Something to Chew On

"Selfishness withers and dies in view of the cross." That is not an exact quote and I don't know who said it first, but there is much truth in that statement. I know this both theoretically, which is too say I know it to be true in both mind and experience. How often have I been prevented from sin or omitting duties by thoughts of Christ and him crucified. How often have I started down a path  of sin, and God would come along and stop me dead in my tracks with thoughts of the cross of Christ. If you are having trouble with sin, go to Christ. If you would be free from evil, think on, meditate on, and gaze at the cross! It has been a great help to me in overcoming spiritual sloth and indifference.

		"Surely our griefs He Himself bore, And our sorrows He carried; Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, Smitten of God, and afflicted.
		But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, And by His scourging we are healed.
		All of us like sheep have gone astray, Each of us has turned to his own way; But the LORD has caused the iniquity of us all To fall on Him." Isaiah 53:3-6 NASB

Theology Matters

Theology matters. I say that because so many people seem to think it is unimportant, when in fact it is extremely important. Too often professing Christians say, "Don't give me doctrine just give me Jesus." But the minute you say something about Jesus, what He did or what He commands us to do, you are speaking theology. Before I go on, let me explain what theology is, it is the knowledge of God. It is what we think/believe about God, who He is and what He has done.

• Theology is important because it is either true or false and thus either pleasing to God or displeasing(sinful) to God and sin merits God's wrath.
• Theology is important because it has practical implications. If I believe God is displeased with stealing then I will not steal. If I believe that salvation is found only in Jesus and not in Hinduism, Islam, etc. I am going to Christ for salvation and going to point people to Christ, not to Mohamed, Buddha, or Oprah. I could go on with the practical implications.

This has not been exhaustive by any means, but I think it gets at the issue(s) as to why theology is important. I hope it was understandable and glorifying to God. If you have any questions ask! =)

In Christ, Aaron