Kingdom Ready Blog

We have recently added some new resources to our Death-is-Sleep page. Previously we had three sections: (1) Audio (2) Articles (3) Videos. Now we have five sections. This was done by taking some of the articles out that were really books and putting them with a couple of new ones into a new section called “Online Books.” Then, we added another new section called “Books for Purchase,” which links mostly to Amazon.com for those who want to follow up with further reading. So now our page has the following sections:

1. Free Online Audio
2. Free Online Videos

I’ve been reading Dr. Lee Camp’s book Mere Discipleship (a name which plays off the famous work by C.S. Lewis–Mere Christianity). While I’ve been working through it, I have been impressed by how much the kingdom features as a foundational doctrine when it comes to discipleship. So, I’ve been looking around online to see what else is out there and found a three part audio series that he delivered concerning his book. The second of these three lectures focused entirely on the kingdom of God. From listening to it, it sure sounds like he also believes in the sleep of the dead. He really presses his audience to jettison the heaven-at-death mythology and instead place their hope in the resurrection at the coming of Jesus.

A thorough consideration and refutation of the doctrine of the Trinity. Originally released as 12 tapes but now available on mp3, this series examines the doctrine of the Trinity proposition by proposition. Not only is this series approached from a biblical perspective, Don Snedeker also taps into the rich biblical unitarian resources of several authors from the 19th century. Furthermore, Don works through a number of texts typically used to support the Trinity and he demonstrates their true meaning based on their context. Click on the audio icon above to see the titles for each of the 12 mp3s in this comprehensive examination.

I just finished watching Constantine’s Sword by James Carroll. It was not what I expected from a seminarian and ex-Catholic priest. I expected more of a documentary explaining theology behind the peace movements. Carroll, during his priesthood, while a chaplain at Boston University, was a big part of the Christian anti-war movement. What the move actually is was very different. Part of my expectations were based on a lecture I saw that Carroll gave during the Religion & Violence Conference given last February at Trinity Church in Wall St. New York City. In that lecture he gave a fantastic analysis of the American civil religion and violence, heavily based on biblical themes though in no way actually backed by it. I got a story about primarily about anti-Semitism throughout the Christian ages. On its way through that story was the interaction with state-backed religion, and a smart bit of theology about it. The stories were incredibly moving. One of the most moving images was seeing the erection of a Cross directly outside the walls of Auschwitz by the then Pope. It is unfathomable to me that the institution of the church could be so insensitive. I highly recommend this film for all to see.

A Biblical View of God the Father
by Joel W. Hemphill

from the back of the CD set
Joel and LaBreeska Hemphill have been married for over 50 years. They have three children and six grandchildren. They have been preaching and singing gospel songs for over 45 years. Joel pastored Pentecostal Temple in Bastrop, LA for 10 years and also pastored Peytonsville Baptist Church in Thompson Station, TN for 13 months. They have traveled around the world, and along with their family, have written and recorded over 300 gospel songs. They have received six Dove Awards and had numerous number one songs.

Well, Plasma Productions is looking and sounding better and better as their cinematography and production skills increase with each video. Check out their latest one regarding the American financial crisis:

I thought this 10 minute video was inspiring in light of American Christianity’s tendency (in some sectors) to imply that joining the people of God means blue skies and prosperity all the time. John Piper shares the glory of suffering for Christ with a packed audience of college students. Thanks to Russ Brown for sending this over.

Christopher Amelung was raised as an informed evangelical thinker within the Reformed tradition. When he went off to college he met someone who challenged him on his belief in the Trinity. Though, he was confident at the time in his “orthodox” position, he decided to do the research necessary to prove to this person that the Trinity was true from the Bible. This began Christopher on a quest, through which, he lost friendships, was told he would burn in hell, and even was urged by an elder to “just believe in the Trinity and be confused with the rest of us.” Listen to his riveting autobiographical account of how God is able to reach someone who is open to hearing his truth no matter what the cost.

I just came across this study of 1 Thessalonians by Anthony Buzzard. Enjoy.