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Union
God Shines Forth: How the Nature of God Shapes and Drives the Mission of the Church
Why Missions and Evangelism Are an Overflow of Delighting in God
Evangelism and missions are parts of the Christian life often accompanied by fears, insecurities, and cultural pressures. In this addition to the Union series, Daniel Hames and Michael Reeves argue that an individual's relationship with God influences their evangelism and missions more than anything else. Scripture clearly shows that a believer's responsibility is to make God known in the world, but this cannot be done without first knowing and enjoying God.
To illustrate how knowledge of God influences evangelism and missions, Hames and Reeves address biblical themes such as the glory of God, Christ's sacrifice, the fallenness of man, and the church's future hope. There is hope for those who find these topics intimidating--when believers focus on the glory of the lamb of God, the gospel will shine through them.
Ideal for Laypeople, Pastors, and Students: Specifically for those interested in theology and missions Union Series: The final book in the Union series which invites readers to experience deeper enjoyment of God Concise Version Also Available: What Fuels the Mission of the Church? by Daniel Hames and Michael Reeves Biblically Grounded: Teaches how biblical themes such as the glory of God, Christ's sacrifice, the fallenness of man, and the church's future hope inform evangelism and missions
Evangelism and missions are parts of the Christian life often accompanied by fears, insecurities, and cultural pressures. In this addition to the Union series, Daniel Hames and Michael Reeves argue that an individual's relationship with God influences their evangelism and missions more than anything else. Scripture clearly shows that a believer's responsibility is to make God known in the world, but this cannot be done without first knowing and enjoying God.
To illustrate how knowledge of God influences evangelism and missions, Hames and Reeves address biblical themes such as the glory of God, Christ's sacrifice, the fallenness of man, and the church's future hope. There is hope for those who find these topics intimidating--when believers focus on the glory of the lamb of God, the gospel will shine through them.
Ideal for Laypeople, Pastors, and Students: Specifically for those interested in theology and missions Union Series: The final book in the Union series which invites readers to experience deeper enjoyment of God Concise Version Also Available: What Fuels the Mission of the Church? by Daniel Hames and Michael Reeves Biblically Grounded: Teaches how biblical themes such as the glory of God, Christ's sacrifice, the fallenness of man, and the church's future hope inform evangelism and missions
176 pages, Hardcover
Published October 11, 2022
About the author
Michael Reeves
57 books501 followersMichael Reeves (PhD, King's College, London) is President and Professor of Theology at Union School of Theology in the UK (www.ust.ac.uk). He is Director of the European Theologians Network, and speaks and teaches regularly worldwide. Previously he has been Head of Theology for the Universities and Colleges Christian Fellowship and an associate minister at All Souls Church, Langham Place, London.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
November 15, 2023
I haven't yet read anything by Michael Reeves that I don't think should be read far and wide. "God Shines Forth" is yet another gem from the accessible theologian. This book is co-authored with Daniel Hames and responds to the question, "if we all know that evangelism is important, why do most of us have such a strong aversion to it?" Hames and Reeves answer that this question lies not with strategies or guilt, but rather with our understanding of God.
"Mission is no clunky add-on to your own delighting in God. Instead, ti is the natural overflow and expression of the enjoyment you have of him so that, like him, you gladly go out and fill the world with the word of his goodness." In short, "The wellspring of a healthy, happy mission is God himself."
Hames and Reeves begin with the glory of God. What does the Bible mean when it speaks of God's glory? "Glory is the weight and reality of a thing shining out, or being brought home to us, reaching us irresistibly." This comes to us in Jesus Christ, "the radiant display of the reality of God."
The world worships that which is empty (hevel) rejecting the fullness and weight (kavod/glory) of God. Just as Christ shines into the darkness, "We were created for glory nd to be glorious, like our God."
Following Adam and Eve, we believe the lie that we can "become like God" by reaching for sin, but God has already made us like him and, though Jesus Christ, we display his glory. As Paul says to the Corinthians, we are ambassadors, God is "making his appeal through us."
