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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

The Light of the World Never Fades

[This article was originally featured in our hometown newspaper, The Seymour Tribune]. The weeks that follow Christmas present a unique challenge. For all the holiday highs, there often comes an unforeseen holiday hangover. As the lights come down and the daily grind resumes, a wintry chill easily replaces Christmas cheer. But is that how it must go? … Continue reading The Light of the World Never Fades

Operation World Wednesday

If you are not familiar with Operation World, you should be! It is the resource for praying with knowledge for all the peoples of the world. Last year, our family used this resource to focus our prayer each morning at breakfast. This year, we will continue to do this at home, but I am hoping … Continue reading Operation World Wednesday

Where Do Leaders Come From?

Russell Moore, dean of Southern Seminary, provides an encouraging and evangelistic reminder that the most energetic saints may not even be saved today. He writes, The next Jonathan Edwards might be the man driving in front of you with the Darwin Fish bumper decal. The next Charles Wesley might be a misogynist, profanity-spewing hip-hop artist … Continue reading Where Do Leaders Come From?

Seven Habits to Becoming a Highly Effective Bible Reader

Each December, many scrupulous Christians gear up for the new year by thinking about how they will spend time in God’s word in the coming year. For many, myself included, this is a time of self-doubt and disappointment. Thinking back on the previous year, it becomes apparent that our goal for reading the Bible all … Continue reading Seven Habits to Becoming a Highly Effective Bible Reader

The Word of God: Written, Eternal, and Incarnate

Three times in the first verse of John’s gospel, the beloved disciple speaks of the Word, “the Logos.” It is quickly seen that this name or title describes Jesus. John 1:14 unmistakably unites the eternal Word with the babe born in the manger. But why does John use this term? What does Logos or the … Continue reading The Word of God: Written, Eternal, and Incarnate

On the Incarnation: How Should We Talk About Christmas?

Yesterday, I preached from John 1:1-5 on the eternal Son of God who came to be God with us. One of my main points was the fact that while Jesus had a beginning, the Son of God did not. The Son takes on flesh to become fully human, but in no way does God the … Continue reading On the Incarnation: How Should We Talk About Christmas?

Lottie Moon: Further Reading

For Further Reading Much of the information, anecdotes, and theological considerations in these blog posts about Lottie Moon have come from Tom Nettles eminently helpful chapter on Lottie Moon. Fuller treatments can be found in Catherine Allen’s book and Keith Harper’s edited volume of Lottie’s personal letters and memoirs. Daniel Akin also preached a sermon … Continue reading Lottie Moon: Further Reading

Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs: In the Huddle with Tim Tebow

Matthew 12:34 says that out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. Sadly, when professional athletes are mic’d it usually shows that their hearts are full of selfishness, pride, and anger. Tim Tebow shows something else. How many times have you heard an explicative when some broadcast listens in on the sidelines! Not … Continue reading Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs: In the Huddle with Tim Tebow

Lottie Moon: Lessons From Lottie

Lottie Moon was a changed woman, from the teenager who once told people her middle name was ‘devil.” But her life in Christ also shows sanctification, for coming to China was racial superiority in her heart, she prepared for her next voyage to heaven consumed with seeing the Chinese come to Christ. In truth, she … Continue reading Lottie Moon: Lessons From Lottie

Lottie Moon: Service and Solicitor for Missions Giving

Service When Lottie evaluated her ministry in China, she felt that the first 18 years of the work were just sowing with very little reaping. From 1873-1890, she labored to learn the language, the customs, and the best ways to do evangelism. And it was only after 2 decades that she began to see much … Continue reading Lottie Moon: Service and Solicitor for Missions Giving

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