Modern movements such as neo-Calvinism, the New Perspective on Paul, and the emerging church have popularized a view of Christianity and culture that calls for the redemption of earthly society and institutions. Many Christians have reflexively embraced this view, enticed by the socially active and engaged faith it produces. Living in God's Two Kingdoms illustrates how a two-kingdoms model of Christianity and culture affirms much of what is compelling in these transformationist movements while remaining faithful to the whole counsel of Scripture. By focusing on God's response to each kingdom—his preservation of the civil society and his redemption of the spiritual kingdom—VanDrunen teaches readers how to live faithfully in each sphere. Highlighting vital biblical distinctions between honorable and holy tasks, VanDrunen's analysis will challenge Christians to be actively and critically engaged in the culture around them while retaining their identities as sojourners and exiles in this world.

VanDrunen uses the two-kingdoms theory to demonstrate how God's response to the civil and spiritual kingdoms inform an active yet critical Christian engagement with culture.

A leading Reformation scholar historically reassesses the original breadth of Luther's theology of the two kingdoms and the cultural contexts from which it emerged.

What does it mean to live as citizens of this world and of the world-to-come? How can we render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's and to God the things that are God's? In recent years, fresh controversy has erupted over these age-old questions, and especially over the meaning and relevance of the Reformation's "two-kingdoms" doctrine. At stake in such debates is not simply the shape of Christian politics, but the meaning of the church, the nature of human and divine authority, and the scope of Christian discipleship. In this concise guide, Reformation scholar and Christian ethicist Bradford Littlejohn first sketches the history of the doctrine and clears away common misunderstandings. He then shows that the two-kingdoms doctrine can offer a valuable framework for thinking about pastoring, politics, and even financial stewardship.

Reflecting on the practice of disciple making in young adult, college, graduate, and local church contexts, Jonathan Dodson has discerned some common pitfalls. For many, discipleship is reduced to a form of religious performance before God. For others, it devolves into spiritual license and a loose adherence to spiritual facts. Both approaches distort biblical motivations for Christian obedience and are in need of reform. By explaining various motivations for discipleship, Dodson charts a biblically faithful, grace-driven alternative. Additionally, he provides a practical model for creating gospel-centered discipleship groups—small, reproducible, missional, gender-specific groups of believers that fight for faith together. This book blends both theology and practice to inspire and equip Christians to effectively fight sin, keep Jesus central, and make gospel-centered discipleship a way of life. Both new and growing Christians will learn to trust the gospel in community as they fight together for holiness as well as how to start gospel-centered community groups in any local church.

How does your personal faith journey relate to the big picture of the Bible? Christians often encounter various Bible passages through unrelated readings, studies, and sermons, making it difficult to grasp the progression of Scripture as a whole. Living God's Word surveys the entire Bible through broad themes that trace the progression of God's redemptive plan, focusing on how each portion of Scripture fits into the overarching narrative. Once you see the Bible as a Great Story, you'll begin to see how your own life fits into what God has done and is doing in the world. Each section of Living God's Word deals with a section of Scripture and includes: Reading and listening preparation An explanation A summary Observations about theological significance Connections to the Great Story Written assignments for further study Living God's Word is ideal for introductory college courses, adult Sunday school classes, small groups, or anyone who wants to understand how their life fits into the story of the Bible, enabling them to live faithfully in deep and important ways.

Daily meditations taken from the works of an acclaimed novelist, essayist, and preacher who has articulated what he sees with a freshness and clarity and energy that hails our stultified imaginations.