If your theology or eschatology are void of Winepresses and Threshing Floors, Tent Pegs and Sickles, Birds and Beasts, or if you think that Jesus’ blood-soaked garments are full of His own blood, consider what is lacking in your faith and add to it. - RT Brown

Session 4: John Harrigan | A Faithful Witness Seminar

Session 4 Audio. 

What Is "The Day Of The Lord"? with Dr. John Harrigan

Audio. 

“As the blacksmith, by hammering away at his work, conquers the project he plans to do, so also the righteous Word repeated daily conquers all wickedness.” -Shepherd of Hermas

 

(via Dr. Micheal J. Svigel)

It is now commonly recognized that Matthew viewed his community as a reformist Messianic movement within first-century Judaism. ~ Dr. Paul Foster, “Community, Law, and Mission in Matthew’s Gospel”

When Christ returns, He's going to tend the Garden of the world and exercise dominion in ways that Adam failed to do.

He's going to rule Jerusalem and the nations in ways that all the kings failed to do, including David himself.

He's going to transform and Gospelize the earth in ways that all reforms and historic revivals failed to do, as thankful as we are for their advances.

When He returns, everything is going to be better. 

Not idly nor vainly do we pray, "Come, Lord Jesus." -BA Purtle 

Theology 101: In Scripture, Jesus doesn’t offer the kingdoms of this present world to those who worship him.

That was the devil.

Let the reader understand. - Dr. Michael Svigel 

“In the Epistle to the Galatians (6:16), the expression ‘the Israel of God’ has been generally interpreted as meaning the spiritual Israel, and as therefore giving countenance to the spiritualizing process by which the Old Testament predictions regarding Israel are robbed of all their peculiar and appropriate meaning. Now here, again, I should be inclined to suggest that the apostle may really be speaking of the literal Israel; and as throughout the whole epistle he has been contrasting and comparing the circumcision and the uncircumcision, the Jew and the Gentile, so here, he first prays for a blessing on the believing Gentiles, and then on the believing Jews.”

(Bonar, Horatius. 1847. Prophetical Landmarks; Containing Data for Helping to Determine the Question of Christ’s Pre-Millennial Advent. London: J. Nisbet & Co.)

Via BA Purtle

Genesis 49:8 “Judah, your brothers shall praise you;

    your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies;

    your father's sons shall bow down before you.

9 Judah is a lion's cub;

    from the prey, my son, you have gone up.

He stooped down; he crouched as a lion

    and as a lioness; who dares rouse him?

10 The scepter shall not depart from Judah,

    nor the ruler's staff from between his feet,

until tribute comes to him;

    and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples.

11 Binding his foal to the vine

    and his donkey's colt to the choice vine,

he has washed his garments in wine

    and his vesture in the blood of grapes.

12 His eyes are darker than wine,

    and his teeth whiter than milk.

Image via Joel Richardson

...if God will judge creation by his Messiah, then logically would he not save his creation from coming wrath by means of the same Messiah?

This Messiah is thus the mediator of both divine mercy (at the cross) and divine judgement (on the day of YHWH).- John P Harrigan 

“Sitting at the feet of Jesus must lead to following in the footsteps of Jesus.” — Charles Spurgeon

Referring so often to “heaven” as a Christian’s eternal destination instead of the New Earth is one of the worst things that ever happened to Gospel preaching. - Travis M. Snow

“Impurity is an index of one’s mortality, not one’s morality.” — Paul T. Sloan, Jesus and the Law of Moses, p.15-16.

Twenty-five years after Jesus ascended, Paul the Apostle continued to participate in the Jewish Temple sacrificial system (Acts 21:26). Those who say the two references to "The Synagogue of Satan" in Revelation refer to a normal Jewish Synagogue must therefore conclude that Paul willingly participated in the Temple of Satan. - Joel Richardson

My teaching on baptism from 1 Peter 3 and Romans 6. Notes. Audio 1. Audio 2. 