"Our delight in God is the main fuel for mission." How are we to be "the light of the world," "a city on a hill"? Delight in the glory of God and let us change us, those who were made to reflect his glory.
I encourage you to pick up "God Shines Forth." You will be encouraged, strengthened, and drawn to the splendor of our glorious God.
For more reviews see thebeehive.live.
"Mission is no clunky add-on to your own delighting in God. Instead, ti is the natural overflow and expression of the enjoyment you have of him so that, like him, you gladly go out and fill the world with the word of his goodness." In short, "The wellspring of a healthy, happy mission is God himself."
Hames and Reeves begin with the glory of God. What does the Bible mean when it speaks of God's glory? "Glory is the weight and reality of a thing shining out, or being brought home to us, reaching us irresistibly." This comes to us in Jesus Christ, "the radiant display of the reality of God."
The world worships that which is empty (hevel) rejecting the fullness and weight (kavod/glory) of God. Just as Christ shines into the darkness, "We were created for glory nd to be glorious, like our God."
Following Adam and Eve, we believe the lie that we can "become like God" by reaching for sin, but God has already made us like him and, though Jesus Christ, we display his glory. As Paul says to the Corinthians, we are ambassadors, God is "making his appeal through us."
"Our delight in God is the main fuel for mission." How are we to be "the light of the world," "a city on a hill"? Delight in the glory of God and let us change us, those who were made to reflect his glory.
I encourage you to pick up "God Shines Forth." You will be encouraged, strengthened, and drawn to the splendor of our glorious God.
For more reviews see thebeehive.live.
November 10, 2022
God Shines Forth gives us a vision for the Christian life that delights in God, and this delight is the fuel for the mission. He addresses reasons why evangelism is difficult for many believers and how returning to revel in the glory of God helps guide our heart and our actions.
Your heart will be enriched as you learn to gaze once again upon our Lord.
Quick Stats
# of pages: 176
Level of difficulty: Moderate
My rating: 4 stars
*A big thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC and for the opportunity to post an honest review.
Your heart will be enriched as you learn to gaze once again upon our Lord.
Quick Stats
# of pages: 176
Level of difficulty: Moderate
My rating: 4 stars
*A big thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC and for the opportunity to post an honest review.
October 25, 2023
3.5 stars
This book about the mission of the church is not a how-to handbook on evangelism. Rather it shows how our evangelism efforts must be rooted in the glorious nature of God. My favorite idea in the book is that only Christians who actually enjoy God will want to make him known. Therefore, when we feel ourselves viewing evangelism as a burden, we should run to our Father and actually enjoy Him. When we are delighted in Him, we will want to invite others into that delight.
The writing style did not grab my attention (or always keep it), and I have some quibbles with a few points of his theology. But, overall it was a helpful read for me and I would recommend it to others.
This book about the mission of the church is not a how-to handbook on evangelism. Rather it shows how our evangelism efforts must be rooted in the glorious nature of God. My favorite idea in the book is that only Christians who actually enjoy God will want to make him known. Therefore, when we feel ourselves viewing evangelism as a burden, we should run to our Father and actually enjoy Him. When we are delighted in Him, we will want to invite others into that delight.
The writing style did not grab my attention (or always keep it), and I have some quibbles with a few points of his theology. But, overall it was a helpful read for me and I would recommend it to others.
March 19, 2024
What a helpful book in an age where we have so many "how to" books on evangelism. While affirming what is good and right in various views, he offers thoughtful pushback on pragmatism, the Missio Dei/missional community movement, the sort of cultural-transformation evangelistic program, an anemic justification-only view of the gospel. For the Christian, evangelism flows from one's own delight in the God who delights in himself and shines forth his glory because that's who he is.
March 23, 2023
What an excellent and rich book by Reeves (and the other guy). Much of the same principles and truth from Reeves book, “Delighting in the Trinity.” But specifically applied to the mission of the church.
Reeves writes in a way that makes your heart want to sing and praise the Lord for His goodness and love.
However, the book felt pretty choppy to me.
Reeves writes in a way that makes your heart want to sing and praise the Lord for His goodness and love.
