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 What does the Bible say about the antichrist?- What will be the future of Israel?- Where is Armageddon, what will happen there, and why?
Is the world better off than it was 100 years ago, 1000 years ago? In some ways, the advancement of medicine, industry, economical, education, etc. it is but with those advancements, we very well have new crisis. Many people think with the right outside conditions - better pay, food and water, education for all, the world will be kinder. But it is not the conditions that takes this world in chaos, it is what is in every human heart. We wrestle with God and his design. We want to become our own little gods. With the sexual revolution and how we view life, our hearts are from God. Marriage is desecrated and life is easily thrown away.
Revelation is an encouragement to those that accept what is wrong and by faith in what Christ has done receive the good news of the Gospel. It is also a warning for what is to come. An understanding of Christ's purpose and who God is becomes critical for us to take these warnings to heart and not as though God is some egotistical being. God is the essence of love and for love to be true there must be justice and a recognition that we are not deserving of the mercy from a holy God. It is then we can respond in thankfulness and love. How do you respond?
The seven churches represent actual churches when John wrote Revelation but it also reflects the churches today. In America, the church may be in trouble and has lost its lampstand but it is also in my opinion an opportunity to shine.
The insight of the end times in regards to Israel reflects the anti-Semitism we see today. Why all the anti-Semitism? The radical criticism of the very existence of Israel and the link between anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism. The author went in-depth of how anti-Semitism plays a role in the end times and how we as Christians must respond.
Some quotes that I found profound.
The restraint on evil is lowered when the church mirrors culture more than it transforms culture, because it covers up the light that Jesus wants us to be.
If you struggle with the book of Revelation, I would urge you to pick up this book. It is insightful and balanced and brings forth the many views that are held when it comes to the End times as well as the authors and why he holds on to these views. I highly recommend.
A Special Thank You to Baker Books and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
I listened to the audiobook of this read by Bryant Wright (who is my pastor) and found it to be an eye-opening experience. I would have never described myself as a pure pan-millennial (the idea that we can't know too much about the end times so we should just know it all pans out in the end), but the way I treated eschatology was no better. The intensity of the controversies surrounding what happens in the end times made me wary of reading too much of it and getting bogged down.
What I really enjoyed about this book was how Wright very clearly explains the timeline and events that will happen in the end according to multiple prophecies across Scripture (since not all the info we have is in just Revelation and Daniel), and he does so in a way that also reminds one frequently of the Gospel and our calling as believers to prepare. "The Stage Is Set" is a title that may have you thinking this is a "the end is near!" type book but it isn't. Wright acknowledges that the world is getting worse (which it is and will continue to be) but the focus is on Christ.
This is a great book for having a clearer and better understanding of what's to come if you're a new believer or an older one, but may be a little basic if you're already well studied in eschatology. The main thing this book did for me that I appreciated was how it helped me see more clearly God's sovereign plan over the trajectory of humanity, His astonishing power of judgement and grace, His incredible love for His people Israel, the beauty of our reuniting with Him in the wedding feast of the Lamb, and the hope that we have as believers in the day where all evil and pain will be extinguished forever. There were many times in the book where Wright painted such a glorious picture of what we have to look forward to and how awesome God is that you can't help but feel overwhelmed and teary eyed just thinking about it. It became a very worshipful thing for me to consider and dwell on during the many car rides I listened to it.
This text is a solid introduction to eschatology. It is accessible for most readers, as Wright is able to "put the cookies on the bottom shelf where the kiddos can get them" (Dr. Harry Ironside). While there is little new research in the book, Wright does spell out clearly varying views of the end of days while maintaining a clear focus on Christ.
Israel, the End Times, and Christ's Ultimate Victory
by Bryant Wright
Baker Books
Christian
Pub Date 17 Jan 2017
I am voluntarily reviewing The Stage is Set through the publisher and Netgalley:
In Early January 2016 the ChineseStock market sent the Dow on the largest one week downward drop, leaving the world wondering what was going to happen now.
We are reminded too that many False Mesiahs would come and claim to be Christ of course that isn't true just in modern times. The book warns against false prophets.
