So, in the 9:30 youth class at FBC, Tim Mathisen has decided to tackle a subject with our students and their parents that may seem boring or daunting. When I give you the name, you may say, huh? But I assure you if you hang in past the title then you will see how fascinating this subject can be. If you would like to be a part of this discussion for the next several Sundays then please come to Crosswalk at 9:30 with or without your parents. I have already found it to be life changing. Because of that, I decided to post the notes that he gives. They can by no means reflect or do justice to the way the man teaches. Mr. Mathisen is so passionate and on fire for empowering families that he has inspired our family to do something. I'll let you know more about that as it develops. OK so here it goes.......systematic theology(aaaagggghhhhh...don't freak out hang in there, you may learn something).
What is systematic theology? It is the collecting, arranging, comparing, exhibiting, and defending of all facts from any & every source concerning God & His works. Whew! A mouth full!
First, why sys theo? God says it is important according to 2 Timothy 3:16. It helps clarify what we believe. It also helps clarify what we DO NOT believe. Lastly, it helps us understand the depth of Scripture. This is only touching the surface of what we believe but I hope with Mr. M's help and God's we can walk on a firmer foundation.
Let's start with Bibliology. What is that? Bibliology is the study of the Bible. This is foundational to all other aspects of our Christian lives. If the Bible is not true, then nothing is true. It is the basis of our faith. The Bible is inspired by God. It was written by 40+ different writers, over 1500 years in 3 languages on 3 continents & yet has 1 central theme "God's redemption of man"(McDowell). Put it this way, if I assigned 40+ of you to write a novel and it took 15 years and spanned 3 languages, you would never have the same theme throughout the book. It would be impossible. But with God all things are possible!!! That is what makes this Book unique among all other books!
Ok so what does the Bible have to say about itself? The Bible claims for itself verbal and written authority. "This is what the Lord says." etc... According to II Tim 3:16, all Scripture is God breathed and given to us for instruction. Peter also refers to Paul's writings as Scripture even though Paul is not one of the original disciples. Luke is not an original apostle either but 1 of the gospels is called by is name.
What kind of outside evidence is out there pertaining to the Bible? There are historians whose stories corroborate the stories of the Bible. There are archeological things being found everyday including the ruins of Sodom & Gomorrah. This leads to proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
Where did our 66 books come from? Most were accepted by all, there were lots rejected by all, and just a few disputed by all. These were Song of Soloman, Esther, Ecclesiastes, Eziekiel, & Proverbs. There were some books that were printed called the Apocryopha that were accepted by a mere few as to make them obsolete.................
