The Upside Down Kingdom: Wisdom for Life from the Beatitudes (Chris Castaldo)

Description

An Examination of the Beatitudes and Jesus’s Counterintuitive Promises

In our sinful world, we often struggle with anxiety, loneliness, and heartache. Everywhere we look, we see broken families and divided communities. How can we truly cultivate God’s kingdom “on earth as it is in heaven” in such a broken place?

In the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:2–12), Jesus urges us to set ourselves apart from the world, living in a counterculture with a new identity rooted in him. The Upside Down Kingdom examines this counterintuitive wisdom and explores its relevance for today. Drawing on insights from the biblical story of redemption, church fathers, Reformation scholars throughout history, and contemporary life, this book equips and encourages readers to get their spiritual bearings in an upside-down world. Author Chris Castaldo ultimately points readers to the kingdom of Christ—not as a set of rules, but as a means of bringing peace and blessing here and now.

Written for Laypersons and Teachers of the Word: Perfect for those interested in issues confronting the church

Thorough Study of the Beatitudes: Each chapter explores a core teaching in Christ's Sermon on the Mount

Appeals to Pastors and Disciple Makers: A historically informed, biblically rich, and countercultural vision of Christian life

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Endorsements

“G. K. Chesterton once defined a paradox as ‘truth standing on its head calling for attention.’ And this, most certainly, is what Chris Castaldo achieves as he deftly guides us through the inverted glories of the Beatitudes in The Upside Down Kingdom. His beautifully written exposition invites these eight compressed theological H-bombs to graciously detonate within our hearts. The Upside Down Kingdom is not only a treasure trove of wisdom; it’s also a bracing call to deeper devotion to Christ and the gospel.”

R. Kent Hughes, Senior Pastor Emeritus, College Church, Wheaton, Illinois

“What happens if we read the Beatitudes from a relentlessly biblical perspective that interprets them in terms of the unmerited grace God has offered us in Christ? What happens when we read them in terms of what God has done for us in Christ’s cross work, what he is doing in us by the Holy Spirit, and what he will do for the world through us? Chris Castaldo’s The Upside Down Kingdom startles us with the answers. Here is a book that equips us to be the world’s salt and light by helping us learn to live according to the ‘rhythms of heaven’ that beat in God’s own heart.”

Mark Talbot, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Wheaton College; author, Suffering and the Christian Life series

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction: You Are Invited

Chapter 1: The Poverty That Makes One Rich

Chapter 2: When Loss Becomes Gain

Chapter 3: Gentleness in a Hostile World

Chapter 4: Taste and See

Chapter 5: The Face of Mercy

Chapter 6: Seeing God

Chapter 7: Peace Be with You

Chapter 8: Even So, Rejoice

Epilogue: When Down Is Up

Notes

General Index

Scripture Index

Product Details

Title: The Upside Down Kingdom: Wisdom for Life from the Beatitudes  

Author: Chris Castaldo

Publisher: Crossway Publishing

Pages: 192

Binding: Paperback

Size: 20.3 x 13.3 x 1.4 cm

ISBN: 9781433584916