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Citizen: Your Role in the Alternative Kingdom
For Rob Peabody, the lead campus pastor at a megachurch in southern USA, the realization that his faith had little real connection with the world around him meant that something had to change. He began by redirecting his church toward the poor on their doorstep and then took the larger step of moving to the UK to establish the missional fellowship Awaken.
In Citizen he defines the kingdom-centered identity that is given to followers of Jesus and uses his personal story to reveal fundamental problems in the Christian culture. Yet each problem--the model of competition, the idol of the autonomous self, the desire to create God in our own image, and conflicting allegiances--can be resolved by appealing to our loyalties and duties as a citizen of God's kingdom.
Citizen is a wake-up call to the church in the West. Jesus' death and resurrection initiates and invites people into new lives as part of his kingdom. Citizen shows us what those lives should look like and urges us toward revival.
In Citizen he defines the kingdom-centered identity that is given to followers of Jesus and uses his personal story to reveal fundamental problems in the Christian culture. Yet each problem--the model of competition, the idol of the autonomous self, the desire to create God in our own image, and conflicting allegiances--can be resolved by appealing to our loyalties and duties as a citizen of God's kingdom.
Citizen is a wake-up call to the church in the West. Jesus' death and resurrection initiates and invites people into new lives as part of his kingdom. Citizen shows us what those lives should look like and urges us toward revival.
192 pages, Paperback
First published September 27, 2014
1 person is currently reading
148 people want to read
About the author
Rob Peabody
5 booksRob Peabody serves as the co-founder and director of Awaken, a non-profit charity that exists to resource the church for action. In 2011, Rob, along with his wife, Medea, and their two boys, left his position as lead campus pastor of a megachurch in Texas to pioneer and lead fresh expressions of church seeking to engage unreached 20's & 30's in northeast London.
This work is commissioned by the International Mission Board of the SBC and in partnership with the Church of England. Rob currently serves as a missional consultant for multiple church networks in the UK, is a member of the Speaking Team at Spring Harvest, and is charged with casting vision and leading a new upcoming national UK 18-30's conference - The Pursuit - taking place May 2015.
Beyond speaking at conferences in the US and UK, Rob has also written a small group film series entitled Kingdom Rise, released March 2013.
This work is commissioned by the International Mission Board of the SBC and in partnership with the Church of England. Rob currently serves as a missional consultant for multiple church networks in the UK, is a member of the Speaking Team at Spring Harvest, and is charged with casting vision and leading a new upcoming national UK 18-30's conference - The Pursuit - taking place May 2015.
Beyond speaking at conferences in the US and UK, Rob has also written a small group film series entitled Kingdom Rise, released March 2013.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 5, 2014
This is a thought provoking nonfiction Christian book. From the very beginning the book took me down a new path because I had no idea what the author, Rob Peabody, meant by an "Alternative Kingdom. Citizen by Rob Peabody goes into great detail about the life of a true Christian. If you expect an exciting life as a Christian, your role will go farther beyond sitting in a pew on a chosen worship day. It goes beyond a moral compass of striving to keep the law in a lawless society. It's more than not stealing, not killing, not coveting your neighbor's belongings or not ever have cursed out your neighbor's dog for parking too loudly on the week night before you have to go to work. Also, it's more than saying "yes, I'm saved. My everlasting home is in Heaven with Jesus. Amen. Rob Peabody gives himself and his family as a concrete example. They left all their material possessions and went to London to do Missionary work.
Examples of the people Rob Peabody is talking about are: Gandhi, St. Augustine and even Mark Twain. I did feel a bit uncomfortable while reading Citizen. I always thought striving, falling and then, repenting from sins was enough. Rob Peabody broadens the map for citizens of Heaven. On the back of the book, there is a blurb. "Is Jesus asking of us more than we are comfortable with giving?" It's a very pertinent question.