Each time I have the opportunity to read a new book on Bible prophecy, I count it a privilege to see the subject through another believers eyes. Each of us sifts the evidence in a unique manner and for those willing to look this provides a wonderful opportunity to gain fresh insights and valuable perspectives on a subject as rich and complex as the Bible’s prophetic record.
Bryant Wright’s new book The Stage is Set: Israel, the End Ties, and Christ’s Ultimate Victory is a book which provides more than its fair share of wonderful insight on the Bible’s prophetic record. I will say this book is one of the more congruent explorations of the subject that I have read recently. Each chapter in this book leads naturally into the next which builds an understandable and compelling story arc.
Beginning in Chapter 1 with - Birth Pangs, Mr. Wright makes his case that we are indeed living in the times leading up to the 2nd coming Jesus. Upon this foundation Mr. Wright then weaves in additional eschatological facts from the books of Daniel and Revelation which adds to his well-reasoned perspective.
I really liked the straight forward and humble attitude expressed by Pastor Wright in this book. Far too often when the subject of eschatology is discussed it is done so with a strong dose of dogmatism and a dash of arrogance. I didn’t get that sense while reading this book. Pastor Wright presented his case based upon what he believes to be a reasonable rendering of the Biblical facts. When certainty was unwarranted he made an effort to say so. You’ll find this attitude especially evidenced in his discussion of the Rapture.
I my opinion what distinguishes a good book on Bible prophecy from an average one is its focus on what Revelation 19:10 calls the Spirit of Prophecy. This verse tells us that the testimony of Jesus is the true spirit of prophecy. That spirit is more completely understood when we realize that the Hebrew word for Jesus (Yeshua) means YHWH saves or YHWH’s salvation. So in other words the spirit of prophecy then is the testimony of YHWH’s salvation (Yeshua).
In this book you’ll find that spirit of prophecy on bold display. Pastor Wright makes it clear that the underlying theme of Bible prophecy is the message of our Creators redemptive efforts on behalf of all mankind through Yeshua, mankind’s only means of salvation.
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In the spirit of respectful and I hope constructive criticism there were a couple of areas where I disagree with pastor Wright or at least thought a more thorough explanation of the subject was warranted:
*** First, in Chapter 21, Pastor Wright described three great “Jewish feast” days that the Jewish people celebrate each year. For clarification sake in the Bible’s the feast days are called the “feasts of YHWH” and there are 7 of these feast days mentioned in the Bible.
The Passover The Feast of Unleavened Bread First fruits Shavuot (Pentecost) Yom Teruah – Rosh Hashanah (Feast of Trumpets) Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) Feast of Tabernacles
*** Second, in this book Pastor Wright uses Daniel 9 and the prophecy of 70 Weeks as a major pillar in his eschatological framework. Due to the importance this prophecy holds in Pastor Wright’s interpretive framework I thought it’s underlying basis should have been more thoroughly explained. I think it would have been helpful to understand how Pastor Wright in his own exploration of the subject dealt with the following challenges:
• The Commandment to Restore and build Jerusalem • The Chronology of the 2nd Temple era • Covenant of Daniel 9:4 as it relates to Daniel 9:27 • The Biblical Calendar
***Regarding the “Commandment to Restore and Build Jerusalem”, most scholars believe this “commandment” was one of four Persian decrees. The challenge to this position is that the word “commandant” as given in Daniel 9:25 comes from the Hebrew word dabar which means “word, speech or utterance”. Dabar is used 1439 times in the Old Testament and of those the vast majority refer to the dabar of YHWH. Further complicating this passage is that dabar is used 4 times in Daniel 9 and of those three clearly refer to the word or dabar of YHWH. Worth noting is that Zechariah and Haggai both record a “dabar” of YHWH to restore and build Jerusalem and that this divine decree is also witnessed in Ezra 6. I am curious how this decree is accounted for in Pastor Wright understanding of Daniel 9.
