How to get people in my church interested in deep theology...

[evangelist6589]

The best way, IMHO, to advance interest in theology is to study Scripture within the context of Scripture (not start with a theological concept or book and then look to Scripture for its justification). Instead of advocating a study of the Doctrines of Grace in John, why not start with John. Work through the gospel and epistles and allow Scripture to bring out the theology within its own context?

I say this for two reasons. First, Lawson’s view is not authoritative - he may be wrong on some point while Scripture is not wrong. Second, it is much better to derive theology from Scripture than to explore Scripture through a theological perspective (even if it winds up that the theology you are considering is correct). It is, IMHO, disgraceful that churches rely so heavily on study guides to give them an interpretation of Scripture when we all have access to Bibles. Start with the Bible and then use tools. Just a suggestion.

This is the approach of David Jeremiah and Erwin Lutzer whom have stayed out of the CAL/ARMIN Debate and maybe for good reason.

 

[JonC]

This is the approach of David Jeremiah and Erwin Lutzer whom have stayed out of the CAL/ARMIN Debate and maybe for good reason.

Too often we read Scripture through a lens of our own theological presuppositions. We see what we want, or expect, to see rather than reading what is written in its own context. If your theology is right, then Scripture will bear it out. If it is so obscure that it is not evident through studying the Bible then it is so obscure that it doesn’t warrant mentioning. It is better to “discover” theological doctrines through Scripture rather than look to Scripture to validate an idea.