The Open Word: Recent Episodes
Alan L. Schafer
Jacob, fleeing his brother's wrath, makes his way north to Padan-Aram to stay with his uncle Laban. On his way, he has his dream of a ladder to heaven, and a confirmation from Yahweh that he is the one through whom the Abrahamic Covenant will flow. Jacob, know as a conniver, meets his equal in Laban, a conniver himself, who tricks Jacob into marrying Leah over Rachel, who bore him four sons: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah.
In this session, we pick up the account of Jacob and Esau. Since Esau was the oldest, the blessing of the firstborn would normally belong to him. However, with Rebekah's help, Jacob was able to trick Isaac into giving him the blessing of the firstborn. This subterfuge so enraged Esau that he vowed to kill Jacob after Isaac's death, which prompted Rebekah to send Jacob to Padan-Aram to her brother Laban.
Genesis 25–26 covers the life of Isaac and Rebekah. We read of the death of Abraham, the birth of Jacob and Esau, and Isaac's sojourn in Gerar. Interestingly, the life of Isaac is only recorded in three chapters in Genesis, which makes him the least known of the three Patriarchs. However, the Bible sees him as a man of faith, and the link between Abraham and Jacob.
Genesis 24 contains the account of Abraham obtaining a wife for his son Isaac. Unlike Ishmael, Abraham desired that Isaac have a son from their kindred, not from the land as was the case with Ishmael. As a result, he sends his oldest servant, who many believe to be Eliezer, back to where Abraham's brother, Nahor, lived to find a wife from his family.
In Genesis 24 we find a shift from Abraham as the main character to Isaac. Of all three of the patriarchs, we know the least about Isaac. Nevertheless, he was the bridge from Abraham to Jacob, and the conduit through which passed the Abrahamic blessing.
In Genesis 22 we find the account of Abraham's test of faith where he is told be Yahweh to offer Isaac on an altar as a sacrifice to Him. This was not because Yahweh did not know about Abraham's faith, but instead that Abraham would know of his faith. Of course, Yahweh spared Isaac, providing a lamb instead as a picture of Christ's substitutionary atonement for all humanity.
Genesis 20 records the background of the birth of Isaac. Due to a severe famine in the land, Abraham travels to Gerar where he encounters Abimelech, the king of Gerar. In order to cement a marriage alliance, Abimelech seeks to marry Sarah, as Abraham said she was his sister and not wife. God had to intervene, again, showing that even when we make a mess of things, He ensures things work out.
Genesis 18–19 records the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah along with the story of Lot and his family. Although Lot was what the Bible calls a righteous man, he is a prime example of what happens to oneself, and one's family, when exposed to a wicked culture.
In Genesis 17, when Abraham was 99 years old, the Lord appeared to him to reaffirm His covenant with Abraham. This reaffirmation concerned both the promise of a land, and the promise of an heir from the union of Abraham and Sarah. Additionally, the sign of circumcision was given to Abraham at this time, a ritual that every Jewish male had to have performed in order to be part of God's covenant people.
In Genesis 16, we find the account of the birth of Ishmael. Although Abraham is a man of faith, God's delay in providing an heir resulted in Abraham and Sarah taking things into their own hands. Using a legal option in that time, Sarah designated Hagar to have a child in her name. Ishmael was born when Abraham was about 86 years old, and is the father of the Arabic nations. The conflict between the descendants of Ishmael and Isaac continue to this day.
In Genesis 14, we are introduced to Melchizedek, one of the more mysterious figures in the Old Testament. He blessed Abraham upon his return from rescuing Lot, and later he is seen as a type of Christ's priesthood in Psalm 110, and Hebrews 5 and 7.
In this session, we examine Genesis 12–13 in which we find the account of Abraham's journey to Canaan, his sojourn in Egypt, his return to the land, and his separation from Lot.
Starting in Genesis 11:27, the focus shifts from humanity in general to Abraham. After a brief introduction on the family tree of Abraham, Genesis 12 begins with his call while in Ur of the Chaldees in which Yahweh tells him to leave his father's homeland and go to a "land which I will show you." This general description of an undefined land will become more and more defined in subsequent chapters of Genesis, but Abraham's initial response of faith is what is in view, and which makes him the model of faith throughout the Bible.
Genesis 11:10–26 records the generations from Shem to the time of Abraham. What is interesting to observe is that Shem was alive during a significant time of Abraham's life. This would have allowed Abraham to have known Shem and been familiar with life before the flood.
We now turn our attention to Genesis 11, in which we find the account of the Tower of Babel. This occurred about four generations from Noah, when humanity most likely numbered between one and two thousand people. Instead of spreading out over the earth, humanity decided to stay together until God scattered them by confusing the languages. Also, Genesis 11 contains the generations from Noah to Abraham, setting up Genesis 12 in which God calls Abraham.
We examine Genesis 10 which lists the various nations and people groups that descended from Noah. These nations and people groups are seen throughout the Old Testament, and it is interesting and instructive to see how humanity spread out after the flood.
We now come to Genesis 9 and the end of the flood. Disembarking from the ark, Noah and his family were faced with a completely new world, unlike the one that existed just a little over a year earlier. Everything they knew, and everyone they knew, no longer existed, and now it was time for them to repopulate the world.
We continue our study on the Global Genesis Flood. There are a lot of evangelicals who deny there was a universal, global flood, instead seeing it a local flood only. In this study, we will continue to make the case that the flood of Genesis 6–9 was a global deluge, the effects of which are seen today.
We begin a multi-session study on the Global Genesis Flood. There are a lot of evangelicals who deny there was a universal, global flood, instead seeing it a local flood only. In this study, we will make the case that the flood of Genesis 6–9 was a global deluge, the effects of which are seen today.
We look at the descendants of Adam, as recorded in Genesis 5. The genealogies in this chapter connect the creation of Adam to the flood, a period of 1,651 years.
We continue our discussion of Cain and Abel along with the descendants of Cain as outlines in Genesis 4:17–24.
We continue our look at the fall of man as found in Genesis 3, with a focus on the results of the fall both on humanity and the creation.
Although the initial creation of the universe by God was good, it did not take long for sin to enter. We begin a discussion of the fall of mankind as found in Genesis 3, looking at the reasons for it as well as its implication on God's perfect creation.
We continue our discussion of the creation of man in Genesis Chapter 2. We look at the uniqueness of man's creation as we have been made in the image of God.
In this session we focus on the creation of Man, God's crowning achievement. Secular scholars and scientists want to make man nothing more than the end product of evolution - an intelligent primate. the Bible paints a much different picture. Man is made in the image of God, which sets him apart from all of the rest of creation.
