f f f I have noticed in talking with other people that we all have different ideas
about God. I feel so concretely about my beliefs but, ironically, so do others.
This has troubled me, as I do not want to be wrong in my understanding of
God. I tend to believe in a benevolent God, one who is highly engage with
mankind but is not judgmental in this life, reserving judgment for the great
white throne of judgment (Rev. 20:11-12).[1] However, I know God has shown
wrath in many biblical stories. I guess a specific question I hope to answer in
this class is how is God to truly be viewed? I believe answering this question
will result in the personal goal of truly experiencing the world through the lens
of a world under God as He truly is, not how I believe Him to be.
f f f f f f f f f I do not yet know what the Lord has for me after seminary. I hope
to serve in a preaching or teaching capacity. I imagine that having a well-
rounded and biblically-based understanding of God is a must in such a role, as
leaders in ministry are held accountable for the ways in which they do or do
not lead those in their care. With that said, I am sure I will use the things I
learn in this class toward such sermons or lesson plans. I feel that name it
and claim it type preachers set their congregants up to be let down, as the
Bible does not promise believers that they will live out their days on easy
street. In fact, Jesus said, “In this world you will have tribulation; but be of
good cheer, I have overcome the world” (Jn. 16:33).[2]
f f f f f f f f I also do not want to give off the impression of a God who is
completely hands off, as the Bible clearly does state that God answers prayer.
God is complex and, therefore, efforts to label Him to a predetermined
category is general an incomplete understanding of God. I heard Billy Graham
say on the radio one time, “If God were small enough for man to understand,
He would not be big enough to meet man’s needs.” Realizing that I cannot
fully understand God, I believe knowing as much as I possibly can about Him
will enhance my faith-walk and lead to spiritual growth. That growth, of course,
should produce more fruit in my service to others, both now and in future
ministry endeavors.
Bibliography
Froese, Paul and Christopher Bader. America's Four Gods, What We Say About
God & What That Says About Us. New York: Oxford University Press, 2015.
[1] Paul Froese and Christopher Bader, America’s Four Gods, What We Say
About God & What that Says
About Us, (New York: Oxford University Press, 2015), 24.
[2] Unless otherwise noted, all biblical passages referenced are in the New
King James Version.
