Spirituality According to Paul: Imitating the Apostle of Christ, By Rodney Reeves
Spirituality According to Paul
Paperback
  • Length: 253 pages
  • Dimensions: 6 × 9 in
  • Published: September 28, 2011
  • Imprint: IVP Academic
  • ISBN: 9780830839469

Spirituality often evokes images of quiet centeredness, meditative serenity and freedom from life's pressures. It?s become a chic commodity, with its benefits evoked by images of sunrises and secluded retreats.Contrast the apostle Paul, who promotes a cross-shaped spirituality for fools making their way though life's trials. Paul realized that images of crucifixion, burial and resurrection would never be popular images of the spiritual life. So he encourages his fellow travelers, who are spiritually united with Christ, to "follow me as I follow Christ."As he explores this ancient spiritual path, Rodney Reeves probes our understanding of what Christian spirituality should be. And to illuminate its transformative power, he gives us living illustrations of what it means to follow Paul as he followed Christ. Here is a book that joins a deep understanding of Paul with a pastoral and spiritual wisdom born of experience.

"Reeves has a remarkable ability to make ancient texts speak with a modern voice. He helps us rediscover Paul's spirituality, not in some lazy, postmodern, touchy-feely sense, but in a rigorous, immensely practical, how-to-live-your-life sense. In a day when we are advised not to put people on pedestals, Reeves insists that we place Paul squarely on a pedestal--head and shoulders above the rest--and imitate him."David B. Capes, Thomas Nelson Research Professor, Houston Baptist University
"Imitating Christ is too often reduced to the classic spiritual disciplines. While not inherently wrong, it superimposes an artificial framework on Paul. Like Procrustes of mythology, we stretch and chop the text to fit the bed. Dr. Reeves, a beloved professor in the classroom and an accomplished Pauline scholar, highlights the essential elements of following Christ, letting Paul use the framework Paul chose. Don't let his charming style and delightful wit deceive you. This is not fluffy devotion, but solid exegesis, cognizance of issues, thoughtful reflection and practical application by someone who knows and believes the text. Here is the spiritual formation textbook you were looking for."E. Randolph Richards, professor of biblical studies, Palm Beach Atlantic University
"This book is an outstanding resource for anyone who yearns to know Christ more deeply and follow him more completely. Rodney Reeves has given us a valuable gift in Spirituality According to Paul. His combination of careful biblical scholarship, wise pastoral counsel and open-hearted sharing of his own faith journey helps us see in new ways what authentic spirituality is all about. This book is a rich resource for pastors, lay leaders and all believers who want to grow in their relationship with Christ and to live out their faith each day."Mark D. Roberts, senior advisor and theologian-in-residence, Foundations for Laity Renewal
"I am convinced that my friend Rodney Reeves writes to challenge, confound and sometimes irritate! Rodney has a keen mind and a distinct way of pressing God's truth into our heart, then probing there to see what we are going to do in response. This is a great book to read, study, digest, meditate and, as a result, imitate the apostle of Christ."Rex M. Horne Jr., president, Ouachita Baptist University
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CONTENTS

Preface
Introduction
Part 1: Crucified with Christ
1 Foolish Death: Suffering the Loss of All Things
2 Living Sacrifice: Crucifying the World
3 Holy Temples: Denying the Flesh
4 Free Slaves: Graceful Obedience
Part 2: Buried with Christ
5 Whole Body: One Faith
6 Common Bonds: Worship as Corporate Reality
7 Sacred Community: Sex and Marriage
8 Generous Fellowship: Work and Money
Part 3: Raised with Christ
9 BoldConfession: Wasting No Time
10 Blessed Hope: The Wait/Weight of Glory
11 Putting Up a Fight: Opposing the Powers
12 Seeing Things: Mystical Journeys
Conclusion: The Imitable Life
Notes
Subject Index
Scripture Index

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Rodney Reeves

Rodney Reeves (PhD, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary) is senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Jonesboro, Arkansas. He has also taught New Testament at Northern Seminary, Southwest Baptist University, and Williams Baptist University. His many publications include Spirituality According to Paul, Rediscovering Paul, Rediscovering Jesus, and Matthew in the Story of God commentary series.