A Structural Analysis of the Olivet Discourse in Matthew
Jesus' discussion of the destruction of Jerusalem and His parousia is one of the most perplexing passages in scripture. It has led skeptics to declare Jesus a false prophet, and confuses believers. See how the riddle disappears when a simple issue of translation is solved.
A Primer on the Book of Daniel
The book of Daniel is the cornerstone of all Bible prophecy. It is the clearest presentation of God's view of future covenant history. This companion volume to the Primer on Revelation is casually written, but faithful to good standards of scholarship. It is soon to be published by Wipf & Stock Publishers.
Introduction
Chapter 1: Daniel 1, A Royal Hostage in Babylon
Chapter 2: Daniel 2, Nebuchadnezzar has a Dream
Chapter 3: Daniel 3, Faithful Through the Fire
Chapter 4: Daniel 4, Nebuchadnezzar Recognizes Yahweh
Chapter 5: Daniel 5, Belshazzar's Feast
Chapter 6: Saved Through Troubles ... Again
Chapter 7: The Puzzle Palace
Chapter 8: Four Beasts
Chapter 9: Horns
Chapter 10: Seventy Weeks - What They're About
Chapter 11: Seventy Weeks - When Are They?
Chapter 12: Seventy Weeks - The Final Chapter
Chapter 13: Kings of North and South
Chapter 14: Let's Wrap This Up
Appendix A: The Prophetic Calendar _ How Many Days in a Year?
Appendix B: The Year/Day Principle
A Primer on the Book of Revelation
There are hundreds of commentaries on the book of Revelation. So why would we want to add another? Simple! Because we have something to say. Enjoy a simply written exploration of the most baffling book in the canon. And learn why it isn't all that complicated. Sure, there is a little work, but it doesn't have to be so hard that it is confusing. Coming soon in book form from Wipf & Stock Publishers.
Introduction
Chapter 1: Patterns, Patterns, Patterns (A preview of how John tells the story.)
Chapter 2: Housekeeping (John sets the scene. Rev 1:1-8)
Chapter 3: Hello, Old Friend (John sees Jesus in the Temple. Rev 1:9-20)
Chapter 4: You are Here (The message to the church. Rev 2-3)
Chapter 5: Come up Here! (The throne room in heaven. Rev 5)
Chapter 6: Coronation! (Jesus' inauguration as the worthy king. Rev 6)
Chapter 7: I Hear Hoofbeats (The seven Seals. Rev 6 - 8:1-5)
Chapter 8: 144,000 (The sealing of the saints, the first interlude. Rev 7)
Chapter 9: Sound the Trumpet! (The seven Trumpets. Rev 8:8 - 11:19)
Chapter 10: When It's Over, It's Over! (The strong angel of Revelation 10, the first Trumpet interlude)
Chapter 11: Two Witnesses (Rev 11:1-13, the second Trumpet interlude)
Chapter 12: Bowls Filled with Wrath (The seven Bowls. Rev 15-16)
Chapter 13: Armageddon! (Rev 16:13-16, the Bowls interlude)
Chapter 14: Once Over, Lightly (A quick recap)
Chapter 15: The Controversy Over Worship: Part I - Grace (Rev 12)
Chapter 16: The Controversy Over Worship: Part II - Warning (Rev 13)
Chapter 17: The Controversy Over Worship: Part III - Judgment (Rev 14:14-20)
Chapter 18: Three Angels (The interlude in the Controversy Over Worship, Rev 14:1-13)
Chapter 19: Millennium! (Rev 20)
Chapter 20: Millennium, Part 2 (Rev 17)
Chapter 21: Millennium, Part 3 (Rev 19:11-21)
Chapter 22: Two Choirs (Rev 18-19:10)
Chapter 23: The New Jerusalem (Rev 21-22:5)
Chapter 24: That's a Wrap (Rev 22:6-end)
Appendix A: The Number of the Beast - in Detail
Appendix B: The Year-for-a-Day Principle
Appendix C: The Structure of the Book of Revelation
Appendix D: The Fate of the Wicked
Download the entire book as a single PDF. (2.64 MB)
An Overview of the Book of Revelation
A series of seven short sermons/studies that cover the basic purpose of the book of Revelation as revealed by its structure. Each study is particularly devoted to identifying the subject matter of its section of Revelation, but will not do a detailed examination of all the symbols. All are printable PDF's.
