Pulling verses out of context is very dangerous...we all agree. So to counteract this practice, we look at the context of the verse to make sure the meaning we are getting is accurate. but beyond that, we look at the rest of the Bible because we also believe that God's word is consistent. Iff we come up with a meaning that contradicts something else in Scripture, we need to figure out where we went wrong. This practice of looking at the Bible as a whole unit is called Systematic Theology.

The Value is that we are able to understand doctrines of the faith in a more complete manner. We can look at one passage in light of another, as facets of the revelation given to us. This is one of the reasons why pastors in the EFCA need to write a doctrinal statement with supporting passages listed, and then need to defend those conclusions at an ordination council. The question before the council is, "Can this guy look at specific passages and understand them in light of the whole of God's revelation?"

The concern is that we build too much of a system on order for everything to fit neatly, such that everything that does not fit neatly is called a "difficult passage to interpret" or "unclear." When we have built conclusions from scripture, that is ok, but when we build conclusions based on the conclusions we have drawn, as a sort of pyramid, the layers of conclusions that are more distant from the text itself may be false. To the degree that not everything has been revealed to us, together with the truth that God is wholly different from us, farther from the Bible is closer to heresy.

I quote the Theopedia:

"Systematic theology integrates biblical, historical and sometimes philosophical theology into its methodology, and its main goal is to draw a clear description of what the Bible teaches about a particular doctrine. Furthermore, systematic theology not only looks to biblically construct individual doctrines of the Christian faith, but remains aware of the cause-effect relationship of each doctrine. That is, on the one hand, if one doctrine is changed, effects will take place in other areas of doctrine. On the other hand, each doctrine has implications for other doctrines. For example, within the doctrine of Christ (i.e., Christology) the belief in Jesus' resurrection means that we are not left in our sins (cf. 1 Cor 15:17). Jesus has conquered sin, and those who are in Christ also experience this victory (cf. Rom 6). Moreover, Christians have a future hope that they too will be resurrected and experience eternal life. These are just a few of many other examples of how each doctrine is interrelated to one another. In the end, systematic theology should naturally flow into practical theology where the conclusions drawn from Scripture are made applicable to the Church." http://www.theopedia.com/Systematic_theology

Lastly, by way of reference, there is a page on Regent University's site that lists the major Systematic Theology books by Doctrinal Persuasion here. Just to note from a prior post, Grudem isn't listed among the reformed theologies because many reformed theologians don't like sections of the book. In fact, Grudem's ST doesn't fall neatly in any camp...which is why I like it.

I think there are two senses of "control" that are at work in our discussion.

Control in terms of Authority- This is the sense in which "God is in control"-ultimate authority and  power such that any control he gives to  others could be rescinded by him.

Control in terms of direction, restraint, actions. This is the sense in which we have our ability to be self-controlled and self-willed. Satan would fall into this category of having freedom to do evil. Inherent in the command of God at creation that man and woman would "subdue the earth and rule over it" is the ability to exercise control. But part of the curse was that the earth would be unruley, and harder to work.

Some verse about God's ultimate authority and control over all things:

Satan is under God's authority: "The Lord said to Satan, “Very well, then, everything he has is in your hands, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.”  Then Satan went out from the presence of the Lord".  -Job 1:12. God has the power to restrain or to free Satan to act.

All of Creation except the Father himself is under Christ: "For he “has put everything under his feet.” Now when it says that “everything” has been put under him, it is clear that this does not include God himself, who put everything under Christ." -1 Corinthians 15:27. Paul is being so inclusive about the authority of Christ that he has to say "Everything but God, that is"

Human Leaders are under God's control: "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. " -Romans 13:1

As the Sovereign Lord of the universe, God is in complete control, even in his ability to subject the evil one to Himself at the end of days (Rev. 20:7-10). You are right in saying that the evil one has control over this world (1 John 5:19), and he does cause evil left and right...but in the preceeding verse that it seemed you were aluding to in saying that those who submit to God are under God's protection and control. But in 1 John 5:18- The fact that the evil one cannot harm one who is born of God means that God must have some kind of power over the evil one to restrain him from harming them.

By referring to God's control...I was teachiing about the authority He has over all of creation. And that He is at work in creation, working things for good, for those who love God. (Rom. 8:28) I clearly did not say that free will is some kind of "smoke and mirrors" trick, but rather I affirmed that we are truely free in our actions...but at the same time God is sovereign. We cannot help but to affirm both of these.

That we pray "your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven" is not to contradict "God is in control" in the first sense. It does remind us that humans are not doing what God wills. But then the question comes up, "Why do people not do God's will if He is really all-powerful?" And the answer is that He created people with a level of self-soveignty...that is, God has entrusted a piece of His sovereignty to them. This comes out in Hebrews 2:5-9, that the earth is subject to humans, even though we don't experience (see) that in practice. But we do see Jesus glorified to that position of ruler over all.

One the opposite side from Reformed Theology there is a newer theological position called Open Theism that affirms that God is stuck in time just like the rest of us and that God doesn't know the future because it hasn't happened yet. It limits God's knowledge, and it limits God's power, such that He is merely reacting to events in real time. It is easy for us to understand, and that is why it is gaining some popularity...except that it is not scriptural. And in this way you and I will always agree...the Bible is our authority, and any system that falls away from scripture in order to make sense to us is a failure. I'm going add a separate post on the value and concern of Systematic Theology.

I rejoice that the EV Free Church and many Baptist Churches are rediscovering the God glorifying beauty of Reformed Theology! As a worship leader I have found no other theology that places more focus on the supremacy and sovereignty of Christ! I have sat under and personally known RC Sproul, John Piper, Michael Horton and Wayne Grudem for many years and thank God for using these Godly men to help the church take the focus off man and put it back on God where it belongs! Reformed Theology is "God Centered Theology"! In this age of "Pelagian Evangelicalism" and the "therapy Gospel" it is a breath of fresh air!