Oneness Embraced: Reconciliation, the Kingdom, and How We are Stronger Together

Praise for Oneness Embraced

Adopting God’s kingdom agenda for the unity, purity, mission, and ministry of the church by necessity drives a child of God to embrace the essential oneness of mutual righteousness God has achieved for every believer through Christ. Our obedience is tested in our responsibility to experience and maintain that unity. Oneness Embraced will both convict and encourage you in the how to’s as you seek to shrink the distance between righteousness and justice.
—Dr. Mark L. Bailey, president, Dallas Theological Seminary

When I think of the ministry of Tony Evans three things come to mind. I think of balance, impact, and unashamedly biblically rooted. That is Oneness Embraced. Dr. Evans shows balance between the gospel and social justice in an evangelical world that often forces us to choose between them. His writing is clear and has impact through powerful exposition and illustration. Unashamedly biblically rooted because he challenges us to think afresh about race and reconciliation. This is a needed word and a crucial book.
—Darrell Bock, research professor of NT Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary

As police chief of the City of Dallas, the challenges I face reducing crime and public disorder have, in many cases, the lack of personal responsibility at their root . . . Biblical justice, as described in this fascinating book clearly is the prescription for many societal ills that play themselves out in numerous communities in the country and the world.
—David O. Brown, police chief, city of Dallas

Tony Evans is well known as one of the most prominent speakers for evangelical Christianity anywhere in the world. What many people do not know is that he is one of the foremost theologians and thinkers when it comes to interpreting what is happening in our society from a biblical perspective. In this book,he addresses one of the most important concerns of contemporary Christendom—reconciliation of people in Christ Jesus. Tony’s own personal story will do much to bolster his claim to be an authority on this subject. Tony Evans is worth reading. I give him thumbs-up!
—Tony Campolo, PhD, professor emeritus, Eastern University

Kingdom-minded churches are those that hold the gospel of Jesus Christ in the highest esteem, while pursuing justice, restoration, and reconciliation. I know of no person better qualified to write about kingdom-minded churches than Dr. Tony Evans.
—Jim Daly, president, Focus on the Family

For the last thirteen years I’ve not only been a student of Dr. Evans but also a spiritual son. Once again the revelation of the teacher takes the pupil into a deeper understanding of why the battle continues. May God use this book to help us become the solution and no longer the problem.
—Kirk Franklin, recording artist

Unity in the body of Christ is an essential biblical principle given by Jesus Himself. Dr. Tony Evans writes powerfully and convincingly in bringing us all together to advance the kingdom of Christ. This is a must read for Christians who desire to live in obedience to the heart of the gospel, which is to love unconditionally in the power of His cross and resurrection.
—Jack Graham, pastor, Prestonwood Baptist Church

Dr. Evans’s book caused me to reflect on how much we have allowed the world to dictate how Christians should embrace one another—in oneness. Oneness Embraced is a must read for those who desire to have a kingdom approach to restoration and reconciliation of our distorted social order. I personally encourage all serious-minded Christians to place this book as a top priority for understanding the dynamics of Oneness in Christ.
—Dr. Martin E. Hawkins, president, Southern Bible Institute

Rarely have I read a book with which I so deeply identify. I found myself filled with hope and at the same time broken and ashamed at the inability of the church to draw upon the power of the gospel to transcend our cultural and racial barriers. Tony paints a compelling picture of the kingdom and a kingdom agenda that reflects the supernatural unity of the body of Christ. Oneness Embraced is a must read!
—Dr. Crawford W. Loritts, Jr., Author, Speaker, Radio Host, Senior pastor, Fellowship Bible Church, Roswell, GA

This book is a real gift to the whole church, a compelling call for racial reconciliation centered in the truths of the gospel. No one is more qualified to write on this topic than Tony Evans, reared in the “Black Church,” but also connected to the “White Church.” Given Tony’s personal journey and deep commitment to the church of Jesus Christ, you hold in your hands a readable book that probes how we can better understand one another and celebrate the unity Jesus prayed for. Do yourself and your church a favor and read this book!
—Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer, senior pastor, The Moody Church

