In this way, the day of the Lord is also the primary unifying reality of the Scriptures. The Tanakh and New Testament speak the same message because they end in the same event. Consequently they hold to “the same hope” (Acts 24:15, niv). They look forward to the same “new heavens and new earth.” They believe in the same “resurrection of the dead.” They expect the same “glory,” the same “salvation,” the same “inheritance,” the same “kingdom,” etc. The New Testament simply asserts that the Messiah had to suffer before entering his eschatological glory (cf. Luke 24:26; Acts 17:3; 1 Peter 1:11), bearing sin before bringing salvation (cf. Acts 3:18–21; Heb. 9:28), being set forward as a propitiation before the day of wrath (cf. Rom. 3:25; 1 John 2:2), providing justification in anticipation of the day of judgment (cf. Rom. 5:9; Titus 3:7), and offering redemption in light of the day of recompense (cf. Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14). - John P. Harrigan, The Gospel of Christ Crucified

In this light, the Scriptures are a progressively apocalyptic revelation from God concerning the culmination of history in the day of the Lord, which exorcises sin and death from the heavens and from the earth, restoring to creation its original glory. As such, the Bible is also theologically symmetrical—as it begins in Genesis, so it concludes in Revelation. In the beginning there is the creation of all things by the hand of God, the planting of the garden of Eden with the tree of life, the marriage of Adam and Eve, the victory of Satan through human sin, and the subsequent entrance of death and suffering. In the end, however, there is the new creation of God, the restoration of Eden and the tree of life, the marriage of Jesus (the “last Adam”) and his bride (the redeemed), the overcoming of Satan through the final judgment upon human sin, and the subsequent eradication of death and suffering. The Judeo-Christian faith is set within this broad structure. Protology and eschatology are not parts or aspects of biblical theology; they are, rather, the framework within which all theology is understood. - John P. Harrigan

The order of death under which humanity now languishes will be dramatically overthrown in an event inaugurated by the day of the Lord called “the resurrection of the dead” (Matt. 22:31; Acts 23:6; 1 Cor. 15:21, 42; Heb. 6:2). Lying at the heart of the new creation model, this event will be the ultimate creative miracle of God—“in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet” (1 Cor. 15:52)—instantaneously reversing mankind’s existential train wreck. Indeed, “When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory’” (1 Cor. 15:54). Death is neither normal nor natural. The heart of the Jewish apocalyptic hope is a new heavens and new earth, inaugurated by the day of God, when death itself is overcome and “swallowed up.” - John P. Harrigan

As good creational monotheists, mainline Jews were not hoping to escape from the present universe into some Platonic realm of eternal bliss enjoyed by disembodied souls after the end of the space-time universe. If they died in the fight for the restoration of Israel, they hoped not to “go to heaven,” or at least not permanently, but to be raised to new bodies when the kingdom came, since they would of course need new bodies to enjoy the very much this-worldly shalom, peace and prosperity that was in store. - NT Wright

My teaching on Jesus raising the dead young man in Nain from Luke 7. Notes. Audio 1. Audio 2. 

Because of the beloved Son’s sacrifice and heavenly exaltation, the Bible story—and your story—can end with a restored Eden in a new heavens and earth, and with living waters flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb (Rev. 22:1–5). - L. Micheal Morales

Martyrdom is only Christian if it communicates the love and mercy of God in the cross. -John Harrigan 

Bob Sorge's introductory videos for the Parable of the Sower. 

Forgiveness – another aspect of the watchful lifestyle involves an ardent commitment to forgiveness and restrain from vengeance, which simply stems from an acknowledgement of present divine sovereignty and amnesticism. Without forgiveness the human heart is defiled by pride and diluted by a false sense of justice. We forgive in light of the Day of the Lord. (Matthew 6:9-15) - John P. Harrigan

The grace of God through the Holy Spirit is given to the Church to strengthen us in our sojourning and our witness of him to whom we are sojourning. The Holy Spirit is given as a “gift” (Acts 1:4) and a “helper” (Jn. 14:16), that the Church might remain faithful and perseverant in her calling.  

