Stage Is Set

Bryant Wright

Description

Even a cursory glance at the news is enough to convince us that the world is falling into chaos. But we haven't seen anything that compares to what will happen in the final events leading to the second coming of Jesus Christ.For anyone who longs to know what the future holds--and especially for those who look for a glimmer of hope in our broken world--highly respected pastor and Bible teacher Bryant Wright offers a book that shows God has not lost control over his creation. In fact, he has a sovereign plan that includes ultimate victory for the church and the salvation of his people, Israel. God's timeless promises offer hope to believers who are grieved at the state of the world. Wright carefully illuminates the signs of the times that point toward his glorious appearing and millennial reign, and answers common questions, such as:- What does the Bible say about the antichrist?- What will be the future of Israel?- Where is Armageddon, what will happen there, and why?

Sujets

• Philosophie et théologie
• Christian theology
• Theology

Informations

• Publié par: Baker Publishing Group
• Date de parution: 17 janvier 2017
• Nombre de lectures: 0
• EAN13: 9781493406425
• Langue: English
• Poids de l'ouvrage: 1 Mo

Extrait

Cover
Title Page
Copyright Page
© 2017 by G. B. Wright Jr.
Published by Baker Books
a division of Baker Publishing Group
P.O. Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287
www.bakerbooks.com
Ebook edition created 2017
Ebook corrections 09.05.2018
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—for example, electronic, photocopy, recording—without the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
ISBN 978-1-4934-0642-5
Scripture quotations are from the New American Standard Bible®, copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. ( www.Lockman.org )
Endorsements
“Bryant Wright has done a remarkable job jolting faithful believers into the realization that The Stage Is Set for the end times. Don’t just read this book. Pass it on!”
Michael Youssef , PhD, author of Jesus, Jihad, and Peace
“This book is a clear and concise study of the end times. It is both biblical and relevant to the world in which we live. One need not agree with all the details of interpretation to benefit from its insights. The future is bright because Jesus is coming again. This work will get you ready for that glorious day.”
Daniel L. Akin , president of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
“Insightful. Hopeful. Needed. In a world that seems to be crumbling around us, The Stage Is Set reminds us that God paints on a canvas bigger than we can see or imagine. If you have ever questioned what will happen when Jesus returns, this book is for you!”
Louie Giglio , director of the Passion Movement; author of The Comeback
“Bryant Wright has accomplished what too few pastors today even attempt. He has addressed the pressing questions of the eschaton that church people deeply desire to have their pastor answer, and he has demonstrated that his grasp of the Scriptures provides preparation for the last days. The Stage Is Set provides a priceless evaluation of the false promises of the pseudoprophets of the era and instructs the church in constructing a godly response of witness and life in the gradually darkening theater of this age. Do not miss this pastor’s insights into the last days.”
Paige Patterson , president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
“To show how much I respect, admire, and believe in Bryant as a teacher and expositor of God’s Word, I am endorsing a book on eschatology from the perspective of a premillennialist, while I myself am a pretty stubborn amillennialist. Having said this, if you want to be well-informed and encouraged from all perspectives, The Stage Is Set is a must-read book. Bryant is in a rare class of those who handle well God’s Word.”
Randy Pope , founding pastor of Perimeter Church
“Bryant Wright, writing about his beliefs concerning the end times, has courageously stepped into waters that many have previously. Obviously, some will not agree with everything he says, but unlike many books on this subject, The Stage Is Set is irenic not polemic, direct but not dogmatic, substantive but not speculative. It belongs on the bookshelf of all who are interested in the last days, and we all should be!”
James Merritt , lead pastor of Cross Pointe Church
“Bryant Wright delivers the truth from God’s Word regarding future events and the second coming of Jesus. I highly recommend this insightful and inspiring book. The message of The Stage is Set will prepare you for life and eternity.”
Dr. Jack Graham , pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church
“I am blessed as I read Dr. Bryant Wright’s book, reminding me of our blessed hope. Jesus’s return inspires and instructs my life in holy living and how to urgently share the gospel.”
Dr. Johnny Hunt , senior pastor of First Baptist Church; former president of the Southern Baptist Convention
“The intensity level of any competition rises greatly as the clock winds down. Players become more determined. Each gives an all-out effort. Every move matters. In The Stage Is Set , my friend Bryant Wright looks at today’s news and headlines through the lens of Old and New Testament prophecy and concludes that the end of the age is near. Believers should not fear this conclusion. Instead, it should drive our efforts in missions and evangelism. We must make every moment count until our Lord’s return.”
