Set against the backdrop of Roman imperial history, The Message and the Kingdom demonstrates how the quest for the kingdom of God by Jesus, Paul, and the earliest churches should be understood as both a spiritual journey and a political response to the "mindless acts of violence, inequality, and injustice that characterized the kings of men." Horsley and Silberman reveal how the message of Jesus and Paul was profoundly shaped by the history of their time as well as the social conditions of the congregations to whom they preached.
The fruit of many decades of study and teaching, 'The Kingdom of God' provides an impressive, systematic treatment of the doctrine of the Kingdom of God. It is a comprehensive review of this crucial symbol, as well as a careful analysis of its meaning, and a creative interpretation of the Kingdom motif for the church and Christians in our age. 'The Kingdom of God begins by analyzing the background of this idea in Hebrew scripture and tradition, and in the preaching of Jesus. Fuellenbach explores how this elusive phrase presents a specific, comprehensive view of reality, and a goal for transforming the world. In Fuellenbach's reading, the Kingdom forms the core of Christian faith and the reference point of all theology, spirituality, and apostolic activity. Fuellenbach pays special attention to the relationships among Kingdom, Church, and World, arguing that with the Kingdom, Jesus proclaimed a vision that embraces God, humankind, and the whole of creation in the single most comprehensive vision of reality imaginable. 'The Kingdom of God' is balanced and nuanced in its scholarship, but also vigorous and courageous in taking positions sure to provoke debate. For example, Fuellenbach argues that the word Kingdom is to be preferred over the word Reign, despite critiques that find the word problematic in its patriarchal connotations. Designed for and tested in classrooms worldwide, The Kingdom of God will be particularly useful in both scripture and theology courses. It holds much food for thought for religious educators, pastoral workers, clergy, and others who wish for a clear, systematic understanding of Jesus' vision of the Kingdom now and to come.
Go Preach! connects the apocalyptic message of Mark's Gospel to principles and programs of socio-cultural transformation in the life of the Black church today. Brian Blount begins his study of Mark by examining the social significance of Jesus' proclamation of the coming Kingdom of God. This was a future event that was at the same time breaking through in the present. Through Jesus, "God's future power invaded and transformed the human present." This experience of the Kingdom empowered the disciples to "Go preach" the Kingdom message in word and deed, to finish the story that Marks narration about Jesus began. Blount goes on to show that the Black church occupies a situation analogous to that in which the Gospel arose, and explores the implications of apocalyptic theology for the pastoral mission of the Black church today. Go Preach! makes an important contribution to understanding the meaning of the Kingdom of God. At the same time it also demonstrates the value of a sociolinguistic approach to scripture, both in interpreting the text in its original context and in unpacking its meaning for today. It is required reading for biblical scholars, students, and clergy.
The three chapters of Matthew known as the Sermon on the Mount contain truths so rich and powerful that even a lifetime of study could not exhaust their depths. For centuries, Jesus’s majestic portrait of the kingdom of heaven and his unparalleled instructions for godliness have captivated Christians and non-Christians alike. In this classic commentary, now revised with a fresh look and ESV Bible references, seasoned pastor R. Kent Hughes guides readers through this glorious portion of the Bible with exegetical precision, expositional clarity, and practical sensitivity. Whether used by preachers, small group leaders, or individual laypersons, this resource will prove invaluable for illuminating the Sermon on the Mount’s enduring power to enliven hearts and transform minds. Part of the Preaching the Word series.
The kingdom of God is the central theme of Jesus’ preaching. Through stories and images, Jesus teaches that God’s presence among us—his powerful reign—is both mighty and quiet, both welcoming and demanding. As small as a seed and as grand as a great dinner party, the kingdom of God grows among us and transforms everyone who embraces it. In this volume of Alive in the Word, New Testament scholar Frank Matera explores three gospel passages that will orient you to this essential, transforming message of Jesus.
Malls, stadiums, and universities are actually liturgical structures that influence and shape our thoughts and affections. Humans--as Augustine noted--are "desiring agents," full of longings and passions; in brief, we are what we love. James K. A. Smith focuses on the themes of liturgy and desire in Desiring the Kingdom, the first book in what will be a three-volume set on the theology of culture. He redirects our yearnings to focus on the greatest good: God. Ultimately, Smith seeks to re-vision education through the process and practice of worship. Students of philosophy, theology, worldview, and culture will welcome Desiring the Kingdom, as will those involved in ministry and other interested readers.
In Jesus and the Politics of Roman Palestine, Richard A. Horsley offers one of the most comprehensive critical analyses of Jesus of Nazareth's mission and how he became a significant historical figure. Horsley brings a fuller historical knowledge of the context and implications of recent research to bear on the investigation of the historical Jesus. Breaking with the standard focus on isolated individual sayings of Jesus, Horsley argues that the sources for Jesus in historical interaction are the Gospels and the speeches of Jesus that they include, read critically in their historical context. This work challenges the standard assumptions that the historical Jesus has been presented primarily as a sage or apocalyptic visionary. In contrast, based on a critical reconsideration of the Gospels and contemporary sources for Roman imperial rule in Judea and Galilee, Horsley argues that Jesus was fully involved in the conflicted politics of ancient Palestine. Learning from anthropological studies of the more subtle forms of peasant politics, Horsley discerns from these sources how Jesus, as a Moses- and Elijah-like prophet, generated a movement of renewal in Israel that was focused on village communities. This paperback edition is updated with a new preface, bibliography, and indexes.
Gospel is a word we often hear. But what does it mean? This book looks at gospels in the ancient world, and seeks to understand Jesus' gospel and the proclamation of the first Christians. The gospel is the instrument God uses to save lives; fuzzy thinking can be dangerous. The author argues that Jesus' gospel defines a new reality, requiring a new response in human behaviour. It is truly revolutionary.
In a world that has completely misunderstood Christianity, Martyn Lloyd-Jones calls Christians back to what the kingdom of God is truly about--a blessed Savior and wondrous forgiveness.
Across 22 chapters, T. Desmond Alexander expounds the theme of the kingdom of God from selected Old and New Testament texts, showing its relevance for today. God made us to rule with him as his representatives, to establish his kingdom on earth. But Adam and Eve's rebellion alienated humanity from God's kingdom, instead making them slaves to the kingdom of darkness. As the promised ruler, Jesus Christ comes as the perfect king to redeem enslaved humanity. This servant king brings God's kingdom on earth through self-sacrificial love. In hope, we now await the return of the king and the coming of the eternal kingdom. The fully integrated study guide, suitable for both personal and group study, helps you to see how the Bible's unified teaching on this vital theme can impact your life today. The Bible Speaks Today series covers every book of the Old and New Testaments, as well as Bible themes that run through the whole of Scripture.