We complete our study of creation week by focusing on Days 6 and 7. On day 6, God created the land animals and man, and on day 7 He rested from all His work. This was not the rest of exhaustion, but the rest of accomplishment.
In this session we examine the first five days of creation: the creation of night/day, the atmosphere and separation of the waters, the emergence of dry land and vegetation, the sun, moon, and stars, and the creation of insects, birds, and swimming creatures.
Although Genesis 1 goes to great lengths to portray the days of creation as literal 24-hour periods of time, many try to explain them away as long geological ages, or just figures of speech. In this session, we examine this question to show that the best way to view the days of creation as literal 24-hour days.
One of the common arguments for an old-earth view is radioactive dating techniques. In this session we look at the top three: Uranium-Lead, Potassium-Argon, and Carbon-14. We examine the presuppositions of each of the models to show their respective weaknesses, and make the case that they are not reliable indicators of age.
For those who hold to a creationist viewpoint, one of the arguments is whether the earth is as old as evolutionary models believe, or if the earth is only about 6,000 years old, as a clear reading of the Bible would indicate. In this session we look at this debate to make the case that the biblical record of 6,000 years is congruent with the teachings of Scripture.
In the second session on the book of Genesis we explore various theories on the origin of the universe, including the Big Bang, Steady State, and Supernaturalistic views.
We begin a new series looking at the book of Genesis. In this session, we introduce the book, explore its background and importance in the canon of Scripture, and take a quick tour through it topics.
Paul finishes his conclusion to the book of Romans with some final exhortations regarding false teachers and those who cause division, followed by some final greetings to individual believers in Rome.
Paul continues his lengthy conclusion in Romans 16:1–16 by naming many of the people with whom he ministered and asks for greetings to be sent to them. Of note is Phoebe, whom Paul describes as a servant of the church in Cenchrea, the sister city of Corinth and the location that many think Paul wrote the letter of Romans from. Two other co-workers are noted, Priscilla and Aquila, who were fellow tent-makers and companions of Paul in Corinth.
Paul ends his letter to the Romans with an extended discussion of his plans to visit Rome along with personal greetings and a final exhortation. In this section of Scripture, he focuses on the first theme, that of his desire to visit Rome after taking aid to the saints in Jerusalem as the result of a famine in the late 50's AD (see 2 Corinthians regarding the collection he took for this relief effort). He then relates his desire to pass through Rome on his way to Spain, and closes with a request for prayer to be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea.
Paul continues his defense of his ministry to the Gentiles, proclaiming that he had faithfully carried out God's commission to him as the Apostle to the Gentiles, of which the church in Rome was a recipient.
In this short section of Romans, Paul speaks of his ministry to the Gentiles by quoting several passages in the Old Testament that speaks of God's blessings being poured out on Gentiles, not just the Jewish nation. The Jewish nation had assumed, wrongly, that they were the only recipients of God's blessings, however, God had never intended His blessings to end with Israel, but to encompass all people.
Paul encourages those who are strong in the faith to bear with the failings of the weak, not too see them as a burden. Christ did not come to please Himself, but to minister to others, and in the same way those who are strong believers are to help those weaker or more immature in their faith as an act of love to them so that together both the strong and weak may glorify God.
We complete our look at Romans 14 by examining the responsibility we have to not cause our brothers and sisters in Christ to stumble over those things that are no essential. The central theme is that we are to consider others over ourselves, because what may be fine for us is sin for others since whatever we do that is not of faith and violates our conscience is sin.
We continue our look at Christian liberty in Romans 14 by looking at the freedom we have in Christ which is bounded by the reality that someday we will all stand before Him and give an account. Our actions in the gray areas are not going to be evaluated by other believers, instead they will be evaluated by Christ. So instead of comparing ourselves to others, we need to compare ourselves to Christ with the understanding that we will give an account to him someday.
How can a believer exercise their Christian liberty while at the same time considering those who still feel many things are off limits for believers? We continue our discussion of this important topic in Romans 14, in which Paul instructs those that are mature in Christ to not look down on others and pass judgment on them because they have not yet understood their freedom in Christ.
In Romans 14, Paul turns his attention to the exercise of personal liberties and disputes over doubtful things. We begin our study of this topic by introducing this concept and how to practice it in the body of Christ.
We complete our study of Romans 13 in which Paul exhorts his readers to be alert, because the night is gone and the day is at hand. It is no time to be complacent, rather it is time to put off the works of darkness, and put on the Lord Jesus Christ so that we can walk in the day.
Paul continues his discussion of Christian virtues by discussion the golden rule in Romans 13:8-10. He points out that we should owe no one anything, except to love them and consider others over ourselves. In fact, love is the fulfillment of the law. If we love our neighbors and God as we should, then keeping the Ten Commandments becomes a by-product of that love, and not a duty.
We continue our discussion of the Christian and government. Paul indicates that God has ordained government to provide stability in a society, and that the Christian is responsible to be submissive, pay their taxes, and show honor to those in authority.
We continue our discussion of the believer's response to governmental authorities by exploring the statement of Paul that all authorities, even those that are godless, are appointed by God and as such we are to be good citizens of whatever nation we find ourselves living in.
We begin a new section and topic in the Book of Romans which is the believer's response towards governmental authorities, even those that may not reflect a Christian worldview. This is an important topic, because the New Testament makes it clear that the believer is to be a model citizen, and is to obey governmental authority unless that authority specifically prohibits that which God commands.
Paul completes his discussion of our Christian duties by focusing on how we are to treat our enemies.
Having discussed our duties to ourselves and the family of God, Paul expands the circle in Romans 12:14–16 to all men. In these few verses, Paul packs a host of admonitions on how we are to treat others as representatives of Christ.
In the last part of Romans 12, Paul lays out Christian virtues in an expanding circle from personal duties to the family of God, then to all people, and finally to enemies. In this session we look at the first two circles, personal duties and duties to the family of God.
We continue our discussion of spiritual gifts as found in Romans 12:3-8. Spiritual gifts are given by the Holy Spirit to minister to others in the body of Christ, the Church, and it is the responsibility of all believers to identify their spiritual gift and use it.
In this session we begin a three-week discussion of spiritual gifts. All believers have a spiritual gift that is given to them to minister to the body of Christ. In this, and the next two sessions, we will look at what the New Testament teaches about spiritual gifts, identifying our spiritual five, and the necessity of exercising our spiritual gift for the good and health of the Church.