However, the book felt pretty choppy to me.
November 5, 2022
A biblical and common sensical look at missions.
Authors, Daniel Hames & Michael Reeves, have written an easy to understand, manageable volume that views missions thru God’s eyes and person. They don’t get bogged down with heavy theological discussions but instead share the basics of who God is, the essentials of his nature and his plan for man and salvation. With these things explained and as the foundation, Missions is viewed as a responsibility, a God ordained responsibility for everyone that calls themselves a Christian and for the Church, both local and universal.
All things considered, strong scripture references, well organized and easily adopted by a Christian of any faith or missions minded church📚
Authors, Daniel Hames & Michael Reeves, have written an easy to understand, manageable volume that views missions thru God’s eyes and person. They don’t get bogged down with heavy theological discussions but instead share the basics of who God is, the essentials of his nature and his plan for man and salvation. With these things explained and as the foundation, Missions is viewed as a responsibility, a God ordained responsibility for everyone that calls themselves a Christian and for the Church, both local and universal.
All things considered, strong scripture references, well organized and easily adopted by a Christian of any faith or missions minded church📚
December 1, 2023
This is a solid book from Reaves and Hames. I try to read most anything Reaves puts out since reading his book, Delighting in the Trinity. He helps me get my eyes up to see God as he is. And the way he talks about the Trinity makes my heart burn.
This is not a book about the practicalities of mission. It has very little to say about the how of mission, but it is all about the why of mission. It’s a message that Reaves has been saying in one way or another in all his books. Which is essentially that a deep knowledge of and enjoyment of the Triune God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) is what fuels our mission and overflows into a life of love. “Real, fruitful, healthy mission must begin with delight in God.”
While it at times felt repetitive, the content and ideas in this book are a really helpful corrective to the guilt based and performative motivations that have so informed many conversations around evangelism and mission. As the books notes, “What we win people with, we win them to.” If we win people out of our own guilt and performance, that is what they will become disciples of. Let’s instead hold out and win people to our intimate delight in the God of all the universe. Only this leads to real joy and love forevermore.
This is not a book about the practicalities of mission. It has very little to say about the how of mission, but it is all about the why of mission. It’s a message that Reaves has been saying in one way or another in all his books. Which is essentially that a deep knowledge of and enjoyment of the Triune God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) is what fuels our mission and overflows into a life of love. “Real, fruitful, healthy mission must begin with delight in God.”
While it at times felt repetitive, the content and ideas in this book are a really helpful corrective to the guilt based and performative motivations that have so informed many conversations around evangelism and mission. As the books notes, “What we win people with, we win them to.” If we win people out of our own guilt and performance, that is what they will become disciples of. Let’s instead hold out and win people to our intimate delight in the God of all the universe. Only this leads to real joy and love forevermore.
September 12, 2022
This is the second Crossway book in a row I've been very pleasantly surprised with. Now, this one does have a misleading subtitle. It really is about "God shines forth," while the mission of the church is a bit of an add on. Nevertheless, the discussion of God's glory in the Old Testament and how it is truly and fully manifested in the second person of the Trinity is magnificent. One of the best discussions of this topic I've ever read (and I've read a lot). At times it reads like Piper, but perhaps more measured. I was in awe of the writing and of the God about whom they were writing.
The last third or so of the book doesn't maintain those heights (see previous statement about mission), which is why I only gave four stars. I wish the authors had written a book that was both longer and narrower. Because they have important things to say about the glory of the Godhead, things the church needs to hear.
The last third or so of the book doesn't maintain those heights (see previous statement about mission), which is why I only gave four stars. I wish the authors had written a book that was both longer and narrower. Because they have important things to say about the glory of the Godhead, things the church needs to hear.
November 22, 2022
This book focuses on the why behind missions/the heart posture we need to have if we want to be effective in sharing the Gospel (mainly delighting in the Lord—a quote,”Seeing in Jesus what our God is really like causes us to shine like him. We come to share his great heart’s desire that his love, goodness, and righteousness would bless all the world.” This book encouraged + convicted me. I hope to delight more fully in the Lord after reading it. Would recommend!
