Reflection Essay TKing L33156273
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Dec 6, 2023
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Reflection Essay
BS: Accounting & Data Analysis, Liberty University
THEO104: Introduction to Theology Survey (D10)
Dr. Richard Lumadue
August 18, 2023
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Reflection Essay
Reflecting on theology studies, I found the biblical metanarrative is the final piece needed
to understand the story of God’s purpose thoroughly. I understood the metanarrative assignment
combined rather than other assignments that are in sections. The Creation, Fall, Redemption, and
New Creation guidance easily interpreted God’s plan for humanity. God’s unconditional love for
His creation is “intentionally living life on a mission for Jesus and for God’s glory” (Etzel &
Gutierrez, 2014, p. 194). Humanity’s acceptance of Jesus brings hope and fulfillment worldwide.
Study, worship, and fellowship are the beginning of our walk with the Lord, but the most
important is an intimate relationship with God; as we allow the Holy Spirit to guide our walk, we
essentially allow God’s gift to shine through us, unlike “moralistic therapeutic deism” (Watch,
Week 3) where God is only there as a comforting role, no intimate role in one’s life. Through
“sanctification we are set apart” (Etzel & Gutierrez, 2014, p. 127) from sin, allowing God to
connect with us and help us transform for our future life with Him. “Serving God as we live our
lives” (Etzel & Small, 2016, p. 153) requires us to fulfill our responsibilities as His disciples and
build His Kingdom.
Theology principles have allowed me the opportunity to “see through the work of the
Holy Spirit” (Watch, Week 5) as I interact with family, friends, and co-workers and “get rid of
false identities” (Etzel & Small, 2016, p. 154) recognizing that we all are different, yet long for
happiness, kindness, and grace in life. As a supervisor, it is a struggle not to go behind someone
and fix their errors; I remind myself to think of the following error. If I do not bring this error to
their attention, they will continue to make errors; an example of a theological sieve is that
“human personality is comprised of will” (Etzel & Gutierrez, 2014, p. 77). Communicating with
someone about errors takes understanding, knowing that we all struggle and need “motivation
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and encouragement” (Etzel & Small, 2014, p. 219) to complete the task effortlessly. This
communication provides a positive and rewarding work environment. “Always be open to what
God has to say to you at the moment He wishes to guide you in a particular area; God promises
to ‘never leave you nor forsake you’” (Etzel & Gutierrez, 2016, p. 129). Applying the theological
principles within my life, I continue to grow and learn God’s purpose.
As I reflect on theological studies within my circle of influence, I want to encourage them
to open their hearts and allow the Holy Spirit to guide them. Encouraging them to experience
positive changes in their life through “Christ we are forgiven of our sins” (Tyndale, 2015,
Romans 5:8, NLT). As we restore our relationship with God, we find hope, mercy, and
forgiveness, renewing God’s plan to build His kingdom. As they open their hearts, they
understand that “faith as a grain of mustard seed” (Tyndale, 2015, Matthew 17:20) guides their
walk, and the Holy Spirit provides the wisdom to overcome obstacles. As we humbly study
God’s Word and seek guidance through prayer and worship, we allow biblical interpretation to
shape our perspective and guide our actions. “We now have the power over sin, it is a moment-
by-moment choice” (Etzel & Gutierrez, 2016, p. 119) as we allow God to change us.
Experiencing the redemptive power of God’s plan for our lives allows us to fellowship and work
to build His Kingdom. Temptations may arise, but the Holy Spirit will lead our path if we
commit our ways to God and search for guidance with Scripture and prayer. “We must push on
toward Christlikeness” (Etzel & Small, 2014, p. 159).
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References
Dr. Etzel, Gabriel,
Watch: Moralistic Therapeutic Deism.
Liberty University Canvas.
https://canvas.liberty.edu/courses/457135/pages/watch-moralistic-therapeutic-deism?
module_item_id=54072424
Etzel, G. & Gutierrez, B. (2014).
Theology applied: A living faith.
Chattanooga, TN: B&H
Academic.
Etzel, G. & Small, R. N. (2016).
Everyday series: Theology
. Chattanooga, TN: B&H Academic.
New Living Translation. (2015).
New Living Translation
.
https://www.tyndale.com/nlt/
(Original
work published 1996)