It’s that time of the year where I start planning for what I am going to study next year. In 2024 I focused on a practical topic. I did a deep dive into a practical theology of friendship. It has been a rich study and has even resulted in a 12 week course for church (which starts this Wednesday). I have a grid which helps me select a topic. I rotate through four categories to help me diversify my studies every year: Biblical, theological, historical, and practical. My schedule says that it’s time for a Biblical or doctrinal focus and so I am considering several topics for more in-depth study next year. Here are some of the topics I am considering for 2025:
- The Doctrine of Common Grace – This is a doctrinal concept that has direct relevance to Biblical Counseling as we seek to wrestle with how Christian counselors should interact with secular research and counseling techniques. There’s also been a lot of great work done on the subject in recent years, particularly as more people have been rediscovering the Dutch Neo-Calvinists, who made major contributions to this doctrine. This has also been a subject of major debate within Biblical counseling in recent years as tensions among groups build.
- Ecological Theology – I had planned to do some reading on this subject this year, but never got around to it. I am interested in expanding my theological understanding of creation and the relationship between humanity and the environment. As our modern world wrestles both with the worship of and the abuse of creation a Christian theology of the environment is much needed.
- The Book of Jonah – I have read through Jonah plenty of times over the years. I’ve heard good sermons and even preached through the book myself once when I was a young preacher. It’s a short book and easy to read, but I’ve never done much in-depth study on it. I know that the book touches on a number of important themes like sin, grace, religious performance and true godliness, racism and nationalism, and judgment. I am intrigued to dive more deeply into the book.
- Eternal Subordination – This is a doctrine that I once held firmly. It was what I was taught and didn’t know, at the time, that there was any controversy around it. But now I am not so sure that it is the most accurate representation of Scripture and the best explanation of our Triune God. The doctrine has to do with the relationship of the Son to the Father in eternity. Further study is needed on my part to firmly draw a conclusion regarding this doctrine.
- The Book of Revelation – I have read Revelation through plenty of times, and certainly heard sermons on various parts of the book, but I have not ever done a thorough study of this important book of the Bible. My doctrinal position on Eschatology has changed multiple times over my life but a verse-by-verse exposition and a theological analysis of Revelation would certainly help sure up, clarify, or alter my position.
What do you think I should study? Maybe one of these topics strikes a chord with you, or maybe you have another topic that you think would be worth studying for the next 12 months. Share with me your thoughts.
Sparrow & Heart Soul Care 
The Book of Jonah
I would love common grace – when Robert was reading Bavinck this stuck out to him a lot and it seems like something that’s easy to overlook in the world around us. Charlotte Mason, whose method we follow in schooling, firmly believed in education for everyone -radical at the time- and that all knowledge was a gift of the Holy Spirit. She doesn’t use the term common grace but it was a cool moment when it clicked with me what she was describing.
I’d love the Eco one too….you’ve done a little reading of this already though, haven’t you? I’d definitely be reading along.
HI Dave,
As a person who loves creation, I would like to see you study Ecological Theology.
Since you asked—all of them are hugely intriguing with a bit of trepidation—but I think the eternal subordination is one I would like to understand better!
Stacey Preuss
Hope you and Krista are doing well! Looking forward to another seminar…
>
Hi, Dave; I like the Doctrine of Common Grace idea. I think there’s a ton there but it wouldn’t be difficult to narrow it down, and since you mentioned it, there is a great need for Christian and biblical counselors to educate themselves in “secular”/clinical counseling and research. I believe biblical counselors are largely resistant to interaction with secular research, which is unfortunate. Often biblical counselors purposefully separate themselves from clinical techniques and actually unknowingly cause harm rather than giving help. I’d choose Jonah second because of the opportunities to address hard subjects like racism, true godliness, and the other subjects you mentioned. You could probably write a good book! Ecological theology might be too limited unless you love politics (I think it would go there.) Eternal subordination is too nerdy for your audience (sorry, I do feel for you.) The book of Revelation is too much to tackle in a year. I’ve studied Revelation three times. Once was about a year-long study but was shallow. The other two times were at least two year studies. It’s a great idea but not good within your time frame. Looking forward to whatever you pick. I’ve enjoyed the friendship study and have purchased a few of the books you reviewed. I’m sure the class will be a good one!