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Review Summary: Resets the focus |
Date: 2007-07-18 |
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Details: Though short for its subject matter, George Eldon Ladd's book goes a long way toward helping Christians focus on what really matters. Very readable and filled with Scripture, Ladd reminds us that Christ came preaching "the gospel of the Kingdom." The apostles continued to do the same. Why is it we almost never hear preaching on the Kingdom these days? Rather, we just try to get people "saved" with little mention of the Kingdom that, while future in its fullness, is "tasted" in the present age.
The final chapter uses as its primary text Matthew 24:14, "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, as a testimony to all nations; and then the end will come." As Ladd so ably demonstrates as he exegetes this passage, here we find our message, our mission, and our motive. Now, that will preach! |
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Review Summary: Great book! |
Date: 2007-01-23 |
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Details: Ladd's book is essential to understanding the Kingdom of God. I love this little book!
For an older book... the read is superb! I recommend this book to all those who want to understand the power of the Kingdom that is already, but not yet! The book will disuss the kingdoms of the world vs. the Kingdom of God. Many Christians today have failed not only to seperate the two kingdoms, but failed to simply recognize them at all. Jesus spoke more on the Kingdom of God than any other subject in the Gospels. You will need Ladd's book if you wish to study in order that you might live for this Kingdom.
Ladd's book has been influential in my theology and living. I will read it many times throughout my life, no doubt.
I also want to suggest you read The Upside-Down Kingdom |
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Review Summary: A Kingdom Primer |
Date: 2006-09-13 |
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Details: This book is an easy read and gives a great overview the Kingdom of God. Terms like Kingdom of God, Kingdom of Heaven, and Gospel of the Kingdom have been interpreted differently by many different theologians, but Dr. Ladd unifies these terms and gives a wonderful explanation of what it meant back in the time of Christ and what the ramifications are today. While he is a little more literal in his interpretation than I might be (today he probably would fall into a progressive dispensationalist framework), the book overall is a wonderful summary of what it means to be part of the kingdom of God.
The chapter on kingdom righteousness was both informative and exhortational. His breakdown of Matthew 5-8, although short, was direct and really helped me to understand what Christ was saying in a way that much longer books haven't.
The last chapter on "When will the kingdom come in fullness?" is a great challenge to evangelism.
Overall, I'd give this book a 4 out of 5. The only detractors are a) he's a little to literal and b) some of his statements aren't explained and proven to the extent that I'd like. But those are both just personal preferences. Great book - a great primer on the kingdom of God. |
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Review Summary: Seek first the Kingdom... |
Date: 2005-10-09 |
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Details: The phrase "Kingdom of God" or "Kingdom of Heaven" is in the gospels some 84 times; compared to the word "cross", which only appears 17 times, and "gospel" or "good news", which only appears 23 times. The Kingdom of God was the central message of Jesus. This book brings the message to life through it's examination of the topic, and--even though it's a theology book--presents the material in a very clear, readable way. I can honestly say that this book has brought a fresh understanding of God's will and purposes to my Christian walk. Of all the Christian books I've read, this one definitely makes my top 10 list. |
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Review Summary: Good Introduction to the Gospel of the Kingdom |
Date: 2005-04-19 |
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Details: This book should be read by all those wanting a good understanding of the Kingdom of God and the contents of the Gospel. Ladd's thesis is that the coming of Christ was the fulfillment of Israel's hopes for a Kingdom of power and glory. Jesus himself was the hope that the Israelites were looking for. The Kingdom wasn't a socio-political entity to put on earth during the first century but the spiritual reformation of those who became members of the Kingdom. The only problem I have with this book is that Ladd's view of the Gospel borders on works-salvation since he puts a lot of emphasis on the judgment theme. Overall, though, a good book for those trying to get a good understanding of the Kingdom of God. |
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out of 10 Reviews