August 31, 2023
To date, this union series has been the best series on the christian life that I have read. It is so rich in scripture, full of puritans quotes and God glorifying.
I am so grateful for the way it paints and will read it all again very soon.
I am so grateful for the way it paints and will read it all again very soon.
July 26, 2024
Very good book on a proper theology behind evangelism and missions. As we fill ourselves with the glory of God, that same glory spilling from us will be a natural affect. It was convicting to me on my view of God's glory, and something I want to cultivate more within me. I found the last two chapters specifically encouraging, including the enjoyment glory of God we have to look forward to in heaven.
"Yes, the culmination of history is the glory of God. Not glory taken but glory given."
"Yes, the culmination of history is the glory of God. Not glory taken but glory given."
July 5, 2023
Absolutely incredible!! What an encouraging book to gaze upon the glory of the Lord! From that flows all else! Moves me to rest in the finished work of Christ instead of strive in my own effort!
July 19, 2023
Theology done right. A nuanced look at God’s glory followed by robust implications for the church. Everything that I’d hope for in a book on missiology
October 15, 2023
A refreshing, challenging, and encouraging book about the mission field. Really gets at the heart of it and why it’s important. As always reeves brings it back to the most basic foundation of what he’s teaching about and digs super deep into it. Big fan! Will read again
February 18, 2024
Very dense book. Should probably be named delighting in the trinity lol. But a true understanding of God drives and shapes the mission of the church, i would recommend to anyone who is interested about missions or the church. This book will make u think lol.
January 27, 2023
Wonderful devotional book. Our understanding of mission is connected to how we view God and what He is doing in the world. This book can both be read as a work of theology but I would recommend for devotional encouragement.
The only minor critic (kinda funny to me) is that it depends heavily on Puritans. Now don't get me wrong, I love the Puritans. But similarly to books like Gentle and Lowly by Ortland there are sections of this book that make me ask myself "why am I reading this an not just reading my puritan collection?" The last chapter has upwards of 15 quotes by Edwards alone in 20 pages. But hey we need to continue to point modern audiences to the rich inheritance we have of those who have come before.
The only minor critic (kinda funny to me) is that it depends heavily on Puritans. Now don't get me wrong, I love the Puritans. But similarly to books like Gentle and Lowly by Ortland there are sections of this book that make me ask myself "why am I reading this an not just reading my puritan collection?" The last chapter has upwards of 15 quotes by Edwards alone in 20 pages. But hey we need to continue to point modern audiences to the rich inheritance we have of those who have come before.
October 25, 2022
This is another great book by Union/Crossway.
Hames & Reeves mine the scriptures and a good selection of theologians (like Luther, Edwards, etc) to build a careful, compelling and captivating theology of the glory of God.
The book is dense and deep. A few times I had to stop to pause and ponder the glorious truths I was reading. That is a sign of a good book!
It would have been good to have more exploration of their applications to the mission of the church.
Hames & Reeves mine the scriptures and a good selection of theologians (like Luther, Edwards, etc) to build a careful, compelling and captivating theology of the glory of God.
The book is dense and deep. A few times I had to stop to pause and ponder the glorious truths I was reading. That is a sign of a good book!
It would have been good to have more exploration of their applications to the mission of the church.
November 2, 2023
What is the mission of the church? To glorify God and to enjoy Him forever! How are we to glorify God? The church's mission is God's mission, to share the glory of God with those who do not know Him. As I rejoice in God's blessing on my life, I am motivated to share Him with those who do not know Him. I don't share Him because of guilt: I share Him because of His glory.
Great book, I highly recommend it!
Great book, I highly recommend it!
January 26, 2024
This is a great book on evangelism.
Not a practical book by any stretch of the imagination, but delivering string concepts/arguments for why we evangelise.
The thrust of the book is removing the "duty" or legalism of evangelism and replacing it with a natural outworking of our love for God and awe for our saviour.
The series is meant for those studying theology, but I would argue that this is a must-read for all.
