108. BONUS Episode - Answering Objections to Postmillennialism with Martin Selbrede
April 27, 2024 • Kendall Lankford, Martin Selbrede
Summary In this conversation, Kendall and Martin discuss objections to post-millennialism. They cover topics such as the dating of the book of Revelation, the parable of the wheat and tares, and the cyclical nature of the book of Revelation. Martin provides insights into these topics and offers different perspectives on the interpretation of the book of Revelation. In this part of the conversation, Martin Selbrede discusses the concept of victory in the book of Revelation and the idea of the 'little season' between the first and second advent. He also explores the role of the Antichrist, the great apostasy, and the great tribulation in post-millennialism. Selbrede provides insights into the interpretation of key passages in Revelation and highlights the importance of understanding the historical context of these prophecies. He also addresses the biblical perspective on the world going from bad to worse and the promise of peace and transformation in the future. The conversation explores the idea that peace on earth will be brought about by Christ, where there will be no more war and the art of war will not be learned again. Critics argue that post-millennialism opens the door to universalism, but the conversation clarifies that post-millennialism does not imply universalism. The conversation also addresses the astronomical perturbations mentioned in Scripture, explaining that they symbolize political upheavals and the downfall of rulers. The language used is not meant to be taken literally, but rather as a depiction of the destruction of Jerusalem and the regime change happening at that time. In this part of the conversation, Martin Selbrede and Kendall discuss the importance of interpreting scripture according to its literary genre and the significance of understanding the Old Testament in order to grasp the full meaning of the New Testament. They also address the idea of over-realized eschatology and the role of man in the postmillennial view. Selbrede emphasizes the power of the Holy Spirit and the need to read scripture in light of God's sovereignty. They also touch on the topics of denominationalism, the future of the world, and the defeat of Satan. In this final part of the conversation, Martin Selbrede discusses the importance of acknowledging our limitations and relying on God's help in the battle against evil. He emphasizes that biblical post-millennialism is different from the prosperity gospel preached by some, as it focuses on the establishment of God's law and justice. Selbrede also addresses the rise of AI and technology, highlighting the need for ethical considerations and the importance of Christians bringing their worldview to these fields. He recommends several books for further study on post-millennialism.
106. Interview With Martin Selbrede (How the Bible PROVES Postmillennialism - Part 2)
April 19, 2024 • Kendall Lankford, Martin Selbrede
SUMMARY In this part of the conversation, Martin Selbrede discusses the biblical case for post-millennialism from the New Testament. He starts by examining John the Baptist's testimony in Matthew 3:11-12, where he speaks about the winnowing hand of the Messiah purging the threshing floor. Selbrede explains that this process of purifying the world is initiated by the Messiah and is happening now. He also highlights passages like Isaiah 42 and John 12 that speak about the victory of justice and the drawing of all men to Christ. Selbrede emphasizes the importance of having faith in the promises of God and actively working towards the expansion of His kingdom. The conversation explores the theme of salvation and the ultimate goal of a saved world. It discusses the idea that salvation is not just about rescuing God's elect, but also about destroying God's enemies. The concept of fire is used as a metaphor for God's wrath and justice, which is being poured out on all unrighteousness. The conversation emphasizes the importance of following God's law and living righteously in order to navigate through a world that is aflame. It also highlights the need for Christians to fulfill the Great Commission by discipling the nations and teaching them to obey everything Jesus commanded. The conversation explores the eschatological themes in the New Testament and how they relate to the reversal of the Adamic curse. It emphasizes that Jesus, as the true and better Adam, will make believers fruitful, multiply them, and fill the world with worshippers. The discussion also highlights the importance of understanding and applying the Word of God, as well as the need to actively work towards the fulfillment of the Great Commission. The conversation concludes with a challenge to be a generation known for pushing the gospel forward and trusting in the promises of God. KEYWORDS 1. Post-millennialism - A belief in Christianity that Christ will return after a thousand-year reign of God's kingdom on Earth, marked by peace and righteousness. 2. John the Baptist - A biblical figure who prepared the way for Jesus, emphasizing repentance and baptism. 3. Winnowing hand - Symbolically refers to separating good from bad, as a farmer separates grain from chaff. 