Systematic theology has been something I’ve had a love/hate relationship with since seminary.  I love all theology because it is about eternal truth.  There are three types of theology which I love in this order:  Biblical theology, historical theology, and systematic theology. 

             Biblical theology asks the question, “What does the Bible say?” As straightforwardly as possible it lists what the Scripture says.  It does its best not to impose logic, tradition, preference, or the personal into the expression of theology.  It prefers Biblical words to non-Biblical words.  Historical theology is simply a study of the record of what the church and churches have said about God, church, man, etc., down through the ages.  Systematic theology is an attempt to create a structure for theology that does not exist in Scripture and is too much the product of human organization of thought.

 I’ve heard people say the Bible is a systematic book, but it is evident that if it were, they wouldn’t have to make that defense.  The Bible is a relational book and has some of the loose ends all relationships do, even being an infallible, inerrant book.  It demonstrates God’s love for the world through story, law, poetry, gospel, letters, etc., but in no part does it resemble a systematic theology for long.  Therefore, it is by design not systematic. 

 You may be a person who isn’t interested in this and may see it as a preacher argument, but I assure you most of the wrong turns the church has taken have been done in the name of systematic theology.  Most of the corrections have been through a return to Biblical theology.  This is a caution and an interesting point (I hope) for those of you who are students of our faith.

            This week it was my privilege to go to Astor, Florida, and give the eulogy for the recent passing away of my college roommate Bob.   It was a very satisfying visit to be able to spend valuable time with his wife Lani, and their son Robbie.   The experience of losing Bob has been one of sadness and grief, and yet, I have a profound sense of satisfaction and peace about it.  Let me tell you why.

             This was the second person in my life – my dad being the other – that I could tell I was going to lose before it happened. Under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, I asked myself, “What will you regret having not done or said if you lose him?”  With my dad, there were enough things I wanted to do that I needed to write them down, and then I made sure I did them.  With Bob, it was a list I didn’t need to write down. 

     While it is  sad to lose Bob, it is not crushing.  God has arranged life so we are not in control of all the things we’d like to be in control of.  Part of finding peace is trusting Him with that.  This may be something you can file away, and as you move through experiences like this in life, you’ll be able to ask yourself that question and then follow through and do it.  I don’t know when I’ll get that fateful call, but it probably won’t be long.  Be in prayer for his family.  He’s been a wonderful friend, and when I look at our church, I think his faithfulness in college is part of what made this possible.