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  Distinctives and Challenges of Business as Mission

  Steven Rundle

  "To put it bluntly, business as mission (BAM) is a work in progress. It is a field that needs definition, theological clarity, and missiological focus. Our call for papers for our regional conferences is timely...to make a pivotal contribution in a sea of some confusion and even controversy." (Doug Pennoyer, Dean of SIS, Biola University and President of EMS) This volume will provide some definition and precision while identifying areas that demand further discussion.

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  Economic justice in a flat world : Christian perspectives on globalization

  Steven Rundle

  Ch. 2 Who is my neighbor? A theological approach to globalization / A. Sue Russell.

  Ch. 5 Welcoming the stranger? Immigration and justice in a global economy / Brad Christerson

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  Preparing the Next Generation of Kingdom Entrepreneurs

  Steven Rundle

  More than one quarter of the world's people have little or no opportunity to hear the gospel. While few of the unreached care to investigate the claims of Christ, they are concerned about their own economic advancement. This is an opportunity for the gospel. On Kingdom Business proposes a new model for using business in missions: kingdom entrepreneurship. Kingdom entrepreneurs are "job-makers," starting for-profit businesses of all sizes-real businesses that meet real needs. On Kingdom Businessprovides a conceptual foundation for kingdom entrepreneurship and explores its contemporary development using case studies of kingdom businesses and reflecting on the lessons kingdom entrepreneurs have already learned.

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  Restoring the Role of Business in Mission

  Steven Rundle

  Perspectives on the World Christian Movement (Third Edition) is a collection of readings exploring the biblical, historical, cultural, and strategic dimensions of world evangelization. Writings from more than 90 mission scholars and practitioners introduce lay people and students to the astounding potential of the global Christian movement. Each of the 125 articles offers practical wisdom enabling Christians to labor together in bold, biblical hope to finish the task of seeing Christ named and followed among all the peoples of the earth.

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  Great commission companies : the emerging role of business in missions

  Steven Rundle and Tom Steffen

  Business as mission has emerged as a significant new model for mission in the twenty-first century. Today's globalized economy has created strategic opportunities for Christian business enterprises in some of the most unlikely corners of the world. In this landmark book, economist Steve Rundle and missiologist Tom Steffen offer their paradigm for the convergence of business and missions--the Great Commission Company. Such companies intentionally create businesses in strategic locations, pursuing profits while remaining unabashedly Christian in their purpose. By establishing authentic businesses that employ local workers among the least-reached peoples of the world, they contribute to the economic health of the immediate community and also provide avenues for both physical and spiritual ministry. In an era where multinational corporations have global influence and impact, the Great Commission Company opens up new possibilities for missions-minded entrepreneurs and businesspeople who want to change the world to the glory of God. This revised and expanded edition provides new and updated case studies of Great Commission Companies in diverse contexts around the world.

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  Shifting Signals in the ‘Two’ Chinas

  Jamie N. Sanchez

  The 55 essays in this volume illuminate deeper political trends and both give and signal the alarm that social change is necessary if self-governance in the United States and beyond is to be preserved. Taken together, these articles speak truth to power and highlight forcefully the need for dramatic change. It has been our privilege to compile them for a broader readership.

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  Advancing Trinitarian theology : explorations in constructive dogmatics

  Fred R. Sanders

  Throughout the last century theologians gave great attention to the doctrine of the Trinity, and succeeded in restoring it to a central place in Christian thought. But as they highlighted the novelty of the revolutionary new trinitarianism, a number of generalizations and simplifications crept into the discussion: a contrast between a supposed “Eastern” view versus a “Western” view; a social and perichoretic foundation for divine unity; and considerable scapegoating of major historical figures, especially among early Latin theologians.

  What is needed today is a re-evaluation of the twentieth-century trinitarian revolution in light of more careful historical retrievals of major thinkers from the classic tradition, in light of interesting developments in analytic theology, and in light of more nuanced conversations among representatives from between different Christian traditions.

  The second annual Los Angeles Theology Conference sought to make constructive progress in the doctrine of the Trinity by highlighting the counter-revolutionary trends in the most recent trinitarian thought, and aligning the trinitarian revival with the ongoing task of retrieving the classical doctrine of the Trinity.

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  Back to the trinity

  Fred R. Sanders

  One of the most significant trends in academic theology today, which emerges within Protestant, Roman Catholic, and Orthodox points of view, is the growing interest in theologies of retrieval. This mode of thinking puts a special stress upon subjecting classic theological texts to a close reading, with a view toward using the resources that they provide to understand and address contemporary theological issues.

