Every Good Thing: An Introduction to the Material World and the Common Good for Christians

by David W. Jones

Publishers:

Lexham Press; Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

, 2016

For the Common Good

As Christians, how should we live in this material world? What does the Bible have to say on how we should think about our physical existence? Our perspective on this issue will affect how we conduct ourselves with our families, our workplaces, and our communities. It will shape our relationships, our careers, how we handle our finances, and every other aspect of our lives.

In Every Good Thing, David W. Jones explains why we should be concerned with the material world—for our own good, for the good of our neighbors, and for the glory of God. Scripture frequently speaks about issues such as wealth and poverty, work and rest, and creation and stewardship. Jones argues that the material here-and-now is just as important as the sweet by-and-by. God cares deeply about the material realm, and Jesus’ example was one of engagement with, not detachment from, the physical realm.

This introductory book covers some of the Bible’s most important teachings on these topics, helping Christians better understand how to live in the material world for the common good.

Praise for Every Good Thing

Have you ever wondered how to connect Sunday with the other six days of the week? Do you feel that your faith is not connected to your vocation? If so, David W. Jones’ Every Good Thing is a wonderful book to help remedy that problem. Through his discussion of vocation, rest, wealth and poverty, and the stewardship of creation, he provides Christians in all walks of life the tools to do everything to the glory of God. This is a great resource for Christians no matter your calling.

—Evan Lenow, assistant professor of ethics, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

David W. Jones has done a great service for Christians. This book explores how the gospel should infiltrate every area of our material lives and challenges us all to live out our faith no matter our vocational calling. You will be challenged to live a life that exalts Christ and furthers the gospel—a life that impacts the eternal because you live out your faith in the material. This is a must-read for every follower of Jesus Christ.

—Thomas White, president and professor of theology, Cedarville University

One grand mischaracterization of the Elizabethan Puritans was that they ‘were so heavenly minded they were of no earthly good.’ While largely wrong of them, there is an element of truth to the claim and all in the evangelical tradition that came from them. That is why a book like Every Good Thing is so timely and helpful. Even though believers in Christ are merely pilgrims in this world on a journey toward a future heavenly home, David W. Jones rightly grounds us in the present to remind us of the stewardship that is ours in the world we have been given for our own good and, even more, the good of others.

—Jason G. Duesing, provost and associate professor of historical theology, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

Top Highlights

“So, to return to our wide-angle lens, we can say that stewardship is the faithful management of God’s resources in God’s world to achieve God’s objectives.” (Page 10)

“The Bible teaches that regardless of the type(s) of work in which we are employed, all believers are a part of a royal priesthood (1 Pet 2:9), are engaged in kingdom work (Luke 11:2), and are to labor for the glory of God (1 Cor 10:31). Thus, both pastor and plumber are doing the Lord’s work.” (Page 29)

“The goal of this work, then, is to help you, as a follower of Jesus Christ, better understand how to live in the material world for the common good.” (Page 5)

“The term ‘economy’ comes from an ancient Greek word that means ‘the law of the house.’” (Page 9)

“Knowing what the Bible says about money, economics, stewardship, work, and the like is not just an option for Christians; it’s an opportunity to be Christ-like, to flourish, and to be relevant to those around us.” (Page 8)

Contents

• Introduction
• Fundamentals and Foundations
• Work and Vocation
• Rest and Sabbath
• Wealth and Poverty
• Creation and Stewardship
• Conclusions

Product Details

• Title: Every Good Thing: An Introduction to the Material World and the Common Good for Christians
• Author: David W. Jones
• Publisher: Lexham Press
• Publication Date: 2016
• Pages: 130
• Format: Logos Digital, Paperback
• Trim Size: 5x7
• ISBN: 9781683598633

About David W. Jones

David W. Jones serves as professor of Christian ethics, director of the ThM program, and associate dean for graduate program administration at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Jones is also the author of more than a dozen articles that have appeared in various academic publications and a frequent speaker at churches, ministries, and Christian conferences. He currently resides near Raleigh, North Carolina, with his wife and five children.