Kingdom Roots

How do we bring the Kingdom to where we live, work, and play? Jesus created the Church to be the presence of the Kingdom in the world. The Church was a unique group of diverse people from all sorts of backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, and social status. God’s intention for the church was to be a vast fellowship of differents. In this talk Scot unpacks how the Kingdom took root in the household of Philemon with the reconciliation of Philemon’s slave Onesimus back to the household. This letter proves to be an incredible vision for how the Kingdom can take root today. Interested in Scot’s new commentary on Philemon? You can find it here: http://goo.gl/cVYMha

What does God want me to do? Ask any pastor and you will find that this is the most common question that pastors must field. The ironic thing is that God cares more about who we are than what we do. Scot shows how God has a specific way for followers of Jesus to embrace the world and live out His will. No matter what you do God has a way that you can embody the presence of Christ in the life you live.

Jesus has an uncanny way to disturb the comforted and comfort the disturbed. In this Parable Jesus seems to invite those listening to imagine a world where judgment is surprising. Longing for and attention to Jesus’ return is so important and Jesus drives that point powerfully home in the Parable of the Ten Virgins. This parable is one of the most difficult to understand, but when we let Jesus imagine the world the implications of this parable would create it has significant consequences for the church today. Interested in Scot’s webinar on teaching the Church to read the Bible? Learn more and register at: http://goo.gl/Urjmwp

Epaphras – The Behind the Scenes Kingdom Worker – KR 66 One of the ways God built and is building the Kingdom is through the 'behind the scenes' workers that rarely get notoriety. Paul’s friend and co-worker Epaphras was one of those behind the scenes kind of guys. He did so much to move the Kingdom forward, but we know very little about him. In this sermon, Scot unpacks what we can understand about Epaphras and how we can better recognize the 'behind the scenes' workers. Interested in Scot’s webinar on teaching the Church to read the Bible? Learn more and register at: http://goo.gl/Urjmwp

Imagine a world where everyone was treated like a King. In Jesus’ typical style he invites those following him to live in a whole different world. That world is one where no one is below being treated like a King. This parable has Jesus identifying himself with the most vulnerable and showing his followers how important it is for them to help those in need. How are you treating the least of these, because it couldn’t be more important to Jesus?

The Parable of the Rich Fool - KR 64 Your life is not defined by what you possess, but what possesses you. Jesus says that it is impossible to serve both God and money and this parable drives this important truth. The rich fool was possessed by his possessions. Scot, Kevin, and Joe talk about how Jesus invites his kingdom to be marked by generosity and that there is no room to be greedy with what God provides. How are you using the abundance God has given you? Interested in helping where Kevin is the Principal at Mae Jemison Elementary School (3450 W. 177th St., Hazel Crest, IL 60429)? Contact Kevin through his email: [email protected], call the school at(708)225-3636, or visit their website: https://www.phsd144.net/maejemison Want to attend the event Joe Mentioned? See more info here: http://goo.gl/LHEpYH

The Parable of the Wheat and the Weeds - KR 63 by Scot McKnight

10 Tips for Improving Your Writing (Part 2) - KR 62 by Scot McKnight

It’s incredible how God uses little scribbles on a page to bring about His work in the world. Scot gives ten excellent ways that you can improve on the challenging task of writing. Here are Scot’s 10 tips: 1)Write and write often. 2)Read good writers. 3)Revise, revise, and revise some more. 4)Know your audience. 5)Get good feedback. 6)Finish your writing day by starting the next day. Write first sentence or paragraph for the next day as the last thing you do for your day. 7)Shorter is better. 8)Be yourself! Find your voice and lean into it. 9)Write for the Church in accessible prose. 10)Read aloud what you’ve written. Want to learn more about and be mentored by Scot McKnight on your writing? Check out the Master’s of Arts in New Testament at Northern Seminary. Learn more at http://seminary.edu/mant or email Chaz at [email protected]

How does God view us? This may be the most important question that one can answer. Jesus tells a parable that not only challenges those who are listening, but it reveals the very character to God. The parable shows that God doesn’t judge how we often think he does, rather he always has the ability to get to the heart of the issue. God loves us as we are and not how we should be. This view of God’s mercy shows the true character of God. It sets the foundation to be able to understand and be transformed by God on a deeper level.

