The Story of the Future Book

The Story of the Future: The Hopeful Narrative of God’s Coming Kingdom (Hendrickson, 2027)
What does the future hold for us? Where is our world heading? And how should this shape the way we live today? For 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, The Story of the Future 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. Svigel begins by locating the foundational elements of this hope in the three “Rs” of biblical eschatology: the return of Christ, the resurrection of the dead, and the restoration 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. While 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 God’s future. More than a handbook of information about a distant era, The Story of the Future invites us now into God’s story, a call to live today in light of God’s coming kingdom.
  • Written 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:

  • "Simply Put" introductory paragraphs summarize the main idea of each chapter.
  • "In Brief" asides define complex scholarly terms in plain language.
  • "A Closer Look" notes dig deeper into technical exegetical, theological, and historical matter.
  • Numerous charts and tables illustrate and summarize key topics.

The Story of the Future Conference

These fast-paced, high-altitude, customizable crash courses on eschatology—“the doctrine of last things”—explain the big issues of the end times that unite all Christians and explore the details on which Christians most often disagree. The conferences are designed in three basic formats that can be further customized for your particular needs. 1. The Overview Conference (1–3 hours) 2. The Descriptive Conference (3–4 hours) 3. The Prescriptive Conference (6–7 hours)

1. The Overview Conference

The Overview Conference focuses on the issues in eschatology on which Christians agree, provides a brief introduction to the differing views prevalent among Christians, emphasizes the foundational doctrines of eschatology, and explains matters on which we may disagree with charity. With 1–3 sessions of about 50 minutes each, the "Introduction and Overview Conference" is ideal for churches, small groups, or guest lectures to provide a simple overview of eschatological essentials. This conference can be done in person or via video streaming platforms.

Sample Schedule— Overview Conference

Session 1: The Essentials of Eschatology (50 minutes) What We Must (and Must NOT) Believe The Three “Rs” of Eschatology Why Does Eschatology Matter? Additional Optional Sessions (One or Both) Session 2: The Options in Eschatology (50 minutes) Millennial Views Tribulation Views Rapture Views Implications Session 3: Q&A (50 minutes)

2. The Descriptive Conference

The Descriptive Conference focuses on the issues in eschatology on which Christians agree, explains the differing opinions regarding matters on which Christians differ, and discusses practical implications of eschatology. Attendees walk away with a clearer conviction concerning the fundamentals of eschatology and an understanding of the diversity of views. With 3–4 sessions of about 50 minutes each, this conference is ideal for churches or ministries with a diversity of opinions on eschatological matters or those that do not affirm a premillennial perspective. This conference is designed to be in-person and can be scheduled in either a morning, afternoon, or evening calendar slot.

Sample Schedule— Descriptive Conference

Session 1: The Essentials of Eschatology (50 minutes) What We Must (and Must Not) Believe The Three “Rs” of Eschatology Where Do We Go from Here? Session 2: The Big Picture of Eschatology (50 minutes) The Imago Dei Mission The Kingdom of God Practical Implications of Eschatology Session 3: Diversity in Eschatology (50 minutes) Millennial Views Tribulation Views Rapture Views Toward Unity and Charity Additional Optional Session Session 4: Q&A (50 minutes)

3. The Prescriptive Conference

The Prescriptive Conference underscores the issues in eschatology on which Christians agree then presents the basic arguments for a classic premillennial, futurist view consistent with the perspective of The Fathers on the Future. Detailed notes are included with QR links to additional resources to dive deeper. Attendees walk away with a clear understanding of the fundamentals of eschatology as well as compelling arguments in support of the premillennial, futurist perspective. With 6–7 sessions of about 50 minutes each, this conference is ideal for churches or ministries already affirming a premillennial eschatology. This conference is designed to be in-person and can be scheduled over two days (evening+all day) or during one day (morning and afternoon).

Sample Schedule— Prescriptive Conference

Session 1: The Coming Kingdom in Context (50 minutes) Introduction The Three “Rs” of Eschatology Where Do We Go from Here? Session 2: The Coming Kingdom in the Old Testament (50 minutes) The Imago Dei Mission The Kingdom of God The Prophets’ Vision of the Kingdom Session 3: The Coming Kingdom in the New Testament (50 minutes) The Kingdom in the Gospels The Kingdom in Acts The Kingdom in Paul Session 4: The Coming Kingdom in Revelation (50 minutes) The Coming of Christ and the Millennium The Binding of Satan The First and Second Resurrections The Coming Kingdom in the Earliest Church Session 5: The Coming Day of the Lord (50 minutes) The Day of the Lord in the Old Testament The Day of the Lord in the New Testament The Future Day of the Lord Additional Optional Sessions (One or Both) Session 6: The Coming Assumption of the Church (50 minutes) The Reality of the Assumption The Timing of the Assumption Session 7 Q&A (50 minutes)

Sample Support Materials (For Prescriptive Conference)

Additional Information

No Fees: Though voluntary honoraria are always appreciated, Dr. Svigel does not charge a speaker's fee for conferences or lectureships as long as his travel and lodging expenses are reimbursed. To keep attendance costs low, venues are requested to only charge registration fees sufficient to cover actual expenses for the event, and—if possible—no-fee events are strongly encouraged. Group Sizes: There is no limit regarding group sizes for conferences. Dr. Svigel is equally prepared to speak at a tiny pastor's retreat, family camp, local church conference, or large venue conference. One-on-one discussions, however, would fall under personal meetings and should be scheduled accordingly. No Debates: In keeping with his desire to foster irenic rather than polemical dialogue, Dr. Svigel does not participate in formal or informal debates. He will, however, participate in friendly panel discussions for which differing eschatological perspectives are represented. This "no debate" rule is upheld during Q&A sessions during conferences, and he reserves the right to disengage from confrontational pontifications from live questioners. Conference Recording and Streaming: Audio/video recording and live streaming of conferences is permitted as long as Dr. Svigel is given free access to those recordings for his own use and such recordings are not subsequently published and sold commercially. Dr. Svigel may also withdraw this permission for any reason as he deems it necessary.
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