Not a practical book by any stretch of the imagination, but delivering string concepts/arguments for why we evangelise.
The thrust of the book is removing the "duty" or legalism of evangelism and replacing it with a natural outworking of our love for God and awe for our saviour.
The series is meant for those studying theology, but I would argue that this is a must-read for all.
October 19, 2022
I may well be biased, but this book is properly excellent.
June 1, 2023
Not a highly practical book, but an accessible theological foundation to a reformed approach to evangelism with a lot of great quotes and historical references through out the book. A lot of it was familiar to me but even then I still was refreshed by it.
July 14, 2023
A wonderful end to the “Union” series. I highly recommend all four books!
“Rejoice and Tremble”
“Deeper”
“The Loveliest Place”
“God Shines Forth”
“Rejoice and Tremble”
“Deeper”
“The Loveliest Place”
“God Shines Forth”
January 1, 2024
Heat. Read it. Reeves gets a 🏆 for this one.
June 4, 2024
I’m thankful for the intent of this book, but it was difficult for me to read. I had a hard time understanding the exact point the author was making. The book seems more like a bunch of articles joined together rather than a cohesive book. Even the content within the chapters lacked thematic development. I think this book should have been an article instead.
August 22, 2023
An excellent book on the Christian's natural response of evangelism. It is not a how to book of mission, but rather a call for why mission is at the heart of the Christian experience. Once a person has seen the beauty and glory of God they have to make that glory and beauty known to all. It is by beholding God that we are transformed and become missionaries.
October 10, 2022
In God Shines Forth, God's mission truly does shine. Authors Reeves and Hames do a great job in giving the reader historical and biblical information.
This book is a great read for all Christians.
*I received this book from the published through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
This book is a great read for all Christians.
*I received this book from the published through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
January 12, 2023
First sentence: Let's get it out in the open right at the beginning. Doesn't something about mission and evangelism just feel "off" to you? Every Christian knows we're meant to share the gospel and look for opportunities to witness to Christ, yet almost all of us find it a genuine struggle, if not a gloomy discouragement.
I loved, loved, loved this book on missions (and evangelism). What sets it apart? It has gone a bit old school in looking at the subject. The author(s) examine(s) WHAT fuels missions. And the answer can be found in the first question to several old-school catechisms. Notably, what fuels missions is delight in the glory, majesty, and beauty of God. This book celebrates GOD. Every chapter is written with clarity and passion and with the single goal of making the reader EXCITED about seeing God as He is revealed in the Word.
While reading of this one, I thought of two theologians--A.W. Tozer and John Piper. I was reminded of their zeal and passion for KNOWING God. I was reminded of their absolute devotion to the Word of God.
I loved how substantive it is. Gave me a lot to think about!!!
Quotes:
I loved, loved, loved this book on missions (and evangelism). What sets it apart? It has gone a bit old school in looking at the subject. The author(s) examine(s) WHAT fuels missions. And the answer can be found in the first question to several old-school catechisms. Notably, what fuels missions is delight in the glory, majesty, and beauty of God. This book celebrates GOD. Every chapter is written with clarity and passion and with the single goal of making the reader EXCITED about seeing God as He is revealed in the Word.
While reading of this one, I thought of two theologians--A.W. Tozer and John Piper. I was reminded of their zeal and passion for KNOWING God. I was reminded of their absolute devotion to the Word of God.
I loved how substantive it is. Gave me a lot to think about!!!
Quotes:
The problem at the room of all our struggles with mission is almost certainly right at the beginning with our view of God.... Unless we honestly find God to be beautiful and enjoyable, we'll have nothing worth saying to the people around us. Until we see him aright, we'll have no genuine desire to fill the world with the knowledge of our God.
Glory is the weight and reality of a thing shining out, or being brought home to us, reaching us irresistibly. For Jesus Christ to be the "radiance of the glory of God" is for him to be the weight or the substance of God impressed upon us, beaming on us, given to us.
God, in having glory, radiates; in having a Word, speaks; in having a Son, loves. It is his very nature to shine, communicate, and give himself in relationship. This is the beating heart of mission.
