.: theology is practical :.

In anticipation of next week’s sermon by yours truly (please be praying for me for such), I spent this morning reading through the book of Romans. What an incredibly powerful book, one that speaks of our salvation through grace, provided by Christ as a loving sacrifice on behalf of us who are completely undeserving. The power of the book comes out to me as you break into chapter twelve, beginning with, “Therefore (because of the entire foundation of God’s redemptive work)… I urge you to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God”. That because of all that God has accomplished, we are called to “hate what is evil… cling to what is good”. The conclusive four chapters are so incredible because they center upon one element: unconditional love. Not an opposing system of good works… but selfless love. Not a rigid religion to dutifully commit oneself to… but gracious, God-honoring love. That is what the Gospel boils down to. Love. There is something in my heart that breaks down and rejoices from the center of who I am… because I am an undeserving recipient of God’s redemptive grace. One of the greatest things that I have learned from Regent College is the statement, “theology is practical”. For someone to possess an exhaustive knowledge of the doctrinal foundations of God and His movement throughout creation, but to not be moved to any sort of response (even at the least, worship) is a sacred tragedy. “In view of God’s mercy”, we are drawn to respond with love and grace, the same that was accomplished perfectly by our Savior and Lord. All that to simply say… Romans moved my heart today – I pray that it might have the same effect upon you as a reader and believer!