Romans 12 begins the practical section of Romans. After laying out God's plan of salvation, Paul now turns to practical applications. He begins by exhorting his readers to present themselves wholly to God as a living sacrifice, as this is the only reasonable act of worship given the many blessings God has bestowed on believers.
We finish Romans Chapter 11 by discussing Israel's ultimate salvation. Although the nation as a whole lives in rebellion against Christ - there is coming a day when their eyes will be open, they will be grafted back into the place of blessing, and receive all the promises God gave them in the Old Testament.
Paul continues his discussion of the future of Israel by referring to an agrarian illustration of an olive tree. The Gentiles have been grafted into the olive tree temporarily, and the natural branches removed. But there is coming a day when the natural branches will once again be drafted into the olive tree, just as Israel will someday be restored to the place of God's blessing.
One of the major questions debated my many theologians is the place of Israel in God's future plans. Paul addresses this directly by affirming that God is not done with Israel, but there is coming a day when once again they will take their place of blessing. God is currently working through the Church, but Israel has not been permanently set aside as their rejection of the Messiah is temporary.
Paul explains the national rejection of Christ by Israel by referring back to the teaching in the Old Testament about the remnant. He shows that God has always had a remnant, a small group of true believers. Israel's national rejection does not mean that every Jew rejected, because God always has a faithful few. However, because of the national rejection by Israel of their Messiah, their hearts have been darkened judicially by God. Because they would not believe, now they cannot believe.
Paul completes his discussion of Israel's rejection of Christ by quoting several passages from the Old Testament. He shows that just because Israel rejected Christ, that does not imply that the message of the Gospel is wrong or that Christ is not the Messiah, but rather the problem lies with the unbelief of Israel.
We continue our discussion of what it means to confess Christ. What does it mean to believe in one's heart? Is mere head knowledge sufficient, or is there something more? We will be exploring these questions as we look at verses 11–14 of Romans 10.
Romans 10:5–13 contains one of the clearest descriptions on how one appropriates salvation by placing one's faith in the finished work of Christ. In this session we look at the passage at a high level, focusing on what it means to confess Christ and believe in one's heart.
Paul bears his grief for his fellow Israelites who missed salvation by seeking to be justified by their works. His heart for them comes true when he says he almost could wish himself cursed for their sake. How did the Jews miss it salvation? It is because they rejected Christ for a righteousness of their own, a righteousness that can never save.
In Romans 9:30–33, Paul shows that the Jews who pursued a righteous by works missed the righteousness that God requires for salvation whereas the Gentiles, who pursued a righteous by faith, are the ones who received justification and salvation.
In this short section of Scripture, Paul makes the point that just because someone was an Israelite, that did not necessarily mean they were all part of the covenant and by extension redeemed. He brings up the idea of a remnant, a small number in Israel who were truly redeemed, and unless God had such a remnant, Israel would have gone the way of Sodom and Gomorrah.
Paul continues his discussion of God's sovereignty by turning to the illustration of a potter over the clay. As the potter, God has the right to choose those to whom He will show mercy, and leave others to their own sin. He closes this section with a quote from Hosea in which Paul shows that God has now included the Gentiles as part of His chosen people. Those who were formerly unloved, are now loved. And those who were formerly not God's people, are now his people.
Paul addresses one of the most controversial topics in our passage today: election. Paul confronts the belief that God is unfair, and makes the argument that God is not. Rather He is sovereign. Instead, God has the prerogative to show mercy on whom He will, and to show His wrath to the others.
Paul makes the argument that the problem that Israel as a whole has not believed is not because God's word or promise has failed, but that just because someone is descended from Abraham does not automatically make them a "true Israelite." Not every descendant gets an automatic pass. His illustration is Abraham had two sons, Isaac and Ishmael, but only one was the child of promise. Isaac had two sons, Esau and Jacob, but only one was the child of promise.
In Romans 9–11, Paul turns his attention to the question of the Jewish people. If Christ was their Messiah, and He was, then how is it that the Jewish nation missed it? Paul begins his discussion of this topic in Romans 9:1–5 by showing his true heart and concern for the Jewish people.
In Romans 8:31–39 we find one of the greatest assurances for the believer, that is their eternal security. Paul describes this security in terms that leaves nothing in the universe out, and that shows that those who have placed their faith in the Gospel are forever secure as nothing can separate them from God's love.
In this session we discuss one of the most hotly debates themes in all of Scripture, that of election, predestination, and the sovereignty of God in salvation. Romans 8:29–30 is a key text in understanding this debate. Although there is still an element of mystery surrounding this topic, there are some comforting truths to be examined in this text.
What does it mean that all things work together for good to those who love God and those who are called according to his purpose? In this session, we explore this promise that God sovereignly orchestrates all the experiences of the believer to bring about His eternal purpose and the believer's best interests.
One of the greatest ministries of the Holy Spirit is His intercessory work on behalf of believers. In this session we explore His intercession in the realm of prayer, where when we do not know for what we need to pray, He does, and intercedes on our behalf.
Paul continues his discussion of the redemption of nature when the Lord returns and those of us who are believers receive our glorified bodies. Nature is personified as a living thing that longs for that day, the day we receive our full adoption and the curse on the created order is lifted.
Perhaps one of the greatest illustrations Paul uses to describe our salvation is that of adoption. In Romans 8:15–17 Paul explores this metaphor, and shows the meaning and significance of what it means to be adopted as one of God's children. Not only does God become our Father, but we are co-heirs with Christ in His inheritance!
What does it mean to be led by the Spirit of God and what does that look like? In this session we examine Romans 8:12–14 in which Paul gives us the answer to these two important questions.
Having described the unbeliever, that is, one who lives according to the flesh, Paul now describes the characteristics of a believer. These are 1) they have the indwelling Holy Spirit, 2) the body of sin has been destroyed, and 3) someday the mortal will put on immortality.
In this session we examine Romans 8:5–8 in which Paul describes those who walk according to the flesh. There are some who see these as carnal believers, that is, believers who are living in sin, but it is best to see them not as believers, but as unbelievers.
We continue our examination of Romans 8 by looking at the freedom we have in Christ. Not only are we no longer under condemnation, but what the law could not do, Christ did for us. We could not meet the righteous requirements of the law, but Christ did! For those who place their faith in His finished work fulfill the righteous requirement as well, not because of what they have done, but because of what Christ did for them.
We begin what I believe to be one of the greatest chapters in the Bible - Romans Chapter 8. In this first session we discuss the wondrous truth that Christ has freed us from the principle of sin and death that Paul outlined in Romans 6-7. Because of this, we are no longer under condemnation!