This grace is released by means of prayer alone. The lack of the necessity of grace and the multiplication of the means of grace are the two primary reasons why the modern church refuses to organize itself around the place of prayer, individually and corporately. - John P. Harrigan

The Church is called to persevere in their calling to worship God and believe in his appointed Messiah, sanctify themselves in preparation for his Kingdom, and testify to all nations of the judgment and restoration of that Kingdom. The Church is thus a sojourning nation witnessing to all the nations that the Day of the Lord is coming and Jesus is the Messiah. The Church is not a dominionizing nation, establishing the sovereignty of God, or an escapist nation, avoiding contact with this world, before the annihilation of creation. (1 Peter 2:9-13) - John P. Harrigan

Joseph’s brothers hated him. He was his father’s favourite, which they resented, and if his dreams were to be taken seriously (as Jacob suspected), he would ultimately reign over them, the idea of which was intolerable. The events of Genesis 37 therefore presented Joseph’s brothers with a choice: to become Joseph’s slaves or to accept twenty pieces of silver in exchange for his life.

Sadly, under Judah’s leadership, they took the easy way out.

Yet, quite brilliantly, Joseph gave his brothers a chance to redeem themselves.

In Genesis 42, the ten of them went to Egypt to buy grain.

Joseph took Simeon captive and sent his brothers back to Canaan with their ten portions of silver in their bags.

And so, in Genesis 43, the nine brothers plus Benjamin took the silver back to Joseph together with ten *more* portions of silver (Gen. 43.12), only for Joseph to put all twenty portions of silver in their bags, plant his silver cup in Benjamin’s bag, and send them on their way (44.1–2).

Consequently, when the cup was found, the brothers were presented with exactly the same choice as before:

to go their way with twenty portions of silver in exchange for the life of their younger brother or to become Joseph’s slaves (44.17). Happily, they made a different decision.

They bowed before Joseph (like the sheaves in Joseph’s dream), and Judah sacrificed his freedom for the sake of his father’s favourite. They had seen the pain their sin had brought about, and had learned their lesson (44.33–34). -James Bejon 

“the NT did not emerge in a vacuum but was rooted in a particular historical, cultural, and religious context, and understanding this context, at least in a general sense, puts the study of the NT into proper perspective from the very start.”  -  Andreas J. Kostenberger, L. Scott Kellum, and Charles L. Quarles, The Cradle, the Cross, the Crown: An Introduction to the New Testament

You can tell a lot about someone’s values by what they pray for.

In light of this, we can tell what the apostles prioritized by looking at the apostolic prayers. There’s a recurring emphasis on the hope of Jesus‘s return (not revival or a more prosperous life in this age). - Tyler Luedke

“Meditate upon what you read: stop not at the surface; dive into the depths.” — Charles Spurgeon

Theology 101: Beware of “interpreters” who dismiss what Scripture says with “that’s just a metaphor” or “that’s just a symbol.” The real interpreter acknowledges metaphors and symbols and figures of speech, but that then is the beginning of the interpretive task, not the end. - Dr. Micheal Svigel

In the Last Days, a major expectation is that "the law will go forth from Zion and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem (Isaiah 2:3, c.f. Micah 4:2). Does this sound like some kind of "abolishment of the law"? Not at all. On the contrary, when Yeshua returns, the Torah will be enforced as the law of planet earth. - J.K. McKee

Yeshua upholding the Torah of Moses is recognized by even relatively liberal theologians who have to admit, albeit reluctantly, that Jesus was a First Century Jewish Rabbi who taught the Law to His followers. ~ J.K. McKee ”The New Testament Validates Torah”

 Chad Brewer preaching on the Son of Man phrase in Matthew 17. 

When I run up against a wall, I don't speculate and call it "teaching." I just don't speculate. I try to just take things as far as the text allows us to go and just leave it there. - Dr. Micheal Heiser

“If you think you deserve heaven, take it from me, you are not a Christian.” -  Martyn Lloyd-Jones (Via BA Purtle) 

"To interpret as allegories portions of Scripture which are not allegories is to make God's Holy Word a plaything. There is no limit to the absurdities which allegorical preaching may present as the truth of God. At its worst, it reduces preaching to a vaudeville act. At its best it is still an abomination." ~R. B. Kuiper

If one wants to make the case that the disciples' persistent expectation of a restoration of the Kingdom to Israel was mistaken, that case will have to be made by some means other than Jesus’s reply, which addressed only the timing of the event, not its nature. -Dr. Micheal Svigel 

“The commentators interspersed throughout Sojourners and Exiles paint a picture of the gospel Yeshua preached. It was a kingdom message—a message about a literal kingdom, a kingdom everyone will be able to see clearly. Yeshua will depose the rulers of this world and reign uncontested over all humanity from Jerusalem.

