In this section we list a number of resources which could help you explore in more depth the teaching or issues recently covered in The King's Centre series on The Kingdom of God. Many are available to borrow via the KC office.

Topic: General books on The Kingdom of God

What? The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard

Why? An mind-opening exploration of Jesus' kingdom teaching focussing on the sermon-on-the-mount. Looking at what he was saying behind the words, what it means for our response in our hearts & minds, and encouraging us to go deeper and take the kingdom seriously.

How deep? This is very deep! It takes dedication to get through, but it is life-changingly worth it. The first couple of chapters are probably the hardest, and then it gets easier. There is also a seperate study guide book for small groups.

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What? Breakthrough, Discovering the Kingdom by Derek Morphew

Why? A theological run-through of what the bible says about the kingdom, particularly around the 'now and not yet' aspects.

How deep? A readable study, in nice short chunks. Starts with OT then moves to New Testament.

Derek Morphew has written other books on the Kingdom too, all well worth checking out.

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What? The Dynamics of Spiritual Growth by John Wimber & Kevin Springer

Why? A no-nonsense 'how-to' guide to growing as a Christian in many aspects including the spirit, word, disciplines etc. It doesn't feed you all the answers, it makes it clear that development can sometimes be hard work, but well worth it!

How deep? Easy to get into, in small chunks around each topic. It covers a lot, so could be part of your daily time with God over a period of time.

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What? 'Kingdom' series of books by John Wimber

Why? A series of 6 short pamplets about specifics of the Kingdom which do (or should) affect our daily lives.

How deep? Bite-sized books giving plenty of food for thought, and with big consequences if we apply Jesus' principles fully.

These pamphlets don't appear to be on sale in the UK, but KC is planning to purchase 1 set from the USA, so you can arrange to borrow them through the church office.

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What? Holy Spirit I am hungry for you by Claudio Freidzon

Why? Inspiring story of Argentinian pastor Claudio Freidzon who has seen revival and miracles at home and abroad. An encouragement to go deeper with God and his spirit into the things of the kingdom.

How deep? Not deep, but a very good read and full of practical advice and inspiring stories.

The Upside-Down Kingdom

What? The Upside-Down Kingdom by Donald B Kraybill

Why?  Book dedicated to the subject of the 'upside-down' kingdom. Looking at various aspects in-depth (like heart issues, political/social ramifications, & paradoxes such as loving enemies).

How deep? Not hard to follow, but in-depth into the cultural background of some of Jesus' teachings (Kraybill is a sociologist by training). Interesting insights, but not always vital.

Prayer

What? Don't just stand there, pray something by Ronald Dunn

Why?  Straightforward, engaging book about perking up your prayer life. Its encouraging and practical.

How deep? Easy to read, but also a wide coverage of issues like intercession, forgiveness, battle and different approaches and issues in prayer.  [Available to borrow from KC resources room]

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What? Prayer Explosion! by Colin Dye

Why? An inspiring read about the power of prayer, based on the experience of the leader of Kensington Temple in London. Full of examples and testimonies of God changing lives & situations through prayer, plus practical advice.

How deep? Not deep in a theological sense, but very challenging. It will make you want to pray more, and understand the power of prayer.

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What? Mighty Prevailing Prayer by Wesley Duewel

Why? The pincacle book on prayer and breakthrough. Recommended by those who themselves are great prayers.

How deep? Deep - but then, so is the subject. Divided into small chapters so you can easily dip in and out.

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What? A Passionate Life by Mike Breen & Walt Kallestad

Why? The Lifeshapes are outlined here. The Hexagon is all about praying the Lord's Prayer.

How deep? Not deep. Easily accessible, easy to read but life-changing if you take on board the principles of each shape. 

Forgiveness

What? Total Forgiveness by R T Kendall

What? God meant it for good by R T Kendall

Money

What? Your Money and your life by Keith Tondeur

Why? Practical 'guidebook' on handling your money from a Christian perspective. Chapters on how the bible teaches money, saving, budgetting, dealing with debt, ethics, etc

How deep? Not hard to read (unless you take its teaching seriously!!). In easy chunks, and very practical - includes how to prepare a household budget.

Copies available to buy from KC office - £7.99 each

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What? Debt free living by Keith Tondeur & Larry Burkett

Why? Practical steps to getting out of debt, and staying out of debt from experienced money counsellors.

How deep? Not deep - just practical.

Available to borrow from KC resources room library.

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What? Money, Sex & Power by Richard Foster

Why? Hard-hitting insights into perhaps the three biggest drivers of human activity in everyday life. Christian perspectives and an uncompromising approach.

How deep? Quite a lot of content, and you would need to read a bit and reflect on it, to get the most out. Not so much a 'how to' guide as a 'think about this..' book.

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What? resources for everyday living from Care for the Family website

Why? CFTF are a Christian organisation devoted to promoting family life and helping with the practicalities of everyday living in a tough world. They have produced a number of ideas and resources around money and debt.

Click here to open their website.

Spiritual Warfare

What? God at War by Gregory Boyd

Why? Comprehensive review of Warfare theology and worldview. Good biblical basis, good coverage of the 'problem of evil' question - stuff about why/does God allow suffering etc.

How deep? Deep and thick - but worth it. About a third of the thickness is footnotes which give good biblical backup to the main text which is written for the average non-theologian.

Recommended recorded teaching (conferences etc)

What?  Kingdom Living: Walking In The Power & Character Of God by Todd Hunter (Cassette)

Why? Series of 5 talks given by Todd Hunter (leader of Vineyard USA at the time) at New Wine 2000, about framing our lives around the call to be submitted, active subjects of God's kingdom. Its a challenge to live the life backed up with great insight into Jesus and what he knew about the human heart.

How deep? Easy to listen to tapes of about 40 minutes each. But the message should really prick your ears up! Make the effort to give yourself time to respond to each talk.

Available to purchase here from EssentialChristian.com who sell all the recordings from New Wine.

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What? The Kingdom by Derek Morphew (Cassette)

Why? Series of 5 talks given by Derek Morphew (see book recommendations above) at New Wine 2005. He looks at the Kingdom and how it is portrayed in both the Old and New Testaments. This mirrors a lot of what he writes in his book Breakthrough.

How deep? He has the time to explore topics in some detail, without being too dry. Its good background knowledge to have, mostly theologically based.

Available to purchase here from EssentialChristian.com who sell all the recordings from New Wine.

NOTE: King's Centre have purchased Derek Morphew's teaching on the kingdom from New Wine North 2005 (slightly different to the above, but not much). If you want to borrow the tapes, contact the church office.

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