Part 1 Intro:: "What is Theology?" & Chapter 1:: "Why Should I Care?"

Well hello Ladies! You have been on my mind this weekend and I am ecstatic that you guys have joined us for this journey! I could not be more delighted to be spending winter break with you. There’s just nothing like doing something like this TOGETHER. When we go solo, the temptation to set a goal aside when it gets confrontational or challenging can be almost too much to resist. The accountability and community you can experience in a group with a common objective like this can make the difference between really doing the thing or wishing you had.

Opening the blog yesterday, I was pleasantly surprised to find that Kendra had so kindly introduced me. I nearly fell off the couch I was laughing so hard! Yes, it is true... I just so happen to have "Bieber Fever"! Though it is mostly just a joke, I've never enjoyed a more fun way of starting conversation with middle schoolers (my husband just so happens to be the Youth Director at Cornerstone)!!

I thought I'd also share a recent, rather flattering, picture of Kendra and I from the TSC Fall Retreat Dance. Purty, huh? Just in case you are under the impression that women who love God can’t have fun, stick around a while. We’d be delighted to help change your mind!

Working alongside and being friends with Kendra over the past year has not only been FUN, but an answer to prayer. She is a constant encouragement, always pointing me to Jesus and the truth of scripture. We also happen to share MANY of the same hobbies including Pinterest, cooking, baking, sewing, reading, organizing and decorating (just to name a few!).

Fortunately, you didn't come here to just learn about us, so let's jump into Part 1 & Chapter 1. If you haven't read Part 1 & Chapter 1, go ahead and do so! After you're done, please spend some time focusing in on these questions and jotting down your responses in your journal...

Part 1 Intro: What is Theology?

1. Do you tend to view the Bible as two separate tracks (1. Simple, practical, everyday application stuff for the average Christian 2. Higher level of spiritual study reserved for pastors and seminary graduates)? Describe how the Intro to Part 1 challenges this type of thinking. 
2. How were you encouraged and challenged personally by Wendy's description from Question 1? Spend some time praying that the Lord would continue to encourage you towards knowing Him more deeply. 

Chapter 1: Why Should I Care?

1. "Theology" can seem like a big, heady word. In your own words, explain what it means and why you should care. 
2. What is wise, practical daily living preceded by? How does this challenge how you've studied the bible in the past? 
3. Wendy mentioned a variety of verses. Which one about wisdom sticks out to you the most? Why? Write it down, spend some time thinking even more deeply about it, and memorize it! 
4. Wendy describes "the priesthood of Christ". Explain what this means and why it should make a difference when we think about the study of theology. 
5. Close your time by thinking about Ephesians 1:17-20 (it often helps me to write it down). Pray this scripture over yourself, inserting your name...

"I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, would give ______ a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him..." 

Kendra & I will also be praying these very verses over you and ourselves. I'm delighted to be on this journey with you and to have even more discussion about what He teaches us!