God went to great lengths to help his people understand their identity. The people of God have a rich story because of God’s faithfulness, but often it is a story that is tainted with God’s people not listening and obeying. This parable of Jesus provides a significant warning on not listening or acting upon God’s desire. God has given everyone the opportunity to continue His story through Jesus and this parable is a perfect example of it. Interested in Northern’s Master’s of Arts in New Testament with Dr. McKnight? Learn more at http://seminary.edu/mant or email Chaz at [email protected]

How is it that generosity can create frustration? In Jesus’ parable of the workers in the Vineyard he challenges his listeners to embrace the generosity and faithfulness of God. Jesus takes on the toxic attitude of envy that feeds the darkest parts of our hearts and casts a shadow over our eyes preventing us from the opportunity to see God at work. If followers of Jesus don’t rid themselves of the envy that can plague their heart all they will be left with is frustration from the extravagant generosity of God toward others. Interested in I Have a Bean coffee that Scot mentioned? Learn more at their website: https://www.ihaveabean.com.

Developing a Culture Generosity (Part 2) - KR 57 by Scot McKnight

The Church can never be all God wants it to be without the generosity of its people. Leadership naturally creates the culture of any organization. It is clear that the leaders of the early Church deeply cared for the poor because they fostered a culture of generosity within the church. Scot lays the foundation from the New Testament on why and how the church can develop a culture of generosity. Interested in Northern’s Master’s of Arts in New Testament with Dr. McKnight? Learn more at http://seminary.edu/mant or email Chaz at [email protected]

Throughout Scripture and church history, women have been central to the mission of God. But all too often women have lacked opportunities to minister fully. Many churches lack visible examples of women in ministry and leadership. This can and should be changed. Scot and Tara Beth continue their conversation about how women can be emboldened to do the ministry they are gifted to do. When women teach, preach, lead, evangelize, pastor, and disciple, the church's imagination expands to better reflect God's story and hope for the world. Interested in Tara Beth’s new book? Learn more about Emboldened: A Vision for Empowering Women in Ministry here: https://www.ivpress.com/emboldened The best way to support “Kingdom Roots with Scot McKnight” is to write us an Apple Podcast review and subscribe to us on Apple Podcast (even if you listen another way). Hit the link and then press the blue “View in iTunes” button to write the review.

Why have women been silenced & not allowed to lead in the Church? Scot McKnight is a leading advocate for empowering women to be a part of every sphere of church leadership and work. Tara Beth Leach (Sr. Pastor of PazNaz) joins him to help tackle this conversation. This controversial topic always has the potential to be divisive and unproductive. In order for the Church to be all it can be we need to be more informed and thoughtful when it comes to the conversation about Women leading in the Church

How does one be Christ like in a non-Christ like world? Scot explores how 1 Peter sheds light on the answer to this question. In this letter the Apostle Peter shows that Christ’s life is the pattern for our faith. It also is the path to face unchristian behavior in the world. Scot shares three specific ways that Peter challenges his audience to respond in the face of evil. Interested in reading the article by Tish Warren that Scot Mentions? You can find it here: http://goo.gl/kAExLI Would you like to listen to more of Scot’s sermons at Church of the Redeemer? You can do so here: http://goo.gl/JMSzaI