Citizen by Rob Peabody also takes into account the thoughts behind the acts done. Why are we picking up the diaper bag for the lady going into church? Why are we giving a sum of money to the Special Olympics? Why are we evangelizing? According to Rob Peabody and the scripture he gives, we can do it all and still find ourselves outside the joy and will of the Lord.
However, the book leaves no room for judging our family and friends. I did read the book one time fully for the review. Then, I read back over chapters which I wanted to underline in my memory. This Lead Pastor from Texas speaks asks are we as Christians ready for a risk or not ready to take a risk. "If you are satisfied and comfortable with your current state of life and faith, then I suggest you put this book down and continue shopping." WES Hamilton, Lead Pastor, Hulen Street Church, Fort Worth, Texas.http://www.awakenmovement.com/ Rob Peabody only wants to prove that the Christian life doesn't have to become boring and stale. According to the author, our Christian life can be more abundant and more satisfying. He wants us to find the joy Jesus promised us while here on earth and at this very moment.We don't have to wait until death takes us home. http://www.citizenthebook.com/
January 27, 2021
Rob Peabody is a former megachurch pastor from America who now lives in London and works with UK Christians of various faith backgrounds. His main emphasis is commitment to Jesus over self, over country, over human plans. He doesn't provide dazzling insights, but he does faithfully proclaim the Lordship of Jesus over all. Worth a read.
October 6, 2014
Citizen begins with author Rob Peabody standing on a Balcony overlooking the Old City of Jerusalem. In that moment, life seemed to become so much clearer - he came to a breakthrough…. He realized that the Christian life he had been experiencing had been quite anemic, he realized that he wanted more. Thus kicked off a process that led him all the way from Texas to the UK.
Throughout Citizen Rob Peabody challenges the reader to reimagine their life, reposition what she values, re-identify who she is, and re-center life around the true King of the world…
Here is what he says about that sort of life:
“It will be hard at times, then sweetly exhilarating and right at others. In the end, you will find the life you were created to live: a life so extraordinary and full of joy that you cannot even fully comprehend it right now; a life not wasted, a life that goes beyond just you, a life that gives worship and glory to the One who is worthy. The Father is standing with open arms, inviting you in to experience all that he has created and called you to be. You have been saved for this…” (pp. 33-34)
As Peabody begins to stoke the reader’s imagination for what this sort of life looks like by using a “Citizen” metaphor throughout the book. Citizens have a particular identity, they have a particular community, they have certain allegiances, they represent certain sovereign bodies, etc. Each one of these aspects of citizenship get fleshed out in each chapter of the book. All in all, Peabody shows that as citizens of the Kingdom of God Christians will play a certain role in this world, and their roles will stretch across various spheres including home, church, work, and mission.
I absolutely loved this book, as I read it I was very encouraged and motivated to live out my identity as a citizen of the kingdom. As a minister I was especially encouraged to re-infuse the concept of citizenship into my sermons. Over the summer I had begun to stray a little bit from the Kingdom emphasis that I was regularly placing in my sermons, but this book reminded me that citizenship in the kingdom is a central aspect of our identity as Christians, so I can’t overlook that as I am preaching.
To sum things up, I really recommend this book, it challenged me and reminded me of some central truths that I had begun to overlook.
Throughout Citizen Rob Peabody challenges the reader to reimagine their life, reposition what she values, re-identify who she is, and re-center life around the true King of the world…
Here is what he says about that sort of life:
“It will be hard at times, then sweetly exhilarating and right at others. In the end, you will find the life you were created to live: a life so extraordinary and full of joy that you cannot even fully comprehend it right now; a life not wasted, a life that goes beyond just you, a life that gives worship and glory to the One who is worthy. The Father is standing with open arms, inviting you in to experience all that he has created and called you to be. You have been saved for this…” (pp. 33-34)
As Peabody begins to stoke the reader’s imagination for what this sort of life looks like by using a “Citizen” metaphor throughout the book. Citizens have a particular identity, they have a particular community, they have certain allegiances, they represent certain sovereign bodies, etc. Each one of these aspects of citizenship get fleshed out in each chapter of the book. All in all, Peabody shows that as citizens of the Kingdom of God Christians will play a certain role in this world, and their roles will stretch across various spheres including home, church, work, and mission.