Paul continues his struggle with indwelling sin by discussing the war that rages within each believer over their flesh, their unredeemed fallenness, and their new life in Christ, their desire to live holy. Thankfully, there is a resolution, which is in Chapter 8, but before the resolution can be appreciated, the struggle needs to be understood
In this passage of Scripture Paul describes his frustration of living the Christian life. The things he wants to do, he does not. And the things he does not want to do, he does. Why? It is because he is fleshy, and his fallen humanness does not allow him to do that which he wants.
We continue our examination of Paul's argument that just like a woman is free from her husband to marry another if her husband dies, so also we have died to sin so we can be joined to another, Christ. We are no longer under the bondage of sin, but now have new life in Christ.
We begin Romans 7 in which Paul makes the argument that the believer has been freed from sin so that we are no longer in bondage to our old master, which leads to death, but are free to server a new master, Christ, in which we now have new life in the Spirit. He uses the axiomatic truth of marriage, in which each member is bound to the other as long as that person is alive, but if their spouse dies they are free to marry another without being called an adulterer.
We complete our look at Romans 6 by looking at verses 20-23 in which Paul contrasts the wages of sin with the free gift of eternal life. Men may think that they are free in their sin, but Paul tells us that those who live in sin work hard to receive wages, which will result in eternal death. On the other hand, God offers a way to eternal life by the free gift of salvation in Christ.
We continue our discussion of Romans 6 by looking at several passages regarding our need to see ourselves as slaves to Christ and not slaves to our flesh.
In our continuing look at Romans 6, we find Paul asking the question in verse 15, "If we are under grace and not law, then can we continue to sin since, after all, we have been forgiven?" His emphatic answer is "NO!" Why? Because it is an axiomatic truth that we are slaves to that which we obey. We have been freed from sin to serve Christ, why would we want to continue to serve sin? The only response for a true believer is to not obey sin, but to obey Christ.
In this session we look at how our identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection has freed us from bondage to sin. We are no longer captive to sin, and due to our identity with Christ, we can now experience victory.
Paul continues his discussion of our union with Christ by showing that when Christ died, we died with him, and in doing so the power of sin has been broken in our lives. Sin has no power over those who are dead, and since we died with Christ, sin's power over us has been cancelled.
What enables us to have victory over sin? It is our union with Christ. In Romans 6:3, Paul begins a discussion on this topic by showing that our identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection has freed us from the tyranny of sin.
Romans chapter 6 and 7 deal with the issue of indwelling sin. Why is it that those who have been justified continue to struggle with sin? Does not the Holy Spirit give us victory over sin? In Romans 6:1-2, Paul answers those who believe that if God is glorified in showing grace to us when we sin, they why don't we really sin, so He can be really glorified?
One of the greatest hymns, in my estimation, is Grace Greater Than All Our Sin. In Romans 5:18-21 we read of God's grace, a grace than all of our sins. Some may think that they can sin so much that God gives up on them - but that is not possible. No matter what we have done, and no matter how many times we have failed Him, God's grace is greater.
The bad news that Adam's sin brought death to the entire human race is balanced by the good news that the death of Christ on the cross brings life to all who believe. All men are under the curse of sin but birth, but by placing one's faith in the finished word of Christ, the curse of sin is replaced by the free gift of eternal life.
In this session we explore the reality of sin after the fall of Adam and Eve. Paul makes the argument that even though there was no law prior to Moses, the fact that all men died proves the reality of sin.
We continue our look at the results of Justification in Romans 5. In this session we look at concept of reconciliation. We were once enemies of God and Christ, but by placing our faith in the finished work of Christ we are no longer enemies, but friends. Our relationship with God has been restored, which means we now have the assurance of salvation and the hope of eternal glory.
Paul, having shown that the concept of justification by faith was not a new doctrine, but in fact taught in the Old Testament by using Abraham and David as examples, now turns to the results of justification. In Romans 5:1-5, he lists several results of justification in the life of a believer: peace with God, access to the Father, an expectant joy, perseverance through suffering, a promise of maturity in Christ, and the love of the Holy Spirit which has been poured out in our lives.
We complete our study of Romans chapter 4 by examining the life of Abraham. Paul shows that Abraham was a model of justification by faith, and not works, which was directly opposite that of the view of the Jewish rabbis of Paul's day.
Paul continues his discussion of Abraham and David by showing that Abraham justified by faith long before he was circumcised. The Jews thought that circumcision was a means of justification, some rabbis even teaching that Abraham sat at the gates of hell and would not allow any circumcised Jew to enter. Circumcision was a major issue with the rabbis of Paul's day, and in this section of Scripture he shows that true circumcision is not that of the flesh, but of the heart.
Paul continues his discussion of justification by faith alone (sola fide) by looking at two Old Testament examples. The first is David, and the second is Abraham. Jewish rabbis taught both were justified by their works, but Paul masterfully uses the Old Testament Scriptures to show that both of these men were not justified by their works, but by their faith in God.
We finally wrap up our discussion of the first major section of Romans, Paul's indictment of all mankind. Having shown that all of humanity stands condemned before God, Paul now turns to God's remedy, a righteousness that is obtained by faith in Christ's finished work on the cross. Without this righteousness, no one can stand justified before the Lord.
We complete our look at Paul's discussion of Salvation as found in Romans 3:21-31. The amount of truth and theology packed into these eleven verses could fill volumes. Our brief analysis in no way plumbs the depths of this truth, but nevertheless there are great riches to be found in this passage.
We examine what is perhaps one of the most succinct and deep discussions on salvation found in the Bible. In this section of Scripture Paul answers the question of how God passed over the sins of the Old Testament saints, how the righteousness of God is imputed apart from the law, and how God's grace extends to all mankind regardless of nationality or pedigree.
Paul continues his condemnation of humanity by focusing in on the significant advantage of being a Jew. The Jewish nation was given God's laws and promises. However, in spite of this great privilege, many Jews did not believe. Does that make God's promises ineffective? Not at all. Even though the Jewish nation rejected the Messiah when he came, there was nevertheless a remnant who did believe. However, the rejection of Christ by the Jewish nation will result in even greater condemnation to their privileged status.
Paul continues his charges against the religious Jew by showing that the rite of circumcision, one of the marks of what the Jews would consider as proof of their right standing before God, means nothing without a circumcised heart. In fact, Paul states it is better to be an uncircumcised Gentile with a circumcised heart, than a circumcised Jew with an uncircumcised heart. Being a true Jew is not a matter of externals, but one of an internal heart change before God.
