Kingdom Impact: Living Like Jesus in a Broken World

by Putty Putman, Kris Vallotton (Foreword)

In Matthew 13, Jesus tells the parable of a man who stumbles across a treasure hidden in a field. He goes home, sells everything he has, and buys that field to own that treasure. This is what the kingdom of heaven is, Jesus says--a treasure worth everything.

But the truth is, for most of us, our enthusiasm is often wrapped more deeply around a football team or the latest TV show than what God is doing through us. Lacking a purpose calling to the deepest parts of us, we numb ourselves. In this eye-opening, empowering book, pastor and author Putty Putman shows that there is a kingdom designed to provide your life with such compelling purpose that you will reorient your whole life around it. Here is your invitation into a life of significance, adventure, and wonder far beyond what you have let yourself dare to dream.

Genres: Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

Published April 16, 2019

About the author

Putty Putman, Ph.D., is the founding director of the School of Kingdom Ministry in Urbana, Illinois. He also serves in leadership roles on both the preaching and the executive teams at the Vineyard Church of Central Illinois. He lives with his wife, Brittany, and three children in Urbana. Learn more at www.schoolofkingdomministry.com.

Reviews

[Gary · Rating 1 out of 5]

Since he refers to his previous book, Live Like Jesus, in this book as an example of how to share his new and improved "Triune Gospel", I will share my comments I made after reading that heretical book toward the end of this review. Putty is not satisfied with the Gospel as preached by Christ and the Apostles. Here's one of his comments: "The only clear cause through which to engage communities is evangelism - saving the lost sinners. But as we see, evangelism alone is not enough." His "Triune Gospel" is "three distinct stories": "(1) coming back into relationship with the Father, (2) being made new in the Son and (3) releasing the Kingdom through the power of the Spirit." That sounds Biblical but for the most part Putty claims the Gospel is realizing our high position as children of God and doing signs and wonders so that we set up God's Kingdom on earth. No discussion of repentance, sin, or trusting Christ alone for salvation. In his previous book, Living Like Jesus, he shared the "Gospel" in this manner: "He preached to a group of "unreached indigenous people" in Mexico. First, he praises the tribal group whom he described as being "complete with witchdoctors" for being a "deeply spiritual people who are in touch with the spirit world" and said his people could "learn from you". He then goes on to say that "God sees us and loves us", "Don't we all go the wrong way sometimes?", and that Jesus "showed us the true way to live". No discussion of sin, Hell, or displeasing God. He described Jesus' miracles and then said, "Then He died". That's it. No mention of the cross, a substitutionary death, a payment for sin, and no mention of OUR guilt in sending Him to the cross. He says He "came back to life" but because of that "He does not have to have a body". Putty said Jesus can now "live in our hearts" and "makes us what we are supposed to be". "To prove that all this is true", Putty challenged himself, "I'm going to heal the sick here." No Bible verses, no cross, no sin, no bodily resurrection of Christ, only his promise to heal people. He said he healed everyone except for "one boy who had an extreme palsy" (in other words, probably the only one with a visible, real illness whose healing would be obvious). Avoid this teaching! #forhereticalresearchonly."

Putty Putnam is more than likely a nice guy, has a lot of stories to tell, but is deficient in his knowledge of the Biblical Gospel. His "Jesus loves you" message is sweet but it will not save sinners! Only repentance and trust in Christ's substitutionary death on the cross can do that! Pray for this man but avoid his books!

[Caitlin Nikolai]

I think I'm going to need to read this book again later. It's written from a charasmatic viewpoint and while it's well written, I'm going to need to process some of the things I read.

I would recommend it if you are a charasmitic Christian. I love the evangelistic viewpoints Putty Putman takes.

I would also recommend it if you are not a charasmatic Christian and want your viewpoint stretched. "Kingdom Impact" is very good at making you think about what you believe and ask yourself what the Bible says.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Putman's book is the best basic primer I've read so far on a kingdom worldview and how to start living like Jesus. It's very broad and he also goes deeper into a few topics but it's not a super deep dive into any specific niche. It'll leave you wanting more of God. Putty also covers a lot of the content in his School of Kingdom Ministry course.

[Philip Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a truly excellent book! Unlike many books on the Kingdom of God though, this one also looks at how God uses the church not just to bring individual but societal transformation. Putty writes so clearly explains Kingdom Theology so well. Thoroughly recommended!

[Thomas Creedy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Parts of this are quite helpful. But nothing that isn't better put in other books. Other parts of this are, quite simply, appalling.

[Ashley Montgomery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Putty Putman has a profound way of teaching about the Kingdom of God and what it actually looks like. Reading this has been a challenge to the way I have been taught certain concepts. Some things I can follow his reasoning, others I am not so sure at this point. However, I consider being challenged a good thing and a faith-building experience.