The Return of the Kingdom: A Biblical Theology of God's Reign

Discover how the concept of God's kingdom runs from Genesis to Revelation, shaping biblical theology and the believer's life today. Join Dr. Stephen Dempster in exploring the Old Testament's deep roots of kingship, God's sovereignty, and the promised future fulfilment of His reign.

Key Topics

• The biblical concept of kingship from Genesis 1 and 2, emphasizing divine rulership and human authority
• Tracing kingdom themes through the Old Testament: from Eden to the new heavens and earth
• How the Old Testament anticipates and shapes the understanding of Jesus' mission and the New Testament teachings
• The two phases of the kingdom: already inaugurated in Christ but not yet fully realized
• The spiritual battle between God's kingdom and the kingdom of Satan
• Practical applications: living in light of the already-but-not-yet kingdom through the Spirit and justice

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction to "The Return of the Kingdom" and its significance

00:52 - Dr. Dempster's journey into Old Testament studies and faith

05:03 - The biblical concept of kingship from Genesis 1 and 20

6:19 - The kingdom themes in Genesis and their significance for biblical theology

09:46 - The end goals in Revelation: New Jerusalem and restored creation

11:33 - The spiritual and eschatological dimension of God's kingship

12:37 - Jesus' use of kingdom language in the Lord's Prayer and its Old Testament roots

14:18 - Prophetic visions of the coming reign of God in Isaiah, Zechariah, and others

16:24 - The delay of the kingdom's full fulfillment and God's patience

18:52 - The cultural and spiritual realities of Satan's kingdom and Christ’s victory

23:24 - The ongoing spiritual battle and the role of exorcism, miracles, and the church

28:33 - Balancing the recognition of spiritual forces without overemphasizing the diabolical

30:45 - Connecting Old Testament themes to the Gospels' portrayal of Jesus as the King

34:00 - How Matthew’s genealogy and structure highlight Jesus as the fulfillment of Davidic kingship

36:35 - The themes of servant leadership and the upside-down kingdom in Luke

41:46 - The overlooked but vital Old Testament passages on God's attributes (Exodus 34)

44:54 - God's self-revelation and the nature of Yahweh's mercy, justice, and hesed

48:46 - The significance of Exodus 34 in understanding God's character and the fulfillment in Christ

50:04 - Living in the tension of the in-breaking yet not fully established kingdom in our daily lives

55:56 - Practical ways believers can embody kingdom values now—justice, mercy, humility

56:38 - The hope of Christ's return and the ultimate establishment of God's perfect reign

You can find Dr. Dempster's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Return-Kingdom-Biblical-Theology-Essential/dp/0830842918/

Before Mandalorians ever took the Creed, Christians were known as people of The Way. Dr. Ross Harmon joins Dr. Tim Howe to discuss the Old Testament background to this important New Testament metaphor, including the ways Christians can walk in the Way of Christ today.

Introduction and Welcome 0:01 - 0:27: Timothy Howe introduces the podcast and Dr. Ross Harmon. Dr. Ross Harmon's Introduction

0:27 - 1:31: Dr. Harmon introduces himself and his background. Discussion on the Old Testament and Metaphors

1:31 - 3:39: Conversation about the Old Testament's influence on the New Testament and metaphors. The Way Metaphor in Acts

3:39 - 7:59: Discussion on the significance of "The Way" in the Book of Acts. Historical Context and Evangelistic Use

7:59 - 12:58: Exploration of the historical context and evangelistic implications of "The Way." Practical Applications for Christians

12:58 - 35:45: Discussion on how Christians can live according to "The Way." Closing Remarks and Current Projects

35:45 - 38:05: Dr. Harmon shares his current projects and closing remarks.

When you encounter the violent stories in Scripture, does your view of God become shaken? Dr. Matthew Lynch, an expert in Old Testament studies, challenges the common assumptions with profound insights rooted in biblical theology and ancient Near Eastern context. He reveals how understanding God's original peaceful design for creation and His grief over violence reshape our interpretations—and deepen our trust in His character.

You can find Dr. Lynch's book at https://www.amazon.com/Flood-Fury-Testament-Violence-Shalom/dp/B0DZXMLKV6.

