Uneclipsing the Son

by Rick Holland

Christianity is the worship of Jesus Christ. If He is who the Bible says He is, and if He did what the Bible says He did, He is worthy of the exclusive, attention and focus pf our lives. Sadly, though, the Son gets crowded out by earthly things. Our hearts grow slack, our love runs cool, our worship is distracted. Even the treadmill of Christian activity can keep us ever unable to focus on the Author and Finisher of the race. We sip at puddles of sin a stone's throw from the Well of the water of life. Uneclipsing the Son aims at ending all this, bringing you face to face with the Christ of Scripture, the only one who can transform you just by knowing Him. Clear, biblical, compelling, Holland will drive you relentlessly to the conclusion that you must give yourself to the worship of this Jesus or forever stumble in the half-light of spiritual uncertainty and disaffection.

Genres: Christian Living, Theology, Christian, Christianity, Faith

160 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2011

Reviews

[Shay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book about Jesus. If you think that's boring, then you probably need to read it. Rick Holland has written a charge to the church to put her focus back on the One she is supposed to be about, that is, Jesus Christ. This book is for Christians who are living in the half-light of the glory of Christ, and not the full radiance. It's for people who know how to speak Christian words, but have forgotten what it means to live them out to the glory of Jesus.

I highly recommend this book and maybe it's too early to add it as a "classic," but I'd have no problem putting it in that category.

[Eric Durso · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid. All about Jesus.

[Daniel Casebolt · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s easy to get caught up in the day to day of life, and to find yourself settling for “good enough” in your spiritual walk. But according to scripture, no matter where you are in spiritual maturity, there will never be a “good enough” in this life. If you want to test yourself, and hold your life to the fire, give this book a read. Be prepared to see your personal vices spelled out in detail, and to be found guilty of clinging to all of them. But also know that this book was written out of nothing but a love for believers, and a desire for them to not be found lacking when we are called on before God. Never settle for something lesser than perfection. And in so doing, you’ll never settle for anything less than Jesus.

[Karina Dulin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this short but powerful volume will join the ranks of those I reread every year. What convicting truths, simply and powerfully stated!

[Jimmy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a book on Christ, the Gospel and Christianity written by pastor and preacher Rick Holland who at one time a pastor at Grace Community Church where John MacArthur is the senior pastor. This book was adapted from a series delivered by Holland towards college students and young singles adult although I felt the book itself would be appealing and readable for even those in high school. Holland’s thesis is that Christ has been eclipsed today in many of our lives today when Christ should be the focus of all our worship and pursuit of joy. I love the illustration the book gives of the sun being compared to Jesus the Divine Son, which is something the author return to more than once.
The book itself has eleven chapters, each of which is great for devotional read. I appreciated how early in the book in chapter two the author was already laying out the Gospel which is important since many who are young think they are followers of Jesus and understand the Gospel but didn’t really come to truly understand in a salvific way until the Gospel was explained again and again. This book also encourages readers that after salvation to continue looking unto Christ and what that means in terms of its implications for the Christian life. In fact when we stop looking to Christ we start looking at idols. And Holland in the book addresses the need for Christian to repent of making something else other than Christ as our God.
I recommend this book for “young people:” High Schoolers, College Students and young adults. In fact I recommend this book as a work that’s worthwhile for even pastors to read alongside someone they are discipling. I first used this book in this fashion, walking through chapter by chapter with discussions with one of the college students in my church.

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is based on a series of lessons/messages which the author gave at Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, CA, shortly before leaving to become the senior pastor at Mission Road Bible Church in Kansas.

Holland's thesis is that "Jesus, the Son of God, has been eclipsed, we've made ourselves at home in this new normal." To some extent, Holland is right. But also remember that his target audience for these sermons was a group of singles and college kids. The same criticism, however, to some extent can be applied to any age group who have been Christians for any length of time and settled into apathy, materialism, success, or any of the things which man allows to take His place. As Holland says, "Any and all distractions are sins if they're keeping us from the worship of Jesus."

I'd recommend this book, especially to younger people.

[Josue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is ultimately about knowing and worshiping Jesus--always! There truly is nothing else a Christian should desire than to know and worship their Lord and Savior. This book has rekindled within me the conviction that Jesus is indeed worthy of worship; it has reminded me of the simplicity and purity of the worship of Jesus; and it has reminded me of the sweetness of worshiping Jesus (which is something that we ought to do at every moment of the day, as we constantly remind ourselves that our whole lives are to be worship to Jesus).

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book rocked my world. so good for anyone who is a little bit bored or unsatisfied with their relationship with Jesus. Christ is SO glorious. and Rick Holland helps you see that more clearly. Thank God for Rick Holland!

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought this book was outstanding. I have read other books like this but this one has ignited another spark in my relationship with God. Anyone who is not sure if they should read it...DON'T HESITATE! It is incredible!

[Marshall Walter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very thankful and appreciative of Rick's work in this book. An incredible revelation of Jesus Christ and an immensely practical look at what it looks like to pursue Him.

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I heartily enjoyed this read. Full review at myborrowedwords.wordpress.com.

[Bob Gooch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly recommended for Christians who have lost their first love. (And who is there among us who hasn't, at least to some extent.)

[Mikeal Peterman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it!

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

¡Great book! I think I will really do my best to "uneclipse the son (Jesus)"