Shadows of Things to Come: A Prophetic Look at God's Unfolding Plan [Paperback]

Rick Joyner (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 10, 2001

"One of the greatest sources of prophetic vision is found by better understanding our past," says Rick Joyner. "I studied Christ's interaction with the apostles as well as the life of the early church to be obedient to a heavenly vision in which I was told that I would not be able to accurately foresee the future until I understood the past." In this important book Joyner looks at the life and ministry of the apostles and of later generations so that Christians today can close the openings the enemy has used to gain entry and do his deadly work. He examines the successes and failures of Christians of the past so we can better understand how to be God's servants today.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Charismatic Christian author Joyner (The Final Quest and The Call) draws upon years of research into church history to warn modern Christians to embrace an attitude of humility and to repent of their casual indifference to God. If America's church fails to heed this advice, he cautions, it cannot fulfill its biblical mandate of hastening the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Despite this rather startling premise, the book is dry and disjointed, and its historical approach may fail to excite the charismatic Christian audience Joyner is seeking. In his overview of church history, Joyner highlights the importance of apostolic foundations and their value for today's church. He sketches a timeline of significant events and world leaders (such as Constantine) who influenced church history, and discusses their legacy. The historical sections flow together poorly, and Joyner often fails to connect them to the book's ostensible argument, which is that history is supposed to point the way toward understanding biblical prophecy. Joyner seems more at home discussing contemporary charismatic renewal, as when he generously credits revivalists such as Sam Jones and Evan Roberts with igniting mass spiritual awakenings. Joyner's text conveys his obvious passion for God, yet many of the accounts fall flat and fail to evoke a zealous response.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (April 10, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0785267840
• ISBN-13: 978-0785267843
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #747,363 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Rick Joyner is the founder and executive director of MorningStar Ministries and Heritage International Ministries and is the Senior Pastor of MorningStar Fellowship Church. He is the author of more than forty books, including The Final Quest, A Prophetic History, and Church History. He is also the president of The Oak Initiative, an interdenominational movement that is mobilizing thousands of Christians to be engaged in the great issues of our times, being the salt and light that they are called to be. Rick and his wife, Julie, have five children: Anna, Aaryn, Amber, Ben, and Sam.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book, May 21, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Shadows of Things to Come: A Prophetic Look at God's Unfolding Plan (Paperback)

This is one of the best books on church history, and no, not all of it, it's not an encyclopedia. And in response to the other reviews, why would he talk about things that don't have anything to do with his main points? And besides those points, he gives the disclaimer at the beginning: "Though I have studied history for many years, I am not a historian or an academic. This book is not intended to be an academic or objective view of history, but a cursory examination of history for the sake of insight in our on times. Keep in mind that this is necessarily a superficial study of this great subject." So take that into consideration when reading the other reviews. I would HIGHLY recommend this book, to anyone who is interested in church history, simply the part about Constantine is worth reading if nothing else, it will explain a lot about how the church got so off course.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT!! Finally something I can understand!!, May 27, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Shadows of Things to Come: A Prophetic Look at God's Unfolding Plan (Paperback)

I love this book, for people who aren't big history buffs, but want to get some background on the church with out reading a million boring books, this is the one.

And Oh my goodness! the last 2 reviews for this book couldn't be anymore general or jaded in their accusations! The last one sounds like he is mad because he's trying to figure out what God is doing in his life and wants to blame it on somebody, I guess Rick Joyner and the like will do huh? It's a book review not a review of the things you don't like in life. Come on people!

5.0 out of 5 stars A must for any Christian, February 6, 2010

By 

Amber "Amber" (Cincinnati Oh) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Shadows of Things to Come: A Prophetic Look at God's Unfolding Plan (Paperback)

Rick Joyner's books are all full of powerful revelation and anointed teaching because he has devoted himself to seeking, serving, and knowing the truth. Truth is Jesus Christ. This book is a wonderful compilation of historic events regarding the church and how these time periods of the church's past are a reflection of her present and her future. This is not a very deep exploration of church history but rather more like a an overview of some of the most powerful and shaking events that took place. If you flunked out of world history in school or just never cared before now to explore history at all, especially church history, this is not only a great eye opener pointing out key events and people for further study, it's also going to make you hungry to know more and to go deeper. You'll read about the persecutions of the apostles, the church itself, and the different events that all played a part in the course of the church from Antioch, to persecutions under Nero, to Constantine, the dark ages, and more. This book does not read like a dry discourse or time line but rather an eye opening plethora of hidden treasures, treasures that took years of study and research to dig up which we can now absorb in only a few hours.
The only beef I have with this book is that it seemed to take a few chapters too many to get into the heart of the matter. But it was well worth it for the spiritual truths and insights I am now gaining.
I am not even entirely finished with the book yet and already I think I will read this one a second time.
God bless!