Equipping University

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!

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!

It is important to realize that the phrase "he descended into hell" does not appear in the Bible. Instead, the words are found in the Apostles' Creed, where we read that Christ "was crucified, dead, and buried, he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead." The question before us is this: "What does it mean that Christ "descended into hell"?   For an updated study of this topic go here for handouts and the audio recording.

A study of the atonement brings a rich meaning to the work of Christ on the cross. The Bible uses a multitude of descriptions and motifs to describe this work. The variance in terminology within Scripture has consequently led to numerous theories of the atonement in an attempt to encapsulate the entirety of the cross-work of Christ into a single emphasis. In choosing to land on a single understanding, proponents reveal their views in other areas of doctrine (such as the doctrine of man and sin and even the doctrine of God). In this chapter, we will look at the differing views put forth by men and held dearly by believers throughout the history of the church.