Such metaphysical wranglings may seem unimportant to many. Nevertheless, anthropocentrism lies at the very heart of original sin. Pride and moral autonomy are derived from the exaltation of self, which is based upon an orientation to self. To bind reality at a worldview level to human perception provides the ultimate greenhouse for humanism—the floodgates of which broke during the Enlightenment and continue to inundate to this day. Though many regard Greek philosophy as benign (or even beneficial) to the Christian faith, it should be remembered that Socrates was widely believed in his day to be demonized, a fact greatly mitigated or completely ignored by modern historians. Unfortunately, many early Christians also disregarded this testimony. - John P. Harrigan, the Gospel of Christ Crucified, p.40

“These are ‘the doctrines’ of men and ‘of demons’produced for itching ears of the spirit of this world’s wisdom… Indeed heresies are themselves instigated by philosophy. From this source came the Aeons, and I know not what infinite forms, and the trinity of man in the system of Valentinus, who was of Plato’s school. From the same source came Marcion’s better god, with all his tranquility; he came of the Stoics. Then, again, the opinion that the soul dies is held by the Epicureans; while the denial of the restoration of the body is taken from the aggregate school of all the philosophers; also, when matter is made equal to God, then you have the teaching of Zeno; and when any doctrine is alleged touching a god of fire, then Heraclitus comes in. The same subject-matter is discussed over and over again by the heretics and the philosophers; the same arguments are involved… Unhappy Aristotle! who invented for these men dialectics, the art of building up and pulling down; an art so evasive in its propositions, so far-fetched in its conjectures, so harsh in its arguments, so productive of contentions--embarrassing even to itself, retracting everything, and really treating of nothing! … What indeed has Athens to do with Jerusalem? What concord is there between the Academy and the Church? What between heretics and Christians? Our instruction comes from ‘the porch of Solomon’ [where the Apostles taught, cf. Acts 3:5], who had himself taught that ‘the Lord should be sought in simplicity of heart.’ Away with all attempts to produce a mottled Christianity of Stoic, Platonic, and dialectic composition! We want no curious disputation after possessing Christ Jesus, no inquisition after enjoying the gospel! With our faith, we desire no further belief. For this is our palmary faith, that there is nothing which we ought to believe besides.” -Tertullian, “Pagan Philosophy the Parent of Heresies", Chapter 7  

via John P. Harrigan, the Five Fold Development of the Western Worldview 

Theology 101: Just as those things in the past literally took place and were written down as examples and instructions for us today (1 Corinthians 10:6, 11), I believe the prophecies in Scripture will literally take place and were written down as examples and instructions for us today. 

In neither instance does spiritual application in the New Testament mean not-literal occurrence in the world. -Dr. Micheal Svigel 

One of the most common but erroneous claims made concerning Galatians 3:16 goes like this: Every time the word "seed" is used in Genesis 12-22, it is only referring to Jesus.  

Paul in Galatians 3:16 is not saying that every time Genesis talks about Abraham’s “seed,” it only means Jesus. The Hebrew word zeraʿ (“seed”) can mean one person or many. In Genesis, it clearly refers to both:

Plural/collective:

“Count the stars… so shall your descendants be.” (Genesis 15:5)

“I will make your descendants as the dust of the earth.” (Genesis 13:16)

Singular/representative:

“…through Isaac your descendants shall be named.” (Genesis 21:12)

“…in your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed.” (Genesis 22:18)

Genesis itself shows the promise narrowing to one chosen heir within the many, first it narrowed to Isaac, then it narrowed to Jacob, and ultimately it narrows to the Messiah.

