{"product_id":"the-kingdom-and-the-cross-9780830835492","title":"The Kingdom and the Cross","description":"\u003cp\u003eWe believe a lot of false narratives about the nature of God, things like \"God helps those who help themselves\"; \"God blesses the righteous\"; \"God might not be out for your good, and you might be missing something.\" But pastor and professor James Bryan Smith, author of the Apprentice Series, points us to the truth of who God is, revealed by Jesus: A God who loves to help the helpless. A God who doesn't play favorites, whether righteous or unrighteous. A God who is, in his essence, self-sacrificing--even to death--to save a people he loves.In six short chapters, \u003ci\u003eThe Kingdom and the Cross\u003c\/i\u003e zooms in on Christ's work on the cross and what it all means about who God is and how we're to live as his people. A soul training exercise is included for each chapter to help the new true narrative take root in our hearts. And a discussion guide at the end makes this complement to The Apprentice Series perfect for groups to work through together, especially during the season of Lent.Understanding Christ's work on the cross is crucial for any apprentice of Jesus. Here is a resource to help you see--and believe--more fully, that you might live more faithfully in his kingdom.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eJames Bryan Smith\u003c\/b\u003e is a theology professor and the director of the Aprentis Institute at Friends University in Wichita, Kansas. Smith is an ordained United Methodist Church minister and has served in various capacities in local churches. Smith is also the author of \u003ci\u003eA Spiritual Formation Workbook, Devotional Classics\u003c\/i\u003e (with Richard Foster), \u003ci\u003eEmbracing the Love of God\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eRoom of Marvels.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"IVP Formatio","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50503952662802,"sku":"9780830835492","price":12.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_8cf6746d-7174-4e55-beea-60994c30373f.jpg?v=1730806162","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/the-kingdom-and-the-cross-9780830835492","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}