The Systematic Theology and Sermons of Paris Reidhead
Pastor Reidhead’s systematic theology and sermons consist of eight (8) themes that lead the believer through the three phases of building a God-centered life. Each theme is complete with thematic analysis, Greek word studies, conceptual visualizations and a sermon series. Every sermon provides the following: a short description; a summary of the sermon; corresponding scripture verse; up to 8 key learning principles; audio recording; transcript of the sermon in PDF format.
The Character of God: Holiness and Law
Foundation: Character of God
The Character of God is the bedrock, the starting point in building a God-centered life. The focus here is on the Holiness of God and His Sovereignty.
Believers are called to think and use their minds in an understanding of the Word of God and to know the God we serve. While God is loving and merciful, a foundational understanding of the character of God starts with His holiness, the Law and His righteousness. This is critical to understanding the doctrine of salvation and the ways of the Lord. This theme provides critical instruction and scripture references for the student.
What you will learn
The Argument: A "shrunken view of God" leads to a shallow faith. We must rediscover the "Majesty" and "Holiness" of God. The Law is "good if used lawfully"—to mirror God's character and expose man’s need.
Focus: Understanding the Nature and Majesty of the Creator.
Soteriology: So Great Salvation
Foundation: Essential Christianity
Soteriology is the biblical theology or doctrine of salvation. The word is derived from the Greek words soteria (salvation) and logos (word/study). This theme focuses on how God saves man through Jesus Christ's atonement and how all of salvation is a work of God, including repentance.
What you will learn
The Argument: Salvation is not a "decision" one makes to avoid hell; it is a supernatural "Awakening" followed by the "Implantation of Divine Life." It requires an unconditional surrender of the "Right to Self."
Focus: The legal and vital mechanics of the New Birth.
Pneumatology: The Resident Teacher
Foundation: Essential Christianity
Pneumatology is the doctrine of the Holy Spirit. It explores the person, nature, and works of the third member of the Trinity. It investigates the Spirit’s role in creation, regeneration, and sanctification, as well as spiritual gifts and the Spirit's influence on believers' lives. This theme helps the believer understand and de-mystify the Spirit of God. Walking and being led by the Spirit is God’s plan for every believer, so we may grow-up into the fullness of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
What you will learn
The Argument: The Holy Spirit is a Person, not an "it." He is the "Resident Teacher" who makes Christ a living reality. The "Filling of the Spirit" is a command for power in witness, not a badge of elite spirituality.
Focus: The Person, Fullness, and Witness of the Holy Spirit.
Theocentricity & Humanism
Foundation: Essential Christianity
Theocentricity and humanism represent two fundamentally different worldviews. Theocentricity (God-centeredness) is the perspective that God is the focal point, ultimate authority, and source of all life and purpose. Man exists to serve and glorify God. Humanism elevates man to the center of the universe. Here, God exists to serve and bless man. This theme helps you to discern the subtle ways and danger which results when humanism seeps into the thinking and lives of Christians.
What you will learn
The Argument: Humanism is the most subtle "poison" in the church. It makes man the end and God the means. True Christianity recognizes that God is the center of the universe and His glory is the only valid motive for existence.
Focus: Shifting the center of gravity from "What can God do for me?" to "What can I do for God?"
The Life of Victory: Identification with Christ
Foundation: Life to the Glory of God
The life of a Christian is not a series of “dos and don’ts.” It is not a ”decision” to live a certain religious or moral lifestyle. Every true Christian will meet the Living God who imparts His Spirit, the Spirit of Christ, into the believer. A miracle then happens, called the new birth, where we are given a new heart and holy desires. The believer is able to love the Lord with all his heart, mind, soul and strength. We receive the mind of Christ, grow into His image, and desire the holiness, righteousness, mercy, long suffering, and immeasurable love of our Father in Heaven. This theme helps the believer learn what it means to “renew” his mind and live out the reality of the “new man.”
What you will learn
The Argument: We do not gain victory by "trying harder." We gain victory by "reckoning" (counting) on the historical fact that when Christ died, we died with Him. The "Old Man" is crucified; the "New Man" reigns.
Focus: Practical sanctification through the Cross.
Missions & Witness: The King’s Business
Foundation: Life to the Glory of God
Every true believer is called to proclaim the light of God’s glory. That light, at the very least, is our testimony of what the Lord has done to us and in us. We are witnesses of the glorious revelation and salvation of Jesus Christ in our lives. And in giving our testimony, by the will of God, we proclaim His glory. This theme covers these essential truths and the purpose of a personal witness and missions.
What you will learn
The Argument: Missions is not "doing God a favor"; it is "giving the Lamb the reward of His suffering." Every believer is an "Ambassador" with a "Ministry of Reconciliation."
Focus: The Great Commission and the motive for evangelism.
Ecclesiology & Fellowship: The Body in Order
Foundation: Life to the Glory of God
Ecclesiology is the theological study of the Christian Church, focusing on its origin, nature, structure, and mission. In the Book of Revelation, we learn that some churches can go astray, to great consequences. This theme helps the student understand that a Christian church is not a building on the corner, but the Body of Christ governed by Jesus Christ.
What you will learn
The Argument: The church is a "Living Organism," not a social club. It must be governed by the direct "Lordship of Christ" and maintained through "Walking in the Light" with one another.
Focus: The corporate life and government of the Church.
Eschatology: The Return of the King
Foundation: Essential Christianity
Eschatology is the area of theology concerned with "last things," such as death, the end of the world, the afterlife, and final judgment. It comes from the Greek eschatos, meaning "last", and focuses on the culmination of God’s plan. This theme helps the believer “be ready,” according to the scriptures, for the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
What you will learn
The Argument: The end times are characterized by "Great Apostasy" (humanism in the church) and "Strong Delusion." The believer must live in "Watchful Readiness," occupied with the King's business until He returns.
Focus: Prophecy, Judgment, and the Consummation of All Things.