L I V I N G I N L I G H T O F H I S R E T U R N

I N T R O D U C T I O N T O E S C H A T O L O G Y ~ A D U LT S U N D A Y S C H O O L

“ B e h o l d , I a m m a k i n g a l l t h i n g s n e w ” R e v e l a t i o n 2 1 : 5

I N T R O D U C T I O N T O E S C H AT O L O G Y

“ T H E O L O G Y ” I N A B R O A D E R S E N S E

• "The term theology is derived from the Greek theos, meaning "God," and logos, meaning "word" or “discourse"; hence, "discourse about God." (Peter Enns, Moody Handbook of Theology, 149)

• Systematic theology, Old Testament theology, New Testament theology, biblical theology, historical theology, dogmatic theology, contemporary theology

“ T H E O L O G Y ” I N A B R O A D E R S E N S E

• "The word systematic comes from the Greek verb sunistano, which means "to stand together" or "to organize"; hence, systematic theology emphasizes the systematization of theology." (Enns, 149)

• "Systematic Theology may be defined as the collecting, scientifically arranging, comparing, exhibiting, and defending of all facts from any and every source concerning God and His works." (Francis Chafer, quoted in Moody Handbook, 149)

I F W E H AV E T H E R E V E L AT I O N O F G O D H I M S E L F I N T H E B I B L E , T H E N W H Y W O U L D W E N E E D S Y S T E M AT I C T H E O L O G Y ?

I F W E H AV E T H E R E V E L AT I O N O F G O D H I M S E L F I N T H E B I B L E , T H E N W H Y W O U L D W E N E E D S Y S T E M AT I C T H E O L O G Y ?

" T H E O L O G Y I S T H E A P P L I C AT I O N O F S C R I P T U R E , B Y P E R S O N S , T O E V E R Y A R E A O F L I F E . ” J O H N F R A M E

R E A S O N S W E T E N D T O AV O I D T H E O L O G Y

• What are some possible reasons why we tend to avoid studying and discussing theology?

• How would you respond to each of these excuses for not studying theology?

• “It's Dry”

• “It's Confusing”

• “It's Irrelevant”

• “It's Demanding”

• “It's Divisive”

E V E R Y B E L I E V E R I S A T H E O L O G I A N

• “Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see” (Jn 9:25)

• "There is no higher activity in which the mind may be engaged than the pursuit of a knowledge of God" J. Dwight Pentecost

• If you don’t care about doctrine, then you don’t care about discipleship (Matt 28:20)

S O U N D D O C T R I N E E N A B L E S S O U N D L I V I N G• Exodus 20:2 and 20:3–17

• Proverbs 1–9 and 10–31

• Ephesians 1–3 and 4–6

• Romans 1–11 and 12–16

• Hebrews 1–11 and 12–13

• Titus 2:1, 10 “But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine…10 not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.”

E S C H AT O L O G Y I S T H E S T U D Y O F L A S T T H I N G S A C C O R D I N G T O T H E S C R I P T U R E S A N D I T S A P P L I C AT I O N T O O U R L I V E S

I L L U S T R AT I O N O F E S C H AT O L O G Y

I M P L I C AT I O N S O F E S C H AT O L O G Y

• “The most significant reason for engaging in this study is that a contemplation of future events in God’s plan fosters an expectancy that prepares one’s heart for a life of worship, joy, and obedience.” Matthew Waymeyer

• Consider the countless life scenarios for sound eschatology to be applied

“Bible prophecy is not given so we can make a calendar—it’s given to mold our character.”