Theological Integrity and Having a Solid Understanding of Scripture

In chapter four of, Gracious Christianity, it covers the spirit of life. Basically, the Spirit that is given by God gives us life mentally, physically, and spiritually to all Christians (78). One concept the authors talk about was powerful, “Instead, we

Because of aspects like how someone was raised and what type of culture they lived in, individuals interpret the Bible differently. This means that even if an individual believes the Bible is the inherent word of God, they may not have the same beliefs as someone who declares the same claim.

The Bible can be interpreted in a literal form ( i.e. direct instruction) or figurative form (i.e. poetical language). How one interprets the bible either by direct instruction or poetic language depends on how they were taught (Graham, 2009). There are two different categories professed and controlling beliefs in which a person operates within. A professed belief is generated by a formal verbal instruction which usually results in one’s behaviors not fully match with their beliefs. A controlling belief is generated by experiences that most often lead to one’s behaviors closely matching their beliefs because of what they perceive as truth (Graham,

Generally, I find the theology behind the numerous aspects of the Bible not only, helpful, but also fascinating. Learning about the four different views about God’s role in the inspiration of the Bible makes me more aware of the theology behind certain doctrines and principles I may not have been aware of. This unit has forced me to tear down my assumptions about the Bible and go into the Bible with a new perspective of innocence. Through having an open-mind I am able to have important conversations with people, about the Bible, from all Christian backgrounds. Additionally, learning about the multitudes of translations of the Bible, and how they fall into three distinct categories, has helped me understand there are different purposes and intended audiences for each translation of the Bible. Before, I struggled with the fact that there were so many English translations of the Bible, but now I understand each one

Integrity is "the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness." Just as other convictions, integrity is vital for a pastor. Integrity is seen in the church as having no compromise in moral character, finances, and living by what is preached. Many people judge the minister by his or her integrity. Many non-believers especially, are quick to judge, even holding the minister to a high standard; sometimes to the standard of God (which is making man perfect). This is why integrity is exceptionally important! The pastors’ integrity is always on the front line being attacked by the devil. Having integrity does not mean the minister is perfect, but is holding firmly to the standards God promotes. This is what makes a minister the salt of the world. Pastor Larry Stockstill and Bethany Church is well known around the world for its

During the course of the LDB481-17: Faith and Life Issues, Ms. Sams did not understand of the concept of vocation, before enrolling in the course. Nor, she has never heard the concept of vocation during at that time her twenty-two years on Earth. As she considers herself, a free spirit and a humanist regarding religion, Ms. Sams continues to note that she does not follow a particular religion. However, she keeps an open mind to how an individual’s religion has transformed his or her life. As a free spirit, by primarily having an open mind to the religious faith of Christianity, Ms. Sams assures that the spirit of God lives within each individual; regardless if he or she believes or does not believe in the spirit of God.

Another way to think about this is how Wesley wrote in his sermon The Scripture Way of Salvation. On our journey to sanctification, he states, what keeps us going on the journey are the means of grace, whether they be for ourselves or done for others. His basic point was that once we are brought into awareness of the grace and our need to repent and turn from our sin, the means provide the nourishment our souls need to grow in grace. How else could one grow in grace than by means of grace?

The Word impacts me because I can read the word for knowledge and wisdom. There are many days I feel alone and stressed. Reading the word builds confidence and strengthen my walk with Jesus. He never stated that it would be easy, he did say he would get you through it. The word is the written promise God promised for believers to read for hope and God’s truth. “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than the double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart (Hebrews:4:12 NIV).

In the church, the pastor or preacher has an innate responsibility to address sin and nominalism without hesitation or fear of retribution. The church’s focus on mere building membership, no matter the cost, overshadows God’s abhorrence of sin. Further, both sin and nominalism seems to have intensified as many point to the religious concept of being a Christian without having a changed heart or life through Jesus Christ. Charles Spurgeon shares, “There will always be trouble in the churches as long as men are afraid to denounce sin and error. To confront sin, it is without doubt a pastor’s responsibility to challenge the sins of this present time.

The doctrines study that caused me to reconsider or change my position on theology during this course is the Doctrine of the Bible. After reading and completing my assignments, I believe the Bible is inerrant. Erickson states, "Inerrancy is the doctrine that the Bible is fully truthful in all of its teachings. Theologians have argued over the levels to which the Bible is inerrant. If the Bible is not inerrant, then our knowledge of God may be inaccurate and unreliable. Inerrancy is a corollary to the full inspiration of the Bible" (Erickson 2013, 188). This course of study has enlightened me new information on the importance of inerrancy. I read the Bible on a daily basis and believe the word of God, but this course has taught me how to dig deeper into the scriptures. The scriptures are inspired by God. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 states, "All scriptures is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." God word is the truth. Isaiah 55:11 states, "So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it." God is speaking to us through the scriptures and we as

Thank you for your insightful and thought-provoking insights concerning Spurgeon’s text on addressing sinfulness and nominalism in ministry. I do agree that in order to contextualize our ministry to address these issues in our culture, we must live a life that is pleasing to God. As a former pastor, I believe there is a perpetual responsibility of remaining absolutely faithful to the truth of God’s word and to Christ. Paul shares that God wants us to be filled with his knowledge of all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that we live our life worthy of God and pleasing to him (Col. 1-9-10). Therefore through attaining knowledge of the truth, a pastor is able to articulate effectively and efficiently the Gospel through words and actions.

The Bible is the best-selling book of all time, and with good reason. For the stories written in it have changed the way many think and even believe when it comes to the power greater than this world. The Bible holds very specific opinions on things such as slavery, who humans should treat each other, and ultimately social justice. It has been one of the most important foundations for allowing social reform to occur in modern day history as well as the history of the whole world. However, it is forgotten in history class how prominent the ancient texts have changed the people. When looking at the history, it is discovered to be the strength of great people who have used its wisdom to bring about a change for those who could not do it on

The Bible is important to me because it represents everything I stand for as a Christian.

2 Timothy 2:1-4, “You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. “

We sense that separation, that distance from God because of our sin. Deep down, our attitude may be one of active rebellion or passive indifference toward God and his ways. The result of sin in our lives is death -- spiritual separation from God. Although we may try to get close to God through our own effort, we inevitably fail. Just knowing what Jesus has done for us and what he is offering us is not enough. To have a relationship with God, we need to welcome him into our life...