Week One Reading Summary and Week 2 Assignment

What is systematic theology? A study that answers the question, “What does the Bible teach us today about any given topic?” The emphasis in this type of study will be on what God wants us to believe and know about particular doctrines as they are taught in the Bible at large, including both Old and New Testaments. The purpose of this type of study will be to strengthen the believer and make the Christian life richer.

The study will be systematic in that it has been carefully organized by Mr. Grudem to prevent imbalanced emphasis and wrong conclusions. Summaries of biblical teachings will be made that will use precise language to prevent misunderstands and false teachings.

It is important that as you study you remained committed to the authority of the Scripture and open to correcting any false ideas that you have embraced as a result of culture or false teaching. However, it must be the Scripture that convinces you that you are incorrect, not the writer of the text or the writer of any text for that matter.

A doctrine is what the Bible teaches us today about some particular topic. We will be studying major and minor doctrines.

Summary of pages 17 – 21 in Bible Doctrine by Wayne Grudem

Week Two Assignment: P. 21 beginning at section B – p. 26 stop at top of page just before subtopic 5.

Memory Verses: Matthew 28: 18-20

Memorizing Scripture

One of the disciplines that we are working on in the accountability group is memorizing scripture. I am convinced that for me to take this discipline seriously I have to have someone to quote to on a regular basis. I was not doing well in this area until I started meeting with the ladies at FBC Norco. Though I have improved because of their help, I fear that I still lack the internal drive. You know the drive that tells you this is EXTREMELY important, work diligently.

This week, as I was reading a book about Sabina Wurmbrand, who lived in a prison in Romania for two years, I was reminded again how seriously important the discipline is. The ladies lived in intense circumstances. In fact, I really don’t know how any of them survived it (of course some did not). The food that they were given was grossly inadequate. They lived in frigid temperatures with very thin clothing. The place was completely unsanitary. Really the whole scenario is beyond my comprehension. According to Sabina one of the survival techniques for the Christian women was to quote scripture to each other. Of course they did not have copies of the Bible so the only way to do this was to quote what they had memorized before they were prisoners. Sabina says that once, while in solitary confinement, she is certain she would have lost her mind, if she had not had scripture on which to meditate. Truly, the Words of God ministered to them during intense persecution.

So again, I am reminded that I NEED the words of our Holy God in my mind.  I NEED them even though I am not living in a horrific prison.  I need them because they are the Words of LIFE, given to me by the One who has given me LIFE.

If you are struggling in this area of spiritual discipline, consider finding a partner to quote to.  Though you may feel awkward and get clammy hands when its time to quote (I sure do!), in the end, you will be so glad you did!!

Are you working on a passage?  Do you want some suggestions for where to start to memorize?  Or do you have a suggestion for me….a passsage that God has used in your life?