Paul’s point is that Christ is the ultimate “Seed” through whom the promise comes, and those who belong to Him are also counted as Abraham’s seed (Galatians 3:29). He’s not rewriting the Old Testament; he’s following its own pattern: many descendants, one promised heir. - Joel Richardson

He who does not recognize his traditions is a slave to those traditions.  ~ Dr. James R. White

So much of life is difficult and involves suffering and yet we have almost no theology within the charismatic sphere about the mystery of suffering and the need for faith filled endurance. If the Holy Spirit is the giver of revelation, we need our eyes opened to the purpose of suffering and an eternal perspective that gives us the ability to endure it here and now. - Lee Cummings

"...molecular biology has revealed the presence in living cells of an exquisite world of informational nanotechnology. These include digital code in DNA and RNA—tiny, intricately constructed molecular machines which vastly exceed our own digital high technology in their storage and transmission capabilities. And even Richard Dawkins has acknowledged that "the machine code of the genes is uncannily computer-like" — implying, it would seem, the activity of a master programmer at work the origin of life. At the very least, the discoveries of modern biology are not what anyone would have expected from blind materialistic processes." - Newsweek

Even when preaching to Gentiles, the apostles proclaimed the forgiveness of sins in the context of God’s covenants with Israel and the reality of the Day of the Lord. The Western Church has largely isolated the atonement from its biblical and historical context, and, consequently we have lost the plot. - Grayson Borders, Gen Z and the Day of the LORD, Youtube link

Psalm 110 depicts the Messiah as both priest and warrior. He is the priest “according to the order of Melchizedek,” but He also shatters kings and leaves foreign nations filled with corpses.

~ Aaron Eby, “The War Messiah”

Theology 101: When society gives people opportunities to be depraved, they will always rise to the occasion. - Micheal Svigel

My talk on the language of the cross. Slides. Slides as pdf. Video. Audio. 

When you remind yourself regularly that apart from Christ you deserve the everlasting wrath of almighty God, it's much easier not to complain about things. - BA Purtle

The only "great tradition" is the apostolic tradition.

2 Thess. 2.15: "So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter."

Spoiler - The whole body of that tradition will only be found in the Bible. - BA Purtle

My teaching on Jesus calming the storm in Luke 8. Notes. Audio 1. Audio 2. 

We are once again excited to host Dr. John Harrigan in Peoria for a series of teachings! You are invited. 

Facebook event page. 

Dr. John Harrigan teaching Biblical discipleship

Friday, September 26, 2025

Session 1 - 7:00pm

Saturday, September 27, 2025

Session 2 - 11:00am

Lunch Provided

Session 3 - 1:00pm

Session 4 - 3:00pm

Dinner Provided

Cost: Free

Location: Horsemeister Barn - 4713 S Hanna City Glasford Rd, Hanna City, IL 61536 - 40.633464974770575, -89.79923213601276

*teaching times subject to change

...when Jesus returns, He is not going to leave an ounce of evil or suffering on the earth. He has to deal with all sin, even in its seed form, and end all rebellion against Him–even that of their friends or family. He’s going to make sure we never end up in this mess ever again. That is why we should preach the Gospel of the Kingdom to everyone who will listen. I remind them of Isaiah 63 and tell them, “On that Day, if you’re not covered in the blood of Jesus, He will be covered in yours.” This Kingdom is only good news to those on the right side of the Day of the LORD, for those who have put their faith in what Jesus accomplished for us at Calvary. - Grayson Borders, Gen Z and the Day of the LORD, Youtube link

In Zechariah 14, He’s making war against the nations, splitting a mountain in half, and causing his enemies to flee. In Isaiah 63, He’s covered in the blood of those who opposed Him. This Jesus is not fragile or passive. He doesn’t look like the Suffering Servant or Gentle Shepherd we’re used to. He’s a Warrior, dripping in the blood of His enemies. He looks like Someone actually capable of dealing with the evil and suffering in the earth. - Grayson Borders, Gen Z and the Day of the LORD, Youtube link

