Viewer Q&A: Do I Read Too Much Theology?

[@pmachapman]

We would all do well to remember Bavinck's last words: "My scholarship is of no avail to me now, nor my dogmatics: it is only faith that can save me."

[@philtheo]

A wonderfully pastoral answer to "Mike"! I hope you do more of these viewer Q&As. Pastoral Q&As are practical theology and practical theology is, well, theology! As John Frame says, theology is "the application of the Word of God by persons to all areas of life". 😊

[@mikedmarquez]

Thank you for the video. I always tell friends when reading theology one must put on their gospel glasses and always put the cross work of Christ in light of what they’re reading and reading scripture at the same time. Thanks again.

[@BlainsTube]

Being mechanically minded, I see no reason to try an reinvent the wheel. If believers have gone before me and slogged out some answers, why shouldn't I harvest the benefits of their work, study and prayer? I totally understand the angle of following your own path in life. To me, it all revolves around having a listening heart, to be guided by the Holy Spirit. We're never going to be 100% correct on every issue. We need that guidance to stay out of life's ditches. My final advice is... Only study correct theology. 😜

[@naterios33]

I am currently trying to get through "The Death of Death in the Death of Christ" by John Owen. You can't read a single page without just being amazed by his use of Scriptures. But, I agree you could get the balance out of wack. Another awesome video! Thank you for being such an awesome resource for me. I am relatively new to Reformed Theology, and have found your videos really helpful as I wrestled with it.

[@samuelhutton1342]

That book help me rise out of the charismatic movement. Such a great book.

[@blackukulele]

I was reading this book at a sports' training night (I wasn't training, my sons were) and another parent asked why I could believe something so lame as the reality of Jesus or his death. I asked if he had ever read the Bible, and his reply was that he hadn't because he was a rationalist. I suggested that he couldn't be a rationalist, as he had not applied his reason the primary source of information about Christ. We had other conversations of a similar character after that. BTW, this occasion privides a good reason to read books with their covers intact. If I had been reading an e-book, the question would not have arisen (no cover advertising the content).

[@Yesica1993]

That is so cool!@@blackukulele

[@jimcasey1975]

Martyn Lloyd-Jones advised to alternate your reading. I have taken his advice and after reading a book about the Age of the Apostles ,I’m now reading a book about the American Revolution. This is separate from my wife and I reading aloud to each other The Bible. We also have read through aloud together The Westminister Confession,The Heidelberg Catechism,Pilgrims Progress etc. We are semi retired so we have the time and we keep to a structured routine of reading and devotions which has enabled us by the grace of God to greatly deepen our faith. A disciplined routine works for us.

[@Yesica1993]

I love this! Being married to someone who loves to read (especially God's Word) and being able to share that together would be a dream come true. I hope you have many more years together!

[@jamesaburks]

We all ought to love Theology. Indeed to be blessed to reading/studying God. Theology!

[@Brianbrandfas]

That's a great question from "Mike". Lately, I have been relating to this, but for me the question is "am I watching too many KZbin videos on theology?" Not a knock on this channel or Dr. Everhard, but I'm often more confused than when I started after venturing down a KZbin rabbit hole.

[@thoughtfulchristianity]

GREAT RESPONSE!!!!!!! Sorry, I just wanted a positive all caps response 😂

[@donaldsproson2494]

Thank you bvery much Matt. I am very grateful for the time and effort you put into these videos. They are insightful and very appreciated.

[@AndrewEtmus]

Thank you for doing this video! This was immensely encouraging. I got a few great theology books for Christmas, and my wonderful wife is always reminding me to make sure the knowledge of theology doesn’t puff up my pride. Lord willing, I’ll be able to read through Berkhof’s Systematic Theology.

[@rosslewchuk9286]

Very beneficial closing comments regarding assurance! Thank you!🙏✅📖

[@Tricorncitizen]

Thanks for doing these

[@craig3540]

Great video! Excellent advice and guidance. thank you!

[@jaraldo6177]

This is probably the best video on this channel.

[@kurtk8926]

Fabulous!

[@ysobel14517]

It's only too much theology if it's cutting into your time reading Dickens, Austen, Bronte, etc. One must have proper balance in their reading. 🥰

[@kurtk8926]

Amen!

[@aaronhendricks2039]

Very wise and measured advice Pastor Matthew. Thank you for sharing with us.

[@scafatiguitars9472]

Lots of helpful, practical advice here. Thanks!

[@standinthegap7]

Pastor Matthew, thank you for your balanced videos. I lean Eastern Orthodox/Catholic in theology, but I love watching your content.

[@TheScholarlyBaptist]

thanks for this 👍.

[@LucasAndradeHD]

This channel is a blessing

[@BGID7]

"His name is Stanley Jones from Wichita..." 😂😂😂

[@mrbuck1911]

Knowledge puffeth up.

[@marydoyle6254]

Hi Pastor, Thank you so much for another fab video. I also love theology. My problem is my faith is unquestionable but I am struggling where to belong. I study with the KJV and the ESV but have hit a plateau so any advice would be greatly received and considered 🙏🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 much respect from Scotland.