Is there ever a time to delight in the defeat of an enemy? Scot shows from the temptation of Jesus how Satan was defeated in and through Jesus’ victory over Satan’s temptation. The temptation of Jesus is one of the high points of drama in the story of his life and ministry. Jesus is a part of a much bigger cosmic battle where he proves to be victorious and leads his followers in victory through following Him. If you would like to register or would like more info on Northern Seminary’s Theology and Mission Lectureship with Stanley Hauerwas you can do so here: http://www.seminary.edu/onmission17 Would you like to listen to more of Scot’s sermons at Church of the Redeemer? You can do so here: http://goo.gl/JMSzaI

Salvation by Allegiance Alone (Conversation with Dr. Matthew Bates) - KR 51 by Scot McKnight

What does it look like for a fellowship of differents to take root? Books of the Bible like Paul’s letter to Philemon are incredible treasures for the present day Church because they are a real life example of how difficult issues got worked out in mission. It is easy to be idealistic about a vision taking root, but it is another thing all together for it actually to happen. Scot and Geoff talk about how this happened with Philemon and how it can happen for the Church today. If you would like to register or would like more info on Northern Seminary’s Theology and Mission Lectureship with Stanley Hauerwas you can do so here: http://www.seminary.edu/onmission17

Vision is necessary for any type of movement to take root. Paul had a vision from God on what the local church should look like. This unique and inclusive vision for Paul’s churches was able to take root so powerfully through embracing the great gospel experiment. Paul’s challenge for the church was to live out this vision that demonstrates to the world God is creating a new community that embodies God’s redemptive work in Christ. Be sure not to miss an episode of Kingdom Roots with Scot McKnight by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts (https://goo.gl/G9gMfC ) or Sticher (https://goo.gl/uNZKlF) If you would like to register or would like more info on Northern Seminary’s Theology and Mission Lectureship with Stanley Hauerwas you can do so here: http://www.seminary.edu/onmission17

Have you ever had to give up something of value to gain something else of greater value? In these parables Jesus illuminates the fact that following Jesus in discipleship is costly, but also well worth the cost. There is great joy that comes when the true value of Jesus’ Kingdom is discovered and embraced. Jim Elliott captures it well when he says, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Be sure not to miss an episode of Kingdom Roots with Scot McKnight by subscribing to the podcast on iTunes (https://goo.gl/G9gMfC ) or Sticher (https://goo.gl/uNZKlF)

The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) - KR 47 by Scot McKnight

The good news of Jesus’ resurrection breaks the bonds and power of death. Jesus intended this powerful reality to be deeply rooted in the Church. There is an incredible story Jesus invites everyone to take part in through the resurrection. Join in this week’s conversation to discover the implications the resurrection has for followers of Jesus and His community. The resurrection is the biggest “IF” in all of history because if it is true all of life changes with it.

Following the Church calendar is one of the most powerful ways to embrace and be shaped by the gospel in discipleship. God has blessed the Church with the Church calendar as an opportunity to physically remember and be transformed by embodying the greatest events of God’s people. Scot shares about his journey of paying more attention to the Church calendar and why he began to spend more time remembering the great events of God through embodying them in the Church calendar. Suggested Resources: Scot’s List of Links on his Jesus Creed Blog - http://www.patheos.com/blogs/jesuscreed/favorite-links/ The Revised Common Lectionary - http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu Book of Common Prayer - http://www.bcponline.org Ancient Future Time by Robert Webber – https://goo.gl/DwnIdW Growing Young by Kara Powell – https://goo.gl/SFL3i3 Sticky Faith by Kara Powell – https://goo.gl/NHfxUq Interested in learning more about Northern Seminary’s new focused vision and courageous mission? Visit us online at https://seminary.edu Be sure not to miss an episode of Kingdom Roots with Scot McKnight by subscribing to the podcast on iTunes (https://goo.gl/G9gMfC)or Sticher (https://goo.gl/uNZKlF).

The Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:23-35) Imagine a world with more forgiveness. It has been said that withholding forgiveness is like drinking poison and hoping the other person will die. Jesus uses this powerful parable not just as an illustration about forgiveness, but also as an invitation into a deeper relationship with God through forgiveness. The reciprocal nature of God’s grace is such that when it is given it creates the opportunity to deepen the relationship with a responding gift. At first look this parable seems like it might not be very gracious, but when it is put into it’s historical context it’s easy to see that this parable is actually a perfect example of how God’s grace invites us into a greater story.