1. Introduction and Guest Introduction (0:00 - 0:55)
   • Timothy introduces the podcast and guest, Dr. Matthew Lynch.
2. Dr. Lynch's Background and Interest in Old Testament (0:55 - 3:44)
   • Discussion about Dr. Lynch's journey and interest in studying the Old Testament.
3. Importance of Wrestling with Old Testament Violence (3:44 - 7:45)
   • Conversation on why it's crucial for Christians to engage with the topic of violence in the Old Testament.
4. Genesis and the Concept of Violence (7:45 - 14:29)
   • Exploration of how violence is depicted in Genesis and its implications.
5. The Flood and God's Grief (14:29 - 21:43)
   • Discussion on the story of the Flood and God's response to violence.
6. Conquest and Hyperbolic Language (21:43 - 34:06)
   • Examination of the conquest narratives and the use of hyperbolic language.
7. Spiritual Background of Conquest (34:06 - 43:07)
   • Insights into the spiritual dimensions of the conquest stories.
8. Understanding God's Character (43:07 - 51:53)
   • Reflection on how violent texts can reveal God's character.
9. Conclusion and Final Thoughts (51:53 - 52:20)
   • Closing remarks and encouragement to engage with the content.

Dr. Tim Howe walks through the foundational text for understanding God's call for the people of Israel, Exodus 19:3-6. What does it mean that God called Israel to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation?

Discover how the Old Testament Historical Books foreshadow Christ with Dr. Ian Vaillancourt, exploring themes of redemption, typology, and the Bible's grand story.

Key Topics:

• Dr. Vaillancourt’s personal journey from non-reader to biblical scholar dedicated to Old Testament studies.
• The significance of biblical theology and the "big picture" perspective for understanding Scripture.
• The role of typology in seeing Christ revealed in Old Testament stories like Abraham and Isaac, Esther, Jonah, and others.
• How stories of sin and judgment, such as David and Bathsheba or Judges’ atrocities, reveal both sin’s severity and God's grace.
• The process of biblical scholarship and the humility involved in refining understanding through peer review.
• Recognizing themes of justice, judgment, and grace in difficult passages, and their relevance for today.

Unfolding Redemption: The Heart of the Gospel in the Story of Old Testament History: Vaillancourt, Ian James, Vaillancourt, Ian J.: 9781514011546: Amazon.com: Books

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to Dr. Ian Vaillancourt and his focus on Old Testament theology 01:37 - Dr. Vaillancourt’s background and call to biblical studies 04:21 - The importance of biblical theology and seeing the forest, not just trees 08:37 - The Old Testament as gospel nourishment in Christ's perspective 10:06 - The story of Jesus healing and the Old Testament witness 12:29 - Interpreting difficult texts like David and Bathsheba with accuracy and humility 16:28 - The significance of the third day theme in Old Testament typology 20:17 - Redemptive themes from the Pentateuch to the conquest, and the hope amid unresolved promises 22:02 - Lessons from the grotesque story at the end of Judges as a warning and reflection of God's justice 28:20 - The importance of the Davidic covenant and its fulfillment in Jesus Christ 33:45 - Christ as the ultimate king, the son of David, reigning from heaven 36:24 - The process of sin through David’s life, culminating in Christ’s redemptive work 44:07 - The exaltation of Bathsheba and the grace of God's sovereignty amid human failure 45:52 - The inclusive nature of biblical stories, from Rahab to Ruth, pointing to Christ

Psalm 1 teaches us to be rooted in the instruction of God's law. God's instruction is honest, personal, and reveals God's heart.

The way many approach biblical law is backwards. It’s not about legalism—it's about shaping minds and hearts. Most of us see law as rules you break or keep. But Torah is about more: it’s formational, mental, relational. It’s a training ground for justice, guiding us to think beyond rules—shaping how we see others, ourselves, and God’s mission. Biblical law is rooted in God's character and His mission to bless all nations, not just rules to enforce—a moral blueprint for community flourishing.

In this episode, Tim interviews Dr. Matthew Swale, author of Scripture's Use of Scripture in the Old Testament. Dr. Swale helps leaders understand allusions in the Bible, especially how allusions play an important role in understanding how the writers of the Old Testament build upon each other.