4. Great Commission - Jesus' command to his followers to spread his teachings to all nations. 5. Discipleship - The process of following Jesus and learning from his life and teachings. 6. Eschatology - The study of the end times and the events associated with it in religious texts. 7. Adamic curse - The consequences of sin introduced into the world through Adam, according to the Bible. 8. Gospel - The teachings of Christ and the message of salvation through him, central to Christian belief. KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. The winnowing hand of the Messiah is purging the world and purifying it from chaff. 2. The process of purifying the world is happening now and is initiated by the Messiah. 3. The New Testament speaks about the victory of justice and the drawing of all men to Christ. 4. Having faith in the promises of God and actively working towards the expansion of His kingdom is important. Salvation involves both rescuing God's elect and destroying God's enemies. 5. God's wrath and justice are symbolized by fire, which is being poured out on all unrighteousness. 6. Living righteously and following God's law allows us to navigate through a world that is aflame. 7. The Great Commission calls Christians to disciple the nations and teach them to obey everything Jesus commanded. 8. Salvation is not the end of the game, but the beginning of a new life of service. Jesus, as the true and better Adam, will reverse the Adamic curse and make believers fruitful, multiply them, and fill the world with worshippers. 9. Understanding and applying the Word of God is essential for fulfilling the Great Commission and experiencing the transformation of the world. 10. Believers should actively work towards the fulfillment of the Great Commission and trust in the promises of God. 11. The current generation has the opportunity to be known for pushing the gospel forward and trusting in the promises of God.
Interview with Martin Selbrede (How the Bible PROVES Postmillennialism PART 1)
April 17, 2024 • Kendall Lankford, Martin Selbrede
SUMMARY: In this conversation, Kendall Lankford interviews Martin Selbrede about post-millennialism. Selbrede explains that post-millennialism is the belief that the curse of sin will be reversed in time and history, and that the work of the Messiah is to lead justice to victory in this world. He emphasizes the importance of applying the whole Word of God and not soft-pedaling any part of it. Selbrede argues against pre-millennialism, stating that it puts too much stock in the power of the flesh and fails to recognize the omnipotence of the Holy Spirit. He also highlights the inconsistencies in the pre-millennial view of the Millennium ending with a catastrophic war, which contradicts the biblical promise of perpetual peace. In this conversation, Martin Selbrede and Kendall Lankford discuss the misinterpretation of scripture and the negative impact it can have on our understanding of God's kingdom. They emphasize the importance of studying scripture accurately and the dangers of misinterpreting eschatology. They also highlight the positive outlook of postmillennialism and the responsibility of Christians to be faithful in their mission. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the ultimate victory of Christ and the transformation of the world. KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Post-millennialism is the belief that the curse of sin will be reversed in time and history, and that the work of the Messiah is to lead justice to victory in this world. 2. Applying the whole Word of God and not soft-pedaling any part of it is essential in post-millennialism. 3. Pre-millennialism puts too much stock in the power of the flesh and fails to recognize the omnipotence of the Holy Spirit. 4. The pre-millennial view of the Millennium ending with a catastrophic war contradicts the biblical promise of perpetual peace. Misinterpretation of scripture can lead to erroneous beliefs and political decisions. 5. Postmillennialism offers a positive outlook on the future and emphasizes the responsibility of Christians to be faithful in their mission. 6. The victory of Christ and the growth of God's kingdom are ongoing processes that will ultimately lead to the transformation of the world. 7. The timing of Jesus' reign and the fulfillment of God's will are important factors in understanding eschatology. 8. The final victory over death is a key aspect of God's kingdom and the ultimate goal of Christ's reign. CHAPTERS 00:00 - Introduction 00:25 - Introduction to Martin Selbrede 08:02 - The Biblical Case for Post-Millennialism 14:22 - The Hebrew Understanding of the World 25:28 - The Error of Pre-Millennialism 29:16 - The Omnipotence of the Holy Spirit 34:16 - The Inconsistencies of Pre-Millennialism 34:21 - Misinterpretation of Scripture 37:29 - Misinterpretation of Revelation 39:25 - Negative Reports and Faithlessness 42:16 - Chronological Snobbery 46:58 - The Power of Scripture 48:21 - The Growth of God's Kingdom 52:58 - The Victory of Christ 57:32 - The Triumph of God's Kingdom 01:00:00 - Jesus' Reign and Timing 01:04:19 - The Universal Salvation of the World 01:07:30 - The Fulfillment of God's Will 01:09:28 - The Final Victory over Death 01:13:02 - The Transformation of Nature