[@napoleon2009ful]

muy agradecido por la instruccion y muchas bendiciones

[@youngrevival9715]

I would like to hear some thoughts on N. T. Wright. All i ever hear from reformed guys is “dont take hermeneutics to serious” or reference 1600 century issues instead of 1st century issues.

[@BramptonAnglican]

Great video.

[@MansterBear]

I read whatever my BIAY plan is, then read whatever we're covering in 'family bible time' that night. Then read whatever book I'm reading. Sometimes I don't have time to get to the book, but that's ok. For years I've had the problem of planning to read tons of books, and then never reading any of them. There's been times I've went an entire year without reading a full book (shame... I know). This year I made a plan to read 1 book per month. I even made an excel sheet with EVERY book I'm interested in reading (or have already bought but not read). I set a "priority" through the top 15 or 20, then sorted so they're at the top. Then I made a "pages per day" column and divided the # of pages by 30, so I know I need to read X number of pages per day to complete it in 30 days. I know 1 book per month is laughable to some people, but I have to start somewhere. So today I will read Gen 16-18, we're in Acts ch. 5 for family bible time (i usually do more of a study, cross references, etc for this reading), then I'll read a minimum of 5 pages in 'Reforming Marriage' by Doug Wilson for this month's book. It is a short book, so it's only 5 pages per day, and I usually read 10+, but then I also have days I haven't been able to get to it. I'm still on pace to be done early, but I know at the minimum I need to be on page 100 by the 20th etc.

[@michealferrell1677]

Read one of the great confessions : WCF, 2LCF, SD

[@jimmu2008]

Can you help me out with these acronyms. 2nd London Confession, Westminster Confession, and ???

[@michealferrell1677]

@@jimmu2008 savoy declaration

[@michealferrell1677]

@@jimmu2008 they are mostly the same document and show the great unity among the Presbyterian, congregational and Baptist in the 17th century

[@hewziheng4587]

@michealferrell1677 @jimmu2008 Hey as a Dutch Reformed church represent 😉I just wanted to say don't forget about the great continental confessions! The HC (Heidelberg Catechism), BC (Belgic Confession) and CD (Canons of Dort). They are same in content as the WCF but a lot more pastoral in its presentation of doctrine. Let your heart be warmed by the comfort and assurances of Christ that's nicely summarised in these 3 documents!

[@michealferrell1677]

@@hewziheng4587 yes 👍 I read these also ! There is a baptized version of the HC that we Baptist use . There is real unity in doctrine among us in the Reformed community surrounding these great confessions.

[@stephentruman382]

Hi Matthew. I Found your Channel within the last month, and it’s been a great benefit to me. I’m from Penn Hills just East of Pittsburgh. I spent most of the last two years on the mission field in Leipzig, Germany, although I haven’t taken any accredited courses. I’m currently in a 10 week online hermeneutical course from TMS. I’m thinking about taking, or auditing a class at RPTS starting in the next semester, but not sure if that would be the best option for me.

[@MatthewEverhard]

Yes! Absolutely. Give me a call or call the seminary and mention me specifically.

[@stephentruman382]

Sure that would be good. What times would be be best available to you?

[@Cdubs24]

@@MatthewEverhardhello

[@impish22]

I would love to hear your thoughts on the recent Alistair Begg kerfuffle. He suggested that it was a good idea and even recommended someone to attend a transgender wedding and also bring a gift to the wedding to show that they were not a judgmental Christian. I have always enjoyed Alistair Begg's preaching and found it very sound, but that kind of suggestion could cause many to stumble, I would think. There has been a fair amount of discussion recently about this in the community.

[@ThePowerminer11]

I saw redeemed zoomer did a theologians tier list. Would be cool if you did that :)

[@Savedbygrace22]

I have seen people in the comments say the only thing they read is the Bible and to read the confessions or theology is sinning by putting them on par with scripture. Besides the fact we believe scripture has primary and ultimate authority, in this way of thinking the apostle Paul would be guilty of this as he quotes the poet Epimenides in Acts 17:28 which means he’s reading something besides the OT. 🤷‍♀️

[@ardiem5168]

The role of a Christian author to student should be like a mentor. They should be attempting to disciple you. The goal is to guide you along the path towards spiritual maturity so that you can be confident in the Gospel and a well-equipped ambassador. The problem is it may be hard or even impossible to interact directly with an author (they may be deceased). The danger of of spending all one's time in a book is that you need to interact with someone who knows you and can lovingly guide you. You need a mentor that you can spend time with and then use books to supplement. You need someone who can assess where you are still weak in understanding and suggest things to work on. Find a church that is serious about discipleship. By serious I mean they have a goaled process. Many churches talk about discipleship and how important it is but fail to use a curriculum. They may teach you many things you need to know but there is no structured path to progress from point A to B and beyond.

[@MCGaar]

If you read more theology books than you read the word of God itself it’s probably time to ask yourself and to ask God if you read too many theology books

[@uganda_mn397]

hey matthew, i know you had a talk with redeemed zoomer a while back and i wanted to ask what you think about redeemed zoomer's opinion on salvific baptism?