What kind of party does God like to throw? Jesus’ parable of the lost son reveals the heart of God about those who are far from Him. It is clear that God celebrates the worst of sinners coming to Him and invites all to the celebration. Jesus captures our imagination once again in this parable he invites us to join the celebration of redemption like only He can throw.

Stories have power. No matter what you think about Jesus, no one can deny that he was a master storyteller. Jesus’ stories or parables were used to invite listeners to imagine a world saturated in Kingdom living. These stories inspire, disrupt, and sometimes even trick us into understanding the truth. In this episode Scot and Chaz have a conversation with Scott Reed about the Parable of the Barren Fig Tree. This parable shocks the listener into hearing some important truths when it comes to God’s judgment and justice. Suggested Resource: Stories with Intent by Klyne R. Snodgrass (http://goo.gl/5QBBwN) Interested in Northern’s Master’s of Arts in New Testament with Dr. McKnight? Learn more at http://seminary.edu/mant or email Chaz at [email protected]

Scot's Trip to Israel - KR 41 by Scot McKnight

Communicating a message in public is one of the difficult tasks in the world. Bill Shiell, President of Northern Seminary, shares insights throughout history about how communication happens. He explains the power that comes from what happens when the Bible is communicated in the Church. The skill of communicating the message well is important when it comes to how it is received by its audience. President Shiell teaches preaching at Northern and shares the most valuable elements that help the message to take root in the audience. Suggested Resources: Delivering from Memory by Bill Shiell (http://goo.gl/gXbm7l) Northern’s Annual Preaching Forum (http://www.seminary.edu/nkpforum17/) Interested in contacting Bill Shiell? Email him at [email protected]

Behind every great scientist is a great story. Scot has a conversation with Dennis Venema about his scientific journey of unpacking the human genome and how that affected his faith journey. Also in this episode, Dennis takes the complexity of the human genome and makes it simple to understand by any audience. Dennis Venema is professor of biology at Trinity Western University in Langley, British Columbia and a fellow of Biology with Biologos. Preorder Adam and the Genome here: http://goo.gl/Tfmme7 If you want to have a chance to win a copy of Adam and the Genome, share your favorite line from the episode on Twitter or Facebook with #kingdomroots.

What can science shed light about reading the Bible? Genetic science has made some incredible discoveries lately. In this episode of Kingdom Roots Scot shares his story of why he opened his mind about reading Genesis in light of scientific study. Readers of the Bible need to be sensitive to scientific study and Scot shows how that sensitivity can lead readers of the Bible to a deeper understanding of the ancient near east. Preorder Adam and the Genome here: http://goo.gl/Tfmme7 If you want to have a chance to win a copy of Adam and the Genome, share your favorite line from the episode on Twitter or Facebook with #kingdomroots.

What would it have looked like to have the Apostle Paul as your Pastor? In this episode of Kingdom Roots, Scot investigates what people think about when they think of the word pastor. There are four major models of pastoral responsibilities that Scot sheds light on and invites the Apostle Paul to speak into. Studying Paul as a pastor is necessary if the Kingdom is going to take root now as it took root for Paul and the early church. If there is any way we can help you or your ministry please don’t hesitate to email Chaz at [email protected].

The majority of earth’s inhabitants believe in angels. Yet many of us cannot claim to have seen one. Why? Perhaps it’s because in order to encounter one, we first have to learn what to look for and how to look! We live in a world where the natural and supernatural overlap. Angels are constantly on mission from God and constantly at work in the world. From the Garden of Eden to the book of Revelation, Scripture is filled with hundreds of references to these wondrous creatures. In this episode of Kingdom Roots, Scot McKnight begins to unpack what the Bible says—and doesn’t say—about these majestic beings. Pre-Order Scot’s new book on amazon here: (http://goo.gl/klu0c2) Want a chance to win the Hum of Angels? Just share your favorite line from today’s podcast on Twitter or Facebook with #kingdomroots. You will be put into a drawing on January 10 to win a copy of the Hum of Angels.

