Seek First: How the Kingdom of God Changes Everything
Seek First: How the Kingdom of God Changes Everything
by: Jeremy Treat
1. Would you recommend this book?
Absolutely. It is an easy read but more than that it illuminated for me things about the Kingdom of God that I hadn't realized I was overlooking or disregarding. Without realizing it I was focusing more on the Kingdom of God as a future coming event to be prayed for and brought about by God when Jesus returns. However, it is just as importantly, a right now work being done by us in everything, that is the piece that I was overlooking and which resided in the back of my consciousness instead of in front where it belongs.
2. What is the main point?
The main point is that the Kingdom of God is: God's reign, through God's people, over God's place. I quote from pg 18. " The message of the kingdom of God is not an escape from earth to heaven but God's reign coming from heaven to earth.
3. Which parts should I read if I am short on time?
All the parts are worth the time - however, I would recommend chapters 1,2, 4, and 9.
4. Why does this book matter?
It brings to focus the right now of the kingdom of God. The responsibility we have to bring heaven down, not simply long for heaven. This kingdom should be showing up IN us because we bear the image of Christ and Christ proclaimed that He was the Kingdom of God that was near.
5. Is this book an easy read?
I found it easy to read and follow along.
6. Who is the author and what do you think of their writing?
The author is Jeremy Treat. This is my first time reading anything he has written however, I would read him again because I think his writing is well thought out and theologically sound.
7. What is one key take-away or application for my life?
That the kingdom of God is still here, and not just then when Jesus was here or will be when Jesus returns, but now and I am in it and part of it.
8. What was one point of disagreement?
pg 131 he writes, "before we bring our apologetics (defending the faith), we may need to bring our apologies (where we haven't been consistent with our faith). The church hasn't always been faithful to Scripture in addressing racism and sexism, in its use of power, and in matters of financial integrity. Before we can be a part of the solution, we have to own up to the ways in which we've been a part of the problem." I disagree if he is stating this for the broader church or the actions of the church in general. For this would be true of every person in every situation. If every conversation or attempt to right a wrong began with a list of all our apologies for the wrongs of others that share a similar theology, last name, skin color, sexual identity, or organization then when would anything get done? I don't think I have to apologize for something someone else did whose last name is Teems before I can work to make a difference. Perhaps I would if it were my daughter, husband, son, even pet but not otherwise. The same with the church - I cannot be responsible for the actions of any church save mine to which I am a member for which I would apologize for. The history of the church is riddled with mistakes just like the history of any powerful nation against a weaker one. I could agree with acknowledging these things, if they are current and local but I fail to see how apologising that our church fathers had slaves before I take a stand against slavery or racism doesn't make sense to me. I hope this makes sense I don't mean it to be unkind or without empathy.
9. What are any other things that stood out ot you?
Also in chapter 7 he spoke about the idea that in many churches today many minorities feel the pressure to check their cultural background at the door? I am not sure what he means by this. He writes, "sometimes the church has downplayed diversity for the sake of unity". I believe there is much diversity in at least our church body however we do expect that our similarities - love of God, Christ and each other - would be our unity and we would gladly in love of the body not expect to have our uniqueness be made much of since it isn't about us.
10. Have you read any books similar to this one that you would also recommend?
I cannot think of any right now. In summary for me personally apart from questions in chapter 7 this book has definitely raised my awareness and had a positive impact on me.
by: Jeremy Treat
1. Would you recommend this book?
Absolutely. It is an easy read but more than that it illuminated for me things about the Kingdom of God that I hadn't realized I was overlooking or disregarding. Without realizing it I was focusing more on the Kingdom of God as a future coming event to be prayed for and brought about by God when Jesus returns. However, it is just as importantly, a right now work being done by us in everything, that is the piece that I was overlooking and which resided in the back of my consciousness instead of in front where it belongs.
2. What is the main point?
The main point is that the Kingdom of God is: God's reign, through God's people, over God's place. I quote from pg 18. " The message of the kingdom of God is not an escape from earth to heaven but God's reign coming from heaven to earth.
3. Which parts should I read if I am short on time?
All the parts are worth the time - however, I would recommend chapters 1,2, 4, and 9.
4. Why does this book matter?
It brings to focus the right now of the kingdom of God. The responsibility we have to bring heaven down, not simply long for heaven. This kingdom should be showing up IN us because we bear the image of Christ and Christ proclaimed that He was the Kingdom of God that was near.
5. Is this book an easy read?
I found it easy to read and follow along.
6. Who is the author and what do you think of their writing?
The author is Jeremy Treat. This is my first time reading anything he has written however, I would read him again because I think his writing is well thought out and theologically sound.
7. What is one key take-away or application for my life?
That the kingdom of God is still here, and not just then when Jesus was here or will be when Jesus returns, but now and I am in it and part of it.
8. What was one point of disagreement?
pg 131 he writes, "before we bring our apologetics (defending the faith), we may need to bring our apologies (where we haven't been consistent with our faith). The church hasn't always been faithful to Scripture in addressing racism and sexism, in its use of power, and in matters of financial integrity. Before we can be a part of the solution, we have to own up to the ways in which we've been a part of the problem." I disagree if he is stating this for the broader church or the actions of the church in general. For this would be true of every person in every situation. If every conversation or attempt to right a wrong began with a list of all our apologies for the wrongs of others that share a similar theology, last name, skin color, sexual identity, or organization then when would anything get done? I don't think I have to apologize for something someone else did whose last name is Teems before I can work to make a difference. Perhaps I would if it were my daughter, husband, son, even pet but not otherwise. The same with the church - I cannot be responsible for the actions of any church save mine to which I am a member for which I would apologize for. The history of the church is riddled with mistakes just like the history of any powerful nation against a weaker one. I could agree with acknowledging these things, if they are current and local but I fail to see how apologising that our church fathers had slaves before I take a stand against slavery or racism doesn't make sense to me. I hope this makes sense I don't mean it to be unkind or without empathy.
9. What are any other things that stood out ot you?
Also in chapter 7 he spoke about the idea that in many churches today many minorities feel the pressure to check their cultural background at the door? I am not sure what he means by this. He writes, "sometimes the church has downplayed diversity for the sake of unity". I believe there is much diversity in at least our church body however we do expect that our similarities - love of God, Christ and each other - would be our unity and we would gladly in love of the body not expect to have our uniqueness be made much of since it isn't about us.
10. Have you read any books similar to this one that you would also recommend?
I cannot think of any right now. In summary for me personally apart from questions in chapter 7 this book has definitely raised my awareness and had a positive impact on me.
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