Sunday Review: Upside Down Theology

Today at Coastal Oaks Church in Rockport, we began a 2-week Bible study series called “Upside Down Theology”. I would like to thank all who prayed for me in the days leading up to this Sunday’s Worship Celebration at Coastal Oaks as all went smooth and God presence was among us.

As we continue this series next week, I thought it would be good to jot down a few notes/thoughts from my end that might help to reinforce the ideas from Scripture we established this morning. Remember, we’re studying paradoxical statements in Scripture, so here’s the definition of a paradox according to dictionary.com: a statement or proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd, but in reality expresses truth. Here’s my thoughts…

1. Man’s “wisdom” is complete non-sense to the holy and sovereign Creator God of the Universe. It is quite possible the greatest offense and most supreme form of foolishness to Him.
2. Isaiah 55:8-9 (NLT) – 8/“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. 9/For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.”
3. Many people in many churches struggle to make their relationship with Jesus Christ their 1st priority, quite possibly from a genuine lack of understanding, though few would confess to such.
4. The inner struggle to invest in eternal things rather than temporal things is one that will (and should) consume your life.
5. That same struggle speaks directly to our greatest need – an eternal God who offers eternal life for those who will deny the temporary things of this life and be rewarded with The Everlasting.
6. When we teach our children competition over service and sacrifice, we teach them what is directly contrary to the teachings of Jesus Christ. Your child’s eternal life is worth more than a trophy or a string of 1st place finishes!
7. I wish I had more time to spend with my Dad. We had some great dad/son trips and outings when I was younger and built some incredible Pinewood Derby cars!
8. Worship at Coastal Oaks Church is incredible! I love the times when we as brothers and sisters in Christ coming from a myriad of backgrounds and life experiences can lift up and exalt His name together and be changed by His presence.

Be sure to join us next week as we continue the series, Upside Down Theology, at 11:00am at Coastal Oaks Church. Directions to COC are available on the Contact page, click the iPhone-looking map icon. Hope to see you there!