Current Theme | February 2024
Thinking God’s Thoughts After Him: Doing Theology by the Book
A Theological Exploration of Genesis 1–11
Everything is theological. That is, everything finds its meaning by comparison to the Word (logos) that God (theos) has spoken. Still, not every theological system gets it right, and the problem is usually found in the foundation. The method of doing theology determines whether your theological foundation will withstand the storms, the wind, and the floods. So theological foundations are vital, but so is faithful construction. This is what various kinds of theology (historical, philosophical, systematic, biblical, and pastoral) seek to do. And this month, in conjunction with the launch of Stephen Wellum’s Systematic Theology, we plan to offer a vision of doing theology that is by the book.
Table of Contents
Concise
January Intermission: From Thinking about Israel to Thinking God’s Thoughts After Him
By David Schrock • Concise Article • February 2
As we move from a Biblical View of Israel in January to Theology by the Book in February, we look forward to thinking God’s thoughts after him as we explore the riches in His Word!
Concise
How Firm a Foundation: Building Theology on the Solid Ground of God and His Word
By Robert Lyon • Concise Article • February 2
If we want our house to stand, we must be sure to lay a solid foundation. So it is with our theology.
Longform
An Excerpt from Stephen Wellum’s Systematic Theology, Volume 1: From Canon to Concept
By Stephen Wellum • Longform Essay • February 5
What is systematic theology and why does it matter? Stephen Wellum answers these important questions in the first chapter of his new Systematic Theology excerpted here.
Podcast
3.6 Stephen Wellum • Reading • “An Excerpt from Stephen Wellum’s Systematic Theology, Volume 1: From Canon to Concept”
By Stephen Wellum • Podcast Reading • February 5
What is systematic theology and why does it matter? Stephen Wellum answers these important questions in the first chapter of his new Systematic Theology excerpted here.
Concise
Historical Theology for Systematic Theology
By Gregg Allison • Concise Article • February 7
Sola Scriptura is our Protestant rallying cry. But this is not solo Scriptura. How do creeds and confessions aid us in doing theology?
Concise
Historical Theology and B.B. Warfield
By Fred G. Zaspel • Concise Article • February 9
Like a diamond, the gospel is an unchanging treasure given to the church. Yet, as we examine its many facets, our description of it may change to more fully describe its reality.
Concise
A Conscience Captive to the Word of God: Sola Scriptura and Theological Method
By Kyle Claunch • Concise Article • February 9
When doing theology, creeds and confessions can serve as great helps. But, as the written Word of God, Scripture alone is our authoritative guide.
Podcast
3.7 Stephen Wellum, David Schrock, Trent Hunter • Interview • “An Excerpt from Stephen Wellum’s Systematic Theology, Volume 1: From Canon to Concept“
By Stephen Wellum, David Schrock, Trent Hunter • Podcast Interview • February 12
Listen in as Stephen Wellum joins David Schrock and Trent Hunter to discuss his new Systematic Theology, Volume 1: From Canon to Concept.
Concise
Wellum’s World of Wise Words: Stephen J. Wellum Bibliography
By Jack Jeffery • Concise Article • February 14
We are to give honor to whom honor is due. So, in light of the release of Dr. Stephen Wellum's Systematic Theology, Volume 1: From Canon to Concept we honor him here by drawing attention to his prolific bibliography which has, by God's grace, built up the church of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Concise
A Christ Over All Press Release: Steve Wellum’s Systematic Theology is Here
By David Schrock • Concise Article • February 15
This day marks the release of Dr. Stephen Wellum's Systematic Theology, Volume 1: From Canon to Concept, and you could win a signed copy in these next couple weeks.
Concise
The Butterfly Effect: How Biblical Theology Makes Systematic Theology More or Less Biblical
By David Schrock • Concise Article • February 16
How are exegetical decisions like butterflies? While a single one may not make a huge difference, they can add up to make quite the impact!
Longform
The Sufficiency of Scripture in Doing Christian Theology by the Book
By Ardel Caneday • Longform Essay • February 19
Systematic Theology is inextricably linked to the understanding of individual biblical texts. But what if those texts are obscured by extra-Biblical historical backgrounds that lead away from a biblical author’s intended meaning? Sound exegesis must begin with a firm commitment to the sufficiency of Scripture.
Podcast
3.8 Ardel Caneday • Reading • “The Sufficiency of Scripture in Doing Christian Theology by the Book”
By Ardel Caneday • Podcast Reading • February 19
Systematic Theology is inextricably linked to the understanding of individual biblical texts. But what if those texts are obscured by extra-Biblical historical backgrounds that lead away from a biblical author’s intended meaning? Sound exegesis must begin with a firm commitment to the sufficiency of Scripture.
Concise
Three Reasons Every Thoughtful Christian Should Read Wellum’s New Systematic Theology
By Godwin Sathianathan • Concise Article • February 21
Throughout church history, many faithful systematic theologies have been written, so do we really need another one now? Here are three reasons why every Christian would benefit from Stephen Wellum's new Systematic Theology!
Concise
Friends, Not Enemies: Reconciling Philosophy and Theology Under the Lordship of Christ
By Chris Bolt • Concise Article • February 23
What is the relationship between philosophy and theology? Good philosophy is an ally, not an enemy, to sound theology.
Concise
The Pastor as Local Theologian
By Trent Hunter • Concise Article • February 26
How do we make local great again? By listening to an ancient pastor whose voice speaks to our globalized world.
Podcast
3.9 David Schrock and Stephen Wellum • Interview • “The Sufficiency of Scripture in Doing Christian Theology by the Book”
By David Schrock and Stephen Wellum • Podcast Interview • February 26
Listen in as David Schrock and Stephen Wellum discuss Ardel Caneday's essay "The Sufficiency of Scripture in Doing Christian Theology by the Book."
Concise
The Judge of All the Earth and the Theologian in Mamre
By Robert Lyon • Concise Article • February 27
Abraham knew that the Lord is just in all that he does, but how did he know that? And how can Abraham serve as a model for us in doing theology today?
Concise
A Pastor’s Best Friend: A Good Catechism
By Ben Tellinghuisen • Concise Article • February 28
Sound doctrine leads to sound living, and one of the best tools for learning sound doctrine is a good catechism.
Upcoming
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