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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

Who is in Charge? Two Competing Visions of Church Authority

In recent years and hours, lots of discussion has been given to the subject of authority. Who has authority to close the Southern border? Who has authority to mandate vaccines? Who has authority to teach children about the birds and the bees? Who has authority to close churches or constrict their practices? And in the … Continue reading Who is in Charge? Two Competing Visions of Church Authority

Four Loves: The Path to True Fellowship

Four Loves: The Path to True Fellowship (A Sermon on 2 John) In 2020, ESPN published a ten-part series call The Last Dance. The series followed the 1998 Chicago Bulls, the team led by Michael Jordan. This was the sixth and final championship series, the one that ended the dynasty. As a basketball player growing … Continue reading Four Loves: The Path to True Fellowship

Willingly and Truthfully: How a Pastor Demonstrates His Love

The elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, . . . – 2 John 1 – In 2 John 1, the Beloved Apostle declares his love for the church. This love is for the church (“the elect lady”), as well as for her members (“her children”), and it sets … Continue reading Willingly and Truthfully: How a Pastor Demonstrates His Love

A Dangerous Calling (pt. 2): Five Steps to Self-Promotion

Throughout the Bible we find a divide between wisdom and folly, righteousness and sin, givers and takers, children of God and children of the devil. As Jesus said, he did not come to bring peace, but a sword (Matt. 10:34–35). And that sword not only divides humanity, which provides the context of his words in … Continue reading A Dangerous Calling (pt. 2): Five Steps to Self-Promotion

How Fellowship Works: Cain, the Cross, and the Command to Love One Another

How Fellowship Works: Cain, the Cross, and the Command to Love One Another (A Sermon on 1 John 3:11–18) Love. One. Another. If you type those three words into your search engine, you’ll find a dozen references. The first two are found in John 13:34–35, when Jesus tells his disciples to love one another, just … Continue reading How Fellowship Works: Cain, the Cross, and the Command to Love One Another

A Dangerous Calling: Two Ways to Seek Ministry

Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, ‘I will be king.” – 1 Kings 1:5 – But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. – Matthew 6:33 – There is nothing wrong with seeking the kingdom of God, or in seeking a place … Continue reading A Dangerous Calling: Two Ways to Seek Ministry

Tolle Lege: The Return of the Strong Gods by R. R. Reno

From Brexit to the rise and fall of Donald Trump, we have heard a lot about the dangers of globalism and return of populism. Many charged Trump with a kind of nationalism that led to all kinds of racism, fascism, and other political maladies. But many others, would share a concern for commercial giants like … Continue reading Tolle Lege: The Return of the Strong Gods by R. R. Reno

Restoring the Right Hand of Fellowship: A New Sermon Miniseries

Four Truths About Fellowship: A Sermon on 1 John 1:1–2:6 As we know all too well, sin always separates. And thus, when fellowship breaks, there is, lurking somewhere, sin unconfessed. In those times, it is tempting to fix the problem(s) with our own wisdom and to work overtime to recreate the fellowship that was had … Continue reading Restoring the Right Hand of Fellowship: A New Sermon Miniseries

Fellowship 101: Five Truths To Move Beyond Bubba’s Shrimp Scampi

What does fellowship mean? In Christian circles the word fellowship, and its Greek equivalent (koinōnia), is used for all kinds of things. There are fellowship meals, fellowship events, fellowship coordinators, fellowship halls, and even internship experiences called fellowships. Additionally, you have a ministry called Bible Study Fellowship, which labors to distinguish themselves from being a … Continue reading Fellowship 101: Five Truths To Move Beyond Bubba’s Shrimp Scampi

Hang On and Hold Fast: A New Year’s Resolution for 2024

. . . Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith . . . Hebrews 12:1–2 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23 As we step into 2024, I … Continue reading Hang On and Hold Fast: A New Year’s Resolution for 2024

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