The Gospel of God's Reign: Living for the Kingdom of God

by Christoph Friedrich Blumhardt, Miriam Matthis, Peter Rutherford, Elleen Robertshaw, Nathan R. Kerr

Overview

No doubt, it is common to hear Christians today declaring their allegiance to God's kingdom. But what does this actually entail, and what difference does it make? In his characteristically provocative and daring way, Christoph Blumhardt articulates a vision of God's kingdom that turns much of our understanding of modern Christianity upside-down. In the present volume, available in English for the first time, Blumhardt leads readers to look at the gospel anew, challenging us to follow Jesus in a way that makes God's reign a reality, here and now. Bypassing vague notions of spirituality, as well as transcending simplistic approaches to faith, Blumhardt inspires us to actually live under the rule and reign of God.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781630870775
Publisher:	Wipf & Stock Publishers
Publication date:	11/06/2013
Series:	Blumhardt Series
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	3 MB

About the Author

Christian T. Collins Winn is Professor of Historical and Systematic Theology at Bethel University, St. Paul, Minnesota, and a licensed minister in the American Baptist Churches (USA). He is author of Jesus Is Victor!: The Significance of the Blumhardts for the Theology of Karl Barth (Pickwick Publications, 2009). Charles E. Moore is a member of the Bruderhof Community, an international community movement based on Jesus's Sermon on the Mount. He teaches Bible and Christian ethics at the Mount Academy, and is an editor and author for Plough Publishing. Collections he has edited include Provocations: Spiritual Writings of Kierkegaard (2003), Sadhu Sundar Singh: Spiritual Writings (2005), and Leo Tolstoy: Spiritual Writings (2006).

Table of Contents

Series Foreword Christian T. Collins Winn Charles E. Moore xi

Foreword Nathan R. Kerr xiii

Acknowledgments Christian T. Collins Winn Charles E. Moore xvii

Introduction Christian T. Collins Winn xix

1 God's Love 1

2 The Reign of God 14

3 The Living Christ 29

4 Our Savior King 51

5 Gods People 58

6 The Way of the Cross 76

7 Hope and Expectation 96

Introduction to the 1922 German Edition, Eugen Jäckh 119

Scripture Index 127

Editorial Reviews

This short book will be of interest not only to those in the Lutheran theological tradition, of which the author was a part, but to all interested in church renewal and its catalytic potential for impacting society. There is every likelihood that these pages will resonate with contemporary renewalists across the majority world, and that would be important not only for the ongoing reception of the Blumhardtian legacy but also for the renewal of Christian theology for the 21st century.—Amos Yong, Regent University

The surprise of grace, the life-giving reality of Christ, and the demand that Christians live toward and into the Kingdom of God—these are the great themes of Christoph Blumhardt's thought. Those looking for an introduction to Blumhardt are well advised to start with The Gospel of God's Reign. Those already acquainted with Blumhardt's life and witness will receive this volume with gratitude and, most likely, some measure of awe.—Paul Dafydd Jones, University of Virginia

By introducing Christoph Blumhardt to the English-speaking world, Winn and Moore have given us a great gift. Blumhardt proclaims the good news of God's social order with striking contemporary resonance; thus, his insights serve as an invaluable and unique contribution to both modern and postmodern theology. This book enlivens me and gives me courage to risk action in the world. I couldn't put it down.—Jennifer M. McBride, Wartburg College

Blumhardt's newly translated work is a fresh articulation of the gospel in line with a theology of the cross and a social vision that grounds the value of humanity in the message of God's love for the world revealed in Jesus Christ. Helpful introductions add authority by placing this work within the remarkable Blumhardt story. Effectively arranged text invites a thoughtful read, sure to perplex and even offend—but also enlighten, edify, and astonish.—Peter D. Anders, Harvard University

From the Publisher