Imperishable Inheritance

There is so much that I want to look into and write about (1) The error of Dispensationalism in separating Israel from the church, (2) Bruce Ware's Multiple Intentions View of the Atonement, (3) work on the next section of my theological book which is to be Ecclesiology, (4) and the reliability of the Bible (from an apologetics standpoint); but I can't get myself to research any of these. In all honesty, I'm burnt out.

Studying, especially Soteriology, for so long has wiped me of further theological inquiry. Now, I hope this only a temporary thing, but this might actually be a good time to relax and reflect on what has happened over the last year. I really think I just need to go back to just reading the Bible as it is and lay off studying theology and then going to the Bible. When I just straight read Genesis last month (and didn't get through the story of Joseph), it was so edifying. Just to read the drama that is Genesis was great! It was more exciting than any book I've read in a long time. Reading 1 Peter has also been a very edifying experience as well.

I went to Aaron's house on Saturday, and we just straight read through Mark which is the gospel I want to study the most. It was a nice break. It's amazing how little of the Bible I know. I know only the names of the Patriarchs, but I don't truly understand how they were each important in God's ultimate plan and His revelation through His word. I can't just read something in the Bible, I have to stop and really ponder every phrase and word. That is why I could never read the Bible in a year, but it's not a bad idea I just couldn't do it.

I love the study of theology, but straight doctrine is hard to keep straight sometimes--especially when you're studying varying views on a certain aspect of theology. I need to keep in mind that I'm only 9 months old! Most of the people I confer with on theology have been at it longer, and I need not beat myself up for my lack of understanding into many different facets of Soteriology, Christology, Ecclesiology, Eschatology, and the like.

School

School is going good, but I'm completely un-interested in my classes. Global economics is a little interesting, but certainly nothing I look forward to delving into. My finance class is awful, and my MIS class (note my major) is extremely un-interesting. I will meet with an adviser tomorrow to schedule out my final year of college! Yes that's right, my final year of undergraduate! I remember coming to Wright State during my early venture into setting myself back on track (from drugs), and I remember going into the Med Sci auditorium which was where I had my first class and sitting in this large auditorium by myself and contemplating the fact that I had made it. I was making something more of myself.

Now I'm on this board and that committee, consistently on the dean's list, my job is going in incredible directions (I just got promoted). It's healthy to look back and remember what God has done in my life. Quite humbling indeed. I'm still wondering where I'm going. Lenny asked this to me when he visited this last week (it was great to see him), and I told him I didn't know. I thought of seminary, but I don't think, at least in the short run, that is where I should be. I don't know anymore. A.A. has taught me not to worry exceedingly of what is to come. "Live one day at a time" is what they told me. (Note to self: go back to A.A.) What's even more amazing is that Jesus said the same thing but in a much more eloquent and of course Godly way.

"For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? "Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? "And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? "And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. "But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! "Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?' "For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. "So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:25-34 (emphasis added)

Ministry

I ask for prayer as I am going to find out soon whether my work will let me go on project this summer. It would be so great to get out and among other Christians that have a desire to learn and know of many other religions to expand their worldview. It would also be a good time to spread Monergism (always spreading the agenda)!

I also don't know where my ministry will be next year. Bridges definitely needs not only a leader but a male leader. It is such a fruitful ministry, how could I leave when I am constantly trying to recruit others into the ministry from the lack of leadership? Lucy leaving this year is a really big deal; her heart for the ministry has kept it going. I love the ministry, but my heart is ultimately in equipping Christians in apologetics, Systematic Theology, and Islam. I heard in passing that I might be asked to lead Crusade next year, and that is a scary thing. I can't imagine being a leader of the movement. It's amazing the positions I've been thrust into (although not in a coercive fashion) for Crusade. We'll see how that pans out.

Anyway, thanks for reading a personal post. I don't do many of these, but it's been refreshing.