Sproul and MacArthur are my primary tutors for Bible study. As the years go by, and I face more challenges with people who hold different interpretations of scripture, being patient and loving toward them goes a long way toward maintaining respect and the bond of unity we must strive for with our brethren.
In addition to being a thoughtful theologian, Sproul was an academic philosopher and was greatly influenced by Augustine of Hippo, who, I'm sure you know, was a brilliant 5th Century theologian and philosopher. In my opinion Augustine got some things quite wrong, with detrimental impact to the interpretation of eschatology and to Israel; and if one studies him, it is relatively easy to spot how his influence bled into Sproul's theology. Don't get me wrong, I dearly love Sproul and value many of his teachings, but I align more with MacArthur's biblical interpretations. They are more accurate, in my opinion, and are less overshadowed by 'man's wisdom.'
More than ever before we are divided by our interpretation of scripture and doctrine. If people would diligently and prayerfully study the Word, rather than listen to ignorant, or willfully deceptive teachers, the divisions would lessen. But we are too late in the age to turn the tide, and God graciously revealed it would be exactly like this in our times.
We are fortunate to have such strong pillars, but they are after all still human. Even the best teachers hand down more than they realize, which is exactly why the Bereans were commended for checking Paul. Always glad to see your name in the comments; you consistently add something worth thinking about.
Well, he gets it now haha. I have an RC Sproul Study Bible I read 4 years ago in a year. But I skipped Revelation in that Bible, I knew it would only aggravate me and I love Sproul so much I didn't want to feel like that, LOL.
Agreed, I wonder where I'm off and ask the Lord to show me. He has given me a good measure of discernment so it's easy to think I've got it figured out, but that can't be true, pride goes before a fall. However, this week He showed me something He is doing that I didn't see before; His insights thrill me beyond words! He is so patient.
Kay, that means more coming from you than from almost anyone. You and Milan handed us the gospel when we had nothing, and everything since has grown out of that. Thank you.
Very thoughtful commentary Thad.
Sproul and MacArthur are my primary tutors for Bible study. As the years go by, and I face more challenges with people who hold different interpretations of scripture, being patient and loving toward them goes a long way toward maintaining respect and the bond of unity we must strive for with our brethren.
In addition to being a thoughtful theologian, Sproul was an academic philosopher and was greatly influenced by Augustine of Hippo, who, I'm sure you know, was a brilliant 5th Century theologian and philosopher. In my opinion Augustine got some things quite wrong, with detrimental impact to the interpretation of eschatology and to Israel; and if one studies him, it is relatively easy to spot how his influence bled into Sproul's theology. Don't get me wrong, I dearly love Sproul and value many of his teachings, but I align more with MacArthur's biblical interpretations. They are more accurate, in my opinion, and are less overshadowed by 'man's wisdom.'
More than ever before we are divided by our interpretation of scripture and doctrine. If people would diligently and prayerfully study the Word, rather than listen to ignorant, or willfully deceptive teachers, the divisions would lessen. But we are too late in the age to turn the tide, and God graciously revealed it would be exactly like this in our times.
We are fortunate to have such strong pillars, but they are after all still human. Even the best teachers hand down more than they realize, which is exactly why the Bereans were commended for checking Paul. Always glad to see your name in the comments; you consistently add something worth thinking about.
Amen, and thank you Thad. I am always on the watch for your messages!
Agreed. I tell people that Sproul is great on almost everything except end times and there he is very wrong.
If a great mind like his can be wrong, It does me make me wonder where my errors lie. Humbling.
Well, he gets it now haha. I have an RC Sproul Study Bible I read 4 years ago in a year. But I skipped Revelation in that Bible, I knew it would only aggravate me and I love Sproul so much I didn't want to feel like that, LOL.
Agreed, I wonder where I'm off and ask the Lord to show me. He has given me a good measure of discernment so it's easy to think I've got it figured out, but that can't be true, pride goes before a fall. However, this week He showed me something He is doing that I didn't see before; His insights thrill me beyond words! He is so patient.
You and Sharon played it forward very well. That’s the best response we could hope for and I’m sure there will be a lot of stories to share in heaven!
Thad, it makes my heart happy to see you have become a mature man in Christ!
Kay, that means more coming from you than from almost anyone. You and Milan handed us the gospel when we had nothing, and everything since has grown out of that. Thank you.
You and Sharon have played it forwards well. Lots of stories to shared in heaven someday.