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Retro- Thanks for the encouraging words and the tips for expanding my Greek vocab. I'll give it a shot :). Looking forward to his coming.

aspen2- Yes, I think to some degree this is what we must do. If you think about Israel's history, they were constantly being confronted with worldviews from outside cultures that sought to compromise their worship of God. This is especially true during the period of the Maccabees where the...

I think everyone would agree that the Church is a long ways away of where she should be, especially in America. However, what we likely all disagree about is why the Church has so many problems. Certainly there is a lot of blame to go around, but many times I think the finger is being pointed...

mj- Yes, this defense of theological training (as mentioned before) is not claimed to be a substitute for salvation, grace or the need of the Spirit. The idea that the Spirit and study of the Word are antithetical for so many is a problematic. Everything in this blog assumes that someone has...

Retro, Thanks for your kind response. I am in complete agreement that the primary issue behind translation is context. I am certainly not a Greek expert, although I have taken a few classes and can read good sections of the UBS4 (or NA27 when I am working on the computer). I do work with the...

Yes mj, And we know Him through the Word and through his Spirit which is expressed through teaching and other gifts at work among believers. Knowing Him is not about naval gazing. Quite the opposite in my opinion.

Retro- I apologize if it came across that I was attacking your character. I never said anything about you as a person. I know many people who are freshmen in Bible college who take a year of Greek and claim they can "read" it because they are familiar with some words and can read an...

Retro- I dont really consider using interlinears or software to look up definitions actually knowing Koine Greek. If you cannot pick up a USB4 or NA27 and read it, then you dont really know the language. You can know about a language, but that doesnt mean you know it. Just like someone can...

Prentis, To put the matter simply and as clear as I know how... No one is opposed to the spiritual maturity and life of the Spirit you speak of. However, you are in error in youru assumption that theological institutions do not care for such matters or that formal theological study is only...

Asyncritus, Thanks for your response. I have added my comments under your statements to make it easier to follow.

Prentis, I appreciate your heart and passion for both God and the church. I differ with you in some major ways theologically which is why we are landing in such different places. I understand that you come from a position that sees a more zealous and passionate people as the be-all and...

I agree Arnie. My conviction is that the intent of the Spirit is the intent of the Scripture writer. The more people strive to understand that intent, the more people will be brought together around the Word rather than divided by pet doctrines. I did not say the church was "doing fine."...

Prentis, This forum is not directed specifically at you. I have heard all kinds of opposition to formal theological training over the years. Your voice is just one among many. I gotta run. I will write more later!

Very true. Some denominations do not require any formal training to be a preacher. Yet, I've found such training is always beneficial if a person is able to dedicate the time.

Thanks Arnie. I appreciate your reflection. I also enjoy systematic theology. You should read, "The Faith Once For All" by Jack Cottrell. It is a strong systematic theological presentation that I find very persuasive.

My life has been profoundly shaped by formal theological training. I don't say this to brag, honestly. I just want to explain my situation and reasons for writing this. I have had the privilege to learn for months and years from some of the most godly and biblically knowledgeable people I...

Prentis, When holy men walk the earth? We are holy by faith. Paul's designation for believers (even misguided & carnal believers) is "saints" or holy ones. Your condemnation of seminaries because they don't produce modern day miracle workers or world shakers is off base. MJ- How does...

This is nonsense. Here is my translation of what you are really saying. "Their doctrine" = views I don't agree with "Not called by God" = leaders I don't like "Not led by the Spirit" = not charismatic enough "Pure Word of God" = everything I think about the Bible Who are you to judge who is...

Again, this seems like some major rabbit trails. Why do you insist on going into the etymology of each of these words when it really has little or nothing to do with our discussion? Can you actually read Greek or are you simply using a lexicon to develop this theology of yours? If so, I would...

That is precisely my point. You are using blanket accusations and condemnations toward "general" institutions that I do not believe you are very familiar with. I would be cautious about such things. In terms of the communal living of the early Christians, I think we should be cautious here...