{"product_id":"9798400520228_the-story-of-the-future","title":"The Story of the Future","description":"\u003cp\u003eWhat does the future hold for us? Where is our world heading? And how should this shape the way we live today?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor many Christians, such questions conjure images of chaos, destruction, and doom--and talk of the \"end times\" evokes anxiety and fear, not hope. In contrast to these sensationalist depictions of the end times, \u003ci\u003eThe Story of the Future\u003c\/i\u003e by Michael J. Svigel offers a refreshing alternative rooted in Scripture and the beliefs of the early church. By directing attention back to the Bible's vision of the future--a vision centered on Jesus Christ's return, creation's renewal, and the fulfillment of God's purposes for humanity--Svigel calls readers to rediscover the hope of God's coming kingdom anticipated throughout Scripture from the opening chapters of Genesis to the closing pages of the book of Revelation.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSvigel begins by locating the foundational elements of this hope in the three \"Rs\" of biblical eschatology: the \u003ci\u003ereturn\u003c\/i\u003e of Christ, the \u003ci\u003eresurrection\u003c\/i\u003e of the dead, and the \u003ci\u003erestoration\u003c\/i\u003e of creation. Turning next to the writings of the early church fathers, he highlights a consistent emphasis on Christ's return as judge and king to banish sin, suffering, death, and the devil, ushering in a glorious kingdom of peace, righteousness, and justice.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhile presenting a clear, compelling case for \"premillennialism\" from the Bible and early Christian tradition, Svigel's primary aim in returning to these ancient texts is to set forth the powerful, awe-inspiring, hopeful narrative of \u003ci\u003eGod's\u003c\/i\u003e future. More than a handbook of information about a distant era, \u003ci\u003eThe Story of the Future\u003c\/i\u003e invites us now into God's story, a call to live today in light of God's coming kingdom.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWritten for anyone interested in the Bible's story of the future, regardless of whether they have formal theological training, readers will find many helpful features in this accessible book: \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\"Simply Put\" introductory paragraphs summarize the main idea of the chapter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\"In Brief\" asides define complex scholarly terms in plain language\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\"A Closer Look\" notes dig deeper into technical exegetical, theological, and historical matters\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNumerous charts and tables illustrate key topics\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Story of the Future\u003c\/i\u003e helps us live \u003ci\u003enow\u003c\/i\u003e in light of \u003ci\u003ethen\u003c\/i\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Michael J Svigel","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41053836148785,"sku":"9798400520228","price":29.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0571\/9926\/3793\/files\/9798400520228.jpg?v=1782202031","url":"https:\/\/bakerbookhouse.com\/products\/9798400520228_the-story-of-the-future","provider":"Baker Book House ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}