Gospel is a word we often hear. But what does it mean? This book looks at gospels in the ancient world, and seeks to understand Jesus' gospel and the proclamation of the first Christians. The gospel is the instrument God uses to save lives; fuzzy thinking can be dangerous. The author argues that Jesus' gospel defines a new reality, requiring a new response in human behaviour. It is truly revolutionary. "Clearing away fogs of misunderstanding, David Seccombe takes us to the heart of the gospel of God's kingdom as the Bible presents it. ... This is done with the clarity of a good teacher and the depth of a scholar and anyone - Christian or non-Christian alike - who wants to understand what Jesus was about and why he was believed, will find this book stimulating and informing." Stephen Williams, Dean of St Peter's Cathedral Armidale NSW (retired), Regional Director of Langham Preaching (South West Pacific) "Clear, simple, instructive, encouraging - four words that I would use to describe David Seccombe's The Gospel of the Kingdom. In an age in which the gospel is so often misunderstood and misapplied, I heartily recommend this book for both pastor and congregation member as well as for the serious enquirer into the Christian faith." Mervyn Eloff, Rector St James' Church, Kenilworth, Cape Town, South Africa "It is brilliant and quirky, a very "David Seccombe" opus with lots of surprising and refreshing insights." Paul Barnett, Former Bishop of North Sydney, Associate in Ancient History at Macquarie University and Lecturer Emeritus at Moore College, Sydney, Australia "David Seccombe breathes a life into [the words "gospel" and "kingdom"] that will inform, inspire and energize - and probably challenge - both the new and the mature Christian." Fred Pink, Leadership Consultant, UK "Too many accounts of the gospel are lopsided or incomplete. Fortunately, David Seccombe has produced a much-needed and full account of the gospel from all of Scripture." Martin Foord, Acting Principal, Trinity Theological College, Perth, Australia "That the author has spent a lifetime meditating on the Scriptures is evident from every part of the book." William Taylor, Vicar, St Helen's Bishopsgate, UK "His grasp of the whole sweep of Scripture makes things I thought I knew come alive in a new and relevant way. This book deserves to be widely read." Justin Mote, Chairman and Director of Training, North West Partnership, UK "He draws on personal examples and historical events to illustrate concepts and stimulate thought and has an uncanny skill for joining the dots, linking the different books and themes of Scripture. He not only brings the narratives of Scripture alive, but allows us to grasp the spiritual conflict that lies behind the story. This is a book not only about the kingship of Jesus but about living and "gospelling" the good news in the Church and in today's hostile world." John Arnold, Anglican Minister and Mission Leader, Brisbane, Australia "Among Christians today there is confusion over what the gospel is. David Seccombe's book is a timely antidote that anchors the unchanging message of God's Son in a fresh reading of the Bible." Mark Dickson, Principal, George Whitefield College, Cape Town, South Africa "The Gospel of the Kingdom is a well-researched, tightly-argued and accessible account of what the New Testament authors and Jesus himself actually meant when they talked about "the gospel"." Rory Shiner, Senior Pastor, Providence Church, Perth, Australia "It is rigorous in argument, pastoral in dealing with our questions and simple in expression." Bruce Hall, Director, Department of Evangelism and New Churches, Anglican Diocese of Sydney "In a world where Christianity is seen by many as tired and irrelevant, this book comes as a breath of fresh, crisp, energy-giving air." Tim Thorburn, Western Australian Director, Australian Fellowship of Evangelical Students David Seccombe led George Whitefield College (GWC) in Cape Town, South Africa through the post- apartheid years of political transition, to becoming a significant theological centre for the African continent. He studied at Moore Theological College in Sydney, Australia, and holds a PhD from Cambridge University, England. With his wife, Lorraine, children and grandchildren he lives in Perth, Western Australia, and continues to serve as Roving Ambassador for GWC.