  This volume offers an understanding of what theologies of retrieval are, what their rationale is, and what their strengths and weaknesses are. The contributions provided by a distinguished team of theologians answer the important questions that existing work has raised, expand on suggestions that have not yet been fully developed, summarize ideas to highlight themes that are relevant to the topics of this volume, and air new critiques that will spur further debate.

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  Christian doctrine of humanity : explorations in constructive dogmatics

  Fred R. Sanders

  Theological anthropology is a vast and complex doctrinal subject that needs to be elaborated with careful attention to its relation to other major doctrines. It must confess the glory and misery of humanity, from creation in the image of God to the fall into a state of sin. It must reckon with a holism that spans distinctions between body, soul, and spirit, and a unity that encompasses male and female, as well as racial and cultural difference. The Christian Doctrine of Humanity represents the proceedings of the sixth annual Los Angeles Theology Conference, which sought constructively and comprehensively to engage the task of theological anthropology.

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  Deep things of God : how the Trinity changes everything

  Fred R. Sanders

  The doctrine of the Trinity is taught and believed by all evangelicals, but rarely is it fully understood or celebrated. In The Deep Things of God, systematic theologian Fred Sanders shows why we ought to embrace the doctrine of the Trinity wholeheartedly as a central concern of evangelical theology. Sanders demonstrates, engagingly and accessibly, that the doctrine of the Trinity is grounded in the gospel itself. In this book, readers will understand that a robust doctrine of the Trinity has massive implications for their lives, restoring depth to prayer, worship, Bible study, missions, tradition, and understanding of Christianity’s fundamental doctrines. This new edition includes a study guide with discussion questions, action points, recommended reading, and more.

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  Fountain of Salvation: Trinity and Soteriology

  Fred R. Sanders

  A trinitarian exposition of Christian soteriology

  The relation of God and salvation is not primarily a problem to be solved. Rather, it is the blazing core of Christian doctrine, where the triune nature of God and the truth of the gospel come together.

  Accordingly, a healthy Christian theology must confess the doctrine of the Trinity and the doctrine of salvation as closely related, mutually illuminating, and strictly ordered. When the two doctrines are left unconnected, both suffer. The doctrine of the Trinity begins to seem altogether irrelevant to salvation history and Christian experience, while soteriology meanwhile becomes naturalized, losing its transcendent reference. If they are connected too tightly, on the other hand, human salvation seems inherent to the divine reality itself. Deftly navigating this tension, Fountain of Salvation relates them by expounding the doctrine of eternal processions and temporal missions, ultimately showing how they inherently belong together. The theological vision expounded here by Fred Sanders is one in which the holy Trinity is the source of salvation in a direct and personal way, as the Father sends the Son and the Holy Spirit to enact an economy of revelation and redemption. Individual chapters show how this vision informs the doctrines of atonement, ecclesiology, Christology, and pneumatology—all while directly engaging with major modern interpreters of the doctrine of the Trinity. As Sanders affirms throughout this in-depth theological treatise, the triune God is the fountain from which all other doctrine flows—and no understanding of salvation is complete that does not begin there.

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  How God used R.A. Torrey : a short biography as told through his sermons

  Fred R. Sanders

  Scholar, expositor, storyteller, and evangelist, R. A. Torrey was a master-of-all-trades minister. Crowds worldwide called his preaching “that famous Torrey thing.”

  And that famous Torrey thing won souls.

  Inside are the most famous, influential, and characteristic of his sermons. Though nearly a century old, they challenge us anew from Scripture and are greatly instructive to any who preach.

  Drawn from various periods of Torrey’s ministry, and prefaced with bibliographic commentary, these sermons paint a portrait of a man gripped by God. But even more they grip the reader. They take us into the great halls where God’s Word bellowed forth from Torrey and left his audiences hushed. It’s no wonder that Torrey caught the attention of the great evangelist D. L. Moody.

  Be ready to be provoked. Like an archer who strikes with both accuracy and force, Torrey preached with clarity while cutting deep to the heart. Behind the bow you’ll see a man fully sold on the kingdom of God, and you’ll be inspired to follow suit.

