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Free Bible Studies!

“BIBLE STUDY SERIES-SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES” is a series of bible studies consisting of topics that have been and are the focus of discussion within much of the “Christian Community”. A motivation for preparing these study materials is to impress upon those who read them that the legitimacy of conclusions and comments is that they reflect the testimony of the scripture referenced for support, and all other scripture that is relevant to the conclusion and/or comment. Therefore, in each of the below listed study papers comments and conclusions, to establish legitimacy, share space with printed scripture text. It is our hope and expectation that such emphasis on the authority of scripture to establish the legitimacy of theological thought will encourage all who read these study papers, or hear or read theological commentary by others, to search the scriptures to determine the accuracy of the commentary.

  • Bible Study Series: Search The Scriptures (25 pages). This section contains two parts: 1) General introduction expressing the need for each of us to personally search the scripture. 2) A brief introduction to each of the available bible study topics, except for the excerpts from the Book Of Revelation study paper
  • An Examination Of The "Dispensational" System Of Theological Thought (169 pages) This study paper consists of commentary by advocates of the dispensational system of thought regarding concepts that are common to that system of theology.  Such concepts are examined by presenting relevant scriptures, and also, comment that compares points within the above mentioned commentary with the testimony of the relevant passages of scripture. The last two pages (168 and 169) are an outline of the topics considered within this study paper, including page numbers.
  • A Consideration Of The Argumentation For And Against The “Lordship” And “Non-Lordship” Views Of Salvation (57 pages). This is a consideration of the debate between Lordship and Non-Lordship advocates concerning the scriptures explanation of the gospel, faith, repentance, salvation, carnality, and eternal security. The first seventeen pages consists of excerpts from books written by three formidable advocates of their respective views, plus some comment that focuses attention on their points of agreement and disagreement. This is not a discussion to, by consensus, arrive at an accurate view of each of the scriptural concepts, but rather, it is a debate in which each of the proponents hold to their very firm positions concerning the subject matter of the debate. These scriptures (referenced in the study paper) are such clear testimony that the great burden on the heart of the Apostle Paul, as he surely expressed the Lord’s burden and the message of the gospel, was that God’s children be of one spirit, one mind, and that they all speak the same thing and have the same judgment on matters. With this call for unity being so evident in the testimony of scripture, how does scripture explain these conflicting interpretations of the Holy Scriptures by men who have credentials in theology? And more particularly, by men who expressly and unequivocally agree that these scriptures are the “inspired” and “inerrant” Word Of God? The last twenty-six pages of this paper will be an examination of scripture for the answer to this question.
  • What Is The Functional Relationship Between The Law, Grace And Love (32 pages). Explains the means (grace), by which the law given by God to and through Moses is fulfilled in Christ Jesus for the end that our hearts being purified might, with out internal resistance, have high regard, both, for God and for one's neighbor (love).
  • The Seed Of Abraham (8 pages). Explains God's promise to Abraham of a seed with reference to, its physical-temporal fulfillment to Israel under God's administration of the old covenant, and also, the spiritual-eternal fulfillment of the promise, through the Person and work of Christ, under God's administration of the new covenant.
  • Considerations Related To Interpreting Scripture (38 pages). Gathers together scriptures in the New Testament that explain the ultimate meaning and fulfillment of the law and the prophecies given in the Old Testament.
  • Why Did God Perform This Enormous Creative Act (14 pages). Referencing certain relevant scripture texts commencing in Genesis and ending in The Revelation, it is explained that God purposed, through the creation, to have a people with whom He might find satisfaction in dwelling, and also, a people through whom His virtues might be displayed to manifest His glory.
  • What Happened To Man In The Garden Of Eden (8 pages). Considers Satan's role in instigating Adam's sin, and the effect of such sin on Adams descendants.
  • What Is Faith (13 pages). Inquiry into the situations of those person's who receive recognition in scripture for their faith, provides a clear and concise definition of faith, so that one can know how to live by faith, and also, know that they are living by faith.
  • What is Grace (6 pages). Scripture explains grace in its most elemental form to be the bestowal of a gratuity or of gratuities by a benefactor to a beneficiary. God's grace, in which He is the benefactor and the beneficiaries are those who believe, is according to the same form.
  • What is Salvation (14 pages). Salvation, which is the centerpiece of Gods provision for mankind, has as its purpose, to purify unto the Lord a people through the process of cleansing from sin-Titus 2:11-14. Being “born again” is the beginning of the process.
  • When We Come To Christ: To Whom Have We Come (11 pages). The crucifixion of Jesus was such a momentous event that the sun ceased to shine for the space of three hours (Matt 27:45), and when Jesus died, the earth shook (vs. 50,51). This study paper investigates, why.
  • When We Come To Christ: To What Have We Come (28 pages). We are called to the fellowship of Christ-1 Corinth. 1:9. The word “fellowship”, as used in this passage of scripture, refers to sharing in, or partaking of the things of Christ. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life”-John 8:12. This study paper is an inquiry into how such a marvelous calling is realized.
  • The Person And Work Of Christ: Applied To One’s Relationship With God (17 pages). God's provision for salvation from sin is rooted in, both, the death and the resurrection of the Lord Jesus-Ro. 4:25. We participate in Christ's death, that is, in His death the barrier of sin that separates a person from God has been removed so that one can, by faith, access God's provision for life and living in Christ-Ro. 5:10. Thus, sin has been defeated, that we might be freed from sins power. And, the actual deliverance is by the power of the Holy Spirit that dwells within. Because sin has been so dealt with (judged) by Christ's death, we are not debtors to sin, but can walk in “newness of life” by the same power that raised Christ from the dead-Ro. 8:11,12. Scripture does not present God's provision as a menu from which to choose, but rather, it is a singular provision in Christ, explained as a unified body of truth, accessed solely by faith.
  • The Work Of The Holy Spirit (21 pages). This study paper focuses on the work of the Holy Spirit in God's administration under the new covenant. However, some consideration is given to the significant role performed by the Holy Spirit under God's administration in the Old Testament.
  • Foreknowledge, Then Election And Predestination (20 pages). God selected or chose persons according to knowledge that He possessed before or prior to choosing them. It is important to notice in scripture that foreknowledge precedes election-1 Peter 1:2. What God knows is merely passive, while His electing and predestinating involve active volition. Because God has granted to man certain prerogatives for the exercise of his own will, and because God relates to man according to certain considerations such as faith, sin, repentance, etc., does not require that God has relinquished control, but rather, that He relates to man according to His predetermined, and sovereignly established principles.
  • The Book Of Revelation (73 pages). This study paper is not a verse by verse commentary, but rather, considers the testimony of the book in terms of subjects and events, and when the events occur. Some of the subjects and events are: The Church; Babylon; Great Tribulation; Lamb's Wrath; Coming of the Lord; New Heavens and New Earth; Judgment and Reward.
  • The Church---It’s Foundation And It’s Future
  • Babylon—It Origin-It’s Nature-It’s Fall
  • The Coming Of The Lord And Its Relationship To: Tribulation
    New Heavens And New Earth-- Judgment And Reward
  • Who Inherits In The Kingdom Of God And Of Christ
  • Can God’s Children Come Under Punitive Judgment For Sin

 

Contact Interpreting Scripture:

Dan Matney
Phone: 307-340-0757
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