What is the future of Evangelicalism? Scot begins to answer this question and more by defining how the term “Evangelical” has been used and how the people who claim the title have engaged in society. The story of Evangelicalism is a fascinating one. Scot makes some very important suggestions on what the Church as a whole can learn from the good and bad parts of Evangelicalism. Suggested Resources for further study: The Dominance of Evangelicalism by David Bebbington (http://goo.gl/JDC71N) Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory by Randall Balmer (http://goo.gl/GjAqFA) Redeemer: The Life of Jimmy Carter by Randall Balmer (http://goo.gl/pfXzuE) Kingdom Conspiracy by Scot McKnight (http://goo.gl/CxW8Gy) Be sure not to miss an episode of Kingdom Roots with Scot McKnight by subscribing to the podcast on iTunes or Sticher. Learn more about Northern Seminary’s Master of Arts in New Testament at www.seminary.edu/MANT

Beverly Gaventa explains how when reading the book of Romans, we often focus on the quotable passages, making brief stopovers and not staying long enough to grasp some of the big ideas it contains. She invites readers of Romans to linger in Romans and to consider Paul’s admonition, how Abraham is involved in Paul’s message, and how worship is expressed in ethics. Suggested Resources: When in Romans: An Invitation to Linger with the Gospel according to Paul by Beverly Gaventa (http://goo.gl/DPxwBz) Our Mother Saint Paul by Beverly Gaventa (http://goo.gl/ykzYin) From Darkness to Light by Beverly Gaventa (http://goo.gl/ooFB3u) Want to listen to the Kingdom Roots episode with John Barclay about Grace? It can be found here: http://goo.gl/2Kh3oU Interested in seminary? Learn more about how Northern Seminary equips the Church to change the world at http://seminary.edu

What really were the dynamics of the first Christmas? Hallmark and Santa Clause have all but totally hijacked the Christmas season. When we really investigate the true story of Christmas we find a story dripping with scandal, surrender, sacrifice and social revolution. The Church is currently in the season of Advent where it is awaiting the coming of Jesus into the world. If the Church is to let the Kingdom take root then it will have to embrace and be encouraged by the reality of how the real Christmas Story took root.

How can we pray like Jesus? The Jewish people Jesus grew up with were a praying people. Scot guides us on a journey into the depths of prayer in first century Judaism and explains how Jesus anchors His understanding of prayer in Jewish prayer. Prayer is an essential part of Kingdom living. This episode will help you allow prayer to build deeper roots in your life. Suggested Resources: Praying with the Church by Scot McKnight (http://goo.gl/09E1gy) The Divine Hours, Pocket Edition by Phyllis Tickle (http://goo.gl/k8dTaK) The Common Book of Prayer (http://goo.gl/43XpQu) Lord, Teach Us: The Lord’s Prayer and the Christian Life by Stanley Hauerwas and William Willmon (http://goo.gl/w34ZHl)

What is the central thing for the Church? There are so many things that inevitably work to splinter the Church. However, if the Church intentionally roots itself in the central things such as the Gospel of Jesus, then not even divisive issues such as an election can divide the Church. Scot gives a vision for how to keep the central things central while adopting and adapting implications from the Gospel to the culture in which the Church exists. Suggested Resources: Books: The King Jesus Gospel by Scot McKnight (http://goo.gl/ARF03V) New Horizons in Hermeneutics by Anthony Thiselton (http://goo.gl/5Oud8G) NT Blogs: Scot McKnight (Jesus Creed) - http://www.patheos.com/blogs/jesuscreed/ Ben Witherington III - http://www.patheos.com/blogs/bibleandculture/ Larry Hurtado - https://larryhurtado.wordpress.com OT Blog: Claude Mariottini - https://claudemariottini.com Magazines: Relevant Magazine - http://www.relevantmagazine.com Christianity Today - http://www.christianitytoday.com Interested in learning more about Northern? Attend Northern’s Open House online through Northern Live or in person on Tuesday, Novemeber 15 at 6pm CST. Learn more and register at http://www.seminary.edu/news/oh16/

