The Teaching Ministry of Geoff Volker

A NEW IS BLOG FROM GEOFF VOLKER

Biblical law ALWAYS has the SAME Purpose

 

When we compare the Old and New Covenants we are also comparing two different versions of God’s law. The law of the Old Covenant is the Mosaic law and the Ten Commandments (Exodus 34:27-28, Nehemiah 8:1). The law of the New Covenant is the law of Christ (1 Corinthians 9:19-21). Even though both versions of the law of God are different from each other they both do the same things.

 

For both the believer and the unbeliever law shows us our sin (1 John 3:4). For the unbeliever the law is condemning  (Romans 6:23, Deuteronomy 28:15-45). For the believer the law tells him how he is to show his love for God (1 John 5:3). In the Old Covenant era God was emphasizing law as it relates to unbelievers, since Israel was a temporary, unbelieving picture of the people of God (Romans 9:30-10:4, Hebrews 8:7-13). In the New Covenant era God was emphasizing law as it relates to believers (1 John 2:3-6). But, in both the Old and New Covenant eras law functioned identically. In the Old Covenant era David tells us that for him, a believer, his keeping of the Mosaic law was out of law for his God (Psalm 119:97ˆ). In the New Covenant era the law of Christ was condemning for those who were not believers (Romans 6:23).

 

So… in both eras law does the same thing. The only difference is that our God is primarily focusing on unbelievers in the Old Covenant era and believers in the New Covenant era. It could be said that each Covenant era has a different flavor of law.

 

PERSONAL NEWS

From April 23-25 I and the other elders of NCBF attended the Bunyan Conference in Lewisburg, PA. One of the speakers was Tom Schreiner, professor at the Southern Baptist Seminary in Louisville, KY. This was a gathering of NCT guys and it was a worthwhile time of learning and fellowship. Meeting with the guys at the motel during the early morning hours and the late night gatherings proved to be remarkable opportunities for fellowship and encouragement. But, the highlight for me was the time that I was able to spend with my fellow elders Paul Honeycutt and Jason Bearce. Our time together was invaluable.

 

PRAYER REQUEST FOR TRIP TO MINSK, BELARUS

I am seeking to raise the funds to return to Minsk, Belarus in the fall. I have been going to Minsk, Belarus since 1995. Lord willing, I would like to continue this ministry. I need to raise $3,000 for me to go. The cost includes $1,000 to pay for the conference and expenses such as a translator and transportation. If you should wish to help out with this make out your check to “IDS” or “In-Depth Studies” and designate your gift for “Minsk.”

 

NEXT READING FORUM “NEW”

FROM SABBATH TO LORD’S DAY, edited by D.A. Carson, Published byWipf & Stock, 1982, 444 pages, paperback. The cost of this book is $37.50 on Amazon.com.

 

This book is a series of articles done by various authors on the subject of the Sabbath and the Lord’s Day. The question of whether there still exists a holy day this side of Pentecost will be discussed in this book.

 

Reading Schedule

Saturday, June 9                                 chapters 1-4

Saturday, July 7                                  chapters 5-6

Saturday, August 11               chapters 7-9

Saturday, September 8            chapters 10-12

 

All are invited to participate in this Reading Forum. If you desire to be a part of this just let Geoff know (geoff.volker@ids.org, 480.924.4290).

 

THEOLOGICAL DISCUSSION GROUP “NEW”

I have begun an IDS Theological Discussion Group that meets every other month on a Saturday morning at my place. The purpose of this group is two-fold.

#1  An opportunity for believers to be iron sharpening iron with one another so that we can make progress on our understanding of Scripture. Each meeting one individual leads the interactive discussion on a biblical topic that believers do not all agree on.

#2  To learn how to discuss biblical issues that we disagree on in a manner that honors the God of Scripture. 1 Corinthians 10:31

 

Next Meeting

Saturday, May 19 from 8:00am to 10:00am at the home of Geoff Volker. The issue to be discussed is “The Church and Social Justice” and Will Gant, the pastor of Emmanuel Bible Fellowship of Chandler, AZ, will lead the discussion. All are invited to be a part of this theological discussion. If you desire to attend please notify Geoff Volker (geoff.volker@ids.org, 480.924.4290).

 

IDS AUDIO

Idsaudio.org

 

Audio Course in New Covenant Theology

The 26 half hour radio programs have now become a 26 part audio course in New Covenant Theology. I am currently in the process of relabeling the individual programs so that you can know ahead of time what each segment is covering. You can also access the programs on iTunes by searching under “In-Depth Studies Weekend.”

 

Audio Course in the Doctrines of Grace

This course is now in the process of being made. Check out the audio section for the progress of this course.

 

Theology 101

We are currently adding Theology 101 sessions on significant chapters in Scripture. We are currently examining 1 Corinthians 15

 

IDS Hour

We have just started a series on the Doctrines of Grace.

 

OVERSEAS TRAVEL

Comanesti, Romania (May 25 through June 4)

I will be doing a conference on Justification and Sanctification in Comanesti and a couple of conferences on Hermeneutics and New Covenant Theology in Bucharest.

 

Minsk, Belarus (this Fall?)

I will be finishing up the book of Revelation at a conference in Gatava. This trip will only take place if I can raise the funds needed for the trip.

 

READING FORUM

SPURGEON & HYPER-CALVINISM, by Iain Murray, published by Banner of Truth, 1995, 164 pages, paperback.

 

This short book addresses Spurgeon’s battle with true hyper-calvinism. Although he held to the doctrines of grace Spurgeon was biblically balanced in his teaching and refused to go farther than the Scripture is willing to go. This book serves as a great caution to beware of the danger of true hyper-calvinisim.

