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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
35 people are currently reading
969 people want to read
About the author
Michael Reeves
75 books574 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 74 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.
October 27, 2025
This was the most encouraging, enlightening and edifying resource I’ve encountered about mission or evangelism. It is meticulous, comprehensive and most importantly biblical in its arguments and points. Definitely one I will be reading again and again.
October 1, 2024
What a refreshing read! Reeves tackles a lot here, but the main theme is that we look to God Himself as the engine of missions, evangelism, the church...etc. Sounds obvious, but oh how guilty I am of allowing my vision to fall short too often. A standout is Reeve's examination of what God's "glory" truly entails. Namely, God's glory is His presence that is ultimate, perfect, and complete love. Read the book for that to make more sense!
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 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!
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
December 9, 2024
Tied with Packer’s Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God for my favorite evangelism book!
April 11, 2025
Masterful.
January 1, 2025
Five stars to the whole series. This was a great one on how God uses mission.
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.
December 27, 2024
Reading Reeves is like reading the Puritans brought back to life. He brings such genuine joy, such delight in Christ into all he writes and reflects on, it is contagious.
Main Question: If we all live Christ, why is evangelism so hard and often awkward? How can we get past "methodology" or program to the root of the issue and overcome this fear or failure?
Thesis: We fuel our desire for missions by delighting ourselves in God who is light, and specifically in His son Jesus Christ.
This book is for anyone wanting to be encouraged about the church's mission and final destination as Christ's bride, even as we learn more of Him and grow in His love now. God cannot help but shine forth, because it is His very nature to give!
He is a giving God by nature, and it is by his gracious invitation of sinners into the family of His trinitarian relationship that He displays His desire to share His glory.
What a blessing this book has been! It's encouraging for the individuals, the church, for missions, for missionaries. Anyone in Christ!
Highly recommend.
Main Question: If we all live Christ, why is evangelism so hard and often awkward? How can we get past "methodology" or program to the root of the issue and overcome this fear or failure?
Thesis: We fuel our desire for missions by delighting ourselves in God who is light, and specifically in His son Jesus Christ.
This book is for anyone wanting to be encouraged about the church's mission and final destination as Christ's bride, even as we learn more of Him and grow in His love now. God cannot help but shine forth, because it is His very nature to give!
He is a giving God by nature, and it is by his gracious invitation of sinners into the family of His trinitarian relationship that He displays His desire to share His glory.
What a blessing this book has been! It's encouraging for the individuals, the church, for missions, for missionaries. Anyone in Christ!
Highly recommend.
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.
March 10, 2025
You: “Hey Trevor, what is your philosophy of ministry and what do you hope is your legacy?”
Me: *taps this book*
Me: *taps this book*
April 24, 2025
One of the best books I’ve read. So good.
October 16, 2025
The God of the universe has moved heaven and earth through the Person of Christ to unite us to Himself in love, grace, joy, and security for all eternity. There is no better news we could have than this. As Christians, it is this news that we are called to proclaim to the world.
So why is it so awkward to talk about?
Michael Reeves and Daniel Hames argue that it is not for lack of motivation, equipping, or pragmatism that we struggle with evangelism, but too low a view of God. God Shines Forth is essentially 150 pages of the glory of God on display through their writing in the hopes that, as your view of God grows, your desire to share Him grows along with it. If you cringe at the idea of sharing your faith, or even struggle to understand why it’s actually worth sharing, read this book. If you are a missionary or in full time ministry, read this book twice.
So why is it so awkward to talk about?
Michael Reeves and Daniel Hames argue that it is not for lack of motivation, equipping, or pragmatism that we struggle with evangelism, but too low a view of God. God Shines Forth is essentially 150 pages of the glory of God on display through their writing in the hopes that, as your view of God grows, your desire to share Him grows along with it. If you cringe at the idea of sharing your faith, or even struggle to understand why it’s actually worth sharing, read this book. If you are a missionary or in full time ministry, read this book twice.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews