The Kingdom Life: A Practical Theology of Discipleship and Spiritual Formation
Overview
Each of us has ties to family, friends, and strangers in our society, so our spiritual formation should touch not only ourselves but everyone we meet, including the most needy. The truest kind of transformation—the kind Jesus taught and modeled—prompts us to reach out to our neighborhood instead of withdrawing into a self-absorbed, isolated, and risk-free spirituality.
For six years, a dozen spiritual-formation leaders—including Dallas Willard, Bruce Demarest, and Bill Hull—have come together with their colleagues to create this collection of wisdom and honest personal revelation in the areas of discipleship and spiritual formation. The Kingdom Life aims to ground your transformation in the midst of your community through five key emphases:
- A fresh approach to spiritual disciplines that connect you with God and his kingdom
- The pursuit of transformation through communities of grace
- Exploration of the inner issues of woundedness, hiddenness, and legalism
- Direct involvement in God’s mission in your world
- Practicing the broader vision of an integrated approach to transformation
The Kingdom Life is for teachers, pastors, and lay leaders, but also for every serious Christian seeking a more integrated approach to spiritual formation. This book has both a theological foundation and a “process” aspect in which the key principles are exhibited in practice.
In the Logos edition, this valuable volume is enhanced by amazing functionality. Scripture citations link directly to English translations, and important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.
- Discusses the full implications of living under the rule and reign of Jesus Christ
- Emphasizes the importance of actively living in the Kingdom of God everyday
- Provides insight into spiritual discipline
- Part 1: Process Elements of Spiritual Formation
- The Gospel of the Kingdom and Spiritual Formation
- Communities of Grace
- The Transformational Process
- Spiritual Formation from the Inside Out
- Whole-Life Transformation
- Formed Through Suffering
- Participating in God’s Mission
- Part 2: Theological Elements of Spiritual Formation
- The Trinity as Foundation for Spiritual Formation
- The Holy Spirit and Spiritual Formation
- The Bible in Spiritual Formation
Top Highlights
“With the full recognition and understanding that it is God alone who saves through the Word made flesh in Jesus Christ, we believe that spiritual formation is an outcome of three vital factors: sound personal spiritual growth, healthy formation of community, and participation in strong mission.” (Page 10)
“Despite great efforts and countless amazing programs of the American church, transformed and changed lives were not the norm. We began to feel strongly that we in the American church have developed a reduced gospel that falls far short of Jesus’ gospel of the kingdom. Instead we have focused on a ‘repent and receive’ gospel that may give people a ticket to heaven, but it merely helps them manage their own sin until they see Jesus. As we studied the Scriptures, we all felt that the gospel of the kingdom calls us to far more than that.” (Pages 12–13)
“Spiritual formation into Christlikeness involves an intentional public, personal, and communal commitment to living as Jesus’ disciples who are being transformed into His image in all aspects of our lives as we learn to obey His commands.” (Page 19)
“This conversion-centered approach to the gospel has for many people been interpreted as a finish line or an ending, instead of a starting line or new beginning. This understanding has huge implications for how we live life now!” (Page 88)
“The basic teaching about God in the Old Testament is His dominion over all creation forever and His immediate presence to all who call upon Him.” (Page 33)
It is difficult to imagine a group of Jesus’ apprentices better qualified to write on the kingdom life than these authors. Their lived commitment to personal transformation, authentic community, and God’s mission in the world validates their wise words.
—Howard Baker, instructor of Christian formation, Denver Seminary
This book is sorely needed. The authors bring together discipleship and spiritual formation biblically under the canopy of sanctification, thereby dispelling false caricatures of either. This promises to be an important beacon giving direction to discipleship and spiritual-formation ministries in the future.
—Michael J. Wilkins, distinguished professor of New Testament language and literature, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University
This challenging book pushes us to think more deeply about God’s great overarching purpose for our lives: transformation into the likeness of Christ. As the writers examine this great subject from different perspectives, shafts of light break through like rays reflected in the facets of a diamond, at times piercing in their illumination.
—Mike Treneer, international president, The Navigators
What a wonderful resource for those seriously interested in personal or community spiritual formation. This diverse team of experts who lived in spiritual community with each other as a preface for writing this book provides a unique and meaningful integration of the practical and theoretical foundation for spiritual formation.
—G. Craig Williford, president, Trinity International University
Christian discipleship in the American church is in crisis. The church is ready for a sober reevaluation. This is why I am thankful for The Kingdom Life. It is not another book on how to do discipleship as a program; rather, it reexamines the theology and practice of discipleship in light of the lordship of Christ and the life we have in his kingdom. In putting forth this project, Alan Andrews has assembled an extraordinary team of thinkers and practitioners to address an extraordinary need for these most critical of times.
—David Fitch, Betty R. Lindner Chair of Evangelical Theology, Northern Seminary
- Title: The Kingdom Life: A Practical Theology of Discipleship and Spiritual Formation
- Editor: Alan Andrews
- Publisher: NavPress
- Publication Date: 2010
- Pages: 328