I'm not a monotheist...pt.4

Unfortunately, to many Christians the doctrine of the trinity is irrelevant to life. A.W Tozer states that "A right conception of God is basic not only to systematic theology, but to practical living as well."
Here are some practical implications from the doctrine of the trinity.

1. Practicing the presence of the Triune God
-'Mere Monotheists' is what theologian Karl Rahner once observed about most Christians.
- However, when we understand the Trinitarian nature of God, we see prayer and worship, for example as God's own movement within his people bringing them into fellowship and giving them knowledge of himself. (C.S Lewis, Mere Christianity)


2. Relating to others in love like that of the Trinity
- The triune God is the perfect expression of the self-giving, mutually submissive nature of love for which we were made. Within the trinity we see the example of persons completely open to one another, transparent, moving with a single will and mind.
- When there is conflict within the church, we are denying the trinity. We are to be more Christ like, more selfless, as Christ is a member of the trinity.

3. THe deepest roots for a missionary theology
- The nature of the Church's task in the world is defined by the nature of the Christian's God. Every function is to be missional, to be like the triune God, who is in constant motion with the lost and broken. As the Father sent him, He sent us. As the triune God extended fellowship with us, we are to extend that same fellowship with others.

4. Personal relationship with the God of Scripture
- When Yahweh promised his people there would come a future time of restoration when His people would "know his name" (Is 52:6), he was reiterating an important biblical understanding of salvation. To know the living God, to call upon his name, to know his name are all descriptions of salvation as being in proper relationship with the Creator.
- In the revelation of God that Jesus brought us, we know the name of the living God is "Father, Son and Spirit" (Matt 28:19).
- To reject the trinity, is to reject the God whose name is triune, the God who saves, the God who took Israel out of bondage. To dishonor the son is to dishonor the Father (John 5:23, 12:26). Salvation is knowing God's name, 3-in-1. What God do you have a relationship with?

The trinity to say the least, amazes me. I've been thinking about it more and more. I believe this has made me think differently about serving the church and others. I need to live a Christ-like life that exemplifies the trinity, through how I love, how i serve, how i put others ahead of myself, how I extend fellowship, all to live more like the God I follow. A 3 in 1 God whom I worship with all reverence, yet remember he is close within me, pressing upon my heart.

Think about it.