This is an uncomfortable message to the comfortable—to those who have invested in this current age, in its political and economic structures. Those who benefit the most from power and wealth have the most to lose when it is taken away. Those who live for pleasure and sin react to the prospect of a final judgment with well-placed fear.” -Jacob Fronczak on the documentary Sojourners and Exiles. 

Theology 101: When God desired fellowship with his image-bearers, he didn’t open a gateway in heaven; he planted a garden on earth. - Dr. Micheal Svigel

My teaching of the faith of the Centurion from Luke 7. Notes. Audio 1. Audio 2. 

“Devote yourselves to prayer.” -Paul the apostle

When I read the New Testament, I don't see the formation of a new religion. I see the fullness of the Jewish religion, now available to the whole world. -Rabbi Ben Samuel 

The Levitical system only works if the worshiper believes that Yahweh is in the midst of the people, believes that he is holy, believes that sacrifice must be offered for cleansing, and lives in a way that corresponds with these beliefs. - Dr Jim Hamilton 

"Paul does not paint the future with rose-colour (2 Tim. 3.5). He is no smooth-tongued prophet of a golden age, into which this dull earth may be imagined to be glowing. There are sanguine brethren who are looking forward to everything growing better and better and better, until, at last, this present age ripens into a millennium. They will not be able to sustain their hopes, for Scripture gives them no solid basis to rest upon. We who believe that there will be no Millennial reign without the King, and who expect no rule of righteousness except from the appearing of the righteous Lord, are nearer the mark. Apart from the Second Advent of our Lord, the world is more likely to sink into a pandemonium than to rise into a millennium. A divine interposition seems to me the hope set before us in Scripture, and, indeed, to be the only hope adequate to the occasion." - Spurgeon, (From the sermon "The Form of Godliness Without the Power," June 2, 1889) via BA Purtle

You will never truly understand the Psalm 23 shepherd until you understand the Psalm 22 suffering servant. - Justin Rizzo

There will be deathbed regret for the man who prioritizes his work and leisure with great care, but neglects to worship, fellowship, and make disciples in the context of a local church. - BA Purtle

"The minister who preaches for his own glory rather than God's glory is guilty of idolatry, but so is the minister who preaches for God's glory and his own." R.B. Kuiper (1886-1966) Via BA Purtle

Young men, I beseech you earnestly beware of pride. Two things are said to be very rare sights in this world - one is a young man that is humble, and the other is an old man that is content. I fear that this is only too true. - JC Ryle

Compare Matthew 5 (the Sermon on the Mount) to Romans 13:1-7 (which talks about the role of government), and you will see right away that an established government does not, and cannot, function according to the same principles that regulate private, Christian discipleship.

Understanding this basic distinction between Church and State would save people a lot of confusion when trying to think through public policy issues as a Christian.  

Example: If someone insults me I have to forgive them. But if someone violates the laws of the State, the State's priority should be justice and punishment, not mercy.

It's easy to understand why this is the case too. A personal offense can destroy my own heart and engulf me in the lust for revenge. So I have to learn to let things go, for my own sake just as much as the other person's.

But if the State were to adopt the same posture, they would be empowering evil and creating a worse society for everyone, so their prerogative is justice and the sword, so we can all live with some peace and dignity.

Moreover, the tension between personal obligations to mercy and the State's obligation towards justice actually makes it easier for me to show mercy, because I know that my mercy cannot be taken advantage of, because a personal offense can only go so far before it will cross into the jurisdiction of the State and be met with justice.

So someone may insult me and I have to bear that, but the minute they try to break into my house and steal my property or harm my family I have recourse to the State and laws of self-defense in my favor that shield me from having to exercise excessive mercy to the point of self-destruction.

In summary, be careful of pastors and ministry leaders who only harp on the Sermon on the Mount as a guide for Christian political engagement. Such an approach is actually dangerous and unbiblical.

