Theology

 

    Theology is the study of God's nature and religious beliefs.  Theology comes from the Greek words theos (god) and logia.  It evolved into the Latin word theologia then French theologie and translated into English to theology in the middle ages.  It is something that is systematically developed, but to be a Christian you also have to have faith.  Theology is supposed to support your faith and help strengthen it. 

    Theology is important because what you believe is important.   It affects your day to day life: decisions, attitude, love, thinking, time, money, and more.  It affects how you view things in life and what drives you.  It directly affects you respond to blessings and disasters in life.  Basically your theology shapes who you are and how you relate to the world.

    Theology doesn't have to be fancy or complex. You can keep it simple.  Center it on who God is to you and what He has done in your life.  It will help you shape your worldview to align with scripture, principles, behavior, and worship.  

    As you study and develop your theology you are gaining knowledge.  When you apply that knowledge to life you are developing wisdom to honor God.  The key is that you have to study God's Word to develop your theology.  How can you live it if you don't know it?  Theology will become your foundation to defending your faith and helping you mature as a Christian.

    Theology also needs people.  If you don't have people to discuss ideas, thoughts, beliefs, and defense then you don't have growth.  You need other people so show you where you are lacking, need to study, and where God has been working on your heart and mind.  Being in God's Word and prayer is how you will know God, but other people help you have a well rounded perspective.  They help strengthen and broaden your horizons.

    It starts with your desire to know God and imitate Jesus.  You have to surrender who you were before you met God, so that you can become obedient to Him.  The Holy Spirit will help you discern, defend, and proclaim what you learn and believe as you grow in affection for God every day.  The more time you invest into the relationship the more you become like Jesus and live out your theology.

Deuteronomy 6:4-9, John 1:1-14, 10:25-30, 14:23-26, Ephesians 2:8-10, 2 Timothy 3:14-17, & 1 Peter 1:17-20