Redemptive Kingdom Diversity: A Biblical Theology of the People of God

This book provides a comprehensive biblical and theological survey of the people of God in the Old and New Testaments, emphasizing God's intention to restore humanity's vertical relationship with God, horizontal relationship with one another, and the entire creation through Jesus. It applies this analysis to the current conversation about race, racism, and ethnicity, arguing that the church should demonstrate redemptive kingdom diversity.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 224 pages
\n Publication date: 28 September 2021
\n Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
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This book is a comprehensive exploration of the people of God in the Old and New Testaments, offering valuable insights for the modern, ethnically diverse church. Jarvis Williams emphasizes that God's plan for his people has always been one of diversity. From the beginning of Genesis to the final revelation in Revelation, God seeks to restore the vertical relationship between humanity and God, the horizontal relationship among humans, and the entire creation through the person of Jesus Christ. Through Jesus, both Jews and Gentiles are brought into a harmonious relationship with God, forming a transformed community.

Williams applies his biblical and theological expertise to address key issues related to race, racism, and ethnicity in the contemporary context. He argues that the church should embrace redemptive kingdom diversity, recognizing that it has been transformed into a new community composed of diverse ethnic communities.

In the first chapter, Williams explores the theme of God's chosen people throughout the Old Testament. He highlights the diversity of the Israelites, including their various ethnic backgrounds and cultural practices. Williams argues that God's chosen people were not limited to a particular race or ethnicity but were a diverse group of people who were called to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.

The second chapter delves into the New Testament, particularly the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Williams emphasizes that Jesus came to redeem all people, regardless of their race or ethnicity. He explains that Jesus' death on the cross and resurrection were the ultimate expressions of God's love and forgiveness, breaking down the barriers that divided humans. Through Jesus, both Jews and Gentiles were reconciled to God and became part of a new community, the church.

In the third chapter, Williams examines the role of the church in promoting diversity and unity in the modern world. He discusses the challenges faced by the church in a multiethnic society, such as cultural differences, language barriers, and social tensions. Williams argues that the church should be a place of hospitality, where people from different backgrounds can come together and experience the love and grace of God. He also suggests that the church should be actively engaged in social justice and advocacy, working to address issues of inequality and injustice that affect marginalized communities.

The fourth chapter explores the significance of ethnicity in the church. Williams argues that ethnicity should not be seen as a dividing factor but as a source of strength and diversity. He highlights the contributions of different ethnic communities to the church's history and growth, and encourages the church to embrace and celebrate its diversity. Williams also suggests that the church should be proactive in reaching out to ethnic communities and building relationships with them, in order to promote understanding and unity.

In the fifth chapter, Williams examines the challenges and opportunities that arise from the church's engagement with the broader society. He discusses the role of the church in addressing issues of racism, discrimination, and social injustice, and highlights the importance of building bridges between the church and other social movements. Williams also suggests that the church should be a voice for the voiceless, advocating for the rights and dignity of those who are marginalized and oppressed.

The final chapter provides a conclusion and reflection on the book's themes. Williams emphasizes that the church has a unique role to play in promoting diversity and unity in the modern world. He encourages the church to be bold and courageous in its witness, and to be a source of hope and transformation for those who are marginalized and oppressed.

In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the people of God in the Old and New Testaments, offering valuable insights for the modern, ethnically diverse church. Jarvis Williams emphasizes that God's plan for his people has always been one of diversity and that the church should embrace and celebrate its diversity as a source of strength and unity. By applying his biblical and theological expertise to address key issues related to race, racism, and ethnicity, Williams encourages the church to be a place of hospitality, social justice, and advocacy, working to promote understanding and unity among people from different backgrounds.

\n Weight: 308g\n
Dimension: 152 x 227 x 18 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781540964625\n \n