Sola Gratia

As James White says( the great apologist from Alpha and Omega Ministries ), “Theology Matters.”
A corollary to theology implies that a certain of doctrines are to be taught regarding sound teaching, and the apostle Paul made that clear to Timothy- Preach the Word in season and out of season watching your doctrine closely in accordance to Scripture. This is a big theme in the letters to Timothy and is important in our day as well. In fact God calls some to be teachers and preachers of the Word, guarding the deposit of the truth given to us by God,s revelation.
There an allergy to the word doctrine. It conjures up images of a dry and wasted land, devoid of life and, for some, practicality. This notion is lamentable because sound doctrine frames the proper base for the drama of redemption to unfold. As Michael Horton makes clear in his new systematic theology the drama sets the stage for doctrine, leading to doxology and discipleship.
I pray that teachers study with an aim to proclaim Christ and His saving grace to undeserving sinners. Perhaps the pendulum swings to quickly between doctrine and discipleship, leaving a vacuum where mission becomes either an obligation or a guilt ridden endeavor. It is vital to understand what we believe, but we also must repent of any reticence to voice the gospel due to a sinful fear of man or a dispassionate going through the motions Christianity that keeps to itself.

Doctrine has been an area of interest to me ever since I started studying Reformed Theology. I confess that I have entertained intellectual desires while being indifferent to mission. I enjoy studying theology and church history; it’s an e- ticket ride to say the least. Another insightful quote from Horton reminded me that theology is done best in community. May we edifying one another with the truth of the gospel and not be ashamed of it because God is of salvation. Gods word will not come back void; it will accomplish it’s intended purpose.

It’s been a challenging sermon series, yet the faithful preaching of The Word of God demands that the whole counsel of God be addressed. Not that every aspect of the Bible is covered in every sermon, but that there is a pivotal proclamation of Jesus Christ and His saving gospel promise.
At Kaleo we are currently going through the book of Amos. This minor prophet brings a lot of heat, calling Judah and israel to return to the Lord. Today we went through chapter two and I recognized that I am no different from the querulous Israelites. Yet we have the good news of redemption in Christ, the Lord and Savior who came to live the life we cannot and to die the death we all deserve as sinful humans. I pray that the church heeds the call of Amos and proclaims the Gospel, living in light of the good news. The benediction came from Ezekiel 37. The chapter shows us the power of God unto salvation and an important doctrine–regeneration. I’m grateful that I was in church today hearing that prophetic Word.