Every year I pick a subject to spend the year studying. This year’s project has been The Doctrine of Revelation and it has been a great study thus far. I am being challenged and learning much as I read, investigate different perspectives, and analyze the Scriptures. It’s time, however, to start planning for next year’s project and whenever that time comes I have such difficulty in deciding the next subject.
Initially I had thought about studying linguistics. It’s something I have always been fascinated by and since undergraduate I haven’t given it much time. Then I decided I would study the life and works of Jonathan Edwards, a 17th century American Puritan theologian and philosopher. Then I shifted my focus to cultural theory and pop culture. The truth is that my interests are wide and my time is limited. I have finally, however, come down on a topic of study for next year: The Kingdom of God.
I don’t usually like to study something from the same category back to back. That is to say, since this year’s topic was from the category of theology I wanted to study something from sociology or history or something else. But one of my associate pastors has helped me decide on the Kingdom of God. As my interest and concern over discipleship continues to grow he commented that he thought this subject would help shape my interest in that subject. I think he’s right and so next year I will spend studying and analyzing from Scripture and key books the Doctrine of the Kingdom of God.
Book suggestions are welcomed as I begin to formulate my reading list and study guide. As with this year’s study topic, so I will be posting weekly on the subject next year and hopefully if any of you decide to study along we can have a great discussion. I will post details for the study soon.
Sparrow & Heart Soul Care 