Blog

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

Reading Daniel, Zechariah, and Revelation: Interpretive Help from Bob Fyall

In preparing to teach Daniel tonight, I re-read a great 10-page essay on how to read apocalyptic literature. Bob Fyall, Senior Tutor in Ministry at Cornhill Scotland, and author of an excellent monograph on Job, Now My Eyes Have Seen You: Images of Creation and Evil in the Book of Job, has written a very helpful … Continue reading Reading Daniel, Zechariah, and Revelation: Interpretive Help from Bob Fyall

God, The Gospel, and Glenn Beck: Russell Moore Weighs In

Whatever your thoughts about Glenn Beck’s rally in Washington, Russell Moore’s analysis, God, the Gospel, and Glenn Beck, is worth reading. Especially, if your Christianity and political interests intersect (which they should — the question is “How should they intersect?”), Moore’s commentary is salient reminder that the advance of the gospel and the advance of conservative … Continue reading God, The Gospel, and Glenn Beck: Russell Moore Weighs In

An Explanation and Evaluation of the Theological Interpretation of Scripture

Last year, our Systematic Theology Colloquium at SBTS discussed the growing movement among evangelical scholars called Theological Interpretation of Scripture (TIS). Since our class was comprised of students committed to the full inerrancy of Scripture, it was skeptical because of the movement’s uncertain Scriptural foundation. You can see my evaluation here. This summer in a far … Continue reading An Explanation and Evaluation of the Theological Interpretation of Scripture

What do you want for your children?

In preparation for the new Young Married class we are starting at our church (Calvary BC), I started reading The Gospel-Centred Family by Tim Chester and Ed Moll. Though, I am only two chapters in, I already have a great appreciation for the book, and am excited about wading into the content with some of … Continue reading What do you want for your children?

Two Weddings and a Funeral :: Two Funerals and a Wedding

A Wedding Sermon If you look at the big picture of the Bible, you will see that it is about two weddings and a funeral! In the first book of the Bible and the last, weddings take center-stage. And between them, leading from one to the other, is a funeral, but one without a grave. … Continue reading Two Weddings and a Funeral :: Two Funerals and a Wedding

Sin Boldly: Because Only Sinners “Get” Amazing Grace

I am preaching on Luke 7:36-50 this Sunday, a message entitled, “Only Sinners ‘Get’ Amazing Grace!” In preparing, I was struck again by the radical nature of grace and the very fact that what qualifies us for grace is sin (cf. 1 John 1:9). In fact, if you are not a sinner, you won’t “get” … Continue reading Sin Boldly: Because Only Sinners “Get” Amazing Grace

The Wisdom of God is Seen in Intended Obsolescence

If God is the architect of the Old Covenant, and the Bible says that the Old Covenant failed (Hebrews 8), the question may rightly be asked: Did God create something that did not work? Did the sovereign, omnipotent God make a lemon? Was the New Covenant (Jer 31:31-34; Heb 8:8-13) a repair job? Hardly! The … Continue reading The Wisdom of God is Seen in Intended Obsolescence

Fern-Seed, Elephants, and Pseudo-Scholarship, or Another Reason Why I Love C.S. Lewis

C.S. Lewis said that he was no theologian, but somehow whenever he commented on the subject, his reflections bear wit and wisdom, and thus they bear repeating. Such is the case with a quote that comes from Lewis’s Fern-Seed and Elephants. In addressing a number of Cambridge students, hear Lewis wise counsel on the subject … Continue reading Fern-Seed, Elephants, and Pseudo-Scholarship, or Another Reason Why I Love C.S. Lewis

Southern Baptists: An Unfinished Denomination

Yesterday, I posted an article on the SBC : “Southern Baptists: An Unregenerate Denomination.” If left to that singular reflection, it might be assumed that by my assessment, the Southern Baptist Convention is in great peril or that I am a cantankerous critic. However, I think there is great reason for hope in our convention. … Continue reading Southern Baptists: An Unfinished Denomination

Southern Baptists: An Unregenerate Denomination?

In Major League Baseball, 38% is outstanding. If you can hit .380, you will be an All-Star and if you can do it year-after-year, you’ll be a Hall-of-Famer. Sadly, the same may be true in the church. If your church brings in 38% out of its members every week, as the average SBC church does–according … Continue reading Southern Baptists: An Unregenerate Denomination?

150
Page 127