Is theology SUPPOSED to be simple?

[SimpleMan]

I am sorry, but this is sad. The Holy Spirit does not just "poof" knowledge into people's heads. Yes, He gives wisdom in answer to prayer. Now the question is, HOW does he give that wisdom? He answers that question.

Eph 4:11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers,
Eph 4:12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,


It is the height of human arrogance that says that God speaks to them, but ignores what God has said to others. Apparently people of this breed, actually hold themselves up as the final authority.

Personally, I read all of the commentaries I can. I am a weak wretch of a man, with a wicked heart and poor motives. But thank the Lord that he has seen fit to give us teachers, that help keep such things in check.

I wonder if some of the people in Corinth said "I don't care what the apostle Paul says. I feel God is leading me to..."

To me sir, you seem to be very confused and you're guilty of doing what you just posted as being wrong.:BangHead: You called this gentlemen sad because you didn't like the way he said God revealed the meaning of scriptures to him. So, I guess you've been chosen to be the authority on how God reveals things to people. God works in very mysterious ways and He can do whatever He wants to do, whenever He so chooses. I think He reveals himself and the meaning of his Word in a lot of different ways. I guess when Solomon prayed for wisdom, the Bible is wrong when it says that God gave Solomon knowledge and wisdom. Remember this is happening in a dream. 1 Kings 3:9 Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? 10 And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. 11 And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; 12 Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart: so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. After this, Solomon awoke and "poof" he had knowledge and wisdom that he didn't have before this encounter with God. Also, look at Daniel 1:17 As for these four children God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. From my own personal experience, the ones who have the hardest time understanding God's word are the ones the farthest from Him. Daniel 1:20 And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm. Why were there understanding better that the others? Because they consulted God and "poof" God gave them understanding. The others were consulting things of this world. I read and study as much as possible, most importantly of all, I pray for understanding, because I try my best to do what the Bible tells me to do. He'll show me something that I had been praying about or will reveal something to me about scripture that I had been studying. Study all you want, but when you leave God out of it then you'll never get a clear understanding. Maybe you've never had this experience of God revealing something to you. I don't know. You say that we are bringing God down to our level when we say things are simple, but I contend that when I get a revelation, He's bringing me up to His level for just a moment. That's how much my God loves me. What a privilege that is. I've come to the realization that some things will be left a mystery to man and I'm O.K. with that, but some people are not. They want to figure out every single thing. That's just not Biblical. A lot of people like to feel important so they try to esteem and exhort themselves. They'll say: "look at what I did", "look at what I figured out", "look at how smart I am", "look at what I can do", instead of giving God the glory. Studying and learning as much as possible about the scriptures should be every Christians desire, but at some point, we have to have faith that God ultimately makes the decision about what he wants to reveal and who he wants to reveal it to. Something that's a mystery to me, might not be a mystery to you and vice versa. God will reveal exactly what we need to know, when we need to know it.

 

[quantumfaith]

To me sir, you seem to be very confused and you're guilty of doing what you just posted as being wrong.:BangHead: You called this gentlemen sad because you didn't like the way he said God revealed the meaning of scriptures to him. So, I guess you've been chosen to be the authority on how God reveals things to people. God works in very mysterious ways and He can do whatever He wants to do, whenever He so chooses. I think He reveals himself and the meaning of his Word in a lot of different ways. I guess when Solomon prayed for wisdom, the Bible is wrong when it says that God gave Solomon knowledge and wisdom. Remember this is happening in a dream. 1 Kings 3:9 Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? 10 And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. 11 And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; 12 Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart: so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. After this, Solomon awoke and "poof" he had knowledge and wisdom that he didn't have before this encounter with God. Also, look at Daniel 1:17 As for these four children God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. From my own personal experience, the ones who have the hardest time understanding God's word are the ones the farthest from Him. Daniel 1:20 And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm. Why were there understanding better that the others? Because they consulted God and "poof" God gave them understanding. The others were consulting things of this world. I read and study as much as possible, most importantly of all, I pray for understanding, because I try my best to do what the Bible tells me to do. He'll show me something that I had been praying about or will reveal something to me about scripture that I had been studying. Study all you want, but when you leave God out of it then you'll never get a clear understanding. Maybe you've never had this experience of God revealing something to you. I don't know. You say that we are bringing God down to our level when we say things are simple, but I contend that when I get a revelation, He's bringing me up to His level for just a moment. That's how much my God loves me. What a privilege that is. I've come to the realization that some things will be left a mystery to man and I'm O.K. with that, but some people are not. They want to figure out every single thing. That's just not Biblical. A lot of people like to feel important so they try to esteem and exhort themselves. They'll say: "look at what I did", "look at what I figured out", "look at how smart I am", "look at what I can do", instead of giving God the glory. Studying and learning as much as possible about the scriptures should be every Christians desire, but at some point, we have to have faith that God ultimately makes the decision about what he wants to reveal and who he wants to reveal it to. Something that's a mystery to me, might not be a mystery to you and vice versa. God will reveal exactly what we need to know, when we need to know it.

