Michael J. Svigel

Theology 101: Now is not the time for date-setting, sign-seeking, prophecy-peddling, end-times speculation, or any such nonsense. In fact, it’s never the time for that. Now is the time for putting on the breastplate of faith and love and the helmet of hope.

I once bought an energy bar to give me a boost but tired myself out trying to chew it.

Theology 101: We must not allow convoluted, clever arguments concocted from twisted Scriptures to overturn the original and enduring clear consensus on the classic Christian sexual ethic.

Theology 101: In sectors of Christianity that have over-emphasized the “invisible, spiritual church,” we shouldn’t be surprised when they have under-emphasized concern for visible, physical people.

Theology 101: It seems to me that God delights in demolishing the idol of ministry methodology. I’m convinced “methodolatry” is one of the reasons why what always seemed to work before doesn’t seem to work today. The Spirit always uses means, but he will not be bound to a method.

Theology 101: In traditions that have dogmatized later doctrinal developments, the very mechanism that dogmatizes the developments is itself a dogmatic development which must resort to self-validation in its own dogmatization.

Theology 101: Flashy, emotional revivalism results in "glow-in-the-dark" commitments that fade when removed from the artificial light.

Theology 101: Temptation is like fire. Fuel it with indulgence, and your passions will rage into a consuming flame. But starve it through resistance, and you’ll snuff out its power over you.

Theology 101: By grace, God justifies, sanctifies, and glorifies us sinners. In disgrace, we sinners justify, sanction, and glorify our sin.

Call me a cynic, but I strongly suspect that if the only books published were authored by people who could actually write a book without a ghost writer or ghost editor, the books released each year might be reduced by half.

Theology 101: It is not spiritually mature to leave a church over minor doctrinal variations. It is not spiritually mature to remain at a church with major doctrinal deviations. Discerning the difference requires spiritual maturity.

Yes. You moved them by bringing in topics outside the realm of the OP. I know what I was talking about. It wasn’t what you brought up. What you’re doing looks like trolling.

I have read it.

Theology 101: Christians cannot serve as the conscience of the kingdom if they are servants of any political party.

Theology 101: True Christianity calls believers to live the dictates of Christ even under persecution by rulers. Fake Christianity dictates that others live by the rules of Christ while threatening prosecution.

This is what you’ve been looking for whether you know it or not: www.amazon.com/dp/B0DDDWV55N

Theology 101: “I consider the principal enemies of the Gospel to be, not the pontiff of Rome, nor heretics, nor seducers, nor tyrants, but bad Christians.” (Calvin)

Context is everything. It should have been obvious that I was referring to theological anthropology.

The ologies are strictly theological ologies directly related to the issue in Genesis 6. I have no idea how you got to geology and such with this post. It’s a case of ignoratio elenchi.

Theology 101: The world created and providentially sustained by the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit continues to pour forth clear and convincing knowledge of God, his works, and his ways.

Did you post this on the right post? Your reply doesn’t seem to relate to the OP.

Theology 101: Yes, alas, I believe the sons of God in Genesis 6 are super-celestial beings, and I’m not sure what to do with that, and I know all your objections, but I think our angelology and anthropology need to adjust to the text, and not the other way around.

Is cremation an option for Christians? fathersonthefuture.com/articles/is-...

Nice to see people are taking advantage of this reading/discussion guide I wrote myself for the Essentials of Christian Theology book. It’s available on Amazon, BUT you can also download and reproduce as many copies as you need for your ministry needs for FREE, too!

Theology 101: Being rebuked for folly or reprimanded for stupidity is not the same as being persecuted for righteousness.

Theology 101: I think creative people have a great advantage over uncreative people when it comes to sin. They can create all kinds of new ways to sin others couldn’t even imagine.

a man with blonde hair is wearing a blue plaid shirt and making a funny face ALT: a man with blonde hair is wearing a blue plaid shirt and making a funny face

Me tonight:
“Do not engage idiocy on social media. Do not engage idiocy on social media. Do not engage idiocy on social media…”

Theology 101: The visible body of Christ has scars on its history—wounds of persecution inflicted by opponents. It also has embarrassing tattoos it cannot remove—a marred reputation through its own stupidity or wickedness. The first gives us strength; the second makes us weak.

My general rule of thumb: Exercising discernment in today’s instant-info society means I should be slow to believe a report that contradicts my opinion…but even slower to believe a report that confirms it.