A brief introduction about myself. My
name is Shawn Leow from Living Praise Presbyterian Church (LPPC) and I was
introduced to STEP through Pastor Stanley Soh. Prior to signing up, I wasn't
sure of what exactly I would be expecting from this programme. However, through
the course of the programme, the different theologies taught to us and the
church visits really opened my eyes to how the different Churches function.
Why study Theology?
Before I mention anything, I would assume
that everyone would know what "Theology" means, but just in case, I
will include the Wikipedia definition here which is "the study of the
nature of God and religious belief". So, why exactly are people around the
world studying theology? They want to know about the History of God, the
Science of God, the Thinking of God. My personal opinion is that when one
studies theology, one not only gets richer in the knowledge of God but also in
doubts about his words.
Why I would say doubts is because there are many rather
questionable actions God has done throughout the bible. That in turn would lead
us to prayer, asking him for guidance and understanding of his word which is
most important in my opinion. 1 John 5:14 And this is the confidence
that we have towards him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he
hears us. Also, through studying theology we will be better equipped to
clear away the misunderstanding others have against our faith, giving us
additional confidence in conducting apologetics sessions.
Theology nowadays
Theology nowadays is gaining the
knowledge about God and not of God. We know much of what God has
done throughout the Bible. His wonderous deeds, he everlasting love, his
sovereignty and power, but the thing is how many of us actually have a one to
one relationship with him? Knowing some things about someone is quite different
from actually personally knowing someone.
We need to have an interpersonal
relationship with God and as what Rev Dr Simon mentions "not to have God
as an object of study". Everyone attending a Church has probably done some
form of theology in their lives whether they know it or not through their cell
groups, Bible study, etc. The question is, do they know their reasons for doing
so? Is it just for the sake of learning? If so, I would recommend changing that
mentality as there is a larger meaning behind us studying theology.
How should one study Theology
Firstly, we have to accept the fact that
we are truly Dead in our sins and acknowledge that only God has the power and
authority to make us alive again. Colossians 2:13 And you, who were dead in
your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together
with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses. Secondly, prayer. As
mentioned previously, it is through prayer that we will have an interpersonal
relationship with God, granting us a greater understanding of his word. Lastly,
it is to read meditatively. From my understanding, reading meditatively is to
understand the meaning behind the text and pray about it. Therefore, studying
with the correct mentality is important here.
You may be studying simply for
the sake of studying thinking that you would grow in the knowledge of God but
how many times have you actually prayed and ask God for understanding and
guidance through the difficult passages in the Bible? So, study theology along
with our spiritual relationship with God.
Different Theological practices
There are multiple different theological
practices around us originating from different viewpoints (Catholic, Methodist,
Anglican). However, we should also keep in mind that our unity is with Christ
in the end and not in our denominations. It is all dependent on the individual
to decide which congregation is the one that will be bringing him or her closer
to God.
Conclusion
Through theology we learn to love one
another, to become more Christ like in order to glorify him. Do not forget to
inculcate prayer into all that you are doing. Share the gospel to others
perhaps through missiology and apologetics. Whenever you feel as if you are
drifting away from God, pray for a big problem to happen in your life and in
turn you will be pushed closer to him. Hebrews 12:6 For the Lord disciplines
the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives. Do not forget
that the true basis of your knowledge has to come from the word of God and
also, learn with a mindset of building a relationship with God.
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