Resources by Topic: Doctrine and Theology

I was reading and meditating on the book of Hebrews recently, when it hit me forcefully that a basic and compelling reason for education—the rigorous training of the mind—is so that a person can read the Bible with understanding.

Have you ever—in prayer or corporate worship or during a walk on the beach—for a few moments experienced the very presence of God?

Despite what some would have us believe, there is such a thing as true moral guilt.

God gives good press to doctrine. But surveys of evangelicals usually do not—until recently.

Late one autumn, I drove through Seattle, Washington, on my way to a men’s retreat. I happened to pick up a local radio talk show host who pontificated on organized religion.

Biblical Christianity is fundamentally a relationship with Christ, not a religion about Christ.

People are made for the eternal and therefore cannot be ultimately satisfied by the temporal. 

After looking at each passage, indicate Yes, No or Unsure. (If you’re in a group, poll everyone, and indicate the majority answer.) You may wish to jot down a key phrase from the passage to remind you what it says. Have people mark their Bibles and be ready to read each verse in the subsequent discussion with larger group.

What do Christians mean when they talk about hell?

In Hamlet, Shakespeare called what lies beyond death “the undiscovered country.” People have given much thought to this country—and adopted remarkably different attitudes toward it.

Discerning Christians with a strong biblical theology can pick out the good and toss the bad. Unfortunately, most who read the book (and see the movie) will not do that.

“A Theology of Heaven” will explore biblical indications of what happens at death; the intermediate state, as distinguished from the final state; the resurrection and final judgment; the nature of the new earth-centered heaven; the judgment seat of Christ; eternal rewards; and reigning with Christ.

Not surprisingly God and suffering were prominent in the commemorations of 9/11. But missing from most was the observation that there were greater horrors in 2001. This is not to minimize the pain of 9/11 but to sharpen the problem of suffering.

I’m concerned that your treatment of the doctrine of hell is an attempt to choose between grace and truth rather than embracing both.