Journal: Journal of Dispensational Theology
Volume: JODT 23:67 (Autumn 2019)
Article: Editorial
Author: Ron J. Bigalke, Jr.

Editorial

Ron J. Bigalke

Autumn is a beautiful time of the year to rejoice in God’s magnificent creation. Not only does the physical world announce change but also this time of year tends to bring new interpersonal relationships with the beginning of the fall semesters. One of the significant changes to Tyndale Seminary is that the Autumn 2019 Journal of Dispensational Theology will be the last “print version” by subscription. Future subscriptions will be in the digital format only. (For those who desire, a print version will be available for order from Tyndale’s online store or directly from Amazon.com. Tyndale will post a banner on their website homepage when each new issue becomes available for purchase; or, if an email address is provided, it will be added to a list for notification each time a new issue becomes available for purchase.) Time always results in changes. The new Journal format will free valuable time for the administration and faculty to invest in their students and in many other areas to keep Tyndale as a premier, dispensational seminary in today’s world.

The present issue features five articles and eleven book reviews. The articles address a variety of important topics. Mike Stallard, a longtime friend of Tyndale and member of the editorial committee, in addition to serving as the international ministries director for The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry, explained why the world has such animosity toward the Jewish people. Gary Gilley, pastor of Southern View Chapel and who has been serving as our book review editor for several years, addressed a distressing trend among many local churches: the neglect of Bible doctrine and pastors neglecting the urgency to serve their congregations and communities as pastor-theologians. Luther Smith Jr. at Calvary University in Missouri has contributed an article that is much needed. The issue he researched is whether Hosea 6:7 references a covenant that God made with Adam in the Garden of Eden prior to the fall of humanity. Kenneth Cooper, professor of Bible and theology at Tyndale, provides insight into the worship of God, specifically in relation to the Tabernacle (mishkhan). Joel Madasu, who graduated from Piedmont International University in North Carolina, has demonstrated much interest in textual studies and considers the authenticity of the Pericope de Adultera.

We trust that the combination of academic and practical – biblical and theological – will be edifying to you and stimulate your ministry to greater effectiveness. May you find encouragement for your soul even as your mind is challenged.

— Ron J. Bigalke, Ph.D.
[email protected]