worldview, I did not want to get lost in excess of theory.

Simply put: this blog is not an academic treatise on hermeneutics. I have attempted to introduce some concepts to spur on greater awareness of how and why thoughtful Bible study can be done and even improved. I am satisfied that my introduction of hermeneutics and Bible study methods suffice for the greater goal of this blog.

Thus, as the journey progresses and increasing confidence is gained in the precision and accuracy of interpreting portions of Scripture, the growing Christian should be putting together a picture of a thoroughgoing biblical theology. I will warn the read that the taxonomy of biblical theology as a formal system of theological study is its own can of worms. Again, I desire to help build a biblical worldview. For the sake of that goal, I think Pastor Mark Dever's definition from the 9 Marks of a Healthy Church is clear enough:

Biblical theology is sound doctrine; it is right thoughts about God; it is belief that accords with Scripture.

I would define a thoroughgoing biblical theology as that discipline in which a believer continually realigns their pre-suppositions and assumptions with regular, careful inspection of the truth claims of the Bible in their literary and theological context. In turn, such inspection inculcates increasing surrender to God's clear ends affirmed in Scripture, whether individually or collectively; temporally or eternally. It is thoroughgoing in that it is broad and deep: there is a sufficient grasp of doctrine to the degree that the believer yields to sin less and less, and embraces God's will more and more in all areas of life. Moreover, the Christian understands they are part of the collective people of God and not ignorant of the final destination of God's people. In this way, our belief is actualized as we let go of this world and embrace the kingdom of God.

It is the rigorous application of Romans 12:1-2:

Romans 12:1–2 (NLT)

"And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. ² Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."

So this is the end of the road for Bible Bridges, but by no means the final word on the Word. I ask you to ponder anew what things you believe God wishes to change in your thinking, your attitudes, your priorities, and your actions. Join me on the path of inspecting our lives in light of Scripture and the Spirit of God who illuminates our way to the conclusion of the ultimate journey!

Trusting Christ on the Journey: Update on Prayer Request

A while ago I shared a Cat's Purrspective and Prayer Request, attempting to be transparent about where I find myself in this stage in life. As an admitted introvert, it helps me to write these ideas out and to be vulnerable to the world. Perhaps it goes against conventional wisdom to be so open. In an age where social media is often used for self-promotion and marketing, I have chosen to be as honest as I know how. Part of that process is to put in writing my thoughts and feelings as they unfold, without the benefit of later redaction or applying a positive spin after the fact.

In so doing, I am trusting. I am trusting all who read this not to jump to the wrong conclusion. This is not despair, but hope. This is thinking with real emotion, not unfettered feelings devoid of thought. This is a good faith process, not blindly throwing darts at an unknown target. I am trusting the process of journaling as a means of helping me come to terms with who I am and why I have been put on this planet.

Most of all, I affirm my trust in Jesus Christ. I make no apology in publicly announcing my steadfast belief in the God-man. The more I study the Bible, the greater confidence I have in its timeless truth. The Bible Bridges series that I have been writing has only strengthened my faith. The redemptive process through which God has been changing me has been sometimes marked with hardship and confusion. Yet I have not ever doubted the goodness of God. Again, in risking the disapproval of some for being so open of my journey, I will rest in the Lord. His loyal love towards me has been a bulwark, and in his ability to bring about the final good he promised is where I place my faith (cf. Romans 8:28). It is in the slow unfolding of his plan that I sometimes feel restless. This is precisely why I have petitioned the brethren for prayer.

In some recent conversations with my pastor, my boss, and other close friends I have realized that my primary gifts may lie in what the Bible calls administration. It is far more than just being well-organized or in getting things done. It seems as though analysis of data is a core strength. I enjoy synthesizing a data set and drawing out the important implications and decision drivers.

In the past, the types of data with which I was most comfortable was computers and technology. While I retain some of that capability, the days of reading every trade journal I could find and soaking in every piece of data pertaining to technology are behind me. True, I try to stay on top of industry trends for my current assignment. And I have also had education in business and can speak somewhat intelligently in that sphere. Yet to be utterly transparent I feel that I hold my own in this arena, but I'm not a dedicated professional vis-à-vis technology and business. 

In spending time writing this blog in recent months I have realized the data set with which I am most motivated and feel a sense of accomplishment is the Bible. I don't fully see how this will play out. I often thought while I was serving as an associate pastor that I was not an effective pastor, and I have come to terms with that. I believe God has made it clear that pastoring is likely not my destination. It also seems that higher education is really not an option, at least not as a full-time career. Simply put: I would require quite a bit of more education (PhD) and there are far too many PhDs for the few teaching positions that would be open. As I am in my mid 40s, spending thousands on an advanced degree with no certain placement is simply unwise. 

The truth is I really enjoy writing. If I could make a living at it, I would happily do so. I often ask younger people who are thinking of their career a simple question: if you had all the money in the world so that you had no financial worries, how would you use your time. I think I now finally have my own answer: to be an author. So this blog is simply an expression of living the dream without expecting any remuneration. I take great joy in hearing that even a few people grow in their walk with Christ in what I write. As Scripture teaches that we are to store up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:20), I am content to work hard during the day and employ my evenings in writing. To that end, more installments in the Bible Bridges series await!

soli deo gloria