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

Yahweh’s Penultimate Enthronement: Observing the Return-From-Exile Narrative in Psalms 90–106

It is unmistakable that Psalms 96, 105, and 106 find their genesis in 1 Chronicles 16. Just read them together, and you will see how the psalms take up different parts of 1 Chronicles. With this background, it begins to help us see how to understand the message of Book IV in the Psalter, as … Continue reading Yahweh’s Penultimate Enthronement: Observing the Return-From-Exile Narrative in Psalms 90–106

Kingdom Justice: Let Justice Flow Down from the Throne of God (Psalm 97)

No Justice, No Peace. These words have been chanted, preached, and tweeted innumerable times in the last few months. And like so many slogans, they grip the heart because of the way they resonate with God’s truth (read Isa. 9:6–7; Rom. 14:17) and humanity’s need. Yet, as is often the case, such slogans fail to … Continue reading Kingdom Justice: Let Justice Flow Down from the Throne of God (Psalm 97)

Four Reasons for Taking the Lord’s Supper Every Lord’s Day

Last Sunday marked our fourth Sunday back after the COVID-induced hiatus of three months. And for the fourth week in a row, we took the Lord’s Supper and remembered the death and resurrection of Christ with elements resembling his body and blood. In preparation for the Lord’s Table, two of my sons asked at different … Continue reading Four Reasons for Taking the Lord’s Supper Every Lord’s Day

Seven Pastoral Practices for Bringing Biblical Theology to Church

Yesterday, I gave seven pastoral cautions for bringing biblical theology to the church. And as advertised, here is the rest of the story: seven pastoral practices for bringing biblical theology to church. This is list primarily for pastors and the role their preaching can play in helping their congregation value a unified reading Scripture that … Continue reading Seven Pastoral Practices for Bringing Biblical Theology to Church

Seven Pastoral Cautions for Bringing Biblical Theology to Church

Recently, I received an email asking how to incorporate biblical theology in the church. If you are familiar with this blog, you know the value I place on this discipline and how it impacts so much of what I do in preaching, writing, and all of ministry. (If you want an introduction to biblical theology, … Continue reading Seven Pastoral Cautions for Bringing Biblical Theology to Church

What To Do When God’s House Is Closed for Business: Seven Sermons from Joel

Over the last month and a half, our church has looked at the book of Joel. In these strange and turbulent times, we have found that this ancient book has a plethora of wisdom to comfort, instruct, and strengthen God’s people. Here are the seven messages from that series. As you can see, this series … Continue reading What To Do When God’s House Is Closed for Business: Seven Sermons from Joel

Built on the Word: A Theological Vision for Ministry (Audio and Handouts)

In February, our church joined with Redeeming Grace Church (Fairfax) and Grace Church (Gainesville) to host a seminar on doing ministry built on the word of God. In an age when churches are experimenting with all sorts of new methods for doing ministry (and I’m not just talking about Zoom), it is our conviction that … Continue reading Built on the Word: A Theological Vision for Ministry (Audio and Handouts)

Churches Are Gathering Again: Here’s Why It Matters So Much

. . . so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, — Ephesians 3:10–11 — This Sunday our church plans to regather again … Continue reading Churches Are Gathering Again: Here’s Why It Matters So Much

What To Do When God’s House Is . . . Closed for Business (Joel 1:1–14)

On Sunday, we started a new series in the book of Joel. Why? Because Joel speaks to a people who had seen God close the temple. As churches across the country and around the world are currently “closed,” there is much to learn from Joel. Here’s the video of the first message in the series: … Continue reading What To Do When God’s House Is . . . Closed for Business (Joel 1:1–14)

In Order to Dwell in God’s Presence: Seven Ways to Read Psalms

This month brings us to the Book of Psalms in the Via Emmaus Bible Reading plan. And I say “Book” because Psalms is more than a collection of random songs; it is a highly structured book which tells the redemptive story of David and his greater Son—the king who is enthroned on Zion. In fact, … Continue reading In Order to Dwell in God’s Presence: Seven Ways to Read Psalms

150
Page 27