Equipping University

Many object that if God is sovereign over man, then man is not responsible for his actions. Also, it is widely held that God values free will so much that He would never impinge upon that most precious of His gifts to us. However, the Bible presents numerous episodes that dispel the second objection and the Bible clearly teaches the opposite of the first objection.

Sovereignty is not a belief central to Calvinism or even Christanity. It is an essential belief to theism - the belief in a God. However, if your god is not sovereign, then your god is no god at all. Tbe Bible spells out in overwhelming proof that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is indeed sovereign over the cosmos, the natural order, history, the kingdoms of this earth, coincidences, angels, Satan, and life and death.

In this introductory class, we look at extremes we want to avoid and reveal the assumptions and demands we will place on ourselves as we undertake this study. We also provide a very brief (too brief) introduction to the Five Point of Calvinism and explain why it is wrong to believe that "John Calvin invented Calvinism."

INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY! That maxim is held dear by the citizens of the United States and is to be honored in all situations. However, there is one particular instance in which the reverse is true. Typically, when skeptics consider the Bible, the Bible is "guilty until proven true." Although it is not possible to verify every incident in the Bible, the discoveries of archaeology since the mid 1800s have demonstrated the reliability and plausibility of the Bible narrative. In this chapter, we will look at the discoveries over the years that have provided a wealth of outside corroborating evidence to the stories of the Bible.   PowerPoint Link: http://www.mediafire.com/?gw5z0mpoydo

Did Christ die for everyone? Again, for many of us, the question is ridiculous: "Of course He did." However, there are many throughout history and today who would answer in the negative. The difference in thought on this matter has led to much controversy in the church and on some occasions, division. Several books have been written on both sides of the issue and both sides have been guilty of over-statement and caricature. In this chapter, we will attempt to discuss the issue openly, honestly, biblically, and in brotherly love. As teacher, I will take my cues from John Newton, the famous pastor/theologian who wrote "Amazing Grace." He once wrote that he had "been thirty years forming my own views . . .; how unreasonable within me to expect all this should take place in another person; and that, in the course of a year or two." Newton patiently taught doctrine to his church for years at a time. We will attempt to understand this most controversial of doctrines in one chapter! God help us all!