Sources & further reading
This topic is drawn from a real lecture series, freely available. Read and listen for yourself — the Bereans "searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so" (Acts 17:11).
The series & book
- Primary · Lecture series
Conversations About God by Dr. A. Graham Maxwell (with Lou Venden) — originally 20 Friday-evening programs presented at the Loma Linda University Church in 1984, where Maxwell gave a presentation and then took written questions from the audience, moderated by then-pastor Louis Venden. Later edited into book form by Professor Jon Paulien. Maxwell (1921–2010) was emeritus professor of New Testament at Loma Linda University and director of its Division of Religion for 15 years.
Full audio series (Internet Archive, free) · PineKnoll.org · SpeakingWellOfGod.org - Primary · Thesis Maxwell's thesis statement — "God is not the kind of person His enemies have made Him out to be — arbitrary, unforgiving and severe. God is just as loving and trustworthy as His Son, just as willing to forgive and heal." This sentence opens the book and anchors the whole series.
Key Scripture passages
- Scripture · The controversy Revelation 12:7–12 (war & the accuser) · Isaiah 14:12–14 · Genesis 3:1–5 (the lie)
- Scripture · Sin as broken trust Romans 14:23 · Ezra 10:2 · Hosea 6:6–7
- Scripture · Trust & faith John 17:3 (eternal life is knowing God) · Hebrews 11:1 · John 15:15 (friends, not servants)
- Scripture · The cross & God's character 2 Corinthians 5:19 · John 12:31–32 · Colossians 1:19–20 · John 16:26–27 (the Father Himself loves you)
- Scripture · Healing & perfection Matthew 5:43–48 · John 5:6 ("wilt thou be made whole?") · 2 Corinthians 3:18 · Romans 5:1 (peace with God)
Related topics on this site
- Companion topic Christ Our Righteousness (Pastor Bill Lehman) — the gift-righteousness message that harmonizes with Maxwell's trust message. See where they agree.
- Contrast topic Last Generation Theology — the performance-vindication view this topic gently contrasts with. See how LGT differs.
Sam says
A note on sources, friend: Maxwell's whole series is free on the Internet Archive — go listen to the man himself. This topic quotes him and Scripture in context and links you to everything. Check it all, like a good Berean. Happy studying!