The dawn of heaven breaks - anticipating eternity
Our age lives for the present. Christians look forward to the future. Our age exalts youth. God calls us to respect the elderly. Our age idolizes health. The Bible says that despite illness now, we will have glorified bodies in the new heavens and the new earth. Our age fears death. For Christians, it is the entrance to the immediate presence of Christ. This beautifully presented anthology gathers together some of the hymns and Bible passages that have been of most comfort to those who are facing illness, aging and death. It also includes quotations from well-loved preachers and authors. As with any anthology, you can dip in and out and read just a section at a time.
Publisher: Evangelical Press
Type: paperback
ISBN: 9780852346419
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Sharon James studied history at Cambridge University, theology at Toronto Baptist Seminary, and has a doctorate from the University of Wales. She is married to Bill, who is Principal of London Seminary. They have two grown up children and four grandchildren. Sharon works as Social Policy Analyst for The Christian Institute, UK, and has travelled to many countries as a Conference speaker.
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It is a very easy book to read and has been well laid out. Many common questions regarding heaven are addressed and each theme builds on those preceding. Sharon James gives insight into the background and Christian experience of the many evangelical authors she quotes from. The subject has been well researched and the book includes many wonderful extracts, including a particularly memorable description of heaven penned by Jonathan Edwards. Lesser–known and fuller versions of well–loved hymns on the theme of eternity are gathered together. The subtitle ‘Anticipating Eternity’ is an apt description of the experience of the reader. The various excerpts and quotes reach a climax as the book draws to a close with the life and experience of Samuel Rutherford as expressed in the full version of Anne Ross Cousin’s hymn, ‘Immanuel’s Land’ — based on his life. Undoubtedly this book will be a help to pastors and a comfort to any bereaved Christian. The short chapters and sections lend themselves readily to being dipped into or used for a more extended time of meditation. However, the scope and value of this book is much broader. Every Christian would gain much from viewing life from the perspective of heaven: Eternal glories gleam afar to nerve my faint endeavour This book will re–motivate and inspire any discouraged soul and provide a timely reminder of the goal and hope of our faith. Ruth Williams