Thoughts from last night

Don't speak vaguely. Define the words and expressions that you use. Ambiguities are to be avoided.

RC Sproul talks a bit about "studied ambiguities" in a book of his "Getting the Gospel Right." These are intentional ambiguities that allow us to agree with one another. The subject is a written agreement decided on by Catholics and Evangelicals that is left deliberately vague at certain points so that both parties can sign it. This is not unity, but the illusion of unity. In the same way, vaguely worded spiritualisms make us feel good but are not true spirituality.

So define the things you are talking about. If you say "live by faith" make sure that you can define what you mean by that. What do you mean by that?

Don't take men's names. Don't join parties.

Don't be afraid of any Scripture. If it doesn't fit into previous thoughts, don't slice it and dice it so that it does! People do this all the time. Integrate your theology constantly, as you read the Word.

Don't use commentaries except to center your interpretation historically.

What is faith? What is love? What is hope?

Don't join a fad. Don't be deceived. Know that false teachers will come.