An ongoing discussion among dispensationalists is where Jesus will first return at His second advent. There are two schools of thought. One understands that He will return to the Mount of Olives. The other is that He will return to Bozrah in present day Jordan or Biblical Edom. The idea that Jesus will arrive at … Continue reading Jesus is Coming, But Where?
The Transforming Power of God’s Word
“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18, ESV) God Transforms At the moment of salvation, we are all blessed beyond measure by the … Continue reading The Transforming Power of God’s Word
The Sad Story of Michael Servetus and John Calvin
Introduction John Calvin has always been a controversial figure. Even in our own day he has champions and critics. Calvin’s work and life are often misunderstood and distorted. The problem as I see it is that so often neither champion nor critic have taken the time to read what Calvin has written or the history of … Continue reading The Sad Story of Michael Servetus and John Calvin
Peter’s End Time Survival Guide: Neither Useless nor Unfruitful
Having an effective life for Christ is far from automatic or guaranteed. The very real possibility that one can be useless and unfruitful in “the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:8) ought to shake us out of complacency and be a call to action. That is why Peter urged his … Continue reading Peter’s End Time Survival Guide: Neither Useless nor Unfruitful
Defending the Rapture
One of the characteristic teachings of dispensationalism is the pretribulational rapture of the church. This is the view that Jesus will remove or rapture the church to heaven, both the living and the dead, from the earth prior to the tribulation. This doctrine is under constant assault. In a January 2019 article on the … Continue reading Defending the Rapture
Peter’s End Time Survival Guide: Brotherly Affection and Love
In this series of posts we have been exploring Peter’s guidance concerning how we can be useful and fruitful in our Christian lives. So far he has commanded that we build on our faith by developing virtue, knowledge, self-control, and steadfastness. Today we will look at the final two qualities that will keep us from … Continue reading Peter’s End Time Survival Guide: Brotherly Affection and Love
Talking to Ourselves
I wonder if we have missed the point of systematic theology? By God’s good providence I have the opportunity to begin to prepare a series of doctoral level systematic theology courses for Tyndale Theological Seminary and Biblical Institute. As part of my preparation for those courses I have looked into the origins of systematic theology … Continue reading Talking to Ourselves
Peter’s End Time Survival Guide: Perseverence and Godliness
Let’s survey what we have learned from Peter so far about thriving at the end of the end times. Peter started with a reminder to reflect on the reality and riches of our salvation (2 Peter 1:3-5a). Then, he commanded that we take definite, purposeful, vigorous action to grow spiritually (v. 5b). Then Peter began … Continue reading Peter’s End Time Survival Guide: Perseverence and Godliness
Don’t Drift
“Yes, they were pleased to do so, and they are indebted to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual things, they are indebted to minister to them also in material things.” Romans 15:27, NASB95 As the end of the year approaches my wife and I often take some time out to jointly … Continue reading Don’t Drift
Peter’s End Time Survival Guide: Knowledge and Self-Control
The Bible is clear that a great tsunami of apostasy will wash through the church in the last days. More than that, we can expect tsunami after tsunami as the rapture draws closer. Thankfully, in 2 Peter 1:5-8 we have instructions on how to not just survive but even thrive during these challenging days.So far … Continue reading Peter’s End Time Survival Guide: Knowledge and Self-Control
