Monday's word of the week.

Soteriology

This one word of 11 letters packs some punch. When one thinks of Soteriology, the basic definition brings us back to the doctrine of salvation.

Looking at the definition for Soteriology we go no further than our friendly online reference dictionary.com. Soteriolgy is the Branch of Christian thelogy that deals with salvation. It is derived from the Greek sōtērion (salvation)(from sōtēr savior, preserver) + English - logy. So again, basically we are dealing with salvation and the nature of how God provides for that salvation.

Lets look at soteriology from a Biblical viewpoint. Now of course you won't find Soteriology in the bible in that specific word form. However we do find two word sources that play right off of Soterion. The first one is Soteria - We see this definition from Blue Letter Bible -

1) deliverance, preservation, safety, salvation
a) deliverance from the molestation of enemies
b) in an ethical sense, that which concludes to the souls safety or salvation
1) of Messianic salvation
2) salvation as the present possession of all true Christians
3) future salvation, the sum of benefits and blessings which the Christians, redeemed from all earthly ills, will enjoy after the visible return of Christ from heaven in the consummated and eternal kingdom of God.

We see it used in the Bible in many places - Specifically taking the place of Salvation, Saved, and Health. In Luke 1:71 "that we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us," in Luke 1:77 "To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,".

The other word we see taken from Soterion is Soterio. Its specific definition is:

1) saving, bringing salvation
2) he who embodies this salvation, or through whom God is about to achieve it
3) the hope of (future) salvation

Its use in the bible is found in places like Luke 2:30 "For mine eyes have seen thy salvation of God." and Titus 2:11 " For the grace of God that bringeth salvation that appeared to all men,"

The main difference between the two words is that Soterio means "that brings salvation" and Soteria means "the one being saved or delivered, or health". This is a very important point and will determine how the word is used in biblical context.

Soteriology is the doctrine of Salvation. We as believers understand the meaning of salvation, but non-believers may be confused. The Gospel message consists of several facts to include a supernatural birth, sinless life, death on the cross, risen savior, witnessed by many. Salvation comes to us as we believe and have faith that he is indeed our pure lamb that was slaughtered on the cross to appease our God. That he took the sins of man upon himself saving me from the trial of meeting God and being sentenced to a FOREVER death. I thus will be saved, or have salvation from my belief in the savior. Taking him literally as my savior. I am sometimes said to have "saving faith".

I do hope that Soteriology is a little more understandable. I also hope you understand salvation and the Gospel message.

Josh McDowell - TN Visit

I just wanted all of my 2 readers to know that Josh McDowell will be visiting my old church Two Rivers Baptist Church. He will be at Two Rivers on Monday the 21st of April at 7:00 pm in the chapel.

This is a great opportunity to see a message from a pretty good apologetic. His book "Evidence that Demands a Verdict" is a classic, and the more recent release "New Evidence that Demands a Verdict" is even better. However, I must admit to never reading either one, that information is from what I have heard. I have to say the book of his that I recommend (and read a couple of times)most often to non-believers and one that I have given away quite often is "More than a Carpenter". It's great to carry onto an airplane and give away to the person next to you who may ask "what are you reading".

Well if you find yourself in the area, stop by Two Rivers or better yet check out their website from the link above.

Tim Challies

At the T4G conference I was able to meet a person I highly respect as a blogger and writer. Most important however, is the fact that he has inspired me to write, which I am grateful for. I don't know him through any other means than through his blog, but he has been both kind and gracious to me. I also have a proof pic, LOL if you look Allen is to the left, Tim is then in the center and then you find me to the right. You can also find Tim's blog here. Please take a look at it.

Tim Challies has been to a couple of conferences that I have attended to include T4G 08 and Ligonier last year. It was only a few months prior to Ligonier last year that I happened to find his blog online. I don't even remember where or how I was linked up to it. But, I did find it and I have enjoyed his posts. They are always interesting and insightful. I was also able to find many other bloggers that I enjoyed reading from his "King of the week" postings. He also has a enjoyable sidebar column called "A LA CARTE" which also contains interesting posts, and oddball type articles.