We risk projecting our own darkness and selfishness onto the living God, making him far less good and beautiful than he really is. This will always be the result of starting out with our own assumptions rather than his word to us. When we begin to see Jesus as himself the Glory of the Father and let him shape our idea of glory, we find that God is far better than we ever dared to believe, and his glory, beautifully different from our own. Nowhere is this more sharply detailed--and nowhere is the glory of God more tightly defined in Scripture--than on the cross of Jesus.
Only with our eyes on Christ crucified do we see the truth, perspective, and logic of all the providence of God in everything that has happened since the beginning. Only with our eyes on Christ crucified do we see who our God really and truly is.
When Jesus, himself the Glory of God, was lifted up on the cross, it was no fireworks display for his own amusement; no yelling in an empty room. It was a real explosion of God's mercy into our midnight.
Human beings are fallen, and this is why we do not intuitively worship, trust, and love God. The radiance of God's glory shines not into neutrality but into darkness.
If we burden Christians with the guilt of abandoning people to hell, it will be the message of guilt and hell they will pass on, rather than the message of the Savior of sinners and conqueror of hell. Jesus Christ will not be the jewel of the gospel they tell, but only the means to escape a terrible end. Not only this, but the resulting converts will have been motivated by their preexisting instinct for self-preservation. Disciples who are won not by the glory of the Lord to repentance and faith but by an appeal to their own well-being will continue in exactly the same direction. Their newfound faith will be more about themselves than about Christ.
The God we know--or think we know--is the God we will show to the world.
Our delight in God is the main fuel for mission.
August 15, 2024
This was a great book essentially talking about how the only way to fuel our missions in church and evangelism is to fix our gaze on the glory of God. We must be all consumed with His loveliness and the true riches of Christ’s work in our salvation, and then the gospel will flow from our lips out of the overflow of our heart. A sweet reminder that we earn nothing by our own efforts, gain nothing from our own merit, instead we have a lavishly gracious God who asks us to rest in Him and He will work in and through us, equipping us to do His work. This was probably a 5-star book, but it’s definitely heady and since I listened to the audiobook (which was beautifully narrated) I know I caught way less than I would have if I had read it.
Here are some quotes:
“Every moment of Jesus’s life on earth was a display of humanity as it was always supposed to be. For the first time, a human being lived in the fullness of God’s intentions for us. He perfectly loved, trusted, and obeyed his Father, and poured out his heart to him in prayer, even though he faced all the same temptation, weakness, and suffering we do. He was morally faultless himself but never lacked compassion for even the most notorious sinners. He exercised rule over the creation, stilling wind and waves and driving out the corruption of demons and diseases. He amazed his disciples with words of truth that could only be God’s own self-expression. He went silently to his death, giving himself in love for those who hated him. Full of life, gloriously good, and overflowing with kindness, Jesus was everything a human being is meant to be – the definitive likeness of God, revealed in the original image itself. Here, at last, was a real man.”
“With our lives defined and shaped by Jesus Christ–knowing, enjoying, and worshiping him– we become like him by the Spirit’s power. This life is ours immediately at conversion, when the old self dies with him, but it also begins to suffuse and saturate our personalities, behaviors, and desires: the inward spiritual change begins to work its way out into our desires, thinking, speech, and relationships. We begin to take on the image of the one to whom we belong.”
“The Christian who has found satisfaction in Christ is able to take God with utmost seriousness and, at the same time, be quite relaxed about his or her reputation, image, and ambitions. This is the theology of the cross worked out in the believer’s life. We know ourselves to be naturally empty and unimpressive, but happily place all our confidence and hope in Christ instead. People can think of us what they may, and our own hearts may sometimes whisper condemnation, but we are taken up with knowing and enjoying the Lord.”
“The Christian life is, by its very nature, a testimony to the grace of God. In him, we have found a wholeness, healing, and happiness that are not simply for us to enjoy. Because this life is his gift–the gift of the ever-outgoing, generous God–it is a godly life that delights to multiply, spread out, and increase.”
