Marketplace Christianity Discovering The Kingdom Purpose Of The Marketplace

In this paradigm-shattering book, businessman and entrepreneur of the year Robert Fraser writes to the 97 percent of Christians not called to full-time vocational ministry but called by God to the marketplace. In practical everyday language, Fraser shares insights from his experience running a 250-employee software company which experienced sustained revival and business success during his tenure as CEO. Fraser's passion is to ignite business owners with a vision for financing the world harvest.

“I want my work to have significance” is an often-expressed declaration. But that desire faces a shocking challenge from possibly the wisest man who ever lived, Qohelet, through his writings in Ecclesiastes. Repeatedly, he pens the word “meaningless/absurd” to encapsulate his conclusions about work and life. We cannot simply dismiss his viewpoint as that of a madman because his words are canonized in Scripture. However, a second writer, the frame narrator, emerges at the end of Ecclesiastes to complement Qohelet without totally agreeing and with a greater urgency for our duty to God as our vocation. Both writers see the complexities and incongruities that typify our labor and life. Yet, through these challenges we can still find significance when we honor our God.

God loves us and has a unique blueprint for our life--but it's up to us to find it and live it out. Mingling contemporary stories and biblical anecdotes with practical advice, Silvoso shows how God intervenes in human affairs today to transform people and nations. He also shares five critical paradigms for transformation that are pivotal for change: Discipling Nations, Reclaiming the Marketplace, Looking at Work as Worship, Becoming Salt and Light, and Eliminating Poverty. In these pages, readers will find extraordinary stories about the power of God working through those who discovered their specific purpose. Then they'll be challenged to transform themselves and, by doing so, transform their families, schools, businesses, and nations. Silvoso encourages readers to aim high, knowing that God has entrusted them with great things. "God sees you as a nation transformer," says Silvoso. He has faith in you!

Let me begin by saying that our Christian experience must be translated from the four walls of the church and into our day to day lifestyle. It is in the heartbeat of our calling that we should translate the love of God as we pick it up from church and take it to our workplaces. My mandate through this book is to strategically position you into a place of influence in your nation of calling within the marketplace. For a long time the marketplace has remained the reserve of the children of this world. 'The children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light' (Luke 16:8). By failing to take our position of dominion in the marketplace, we have put our God to shame. The name of God has been profaned by many people in this world. Have you realized that anytime you mention that you are born again in your workplace, you encounter ridicule, rejection and even persecution? People have continued to shamelessly talk foul things concerning Christianity and this has to stop. God is saying that He is ready to sanctify His great name that has been profaned. God wants to do this through you. God desires that you prosper in all that you do within the marketplace, and this you must remember is for His purposes. He is not doing it for you to be proud. God is doing it "that they may see and know, and understand together, that the hand of the LORD has done this, and the Holy One of Israel has created it" (Isaiah 41:20). God wants to introduce and establish His Kingdom in the marketplace through you. He will show Himself strong on your behalf for His purposes to be fulfilled in the earth. To many Christians, there has been and there remains to be a great misconception on the perception towards serving God. We see service in the full time ministry position as the only way to serve God. In everything we do, it is important to understand that it is because of the purposes of God that we were created. God is a wise investor and the gifting He invested in you is for the expansion of His Kingdom. God wants to show Himself strong through you. The Kingdom of God is within you and as such, you are supposed to carry it into your marketplaces. It has to manifest through you at your place of work, business and even in your relationships. You should remember that He chose you. You did not choose Him. To quite a number of Christians, business is secular work, whereas serving God in church is the only way to ascribe to ministry. This tendency is so prevalent in the church that many well meaning Christians do their business or work in offices without connecting it to ministry. That is why many Christians have this 'holier than thou' attitude when in church doing the things of God but when they get to their work stations they exhibit lucre luster performances, oblivious of the fact that we are commanded to work as unto God. Many Christians may be concerned with church work and even support it financially, but fail to see the connection between service at their work place and their Christian life. Some even think that if you really are serious about ministry, you ought to quit your job or give up your business in order to pursue a role in full time ministry. The object matter of this book is to bring every believer to the realization that we all were created for a purpose and that the faster we realize this and take up our positions the better. As Christians we are cut out and mandated to fulfill a specific assignment for God here on earth. Our mission is to honour God in our service by extending His will to all our activities.

Every life requires a spiritual foundation. "Grandfather, you left this..." Julio lifted the leather-bound journal and stepped toward the old man. "It is yours now," said Antonio, with a gleam in his eye. "I've lived my life according to the twelve principles recorded in it. And if you will apply its principles as I did, your success will be greater than you could ever imagine." Be a minister in the marketplace.Terry Felber has written a parable that will transform your life and your business. Many years ago, this ago book helped Dave Ramsey rediscover the marketplace as a mission field--and merchants as ministers. Now let it open your eyes to the opportunities for service and leadership all around you. Are you ready for a change?The Legend of the Monk and the Merchant will change the way you see yourself, your job, and your purpose. Now includes personal and small group study guide.

This introductory textbook solidly situates Christian education in the church and ministry context of the 21st century. With over 20 years of ministry, teaching, and leadership experience, Freddy Cardoza is uniquely qualified to bring together a wide range of Christian educators. This volume features the expertise of 25 evangelical scholars of Christian education, including diverse, next-generation voices in the field. It provides balanced biblical-theological and practical perspectives for church and parachurch leaders, equipping them to meet the ever-changing needs of our world. Additional resources for professors and students are available through Textbook eSources.

What does God want for you in the professional, secular world? Can you seek professional success while serving him? As a woman of faith, do you have a passion for making a difference in your home, community, and workplace? Are you called to discover deeper purpose in some or all of these areas? How can Christian women rise up as leaders in the midst of our current culture, where gender roles are relentlessly confronted and redefined? Is it possible to balance relationships, expectations, and pressures with conviction, poise, and integrity? You may feel discouraged, uncertain, and alone as a woman of faith in the marketplace. This path is not always popular or easy, nor is it for the faint of heart. But be assured: If you believe in Him, trust Him, and follow Him, your calling in the marketplace is undoubtedly divine, especially if you are open to and focused on the One who beckons you. God is with you as you work-and this book is a tool that can help guide you along the path to success. The receptionist, the mail clerk, the human resources manager, the chief executive officer, the financial consultant-these are all legitimate titles indeed, especially when you understand that you have been strategically positioned and generously equipped for God's ministry right where you are, whatever your professional designation. You lead by serving, you serve by leading, and you are called to minister with a power that transcends all labels and definitions. Within these pages, you will be encouraged to consider the possibilities, and will ultimately be challenged to embrace your kingdom purpose.