How Important is Studying Theology?

Spiritual Disciplines

How Important is Studying Theology?

25 min

Spiritual Disciplines

How Important is Studying Theology?

25 min

Episode 415 Show Notes

From the Show

The word theology just means the study of God. We can’t love, embrace, or even experience and serve a God we don’t really know. The first question and answer of the Westminster Shorter Catechism says “the chief end of man is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever.” Well if that’s true, and it is, then theology (sound theology) is the most practical subject we can ever explore.

—Michael Horton

Questions in this Episode

1. In the Bible it says we need to give an account for every thought, word, and deed? If there is no condemnation in Christ, why do we need to give an account for that? And what kind of account do we have to give?

2. At the institution of the Lord’s supper, Jesus said, “this is my body,” and “this is my blood,” in reference to the bread and wine. So, are we eating the actual body and blood of Christ when we partake of the Lord’s supper?

3. Why do you think studying theology is practical?

4. How can I have a close relationship with God? When I was part of a church that ministered to widows, I was amazed at how close some of them seemed to God. They just seemed to have a strong love and sense of his care for them. What do you think makes for a close relationship with God?

5. Does the Bible have anything to say about cremation?

Resources

Core Christianity: Finding Yourself in God’s Story by Michael Horton

Putting Amazing Back into Grace: Embracing The Heart Of The Gospel by Michael Horton

Request our latest special offers here or call 1-833-THE-CORE (833-843-2673) to request them by phone.

Sola Newspaper

Today's Offer

Sola Newspaper

A quarterly print publication featuring articles on theology, the confessions, & reflections for the Christian life, delivered straight to your mailbox. For free.

Subscribe Now

Michael Horton (Ph.D., Wycliffe Hall, Oxford and Coventry University) is the J. Gresham Machen Professor of Systematic Theology and Apologetics at Westminster Seminary California and Founder & Editor-in-Chief of Sola Media.

More on this topic

Spiritual Disciplines

Explore All

Meditation as a Bridge to Prayer

Meditating upon the Law of the Lord leads us to prayer. The goal is that as you meditate, the Spirit brings conviction, thanks, praise, or some other reality up into your heart. It is with these realities in mind that you then approach God directly in prayer. In this sense, prayer is truly conversation with God, and there is much to discuss. We talk to God directly concerning the things upon which we have reflected.

Help! Saved but Still Sinning

Help! Saved but Still Sinning

Sanctification isn’t effortless. The act of dying to sin implies spiritual battle and life-long war against sin. Living unto righteousness implies costly, intensive labor that daily says “no” to sin and “yes” to Christlikeness. So what do we do when we fail yet again? How can we overcome feelings of failure, defeat, and self-loathing when we sin?

The Weight of Steadfastness

The Weight of Steadfastness

What if the discomfort we’ve avoided—the very trial we’ve begged God to remove—is the instrument our loving Father is using to bring us to completion, the place where lasting joy is found?

What Does a Protestant Vision of Spiritual Formation Look Like?

What Does a Protestant Vision of Spiritual Formation Look Like?

Kyle Strobel joins Michael Horton to discuss different views of spiritual formation, how pastors and theologians from church history have approached this topic, and why seasons of desolation (spiritual dryness) are meant for our good, not punishment.

Help more people know what they believe and why.

Support trusted articles, podcasts, and resources that deepen faith, point people to Christ, and strengthen the church.

Give Monthly