In this thought-provoking and momentous book, the author poses the questions, what is the role of the church in our society and should there be any relationship between the state and the church for the development of the society and what could be the effect of such collaboration if there is any? In asking on what bases is the church getting involved with the society, he explores both the Biblical foundations and three major theories that have emerged about societies and social behaviour. Particular attention is paid to the relationship between religion and social change to the case of the church in Lagos, Nigeria as an agent of social and political change in society. Using a thematic structure, Richard Adekoya illustrates different roles the church can play in society, especially in a democratic milieu, for example humanity services, educational development, spiritual and moral development and social and ethical development. He examines the various contributions of the churches in Nigeria right from the missionaries era to the contemporary dispensation. The book basically proved that the church mandate is not limited to its evangelical obligations. Its involvement in many aspects of peoples lives in society, particularly the social and political aspects, is part of its cultural mandate. This is a challenging book, rich in example and wide-ranging in scope: key ideas that so often appear impossible for the church to practice - employment generation, political leadership, public enlightenment, tackling corruption in the polity here practically seem possible. Richard Adekoyas excellent work, tackles this set of issues in a very thorough way. By looking at the issues through the lens of the Bible, church history and sociological analysis he makes a powerful theological case for the involvement of the church in the societies in which it finds itself called to give a witness. Understandably and helpfully there is a particular emphasis on Nigeria, a nation which he knows well. By choosing Nigeria as a kind of case history the broader, general case is given a particular and penetrating illustration that strengthens his wider argument. Dr. Martin Robinson, Principal, ForMission College, Birmingham, UK

In Mandate to Difference, renowned theologian Walter Brueggemann sets forth a new vision of the Christian church in today's world. Based on speaking engagements surrounding his critical passion and conviction that the church in this moment must set itself in tension with the rest of the world, these essays call the church to courageously defy political polarization, consumerism, and militarism.

The Mandate of the Church in the Apocalypse of John fills a gap in the scholarly literature on the Apocalypse of John by offering a comprehensive discussion of what the Church is called upon to be and do. It delineates various tasks and functions of the Church, showing how they relate to one another and also how they are all unified under the mandate to provide faithful witness to Jesus. With its strong emphasis on the ethical concerns of the Apocalypse, this book challenges the view that John's Apocalypse is sub-Christian in its ethics.

Through personal stories, proven experience, and a thorough analysis of the biblical text, Building a Healthy Multi-Ethnic Church illustrates both the biblical mandate for the multi-ethnic church and the seven core commitments required to bring it about. Mark DeYmaz, pastor of one of the most proven multi-ethnic churches in the country, writes from both his experience and his extensive study of how to plant, grow, and encourage more ethnically diverse churches. He argues that the "homogenous unit principle" will soon become irrelevant and that the most effective way to spread the gospel in an increasingly diverse world is through strong and vital multi-ethnic churches. Apart from ethnically and economically diverse relationships, we cannot understand others different from ourselves, develop trust for others who are different than us, and/or love others different than ourselves. Apart from understanding, trust, and love, we are less likely to get involved in the plight of others different than ourselves. Without involvement, nothing changes, and the disparaging consequences of systemic racism remain entrenched in our culture. Surely, it breaks the heart of God to see so many churches segregated ethnically or economically from one another, and that little has changed in the many years since it was first observed that eleven o'clock on Sunday morning is the most segregated hour in the land.

The river that started in Jerusalem upon the descent of the Holy Spirit on Jesus' disciples has continued to maintain its course and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Amen. The Church - that most noble institution that God created has however been a subject of great controversy arising from the distortions, distractions and deviations from its primary purpose, over the ages. Doctrinal differences are just as controversial as the mission statement. This work is an attempt to reawaken and realign the Body of Christ to the original mission and purpose of the Church as envisioned by Christ while he walked upon the earth.

You were transformed to transform your world! For too long, Christianity has been defined by a false concept of church. As a result, believers have built walls around their lives, keeping culture at a distance. As Christians have tried to keep culture out of the church, unfortunately, the church has kept itself out of the culture. This was never Jesus’ design for the your life! Before church was established as a place that people “came to,” Jesus instituted it as an army that brought transformation to society, starting with salvation and continuing with seven spheres of influence: Church, family, education, government, media, arts, and commerce. Six revolutionary voices in the modern church deliver Invading Babylon. This essential guide will equip you to: Understand your vital role in shaping society. Release God’s will in your sphere of influence. Become an unstoppable citizen in God’s Kingdom. It’s your time to arise and be a light in a dark world.

Christ gave us an authoritative command when He said, "Go and make disciples." We must live in total obedience to His last will and testament. We must make "fruit that remains." Jesus said, "I will build My church" - the Church is people. In this sequel to Discipleship Manual, The Mandate of the Church gives us battle-tested truths which turned a small church into a powerhouse of on-fire disciples. More than thirty years have passed, and the church remains steadfast and strong. "Learn to follow and follow to learn." "The future of the cosmos (Philip Yancy) is being determined by the Church...it's up to us."