The Church: A Guide to the People of God
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Do You Believe?
You belong to God’s family. But do you understand what that means?
The Bible tells the story of God and his people. But it is not merely history. It is our story. Abraham is our father. And Israel’s freedom from slavery is ours.
Brad East traces the story of God’s people, from father Abraham to the coming of Christ. He shows how we need the scope of the entire Bible to fully grasp the mystery of the church. The church is not a building but a body. It is not peripheral or optional in the life of faith. Rather, it is the very beating heart of God’s story, where our needs and hopes are found.
Praise for The Church
This is a bright, thoughtful, and passionate account of the Church. Brad East roots ecclesiology in the story of Israel and the story of Jesus Christ and in doing so provides a number of fresh perspectives that can help us in our doctrine and our practice.
—Andrew Wilson, teaching pastor, King’s Church, London
This book is pure delight! Inspiring, instructive, enriching, beautifully written, this book makes one want to be a Christian. It is next to impossible to write an ecumenically rewarding book on the theology of the Church, but Brad East has done it!
—Matthew Levering, James N. Jr. and Mary D. Perry Chair of Theology, Mundelein Seminary, Illinois
Brad East’s The Church wonderfully enhances the already marvelous Lexham series on Christian ‘Essentials.’ Building off of the Church’s ‘Mystery’ that is Christ’s Body, as Ephesians proclaims, East outlines the story of God’s people born of Abraham, in its breadth, beauty, imperative, and promise. Lucid, compact, attractive, and appropriately rich with the figures of Scripture’s visionary treasure, this book is not only a fine introduction for new Christians of all traditions but a well from which to draw continued reflection and prayerful praise. Highly commended!
—Ephraim Radner, professor of historical theology, Wycliffe College, University of Toronto, Canada
I find this an extraordinary book. It is short. It is written with simplicity and clarity. And yet it covers so much, introducing its readers to an extraordinarily rich field of theology.
—Karen Kilby, Bede Professor of Catholic Theology, Durham University
Christian Essentials
The Christian Essentials series passes down tradition that matters. The ancient church was founded on basic biblical teachings and practices like the Ten Commandments, baptism, the Apostles’ Creed, the Lord’s Supper, the Lord’s Prayer, and corporate worship. These basics of the Christian life have sustained and nurtured every generation of the faithful—from the apostles to today. The books in the Christian Essentials series open up the meaning of the foundations of our faith.
- Mystery
- Mother
- Chosen
- Bound
- Redeemed
- Holy
- Ruled
- Beloved
- Incarnate
- Sent
- Entrusted
- Benediction
- Title: The Church: A Guide to the People of God
- Author: Brad East
- Series: Christian Essentials
- Publisher: Lexham Press
- Publication Date: 2024
- Pages: 224
- Format: Logos Digital, Hardcover
- Trim Size: 5x7
- ISBN: 9781683597681
Reviews
2 ratings
Aaron Lee
12/5/2024
In The Church, Brad East provides a thoughtful guide to the people of God. The book begins by using the figure of Mary to show how the church is chosen by God to share His Son with the world. This idea highlights the amazing truth that God has come close to us, becoming one of us. The church exists to spread this good news to everyone. The Family of God A key theme in the book is election, or being chosen by God. East explains that God’s choice is rooted in love, referencing Deuteronomy 7:6-8: “It is because the Lord loves you.” This emphasizes that the church is not just a group of people but a family brought together through the gospel of adoption. The message of Jesus invites us into a close, loving relationship with the Lord. East also addresses the enemies of the church, introducing the “unholy trinity” of sin, Satan, and death. He portrays sin as a powerful force that controls our lives (Romans 3:9). This dark backdrop makes the church’s mission even more important, showing how it works to counter these forces through the gospel. East likens the world to a stage, with a divine playwright telling a grand story. Each chapter invites readers to rethink their view of the church through the lens of grace. East points out that the church must live out the rest and peace that Christ offers. Every believer plays a part in being part of Christ’s bride. The Bride of Christ Holiness, East argues, needs to be visible in the life of the church. He connects ordination and anointing, noting that “the faithful shepherd is a slain lamb.” This phrase captures the sacrificial and humble calling of Christ, reminding us that true leadership reflects His example. Throughout the book, East celebrates God’s powerful and unwavering love for His church. He discusses the unity and adoption that the church represents, highlighting its responsibility to uphold and share the Gospel. The Church isn’t just a theological book; it’s a beautiful look at the church’s significance. This book is one of the most wonderful explorations of the church I’ve ever read. Engaging and thought-provoking – it left me with a deeper appreciation for the bride and a greater love for the bridegroom. I received a media copy of The Church and this is my honest review.Hannah Winslow
10/25/2024
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