“There exist a number of detailed histories of the early Church and its passionate theological debates. What sets Brian Orr’s book apart is the amazing love of God that shines through. Orr loves God—the true, simple, infinite, glorious God who is Three and One. His love of God gives his discussion of theological debates an unusual readability—his prose reflects his own excitement, his own wonder in speaking about the wondrous Holy One who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Scripture and metaphysics come together here in a theological page-turner!”

— Matthew Levering, James N. Jr. and Mary D. Perry Chair of Theology, Mundelein Seminary 

The current discussion in theology undeniably raises important questions about the validity of using classical metaphysical terms to define the God presented in Scripture. This debate challenges an established tradition within Christianity that has effectively relied on metaphysical language to articulate God’s distinct nature as depicted in the Bible. The early church fathers were keenly aware that the central issue was not solely a matter of logic—though that is certainly significant—but also a critical communication problem. Unlike pagan philosophers, who could freely speculate, the church fathers remained firmly anchored in the truths of Scriptural revelation. It is essential that theological discussions maintain fidelity to the sanctity of God’s Word and the gospel message. This highlights the vital role of language in our discourse. This study will chart the evolution of metaphysical terminology that has shaped our understanding of divine essence and the Trinity. Ultimately, it aims to establish a “divine grammar” that facilitates clear, albeit analogical, discussions about the magnificent God as portrayed in the Bible.

“If you are looking for a preterist treatment of the Olivet Discourse that is thorough, well-versed in the literature, and which is closely argued, this is the book for you.”

— Douglas Wilson

This work is an exposition of Matthew’s Olivet Discourse, specifically 24:1–35, from a partial-preterist perspective. The book aims to demonstrate that a preterist approach to interpreting Scripture, particularly prophecy, is superior to a futurist approach, advancing greater contextual consistency—letting Scripture be the interpreter—than a futurist model. The author identifies a tradition of interpretation that sees the Olivet Discourse through a preterist lens, further strengthening the preterist perspective. Matthew’s Olivet Discourse is a pivotal section, from which all positions hinge their understanding of Christ’s return. How one interprets the Olivet Discourse shapes how one sees not only the New Testament but the entirety of Scripture.

“Pain and suffering tempt us to retreat into a world of self-preoccupation, whereby we succumb to one of two extremes – rigid stoicism or unbridled hysteria. To guard against this temptation, we must keep our eyes fixed on Jesus Christ. He is the pledge of God’s favor toward us. He is the reason we can be sure that God will never leave us nor forsake us. He is the reason we know that God has our long-term good in view. In pain and suffering, God desires to increase our faith, hope, and love, to purge us of sin, to wean our hearts from this world, to make us more compassionate toward others, and to cause us to love Him above all else. Pain and suffering might assail us, but they can never destroy us. In this book, Myndi Orr reminds us of these great truths, as she relates her own struggle with chronic pain and suffering. Here is an encouraging and edifying read. May the Lord use it to direct your heart to “the steadfastness of Christ’ (2 Thess. 3:5).”

— J. Stephen Yuille
Professor of Church History and Spiritual Formation
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, TX

For almost two decades, Myndi Orr has battled trigeminal neuralgia, which has left her with severe, incurable facial pain. In this inspirational book, she explains how God has reshaped her understanding of living with pain—as a gift, not to be wasted.