I absolutely loved this book, as I read it I was very encouraged and motivated to live out my identity as a citizen of the kingdom. As a minister I was especially encouraged to re-infuse the concept of citizenship into my sermons. Over the summer I had begun to stray a little bit from the Kingdom emphasis that I was regularly placing in my sermons, but this book reminded me that citizenship in the kingdom is a central aspect of our identity as Christians, so I can’t overlook that as I am preaching.
To sum things up, I really recommend this book, it challenged me and reminded me of some central truths that I had begun to overlook.
Read
November 21, 2014There is a quote in the book, "Citizen" by Rob Peabody, that really struck home to me. The quote goes, "The church is a colony, an island of one culture in the middle of another. In baptism our citizenship is transferred from one dominion to another, and we become, in whatever culture we find ourselves, resident aliens" (Hauerwas and Willmon)
A reflection of the current times and the struggle of the church with modern society (Isn't it consider modern in whatever age and time that a Christian finds themselves in), "Citizen" really challenges the Christian today, that they are not a part of "modern society" and the world but rather belong entirely to God and His World as defined through Jesus Christ and what the Bible lays out.
This is a challenge as more and more Christians are finding their views and faith and values in contrast to a changing society and Rob shares with both scripture, historical perspective and personal experiences, how as a Christian, we are made to be different and to stand out and not to blend in with the world around us.
I really enjoy the book and its very compact reading with an easy on the eyes font, plenty of scriptural references and insights that will challenge the "modern" Christian to where and how they stand in contrast with society, where ever they may find themselves.
He reminds the reader that as Christians, we are ambassadors of Christ and that all of us have the potential to share and represent God and His word, but part of that is the willingness to take risks, that so few these days seem willing to take when dealing with the world around them.
The book is very inspiring and filled with how the earlier Christians, despite the odds around them, did not let the world blend them in, but rather took risks, stood out and stood up for Christ.
Reading this book, it challenges ones walk to the very core. Are we seeking a safe religion or are we seeking a risky relationship that is about changing lives and saving souls?
Inspiring and encouraging, "Citizen" really will have one reassessing ones walk and what and whose citizen are we??
A reflection of the current times and the struggle of the church with modern society (Isn't it consider modern in whatever age and time that a Christian finds themselves in), "Citizen" really challenges the Christian today, that they are not a part of "modern society" and the world but rather belong entirely to God and His World as defined through Jesus Christ and what the Bible lays out.
This is a challenge as more and more Christians are finding their views and faith and values in contrast to a changing society and Rob shares with both scripture, historical perspective and personal experiences, how as a Christian, we are made to be different and to stand out and not to blend in with the world around us.
I really enjoy the book and its very compact reading with an easy on the eyes font, plenty of scriptural references and insights that will challenge the "modern" Christian to where and how they stand in contrast with society, where ever they may find themselves.
He reminds the reader that as Christians, we are ambassadors of Christ and that all of us have the potential to share and represent God and His word, but part of that is the willingness to take risks, that so few these days seem willing to take when dealing with the world around them.
The book is very inspiring and filled with how the earlier Christians, despite the odds around them, did not let the world blend them in, but rather took risks, stood out and stood up for Christ.
Reading this book, it challenges ones walk to the very core. Are we seeking a safe religion or are we seeking a risky relationship that is about changing lives and saving souls?
Inspiring and encouraging, "Citizen" really will have one reassessing ones walk and what and whose citizen are we??
October 7, 2014
This book was a good read, with good Biblical insight, though I did have mixed thoughts about it.
It was very enjoyable, and I’m glad I was able to read it. A lot of it had me nodding my head in agreement, and the author stated things as they were, which I think is often needed in today’s day and age.