“If we only get the right person in the right political office, then all will be well.” Scot explains why this is such a dangerous and damaging way to approach politics as Christians representing the Church. The good news is that even if Christians disagree on politics, there is a way to be faithfully present as the Kingdom of God in the midst of governments of the world. Suggested Resources: Kingdom Conspiracy: Returning to the Radical Mission of the Local Church by Scot McKnight (http://goo.gl/oPvdzu) unChristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks about Christianity … and Why It Matters by David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons (http://goo.gl/Mjd4gq) They Like Jesus but Not the Church: Insights from Emerging Generations by Dan Kimball (http://goo.gl/YEUzxP) Interested in learning more about Northern? Attend Northern’s Open House online through Northern Live or in person on Tuesday, Novemeber 15 at 6pm CST. Learn more and register at http://www.seminary.edu/news/oh16/

In our quest to renew the church, Christians have walked through seeker-friendly, emergent, missional, and other movements to develop new expressions of the body of Christ. Now in the post-Christian world in North America we're asking the question again: Is there a way to be the church that engages the world, not by judgment nor accommodation but by becoming the good news in our culture? In this episode of Kingdom Roots, Scot has a conversation with noted pastor, scholar, and his friend David Fitch about his new book, Faithful Presence. In Faithful Presence, David gives a new vision for the witness of the church in the world. He argues that we have lost the intent and practice of the sacramental ways of the historic church, but those ways can be rediscovered if the church goes back to the practices that anchored the church from its birth. Preorder Faithful Presence here: http://goo.gl/I0cZGu Connect with David Fitch on Twitter (https://twitter.com/fitchest) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/fitchest?fref=ts) Or listen to Theology on Mission (http://goo.gl/DsKDE6) Interested in learning more about Northern? Attend Northern’s Open House on Tuesday, November 15 at 6pm CST. Learn more and register at http://www.seminary.edu/news/oh16/

Have you ever wondered why certain books seem to be left out of the Bible? Scot addresses this question and more about the Cannon, Apocrypha literature, and Pseudepigrapha literature. Scot gives a vision for the value that Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha literature have for readers of the Bible even though they are not inspired and authoritative. Interested in learning more about Northern? Attend Northern’s Open House on Tuesday, Novemeber 15 at 6pm CST. Learn more and register at http://www.seminary.edu/news/oh16/

What happened when Jesus came to Earth? The Apocalyptic Paul camp suggests Jesus’ coming was a sudden disruptive in breaking of God’s redemptive plan at the cosmic level. They claim Jesus’ coming completely shatters all that we know about God and defines the revelation of God. In this episode, Scot breaks down how this camp of Pauline study arose and it’s significance for the Church today. Suggested Resources: 1) The Apocalyptic Gospel in Galatians by J. Louis Martyn (http://int.sagepub.com/content/54/3/246) 2) Apocalyptic Paul by Beverly Gaventa (goo.gl/KCnrPq) 3) The Quest for Paul’s Gospel by Douglas Campbell (goo.gl/bezFV8) and if you’re brave The Deliverance of God (goo.gl/z70299) 4) Paul the Apostle by J. Christaan Beker (goo.gl/dMAFXm)

Kingdom Questions Part 2 Community life marked by the Kingdom may be the most unique fellowship the world has ever seen. Scot tackles difficult questions around the subject of the Jew + Gentile vision for the church. This vision leads to more pressing questions for today on the expression of diversity that should be taking root in churches today. Suggested Resource: Korie Edward’s book The Elusive Dream (goo.gl/g6ZYCX) Do you have a question for Scot? Occasionally, Scot will be fielding your questions from any of the topics discussed on Kingdom Roots. If you would like to send in your question(s) please email them to Chaz Robbins at [email protected].

