Me-ology or Theology - From His Heart - Week of Aug. 26, 2016
ME-OLOGY OR THEOLOGY?
We have all heard the term theology. Theology is the study of God (from the Greek theosmeaning God, and logos meaning word or reasoning). Proper understanding of God comes from His Word. He reveals Himself to us in His Word.
Now me-ology is a different kind of animal (and a made up word). I use me-ology to refer to the strong tendency we all have in letting circumstances affect our understanding of God. When things are going bad for me, my me-ology can kick in and try to convince me that: God is not good ... God does not care ... God does not answer prayer ... God cannot be trusted.
THE SAD CASE OF MRS. JOB
Mrs. Job had a serious problem with me-ology. After losing all her children, her wealth, and her husband's health, she determined the best thing to do was just "curse God and die." She told her husband, Job, that is what he needed to do. Praise God, Job didn't listen to his heartsick wife. In fact, he kept clinging to sound theology, even though all his current circumstances seemed to prove the contrary.
How could God be good, kind, faithful, and loving given the intense suffering that befell righteous, godly Job? That's a profound question. And the answer is ....
God's goodness, kindness, faithfulness, and love are not determined by me-ology--what is happening to me at the moment. His trustworthiness is not seen through a snapshot of current circumstances but through His Word and through the cross and the empty tomb. The blood stained slopes of Calvary prove beyond any shadow of a doubt that God is good, kind, loving, and faithful. "He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things" (Romans 8:32).
ARE YOU STRUGGLING TODAY?
Are you struggling with adverse circumstances? Are you thinking of quitting God because, based on your current conditions, His promises seem untrue? Don't let your me-ology form your theology, but let sound theology, gleaned from the truth of God's Word, rule and reign in your life. Listen: It is better to die in faith than to live in doubt.
I love the key verse in the Book of Job, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him" (Job 13:15). Job didn't understand why God was letting all the onslaught of hell loose in his life, but he made the choice to trust Him, regardless. Curse God and die? Never!
I don't know what "hell" you are facing today, but God does. He knows, and He cares. While He may be silent, as He was with Job for so many chapters of his suffering, He is definitely not absent. The Lord promises His children, "I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5). You can make the choice today to trust Him and believe His Word, regardless of your circumstances.
God is a good and faithful God. He does work all things together for good to those who love Him. If you doubt that, read the last chapter of Job and see it for yourself.
Me-ology or Theology? Which will you choose?
Love,
Pastor Jeff Schreve
From His Heart Ministries
P.S. I would love to hear your thought on this. Direct questions and comments to pastorjeff@fromhisheart.org.
Dr. Jeff Schreve believes that no matter how badly you may have messed up in life, God still loves you and has a wonderful plan just for you. From His Heart provides real truth, love and hope on over 700 radio stations each day, in 149 countries each week on TV, and is always available online. Pastor Jeff takes no income from this ministry. All donations go to furthering the broadcast outreach. As a listener/viewer supported ministry, we thank you for joining with us to help speak the truth in love to a lost and hurting world. Go to www.fromhisheart.org for more information.
Future Shock: What in the World is Going On?
Description: Wars, terrorism, earthquakes, famines, floods, rapid technological advancements, a falling away from the true faith… what in the world is going on? What is coming next? Is the end really drawing near, and if so, what does it look like? In this frank and powerful series, Dr. Jeff Schreve shares biblical insights concerning the present age and the not too distant future.
