Will Babylon be rebuilt as the headquarters of the Antichrist during the coming Tribulation? This is a popular theory held by many faithful students of Biblical prophecy, but is it true? Does the Bible present enough evidence of a rebuilt Babylon to merit this conviction? Dr. Andrew Woods believes that the Bible is the "ultimate court of authority in all matters of Christian faith and practice." In Babylon: The Bookends of Prophetic History he surveys the lines of Biblical evidence that call for a futuristic, literal Babylon in God's end-times program.
This book combines a careful study of the subject matter and the literary form of each of the historical books of the Old Testament and at the same time explains why this literature should be of great interest to Christian and Jewish believers today. The study is text based, carefully examining the wording of selected pericopes and following up with reflections on the theological significance of the texts. Its focus is twofold. First, it is a study of the history of Israel through a critical examination of the biblical sources attempting to see the events through the eyes of the authors/editors and to understand the religious and national filters through which they saw those events. Secondly, it is also a study of the faith of Israel expressed in these writings in an attempt to reflect on the major patterns and themes expressed and presupposed in the narratives. Special attention is given to the stories of the prophets in these books. This book examines the biblical books in four groups: 1) the Deuteronomist history extending from Joshua to 2 Kings, 2) the Chroniclers' or priestly history extending from 1 Chronicles to Nehemiah, 3) the Maccabean story looking and 1 and 2 Maccabees from the Greek Bible, and 4) the midrashic accounts including Ruth, Esther, Judith, Esther, and Tobit. Numerous maps and diagrams assist the reader to follow the geographical references in the texts as well as complicated family lines and sequences of kings. An index assists in finding specific names and events. +
Ever wish someone could give you a big handle on the entire Bible without years of study? Well, this book not only promises to give you that big handle—it will deliver on the promise. You should be asking, how is this possible? The Bible is one story told over and over again, with many variations on the same theme. This structure is the Bible’s DNA. This basic seven-point pattern is the heartbeat of the Creation. It is the cycle of a human day and a human life. It is the pattern of the Tabernacle. It is the process of agriculture. It undergirds the speeches and Laws of God. It orders the rise and fall of nations and empires. It is also the structure of our worship. It is the rhythm of Christ, and it will open the Bible for you like never before.
The Coming Kingdom clarifies from the Bible God's sovereign plan to establish His Kingdom on the earth. Current global conditions do not match the biblical record of God's long-promised Kingdom. This book provides clarity, hope, and encouragement from the Bible for believers in Christ awaiting His return as the coming King.
The Old Testament prophets spoke to Israel in times of historical and moral crisis. They saw themselves as being a part of a story that God was weaving throughout history--a story of repentance, encouragement, and a coming Messiah. In this updated introductory book, each major and minor prophet and his writing are clustered with the major historical events of their time. Our generational distance from the age of the prophets might seem to be a measureless chasm. Yet we dare not make the mistake of assuming that passing years have rendered irrelevant not only the Old Testament prophets, but also the God who comprehends, spans, and transcends all time. In these pages, C. Hassell Bullock presents a clear picture of some of history's most profound spokesmen--the Old Testament prophets--and the God who shaped them.
The Lord seems to be setting the stage for His return as never before. One of these major stage-setting trends that we are currently seeing is the rise of a coalition of nations that harbors a hostile intent toward Israel. Dr. Andy Woods explains how this coalition of nations will someday fulfill the prophecies of Ezekiel 38-39.
From the earliest days of Christianity, Babylon of the New Testament has been spiritualized rather than taken literally. Dr. Charles Dyer uses the pages of the Scripture to help us question this long-held assumption. Believing Babylon will be rebuilt as a physical city in the Middle East, Dr. Dyer lays the Biblical case for "Future Babylon."
Noted New Testament scholar Poythress provides an understandable and practical look into Revelation in this insightful commentary. Poythress focuses on Revelation's core message and ensures that its details do not cloud the big picture. He shows Revelation to be a "picture book, not a puzzle book," relevant and applicable to the daily lives of Christians.
It was in the sixth century BCE that the state of Judah fell and along with it the temple of Yahweh, the place of divine presence offering divine protection. This introductory textbook throws fresh light on this crucial period in the history and theological development of ancient Israel and Judah. Taking into account new archaeological evidence regarding the exile, The Templeless Age offers an up-to-date and compelling overview of the formative events of the sixth century BCE.
The Knowing the Bible series is a resource designed to help Bible readers better understand and apply God’s Word. These 12-week studies lead participants through books of the Bible and are made up of four basic components: (1) reflection questions help readers engage the text at a deeper level; (2) “Gospel Glimpses” highlight the gospel of grace throughout the book; (3) “Whole-Bible Connections” show how any given passage connects to the Bible’s overarching story of redemption, culminating in Christ; and (4) “Theological Soundings” identify how historic orthodox doctrines are taught or reinforced throughout Scripture. With contributions from an array of influential pastors and church leaders, these gospel-centered studies will help Christians see and cherish the message of God’s grace on every page of the Bible. The books of Jonah, Micah, and Nahum announce the judgment of God through his prophets—flawed messengers who nevertheless served as vehicles for God’s compassion, calling their hearers to repent of their evil, turn from their false gods, and worship the one true God. Over the course of 12 weeks, this study helps readers see the steadfast love, mercy, and patience of the Lord, the deliverer and protector who offers forgiveness to all who turn from their sin and trust in him. Part of the Knowing the Bible series.
