The Last Days According To Jesus by R.C. Sproul

The Last Days According to Jesus by R.C. Sproul

Review:

Sproul tackles the issues surrounding the interpretation of Jesus' teaching recorded in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21.  These passages reflect each of the Synoptic writer's record concerning what we call the Olivet Discourse.

Sproul addresses this section because of his concern for the chaos that abounds due to the "crisis in eschatology."  He outlines the conflicting views regarding the interpretation of Jesus' teaching by summarizing the positions.  Radical Preterism sees all of the events prophesied by Jesus as already happening, meaning the kingdom is a present reality.  Sproul explains the view of Moderate Preterism, which identifies that many of the New Testament prophecies have been fulfilled, while maintaining that some crucial prophecies have not yet been fulfilled.  The third position is that of Dispensationalism, which regards the kingdom as future.

Sproul largely addresses the writings of James Stuart Russell and his opinions regarding the Olivet Discourse.  Russell's position would qualify him as holding to Radical Preterism.   Through a careful examination of the Olivet Discourse, Sproul concludes that there are prophecies clearly made concerning the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, as well as  about the Parousia of Christ.  They also agree that there are signs that portend these events.

In Matthew 24:34 Jesus said, "This generation will by no means pass away till all these things are fulfilled."  Sproul identifies this statement as leading to a key question: What "generation" will witness the end?  By carefully analyzing the contrasting views of Russell and Herman Ridderbos, Sproul presents the conclusion that either all of the content of the Olivet Discourse has occurred, or at least some of the events have failed to take place within the time-frame.

He questions how they could have fully taken place and what hope that leaves for Christians regarding a future return of Jesus.  Taking a careful approach Sproul considers the issues of interpretation.  The events could be interpreted in a strictly literal sense.   The events could be literally interpreted while the time frame is figurative.  Or the time frame is literally interpreted while the events are figuratively interpreted (this is the view of the Preterists.  Because of these issues, Sproul sees that there is a greater future hope outlined for the church and thus a need to distinguish Radical Preterism from Moderate Preterism.

Thus far the first two chapters are summaraized.  Sproul then spends some seven chapters addressing the nuances that distinguish the two camps.  By carefully applying the aforementioned perspectives and careful hermeneutic, Sproul works through key issues regarding eschatology.  He addresses Paul's teaching, the destruction of Jerusalem, John's teaching in Revelation, matters of the resurrection, the antichrist, and positions regarding the millenium.

Sproul certainly accomplishes what he desired when he set out to address interpretive issues pertaining to eschatology.  He does it in a concise and clear manner.  He clearly indicates the Reformed perspective on the matters while carefully addressing the various positions.  He concludes with a call to greater diligence and persistence in seeking the solution of these things that will continue to be exceedingly difficult to interpret.  The Christian reader ought to pursue this discipline to offer hope to a skeptical world that Scripture is divine authority and Christ is a credible Savior.

Book Review - The New Pastor's Handbook by Jason Helopoulos

Jason Helopoulos hits a home run in his book, The New Pastor’s Handbook.  I believe that this book should be on every reading list for Practical Christian Ministry in either College or Seminary.  It will be especially helpful for young men committing to the pastorate.  

Each chapter is full of sagely counsel that will easily direct and more importantly give practical perspective for any man (or woman) looking at serving in full-time Christian ministry.  Helopoulos begins by shaping thoughts regarding the importance of a call to ministry.  Having been in full time ministry for over 23 years now, I must concur that one’s sense of call internally and one’s confirmation of calling by a local body can together be stabilizing elements the Lord uses during difficult seasons.  Every minister of the gospel will need these elements and the ability to recall God's plans for them.  Helopoulos succinctly aids the young pastor by clarifying these elements and their significance.

Young pastors will need further counsel through the years of ministry.  That counsel extends beyond an evaluation of their calling to serve in ministry.  They will need encouragement in a number of areas.  Helopoulos considers the importance of the focus of ministry in early years, the practice of reading a variety of books, as well as one’s priority to shepherd their first flock - their family.   As I continued to read the areas of encouragement that Helopoulos addresses, I thought how carefully it seemed he had observed my own life as a pastor.  I recognized that this work contains incredibly important information for a young minister that comprehensively addresses the areas they will encounter through many years of ministry.

Helopoulos provides practical wisdom to avoid pitfalls that will be encountered at points of one’s ministry.  He addresses several specific topics that I have found to creep into the thought process and impact me negatively regarding my own ministry.  This book will help guide one’s heart and and practice in positive biblical truth.  This extends from practical preaching, the use of illustrations, disappointments in people, etc.  These chapters provide invaluable insight regarding matters every minister will face at some time.  

Lastly he concludes with a section on the Joy of Ministry.  In these few short chapters he addresses the great privilege and blessings of serving in pastoral ministry.  Though certainly not exhaustive in their content, consistent with the entirety of the book, Helpoulos succinctly highlights the greatest privileges and joys.  These highlights will serve as reminders of the specifics moments particular to you and your own ministry.  

In conclusion, I am so thrilled that this book is available.  Over the years I have ministered to several people who were called to ministry.  Unfortunately I never knew of a sufficient resource that would be empowering, practical, and comprehensive.  The New Pastor’s Handbook certainly fulfills those areas in excellence.