Dr. Evans has chosen to frankly and theologically engage the racial issue at a sociopolitical fermenting kairotic moment in the church and society. We of the African-American evangelical community applaud and stand with him in his proclamation for the transformation and reconciliation of America’s racial equation along the lines of biblical justice and social restoration through the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ.
—Rev. Dr. Walter Arthur McCray, president, National Black Evangelical Association

It is sad, yet true, that race among many evangelicals inAmerica is the structural underpinning of policy regarding justice for the hungry, the naked, the imprisoned, and the sick.The church needs to address this issue. By dealing with the ideology of blacks and whites in depth, Dr. Evans concludes with the necessity of both sides working toward unification. He brings both correction and direction, and provides action steps to bring about healing in both the church and the community. I highly recommend this book as an instructional resource for the body of Christ, especially pastors and leaders.
—Pastor Ray McMillian, president, Race to Unity

Oneness Embraced strikes a chord at the heart of one of the preeminent themes of Scripture. Dr. Evans in his usual style makes God’s truth clear to everyone no matter what age or stage of life. This compelling reading could be used by God to help us reflect the heart of God in our relationships
—Dr. Larry Mercer, president, Capital Bible Seminary

This book awakens many of the experiences I encountered as an African-American male growing-up in Birmingham,Alabama, in the 50s, 60s, and 70s, and Dr. Evans challenges the reader to recognize the realities both past and present in our nation, culture, and church. Truly, we are at an un-restful gap in Christendom in regards to racial reconciliation that has hindered our progressive appeal to advance God’s kingdom agenda. The eyes of the future are looking back on us. What will be their verdict?
—Dr. Maxie Miller Jr., director, African-American Ministries Division, Florida Baptist Convention

The church needs bridge-builders.At a time when our nation is facing division on all fronts, this new work on unity from Dr.Tony Evans has the potential of transforming communities. It provides a strong biblical basis for oneness by addressing the causes and cures for our cultural divide.Oneness Embraced is must reading for all who are serious about bringing people together. I can’t think of anyone who is more equipped to lead the charge than my friend Dr. Evans.
—James Robison, president, LIFE Outreach International, FortWorth, Texas

My siblings and I have had the privilege of watching our father promote, encourage, and develop a philosophy of ministry that has impacted people from all walks of life. As his children, our view of the global community of faith has been expanded primarily because of his cross-cultural delivery of a gospel that knows no racial boundaries. Our families, our friendships, and our ministries are better because of it.
—Priscilla Shirer, Bible teacher and author

Tony Evans is biblically based, historically accurate, intellectually integral, and personally inspiring. It is an analysis of our past problems and a prescription for our future endeavors concerning race. If the American church embraces this book, race relations will be transformed in the twenty-first century.
—Rev. Dr. DeForest B. Soaries Jr., senior pastor, First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens, NJ

One of the blind spots in the history of the American church is the area of race relations. In Oneness Embraced Tony Evans reminds us that the church cannot remain silent about the racial injustices in our country.
—Richard Stearns, president World Vision, U.S., and author of The Hole in Our Gospel

I am a raving fan of Christ’s work in our world and have a lot of confidence in the words of my friend Jesus who promised that He will build His church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it! Unfortunately, we tend to complicate the path to victory by speedbumping the forward progress of the kingdom with our fallen ways and perspectives. Bravo for my friend Tony Evans who has taken the biblical bulldozer to the obstacles and smoothed the way for us. Since being “one” is the unanswered prayer on Jesus’ heart, this is a very important read!
—Joe Stowell, president, Cornerstone University, Grand Rapids, Michigan

