About the Book
Spiritual formation is critical for the Christian. And preaching is, effectively, spiritual formation from the pulpit, seeking to bring to bear the thrust of a portion of Scripture upon the lives of believers.
However, the careful integration of the divine call for holiness, with the concrete processes of transformation in response to that call, remains a challenge. How does the former lead to the latter, to culminate in Christlikeness?
This book fills that gap, as it shows the unnatural, supernatural journey from the glory of creation to the glory of redeemed humanity.
Abraham Kuruvilla informs and equips pastors, preachers and church leaders to focus on God's work to overcome the sinful flesh in humanity through the agency of the Spirit and through the Spirit's product: Scripture. These are the ways that God brings His people from glory to ever-increasing glory. This is not a model or plan of action, but rather an invitation towards being conformed to Christlikeness.
About the Author :
Abraham Kuruvilla is Professor of Christian Preaching at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Before joining Southern Seminary he taught preaching at Dallas Theological Seminary for fourteen years. He is the author of a number of books on homiletics, as well as a series of commentaries for preachers. Kuruvilla has also served as interim pastor of several churches, and as president of the Evangelical Homiletics Society. In addition, he is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology and maintains an active clinical schedule. His research arenas include hermeneutics as it operates in the homiletical undertaking, and the theology and spirituality of preaching and pastoral leadership. Single by choice, Kuruvilla also has a special interest in the theology of Christ-centered singleness and celibacy. He is the author of A Vision for Preaching, A Manual for Preaching, and a number of theological commentaries for preachers.
Review :
"Reflecting Kuruvilla's homiletical and hermeneutical expertise, From Glory to Glory traces the biblical story line, wonderfully framed from Sin to Salvation to Spirit to Scripture. It contains expected emphases on, for example, Scripture, which the author both brilliantly exegetes and clearly communicates through helpful visuals, but also less anticipated yet greatly appreciated treatments on, for example, the Holy Spirit as the necessary doctor-director of our sanctification. This book is readily accessible to church members, and its depth of insight will additionally attract the attention of pastors and Christian educators. Highly recommended!"
"Deeply scriptural, deeply pastoral, deeply honest and sensitive, Abe Kuruvilla's From Glory to Glory is a homily to the children of God in the likeness of a book. It should draw the ears, eyes, and hearts of those who struggle against sin and the flesh; who believe that the Bible reveals God's guidance and consolation; who desperately feel their need for the Spirit's ministry, and who yearn to worship God by their holiness."
"The story of sanctification is a journey in restoration of what sin cost humanity. God in His goodness and grace did not give up on humanity but worked to restore us. This work traces the theology of God doing this amazing work. It is a serious topical study of both glory lost and restored, all through Christ. It is a read that will instruct, encourage, and guide for the growth not just of us as individuals, but also as a church."
"In this classic yet contemporary study of the glory of God, Abraham Kuruvilla compellingly argues that the glory of God is also the very goal of God. Written with a light touch but drawing on deep resources of biblical and theological insights, Kuruvilla demonstrates that through intervention to put right humanity's predicament, God not only restores individuals so theyallis might offer praise but also shows that all things work towards displaying the glory of the ever-loving God. This book is essential reading for all seeking a deeper understanding of purpose and goal of God."
"An engaging overview of redemptive history from biblical origins to ultimate destiny. A thorough-going biblical theology well worth careful study. Highly commendable!"
"Someone, somewhere suggested that the reading of many books brings consternation, even bewilderment. While that perception may be valid, I also find what I would call "a pearl of great price" often. This one is an exceptional gem. It offers an overarching metanarrative of the meaning of Holy Scripture through the lens of divine redemption accomplished in our ultimate sanctification, the divine purpose being to gather a people to dwell in His presence, glorifying him forever. The clarity of the literary composition is excellent, the exegesis of relevant passages precious, the depth of insight rare, the structure of the chapters easily grasped, the methodology executed throughout that of a seasoned homiletical practitioner. I think it is one of the best books I have ever read and seriously recommend it to you."
"In a work hermeneutically sensitive and homiletically shaped, Kuruvilla again shows himself a masterful expositor and communicator, drawing the reader in and expounding his theme with many valuable insights."
"Thanks be to God, the Creator intervened and provided an unnatural solution to the natural condition of sinfulness. God not only cured the disease of sin, but he also positively added health to these sin-sufferers so that their latter state is infinitely better than their life in the original creation. Kuruvilla tells the biblical story of this redemption, from glory to glory, as the narrative of sanctification by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. Readers will be challenged by this book to be conformed increasingly to the image of Christ and to be more appreciative of the extent to which a gracious God will go to save his creatures."
"How should we understand sanctification as Christians? What does it mean to live the Christian life? Abraham Kuruvilla takes us on a scriptural tour in this beautifully written and biblically faithful book, showing us what it means to be disciples of Christ. As believers we desire to glorify God, and Kuruvilla unpacks for us what glorifying God looks like in our daily lives. Highly recommended for pastors, students, and all who aspire to grow in Christ."
"In this book Abraham Kuruvilla, both a theologian and medical doctor, examines the malady of sin and its known prescription - a spiritual remedy through Incarnational intervention. Using his excellently honed analytical tools, he creates a theological tapestry weaving the threads of canonicity and redemptive history; creation and the new creation; sanctification and glorification; and revelation and application to present a prescription accessible by laity and clergy, relevant to scholars and students, and applicable in the academy and the church. It is my privilege to highly endorse this masterpiece."