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  Image of the immanent Trinity : Rahner's rule and the theological interpretation of Scripture

  Fred R. Sanders

  If «the economic Trinity is the immanent Trinity», as Karl Rahner said, then what difference does it make for how we read the Bible? This book takes up the discussion that has dominated the last several decades of Trinitarian theology – that of Rahner’s Rule – and brings it into dialogue with the longer history of the doctrine, particularly with the history of interpretation of scripture. The history of Trinitarianism is the history of complex interpretive moves, a long conversation in which the Christian church has sought to learn how to ask the right questions of scripture. Surveying recent theological projects and learning from their successes and failures, The Image of the Immanent Trinity argues that the eternally perfect fellowship of Father, Son, and Spirit is truly present for our salvation in Christ who, as the image of the invisible God, secures God’s presence in the economy of salvation as the image of the immanent Trinity.

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  Locating atonement : explorations in constructive dogmatics

  Fred R. Sanders

  The proceedings of the third annual Los Angeles Theology Conference seek to identify the place of the doctrine of atonement in systematic theology. Locating Atonement: Explorations in Constructive Dogmatics intentionally excludes discussion of theories of atonement, typologies of those theories, and contests among various theories. Instead, it undertakes the question: What else is there to do in atonement theology besides rehashing types and theories?

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  Professors with a New Public : Academics and New Media

  Fred R. Sanders

  A Pew Study reports that only 2% of America's twelve million bloggers claim "religion, spirituality or faith" as their main topic. This leaves a great mission field in cyberspace, say contributors to The New Media Frontier, because the latest forms of communication present so many opportunities to promote the cause of Christ in other topics and fields. Before blindly jumping in, however, Christians need to weigh the possibilities against the consequences, and then proceed with the practical discernment and grace this book provides.

  With a foreword by national radio host Hugh Hewitt-who has been at the forefront of the new media movement among Christians-editors Roger Overton and John Mark Reynolds (along with an impressive list of other new media experts) survey the current landscape and explore specific areas in which God's people can creatively expand their reach to a lost world. By stressing the urgency for Christian involvement, unearthing the dangers, and advising readers on how to use this media with different audiences, this book equips believers to advance, demonstrate, and utilize the Christian worldview in this exciting realm.

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  Reading spiritual classics as evangelical protestants

  Fred R. Sanders

  Ever since Richard Foster wrote Celebration of Discipline in 1978, evangelicals have hungered for a deeper and more historic spirituality. Many have come to discover the wealth of spiritual insight available in the Desert Fathers, the medieval mystics, German Pietism and other traditions. While these classics have been a source of life-changing renewal for many, still others are wary of these texts and the foreign theological traditions from which they come. The essays in this volume provide a guide for evangelicals to read the Christian spiritual classics. The contributions fall into four sections. The first three answer the big questions: why should we read the spiritual classics, what are these classics and how should we read them? The last section brings these questions together into a brief reading guide for each of the major traditions. Each essay not only explores the historical and theological context, but also expounds the appropriate hermeneutical framework and the significance for the church today.

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  Retrieving eternal generation

  Fred R. Sanders

  Retrieving the doctrine of eternal generation for contemporary evangelical theology calls for a multifaceted approach. Retrieving Eternal Generation addresses (1) the hermeneutical logic and biblical bases of the doctrine of eternal generation; (2) key historical figures and moments in the development of the doctrine of eternal generation; and (3) the broad dogmatic significance of the doctrine of eternal generation for theology. The book addresses both the common modern objections to the doctrine of eternal generation and presents the productive import of the doctrine for twenty-first century evangelical theology.

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  Task of dogmatics - explorations in theological method

  Fred R. Sanders

  Theologians often discuss method in a remote and preliminary way that suggests they are not yet speaking theologically when speaking methodologically. But it is also possible to reflect on the work of Christian dogmatics in a way that is self-consciously nourished by biblical reasoning, resourced by tradition, joined up with ecclesial practice, and alert to spiritual dynamics.

  Bringing together theologians who are actively engaged in the writing and editing of extended dogmatics projects, The Task of Dogmatics represents the proceedings of the 2017 Los Angeles Theology Conference and seeks to provide constructive accounts of the nature of the dogmatic task.

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  Theology and California : theological refractions on California's culture

  Fred R. Sanders

  Exploring California as a theological place, this book renders critical engagement with significant Californian religious and theological phenomena and the inherent theological impulses within major Californian cultural icons. Harnessing conceptual tools inherent to theology, through theological reflection, assessment, and critique, the chapters in this volume begin to ascertain the significance of various empirical data and that no other qualitative methodological Californian study has done. Many universities are picking up on California literature as a theme that highlights a place of hope, wonder, and cultural innovation, but have neglected the significance of theological instincts flowing through the Californian dynamic.