“Our own attempts to be impressive, whole, and strong in mission will actually only betray our fallen emptiness and selfishness: they are the work of theologians of glory. But theologians of the cross are filled with the radiance of God, unearned, unexpected, and unquenchable. Happiness, beauty, and humility flow from the lives of those who are restored in the image of God.”
“All who would proclaim Christ and His gospel must regularly, obsessively, and joyfully come to the gracious, self revelation of God in Christ if they are to be good missionaries. A good theologian is a good missionary.”
Here are some quotes:
“Every moment of Jesus’s life on earth was a display of humanity as it was always supposed to be. For the first time, a human being lived in the fullness of God’s intentions for us. He perfectly loved, trusted, and obeyed his Father, and poured out his heart to him in prayer, even though he faced all the same temptation, weakness, and suffering we do. He was morally faultless himself but never lacked compassion for even the most notorious sinners. He exercised rule over the creation, stilling wind and waves and driving out the corruption of demons and diseases. He amazed his disciples with words of truth that could only be God’s own self-expression. He went silently to his death, giving himself in love for those who hated him. Full of life, gloriously good, and overflowing with kindness, Jesus was everything a human being is meant to be – the definitive likeness of God, revealed in the original image itself. Here, at last, was a real man.”
“With our lives defined and shaped by Jesus Christ–knowing, enjoying, and worshiping him– we become like him by the Spirit’s power. This life is ours immediately at conversion, when the old self dies with him, but it also begins to suffuse and saturate our personalities, behaviors, and desires: the inward spiritual change begins to work its way out into our desires, thinking, speech, and relationships. We begin to take on the image of the one to whom we belong.”
“The Christian who has found satisfaction in Christ is able to take God with utmost seriousness and, at the same time, be quite relaxed about his or her reputation, image, and ambitions. This is the theology of the cross worked out in the believer’s life. We know ourselves to be naturally empty and unimpressive, but happily place all our confidence and hope in Christ instead. People can think of us what they may, and our own hearts may sometimes whisper condemnation, but we are taken up with knowing and enjoying the Lord.”
“The Christian life is, by its very nature, a testimony to the grace of God. In him, we have found a wholeness, healing, and happiness that are not simply for us to enjoy. Because this life is his gift–the gift of the ever-outgoing, generous God–it is a godly life that delights to multiply, spread out, and increase.”
“Our own attempts to be impressive, whole, and strong in mission will actually only betray our fallen emptiness and selfishness: they are the work of theologians of glory. But theologians of the cross are filled with the radiance of God, unearned, unexpected, and unquenchable. Happiness, beauty, and humility flow from the lives of those who are restored in the image of God.”
“All who would proclaim Christ and His gospel must regularly, obsessively, and joyfully come to the gracious, self revelation of God in Christ if they are to be good missionaries. A good theologian is a good missionary.”
October 11, 2022
I feel really blessed by reading this book. It explains a lot and makes good sense especially if evangelism has been almost like a 'thorn in your side' because you feel guilty not to be able to 'do it' well. Even though this book is geared towards preachers, evangelists and missionaries, the rest of us congregants can learn a thing or two, chiefly, since we too are meant to propagate the gospel, sharing and shining forth the glories of God's glory.
Knowing God through Jesus brings us His glory and light for shining and drawing others towards Him (not towards ourselves, which the authors seem to be saying is a big reason why we fail and/or burnout in this aspect of Christian living). When lit with God's energy and strength bringing revival to ourselves first, then as believers who transform more to His image, being empowered by the Lord to shine out to others. In this manner, evangelism will happen naturally. This is the nugget of message I gleaned from the authors and appears to be the main thrust of this Christian book.
The authors have harvested much from other authors and evangelists such as Jonathan Edwards, Charles Spurgeon, C.S.Lewis, Martin Luther, John and Charles Wesley and a number of others. They lead us towards a better understanding of why we may feel and be, ineffective to the point of wanting to give up in our evangelistic efforts; feelings of guilt, obligation, and so on that surface up even in dedicated service for the Lord. This expose, is a grow book, to "grow out of ourself and into Jesus Christ," who is the Light of God, guiding readers towards the essential impetus to God shining forth in and through us to, as mentioned above, more natural evangelistic outcome.
