Our readings in this series are from the book, The Church Captive. Here is a brief excerpt from pages 63, 64:
“[In his book, Not Home Yet, Ian K. Smith argues that] the Gospel is Good News, but only when the Gospel is lived and proclaimed as Jesus and the apostles taught. This is the Gospel of the Kingdom, not the truncated, person-centered gospel we hear so often today – forgiveness of sins and assurance of going to heaven when we die.
“Smith writes, ‘When we understand that the end of all things is the renewal of all things, then all things become important.’Biblical religion is more about God coming to earth with blessing than of the blessed going to heaven to be with God. The temple, as a refashioning of the garden of Eden and foretaste of the work of Christ and the new creation, reminds us that God has a plan for redeeming the whole of creation by fitting His servants to know and serve Him according to His wise and good plan.”
Now, and for a limited time, you can order The Church Captive together with the next book in our Read Moore series, Revived!, at no cost. Order copies for yourself and for a study group or companion. A free discussion guide is available as well.
