These Last Days: The Unfailing Promise of the Future
October 11-12, 2013
2013 Cheyenne Reformation Conference
An Invitation…
Many American Protestant denominations and churches trace their roots to the Protestant Reformation of the 16th Century. While some of these denominations and churches invoke memories of this heritage, many evangelical churches have rejected certain Biblical truths originally confessed by the reformers. One disputed truth is what the Bible says about These Last Days.
For many Christians, these last days refer to the short period of intense activity immediately prior to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. But according to the apostles, the last days were inaugurated by the first coming of Christ and continue even today. Christians have often shunned the field of eschatology (the study of last things), surrendering end times doctrine to more popular (but less biblical) schemes. But eschatology is important! Paul describes the fulfillment of history as “our blessed hope” (Titus 2:13), a hope made real to us now through our faith.
Though all the Scriptures speak of the present and future triumph of God’s redemptive purposes in Christ, certain passages are of special importance to an understanding of biblical eschatology. The Cheyenne Reformation Conference is hosting a forum in which Dr. Cornel Venema will offer an exposition of these passages and illustrate how the Bible’s teaching regarding the future may be interpreted and applied today.
Join us this fall for a time of fellowship and Bible study as we look at this essential element of the Christian faith… “our blessed hope”.
Conference Speaker
Dr. Cornelis Venema
Dr. Venema serves as President of Mid- America Reformed Seminary and as professor of Doctrinal Studies. He holds a B.A. from Dordt College, a B.D. from Calvin Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. from Princeton Theological Seminary.
While studying at Princeton from 1979- 1981, Dr. Venema was a Teaching Fellow in the Department of Theology. He served as pastor of the Christian Reformed Church of Ontario, California, for six years before coming to Mid-America. He has served as an elder in his present church and preaches on a regular basis. Dr. Venema also speaks and teaches in a variety of church and conference settings.
His special interest lies in Reformation theology, particularly the work of the Reformers John Calvin and Heinrich Bullinger. Dr. Venema’s books Heinrich Bullinger and the Doctrine of Predestination: Author of “The Other Reformed Tradition”? and Accepted and Renewed in Christ: The “Twofold Grace of God” and the Interpretation of Calvin’s Theology, reflect this interest.
He is the author of several other books including But for the Grace of God: An Exposition of the Canons of Dort; What We Believe: An Exposition of the Apostles’ Creed; The Promise of the Future; Getting the Gospel Right; Children at the Lord’s Table?, Christ and the Future, The Promise of the Future Study Guide, and The Gospel of Free Acceptance in Christ.
Conference Schedule
Friday, October 11
6:00 p.m. Registration opens 6:15 Conference Concert
6:45 – 8:00 Session 1: The ‘Signs of the Times’ and Christ’s Triumph
In the so-called “Olivet Discourse” of Matthew 24, Christ provides a comprehensive description of the “signs of the times” between His first advent in the “fullness of time” and His second advent at the end of the present age.
Saturday, October 12
8:30 a.m. Registration opens
9:00 – 10:15 Session 2: The Millennium and Christ’s Triumph
In Revelation 20, the apostle John, speaking in the Spirit of Christ, presents a remarkable (and controversial) vision of the reign of Christ as He gathers the nations.
Break
10:30 – 11:45 Session 3: Resurrection Hope and Christ’s Triumph
In 1Corinthians 15, the apostle Paul encourages the church by presenting the truth of Christ’s resurrection, His certain triumph over death and our hope of victory “through our Lord Jesus Christ”.
12:00 – 12:45 Lunch
1:00 – 2:00 Session 4: Promised Rest for Christ’s Church and Christ’s Triumph
In 2 Thessalonians 1, the apostle Paul encourages believers with the certain promise of Christ’s coming again, when He will grant relief to His beleaguered church.
2:00-2:15 Break
2:15-3:15 Q&A session
3:15 Conference Ends
Lord’s Day, October 13
We extend a warm invitation to all visitors to worship with us.
Dr. Venema will be preaching at our 10:30 a.m. service.
Conference Resources
Session 4 (Promised rest for Christ's Church and Christ's Triumph) Play Now | Play in Popup | Download