When we encounter human suffering or personal tragedy, Christians and non-Christians alike utter the same refrain: Where is God?
If God exists, then where in the world is he? Why doesn't he show himself? And how can we tell if God is really working or not?
Tim Muehlhoff gives us insight into recognizing how God is at work in the world. He unpacks the doctrine of common grace to uncover how God works in ways that we don't always realize. If we have a limited idea of what divine action looks like-dramatic answers to prayer, healings with no medical explanation, financial needs being met unexpectedly-then we miss seeing how God acts through common grace in ordinary, everyday ways such as antibiotics, financial planners, and thoughtful friends. Muehlhoff offers dozens of illustrations from contemporary culture to help us understand and communicate how God is present and acting in the world today.
Discover how God cares for our troubled world as he gives you the eyes to see.
Table of Contents:
Foreword by J. P. Moreland
Introduction: Looking for God
1. Common Grace: God in Action
2. God the Scientist: Healing Grace in a Sick World
3. Art: God's Spotlight on the Human Condition
4. Communication: Life-Giving Words in Today's Argument Culture
5. War: Lessening Our Ability to Kill
6. Is Everything Common Grace?: Responding to Common Objections
Epilogue: Changing How I See God
Acknowledgments
Notes
About the Author :
Tim Muehlhoff (PhD, University of North Carolina) is a professor of communication at Biola University in La Mirada, California; codirector of The Winsome Conviction Project; and a speaker and research consultant for the Center for Marriage and Relationships. His books include The God Conversation, I Beg to Differ,Winsome Conviction, and Winsome Persuasion, which received a 2018 Christianity Today book award in apologetics/evangelism.
Review :
"It would be a shame—and profoundly unbiblical—if we saw God's actions only in dramatic events. Such a limited perspective leaves out an awareness of what God is doing in the more ordinary course of events. Muehlhoff solves this problem in a way that makes this book a must-read. We don't want to take the ordinary course of events as occasions blindly to see them as divine orchestrations 'through the eyes of faith.' No, we need to be given reasons for taking them in this way. We need tools and specific examples that help us develop steady convictions about this way of seeing. I can't think of a better book that addresses these issues than Eyes to See. Its release is for such a time as this."
"The word gospel literally means 'good news.' But much of the news proclaimed by Christians today doesn't sound too good. In fact, for many hearers, the news sounds caustic and divisive. Why? Because the gospel message has been co-opted by words that have either lost their meaning or changed over time in the ebb and flow of a fickle culture. Tim Muehlhoff's book Eyes to See invites us to step back to take a fresh look at the goodness and beauty in the world, compelling the seeker to trace their natural attraction to its source. We have more that unites us than divides us. Helping others understand common grace is the God-honoring way to proclaim the gospel today. This book is a must-read."
"Common grace theology has been a necessary reminder that God is at work promoting signs of truth, goodness, and beauty beyond the boundaries of the redeemed community. Now in this fine book Tim Muehlhoff not only adds significant insights to that exploration but he also brings it into new territory, focusing on the reach of God's healing power into communities of grieving, abused, and oppressed human beings."
"Tim Muehlhoff has one of the sharpest yet grace-giving minds that we know. Everything he writes will challenge and sharpen you, but with a freedom that brings out the best in you. This book will open your eyes to the majesty of God that is all around us and yet we often miss. Not only will this book give you 'ears to hear' but now 'eyes to see.'"
"Dr. Muehlhoff's latest book, Eyes to See, is a sure jolt of encouragement for anyone who needs it—and I'm pretty sure that is me and everyone I know. Using his mastery of brilliant written illustrations, Muehlhoff helps us all to see the supernatural hand of God moving mightily in the seemingly unexceptional aspects of our daily lives. It would be hard to find a better book to read through with a small group in your church—or for that matter, the whole congregation. This book is in the truest sense of the words an eye-opening experience that will boost the faith of its readers measurably."
"If you're wondering whether God is doing much of anything in our world, we urge you to read this probing book! In Eyes to See, Tim Muehlhoff makes a convincing case for a God who is intricately involved in the big and small of our lives through a means called common grace. Tim, a masterful storyteller and pop-culture enthusiast, will surprise, inspire, inform, and reassure you that God's influence actually saturates our lives in ways we may never have considered, even in these dark days of our history."
"The idea of common grace has long captured the imagination of Dr. Tim Muehlhoff—the idea of blessing and provision and healing that might not appear miraculous but more common and experienced by all, believer and unbeliever, every day. He constantly reminds those around him to be alert to it, watch for it, celebrate it, and recount the stories of it. This common grace is at its core truly anything but common in that it reflects the daily, hourly, moment-by-small-moment intersections of sinful man with almighty God—enough in itself to blow our minds."
"Having trouble seeing God these days? You're not alone. In the midst of hardship and doubt, it's easy to lose sight of God and subsequently our hope. Eyes to See is an engaging and honest book. It brings God back into focus in the everyday challenges and questions of life so that we can see hope and help restore it for others."
"Ever wonder why God isn't more active in the world today? In Eyes to See, Tim Muehlhoff suggests that God is active but that we're unaccustomed to seeing it. This fascinating book helps us see that God works in all sorts of recognizable ways if we willing to see his 'ordinary' acts in the world."
"Tim Muehlhoff's Eyes to See brings the topic of common grace to the fore in fresh and compelling ways. Tim helps his readers understand and embrace God's common grace by asking and answering some of today's most pertinent questions and provides a host of examples for initiating meaningful conversations. I especially appreciate how each chapter includes resources for readers who want to dig deeper. I highly recommend Eyes to See as an engaging read and excellent resource."