Having brought charges against the heathen who do not have any knowledge of God's special revelation in His word, and the educated moral man that has a innate sense of right and wrong, Paul now turns to the Jews. His charges against them are even more severe as they not only have the inward revelation of God in their conscience, but they also have the written word of God and know exactly what God wants. Because of this, they are the most responsible and most condemned of all the groups Paul has brought before the bar of God.
Paul continues his case against the moral, educated person by showing that their innate sense of right and wrong speaks of a moral code to which they are responsible. Just knowing the code is not good enough - one must live by it. The fact that men violate their inborn sense of right and wrong is enough to condemn them before the bar of God.
We continue Paul's indictment of the Moral person - the one who has a knowledge of God, right, and wrong and yet believes that someone makes them better than the pagan person with no knowledge of God. Far from being in a better standing before God - the Moral person is in fact under greater condemnation.
We begin a new chapter in Romans in which Paul turns his attention away from men who have no special revelation of God to those who do have a knowledge of God and a knowledge of right and wrong. His conclusion is that it is more serious to know what God wants and not do it, than to not know God at all.
In this session we end the first of Paul's three indictments of mankind, the indictment against the heathen who do not have the special revelation of God but do have the general revelation as found in nature.
Paul continues his discussion on the guilt of mankind by showing the downward moral trend when a society abandons God and exchanges Him for idols.
We continue a look at Paul's condemnation of those that do not have the special revelation of God even though the have His general revelation in nature, and as such are still responsible to God to live up to the light that they have.
We begin a study of Paul's indictment of all mankind by examining the first group on the docket - the heathen who do not have the special revelation of God - only the general.
Perhaps two of the most important verses in Romans are the subject of our study in this session. These two verses, Romans 1:16-17, are the verses that Martin Luther struggled with until he understood the great truth of justification by faith alone. It is safe to say these two verses were the spark that lit the fires of the reformation.
In our study this week we look at Paul's revelation to the Roman church how often he longed to visit them - but was hindered. He indicates his desire to visit was not only to encourage the Roman believers, but to be encouraged himself by their faithfulness.
We continue out study in the Book of Romans by looking at Paul's communication of his desire to come to visit the Roman church in order to have some ministry among them.
In our third session we continue looking at the introduction to the Book of Romans. In these three verses Paul addresses the recipients of this letter, the saints in Rome, reminding them of the calling by God and status as saints.
We begin our verse by verse study of Romans by looking at the first four verses of Romans 1.
We begin an exegetical study of the Book of Romans. In this session we introduce the Book of Romans looking at its historical background and importance to the message of the New Testament.
We complete our study of Philippians by examining Philippians 4. Unfortunately, due to technical issues only the first part of this session is available.
We complete our look at Philippians 2 and 3 by focusing on Paul's view of his ministry.
We continue our look at the book of Philippians focusing on the ministry of Timothy and Epaphroditus in Philippians 2 as well as Paul's view of his ministry in Philippians 3.
In this session we examine the great Kenosis passage in Philippians 2:1-11. What does it mean that Christ "emptied himself?" Did He cease being God, or is something else going on?
In this session we begin our look at the Book of Philippians. We examine the background of the book, its historical setting, and Paul's history with one of the first churches he founded in Europe.
In our final session in the Book of Ephesians we take a look at our Spiritual Armor and the subject of spiritual warfare. There are a lot of bizarre teachings in regards to spiritual warfare, so it is important to see what the Scriptures have to say about this subject.
In this session we take a look at Paul's instructions to the family. God has ordained the family to be a representation of the way in which Christ relates to the church. What are the principles that will produce harmony in a home. Ephesians 5:22-6:4 gives us the answer.
We continue working through Ephesians 4 and 5 covering Paul's admonitions on how to live in harmony with others in the body of Christ as well as our need to remain separate from the evil of the world.
We continue our look at Ephesians picking up in the doctrinal section with the topic of Spiritual Gifts and a discussion of the believer's worthy walk.
Our study of Ephesians continues with a look at the Mystery of the Church as found in Ephesians three then we being a look at Ephesians 4 and the worthy walk.
We continue our study of Ephesians by examining Ephesians 2 and the Doctrines of Justification and Sanctification that are found in this chapter.
We complete our look at Ephesians chapter 1 focusing on Paul's prayer of thanksgiving for the Ephesian believers.
We begin a study of the Book of Ephesians which emphasizes the Church as the Body of Christ. In this session we begin a look at Ephesians chapter 1 covering the great doctrine of Election as well as Paul's prayer for the Ephesian church.
We complete our study of Galatians by looking at Galatians 6 on how we should restore and treat a sinning brother or sister.
We continue our study in Galatians by examining chapter five in which we learn about the fruit of the spirit and the works of the flesh.
We take a look at Galatians chapter four where Paul continues his argument regarding the necessity of believing the Gospel of Grace not Law.
We begin the second section of Galatians looking at Paul's amazement regarding the abandonment of the Gospel by the Galatian believers. NOTE: This is a partial recording due to technical issues so only the first 45 minutes of the session is available.
In this session we really focus in on Galatians 2 in which Paul defends the doctrine of justification by faith.
We begin our detailed look at the Book of Galatians by examining the first two chapters in which Paul outlines his call to the ministry, his confrontation with Peter, and his defense of the doctrine of justification by faith.
In this session be being our actual study of the Book of Galatians starting in chapter 1.
We begin a look at the Book of Galatians, perhaps the earliest book penned by the Apostle Paul to the churches in Asia Minor. This book is considered to be one of the clearest defenses of the doctrine of justification by faith along with the Book of Romans. In this first session we introduce the background of Galatians as to its date, audience, and major themes.
We complete our study in the Book of Acts by looking at chapters 21-28. We had to hurry through the last part of the book as one week of the class was missed in the schedule. In any case, it is my hope this study in the Book of Acts has been beneficial to everyone.
We complete our look at Paul's ministry in Ephesus during his third missionary journey.
We continue our study in the Book of Acts by completing our look at Paul's ministry in Ephesus, a ministry which lasted some three years.
We complete our look at Paul's second missionary journey in Athens and Corinth followed by his return to his home church of Antioch in Syria. We then pick up with his third missionary journey through the region of Galatian and Phyrgia to Ephesus.
We continue our look at Paul's second missionary journey in Athens and Corinth followed by his return to his home church of Antioch in Syria. We then pick up with his third missionary journey through the region of Galatian and Phyrgia to Ephesus.