Some excellent points Simpleman. But may I request that you use some paragraphs for us older and more visually challenged. It would be so helpful.

Thank you and Blessings Brother.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

When you watch a man have another man sit down in a chair, hold the man's leg, and command the leg to grow in Jesus' name, then it grows out 3 inches, you will be convinced.:jesus:

Ha Ha Ha....your really setting me up on this one brother (could be a vaudeville act) so I gotta ask, Which leg...... Better yet, for your well being, Don't answer that!

 

[luke1616]

Convinced of what exactly?

Matthew 7:22?

It proves nada.

:thumbs:

Then again, you might not believe anything even if it's in front of you.:thumbs: Your option brother.

 

[TCassidy]

When you watch a man have another man sit down in a chair, hold the man's leg, and command the leg to grow in Jesus' name, then it grows out 3 inches, you will be convinced.:jesus:

Oldest "magic" trick in the book. I've seen it and exposed it as being fake. Didn't make many friends, but exposed vile falsehood.

 

[Winman]

To me sir, you seem to be very confused and you're guilty of doing what you just posted as being wrong.:BangHead: You called this gentlemen sad because you didn't like the way he said God revealed the meaning of scriptures to him. So, I guess you've been chosen to be the authority on how God reveals things to people. God works in very mysterious ways and He can do whatever He wants to do, whenever He so chooses. I think He reveals himself and the meaning of his Word in a lot of different ways. I guess when Solomon prayed for wisdom, the Bible is wrong when it says that God gave Solomon knowledge and wisdom. Remember this is happening in a dream. 1 Kings 3:9 Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? 10 And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. 11 And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; 12 Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart: so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. After this, Solomon awoke and "poof" he had knowledge and wisdom that he didn't have before this encounter with God. Also, look at Daniel 1:17 As for these four children God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. From my own personal experience, the ones who have the hardest time understanding God's word are the ones the farthest from Him. Daniel 1:20 And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm. Why were there understanding better that the others? Because they consulted God and "poof" God gave them understanding. The others were consulting things of this world. I read and study as much as possible, most importantly of all, I pray for understanding, because I try my best to do what the Bible tells me to do. He'll show me something that I had been praying about or will reveal something to me about scripture that I had been studying. Study all you want, but when you leave God out of it then you'll never get a clear understanding. Maybe you've never had this experience of God revealing something to you. I don't know. You say that we are bringing God down to our level when we say things are simple, but I contend that when I get a revelation, He's bringing me up to His level for just a moment. That's how much my God loves me. What a privilege that is. I've come to the realization that some things will be left a mystery to man and I'm O.K. with that, but some people are not. They want to figure out every single thing. That's just not Biblical. A lot of people like to feel important so they try to esteem and exhort themselves. They'll say: "look at what I did", "look at what I figured out", "look at how smart I am", "look at what I can do", instead of giving God the glory. Studying and learning as much as possible about the scriptures should be every Christians desire, but at some point, we have to have faith that God ultimately makes the decision about what he wants to reveal and who he wants to reveal it to. Something that's a mystery to me, might not be a mystery to you and vice versa. God will reveal exactly what we need to know, when we need to know it.

Well, in the example I gave, it wasn't a "poof" thing. I asked my pastor. I respect those who have knowledge. But what they tell me has to line up with scripture.

But there have been a great many scriptures that I did not understand, and after asking God to help me, "poof" I suddenly did understand. This has happened many times with me.

It's really simple, God said if we lack wisdom, pray and ask for it. If we believe him, he will give it. If we do not believe, we cannot expect to receive anything.

