School is now in session. First off, hello to everyone. I really haven't fallen off the planet, but as a first year seminary student, things have been a little hectic since school started in August. But now having settled in, I'd like to start putting some of my thoughts and observations into writing.
Who am I? My name is Steve Matthews and, as I said, I'm a first year seminary student at Knox Theological Seminary in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
What do I believe? My background is Baptist, however I am reformed, that is to say I am a Calvinist, in doctrine.
What will be the focus of this blog? I am passionate about theology and politics. Yes, I know, those are two of the things that you're never supposed to talk about. But really, those are two of the most important things
to talk about. "Doctrine divides," is almost a proverb with some, but apart from doctrine there is no Christianity. Jesus said, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:31, 32). Christianity is all about understanding and believing the truth, that is to say it is about understanding and believing true
doctrine. Salvation requires knowledge.
As to politics, some would argue that it logically has nothing to do with Christianity. After all, the Bible is about Jesus, salvation and the kingdom of heaven. "The Bible is not a text book on political science," they say. Others, especially secularists, hold that any influence of Christianity in the realm of politics is an imposition on their freedom. "Who are you to impose your beliefs on me," is their cry. But for the Christian, the Bible is the axiom, the starting point, for
all our thinking about
every subject. The apostle Paul wrote Timothy that "all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work (II Tim. 3:16,17). Politics is one of these good works. The civil authorities have been established by God for the purpose of rewarding good and punishing evil (see Romans Ch. 13), and God, being a gracious God, did not leave us without instructions as to how this is to be done.
I also will post about my experience as a seminary student. I know, I know, that doesn't sound all that interesting, but it represents a huge change in life direction for me. This was not an easy decision for me to make, as those who know me will attest, and perhaps something I say will be of value to others who are themselves thinking about making a major mid-life change-of-direction. To those people, may God grant you His wisdom through His word to know His will in your life, and may he grant you the strength through His Spirit to do it.
