Called to Be Church

by Robinson, Anthony B.

• ISBN13: 9780802860651
• ISBN10: 0802860656
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2006-02-15
• Publisher: Eerdmans Pub Co

Summary

What makes the authentic markers of the church? The biblical book of Acts not only insistently raises this question but also provides resources to help congregations answer it. In "Called to be Church," biblical scholar Rob Wall and pastoral leader Tony Robinson join together to make Acts available as a source of renewal and transformation for the Christian church today.Featuring both careful exegetical study and exciting contemporary exposition, "Called to be Church" explores twelve familiar stories from Acts. In addressing these stories it dives into many of the most vexing issues faced by the church in Acts and now again in the twenty-first century -- issues of sexuality, money, exclusion, conflict in the church, pluralism, and the role of the Holy Spirit. Through it all Acts challenges the church to stay connected to its Jewish legacy and to be a people set apart."Called to be Church" will inspire those involved with the church to see themselves as part of God's story in our time.

Table of Contents

Preface	ix
1. Why Acts? Why Now?	1	(14)
2. Introducing Acts to a Congregation of Faithful Readers	15	(14)
3. Called to Be Church (Acts 1)	29	(20)
4. Bold Witness: Preaching as If Something Is at Stake (Acts 2)	49	(22)
5. Christian Community: Life and Death Together (Acts 4-5)	71	(17)
6. Conflict Resolution and Decision Making within a Healthy Congregation (Acts 6)	88	(23)
7. The Holy Spirit and the Life of the Church (Acts 8)	111	(21)
8. Conversion and Transformation: The Case of Saul (Acts 9)	132	(18)
9. The Gospel in a Multicultural World: The Case of Peter (Acts 10)	150	(18)
10. The Challenge of Change in the Church (Acts 15)	168	(24)
11. Resurrection Practices: The Marks of Discipleship (Acts 16)	192	(19)
12. Spirituality: Its Lure and Danger (Acts 17)	211	(17)
13. Leadership for the Church (Acts 20)	228	(18)
14. The Uneasy Relationship of Church and State (Acts 25)	246	(14)
15. Concluding Reflections	260	(23)
A Few Recommended Commentaries on Acts	283	(1)
Index	284