We begin a study of Acts 15-17 covering the Jerusalem Council and the first part of Paul's second missionary journey to Asia Minor, Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens.
We complete our study of Acts 15-17 covering the Jerusalem Council and the first part of Paul's second missionary journey to Asia Minor, Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens.
We begin a study of Acts 11-14 in which we read of Peter's defense at the Jerusalem Council (Acts 11), his rescue by the angel and death of Herod (Acts 12), and Paul's first missionary journey (Acts 13-14).
We complete our study of Acts 11-14 in which we read of Peter's defense at the Jerusalem Council (Acts 11), his rescue by the angel and death of Herod (Acts 12), and Paul's first missionary journey (Acts 13-14).
We complete out study of Acts 9 and then continue with the account of Peter and Cornelius in Acts 10.
We complete our study of Acts and and begin a look at the Conversion of Paul as found in Acts 9.
In this session we being to look at the account of the supposed conversion of Simon Magus and the actual conversion of the Ethiopian Eunuch as found in Acts 8.
In this session we continue with our look at the office of the deacon as established in Acts 6 then on to the stoning of Stephen - the first martyr in chapter 7.
We complete our study of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5 and then look at the establishment of the deacons in Acts 6.
We complete our look at Acts Chapter 3 and 4 where we find the church expanding in Jerusalem. Of course with this expansion came religious persecution by the Jewish leaders and growing pains as the early church learned how to minister to one another.
We begin look at Acts Chapter 3 and 4 where we find the church expanding in Jerusalem. Of course with this expansion came religious persecution by the Jewish leaders and growing pains as the early church learned how to minister to one another.
We continue our study in the Book of Acts by looking at the selection of Matthias to replace Judas as well as the birth of the Church as found in Acts 2.
We begin a new study of the New Testament Book of Acts. In this session we look at the book as a whole giving the background of the Book and its place in the Canon of the New Testament.
We end our study of 2 Corinthians by look at Paul's defense of his apostolic credentials in 2 Corinthians 11-13.
In this session we look at 2 Corinthians 8-9 in which Paul gives instructions regarding the offering he is taking to Jerusalem for the relief of the believers there.
We continue our study in 2 Corinthians by examining what it means to have godly sorrow and repentance, then beginning a look at 2 Corinthians 8 on the topic of Generosity and Grace.
We begin a discussion of the Glorious Gospel, our Eternal Hope, and what it means to be a Faithful Minister in 2 Corinthians 4-6.
In this session we look at the Glorious Gospel as described by Paul in 2 Corinthians 4.
We continue our study in 2 Corinthians by looking at chapter three where Paul describes the ministry of the New Covenant that he, and us, have been given.
We continue our study in Second Corinthians by looking at chapters 1 and 2. In these chapters Paul continues his defense of his ministry and displays his great joy that the Corinthian believers had responded positively to his prior letter.
Join us as we begin a look at 2 Corinthians. In this session we examine the role of the conscience in the life of the believer.
We complete our study of 1 Corinthians by finishing our study of 1 Corinthians 14-16 covering specifically the truth of the Resurrection and Giving.
We complete our study of 1 Corinthians by starting an examination of chapters 14-16 with special emphasis on 1 Corinthians 15, the Resurrection Chapter.
We continue our study of spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12-14. Unfortunately this is the second part of the class as the first part had some significant technical difficulties during the recording.
We begin an extended look at 1 Corinthians 12-14 on the topic of Spiritual Gifts - most notably that of tongues. We will examine the role of tongues in the early church as well as the function and use of all of the spiritual gifts.
We continue our study of 1 Corinthians by examining 1 Corinthians 11 in which Paul addresses the issue of head coverings and the Lord's Supper.
In this session we look at the topic of things sacrificed to idols in 1 Corinthians chapter 8, Paul's discussion on giving up his rights for the ministry in chapter 9, and finally warnings against idolatry in chapter 10. Unfortunately I had a serious bout of hiccups that night LOL!
We complete our study of 1 Corinthians 7 on the subject of Divorce and Remarriage then turn our attention to things sacrificed to idols in chapter 8, Paul's discussion on giving up his rights for the ministry in chapter 9, and finally warnings against idolatry in chapter 10.
Perhaps no topic is more controversial than that of divorce and remarriage. Join us as we look at Paul's instructions about this vital topic in 1 Corinthians 7.
In this session we examine 1 Corinthians 6 which concerns itself with the subject of lawsuits against believers and additional warnings and instructions concerning sexual immorality.
We complete our study of 1 Corinthians 3-5 in which Paul covers the topics of divisions in the church, his apostolic credentials, and sexual immorality in the church.
We begin to pick up the pace a bit in our study of 1 Corinthians by looking at chapters 3-5 in which Paul covers the topics of divisions in the church, his apostolic credentials, and sexual immorality in the church.
We continue our series covering the Corinthian Letters. These letters were written to the Corinthian church in the early A.D. 50's and cover many issues that the modern church faces today. In this first session we complete our look at the background of the city of Corinth and 1 Corinthians 1:1-18.
We begin a new series covering the Corinthian Letters. These letters were written to the Corinthian church in the early A.D. 50's and cover many issues that the modern church faces today. In this first session we look at the background of the city of Corinth and begin looking at 1 Corinthians 1:1-18.
We complete our study of the Pastoral Epistles by looking at the last two chapters of Titus in which Paul gives us instructions on how to adorn the doctrine of God our Savior so that we can draw people to Christ by our conduct, words, and life of faith.
We complete our study of the Pastoral Epistles by starting a look Paul's admonition to believers on how to adorn the doctrine of God in their conduct both in the home and society.
We complete our look at the third of Paul's Pastoral Epistles - Titus. In this session we cover the qualifications of elders as found in Titus 1 then Paul's admonition to the older men and women in the church.
We begin our look at the third of Paul's Pastoral Epistles - Titus. In this session we cover the qualifications of elders as found in Titus 1 then Paul's admonition to the older men and women in the church.
We complete our look at the last two chapters of 2 Timothy which are Paul's last words to his true son in the faith prior to his martyrdom at the hands of Nero around A.D. 67.
We begin a look at the last two chapters of 2 Timothy which are Paul's last words to his true son in the faith prior to his martyrdom at the hands of Nero around A.D. 67.
We complete our study of Paul's instructions to Timothy on discipleship and then look at the character of the end time in which we are clearly told things get worse, not better before the Lord's return.
We continue our study in 2 Timothy by looking at Paul's instructions to Timothy regarding passing the torch of truth on to the next generation.
