Extended Studies
This is a collection of studies that cover many posts. They may be about a topic. Or they may cover an extended passage or book.
The Doctrine of Predestination?
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The doctrine of predestination is hotly debated. But it is not really that complicated. It simply refers to what God has decided beforehand.
The Theology of Genesis: A Downward Spiral – Genesis 4 & 5
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Genesis 4 & 5 reflect a world that is on a downward spiral. What started with the fall in the garden continued to get ever more sinful.
Sermon on the Mount: False Prophets – Matt. 7:15-20
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Jesus warns us against false prophets, those claiming to speak for him, but who are serving themselves. Discern them by examining their fruit
The Theology of Genesis: Fall and Exile – Genesis 3
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The Genesis 3 tells us what happened to God's good creation. It is the story of the fall of humanity and our exile from the garden.
Laodicea: The Lukewarm Church – Revelation 3:14-22
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Laodicea was a lukewarm church. They thought they were in good shape. But spiritually they were far from it. Jesus warned them to wake up.
The Theology of Genesis: The Garden of Eden – Genesis 2
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The second chapter of Genesis introduces the garden of Eden as the ideal home for humanity. And believers look forward to its restoration.
Philadelphia: The Enduring Church – Revelation 3:7-13
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Philadelphia was a weak church that seemed to have little going for them. Except that they were an enduring church that was faithful to God.
Sardis: A Dead Church With A Reputation – Revelation 3:1-6
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Sardis was a church that had a reputation for being alive and active. But Jesus said that they were actually a dead church in need of revival
The Theology of Genesis: In the Beginning – Genesis 1:1-2:4
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Beyond the mechanics of creation, this first chapter of Genesis has much to teach us about God and what he did. In the beginning . . . God.
Thyatira: The Tolerant Church – Revelation 2:18-29
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Being a church that tolerates immorality within the body is a recipe for disaster. Do not give the culture a foothold within the body.
Pergamum: The Compromising Church – Revelation 2:12-17
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Pergamum had some good qualities. But they were also starting to become a compromising church, looking to fit into the culture around them.
Smyrna: The Faithful Church – Revelation 2:8-11
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Smyrna was not a church most people would look at twice. But it had one very significant thing going for it. They were a faithful church.