Transformation by the Spirit and the Word: A Literary Exploration of Acts
Ebook
This book is a distillation of reading Acts for over fifty years, preaching it for twenty-five years, and studying it in-depth for five years. My aim is for students, church leaders, preachers, and missionaries to join me on a journey of narrative theology--a literary exploration of transformation by the Spirit and the Word in Acts. As with every part of God's inspired Scriptures, there is always more to discover and apply. As a Reformed Charismatic I believe that Acts is our story. However, rather than just attempting to copy it, I suggest that the book's unexpected literary shape reveals a challenging missional significance. The need for world gospel mission continues today. However, like the early church, we often contain the Holy Spirit within our own structures and are reluctant to move out of our comfort zones. Acts shows the church's priority is to be God's mission instrument in the world. Let's study, lead, preach, and go from Acts so that we realize Jesus's promise "that you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and to the end(s) of the earth" (Acts 1:8).
“This book provides a refreshing and substantial insight into the rollercoaster ride we know as Acts. Having witnessed how Will’s study of Luke’s record shaped his understanding and expectations in ministry, my prayer is that you would similarly embrace his central theme of the Spirit and Word as God’s primary means to bring transformation to individuals, churches, society, and nations.”
—Gareth Lloyd-Jones, senior pastor, Ridgeway Community Church
“Will Loescher has written a readable yet scholarly analysis of the Acts of the Apostles which will help exegetes to grasp the overall purpose of Luke’s carefully crafted literary work. Readers will gain fresh insights that will sharpen their understanding, preaching, and teaching of Acts, but more importantly, renewed passion for mission, hope in the transforming power of the gospel, and longing to experience the power of the Holy Spirit.”
—John Stevens, national director, Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches
“Will Loescher is a scholar, teacher, and pastor who is deeply committed to the church and
its good news. Written with great clarity, this book will help Christians understand God’s work in the first century and pursue that work with confidence in the twenty-first. I commend it warmly.”
—John Proctor, former general secretary, The United Reformed Church
- Title: Transformation by the Spirit and the Word: A Literary Exploration of Acts
- Authors: Steve Walton, Will Loescher
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Print Publication Date: 2023
- Logos Release Date: 2023
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9781666753516, 9781666753509, 9781666753493, 1666753513, 1666753505, 1666753491
- Resource ID: LLS:9781666753516
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2023-03-16T11:49:04Z
Will Loescher is the present director of Kinetic Network’s Academy. He completed his PhD, “The Literary Shape and Missional Significance of Acts. An Invitation to be an Instrument for the Kingdom of God” (2017), with ARU, Cambridge, UK. Previously, he was the pastor of Walsall Independent Evangelical Church, Bath Street, Walsall, UK.