The Scandal of the Kingdom

How the Parables of Jesus Revolutionize Life with God

By: Dallas Willard, John Mark Comer

Narrated by: Bill Brooks

Length: 10 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

A major new work by Dallas Willard, the highly anticipated follow-up to his seminal work The Divine Conspiracy. In this groundbreaking book based on teachings he delivered to a church community, Willard delves into the transformative power of Jesus's parables, revealing how they show us how to live right now in the kingdom of God.

Drawing from his extensive teachings on spiritual formation, Willard illuminates the timeless wisdom contained within each parable, revealing their profound relevance to contemporary life. With clarity and depth, he guides readers through the subversive messages embedded within these seemingly simple stories, urging us to break free from the grip of worldly values and embrace the radical teachings of Jesus.

The Scandal of the Kingdom is not just a book—it's a call to action. Willard challenges listeners to move beyond passive acceptance of comfortable dogmas and instead to actively engage with the values of the kingdom of God. He reminds us that the kingdom is not some distant future destination but a present reality, beckoning us, as the parables of Jesus did, to live with a new purpose and intentionality in the here and now.

Through insightful analysis and practical wisdom, Willard empowers readers to transform their lives and communities by embodying the radical love, compassion, and justice exemplified in Jesus's parables. This book is a beacon of hope for Christians seeking to deepen their faith and live more authentically in accordance with the teachings of Christ. Willard empowers us to:

• Become more passionate about living the gospel in the full scope of Jesus's vision for us
• Better share the faith of Jesus with those disillusioned with Christianity
• Unlock the excitement of living in the upside-down kingdom of God
• Share the gospel of Jesus in the way he did

A significant new resource for Christians worldwide, this book offers a road map for spiritual growth and renewal in an increasingly complex and challenging world. With its profound insights and transformative message, it is destined to leave a lasting impact on the hearts and minds of believers everywhere.

©2024 Dallas Willard (P)2024 Zondervan

Humble excellence

The way he writes, it’s just incredible. Humbly excellent and every thought and expression has a weight of experience to it.

Outstanding

Not disappointed in the slightest. Highly recommended for all who read Dallas, and those who don’t.

Jesus Parables Transform Our Relationship witf God

The book weaves scripture, philosophy, and practical insights together in a way that just clicked for me, although I did have to slow down at times to digest some of the more profound concepts. I appreciate how Willard always writes with the reader in mind—it felt like he was walking alongside me, guiding me through these profound truths. I also noticed how much of it has impacted my day-to-day decisions and outlook on life, reminding me that the kingdom of God is something we can experience now through our connection with Jesus and others.

One of the most remarkable illustrations Willard brings up is the power of Jesus' parables. He highlights how, through these simple yet profound stories, Jesus revealed the nature of God's kingdom in a way that invites us to enter in. For example, the parable of the mustard seed shows how something seemingly insignificant can grow into something mighty. Willard emphasizes that these stories were meant to teach and transform. They offer us a glimpse of how God’s kingdom operates—not in flashy, instant results, but in gradual, steady growth that has a lasting impact. This reminder resonated with me deeply, reflecting how God's work in our lives often unfolds quietly but powerfully.

I also want to thank the team who carefully pulled together the text for Scandal of the Kingdom from Dallas’s writings, lectures, and other materials. Even though Dallas is no longer with us, his wisdom and insights continue to impact so many lives. His work lives on through books like this, offering us the profound spiritual direction that resonates deeply with our walk today. It’s truly a gift that his voice and teachings remain accessible, guiding us toward a deeper understanding of God’s kingdom.

Inspiring to action

Although I found the book hard to listen to and understand, it truly inspired me. There was often repetition to the point that i wasn't sure I hadn't already heard each chapter. However this book had a huge impact on my faith and how I hope to live my life. I hope to move towards more radical gospel action in my everyday life. The concept of living in the Kingdom now was amazing. I was also moved by the idea of not only having "faith in Jesus, but rather faith of Jesus" thank you 🙏🏻