Kevin Ezell , president of the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention
“We all know it is coming. We can sense it in our bones and read it in the news. This world is heading somewhere and seemingly fast. More than political pundits, we need biblical theologians to guide us through the confusion and into the compelling nature of the end times. In Bryant Wright’s latest book, The Stage Is Set , you will gain a watchful eye and biblical heart of understanding of what our eternal future holds. Don’t miss the outstanding message in this book.”
Gregg Matte , pastor of Houston’s First Baptist Church; author of Unstoppable Gospel
“Many Christians are at a loss when it comes to understanding what the Bible says about the end times. This area of study, called eschatology, is often muddied with a number of differing opinions. What Bryant Wright’s voice offers to this discussion is clarity and trustworthiness. The Stage Is Set draws its information from two sources: careful biblical exposition and years of walking through the biblical landscape described in end-times prophecy. Ultimately, this book reminds us of the urgency and need to finish Christ’s work of making disciples who make disciple-makers.”
Robby Gallaty , pastor of Long Hollow Baptist Church; author of Growing Up and Rediscovering Discipleship
“Over the years of hosting 100 Huntley Street , I have interviewed hundreds of people. They come from different backgrounds, with different goals, but they have one concern that is common among most Christians: What is going on in the world? Bryant Wright has written a compelling book that answers this question in a thorough yet easy to understand examination of biblical prophecies and Revelation. When you read the news of the day, you’d best have this book beside you.”
John Hull , lead pastor of Eastside Baptist Church; host of 100 Huntley Street
“This book is both brave and biblical. It reads current events in the light of the Scriptures, not the other way around. Most of all, it encourages Christians and unbelievers alike to be ready for the final act in the drama of redemption—the return of Jesus Christ.”
Timothy George , founding dean of Beeson Divinity School of Samford University; general editor of the Reformation Commentary on Scripture
“Many books, most of them driven by world events, deal with the topic of the end times and Christ’s return and victory. In The Stage Is Set , Dr. Wright shows from Scripture, both the Old and New Testaments, how we have been living in the last days for two thousand years. This book is clear, fair, and easy to read. I highly recommend it!”
Matt Carter , pastor of preaching and vision at The Austin Stone Community Church
“Bryant Wright is a faithful pastor, a powerful preacher, and a serious student of the Scriptures. I have been honored to know him as a friend for so many years. He always writes with conviction and passion—just as he preaches.”
R. Albert Mohler Jr. , president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
“One of the great privileges of my life and ministry has been listening to my dad unpack the biblical truths about the end times that are contained on these pages. In these rapidly changing times, I know that your heart will be encouraged and your faith will be strengthened as you dive in and unpack the prophetic promise of things to come. The Stage Is Set is a true gift to all who are longing for hope and looking forward to the day when Christ returns.”
George Wright , senior pastor of Cedarcrest Church
“Not only is the stage set, but Bryant Wright also has his hands on the ropes and begins to pull the curtain up as the greatest act in all of human history is about to begin. This new volume from Bryant’s prolific pen puts all the props in place and in line with biblical prophecies foretold so long ago. The last promise of the Bible is “Behold, I come quickly,” and the last prayer of the Bible is “Even so, come Lord Jesus!” The Stage Is Set —now read it and reap!”
O. S. Hawkins , president/CEO of GuideStone Financial Resources
Dedication
To the people who have been with us on our sixteen Bible study tours of Israel, where biblical prophecy comes alive.
Contents
Cover 1
Title Page 3
Copyright Page 4
Endorsements 5
Dedication 7
Introduction: That We Are Living in the End Times Is Indisputable 11
1. Birth Pangs 13
The Signs of the End of the End
2. Is Anybody Listening? 25
The Silenced Suffering of Jesus’s Followers
3. The Urgency of the Mission 35
A Great and Pressing Commission
4. The Dragon from the Sea 43
The Rise of the Antichrist
5. Kingdoms Falling Down 51
A Foreshadowing of the Antichrist
6. A Beast Unlike Any Before 59
The Roman Empire and Today
7. Can One Man Rule the World? 73
How the Stage Is Set for the Ultimate Takeover
8. A Fatal Wound Is Healed 83
The Supernatural Power of the Antichrist
9. A Seat in the Temple of God 91
The Abomination of Desolation
10. A Nightmare Unfolds 101
The Great Tribulation Unleashed on the Earth
11. The Demonic Trinity Revealed 107
The False Prophet and the Mark of the Beast
12. Evil Unrestrained 115
How the World Will Be Deceived
13. The Ultimate Destination Wedding 121
Jesus Returns for His Bride
14. When the Trumpet Sounds 131
How We Get to the Ultimate Destination Wedding
15. No One Knows the Day or Hour 139
Four Rapture Theories
16. Armageddon 147
A Great Battle in the Valle