Tim has been very gracious to me both times that I met him (T4G 08 and Ligonier)and the many times we have corresponded via email. I wanted him too initially put together a website for me so I could blog, but through much prayer and consultation with my wife I decided to use Blogspot until I was sure I wanted to write and that it wasn't just a phase. Tim again was gracious and encouraging. He said that I was on the right track by starting out with Blogspot, and it would be a good way to ensure I wanted to blog.

So Tim, I want to thank you for your advice and your willingness to help out. But, most importantly for your kindness. It is easy to get "big headed" with the popularity of your blog, but you seem to keep it all in stride. I remember talking to you about writing for myself, and you mentioned that you, like me, write for yourself. Please, keep writing for yourself, I think that is the reason you are being so successful. May God continue to use you for the glory of His kingdom. Thanks again, and I look forward to seeing you at the next conference.

T4G 08 - Together for the Gospel

I just came back yesterday from a wonderful time of Worship, Fellowship, and pure learning.

I was able to listen to some of the Greatest minds who are currently living in regards to sound Biblical teaching. Sometimes this group of men are referred to as what one friend termed as the "Superfriends". The teachers consisted of R.C. Sproul - who by the way is part of Ligonier Ministries. My first reformed type conference was at Ligonier Ministries two years ago when my friend Allen Barnes invited me with a general calling of friends. He put out a blanket email to all of his friends and God used that to start a re-awakening or maybe better wording would be "put my truth in sharper focus to do His great work". I am just a tad off subject...... Other teachers included John MacArthur, whose ministry Grace To You (GTY) has been an inspiration to me because a few years ago I was seeking out strong reformed preaching but couldn't find it locally for a long time. So John and I became fast friends. I should say myself and his website became fast friends. Also teaching was: Ligon Duncan, Al Mohler - President of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, CJ Mahaney - Sovereign Grace Ministries, and finally one of my all time hero's in the faith John Piper from Bethlehem Baptist in the twin cities and the person responsible for Desiring God. He is the man that makes me sit up and listen like a school child as he teaches from scripture. He inspires me to preach and inspires me to act on that desire. Not many men in my life have done that, he is one of the few.

Mind you I love each and everyone of these men who taught this week, but for some reason one or two inspire me much more than the others. God works that differently for all of us. I remember as one of the men finished up preaching one of my friends told me how moved he was by the message...and I thought to myself...hmmm ok. I didn't feel the way he did, but it sure did happen to me with John Piper's message. God is awesome.

T4G will be held again in 2010 and I plan on being a part of it. Next year our conference choice is still up in the air, but I'm leaning towards Ligonier with my friends from Nashville. We will see what God plans for all of us. I can't wait to see his work.

Politics and Religion

Wow, what a controversial subject. Well when the United States elects Sen. Obama the Democrat from Illinois that is what they will get, controversy. Here is a snippet from his church and a decent article on him. It is so sad that a church this large is leading people astray by teaching them to hate America and not love like christ. On top of that the Gospel isn't being preached and Race relations will never be given a fair chance in a church like this. So sad, but so real. I once heard Rev. Wright say that Jesus was black and his plight was like that of the American black population. We whites are the Romans and Jesus is the black man. One larger problem is that there are hundreds of churchs in American that teach this junk.

Pitiful is all I can say. Please give it a watch if you have time.



(HT: Flopping Aces)

The Truth - Vertigo

I'm sure some of you have seen this, if you have enjoy it again. If you haven't seen it, give it a good look. I love it.




HT(Evangelical Outpost)

The Hermeneutics Quiz

I'm back and I wouldn't say better than ever. I just had a long period of time that work, family, and my commitments just overwhelmed me. I hope to be permanently back, but we will see.

Go to this Hermeneutics quiz and see where you stand. Are you a conservative or are you a liberal. I would bet that this breaks down denominational. In other words I would expect the Southern Baptists to be score more conservative, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America to be score more Liberal. Since most of my friends are SBC members, I would bet they go conservative. Once at the site hit the icon "take assessment".

(HT: Evangelical Outpost)