But likewise, be equally as wary of paradigms of Christian discipleship that never engage seriously with the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus does call us to be something different than the world, and finding the balance of how to live in these two spheres, Church and State, is no easy task but it is our responsibility. -Travis M Snow

“Really, kings are established by order of the same One by whose order men are born; and they are suited to the ones who are ruled by them at that time. For some of them [rulers] are given for the correction and usefulness of the subjects and for the preservation of justice; but some are given for fear and punishment and reproof; and some for deception, dishonor, pride, which they also deserve; whereas God’s just judgment, as we have remarked, comes equally upon all.“ - Irenaeus of Lyons, Against Heresies 5.24.3 (via Dr. Micheal Svigel) 

Theology 101: “By grace through faith” is the very path—not just the trailhead—of the Christian journey. - Dr. Micheal Svigel

Churches should be flagships of righteousness delivering grace, peace, and truth to the world, but too many are pirate ships attacking other churches in the world…battle ships waging war against the world…or cruise ships entertaining themselves as they ignore the world. - Dr. Micheal Svigel

Theology 101: The One who allowed the devil into the Garden of Eden in the form of a snake, leading to our death, also allowed the devil into the Garden of Gethsemane in the form of a snitch, leading to his own. - Dr. Micheal Svigel

Psalm 2 AI Rap song (via David Thompson) 

"Thank you Jesus for freeing me from the Law" -- a Gentile Christian who at no point in history were he or his ancestors ever covenantally bound to the Mosaic Law - Aaron Eby

If your hope as a Christian is in your giftedness, you’ll think yourself superior to those who aren’t gifted like you, or fall into envy when someone else is gifted in ways you’re not (or in similar but more pronounced ways than you).

If your hope is in your fruitfulness, you’ll be inflated and narcissistic when you’re apparently bearing fruit and devastated when fruit seems meager— and even more so, when you see others bearing great fruit.

If your hope is in Christ alone, if you’re rejoicing that your name is written in heaven by grace alone, your heart and conscience will be free and clear, and you’ll have wisdom to use your gifts to the glory of God, bearing fruit and building up the church with humility and joy for all your days.

In the kingdom of God, sons become sages, not the other way around. - BA Purtle

“No learning can make up for the failure to pray. No earnestness, no diligence, no study, no gifts will supply its lack.” -EM Bounds (Via BA Purtle)

"God can do little with those who love their reputations." - CT Studd (via BA Purtle) 

My teaching on Luke's Sermon on the Plain from Luke 6. Notes. Audio 1. Audio 2. 

"A crucified Saviour is the sole and only hope of a sinful world." -- Spurgeon (via Nick Uva)

You can’t dispatch angels anywhere because you’re not Yahweh.

They heed the voice of His Word — see Ps. 103.

We Charismatics need to jettison the many traditions we’ve created which are questionable (or worse). Are the Gifts of the Spirit not enough for us? - Nick Uva

"Self-righteousness is as much an insult to God as blasphemy, and God will never accept it, neither shall any soul enter heaven by it." – Spurgeon (via Nick Uva)

Lately I've been reading a lot about the Incarnation of the Son of God, and realizing that the reconciliation of God and Man does not only take place through Jesus (e.g., on the Cross), but actually takes place *in* Jesus first and foremost, has been a paradigm-shifting insight.

Christ's identity as God and Man (aka. the Hypostatic Union) is the mechanism that allows all other humans who believe in Him to receive and share in the Divine life of the Father, what Peter calls, becoming "partakers of the divine nature" (2 Pet. 1:4).

Though Christ is unique in his divinity, being fully God, and we can never be exactly as he is, as the Last Adam (1 Cor. 15:45) he is yet a prototype for a new type of humanity that is characterized by union with the Godhead that far surpasses even what the First Adam experienced in the Garden of Eden, and certainly surpasses what we now experience since the First Adam's fall —death, pain, and bondage to sin.

This is what I mean that the Incarnation itself is our reconciliation with God. It is God and Man joined, inseparable, and fully intertwined in Christ as a signal that God no longer wishes to be separated from humanity, and in that, our humanity too is given this offer of elevation to the plain of God.    

The eternal Son of God enters into the human experience so that humans can enter into the reality of God in a way that was never before possible, and through his righteous life, death, and resurrection, he secures our acceptance with God, achieves victory over our primary foe, and imparts the eternal life of God to us, which is tasted in part now through the Spirit and will be fully realized at the future Resurrection and in the Age to Come.

As God and Man he brings God to us and us to God. As Lord of Life and Perfect Adam he exhausts the power of death and overcomes it through his sinless perfection. He presses into the deepest realms of the human experience and brings God there and in so doing he brings whoever will press into him into the deepest realms of God.

More and more I'm getting to the point where if someone asks me what it is that saves us, my first answer will be: the Incarnation. - Travis M Snow

Jesus doesn't just save you from your sins. He saves your humanity. God loves you as a human being and through the Incarnation of the Son of God He offers you your truest, most elevated human self as a gift for all eternity. - Travis M. Snow