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  Trinity

  Fred R. Sanders

  Chapter 2

  The Oxford Handbook of Systematic Theology brings together a set of original and authoritative accounts of all the major areas of current research in Christian systematic theology, offering a thorough survey of the state of the discipline and of its prospects for those undertaking research and teaching in the field. The Handbook engages in a comprehensive examination of themes and approaches, guiding the reader through current debates and literatures in the context of the historical development of systematic theological reflection. Organized thematically, it treats in detail the full array of topics in systematic theology, as well as questions of its sources and norms, its relation to other theological and non-theological fields of enquiry, and some major trends in current work. Each chapter provides an analysis of research and debate on its topic. The focus is on doctrinal (rather than historical) questions, and on major (rather than ephemeral) debates. The aim is to stimulate readers to reach theological judgements on the basis of consideration of the range of opinion. Drawn from Europe, the UK, and North America, the authors are all leading practitioners of the discipline. Readers will find expert guidance as well as creative suggestions about the future direction of the study of Christian doctrine.

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  Triune God

  Fred R. Sanders

  Books on the Christian life abound. Some focus on spirituality, others on practices, and others still on doctrines such as justification or forgiveness. Few offer an account of the Christian life that portrays redeemed Christian existence within the multifaceted and beautiful whole of the Christian confession. This book attempts to fill that gap. It provides a constructive, specifically theological interpretation of the Christian life according to the nature of God's grace. This means coordinating the Triune God, his reconciling, justifying, redemptive, restorative, and otherwise transformative action with those practices of the Christian life emerging from it. The doctrine of the Christian life developed here unifies doctrine and life, confession and practice within the divine economy of grace.

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  Triune God

  Fred R. Sanders

  The goal of this book is to secure our knowledge of the triune God by rightly ordering the theological language with which we praise him. It reaches its conclusions about how the doctrine should be handled on the basis of the way the Trinity was revealed. As such, it is a study that offers dogmatic principles for Trinitarian exegesis. Half of the volume establishes the biblical exposition and draws the doctrinal implications from it, showing that Trinitarianism is a gift of revelation before it is an achievement of the church. Sanders interacts with major voices from the history of doctrine, and his arguments are indebted to and informed by the great tradition of Trinitarianism. But the fitting way to retrieve the insights of the church fathers is not to pay more attention to them than to scripture. The most patristic way to proceed toward a well-ordered doctrine of the Trinity is, after all, to study Scripture.

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  Voice of God in the text of scripture : explorations in constructive dogmatics

  Fred R. Sanders

  Scholars from biblical studies and theology have recently been engaged in various ways in the project of theological interpretation of Scripture. This literature has raised issues about the theological content of the biblical material, authorial intention, the reception and formation of the Bible as Christian Scripture, the importance of the canonical form of the text, and the relationship between Scripture and the Rule of Faith. With this recent interdisciplinary debate in mind, the fourth annual Los Angeles Theology Conference focuses on the theological and doctrinal dimensions to the biblical texts drawing on scholars of biblical studies and theology in order to do so. The question that frames it is, "How does the voice of God come to us in the text of Scripture?"

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  Wesley on the Christian life : the heart renewed in love

  Fred R. Sanders

  John Wesley was one of the most important figures behind the founding of modern evangelicalism. From his crucial role in the Great Awakening to his inspiring a renewal movement within the Church of England, Wesley’s historical significance is undeniable and his legacy still challenges us today, regardless of our denominational affiliation or theological perspective. Offering an approachable introduction to Wesley's life and writings, Fred Sanders invites us to learn from Wesley’s reliance on the Spirit, passion for holiness, and zeal for the gospel in this winsome portrait of an extraordinary Christian leader.

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  Israel as a necessary theme in Bible theology

  Mark R. Saucy

  What does the Bible teach about the role of the Jewish people and the nation of Israel today? What is God's plan for the future of Israel and the neighboring countries? How can believers in Jesus be part of God's peace process in the Middle East?

  The People, the Land, and the Future of Israel walks through the Bible's account of the role of Israel and the Jewish people—both now and in the future. Each contributor offers a profound insight into God’s unfolding plan and purpose for the nation of Israel as the Scripture depicts them. Readers will gain a deeper understanding of both current and future events in the Middle East as described in both the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament.

  Features an extensive foreword by best-selling author Joel Rosenberg who addresses the question, Will there ever be peace for Israel and her neighbors? Each chapter includes a scannable QR code that links to a short video introduction by the author of that chapter, introducing its topic. Discussion questions in each chapter aid book group and classroom discussion.

  Ch. 10