Anyone who tries to let God’s Kingdom take root in their life is going to have serious questions. In this episode, Scot fields your biggest questions about Church life and discipleship on how to live out the Kingdom. Do you have a question for Scot? Occasionally, Scot will be fielding your questions from any of the topics discussed on Kingdom Roots. If you would like to send in your question(s) please email them to Chaz Robbins at [email protected].

What if the Church got better at the two things Jesus said mattered most? If the Church is going to thrive in this changing world a pivotal thing is going to be being a good neighbor. Rick Rusaw and Lifebridge Christian Church have been on a journey to love God better through actually loving their literal neighbors. Rick gives some practical advice on how churches can better equip congregations to get to know and love the people they live near. Suggested Resources: The Neighboring Church by Rick Rusaw and Brian Mavis (https://goo.gl/14w7h2) The Externally Focused Church by Rick Rusaw and Eric Swanson (https://goo.gl/YdYCNQ) http://www.theneighboringchurch.com

Racial tension is as at a high point. The embodiment of the Kingdom found in the New Testament and lived out through the Church was to be a vision of unity and diversity. The Church in America, unfortunately, has remained one of the most segregated organizations instead of being a vision for unity and diversity. Pastor Derwin Gray and Transformation Church is a shining light of how the Church can be the type of diverse community it was intended to be. Hear about Pastor Derwin’s journey of planting Transformation Church, the challenges they faced from being a multiethnic church, and steps any church can take to become a richer expression of the diverse Kingdom of God. Suggested Resources: The High Definition Leader: Building Multiethnic Churches in a Multiethnic World by Derwin L. Gray (https://goo.gl/f9C1yB) The Fellowship of Differents by Scot McKnight (http://goo.gl/61WUrV) Follow Pastor Derwin on his website (http://www.derwinlgray.com), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Derwin-L-Gray/117534411600257) Twitter (https://twitter.com/derwinlgray) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/derwinlgray/)

When God calls His people into mission He doesn’t call individuals, rather He calls a community. Paul exemplifies this reality with his missionary friends. These friends are indispensable to how God used Paul to bring the kingdom to take root in the 1st Century world. Some of Paul’s closest missionary friends included Priscilla and Aquila who provide a beautiful example of an entire household doing ministry together. Epaphras is another great example of how Paul befriended a nonbeliever, led them into a relationship with Jesus, and sent them out to do ministry. Have a question for Scot? In a few weeks, Scot will be fielding your questions from any of the topics discussed on Kingdom Roots. If you would like to send in your question(s) please email them to Chaz Robbins at [email protected].

In the words of the great theologian Bill Withers, “We all need somebody to lean on.” It can be very tempting to make ministry into a solo endeavor and not realize the importance of having friends to be with you as you do ministry together. Paul gives a clear example of how ministry can and should be done together with other people. Relationships prove to be an essential element of his missionary work. If you would like to send in your question(s) for our special listener asked questions episode please email Chaz Robbins at [email protected].

What’s on the heart of Northern Seminary’s President Dr. William Shiell? On this week of Kingdom roots we cover everything from Bill’s favorite parts of being a pastor and preaching to his transition as Northern Seminary’s President. The mission of Northern Seminary is to equip the Church to change the world and that mission is clearly heavy on Bill’s heart. Suggested Resources: Ezekiel: God’s Presence in Performance by William D. Shiell (http://goo.gl/1fVrXZ) Delivering from Memory by William D. Shiell (http://goo.gl/IHBrND) Reading Acts: The Lector and the Early Christian Audience by William D. Shiell (http://goo.gl/qARxYy)