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The Latter Days in the Old Testament

Eschatology precedes soteriology. Find out why in this essay.

Two Ages: Evaluating a Biblical concept

If the cosmos has changed over time, as redemptive history has moved from through “five worlds” from creation (Genesis 1–2) to the new creation (Revelation 21–22), then there have also been covenantal changes, too. In the beginning, God made a covenant with Adam (Gen. 2:15–17; cf. Hos. 6:7), which is often called the “covenant of works.” Then, after the flood, God re-established a covenant with Noah and all creation. As Genesis 9:8–17 reports, God hung his bow in the sky as

Getting Into Macro-Eschatology: Seeing The Five Worlds God Has Made

Last Sunday I introduced something I called “macro-eschatology.” Macro-eschatology is an approach to redemptive history that sees the end of things (eschatology) as fulfilling, restoring, and superseding the beginning of things (protology). At the center of this approach to reading the Bible is the person and the work of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who stands at the center of God’s plan to unite all things in creation. As Ephesians 1:9–10 tell us, Christ is the one who will

The ABCs of Eschatology (Pt 2): 14 More Key words

Last time, I introduced fourteen key words for understanding some basic concepts in the study of last things (eschatology). Today, I will complete my basic glossary with fourteen more terms, in hopes that these definitions will help improve present and future discussions about eschatology. You can also listen to the Sunday School that explains many of these terms. And if you would like a handout of the glossary, scroll to the bottom. (15) The Intermediate and Final States. W

The ABC’s of Eschatology (Pt. 1): Key Words to understanding end times

Eschatology is a word that means the study (-ology) of last things (eschatos). And in that study there are lots of words that are familiar (*resurrection), unfamiliar (*preterist), and debated (*rapture). Likewise, terms like millennium and tribulation are ones that have multiple definitions, and figures like the *antichrist, whose common description may or may not match John’s use of the word. Knowing that sound doctrine and fruitful discussions require clear definitions,

Twelve Books to Read Before the End of the World

When I teach Systematic Theology to seminarians, I make students read two books on eschatology and I recommend about twenty. Since I recently began a Sunday School series on the subject of eschatology, I wanted to share that list with you. You can also listen to the classes here. The Two Most Important Books on Eschatology Benjamin Gladd and Matthew Harmon, Making All Things New: Inaugurated Eschatology for the Life of the Church (2016). This is my go-to book for eschatolog

Gossip More: Because Gossiping Less Never Works

[This article was originally featured in our hometown newspaper, The Seymour Tribune]. Gossip. It is a common disease—easily contracted, hard to cure. Yet, the surprising solution is not to gossip less. Just the opposite: You need to gossip more. Let me explain. You were made to gossip. God gave you speech and a heart curiously intrigued by … Continue reading Gossip More: Because Gossiping Less Never Works

Operation World Wednesday: Europe

I have heard it said that the movement of Christianity from Jerusalem and Judea to Samaria to the ends of the earth has been like a ring of fire. As the gospel moved west to Rome and Continental Europe, new fires blazed as missionaries like Patrick, reformations in Germany, Great Britain, and the Netherlands, and … Continue reading Operation World Wednesday: Europe

Who is Upholding Who?: Preaching in the Face of Adversity

Sunday by Sunday, faithful pastors labor to uphold the glory of God in the face of Christ, but such labors can often be overwhelming. I have garnished much encouragement that this wearying task is not something that only a few experienced. Rather, any who desire to walk faithfully with Lord will wrestle with sorrow, fatigue, … Continue reading Who is Upholding Who?: Preaching in the Face of Adversity

Matt Papa’s Prophetic Take on Christian Radio

Christian singer-songwriter, Matt Papa, has begun a series of posts on Christian radio that will be worth watching. Since my earliest Christian memories have DC Talk’s Jesus Freak and Smalltown Poets Prophet, Priest, and King playing as background music, I will be very interested in what he has to say. With Mr. Papa, I am … Continue reading Matt Papa’s Prophetic Take on Christian Radio

Operation World Wednesday: Asia

If you are reading Operation World today, you will land in the continent of Asia this week. For Westerners, this may be the most distant and unknown of all the continents, but with more than half the world’s population and ninety percent of the people being lost, it needs our attention more than ever. Here … Continue reading Operation World Wednesday: Asia

Pro-Life Resources

On Sunday our church, along with many others, celebrated the Sanctity of Life. In my message I asked the question: What makes our defense of the unborn and our fight against abortion specifically Christian? I argued that our knowledge of God our Maker, our motivation that comes from his love and kindness to us, and … Continue reading Pro-Life Resources

In the Fight Against Abortion, Truth Shall Set You Free

In his recent FREE online ebook, Exposing the Dark Work of Abortion, John Piper lists 15 critical ‘truths’ about abortion. As many churches celebrate life this Sunday and call an end to the genocide that is abortion, may these truths spur you on to fight the good fight of faith to protect life and proclaim … Continue reading In the Fight Against Abortion, Truth Shall Set You Free

Via Emmaus: A Christ-Centered Walk Through the Bible

Yesterday, The Gospel Coalition ran an article on how to teach through the whole counsel of Scripture in a year. It was something that I wrote based on the things I learned when our church walked through the Bible together in 2010. For those who are interested in what those lessons looked like, here are the … Continue reading Via Emmaus: A Christ-Centered Walk Through the Bible

A Biblical Theology of Business (and Church Growth)

A few weeks ago I came across this video from the Gospel & Culture conference in NYC. It features Jeff Van Duzer, dean of the business school at Seattle Pacific University giving a message entitled, “A Theology of Business.” I have watched it a few times now and gleaned much. It it is a great biblical-theological … Continue reading A Biblical Theology of Business (and Church Growth)

Crash Helmet or Christ Helmet? Reflections on a Paragraph

I do not know who Annie Dillard is, but by her impressive CV and the list of honors she has received for her writing, I feel like I should. From her self-description, I suppose there are many things I would disagree with her about, but her singular quote is so striking that I would love … Continue reading Crash Helmet or Christ Helmet? Reflections on a Paragraph

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