 

[luke1616]

Oldest "magic" trick in the book. I've seen it and exposed it as being fake. Didn't make many friends, but exposed vile falsehood.

How about an S curved spine being straightened. Before and after xrays. Would you believe then?

 

[preacher4truth]

Then again, you might not believe anything even if it's in front of you.:thumbs: Your option brother.

You're correct.

I know whom I have believed. And it's not you. :wavey: Now, go back to reading your Kathryn Kuhlman pamplet.

 

[luke1616]

You're correct.

I know whom I have believed. And it's not you. :wavey: Now, go back to reading your Kathryn Kuhlman pamplet.

Who is that?

 

[Jim1999]

Billy Graham learned early on that he was an evangelist and not a theologian. He learned to say, "I don't know."

Frankly, I think there are some theologians who would do well if they learned that lesson too.

Cheers,

Jim

 

[Steven2006]

Billy Graham learned early on that he was an evangelist and not a theologian. He learned to say, "I don't know."

Frankly, I think there are some theologians who would do well if they learned that lesson too.

Cheers,

Jim

:thumbs:
...........

 

[glfredrick]

Great Post, thanks for mentioning the Didache, so many do not even "consider" it associating it only with Catholicism. I have read it, some time back and was astounded by the similarities between it and many statements in our NT cannon.

At that time, even "Catholicism" did not exist. We were but one church, called "The Church of the Way, called "Christians" first in Antioch.

All the documents of the church are OUR documents up until the great schism when the church began to split in multiple directions.

 

[Alcott]

Is theology SUPPOSED to be simple?

That depends on who it is doing the supposing.

 

[quantumfaith]

At that time, even "Catholicism" did not exist. We were but one church, called "The Church of the Way, called "Christians" first in Antioch.

All the documents of the church are OUR documents up until the great schism when the church began to split in multiple directions.

You know I will have to look into this, but it makes perfectly good sense. Will have to read both Catholic and Protestant sources on this.

Blessings

 

[Jerome]

"They puzzle their heads about Predestination and Free Will; they do not mind sitting down over some problem that the archangel Gabriel could not solve, and pose themselves over that; but the simple truth, "Believe and live" — they have no time for that" —Charles Spurgeon

 

[menageriekeeper]

In response only to the OP.

Why can't it be both. Salvation is simple enough for a child to understand, however we are told to "study to show thyself approved unto the Lord". If its all easy, why would we need to study?

 

[Luke2427]

nevermind.

 

[Luke2427]

Luke, perhaps we are all either "getting the cart before the horse" or maybe talking around one another. Although I have not read every post.. here is my sentiment.

I dont think anyone wishes to "trivialize" theology by saying it is simple. The process of salvation (and we wont argue that) is simplified, however, all the richness and mercy and grace and love......behind it is anything but simple.

That's good Quantum.

We need to not find it so commendable for people to present the deep things of God revealed in Scripture in a shallow manner.

Some people are a thousand miles wide and an inch deep. Preachers who pretend that it is all so simple create these people. They ought not be commended.

 

[Luke2427]

The important thing is being baptized into the Holy Ghost with signs confirming. Anything else is less than what Jesus wants for us.

If you are trying to pick a fight here with baptists- I'll go a round with you. Start a thread, make your point and look for me.

I apologize if that is NOT what you are trying to do, but I cannot see how this post has ANYTHING to do with the op.

It seems meant to stir and antagonize folks who clearly do not ascribe to that pentecostal type language which is usually an abuse of Mark 16.

I antagonize easy- it is a weakness of mine. We've all got 'em.

 

[Luke2427]

The scriptures are clear on this; the things necessary for salvation, are simple.

All theology is not.

It is no accident that the word for "study" in the New Testament, in regards to "dividing the Word of Truth" means to "sweat" or "exert oneself." Studying the scriptures on some things, are absolutely difficult, and anyone who says otherwise, has failed to wrestle with them!

The idea that the entirety of theology is "easy", is insulting and blasphemous. "Theology" is the study of God, and to say that it is easy for humans, is to say that God is less than we. Obviously this diminishing of God is where so many fall into error; trying to reduce God to human logic, rather than trusting what the scriptures say, understanding that God is larger than we.

I really think this says it all.

I had not considered the original for the word "study".

Good stuff, HD.:thumbs: