The Good News of God's Reign: An Introduction to the New Testament

Summary

Who is in charge?

The New Testament gives a message of hope that Jesus is the King who established the reign of God through his life, death, resurrection, and ascension. Good News of God's Reign explores how each New Testament author casts this vision for how early believers could live under God's rule in their first-century contexts. In the process, listeners will discover the diversity of the early church and its leading figures. They will learn about the major themes of each New Testament writing, which are clearly and thoughtfully presented to illuminate the Christian community's struggles and successes.

The Gospels recount stories from Jesus's life, death, resurrection, and ascension as he inaugurated this kingdom. Acts relates the origin of the church as God’s kingdom expands from Jerusalem to Rome. Paul, an ambassador of God's kingdom, writes thirteen letters that equip churches representing God's rule. The remaining New Testament letters provide windows into the diversity of early Christian communities living in light of God's rule. The book of Revelation wraps up the New Testament story with the promised final victory of God's kingdom "on earth as it is in heaven" (Matt. 6:10).