my burg

“The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.” (Deuteronomy 29:29 ESV) “Thus says the LORD: ‘Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD.’” (Jeremiah 9:23-24 ESV) Our goal in studying theology is not speculation nor is it a detached scholarship unrelated to life and love, but it is to think clearly and personally about all that God has revealed to us, so that we may glorify him by our faith and obedience.  Since every biblical truth is connected or related in some way to every other biblical truth, serious study is needed.  God's revelation to us is a consistent a...

For 150 years, both in England and in the American colonies, The Marrow of Theology , by William Ames, was the standard theological work for ministers. It is b iblical, succinct, and well-organized.  Increase Mather once said that, other than the Bible, this was the only book of theology a minister needed.  My first introduction to Puritan theology in seminary was through the reading of this book.  After reading the first chapter I was hooked on Ames. I was grabbed at the outset by his definition and nature of theology.   The following excerpts of that chapter are words I need to read and reread often.  My penchant for dwelling only in my thought life needs to be continually challenged with full-orbed "living to God."  Here is how Ames defines theology... "Theology is the doctrine or teaching of living to God.  John 6:68, The words of eternal life ; Acts 5:20, the words of this life ; Romans 6:11, Consider yourselves...alive to God ." "...[it i...