I believe history will record that Dr. Tony Evans is one of the most prolific and significant theologians of the 21st Century. In a rare synthesis of the black experience,white evangelicalism, and biblical exposition Dr. Evans confronts and challenges one of the most pervasive and recurring multidimensional issues of contemporary society:  racism. Dr. Evans brings the reader to the intersection of intellectual stimulation, spiritual revelation, and personal examination.
—Kenneth C. Ulmer, DMin, PhD, president, The King’s University and Presiding Bishop, Macedonia International Bible Fellowship

For the past thirty years I have had a passion for promoting biblical reconciliation among the people of God. Diversity and unity discussions among the people of God often are based upon secular tolerance, which lacks biblical moral discernment, or a blind denial of our lack of biblical diversity among us. Dr. Evans makes a great contribution to the church by laying a theological foundation and challenging the church to a faith versus feeling discussion of biblical oneness. Addressing the African-American church history is brilliant decision in Dr. Evans’ call for oneness within the evangelical community. He lifts truth above ethnic, denominational and political groups and seeks to deal honestly with historical failures and current blindness present among each group. Dr. Evans call the church to action in embracing oneness from the perspective that Christ is not taking sides but taking over. A timely contribution to a national dilemma.
—Dr. A. Charles Ware, president, Crossroads Bible College

In many parts of our country it is difficult to tell the difference between Christians and non-Christians when it comes to the issue of race. Thank you, Tony, for your clear understanding that the body of Christ should act and think differently.
—Dolphus Weary, Mission Mississippi

This well-researched and biblically sound book unashamedly examines the issue of black/white relations in the culture at large and the church in particular. Tony Evans helps us see that if we are going to have victory over sin in our world and redeem our culture, we must be about reconciliation and unity. This book is a must read for individuals both inside and outside the church.
—Bryant Wright, president of the Southern Baptist Convention and senior pastor, Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, Marietta, GA

If ever there were a topic lost in the mists of misunderstanding and miscommunication, it is racial reconciliation. Tony Evans argues powerfully that a biblical view of reconciliation must have as its end and aim the glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom. Writing with clarity and passion,Tony calls the people of God to a new commitment that will enable a more fruitful and powerful witness before a watching world.
—Frank Wright, PhD, president and CEO, National Religious Broadcasters

As a pastor of a multi-ethnic church you tend to read it all when it comes to matters of race.  But when I encountered Dr. Tony Evans book, Oneness Embraced, I was so moved by what I found in these pages that I immediately went out and ordered copies for all of our staff here at Fellowship Memphis.  What followed was one of the most inspiring, spirited and challenging staff conversations we have ever had.  I’m trying to avoid the typical superlatives that one feels compelled to use when writing an endorsement, but it honestly describes how I feel:  This is the best book I have ever read on race. 
—Bryan Loritts, Lead Pastor, Fellowship Memphis, Author, A Cross Shaped Gospel

We must learn to live together as brothers, or we will perish together as fools. –Martin Luther King Jr.

With the Bible as a guide and heaven as the goal, Oneness Embraced calls God’s people to kingdom-focused unity. It tells us why we don’t have it, what we need to get it, and what it will look like when we do.

Weaving his own story into this word to the church, Tony Evans tells of a life spent between two worlds. As a young theologian, he straddled black, urban culture and white, mainstream evangelicalism. Now, three decades later, he offers seasoned reflections on matters of history, culture, the church, and social justice.

This call for unity is as timely as ever. If the church practices oneness, America will have a guide for becoming the one nation under God it declares itself to be.

"In Oneness Embraced Tony Evans reminds us that the church cannot¿remain silent about the racial injustices in our country."
–Richard Stearns, president World Vision, US, and author of The Hole in Our Gospel

"Tony paints a compelling picture of the kingdom and a kingdom agenda that reflects the supernatural unity of the body of Christ. Oneness Embraced is a must-read!"
–Dr. Crawford W. Loritts Jr., author, speaker, radio host, senior pastor, Fellowship Bible Church, Roswell, Georgia