I hope and pray many will take up this book and read it. I believe it will be a blessing to many souls who do, as it has been to mine. Thanks to the authors for their faithful explanations.
~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~
September 2022
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimetnary review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher.
Knowing God through Jesus brings us His glory and light for shining and drawing others towards Him (not towards ourselves, which the authors seem to be saying is a big reason why we fail and/or burnout in this aspect of Christian living). When lit with God's energy and strength bringing revival to ourselves first, then as believers who transform more to His image, being empowered by the Lord to shine out to others. In this manner, evangelism will happen naturally. This is the nugget of message I gleaned from the authors and appears to be the main thrust of this Christian book.
The authors have harvested much from other authors and evangelists such as Jonathan Edwards, Charles Spurgeon, C.S.Lewis, Martin Luther, John and Charles Wesley and a number of others. They lead us towards a better understanding of why we may feel and be, ineffective to the point of wanting to give up in our evangelistic efforts; feelings of guilt, obligation, and so on that surface up even in dedicated service for the Lord. This expose, is a grow book, to "grow out of ourself and into Jesus Christ," who is the Light of God, guiding readers towards the essential impetus to God shining forth in and through us to, as mentioned above, more natural evangelistic outcome.
I hope and pray many will take up this book and read it. I believe it will be a blessing to many souls who do, as it has been to mine. Thanks to the authors for their faithful explanations.
~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~
September 2022
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimetnary review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher.
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September 26, 2022In God Shines Forth, Daniel Hames and Michael Reeves want to step back from models, strategies, and processes for evangelism. At the root of our “mission fatigue” and the typical grumbling response is our view of God. They argue evangelism and mission should flow not from command and duty, but from our understanding of who God is as he has given himself to us and shares his life with us.
To begin the book, the authors provide an excellent introduction to a theology of God, describing he nature and why he is a God we may delight in. Jesus is the eternal Son of the Father and God with us, he is the light of the Father and glory of God. In response to understanding who God is, we exclaim as the psalmist does, “Who is like the Lord our God?” (p. 56). As Jesus shows us the Father, we stand in awe of the kind of God who would redeem sinners. The authors articulate a simple, but wonderful theology of God’s nature — because God exists in and of himself, he needs nothing, yet abounds and overflows in love and joy that spills out into creation. Because our God does not and cannot be empty, we can turn to him in fallen estate and our emptiness and he will restore us.
The authors then turn to what this means for evangelism and mission. We don’t respond with duty and debt, nor with the goal of self-preservation. Those that have been captured by the glory of God in Christ will this God they know and are in awe of.
God Shines Forth is a book I would recommend. Too often the rich theology and understanding of God present in this short book is missing from preaching and discussions of mission. Too often discussions about our faith are about us rather than the object of our faith.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley for review purposes. Comments are my own and any page references may change.
To begin the book, the authors provide an excellent introduction to a theology of God, describing he nature and why he is a God we may delight in. Jesus is the eternal Son of the Father and God with us, he is the light of the Father and glory of God. In response to understanding who God is, we exclaim as the psalmist does, “Who is like the Lord our God?” (p. 56). As Jesus shows us the Father, we stand in awe of the kind of God who would redeem sinners. The authors articulate a simple, but wonderful theology of God’s nature — because God exists in and of himself, he needs nothing, yet abounds and overflows in love and joy that spills out into creation. Because our God does not and cannot be empty, we can turn to him in fallen estate and our emptiness and he will restore us.
The authors then turn to what this means for evangelism and mission. We don’t respond with duty and debt, nor with the goal of self-preservation. Those that have been captured by the glory of God in Christ will this God they know and are in awe of.
God Shines Forth is a book I would recommend. Too often the rich theology and understanding of God present in this short book is missing from preaching and discussions of mission. Too often discussions about our faith are about us rather than the object of our faith.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley for review purposes. Comments are my own and any page references may change.
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