Everyone a Theologian

I found an old book by John Gerstner in my library. The first chapter was the author’s appeal for everyone to be a theologian. The book is titled Theology for Everyman. So far, after two chapters, I feel it is a wonderful read.

The appeal from Dr. Gerstner in the first chapter sets the stage for the entire book. To know about God is to be a theologian. Not a full-time professional theologian like that of Dr. Gerstner, now deceased; but to be a good lay theologian. You need not go to seminary to gain a post secondary degree to be a theologian, but you do need a Bible and a humble heart ready to learn. Theology is not for pastors or Bible scholars only. It is for all men and women. All can be a theologian.

Dr. Gerstner lays the groundwork for the argument by stating the lack of knowledge of God is basically a sin along with reality of such it is detrimental to your soul. He makes sure we do not confuse simply having a knowledge of God as being salvific because one can have a knowledge of God and still be lost in sin. The idea rather is: to be a Christian is to have a true knowledge of God.

Faith comes by hearing and hearing the word of God (Rom. 10:17). There is something to be known about God, Jesus, ourselves, and God’s redemptive grace before we can believe it. One must know about God to believe the gospel of God. Likewise, one can know all these things and still be lost. The devils know God and tremble (James 2:19). Yet, reserved for these demons is only destruction (Jude 6). But for the Christian, you know something and this informs your decision to follow Christ in your life.

This knowledge trickles down to an informed life throughout. Since we know God and know things about God, we know how he would have us live. I enjoyed how Dr. Gerstner made this appeal to the reader. This is something that is to be pursued joyfully as it brings much joy. I believe it was RC Sproul, who was mentored by Dr. Gerstner, who furthered this thought by saying everyone is a (already) theologian, the question is weather you are a good one or not? That is to say, all have a knowledge of God (as we see in Romans 1) but do use it as we ought? Be a theologian, a good one. SDG.

September 15, 2021 0

Reflections on 9/11/2001

I remember the day well. I was sent to my home room class where my teacher, Mrs. Cole, turned on the news. Other students and I settled into our sets fixed on the banner that ran accords the bottom of the TV hanging by the loud speaker. Breaking News it said. A video played in the background of two huge towers in New York City. One building was smoking as the news anchor voiced over the chaos.

We had no idea what was going on at the time. All we knew was a plane flew into what the news anchor called The World Trade Center. Mrs. Cole was doing her best to keep us all calm as we anticipated a early dismissal from school. We were scared and glad about that announcement of going home.

Then, as we prepared to leave, the second plane hit. To watch a plane run into a building was crazy to watch. Real fear set in. I can say the teachers and administrators did their best to keep us calm. They showed true leadership in the midst of a real threat.

It was in the days afterward did I notice a real change in people. There seemed to be a real seeking after God in prayer. People were selflessly serving one another. Giving all they had to ensure we came together as a nation to mourn the loss of our fellow Americans while preparing to answer back in resilience. We would not be sent into cowardice. People of all backgrounds become one.

The results of September 11th, 2001 did many things. The things I remember are the unity and pride I saw in the American people. But what I remember most is the prayers. People were praying for God’s blessing on the families of those we lost and praying for God to bless our nation again. It was something of Heaven to me. I hope we get back to prayer again; back to seeking God – seeking his blessing. Not all Americans are followers of Christ, but I wish they were.

As a follower of Christ, I long for the day when I stand with billions before the throne of Christ. All from different back grounds, ethnicities, countries, tribes, and tongue. All with one thing in common – we are delivered by the blood of the Lamb.

True freedom is found in Jesus Christ. If you would like to learn more about this good news of Jesus, you can read of his Gospel here. SDG!

September 11, 2021 0

Find a Dead Guy to Follow

I know what you’re thinking, “This is pure clickbait.” Hear me out, I beseech thee brethren. Before I dive right into this thought, I feel for the sake of snow and flake I must make disclosures. We follow Christ alone in faith as our hope in life and in death. Obviously. I’m not trying to contradict Paul here friends (1 Cor. 3:4-5). I’m making a very easy practical point. Also, if you don’t find a good dead male to follow, find a good dead female. My point will make more sense in the following passages.

I’ve heard it often from more learned men that they had at one particular point in their lives made a decision that altered their reading habits as well as studies upon points of certain biblical intrest. This decision was to follow a dead theologian, missionary, pastor, or what-have-you who had an impact for the Kingdom of God. Upon first hearing this, I was set aback. I knew the benefit of a living mentor, but a dead one?

Although this was novel to me it certainly was not for many a mature or budding Christian. Many gravitate towards a particular teacher or pastor who has long been dead. These Christians learn much from these saints and realize although the saint be dead, they still speak (Heb. 11:4). These dear ones resolve to read all they can of the the books, articles, sermons, and now even watch the videos in which their favorite theologian produced over their life time. The readers notice the growth of these wise sages and are encouraged by their lives lived well for the sake of the Gospel.

This has set me on a course I hope to complete along my life’s journey. I’ll be open to say I have not yet settled on one who speaks to my soul so deep but I intend to stay on the search. The conference room that is my library is filled with so many who would have me come under their tutelage, but I cannot decide.

Spurgeon blasts from his Metropolitan pulpit and Whitefield from the field. Sproul’s chalk board scratches my curiosity while Ryle delivers the elementary doctrines anew. Lewis bids me through the wardrobe and Edwards to the study. Others reach out from their shelves looking to council. It is all too rich to settle on just one, so for now I will read widely.

What I can say for now is I hope you find your dead man to follow. I am searching still for mine. These things are important. We should not think we have to reinvent the wheel. It is amazing how many questions we have today were answered many years ago by these dear saints. Many a man and woman have walked the narrow road of faith in which we all could benefit from something they knew and now know better. Look to the past for help for it is there you will better set your focus on the future we hope for. SDG!

September 7, 2021 0