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Warning: I do not want this thread to be an argument about theology. More a way to challenge each of our doctrines and beliefs. Please, if you feel you are getting frustrated, angry, etc. take a step back and ask yourself, "am I writing this in love?" Please, include scripture references for any points you make. This discussion may have some academic terms that you may not understand. If you are having any trouble understanding what someone is writing, please take the time to ask before you make a rebuttal. This discussion is the first part of hopefully many more threads I will start. Some common terms that may be used will be defined below.
Predestination: The concept that God predetermines all of everything.
Eschatology: The study of things to come.
Soteriology: The study of salvation.
Ecclesiology: The study of the church.
Theology: The study of God.
TULIP: Commonly referred to as the five points of Calvinism/Reformed Theology. (T=Total Depravity, U=Unconditional Election, L=Limited Atonement, I=Irresistible Grace, P=Perseverance of the Saints)
Calvinism: A set of beliefs set forth by reformer John Calvin and later expounded upon by theologians such as John Edwards, John Piper, etc.
Arminianism: A set of beliefs set forth by theologian Jacobus Arminius, which contradict or oppose the doctrines of Calvinism.
Cessationism: The belief that spiritual gifts no longer are present within the world today.
Non-Cessationism: The belief that spiritual gifts are present within the world today.
There will undoubtably be many more terms used in this discussion that will require definitions. As they pop up, I or others will define them.
So the discussion begins!
This never was one of my favorite topics of theology until recently. The study of the church is extremely important. It is also very overlooked in churches today. So, take the discussion wherever you want. I will start by explaining the way my church is structured. I feel the structure of a church is extremely important to understanding ecclesiology. We have a man who is considered to be an apostle. By apostle, we mean he takes a role of apostolic oversight over our 5 churches. This man has a love for the core issues of the church, such as the trinity, love, etc. We also have elders at each church. These men would be considered preachers in most churches. They deliver most of the sermons each Sunday. They also deal with issues such as marriage, consoling, etc. Then we have teachers. They are students of theology and gifted with strong minds that love theology, doctrine, etc. They teach on complex doctrines, theologies, and more. We also have those considered to have prophetic talents. They are able, in search of better words, stay tuned in to what God is speaking to our church. So, I'll let the discussion go from here. Ephesians 4 is probably a great place to start!
Predestination: The concept that God predetermines all of everything.
Eschatology: The study of things to come.
Soteriology: The study of salvation.
Ecclesiology: The study of the church.
Theology: The study of God.
TULIP: Commonly referred to as the five points of Calvinism/Reformed Theology. (T=Total Depravity, U=Unconditional Election, L=Limited Atonement, I=Irresistible Grace, P=Perseverance of the Saints)
Calvinism: A set of beliefs set forth by reformer John Calvin and later expounded upon by theologians such as John Edwards, John Piper, etc.
Arminianism: A set of beliefs set forth by theologian Jacobus Arminius, which contradict or oppose the doctrines of Calvinism.
Cessationism: The belief that spiritual gifts no longer are present within the world today.
Non-Cessationism: The belief that spiritual gifts are present within the world today.
There will undoubtably be many more terms used in this discussion that will require definitions. As they pop up, I or others will define them.
So the discussion begins!
This never was one of my favorite topics of theology until recently. The study of the church is extremely important. It is also very overlooked in churches today. So, take the discussion wherever you want. I will start by explaining the way my church is structured. I feel the structure of a church is extremely important to understanding ecclesiology. We have a man who is considered to be an apostle. By apostle, we mean he takes a role of apostolic oversight over our 5 churches. This man has a love for the core issues of the church, such as the trinity, love, etc. We also have elders at each church. These men would be considered preachers in most churches. They deliver most of the sermons each Sunday. They also deal with issues such as marriage, consoling, etc. Then we have teachers. They are students of theology and gifted with strong minds that love theology, doctrine, etc. They teach on complex doctrines, theologies, and more. We also have those considered to have prophetic talents. They are able, in search of better words, stay tuned in to what God is speaking to our church. So, I'll let the discussion go from here. Ephesians 4 is probably a great place to start!
