Theology

The Gospel by Numbers: A Message from T4G by Ligon Duncan, III

Jemar Tisby

Quick!  What comes to mind when you think of the book of Numbers?  Census statistics. Ritual laws. History.  Whatever comes to mind it’s probably not a stirring exposition of Scripture that points to Christ and leaves grown men literally weeping.  But that’s exactly what Reformed Theological Seminary Chancellor and RAAN Advisory Board Member, Ligon Duncan, III accomplished in his message from Numbers 5.

Together for the Gospel, “a biennial conference for pastors and church leaders,” featured nine well-known preachers from John Piper to John MacArthur.  I was not able to attend in-person, but I did watch the live-stream throughout the three days of the conference.  All of the speakers glorified God, and Dr. Duncan’s address, entitled “The Gospel by Numbers,” particularly resonated with me.

Numbers 5:1-4 instructs the people of Israel to “put out of the camp everyone who is leprous or has a discharge and everyone who is unclean through contact with the dead” (v. 2).  Why these laws?  Dr. Duncan explains that they have a practical reason, a theological reason, and most importantly a Christological reason.  The laws in Numbers point us to Christ.

I came away from this message with a deeper understanding of the Bible and a higher sense of the person and work of Christ.  I commend this message to you, along with all the others from T4G,  for your enjoyment and your edification.

Here’s a link to the video: “Gospel by Numbers” (video)

Here’s a link to the audio: “Gospel by Numbers” (audio)

Jemar

Jemar Tisby is the founder of The Witness, Inc. and a staff writer for The Witness BCC.  He is the author of How to Fight Racism and the New York Times bestseller, The Color of Compromise. Follow him @JemarTisby

1 Comment

  1. Henry

    I’d just like to pass on another way to help spread the gospel and it’s simply this:-

    Include a link to an online gospel tract (e.g. http://www.freecartoontract.com/animation) as part of your email signature.

    An email signature is a piece of customizable HTML or text that most email applications will allow you to add to all your outgoing emails. For example, it commonly contains name and contact details – but it could also (of course) contain a link to a gospel tract.

    For example, it might say something like, “p.s. you might like this gospel cartoon …” or “p.s. have you seen this?”.

Leave A Comment