Announcing the Kingdom: The Story of God's Mission in the Bible

by Charles E. Van Engen, Dean S. Gilliland, Arthur F. Glasser

Announcing the Kingdom provides a comprehensive survey of the biblical foundation of mission. It investigates the development of the kingdom of God theme in the Old Testament, describing what the concept tells us about God's mission in creation, the flood, and the covenant with Abraham. It then describes God's mission through the nation of Israel during the exodus, at Mt. Sinai, and through the kings of Israel. The book then examines God's mission as Israel is sent into exile and the stage is set for the Messiah's coming.
Finally, the book considers the fulfillment of the kingdom of God through Jesus Christ and the church. It examines Jesus' parables and ministry, his proclamation of God's kingdom among the nations, and the work of the Holy Spirit through the church.
Announcing the Kingdom is the product of Arthur Glasser's more than thirty years of teaching and has been used by thousands of students at Fuller Theological Seminary. Now revised by Glasser's colleagues, this study provides mission workers and students with a new understanding of their calling and its biblical foundation.

Genres: Theology, Christian Living, Christian, Biblical

400 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2003

About the author

Chuck Van Engen is the Arthur F. Glasser Professor Emeritus of Biblical Theology of Mission and Senior Professor of Biblical Theology of Mission and has taught in the School of Intercultural Studies since 1988. Before coming to Fuller he was a missionary in Mexico, working primarily in theological education. Van Engen also taught missiology at Western Theological Seminary in Michigan and served as president of the General Synod of the Reformed Church in America from 1998 to 1999. He is the founding president and CEO of Latin American Christian Ministries, Inc.

Reviews

[Elena Forsythe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Glasser goes through the Bible, pointing out how every part, from Genesis to Revelation, displays God's mission and the mission to which Believers are called. Compelling, beautiful, encouraging, enlightening... loved it.

[Andy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was required reading for a class in which the prof challenged us with the idea that it is almost impossible to find a 5 chapter section of the bible that does not talk about God's heart for the nations - Missio Dei. This is a survey of God's heart for the nations that covers Genesis to Rev...uh... Hmm. Genesis to Jude. Glasser covers Revelation but he must have been tired by the time he wrote that chapter.

[Ryan Reed · Rating 3 out of 5]

Glasser’s Biblical theology of mission is profitable and this book has some bright spots. Nevertheless, some of his conclusions can be inconsistent and unhelpful.

[J.R. Woodward · Rating 3 out of 5]

Glasser’s thesis is that the Kingdom of God is one of the central, overarching themes of the Scripture, and if we trace this motif through both testaments, we will better understand God’s mission in the world and have greater insight as to the church’s mission in today’s world.

In the first half of the book, Glasser demonstrates that the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) are an expectation of the Kingdom of God, while in the second half, he shows that the New Testament describes the arrival of the Kingdom and its never ending nature. In the first three sections he demonstrates that God is Creator, Judge and Redeemer, and therefore King. As King, he demonstrates his power over Egypt and forms a covenant people for Himself – Israel. In time, the kings of Israel challenge His rule, so God sends his people into exile to set the stage for the Messiah. The stage is now set for the second half of the book where Jesus announces and inaugurates the Kingdom, and the Spirit enables the church to proclaim the Kingdom of God, which is already but not yet. He concludes by examining the book of Revelation to demonstrate the continued theme of King and Kingdom from creation to the renewed heaven and earth.

What I liked most about this book is that Glasser helps us to view the entire text with a missional lens. He is able to draw out rich missional lessons from each section of scripture, whether it is from the life of Abraham, the life of Israel, the church or Jesus himself. The rich quotes that are sprinkled throughout the text often caused me to stop and ponder our awesome God and His mission. Throughout the book he helps us to remember God’s heart for all nations, and calls us to partner with our missional God to bring about His kingdom, always reminding us that our mission is in good hands – the hands of our triune God.

While the theme of missio dei was traced from Genesis to Revelation, some themes of God’s mission seemed incoherent. For example, in the chapter on the powers, he states, “…they [the powers:] do this through incarnating themselves in existing structures in society and in cultural traditions and religious institutions” (337) and states that “Paul goes beyond the familiar New Testament thesis that Christ’s redemption delivers his people from the guilt of sin… Paul speaks of Christ as One who also liberates his people from… bondage to the powers.” (336) Yet when talking about Jesus he said, “While he advocated sharing with the poor, he did not condemn the economic system that helped make people rich.” Glasser might benefit by reading Wink’s triology on The Powers That Be and Ched Myers Binding the Strong Man.

With that said, I deeply appreciate Glasser’s humility as he closes his book (373), admitting to “truths that have appeared to conflict” and imperfect perception. His humility causes me to humble myself before our awesome missional God for His service.

[Kaitlin]

A little academic and dry at times, but thoroughly helpful in untangling God's consistent mission through Scripture. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to further understand the direction of Scripture from start to finish. I am not sure I agree with Glasser on all points, but that certainly doesn't mean he hasn't given me a lot to think about.

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty good book. I read it for a theology class in college but anyone interested n Biblical history will find this is a good read. It gives a different perspective on why certain events happened and God's meaning behind it all.

[Byron Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

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[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great view of mission as the overarching theme of the Bible. A suggested read for anyone who wants a better understanding of God's mission and our part in it.

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd use it only as a reference book...hard to read all the way through

[Ken Baker]

Very good: gave me a fresh handle on how the whole Bible holds together. Mission is a Defining characteristic

[Josh L. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Content-wise, 4☆. Stylistically, 2☆