We begin a look at the last letter Paul wrote before his martyrdom to Timothy - his true son in the faith!
We complete our study of 1 Timothy by examining 1 Timothy chapter 6 where Paul gives some final instructions to his true son in the faith.
We complete our study in 1 Timothy chapters 4-5 by examining Paul's instructions on how we should conduct ourselves in the local church.
We continue our study in 1 Timothy by completing our discussion of the offices of the Church in chapter 3 and then looking at Paul's instructions to Timothy in chapters 4 and 5.
We complete our study of 1 Timothy 1-2 with a focus on the commands Paul is telling Timothy to give to the men and women in the Church at Ephesus.
We begin a new series in the Pastoral Epistles. This week we take a look at 1 Timothy 1-2 in the first of a two-part series on these two early chapters in 1 Timothy.
We complete our study of the Thessalonian Letters by looking at 2 Thessalonians 3 where Paul gives instructions for dealing with the problem people in any church.
In this session we examine 2 Thessalonians 2 in which Paul discusses the coming man of sin and the nature and characteristic of the time of God' judgment after the removal of the Church.
We look at the second letter of Paul to the Thessalonian believers by getting an overview of 2 Thessalonians and tackling the first chapter.
We complete our study of 1 Thessalonians by looking at 1 Thessalonians 5 on the Day of the Lord as well as some final instructions to the church.
We expand our discussion of the Rapture as found in 1 Thessalonians 4 to include other New Testament passages that refer to this event.
We continue our look at the book of 1 Thessalonians by focusing in on 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 - one of the great passages teaching us about the rapture of the Church prior to the Great Tribulation.
We continue our study in 1 Thessalonians by looking at Paul's instructions to the Thessalonians believers on the need to live a godly life in their society.
We continue our study by looking at 1 Thessalonians 3 in which Paul rejoices when he hears how well the new Thessalonian church is doing.
We continue our study in 1 Thessalonians Chapter 2 in which Paul reminds the Thessalonians believers of his conduct and character when he first met and ministered to them.
We being a ten-week study of 1 and 2 Thessalonians. In this section we introduce the Thessalonian letters and cover 1 Thessalonians 1.
We end our study of the Life of Christ by looking at the arrest, crucifixion, and resurrection of our Lord.
We complete our study of the Life of Christ by looking at the Arrest, Crucifixion, and Resurrection of our Lord.
We begin a look at Christ's Perean Ministry - his ministry in the area east of the Jordan River. This comprises a large section of the Gospel of Luke which has many unique parables found only in this Gospel.
We being a look at the Galilean Ministry of Christ. Christ spent most of his time in the area of Galilee to avoid conflict with the Pharisees and Religious Leaders in Judea.
We look at the Birth, Infancy, Childhood, Baptism, and Temptation of Christ. In this session we look at his birth to childhood.
We complete our study of the Birth, Infancy, Childhood, Baptism, and Temptation of Christ in this session by focusing on the Baptism and Temptation.
We begin our study of the Life of Christ by looking at the historical, geographical, and cultural background of the New Testament times.
We complete our discussion of the historical, geographical, and cultural background of the New Testament.
Welcome to our fourteenth and final session in the Gospel of John. In this podcast we cover John 20-21 focusing in on the resurrection and post-resurrection appearances of Christ.
We come to John chapters 18 and 19 which cover the arrest, trial, and crucifixion of Christ. John has some of the most detailed information as apparently he and his family were known to the High Priest.
We complete our discussion of John 18 and 19 which cover the arrest, trial, and crucifixion of Christ.
We complete our study of John 16-17 by examining Christ's High Priestly Prayer as found in John 17.
We are fast approaching the end of our study on the Gospel of John. In this session we look at two chapters, John 16 and 17. In John 16 Christ is preparing the disciples for his upcoming crucifixion and his sending of the Holy Spirit, and in John 17 we have Christ's Hight Priestly Prayer.
We begin our study of John 15 in which Christ gives us the illustration of the Vine and Branches. He also prepares the disciples for what lies ahead with his impending crucifixion as well as giving them the promise of the Holy Spirit.
We finish our look at John 15 in which Christ presents himself as the Vine as well as encouraging and comforting the disciples on what lies ahead as he heads to the cross.
We pick up the account of Christ's Upper Room Discourse with the disciples after Judas has left to betray Christ. We cover some of the most well known sayings of Christ as he prepares the disciples for his impending crucifixion and the sending of the Comforter after he is gone.
We continue our second session on Christ's Upper Room Discourse with the disciples after Judas has left to betray Christ.
We come now to the Upper Room Discourse in the Gospel of John. In this session we look at the first part of John 13 in which we find Christ washing the feet of the disciples followed by a discussion of who is the greatest in the kingdom - then the departure of Judas from the group who then goes to the religious leaders to arrange the betrayal of Christ.
We complete our study of the first part of John 13 with a look at Christ washing the feet of the disciples followed by a discussion of who is the greatest in the kingdom - then the departure of Judas from the group who then goes to the religious leaders to arrange the betrayal of Christ.
We come to the last week of Christ's earthly ministry in John Chapter 12. We start out by looking at Christ's anointing in Bethany followed by his Triumphal Entry and last words in the Temple as recorded in John.
We complete our study of John Chapter 12 by looking at Christ's Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem and his last words in the Temple as recorded in John.
We begin our study of John Chapters 10 and 11 by examining John Chapter 10, Christ the Good Shepherd.
We complete our study of John Chapters 10 and 11 by examining the account of the Resurrection of Lazarus and the escalating conflict between Christ and the religious leaders.
In this session we complete our discussion of John Chapter 8 looking at the disputed account of the Woman Taken in Adultery and then the rest of the chapter starting around verse 31. We then look at the account of the Man Born Blind in John 9.
We complete our discussion of John Chapter 8, the great I AM passage from Christ, and the account of the Man Born Blind.
We begin our study of two of the great I AM passages in John this week. The first is Jesus describing himself as the Water of Life in John 7, and the second is the Light of the World in John 8. We also look at the account of the Woman Taken in Adultery in John 8 as well.
We complete our study of two of the great I AM passages in John this week. The first is Jesus describing himself as the Water of Life in John 7, and the second is the Light of the World in John 8. We also look at the account of the Woman Taken in Adultery in John 8 as well.
In this session we look at three events in the life of Christ as found in John 5-6. The first is Christ's defense of his deity and ministry after the healing of the paralytic at the Pool of Bethesda. The second is the feeding of the 5,000 - the only miracle of Christ recorded in all four gospels. Finally we look at the Bread of Life Discourse in which Christ teaches not only the sovereignty of God in salvation, but man's responsibility as well.
