The Kingdom of God and the Glory of the Cross

"The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” ―Matthew 13:31–32

When Jesus began his ministry, he announced that the kingdom of God was at hand. But many modern-day Christians don’t really understand what the kingdom of God is or how it relates to the message of the gospel.

Defining kingdom as the King’s power over the King’s people in the King’s place, Patrick Schreiner investigates the key events, prophecies, and passages of Scripture that highlight the important theme of kingdom across the storyline of the Bible―helping readers see how the mission of Jesus and the coming of the kingdom fit together.

Part of the Short Studies in Biblical Theology series.

1. Opening Credits
2. Introduction
3. Part 1
4. Chapter 1
5. Chapter 2
6. Chapter 3
7. Part 2
8. Chapter 4
9. Chapter 5
10. Chapter 6
11. Conclusion
12. Closing Credits

Dane Ortlund

After obtaining his Bachelor of Arts degree in Bible/Theology at Wheaton College, Dane married his beloved, Stacey. Together, they relocated to Connecticut where they embarked on a teaching journey at a Christian high school.

Fueled by a strong sense of calling to ministry and a passion for biblical truth, Dane enrolled at Covenant Theological Seminary which left an indelible mark of grace on his life.

Fresh from basking in the doctrines of life-giving grace, Dane returned to Wheaton to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy degree in New Testament. This academic pursuit paved the way for a fruitful decade in the publishing industry where he dedicated his time and expertise at Crossway in Wheaton, primarily working on the ESV Bible and its associated resources. Gradually, he ascended to the role of Chief Publishing Officer, overseeing the production of books and other materials. Serving such a significant ministry was an immense privilege, and in addition to his publishing duties, he had the delightful adventure of teaching, preaching, and guiding Wheaton students, as well as exploring the world through travel!

However, the divine hand of the Lord steered him towards a new chapter in his life — full-time ministry in the local church. Through a series of unexpected events orchestrated by divine providence, he found himself being called to the pastorate by none other than Naperville Presbyterian Church, the very church that had been his family's spiritual home for the past 13 years.

Dane says that his “life calling is to dive deep into the unspeakable heart of Jesus for sinners and sufferers, and to invite others to enjoy that boundless ocean with him.”