 

Reading Schedule

Saturday, May 5                     parts 3 and 4 (pages 125-159)

 

CLASS ON “BEGINNING GREEK”

I am offering a class on “Beginning Greek.” It is a class that is going through beginning Greek at a reasonable pace. If this class scratches where you itch then let me know that you would like to be a part of it. The class will meet twice a month on Sunday afternoons from 3:00pm to 4:30pm at my home. Please contact Geoff if you have any questions.

 

We are currently examining chapters 20 of the textbook and chapter 20 of the workbook. Our next meeting is Sunday, May 20 at 1:30pm at Geoff’s place.

 

Books Required

The Basics of Biblical Greek, by William D. Mounce (3^rd Edition)

Basics of Biblical Greek Workbook, by William D. Mounce

(Some sort of Greek New Testament is recommended but not required.)

 

THEOLOGY 101 Paradise Valley

Significant Chapters in Scripture: Isaiah 53

From September to May we will be examining some of the key chapters in the Bible. We are now looking at the Isaiah 53. This is a chapter that gives us an explanation of the work of Jesus on the cross from the point of view of fulfilled prophecy to Israel. As always questions and interaction are encouraged. Feel free to disagree, just do it in a manner that honors the Lord.

 

The audio of this study will be available on the In-Depth Studies website. www.ids.org

 

This study meets at the home of Phil and Marge Smith (6510 E. Spring Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85254).

 

This study meets every Wednesday and will end on May 16. The study begins at 7:30am and ends at 8:30am. The first 15 minutes are an open forum where you can ask any biblical question. The last 45 minutes are devoted to our study of significant chapters of Scripture. Geoff Volker will be the teacher. As always questions and interaction are encouraged. Feel free to disagree, just do it in a manner that honors the Lord.

 

If you have any questions please call either Geoff Volker (480-924-4290) or Dale Chase (602-867-8570).

 

THEOLOGY 101 Mesa, Arizona

Significant Chapters in Scripture: Revelation 21-22

From September to May we will be examining some of the key chapters in the Bible. We are now looking at Revelation 21-22. This is a chapter that gives us the most comprehensive teaching on the significance of the resurrection. As always questions and interaction are encouraged. Feel free to disagree, just do it in a manner that honors the Lord.

The audio of this study will be available on the In-Depth Studies website. www.ids.org

 

The study meets at the home of Geoff & Priscilla Volker, 3324 E. Enid Ave., Mesa, AZ 85204-4836). The study meets on Wednesday and will continue until May 16. The study starts at 10:30am and ends at 11:30am. The first 15 minutes are an open forum where you can ask any biblical question. The last 45 minutes are devoted to our study of significant chapter of Scripture.

If you have any questions please contact Geoff Volker (480-924-4290, geoff.volker@ids.org).

 

THEOLOGY 101 Arizona State University

Examining New Covenant Theology

Each Tuesday evening from 6:00 to 7:00pm we will be gathering in the MU on the campus of Arizona State University. Interaction will be the watchword of the day.

 

For more information please call M.J. McNamara (480-650-9979). This study will continue throughout the semester. The room in which we will be meeting is in the MU. You can always find the room by checking with the monitor in the MU.  This study is now over for this school year. It will return with the beginning of the fall semester.

 

THEOLOGY 101 For Men Only, Scottsdale, Arizona

Significant chapters in Scripture: Romans 8

Paradise Bakery, the 101 and Raintree, Scottsdale, Arizona

 

Paradise Bakery

14884 N. Pima Rd, Suite 101, Scottsdale, AZ 85260

 

This study meets on the 1^st Tuesday of each month from 7:00am to 10:00am. The first hour is an open forum and the last two hours are the study. Please contact Michael Regan (602-722-5837) for more information on this study.

 

The study meets on the 1^st Tuesday morning of the month. The study starts at 7:00 am and finishes at 10:00 am. The next meetings are scheduled for Tuesday, May 8 and Tuesday, June 5.

 

MEETING ONE ON ONE WITH GEOFF

One of the most effective forms of ministry that I do is to meet with guys one on one. It is in this setting that I can tailor what we study to meet the needs of the one I am meeting with. If this appeals to you all you have to do is to let me know that you want to meet together. It can be a one-time meeting or an on-going commitment. In light of full disclosure you ought to know that I benefit more from these meetings than the person I am meeting with.

480-924-4290 home, 480-313-8558 cell, geoff.volker@ids.org

 

AN INVITATION FOR AN EVENING OF THEOLOGY

I would be more than happy to come to your home to conduct an Evening of Theology on the topic of your choice. You choose the topic and who you want to invite, provide a little finger food and I will lead the evening discussion. If this appeals to you then just let me know by phone or by email. There is no cost involved to bring me to your place to conduct the Evening of Theology. This is a tool to affect your family and friends for the Kingdom of God. Consider having one of these gatherings. Please contact Geoff Volker (480-924-4290, geoff.volker@ids.org)  to schedule an Evening of Theology.

 

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

The begging portion of this newsletter

As always, financial support will not be refused if you should decide to give some to me. All you need to do is to make out a check to “IDS” and send it to the address of the ministry, IDS, 3324 E. Enid Ave., Mesa, AZ 85204-4836. You can also send a check through the online banking of your bank. Personally I have found this method to be the most convenient way to support other ministries. Finally, you can give money by going to the IDS website (www.ids.org) and use the pay pal giving button. Please be aware that a portion of your gift through pay pal goes to pay pal. If you ever have questions regarding how we handle financial matters you only need to call or email me and I will answer all your questions.