Must you believe something to be saved? Does the kingdom of God include non-Christians? Is hell for real and forever? These are big questions. Hard questions. Questions that divide Christians along conservative and liberal lines. Conservatives love their beliefs and liberals believe in their love. Each pushes the other to opposite extremes. Fundamentalists imply that it doesn t matter how we live as long as we believe in Jesus, while some Emergent Christians respond that it doesn t matter what we believe as long as we live like him. Theologian Michael Wittmer calls both sides out of bounds...

"In this important guide, Jeremy Bouma explains how many who speak of the Kingdom of God do not mean what Jesus meant by it. If you are one who is attracted to the liberal gospel, this guide might just save your soul." -MICHAEL E. WITTMER, Grand Rapids Theological Seminary In recent years the use of Kingdom of God language has markedly increased within evangelicalism, and rightly so, as the Kingdom is central to the teachings of Jesus. While recapturing this aspect of the Christian faith is a good thing, several scholars have noted similarities between such language and Protestant liberalism....

If following Jesus involves a life of sacrifice and suffering, is it wrong for a Christian to seek purpose and joy in this world?

Many Christians sense a tension between their desire to enjoy life in this world--the beauty of God's creation, the rich love of deep relationships with others--and the reality that this world is fallen and broken, in need of redemption. How can we embrace and thrive in the tension between enjoying creation and promoting redemption? By living out our God-given purpose.

As "worldly saints," created in the image of God, we are natural creatures with...