Expert: Rev. Robert Woods - 8/6/2006

Question
How can you be so sure you have the right theology?
Isn't it occasionally which church you come to after you meet Jesus?

Answer
Blessings and thank you for your question.

Theology is the study of God.  So how do you know if you "got it right?"  Well, I have been in ministry for many years.  I grew up Southern Baptist.  I actually believed that we were right and everyone else is wrong.  It was a very prideful, arrogant belief.  I went to Southern Seminary.  I was again taught the right answers and was taught that Baptists are right and everyone else is wrong.

In the year 2000, a fundamental change happened in my life.  I was invited to participate in a friend of mine's ordination.  At that ordination, a "prophet" was supposed to speak.  I almost didn't go.  I was taught in seminary that Prophets and Apostles stopped being used by God when the time of the New Testament ended.  Honestly, I thought this whole idea of prophesy wasn't genuine.  I thought they were just trying to bring attention to themselves.

When the "prophet" got up to speak, he explained that New Testament prophesy is here to edify the believer and to edify the church.  Then, in front of everyone, he walked straight up to me and asked me to stand.  Then, he proceeded to tell me all about my life (past, present and future), then he told me the exact things I had praying to God about (those things that only you and God know), then he told me about conversations that my wife and I had (alone), he told me about my calling and what God intended to do with me over the next few years.

I walked away from that meeting in total shock.  How could that man know what I was praying about unless God told him.  If God told him, then prophets must still exist.  If prophets still exist, then what else about my theology and what else of what I was taught growing up and in seminary was now wrong?

I told out my Bible and I began to read it anew.  I opened up my heart to GOd's Spirit to just lead me in all truth.  I found that God's promises, the power of His Spirit, and the miracles are still active and relavent today.

Now I tell you this story for a reason.  Your theology should only be based on two things.  First, is the Bible.  The Bible is the highest revelation of God. God would never do anything contrary to His word.  So if your theology does not line up with the Bible, then it's wrong. Secondly, I believe that if you give your whole heart to God then you will truly experience Him.  As long as your experience does not go against God's word, then I think you are in good shape.

If you have a specific question about theology, please feel free to ask.  I pray that the Lord blesses you and leads you into all Truth in His Spirit.