Saturday, May 14, 2011

Theologically Practical

It's easy to spout off statements about God and what He can do. We often fall back on these when times get tough or when we are unsure of the next step in our path. I have no doubt that we believe theologically in these statements, but I wonder if we believe in them practically?

If you have grown up in a church or just spent some time in one you can come to a common understanding of some basic principles, but actually believing in them enough to take action based on them is a different story. Saying that God is good and yet working as agents of that goodness to help those around us are two different things. Believing in the Biblical principle of the Holy Spirit changing the hearts of people and then praying and leading to guide people in the process are two different levels. Professing that because you came forward at an invitation and were baptized and seeking the guidance of the gift of the Holy Spirit in your day-to-day life are not necessarily the same thing.

Theological belief and practical belief are as different as knowledge and obedience. The impact of the Gospel isn't felt or shared unless you move beyond what you know to be true and begin to put it into daily practice. It is then that it starts to transform your own life and the lives of those that we come into contact with. It's the kind of faith that will capture a city, heal addictions, restore marriages, reinvigorate faith and attract people that are desperate for something real.

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