Biblical faith, interpreted rightly, is a thoroughly apocalyptic faith. Its entire focus is on the Day when God Almighty comes from heaven in blazing fire in the form of a glorified, resurrected, immortal human to save His people. If that never happens, the Christian faith is not even real. - Joel Richardson

"Beware those teachers who become the hero in all their stories." —John MacArthur

The idea that we could change or alter what God has said in the Old Testament through New Testament interpretation essentially turns God into a kid who makes a promise, and then when held to that promise turns around and says “that’s not what I really meant.“ ~ Josh Kriese

(Day 1) Introduction to the Message of Christ Crucified - Dr. John Harrigan

A youtube playlist with Dr. John Harrigan at Oasis Tabernacle Chruch in Ohio. 

Here are all the audio files on Google Drive. 

The product of a true, growing, gospel-centered nature is often gentleness. - Timothy Keller

“A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you when forget-me-nots have withered. Carve your name on hearts, not on marble.” - Spurgeon

The apostle Paul, in describing the spiritual condition of Gentiles prior to the cross, said they were “vessels of wrath prepared for destruction” (Rom. 9:22) and were “excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world” (Eph. 2:12). This is precisely why the opening up of the Gospel to the Gentiles, as recorded in the New Testament, was such a revolutionary concept for many. This is why Peter and all of the early Jewish believers were so shocked when the Spirit was poured out on Cornelius and his non-Jewish household (see Acts 10–11). Although many of the Jewish believers were doubtful at first, after Peter explained how the Holy Spirit had been given to the whole Gentile household of Cornelius as promised in the new covenant, we are told the skeptics “quieted down and glorified God, saying, ‘Well then, God has granted to the Gentiles also the repentance that leads to life’” (Acts 11:18). - Joel Richardson, When a Jew Rules the World, p.52

Yet, according to Deuteronomy, the cycle of rebellion-chastisement-repentance won’t continue forever. The grand finale of this pattern that has defined Jewish history appears to be looming. The burden of being the chosen people is becoming increasingly heavy. Jewish tradition (and I include the Apostolic writings here) has long foreseen a time of Jewish hatred engulfing the world just before the Redemption. Yet, this prediction isn’t the foretelling of a time when God’s strength is restricted. Rather, it is the climax and ultimate expression of God’s covenant faithfulness in this present age. He has fixed Himself to this plan to redeem the world, and He won’t choose another way. Israel will be a holy people. Purified by the fires of calamity and international hatred, the people of Israel will one day direct the procession of nations coming to seek the Lord in Jerusalem.[Isaiah 2:2-4] All of the nations will turn back to their Creator and eternal life will be restored to the planet. - Bill Scofield, The Irrevocable Blessing & Burden of Election

These, [the election promises of Isaiah 49:3-6, Psalm 67:1–3, Romans 9:4–5] in the mind of a first century Jew, make up the blessing of being a chosen people. All these elements mediated the nation’s nearness to God. A nearness that they were ultimately called to invite the nations back to.

Yet, they didn’t always steward the blessing in a way that was honoring to the God of Israel. It is here that we find the paradox that being chosen is both a blessing and a burden. Those things that the other nations can get away with, Israel cannot. Turns out, being in an eternal covenant and having an irrevocable calling from the God of Israel is no walk in the park. Being a holy people and stewards of the holy things compels holy behavior. That is, it requires behavior that is different and unique to the way the rest of the nations function. The uniqueness of the God of Israel from the gods of the nations should be reflected in Israel’s uniqueness from the nations around them. The way that the nations behave has never been an acceptable path for the Jewish people. It is a heavy calling and there is no opt-out option for the Jew. Again, it is irrevocable. - Bill Scofield, The Irrevocable Blessing & Burden of Election

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matt. 28:18). 