We complete our study of John chapters 5 and 6 by looking at Christ's Bread of Life Discourse.
We continue our study in the Gospel of John with our third session. This week we look at two accounts from the Gospel of John - the woman at the well of Samaria and Christ's healing of the paralytic at the Pool of Bethesda.
We continue our third session in the Gospel of John looking at the account of the woman at the well of Samaria and Christ's healing of the paralytic at the pool of Bethesda.
We begin our second class in the Gospel of John by looking at John 2-3, the beginning of Christ's ministry and the account of Nicodemus.
We complete our second class in the Gospel of John by looking at John 2-3, the beginning of Christ's ministry and the account of Nicodemus.
We take a verse-by-verse look at the first Chapter of John focusing on the Word that became flesh.
We take an introductory look at the Gospel of John, it's place in the Canon of Scripture, and some of its unique features.
We take a look at the Millennium as found in Revelation 20 as well as many of the doctrinal positions theologians have taken on the Millennium through the centuries.
We look at one of the most important and detailed description of end time events found in Scripture - Daniel's 70 Week as found in Daniel 9.
We begin a three week look at the last two chapters of the Bible, Revelation 21-22, which describe the eternal state.
We complete our study of Eschatology by looking at the last chapter of the Book of Revelation and the great invitation we find there.
We look at some of the pictures of the Church as found in the New Testament such as a building, a body, and a bride.
We begin a three week look at the organization and officers of the Church as seen in the New Testament
We continue our look at the organization and officers of the church as found in the New Testament.
We begin a two week look at the role of women in the Church as found in the New Testament.
We look at the two ordinances of the Church as found in the New Testament, Believer's Baptism and Communion.
We finally complete our look at one of the most controversial aspects of Soteriology - Election and Predestination.
We look at the relationship between grace and faith and how one becomes a believer by looking at exactly what the gospel is.
We begin a multi-week series on the vocabulary of salvation by looking at Faith and Repentance.
We continue our study on the vocabulary of salvation by looking at Repentance and Justification.
We look at two of the richest words to describe our salvation - Justification and Adoption.
We look at two more words on our vocabulary of salvation, Forgiveness and Regeneration.
We look at two more importance concepts in our study of the vocabulary of salvation - Regeneration and Propitiation.
We complete our study of the vocabulary of salvation by looking at Imputation and the Security of Salvation.
We begin a two week look at the Security of Salvation and the hope that brings to the life of the believer.
We complete our look at the Security of Salvation and the hope that brings to the life of the believer.
We examine the various theological positions on the origin of Man's soul as well as the dichotomist, trichotomist debate.
We complete our discussion of the nature, origin, and destiny of Demons as found in the Bible.
We take a look at the topic of Spiritual Warfare with an emphasis on what the Bible says about it and not our current Christian culture.
We look at how God gave us his word though the moving along of holy men of God as they were borne along by the Holy Spirit.
We begin to look at Biblical Manuscripts as well as the writing materials used by the authors of Scripture to record God's word.
We cover two topics in this session, the manuscript evidence for the New Testament as well as the Old Testament Canon - how the Old Testament books were selected to be part of the Bible.
We look at the New Testament canon, how the New Testament books were examined and selected to be part of our Bible.
We look at the disciplines of Higher Criticism which concerns itself with questions of authorship, canonicity, date, and audience.
We look at the discipline of Textual Criticism in determining the original text of the Bible.
We take a look at some examples of how to use Textual Criticism to determine what the original text of the Bible should be.
We look at the various translations and Bible versions as well as discuss the methodology and disciplines for translating the Scriptures.
We begin our discussion of the Doctrine of the Holy Spirit by looking at the Personality and Deity of the Holy Spirit.
What are the many ministries of the Holy Spirit in the lives of both believers and unbelievers?
We continue our discussion of the many ministries of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer.
What is the Holy Spirit's role in Inspiring the text of Scripture, and in revealing its divine truth to the authors of the Bible?
How does the Holy Spirit lead and guide us in our everyday lives? We look at this important topic from Scripture to see how we are led by the Spirit.
We begin a multi-week series on the nature and purpose of Spiritual Gifts - what the are, who has them, and what their importance is in the life of the church.
We continue our discussion from last week on the nature and purpose of Spiritual Gifts.
The Old Testament is full of imagery depicting the person and work of Christ. In this session we look at several of these including the Lamb of God and Bronze Serpent.
We complete our discussion of the resurrection of Christ and why a belief in this doctrine is so essential to Christianity.
One of the most attested events in history is the resurrection of Christ from the dead.
We continue our discussion of the major Christological heresies and still find that many of these are being taught today under new labels.
There have been many heretical views of the person and work of Christ through the centuries. We begin a discussion of the major Christological heresies and find that many of these are being taught today under new labels.
If Christ was fully God could he have been tempted and what does it mean in Philippians that he emptied himself?
How can Christ be fully God and fully man at the same time? This is a question that has been debated throughout church history and in this session we explore why this is an important doctrine and why it is essential to our understanding of who Jesus is.
Closely associated with Christ's Deity is the Biblical teaching he is also fully human. In this session we explore this essential truth concerning the person of Christ and why his full humanity is important.
Perhaps one of the most controversial yet defining doctrines is Christ's Deity. In this session we examine his claims to deity, Biblical proofs of Christ's Deity, and the importance of this doctrine.
We complete an examination of the trinitarian nature of God including the history and Biblical support for this vital doctrine in this, our final session on Theology Proper.
We begin an examination of the trinitarian nature of God including the history and Biblical support for this vital doctrine.
In this session we examine God's eternal decrees as well as His overall plan for His creation.
In our tenth session we look at God's Immanence (His active involvement in history) and his Transcendence (God is above and beyond the creation).
We actually look at several of God's attributes in this session including his Faithfulness and Wrath.
In this eighth session we look at what it means when we say God is righteous, just, and true.
In our seventh session we look at God's self-existence (Aseity), His unchangeable character (Immutability), and His Eternality.
In our sixth session we look at God's sovereignty and what that means to us in our everyday lives.
In our third session we examine what are the essential truths we must believe about God.
In this Perspective we continue looking at some of the Unforgettable Words I have remembered over my life.
In this Perspective we look at the issue of Stewardship. Often we think of stewardship only in terms of money, but in fact there are many other aspects of our life that qualify as well. Join us as we examine the Stewardship of our time, health, opportunities, and talents as well as our finances.