- There's a War On! - Student Notes - Key
(The War Between Christ and Satan)
- The Covenant Described - Student Notes - Key
(Rev 1-3)
- The Inauguration of the Worthy King - Student Notes - Key
(Rev 4-5)
- Seals, Trumpets, and Bowls - Student Notes - Key
(Rev 6-16, less 12-14)
- The Conflict Over Worship - Student Notes - Key
(Rev 12-14)
- The Millennium - Student Notes - Key
(Rev 17-20)
- The Consummation of the Worthy King - Student Notes - Key
(Rev 21-22)
I
Want to Be Left Behind (The Cliff Notes Version)
Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins have made a splash with their best-selling
series "Left Behind." We examine the Biblical premise behind
the Secret Rapture scenario. (June 3, 2001)
The book of Daniel forms the foundation
for all schools of prophetic interpretation. It seems that no one
agrees with anyone else. Ted
Noel grasps the nettle and explores what Daniel really wrote.
If you want just a quick overview, try the "Cliff
Notes" version.
Older Studies:
The book of Revelation provides
a wealth of material for the serious student of the Bible. Should
it be taken literally, as some suggest, or should it be taken symbolically,
as others insist?
-
Who
are the Jews? The book of Revelation contains numerous
Jewish references. Some interpreters believe that these apply
to ethnic Jews, others insist that they apply to the church. Who
is correct?
-
The
Number of the Beast. What is the mysterious "666",
and why did John use it? Take a look at an interpretation that
is consistent with the Moral Purpose of Prophecy.
-
The
Structure of the Book of Revelation. The key to understanding
the book of Revelation is its structure. Most modern interpreters
fail to appreciate the richness of Revelation because they ignore
the Sanctuary. God's dwelling place is not just a building, it
is the plan of salvation.
-
What Did the Seven Thunders Say? John was told not
to write down what they said. Can we understand their importance?
-
A
Brief Review of the Macrostructure of the Book of Revelation.
Don't let the long technical title put you off. Have you ever
seen a commentary on Revelation that told you what the big picture
of the book was? It's not likely, since we haven't seen one, either.
Romans has a theme of salvation by faith without regard for heritage.
1 Corinthians deals with a set of problems with the church at
Corinth. But what does Revelation deal with? A hint: It's not
about detailed future geo-political events. See what the theme
of Revelation is.
- When
is the Harlot Judged? If you read any of the commentaries
on Revelation in your seminary library, you are likely to see Revelation
17 described as a rehash of the judgments in the Seven Bowls. Even
the latest works seem to take this approach. (Unless, of course,
they are pushing the false Left Behind theology...) There
are a number of elements in this section of the book that take us
to a different conclusion. Enjoy a fresh look at the book. The more
difficult elements are illustrated with diagrams to make them easier.
|
Miscellaneous Prophecy Studies |
Whose Prophetic Interpretation Should You Believe?
Interpreters are at odds with each other, and it is easy to become confused. Here is a short, useful overview of the four major schools of prophetic interpretation. Their scriptural strengths and weaknesses are discussed, with a guide to which interpretations actually follow the Scriptures.
The Visitation of the Magi and The Great Tribulation
Brace yourself for a very unusual exercise in exegesis. One of the best known Christmas stories holds unexpected importance for the study of prophecy. These ancient wise men studied the book of Daniel. If we follow their steps, they will lead us to Christ.
The Date of the Second Coming
Another unusual exercise in exegesis. The Bible supports the idea of a "cosmic week" of the earth's history. We use this concept to derive the definitive date of the second coming.
Good News for the Time of Trouble
Many are afraid of the Great Tribulation. Dr. Norman Gulley walks through the Scriptures, showing why we should not be afraid. Not to be missed.
The Moral Purpose of Prophecy
This is a classic, written in 1949 by Louis F. Were. It addresses the issue of "Who are the Jews?" in much more depth than the brief essay below, and must not be missed by any serious student of either the gospel or of prophecy.
Download the entire book as a PDF
The Hope of Israel
Written in 1922 by Philip Mauro, is another classic, complementary to the work above, on the topic of the Jews in the prophetic future. It explores in marvelous depth the testimony of both the Old and New Testaments on this issue. (off-site)