[@PaulMattoon-d2c]

I’ve asked myself the same question. It’s logical.

[@Froto1976]

If I may ask, I wanted to know of some good reputable books on textual criticism to start with? I'm not ignorant of textual criticism, I've been studying online, and videos and such but would like to have a physical book in my hands. Thanks. Love all your videos.

[@supersmart671]

Hello dear brother Mathew. You mention about something becoming an idol. How does one know for sure that something/someone has become an idol? When I try working hard there is something inside of me saying that, "You are making work your idol" and if I make sure that leave on time from office, I get this thought that "I am a slacker", how do I know when is something/someone is becoming an idol?

[@WaterMelon-Cat]

He thought the beard would make him more like Dr. Cooper 😝

[@PastorDavidBess]

Where do we submit questions for you to consider answering?

[@brandonvaara4060]

At our church in Seattle area we have a lot of new Christians, many of whom have no church background. We are giving them an ESV study bible and encouraging them to read John and Romans. There are a lot of great extra biblical resources out there, and I get why people study people like Calvin, Wesley, Edward's, etc. But what the people really need is the word of God. Those other dudes are mere sinners, and their works are peppered with flaws. But the Word of God is alive and active. Best not to lift Calvin and company up on a pedestal. Spend the time reading God's word.

[@illustriouspics1]

Nice beard!

[@Silvercrypto-xk4zy]

Where can I get that shirt?

[@MatthewEverhard]

Right here: cassidycraftcorner.com/products/1740-spurgeon?_pos=1&_sid=84a6f1a1f&_ss=r

[@karlcooke3197]

Hi Mike, Our Heavenly Father has a Name, some Bible write their version of Elohim Name. My Point it is Our Father's Book, His word and man's tradition wants to replace His Name YHWH with LORD God 7000 times, isn't His Name, it's a Title. Translators can get the Hasatan Satan right, but not Father's Name. Sad, why is that. Karl

[@gravellegb]

What does Spurgeon have to do with tobacco?

[@arlibrarian]

Spurgeon liked to smoke cigars.

[@heartonthecross]

@MatthewEverhard Hey pastor, someone else is impersonating your account. They commented on my comment to you on your post from 2 months ago when you had your accident asking for money. I tried reporting it but I can’t figure it out. Just looking out and hoping you can report it. ❤

[@heartonthecross]

I sent you a screenshot on messenger

[@jimmu2008]

I had this too. Whoever it is, posted an identical comment on R. Grant Jones's channel a few monthsago. I reported it as spam.

[@MatthewEverhard]

Thank you so much for reporting!

[@heartonthecross]

@@jimmu2008 I tried reporting as an impersonator but it’s saying Pastors channel doesn’t exist? Idk what’s up with that. I did check the spelling tho and had it right

[@Yesica1993]

I get that message sometimes too, when reporting these impersonators. I don't understand it either. @@heartonthecross

[@williamnathanael412]

ALL CAPS MATTER! ALL CAPS MATTER!

[@troyhanson2814]

Isn't repenting of your sins a work?

[@dimitartodorov4826]

It is a work. And we are commanded to do this work. Faith isn't mere belief alone but faithfulness also.

[@jameswilson5621]

Repentance is a human activity, and in that generic sense, work, but it isn't a meritorious work in a theological sense. Also, from a Reformed perspective, repentance follows the Holy Spirit's work of regeneration and giving of the gift of faith.

[@troyhanson4730]

​@@jameswilson5621 So what about the guy in 1 Corinthians 5:5 Paul makes it clear he is saved and yet he's still living in sin.

[@hp7093]

All I need is to fear GOD where there is communication with the HOLY SPIRIT and a KJV bible. That’s all I need in this life

[@yahuntersmndss107]

(Wo)Man’s theology isn’t necessary if you treasure the word(s) itself… It can be just as helpful as it can be destructive. Entropy can tell you where theology leads…

[@jimcampbell3289]

Nonsense! EVERYONE does theology! It is just that some do it better and more consistently and actually use their brains!

[@yahuntersmndss107]

I mean I said it can be helpful or destructive. You said some are better than others. Either way I’m sure we agree the main point the actual word is king

[@nb4mt]

I once had a close “Christian” friend who literally said that if I study too much, my brain will collapse…not kidding, and that the study of the scriptures is not important because it should be “a heart thing” . While I understand their perspective of the dangers of spiritual pride, it is also prideful to think one does not need to do anything and to look down on those who study and balance bible reading simultaneously.

[@Yesica1993]

I've heard similar comments. It's baffling to me. God tells us to love Him with all our MINDS, as well! I strongly suspect that the people most vocal about this aren't actually reading their Bibles al that much. I think they don't like to read, in general, so they look down on anyone who does.

[@mikedmarquez]

Thank you for the video. I always tell friends when reading theology one must put on their gospel glasses and always put the cross work of Christ in light of what they’re reading and reading scripture at the same time. Thanks again.