Gospel or theology?

Correct and very significant. As far as the learned men of Jesus' day were concerned, the apostles were "unlearned men" (probably regarded as ignorant and uncultured). But those were precisely the men selected by God. The same applies to believers in general:

For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called (1 Cor 1:26).

God has a purpose in this which goes contrary to the standards of the world:

25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men...
27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.

I concur... Not all , but a lot of what far too many seminaries produce look like they've been slapped with a wet squirrel if someone asks them to share their faith. That's been my experience.

It constantly amazes me the anti-intellectual bent of so many in this forum. And in fact, it is a direct contradiction to the Bible:

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." 2 Tim. 2:15

Too many people here have twisted or wrong doctrines. They got that, because they do not know how to correctly handle the Word of truth. It is also the height of arrogance to boast you know more than you do, as so many people do.

I always had some low rate preachers. Once I started hearing sermons that actually were hermeneutically correct, I began to ask God how I could study and learn more like the preacher. I craved to know more than just my attempts to study the Bible for 25 years. That included Bible studies, daily read through the Bible once a year, and taking notes on sermons.

God's answer was to call me to seminary - not once, but twice! I didn't go the first time, because I didn't know God could call women. The second time, that calling kept me going, despite terrible obstacles with my health.

If your calling is not to go to seminary and learn more, than don't put down the people who do have this calling in their hearts and lives. I would not be serving God in a meaningful way if he had not called me, and given me the Holy Spirit to help me through the ups and downs of 7 years of taking courses! And I know there are others in this forum who have also obeyed God and gone to seminary, and are stronger Christians, because of it.

"And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31 so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” 1 Cor. 1:17

I was a born again, spirit filled believer for 25 years before I humbled myself and realized I could not understand the Bible without help. Seminary gave me tools to correctly divide the Word, and it helped me grow as a Christian, because of the incredible godliness of the professors. In my seminary, every professor had been a missionary in the foreign field, including communist China. They understood persecution, and that love wins people. But, they never compromised on preaching sin, because that is part of the gospel. Jesus came to save us from our sin! He died for our sin! And he is returning one day for a church without spot or wrinkle.

I don't care if anyone else has gone to Bible college or seminary. So many of you can't even spell right, you would never make it through. But this "I'm holier than you, because the Spirit leads me ONLY" nonsense needs to be rebuked. God tells us to study, to be an approved worker. For me, studying came about in seminary, from people who understood the Bible and God so much better than I ever could on my own.

I am not putting down those without education. But I am saying more bad doctrines have been posted by people in this forum who studied the Bible on their own, with ONLY the Spirit leading them. I am not saying it cannot be done, but I needed more. And now, I am not seduced by every wind or change in Churchianity or internetology.


" It was he who gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, that is, to build up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God—a mature person, attaining to the measure of Christ’s full stature. 14 So we are no longer to be children, tossed back and forth by waves and carried about by every wind of teaching by the trickery of people who craftily carry out their deceitful schemes." Eph. 4:11-14

I chose to be taught be teachers. I also moved to churches that had educated pastors. Oh, and all were so led by the Spirit. Most of you are out there on your own, and you never consult a teacher or prophet. And it shows in the level of anti-intellectualism in this forum.

I choose a good theological education, AND the Holy Spirit. They are not mutually exclusive, you know!

We are to share the Gospel with people, but when does the Gospel become theology? What is the good news anyway, and how do you separate this good news from religion?

I will boast in Jesus and his impartation to me of the Holy Spirit.
The Spirit of truth guiding me,correcting me,filling me,and Speaking to me.
His favor and warmth upon me and in His abilities and credentials.

I do not need the ackolaids of men to affirm me.
If i am "right" and correct, men will likely abandon me,hate me and attempt to correct me.

Seminary is really hit and miss.
Depends on if it was full gospel and what men you were exposed to.

The man grounded in the word and baptised in the Holy Spirit is miles ahead of an institution.
Men will mislead.
In fact,you are almost GUARANTEED error by being taught of men.
Only one source. That is heaven. All truth proceeds from heaven.
Only one safe place. In the bosom of Jesus,my ear pressed to his breast and listening to that rhythm of his heart.
I would not trade that for 50 seminaries.
In fact they would for sure put out the fire.

The bible says "the letter killeth,but the spirit giveth life"

Better to er in spirit grace and love than head knowledge.

That is why the followers of Jesus are commanded. "Tarry in Jerusalem till you are endued with power"
The river of God.