“Steve Gregg said it best when he wrote, ‘Apart from the Kingdom, nothing exists that gives transcendent meaning to world history and human endeavors.” Yet, so few ever take the time to understand the biblical insights that are so profoundly expounded in this book. On every page the author brings deep insight, conviction and clarity about what God’s Kingdom work is all about.” — Dr. Leighton Flowers, Director of Evangelism and Apologetics for Texas Baptists “Never the intentional provocateur, the author does upset some of the most commonly held perspectives on the Kingdom regardless of the stature or popularity of the scholars who affirm them.” — Braxton Hunter, President, Trinity College of the Bible and Theological Seminary, Evansville, IN “This is not an academic treatise written for the theological guild, but it reflects an implicit understanding of major theological interpretations…Steve Gregg’s unfolding of God’s plan is biblically comprehensive and theologically astute. I not only endorse his explanation, but I share his passion.” — Dr. Vic Reasoner, Pastor, Author, Professor, Southern Methodist College
Steve Gregg is the real deal. He walks the talk. I have personally met him. He is a genuine, humble, and insightful Christian teacher. I would rather go to an in person lecture with Steve Gregg over “any” other Christian teacher alive.
In this book, Steve explains the Kingdom of God is a neglected subject in our churches. Further, everyone who maintains that he or she is a Christian is called to participate in this Kingdom now and later. This book is practical and insightful. It is the best book that I have read on this subject!
In this book Gregg shares many of his core beliefs about the nature of the kingdom, salvation, the Holy Spirit, miracles, the final home for the saved among others. Gregg shares that he believes in the direct operation of the Holy Spirit in order that one might “care about the Word of God”. He attributes to God the Spirit what Jesus expects us to accomplish (seek the kingdom and hunger and thirst after righteousness). He also believes that baptism, contrary to the Word of the Spirit, is NOT essential to the salvation of a person. He does not understand the concept of the Kingdom of God in the scriptures nor it’s consummated state - He believes the saved will live on this earth after it is remodeled which goes contrary to what Peter states regarding the complete destruction of the earth, heavens and universe (2 Peter 3). There will be nothing to remodel/refurbish. He believes in miraculous spiritual gifts today such as demonic exorcism and healing which runs contrary to 1 Cor 13 which states these miracles will and have now vanished away. He does not believe that heaven is the location of the eternal home for the Christian nor does he believe in eternal punishment for the enemies of God. His belief system appears to be grounded on things visible, on the earth. He has a general disdain for organized churches which runs contrary to the evangelistic mission of early preachers like Titus and Timothy who were told to organize and establish church government in the local congregations through the appointment of elders. His thoughts on the current social justice movement in America cause me to give the book one star; the rest is unworthy. He believes the world will become overwhelmingly Christianized and claims a third of the world is currently Christian which is not true.
About 15 years ago a leader of a men's Bible study I attended asked us to consider what is the Kingdom of God. His question stuck with me for all these years, a question I contemplated and meditated over much.
In doing so and in concert with my own personal Bible study I began to understand, if only with an infantile understanding, what is the Kingdom of God.
Steve Gregg's book "Empire of the Risen Son: A Treatise on the Kingdom of God" helped me to conceptualize even more what is the Kingdom of God.
A great book, Steve Gregg is a gifted writer/teacher and a man blessed by God.
Absolutely fantastic book. I wasn’t aware of what was truly meant by “Kingdom of God” and now have a deeper understanding of what God desires of his people. I am extremely grateful for this author as I have learned so much from his teachings not just from his books, but also from his videos and other lessons. Steve is definitely been gifted by God with a deep understanding of the Bible, and the ability to reach it in such a way that people like me can understand it and be deeply blessed by it. I highly recommend this book.
Very informative and encouraging. My reason for giving 4 stars instead of 5 is for his misunderstanding of some eschatological concepts, and his idea of replacement theology completely ignoring Paul in Romans 9, 10, 11. He did bring up exegetical consistency, however, once again, he has a misunderstanding of the depth of it with examples outside of parables, where this actually applies.
All in all, I would definitely recommend this book to others and so they can be encouraged and live for His kingdom.
I feel that this book will fill in the gaps for many in understanding the true gospel as well as being a great tool for discipleship. While the premises may seem basic at first, I soon realized there were many nuances that I glossed over and we're missing even after many years of Bible study.
This author is so knowledgeable of the Bible. He tells The Truth, not his truth. I was encouraged, admonished, informed, influenced, convicted, and lifted up. I thank God for this book.
Quite possibly one of the best literary works on the Kingdom of God. I have so many notes written in this book, I can’t wait to revisit it and continue to receive from it.
Are we missing the crucial historical fact of all time in the history our little planet? This book revives the hope that we may all realize what awaits the Boby of Christ as we PRESS into it! The enthusiasm for the Kingdom shines through writing of Steve Gregg. Thanks Steve