The Message and the Kingdom


Book Description

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 Kingdom of God


Book Description

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.




The Sermon on the Mount


Book Description

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.




Jesus and the Politics of Roman Palestine


Book Description

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.




Go Preach!


Book Description

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 Kingdom of God, the Essential Message of Jesus


Book Description

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.




Jesus' Urgent Message for Today


Book Description

The Kingdom of God is like an intergalactic starship in constant orbit around the earth. No on can see it, but its tremendous power is available at all times to anyone who is dedicated to its transcendent message. With this splendid metaphor, Maloney launches into an engaging study of the Gospel of Mark.He argues forcefully that the key theme of the book is eschatology (death and resurrection) and his argument goes against the grain of the majority of Markan scholars who contend that the themes of the Gospel are discipleship and the Messianic secret. Maloney asserts that Markan scholars have so often missed this point because of their location in the First World. They lack the cultural orientation to understand the force of Mark's message about the coming Kingdom of God. Thus, traditional interpretations of Mark have emphasized a privatization of morality among Christians and a lack of concern for the well-being of the worldwide human community. The remedy for such a reading of Mark is to read it through the eyes of the people whose experience is most like that of Mark's original audience. Maloney uses the insights of Latin American biblical interpreters and the results of social science research into the first-century Mediterranean world to provide a fresh and provocative reading of Mark's gospel. Elliott C. Maloney, O.S.B. is Professor of New Testament Studies and Biblical Languages at Saint Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, a member of the Religious Studies Faculty at Saint Vincent College, and the author of Semitic Interference in Marcan Syntax.




Desiring the Kingdom (Cultural Liturgies)


Book Description

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.




The Message of the Kingdom of God


Book Description

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.




The Message of the Kingdom


Book Description

You’ve heard the lies. Now, learn the truth - if you dare! Prepare yourself for a real eye opener! Take off your rose colored glasses before you read this one, because it is probably the most controversial and revealing book ever written! The truth is more precious than the purest gold, and it has been said: the “truth is stranger than fiction”. The latter is very true in Satan’s world of lies and deception, as will be revealed, for this book shakes the very foundations of most world religions, age old philosophies, and creation theories. However, only the emotionally mature, the truly open minded, and the intellectually brave should explore this book, for the knowledge obtained can alienate as well as enlighten those who discover these truths! There is much truth to be found in these pages, but this book was not written for the masses but for the “few who seek” and love the truth more than their own lives! We are now in The End of Days! The last five years of increase in intensity and number of hurricanes, tornadoes, droughts, and floods (caused mostly by global warming!) plus a significant increase in famine, incurable diseases, terrorism, and instability in the Middle East attest to that conclusion! It’s time for the truth in religion, politics, UFO’s, extraterrestrials, creation theories, and the future of mankind and Planet, Earth! Lies and myth have been perpetuated throughout the centuries. With the dawning of a new era, it is time the predestined purpose and nature of humanity and the true identity and nature of The Creator be revealed to those who desire and seek it. The reader will discover how Satan “has deceived the whole world” through false teachers and mistranslation. Evolution and Creationism (or Creation Science) along with other scientific methods are merged into an easy to understand synthesis, for both have some validity in the creation of the universe. “The straight and narrow way” that leads to eternal life is made plain and easy to understand, and it is the same religion found in The Messiah’s message expressed nearly 2000 years ago, which, believe it or not is not and was not: Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, nor most versions of Judaism! The Creator is described as all knowing and omnipotent in spirit as well as in physical and scientific terms. For example, he and his host have the power to appear and disappear as Spirit Beings, or they can choose to take physical form and travel about the universe in their “chariots of fire” via wormholes at incredible speeds. Time and space are of no consequence to The Eternal One and his Heavenly Host, for they have long ago conquered both. They rule and nurture all life in the universe and will soon return to rule Planet Earth, when “The Seed” they have planted has come into fruition. At his Messiah’s coming, his “clouds of glory” will be so numerous, “the sun will be darkened and the moon will not shed its light”! Earthquakes, floods, droughts, tornadoes, hurricanes, volcanoes, famine, disease, wars, terrorism, and economic woes will continue to increase in intensity and frequency as the Four Horsemen of The Apocalypse come to full gallop as the time of the end approaches. The author predicted the recent increase in terrorism and natural disasters with the first edition of this book in 1996, which was drafted in 1989! Time is running out for man as we know him! A relatively rare breed of human will “inherit the earth” as “The Wheat” described in Matthew 5:3-10 & 13:23 planted as his “seed of righteousness” 6,000 years ago in Adam. NOTE: This book does not call for any violence, Jihad, or “Holy War” against any government or religion. For, “those who live by the sword shall die by the sword”. Vengeance is mine says “The Most High”, and when his “Day of Indignation” has come, rest assured, vengeance will be duly executed! For, “they come from a far country, from the end of Heaven - even the Most High and the weapons of indignation to destroy the whole land” (Isaiah 13:5). “Behold, they shall come with fire and chariots like the whirlwind” (Isaiah 66:15). And what do these chariots look like? “Their appearance and their work was as it were a wheel in the middle of a wheel” (Ezek 1:16). Now look again at the front cover! Get the picture - what the “clouds of glory” really look like? The reader will discover the science behind magic and the truth behind myth. This is a last chance calling for those who love truth and are found worthy to be “saved” from the coming destruction and allowed to live in the coming wonderful world and rule with the Messiah for 1000 years. This writing constitutes fulfillment of the prophecy of the “Message of the Kingdom” as correctly translated in Mark 13:10 & Matthew 24:14, which is to be published/preached into all the world” just before The End of The Age.