***Regarding the Chronology of the 2nd Temple era most scholars stretch the chronology of Ezra and Nehemiah by over 60 years to allow for their “commandment” to be given during the reign of the Persian king Longimanus. This is problematic because 2 Kings 25 records the death of Ezra’s father in the 19th year of Nebuchadnezzar. According to this rendering of the chronology, Ezra (at the youngest) would have been a quarter century older than Moses by the time the “commandment” could have been given by Longimanus. This unbelievable age would also apply to many of the Priest and Levites of Nehemiah 10 & 12.
***Regarding the Covenants of Daniel 9 most scholars ascribe the covenant of Daniel 9:27 to the Anti-Christ but few take into consideration the context of the covenant of Daniel 9:4. The covenant of Daniel 9:4 is a direct from Deu. 7:9 which in turn refers back to the covenant of Gen. 22 and the covenant YHWH sware (shaba) with Abraham, a covenant which has the distinction of being the first covenant YHWH swore with any many in the Bible. Any discussion of Daniel 9:27 surely needs to take into account the context of Daniel 9:4 to be soundly based in Biblical fact.
***Finally, most respected scholars believe the 70th week is based upon a 360 day solar year and 30 day months. Yet most scholars also admit that Yeshua fulfilled the shadow and types of the spring feast days based upon a Biblical calendar (Gen. 1:14) which uses a 365.24 day solar year and a 29.53 day lunar month. If the final week of Daniel 9 is based upon a 30 day month and 360 day year, then when does this calendar change take place? Clearly the celestial disturbance required to change the existing Biblical calendar from its current 365.24 day solar year / 29.53 day lunar month must take place at some point well before the events described in Revelation so that the Biblical calendar can settle into its anticipated 360 solar year and 30 day lunar month configuration. I think any discussion of Daniel 9 and the 70 Weeks needs to include a discussion of these calendar changes.
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In closing my disagreements and questions notwithstanding, this was a terrific book on Bible prophecy which any student of the subject would be well served in pursuing. Pastor Wright makes a compelling case that we are close to the return of Yeshua and His millennial reign upon this earth. After you have read The Stage Is Set, I’d encourage you to open your Bible and see if these things be so.
I was blessed to receive a free copy of this as a Goodreads winner in exchange for a review.
Bryant Wright uses Old and New Testament prophecies to give a theological explanation as to why we are living in the "end times". He uses a lot of Biblical history, world history, and current events to make a convincing argument that now, more than ever before, the stage is set for Christ's return and ultimate victory.
For the new Christian just beginning to learn about end times, this new book answers a lot of questions. The older Christian will also learn about eschatology with fresh eyes in light of new world events that have occurred in this new century. Near the end of the book there is a very good explanation of the four major theological views of Christ's millennial reign on earth: premillennial, postmillennial, amillennial, and pan-millennial.
There is a wealth of Biblical interpretation in this book. I recommend this to believers (and unbelievers) interested in knowing more about what is happening in our world today in light of Biblically prophesied end times.
The book is basically an overview of revelation and what we can, more or less, expect. It really says nothing new, as I have read many books on eschatology, pretty much a repeat of what dozens of other books explain. The book was easy to read and flowed well, although quite repetitive in many places. It was not a bad book, just that there was nothing new; no new ideas, theories, knowledge, etc. If you have never read any books yet on eschatology (Bible prophecy) this would be a great starter. I highly recommend for beginners on the subject.
I love this book because it is the time to be prepared for Jesus Christ Second Coming. I gave this book 5 stars because it was a interesting story on how the world would be when it comes to how many people are following the Antichrist, False Prophets,etc and as a follower of Jesus Christ, I cannot wait to see his face and go to heaven so I can be with my loved ones as Jesus Christ had promised us all on what he said he will do, but for other people, he wants the wicked to repent and if not then you made your choice.
Overall, a helpful overview of evangelical eschatology. Easily accessible to any level of reader. Personally, I wish there was more in depth explanations of Tribulation & Millennial theologies & the evidence that Christians will reign with Christ in the new 1,000 year Kingdom.
Bryant Wright weaves together the fulfilled prophesies of the past with those remaining in our possibly near future. While dwelling on the news in a world that seems to be coming unhinged, he reminds us of the hope that we have in Christ through it all! Thank you for this wonderful read!