I liked that the author weaved personal stories into the message of the book; I feel like that gets one interested and is easier to read then. At least, for me. :)
Though I did enjoy this book, there were a few things that I didn’t completely agree with, and it bothered me slightly that he used many different Bible versions, specifically the Message, to get his point across – I feel that we don’t need to use God’s Word to get our points across, but rather should be building on His truths. I also felt that The Message version did not display respect to the Lord, but that is another subject.
This book would be better read by mature Christians, not necessarily new Christians, because though it helps with what to do for God, it doesn’t give a complete foundation of what we really need, and that is Jesus. I liked the book a lot, but I really feel that we need to be getting across mainly Jesus, because that is what this world is lacking.
The background of the time of Jesus, given in this book was very interesting and would enhance your understanding as you read the Biblical accounts, knowing just how much it costed to follow Jesus. I appreciated getting to understand this through the book.
As with all books, you cannot take it as whole, and follow only that. The Bible is the only Book that is going to save you, heal you, and be the main way through which you grow. Now, I am not saying that you cannot read such books as “Citizen” because I do think they are helpful in our walks with Christ, but I do want to encourage everyone to go first to the Lord and His Word and take that as Whole.
Thank you to Litfuse and the publishers for my review copy.
It was very enjoyable, and I’m glad I was able to read it. A lot of it had me nodding my head in agreement, and the author stated things as they were, which I think is often needed in today’s day and age.
I liked that the author weaved personal stories into the message of the book; I feel like that gets one interested and is easier to read then. At least, for me. :)
Though I did enjoy this book, there were a few things that I didn’t completely agree with, and it bothered me slightly that he used many different Bible versions, specifically the Message, to get his point across – I feel that we don’t need to use God’s Word to get our points across, but rather should be building on His truths. I also felt that The Message version did not display respect to the Lord, but that is another subject.
This book would be better read by mature Christians, not necessarily new Christians, because though it helps with what to do for God, it doesn’t give a complete foundation of what we really need, and that is Jesus. I liked the book a lot, but I really feel that we need to be getting across mainly Jesus, because that is what this world is lacking.
The background of the time of Jesus, given in this book was very interesting and would enhance your understanding as you read the Biblical accounts, knowing just how much it costed to follow Jesus. I appreciated getting to understand this through the book.
As with all books, you cannot take it as whole, and follow only that. The Bible is the only Book that is going to save you, heal you, and be the main way through which you grow. Now, I am not saying that you cannot read such books as “Citizen” because I do think they are helpful in our walks with Christ, but I do want to encourage everyone to go first to the Lord and His Word and take that as Whole.
Thank you to Litfuse and the publishers for my review copy.
October 29, 2014
Rob Peabody in his new book , "Citizen" published by Monarch Books gives us Your role in the alternative kingdom.
From the back cover: As Jesus followers, we are citizens of Heaven. We have been set apart for His Kingdom work. We have a new allegiance. It's a fundamental change.
But how far has this truly penetrated? Is Jesus asking of us more than we are comfortable with giving? Is our faith anything more than a Get Out Of Hell Free Card?
So many believers feel stuck. They would like to move on, grow, see lives transformed-including their own! But how?
Do we really understand that once we become a Christian all kinds of activity happen. One activity is we are given a new passport that identifies us a citizens of Heaven. Becoming a citizen gives us all kinds of rights but we need to keep in mind that it also gives us all kinds of responsibilities. Rob Peabody provides us a user manual on what a citizen is, allegiances, choices and Ambassadorship. "Citizen" will help focus your attention to your true place in the kingdom of God and our respective roles. All of us need this book to help understand our identity and it would make a great gift for friends and family to help establish them as well.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the back cover: As Jesus followers, we are citizens of Heaven. We have been set apart for His Kingdom work. We have a new allegiance. It's a fundamental change.
But how far has this truly penetrated? Is Jesus asking of us more than we are comfortable with giving? Is our faith anything more than a Get Out Of Hell Free Card?
