Essential Resources

• "The Jewish World of Jesus: An Overview," introductory essay on the Jewish historical background of Jesus, by James Tabor (University of North Carolina at Charlotte).

• "The Kingdom of God in Jesus' Teaching," notes for a class at the University of Calgary. A series of pithy characteristics about the Kingdom of God followed by illustrations from the Gospels. Includes art by Rembrandt and others.

• "The Kingdom of God in the Synoptic Tradition," a collection of all Jesus' speeches about the kingdom in Matthew, Mark, and Luke compiled by James Tabor (University of North Carolina at Charlotte).

• "New Testament Texts on the Imminence of the End," a collection of scripture passages on the nearness of the end of the world, compiled by James Tabor (University of North Carolina at Charlotte).

• "A Closer Look at the Mustard Seed," excerpt from The Historical Jesus: The Life of a Mediterranean Jewish Peasant, by John Dominic Crossan (DePaul University). A brief essay on the parable of the mustard seed.

• "What's the Good News?: Nine Evangelical Leaders Define the Gospel," originally published in Christianity Today, February 7, 2000. Theological statements that summarize the essence of God's Kingdom, by Myron Augsburger, Darrell Bock, David Dockery, Ajith Fernando, Cheryl Bridges Johns, Roberta Hestenes, Dennis Kinlaw, Robert Smith Jr., and Steven Voth. To continue reading this series, just follow the links at the end of each page.

* You may access this scripture reading at any time by clicking on the "Scripture" tab above.