I believe Jesus is simply saying that he has been entrusted with judging the living and the dead on the last day (cf. John 5:22–27; Acts 10:42; 2 Tim. 4:1). Until that day, his followers are called to disciple the Gentiles into the Jewish narrative (Matt. 28:19a), warning them of the impending day of judgment and baptizing them as a confirmation of their forgiveness and salvation from the wrath to come (Matt. 28:19b). The complete lack of reference to the day of the Lord in modern commentaries concerning Matt. 28:18 is simply astonishing... Such is the product of realized eschatology. -John P. Harrigan, The Gospel of Christ Crucified, p.319

Muhammad, Plato, and Caesar Walk into a Bar • TABLE TALKS EP. 4

John P. Harrigan on Emmaus Table Talks Podcast. 

God’s response to the rebellion at Shinar, unlike the flood, was not the destruction of the rebels. It was a plan for their redemption. It began with a dispersion, a universal diaspora. By confusing their languages, the story portrays God dividing them into family groups—later called nations. In the language of Deuteronomy 32:8, God, ‘separated the sons of men’ and ‘set boundaries’ for them here. Here God separated them from one another, but more significantly for the larger story of God’s redemptive plan, from Himself. That is, the story recounts the ‘disinheritance’ of the nations which dramatically affected the Creator’s direct involvement with these families. - Bill Scofield, The Irrevocable Blessing & Burden of Election

Real events evoke real participatory faith. Unfortunately, various delusions throughout history (particularly Hellenistic and naturalistic) have robbed people of the reality of redemptive history. When our narrative of life is distorted, the gravity of sin is lifted. When faith is uprooted from its historical context and bound in an unholy union to theological and ideological abstractions, the human heart quickly disengages. Rather, God calls us to truly trust him in light of a real history of human sin, its real consequences, and the real day when humanity will be judged. In life’s volatile situations, we call to others, “Trust me, and I will lead you through this!” Similarly, our faith and trust are in God, who calls to us, “Trust me, that when my Son comes and consumes the heavens and earth in fire, I will pass over you on the basis of faith in his blood!” We have real historical events—creation, the covenants, the cross, and the day of the Lord—in which our hearts can trust and engage.  -John P. Harrigan, The Gospel of Christ Crucified, p.234

Since God and Messiah are united in their work, the “Spirit of God” and the “Spirit of Christ” (Rom. 8:9) are one and the same (cf. Eph. 4:3–5). Those who know Messiah, know God, and vice versa (cf. John 8:19; 12:44– 50; 14:7–11). And those who follow Messiah, follow God, and vice versa (cf. Matt. 10:32–33; 16:23–27). So those who become disciples by repenting at the preaching of the day of the Lord (cf. Matt. 28:18) are commanded to be baptized “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (v. 19)—the Father will judge and restore creation through his Son by the power of his Spirit. -John P. Harrigan, The Gospel of Christ Crucified, p.123

My teaching on the Parable of the Sower from Luke 8. Notes. Audio 1. Audio 2. 

Now it will come about that

In the last days

The mountain of the house of the Lord

Will be established as the chief of the mountains,

And will be raised above the hills;

And all the nations will stream to it.

And many peoples will come and say,

“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,

To the house of the God of Jacob;

That He may teach us concerning His ways

And that we may walk in His paths.”

For the law will go forth from Zion

And the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.

(Isaiah 2:2–3)

Image via Joel Richardson

In marriage, do for your spouse what God did for you in Jesus, and the rest will follow. - Timothy Keller

As someone who lives in the world of Bible interpretation, I wrestle a lot with the most streamlined way to explain how we should approach the text of Scripture. "Literal" is OK in some contexts, but it will get you into trouble in others, and literalism as an overriding principle tends to produce simplistic fundamentalism.

Thus, I continually land on "historical-grammatical" as the best approach. What did this mean in its historical context, taking into account different genres (e.g., prophecy, poetry, historical narrative, etc.) and what do the words mean? This allows for a degree of literalism when necessary, but also the flexibility to incorporate metaphors and symbols, without resorting to complete spiritualizing, allegorizing, etc. - Travis M Snow