Well researched look at historical happenings that are hinted at in scripture, showing how scripture is being fulfilled and preparing for the second coming of Christ.
"The Stage Is Set: Israel, the End Times, and Christ's Ultimate Victory" by Bryant Wright is a very good book to read if you are interested in learning about what is to come. It is written very well and covers a many (not all) major events in the book of Revelation as well as covering Old Testament prophets where it pertains to the end times. When I picked this up, I did actually have a hard time putting it down. It is very engaging and even challenging as you read through the different topics that the author presents. I sincerely appreciate how the author presented many views on some topics (like the timing of the rapture) rather than dogmatically hammering in his personal beliefs even though he does present what his personal belief is. He leaves it up to the reader to decide for themselves. I sincerely appreciate the fact that the author calls out the fact that so many have tried to "predict" who the antichrist is and when these things will take place (like the rapture or the second coming of Christ), but he sticks to the facts about how no man knows when this will happen. As far as content, this book does not cover every single point of the end times like you would get in a commentary, but it does cover some of the major events that cause shifts in things happening. Overall, this book is highly recommended for anyone wanting to understand more about the end times and what will happen. I received a copy of this book in exchange for this review from Baker Books and all opinions are my own.
Biblically backed and exciting to know our future. Everyone should read book. to know your destiny! I highly recommend Bryant Wright's Book, The Stage is Set!!!
I read Hal Lindsay’s Late, Great Planet Earth in the mid-1970’s as a youngster. The book convinced me that the world couldn’t go on much longer before God says, “Enough!” I read the Bible and watched the news for evidence of Jesus’ imminent return. While I didn’t believe then the world would make it to 2017, I’m grateful for God’s continued patience towards mankind. A New Book for a New Generation This year, I read The Stage is Set by Bryant Wright. If Late, Great had me watching the TV for evidence, The Stage is Set has me looking out the window. The world was showing signs in the 1970’s, but you know that the day is hand in 2017. Dr. Wright has not only learned of the signs of his coming from the pages of scripture, he has seen the evidence first hand on the sixteen bible study tours he has led to Israel. False messiahs proliferate around the globe, wars and rumors of wars are everywhere, earthquakes and other natural disasters abound. The news tells stories of Christians being beheaded, imprisoned, or otherwise persecuted regularly. All these signs point to Jesus’ imminent return. After making a strong case for the messiah’s soon return, Dr. Wright reminds us of the urgent need to spread the gospel to the 6,800 unreached people groups. Presently, the church doesn't even engage 3,100 of these groups. Jesus told us his gospel would be preached to the peoples of the world and then the end would come. Plans are well underway to finish the task of reaching the nations. Dr. Wright takes the mystery out of the strange dreams in the book of Daniel, interprets the symbology of Revelations, and explains the meaning of the prophecies about the Antichrist and Armageddon. His interpretation of the rapture before the second coming is one of the clearest explanations of the relevant scriptures I have read. Finally, his telling of the return of Jesus is a moving and beautiful word picture. This book at this time in history will surely become a classic for this generation. It is my prayer that it will get into as many hands as possible. Disclosure: I received this book free from Baker Books through the Baker Books Bloggers www.bakerbooks.com/bakerbooksbloggers program. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wa....
`The Stage is Set` is a prophetic book of end times, written by author Bryant Wright. Bryant is a pastor of a mega-church in Marietta, Georgia. You can learn about him by visiting www.rightfromtheheart.org
In his book, Bryant attempts to help the reader understand the end times. There have been many people come on the scene claiming to be the Christ. As Christians, we would be wise to know what the Bible says. This book is very informative with graphs, and chapters divided into segments which shows much research and proven facts.
Bryant compares scripture with scripture, looking at both the Old and New Testaments to give a complete picture of where our world is headed. The question is not, `Are we in the end times?` But, `Are we ready for the end times?`I believe every Christian should read this book. It would make a great book club study book. I give this book 5* out of 5*
Disclaimer: "I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own."