So many believers feel stuck. They would like to move on, grow, see lives transformed-including their own! But how?
Do we really understand that once we become a Christian all kinds of activity happen. One activity is we are given a new passport that identifies us a citizens of Heaven. Becoming a citizen gives us all kinds of rights but we need to keep in mind that it also gives us all kinds of responsibilities. Rob Peabody provides us a user manual on what a citizen is, allegiances, choices and Ambassadorship. "Citizen" will help focus your attention to your true place in the kingdom of God and our respective roles. All of us need this book to help understand our identity and it would make a great gift for friends and family to help establish them as well.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
December 11, 2014
Originally posted at Bunny's Review
This book will take any Christian and make them want to awaken the movement in their home town.
If we could get 5 Christians from each church around the world to take this on this movement and motivate others we could end up with a worldwide revival.
This is a book I am sharing with the pastors at my church. I would love to help get something like this going in / around my town.
For this reader I wondered about the title but after reading it is so clear. Citizen. We are all a Citizen in Christ. We are the one to bring in the non-citizens and make them believe.
I highly recommend this book to all Christians.
The bunnies and I give this book
carrots.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. All views are my own and do not reflect those of the author, my clients or tour companies I work with. This is not a paid review. To form your own opinion please support the author and acquire your own legal copy of the book.
This book will take any Christian and make them want to awaken the movement in their home town.
If we could get 5 Christians from each church around the world to take this on this movement and motivate others we could end up with a worldwide revival.
This is a book I am sharing with the pastors at my church. I would love to help get something like this going in / around my town.
For this reader I wondered about the title but after reading it is so clear. Citizen. We are all a Citizen in Christ. We are the one to bring in the non-citizens and make them believe.
I highly recommend this book to all Christians.
The bunnies and I give this book
carrots.I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. All views are my own and do not reflect those of the author, my clients or tour companies I work with. This is not a paid review. To form your own opinion please support the author and acquire your own legal copy of the book.
November 2, 2014
I would recommend this amazing book to readers who are longing to live the abundant life God has created for them to live. Rob Peabody encouraged readers to join the awaking and to repossess their Jerusalem. I liked how he reminded readers that we can live an extraordinary life and doing what God has called us to do. I felt exhilarated when he shared about how he made the challenging move to London from the United States. He showed breathtaking courage in stepping out of his comfort zone. I really enjoyed how he used the term “citizens” as being a part of His Kingdom. He went in great detail about how Caleb and Joshua wasn’t afraid to overcome the Nephilim and how the Israelites were scared of the giants. They knew their role in the Kingdom and they knew God’s astonishing power! I appreciated how he included tons of scriptures verses throughout the book to guide readers. If you’re looking for a book to help you in your walk with God, then read this book!
“I received a review copy of Citizens from Litfuse for this review.”
“I received a review copy of Citizens from Litfuse for this review.”
October 11, 2014
I read Citizen: Your role in the alternative kingdom in exchange for honest review from Kregel Blog Tours. The book was written by Rob Peabody. I received a paperback copy of the book.
Peabody discusses how we are citizens of the Kingdom of Christ, but while we are here on earth, we need to do the work of Christ. Many people get stuck in their earthly roles, but don't grow much in their Christian roles.
Peabody also said many Christians go to church, attend praise and worship, give their lives to God, but that's as far as their walk goes. That's how far my walk goes sometimes. I want to do more, but stuck. People are also content in their Christian walk. Jesus is part of our lives, but he should be the center of our lives.
The book was a good read. If we are to spend the rest of our lives with him, then we should get to know God better. We should serve more, bring more people to God more.
Peabody discusses how we are citizens of the Kingdom of Christ, but while we are here on earth, we need to do the work of Christ. Many people get stuck in their earthly roles, but don't grow much in their Christian roles.
