Restoring the Kingdom


Book Description

In the book of Acts divine involvement is everywhere. From the beginning God is responsible for promised action, including the geographic expansion--"in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (1:7)--referenced in Jesus' response to the disciples, clearly related to Luke's purpose in writing the book. Geographic expansion, however, is only the second part of Jesus' reply. Is it possible that the first half of Jesus' reply--"It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority"--has even greater bearing on the actions that follow and on Luke's purpose? Is the Father setting times and seasons related to the kingdom's establishment? Does this phrase explain the conspicuous divine involvement throughout the plot? In Restoring the Kingdom, Michael Salmeier answers these questions in the affirmative by exploring Luke's characterization of God in three strands: God as the King who establishes and restores Israel's king, who establishes his people, and who directs events. This unfolds Luke's purpose in assuring the reader concerning the events that have taken place, helping to more fully illuminate Luke's theology concerning God and his kingdom.




The Restoration of the Kingdom


Book Description

The last nine chapters of the prophecy of Ezekiel present some interesting challenges to the Bible student. Whilst there is general agreement that the temple described in detail by the prophet has never been built, there is disagreement amongst expositors about when it will be constructed, if ever. The author of this book believes there is no doubt that Ezekiel sees in vision a representation of the temple and its services that will form the basis of the future Kingdom of God. He explains how an understanding of Ezekiel's visions depends upon an acceptance that the Kingdom of God will be a restoration of the Kingdom of Israel. The laws that will be instituted will be based upon the Law of Moses, with certain amendments and additions. The temple ritual will serve to educate the subjects of the Kingdom in Divine ways, and lead them to an acceptance of the Lord Jesus Christ as the Messiah, and an appreciation of the work that he has already accomplished in laying down his life as a sacrifice for sin.




Core Christianity


Book Description

What beliefs are core to the Christian faith? This book is here to help you understand the reason for your hope as a Christian so that you can see it with fresh sight and invite others into the conversation. A lot of Christians take their story—the narratives that give rise to their beliefs—for granted. They pray, go to church, perhaps even read their Bible. But they might be stuck if a stranger asked them to explain what they believe and why they believe it. Author, pastor, and theologian Mike Horton unpacks the essential and basic beliefs that all Christians share in a way that is easy to understand and applicable to our lives today. And in a way that will make you excited to be a Christian! Core Christianity covers topics like: Jesus as both fully God and fully man. The doctrine of the Trinity. The goodness of God despite a broken world. The ways God speaks. The meaning of salvation. What is the Christian calling? Includes discussion questions for individual or group use. This introduction to the basic doctrines of Christianity is perfect for those who are new to the faith, as well as those who have an interest in deepening their understanding of what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ.







Jesus and the Restoration of Israel


Book Description

This book, edited by Carey C. Newman, offers a multifaceted and critical assessment of N. T. Wright's work, Jesus and the Victory of God. Wright responds to the essayists, and Marcus Borg offers his critical appraisal.




Talks On Truth


Book Description

In the labyrinth of human consciousness, where the boundaries of perception merge with the enigmatic realm of truth, lies a remarkable volume called 'Talks on Truth.' Penned by the visionary Charles Fillmore, this literary masterpiece embarks on a profound exploration of existence, unveiling layers of wisdom that challenge conventional understanding. As the ink dances upon the pages, Fillmore's words transcend the ordinary and ignite a captivating dialogue between the reader's intellect and the depths of their soul. Each chapter serves as a lighthouse, illuminating the path toward a higher understanding of truth, beckoning the curious traveler to venture further into uncharted territories of consciousness. In this tapestry of enlightenment, Fillmore's words become the brushstrokes of a master artist, creating a vivid canvas that resonates with readers on a visceral level. "Talks on Truth" is not merely a book to be read; it is an experiential voyage that invites readers to engage in a transformative dialogue with their own consciousness. Its pages overflow with profound insights and timeless wisdom, serving as a transformative companion on the journey toward self-realization.




The Intolerance of Tolerance


Book Description

Carson traces the subtle but enormous shift in the way we have come to understand tolerance over recent years--from defending the rights of those who hold different beliefs to affirming all beliefs as equally valid and correct. He looks back at the history of this shift and discusses its implications for culture today, especially its bearing on democracy, discussions about good and evil, and Christian truth claims. --from publisher description




The Coming of the Son of Man


Book Description

Tracing the powerful motif of the coming of the Son of man from Daniel through to Revelation, Andrew Perriman provides thought-provoking ideas about eschatological narrative. What was it like to hear the biblical proclamation of this coming for the first time in a cultural, political, and religious context very different from our own? How did early Christians think about the imminence of the promised day of the Lord? What difference did this message make to how they thought, lived, and spread the gospel message? This book engages the minds of jaded twenty-first-century postmoderns who have heard it all before. By seeing the fulfilment of much of New Testament apocalyptic in events of the first centuries, Perriman proposes that in some important sense we have moved beyond eschatology--into an age of renewed community and mission that is creational in its scope.ÊThe Coming of the Son of ManÊis important reading for those who want to engage in the debate concerning what church is--and will be.




Jesus the Bridegroom


Book Description

Did Jesus claim to be the "bridegroom"? If so, what did he mean by this claim? When Jesus says that the wedding guests should not fast "while the bridegroom is with them" (Mark 2:19), he is claiming to be a bridegroom by intentionally alluding to a rich tradition from the Hebrew Bible. By eating and drinking with "tax collectors and other sinners," Jesus was inviting people to join him in celebrating the eschatological banquet. While there is no single text in the Hebrew Bible or the literature of the Second Temple Period which states the "messiah is like a bridegroom," the elements for such a claim are present in several texts in Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Hosea. By claiming that his ministry was an ongoing wedding celebration he signaled the end of the Exile and the restoration of Israel to her position as the Lord's beloved wife. This book argues that Jesus combined the tradition of an eschatological banquet with a marriage metaphor in order to describe the end of the Exile as a wedding banquet.




Kingdom Conspiracy


Book Description

An Award-Winning Challenge to Popular Ideas of the Kingdom According to Scot McKnight, "kingdom" is the biblical term most misused by Christians today. It has taken on meanings that are completely at odds with what the Bible says and has become a buzzword for both social justice and redemption. In Kingdom Conspiracy, McKnight offers a sizzling biblical corrective and a fiercely radical vision for the role of the local church in the kingdom of God. Now in paper. Praise for Kingdom Conspiracy 2015 Outreach Resources of the Year Award Winner One of Leadership Journal's Best Books for Church Leaders in 2014 "This is a must-read for church leaders today."--Publishers Weekly "A timely resource for the missional church to reexamine some basic assumptions that impact church practice in the everyday."--Outreach