Journal 1 Each Week You Must Complete A Journal Based

Journal 1each Week You Must Complete A Journal Based

First, I want you to choose a chapter you knew "nothing" about coming into the class and reflect on how this chapter challenged your views on the nature of God. Second, I want you to choose a different chapter and explain why this doctrine is important for a healthy and biblical spiritual formation.

Paper For Above instruction

In studying "None Greater," a book that explores various concepts about the nature of God, I was initially unfamiliar with several chapters that delved into complex theological ideas. One chapter that particularly challenged my understanding was the chapter on God's omnipresence. Before this course, I held a somewhat limited view of God's omnipresence, mainly perceiving it as God's presence being everywhere but not fully appreciating its implications for God's relationship with creation. This chapter expanded my perspective by emphasizing that God's omnipresence signifies His active presence in all aspects of existence, which profoundly impacts how I understand God's immanence and transcendence. It challenged me to consider how God's omnipresence affects personal spirituality and the belief in God's constant availability and involvement in our lives. Such insight has deepened my appreciation for God's intimate relationship with creation and reinforced my trust in His continuous presence, even in moments of silence and solitude.

Conversely, another chapter that I found crucial for spiritual formation is the one discussing the doctrine of God's grace. This doctrine is vital because it underscores the fundamental message of salvation and God's unmerited favor towards humanity. Recognizing the importance of grace in my spiritual journey helps me understand that salvation and sanctification are works initiated by God's love and mercy, not solely by human effort. Embracing this doctrine fosters humility and dependence on God's grace rather than self-reliance, which is essential for maintaining a healthy, biblical spiritual life. It encourages believers to extend grace to others, reflecting God's love, and motivates ongoing spiritual growth rooted in gratitude for God's unearned gifts. Therefore, understanding God's grace is integral for cultivating humility, gratitude, and perseverance in the pursuit of sanctification, aligning one's life with biblical principles of love and mercy.

References

  • Aquinas, T. (2003). Summa Theologica. New York: Benziger Bros.
  • Berkouwer, G. C. (1952). The God of the Bible. Eerdmans.
  • Grudem, W. (1994). Systematic Theology. InterVarsity Press.
  • Johnston, P. (2010). Abide: A Study of the Heart of the Christian Life. IVP Academic.
  • Moltmann, J. (1993). The Trinity and the Kingdom. Fortress Press.
  • Sproul, R. C. (1990). Chosen by God. Crossway.
  • Stanley, R. (2006). The Soul Wide Open: A Fresh Look at Spiritual Formation. Zondervan.
  • Witschi, M. (2013). Grace Under Fire: The Power of Forgiveness. Eerdmans.
  • Yancey, R. (1997). What's So Amazing About Grace? Zondervan.
  • Zizioulas, J. (1985). Communion and Otherness. T & T Clark International.

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