Peabody also said many Christians go to church, attend praise and worship, give their lives to God, but that's as far as their walk goes. That's how far my walk goes sometimes. I want to do more, but stuck. People are also content in their Christian walk. Jesus is part of our lives, but he should be the center of our lives.
The book was a good read. If we are to spend the rest of our lives with him, then we should get to know God better. We should serve more, bring more people to God more.
December 6, 2014
This is a book that will give you a lot to think about and can change your perspective on how we are living our lives.
Rob balanced this book beautifully with personal stories, history and application. I loved hearing about Rob’s own journey to being a citizen of the kingdom and of the UK. citizenHe did a great job giving us the history of Caesar and what all of that meant back in the day. Better still, he challenged the reader to take a look at their own identity and see who or what you are identifying with.
Do we really get that we are princesses and warriors walking around on this earth? I know I don’t. I don’t live in that mind-set at all most of the time, but I want to. I want to remember who I am and whose I am. I want to remember that my true citizenship is in Heaven.
This book will challenge you but I think you will be glad for it.
A copy of this book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Rob balanced this book beautifully with personal stories, history and application. I loved hearing about Rob’s own journey to being a citizen of the kingdom and of the UK. citizenHe did a great job giving us the history of Caesar and what all of that meant back in the day. Better still, he challenged the reader to take a look at their own identity and see who or what you are identifying with.
Do we really get that we are princesses and warriors walking around on this earth? I know I don’t. I don’t live in that mind-set at all most of the time, but I want to. I want to remember who I am and whose I am. I want to remember that my true citizenship is in Heaven.
This book will challenge you but I think you will be glad for it.
A copy of this book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
October 7, 2014
Peabody shares his story as a mega-church pastor who moved his family to London, causing him to rethink the idea of citizenship. He writes of the importance of being a citizen in the Kingdom of God. He is a storyteller and tells lots of stories about himself. While they do illustrate his points, I was just not very interested in them. His four page account of him and a friend sneaking into the Texas state capitol did nothing for me. I also felt there was a lack of practical suggestions for those wanting to engage their own community.
See my complete review at http://bit.ly/ZbKWTa.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
See my complete review at http://bit.ly/ZbKWTa.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
October 30, 2014
2 stars seems harsh but hover over that second star and it says "it was OK", which is exactly how I feel about this book. I don't enter the giveaways for outwardly Christian books but I can't have been concentrating on this one. Still, it arrived and I like to try anything.
Rob Peabody is as Christian as they come. Full on, single mission on this earth to spread the word. What is refreshing is that this book is so unjudgemental. It's a warming and welcoming message that some would like to hear and others may well need to hear.
My personal view? It won't convert anyone, but believers already wondering how to channel their belief may well find this contains the message they need.
Rob Peabody is as Christian as they come. Full on, single mission on this earth to spread the word. What is refreshing is that this book is so unjudgemental. It's a warming and welcoming message that some would like to hear and others may well need to hear.
My personal view? It won't convert anyone, but believers already wondering how to channel their belief may well find this contains the message they need.
October 21, 2014
I received this book through Goodreads First Reads Giveaway....
I thought this was a good read with a good message. I also believe every Christian should read this book. You may not agree with all the points in the book but you will most of them. It is one thing to say you are a Christian and another to live as one. I will definitely be passing this book around my congregation.
I thought this was a good read with a good message. I also believe every Christian should read this book. You may not agree with all the points in the book but you will most of them. It is one thing to say you are a Christian and another to live as one. I will definitely be passing this book around my congregation.
November 19, 2014
Interesting fictional interpretation of Revelations. The author incorporates the predictions from the Bible into a story about angels and demons and the apocalypse. The story was well told but I thought the individual characters were a little thin. For a quick read it wasn't bad.
I received this book as a part of a Good reads giveaway.
I received this book as a part of a Good reads giveaway.
February 7, 2015
Excellent book. See a critical review here:
http://missionmatt.blogspot.com/2014/...
http://missionmatt.blogspot.com/2014/...
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