The Spirit of Jesus Unleashed on the Church
Acts of the Early Christians in a Changing Culture
by Ron Clark
Imprint: Cascade Books
The Spirit of Jesus Unleashed on the Church is the third book in a series concerning the restoration of Jesus' people in a world where the marginalized classes longed for reconciliation to God. After Jesus' ascension the early Christians fulfilled Luke's epic theme of restoration in their new empire, inclusion of outcasts, and endurance during the resistance. As Jesus journeyed to Jerusalem, so Paul and the mission of God followed the journey to the capital of the Roman world. God's people today are likewise empowered by the Spirit to boldly live their mission for Jesus through love, compassion, and endurance in cultures that marginalize those who need God's reconciliation.
Ron Clark is a minister for the Agape Church of Christ in Portland. He is an adjunct faculty member at George Fox Evangelical Seminary and the author of The God of Second Chances and Jesus Unleashed.
"It may very well be that the future of the church rests in our ability to look back as we move forward. In the book of Acts, we see the birthday of the church--and it is dazzling. The fire of Pentecost leads to sharing possessions with open hands, and worship happens out of dinner tables and living rooms. But it is also a subversive movement, preaching a different emperor than Caesar and a different empire from Rome. These renegade Jews, convinced that Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah, are turning the world upside down. Ron Clark invites you into this ancient text of Acts, and he challenges you to join the revolution of Jesus that is happening today. Ron dares you to write the next chapter of the book of Acts...with your life."
--Shane Claiborne, Author and Activist
"This is a book that leads the reader into the open, fresh air of a faith that forms around relationships and Spirit, not rules and Law. In our world, where the ghostly empire of self is empty--empty of empathy for others, and empty of treasures for oneself--Ron Clark masterfully maps for us God's Holy Spirit Empire of love, beauty, truth, and goodness."
--Leonard Sweet, best-selling author of From Tablet to Table, professor (George Fox University, Drew University, Tabor College), and creator of preachthestory.com
"The book of Acts tells the story of the church's birth and growth as a community imitating Jesus in the ministry of announcing freedom to captives and the renewal of all broken people. In this eminently readable, thoroughly researched, and compassionate book, Ron Clark reminds us that the same story continues today whenever believers and searchers engage each other in the pursuit of human dignity and intimacy with God. Like his previous work, this book brings biblical theology to life in practical ways for church leaders and all interested in hearing good news in a new age."
--Mark W. Hamilton, Onstead Professor of Biblical Studies, Graduate School of Theology, Abilene Christian University
"With equal parts exegesis and experience, I've watched Ron Clark and Agape dive deep into the core mission of Jesus--to reach people on the margins of society. Spirit Unleashed masterfully unfolds the book of Acts as the epic expansion of the Empire of Jesus and challenges every believer to boldly follow the Spirit into their communities through service, relationship, and sharing the good news."
--Kevin Palau, President of the Luis Palau Association
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