Joseph Benner (1872–1938) was an American author, Spiritual writer, and Representative of the Brotherhood of Christ who used the pen name "Anonymous." He was the first to introduce the Knowledge and Teachings of the Impersonal Life (also known as the "I AM" Teaching) to the world in his first book, "The Impersonal Life". Benner taught that Christ's proclaiming "I AM" indicated "the true spirit that resides in every human being."
Fight the Way Jesus Fought For many believers, times of unrest simply mean that darkness is on the rise. But what if the growing violence in the world today means something different? What if our "signs of the times" mean that the Spirit of God is on the move? Author and trusted prophet Kim Maas reveals one of the mysteries of the Kingdom: When light breaks through the gates of darkness, the result is violence. This is spiritual warfare, and it signals a fresh awakening. It means that the Kingdom of God is advancing and that you are advancing! Engage in Kingdom violence the way Jesus taught--with violent love, violent forgiveness, violent healing, violent deliverance, violent peace. If answering violence with violence sounds like war, it is. You are already in position. Overturn the works of darkness in every area of your life, and watch for a great move of God!
Originally published in the Aleut (Eskimo) language in 1833, this book is a simple yet challenging introduction to Christianity from one of the greatest teachers of the Russian Orthodox Church: sainted Russian Bishop and missionary Innocent Veniaminov. Timeless and universal, this updated edition--which includes a new section entitled "Points for Reflection" at the end of each chapter--discusses what it means to know God and have a relationship with Jesus. It will appeal to those seeking to understand their own faith more fully.
We tend to think about God in isolation, but Mark Scandrette contends that Jesus offers something more. Here Scandrette draws from his experience as a spiritual director and leader of an intentional community, plus the best thinking on kingdom spirituality, to help your group experience a vibrant life lived together, in the way of Jesus.
The Kingdom Way shows how the Kingdom of God can influence our lives, churches, and cities for Christ. It relies on Scripture to develop a clear and compelling vision of the Kingdom of God that is simple, and yet provides a powerful and coherent model for many areas of life and ministry. The first chapter lays out a clear, precise, and biblical definition of the Kingdom of God as it exists today. The following chapters develop practical applications by carefully examining the Kingdom of God, and seeing how various components of it can be applied in our lives, churches, and cities. Some of the topics covered include the centrality of the Word of God, the importance of confession in our walk with God, abiding in Christ for empowerment from Him, unity in the church, and the need for prayer to bring the power of God in all these areas. The book builds toward the conclusion that the Kingdom of God is meant to be a visible, transformative force within cities, and goes on to paint a clear picture of what that looks like. Using historic and recent examples of cities that have undergone radical transformation through the Gospel, the book makes the case that transformation of our cities is something we must all work toward, and can actually see happen in our time. Far from theoretical, however, the book is immensely practical. Its groundbreaking, thoughtful approach to application will clarify your understanding of the Kingdom, and provide guidance and encouragement as you join with Jesus in working for the transformation of your city. It should be of interest to all Christians devoted to growth and ministry, and will be of particular interest to pastors, elders, and mature and maturing believers.
Daily meditations taken from the works of an acclaimed novelist, essayist, and preacher who has articulated what he sees with a freshness and clarity and energy that hails our stultified imaginations.
FIND WHAT MATTERS MOST. BUILD YOUR LIFE AROUND IT. In an age of distraction, everyone is looking for something that gives purpose and perspective on life. Jesus says it's the kingdom of God. But the kingdom is not just another religious idea. Rather, God's loving reign brings clarity and coherence to all of life - identity, work, play, relationships, justice, character - in a way that is profound and practical. Seek First brings theology to the streets, giving a vision for the kingdom that will truly change your life. "Treat presents the message of the kingdom in a way that gives us a grander vision for life, whether in the workplace or on the basketball court." - CHRIS BROUSSARD, NBA analyst and sports broadcaster "Few books do as good a job as this one in showing us how giving up everything for Christ and his kingdom is the pathway to our greatest gain. Seek First is a gem!" - SCOTT SAULS, author and senior pastor, Christ Presbyterian Church "With insight and passion Treat reveals why we ought to reorient our lives and reprioritize our loves . . . practical and powerful." - MARIELLE WAKIM, editor, Los Angeles magazine "A prophetic and urgent note to the generations . . . a clearly written and much-needed book!" - KEVIN J. VANHOOZER, professor, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
Too many of us live segmented lives, with God residing in one of our many compartments, all of which focus on our own fulfillment. We often struggle because we want God to fulfill our agenda, not follow His. The Kingdom Agenda helps us re-prioritize our lives according to kingdom values, and apply biblical principles to our everyday living.
The apostle Matthew recorded the words of Jesus in chapter eleven when Jesus said, "The kingdom of God suffers violence and the violent take it by force!" The revelation of this Scripture is the quintessential order experienced by God's elect as they seek God's Kingdom and His righteousness. This order supports the life experiences of humans on the earth as spoken in God's curse as the results of man's disobedience in the Garden of Eden. Not many Christians understand this order or the spiritual provisions God established in His plan for the world before it was formed. Jesus used the life of John the Baptist to illustrate the character one must have in seeking God's Kingdom. John, who by faith and blind devotion, surrendered his life to Jesus Christ and to God's Kingdom. Jesus said in verse eleven, "Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist. John's adult life was characterized by his tenacity to advance the knowledge of Jesus Christ despite the antagonism from Jesus enemies, the religious leaders of His day, the scribes and the Pharisees. John the Baptist was a man filled with love, faith and obedience to Jesus and to God's Word! He was a role model to those of us who seek the Kingdom of God despite the afflictions, hardships and sufferings one must bear! Taking the Kingdom by force refers to those who make a concerted effort to enter the kingdom in spite of violent opposition. This opposition comes in many forms including our carnal mind, which is enmity against God and the lust of our own human flesh. Individuals seeking the Kingdom must display certain character traits as revealed in this book, "The Kingdom of God Suffers Violence!" Unfortunately, not many Christian leaders have been privy to this revelation or its purpose in those God predestinated, called, justified and glorified before the world was made. However, in the fullness of time, these truths are being made known. As you read this book, please seek God's wisdom and understanding in order to rightly discern its contents.
