In a world filled with chaos, fear, distractions, and the never-ending rush of varying voices and opinions, maintaining grasp of sound theology is one of the most crucial decisions anyone will ever make. This week at Impact 360, our Fellows class heard from Dr. Jonathan Morrow regarding the topic of ensuring your faith is grounded both biblically and historically. In class, we established an outline for sharing the Gospel and transformed the game of telephone into an analogy for how voices can become distorted. Through this, Dr. Morrow opened our eyes to how truth exists and how we can find such truth.
As Fellows, we learned that the foundation of discerning grounded theology is having a personal relationship with God. Additionally, we developed a deeper hunger for supporting the existence of God through historical documents. Working with these skills, we have now been equipped to face any looming critical objection towards our faith and rebound with a historical and logical response that glorifies the name of Jesus. Having right theology is not only important to remain steadfast in your personal walk with the Lord, but also so that we, as Fellows, are prepared for conversations with those who struggle with doubts, confusing convictions, and seeking answers of the Lord.
Equally important in understanding the depth and great love of our Savior is recognizing the truth He has shared through His Word. Colossians 3:12-14 teaches how the Lord has instructed our daily lives to live by example, acting according to His authority over our lives, and seeking a harmony of grace towards those around us.
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” Colossians 3:12-14 (ESV)
In a culture with many competing worldviews, Biblical theology helps us to live with clarity and conviction through understanding that we cannot add anything to the Gospel. Knowing Him as our personal Lord and Savior, we can distinguish His voice from the confusion of the world. In every season, we have Jesus. In every storm, we have Jesus. In every battle, we have Jesus. He has promised to remain by our side, fighting on our behalf. Exodus 14:14 says “The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” In a culture with competing worldviews, we must hold fast to the truth that God is on our side, and He will make His voice ring clear in the ears of His children.
Pursing right theology, a life aligned with God’s plan, produces a flourishing personal and communal life. Flourishing doesn’t mean easy, free of challenge, or simply blissful; rather, flourishing means abiding with Christ through every season. It means recognizing your room of growth, seeking a room of grace, and allowing the room of Everlasting Presence to grasp authority over your life.
Biblically and historically grounded theology is more than knowing God as your Lord and Savior. Such rich theology includes seeking a hungry, day-by-day growth in pursuing knowledge about the powerful presence of the Author of life and allowing a radical change from the Maker Himself.
Anna Claire Waddell, Fellows Class 20