Books by Matt Hyam

Life Before Death

Published November 2018

Many Evangelical Christians state that, if it were not for hell, they would not be a Christian, but was the threat of judgment part of Jesus’ gospel invitation? Is fear really a good reason to be a Christian? Are we, as this statement implies, jealous of a hedonistic lifestyle? Does Jesus invite us to a receive a ticket to heaven, or is eternal life something more than this?

This short book began life as an MA thesis as part of Matt’s studies at Westminster Theological Centre. While academic in content, it is not a difficult read (and is only around 65 pages.)

 

 

What people are saying about Life Before Death:

“Matt Hyam’s exploration of John the Beloved’s view of judgment is a most welcome piece of biblical scholarship. It reveals a God who, far from threatening the world with an ultimatum of forthcoming destruction, has come in the flesh to rescue an already-perishing race from the pit we dug for ourselves. Hyam pulls back blinders of assumption to see what is obviously in the text, suggesting a beautiful gospel readily transposed to the 21st-century dilemma.”

Brad Jersak (PhD), author of A More Christlike God

“In this detailed study of familiar texts in John’s Gospel, Matt Hyam challenges traditional interpretations and offers fresh perspectives on what Jesus said, how John understood this and why this matters as we share the good news today.”                           

Stuart Murray, author of Post Christendom.

“The implications of what Matt is saying couldn’t be more profound. Why follow Jesus? What is the Good News? What sort of life are we called to live? This study is a must read for anyone who thinks these questions are important.”

– Tim Nash, Nomad Podcast

“Matt Hyam’s Life Before Death is so helpful, timely, and important. With scholarly attention and a deep respect for the text, Matt Hyam shows us how to read the Gospel of John, not as a threatening ultimatum, but as a gracious invitation. Hyam is helping to make the gospel beautiful again. I applaud this book!”

– Brian Zahnd, author of Sinners in the Hands of a Loving God

How to buy a copy:

Life Before Death is available in UK from online booksellers, such as Amazon, Blackwells or the Book Depository or from the SVC bookshop. If you are overseas, this should also be available from online retailers.

 

 

 

I Still Have More Questions Than Answers

First Published 2003; republished 2018 (Wipf & Stock)

 

I Still Have More Questions Than Answers” is Matt’s attempt to document the process and its implications. While his intention is not to be controversial or confrontational, he believes that there are several fundamental questions about the church and discipleship that need to be addressed if believers are to fulfil their biblical mandate in this new millennium. Matt recognises that these are not easy questions, but challenges his readers to ask them and embrace their own journey of discovery with God.

 

 

 

What people are saying about I Still Have More Questions Than Answers:

“As Matt Hyam chronicles the transformation of his faith community, his personal honesty about bewildering questions is a fresh reprieve from those who would spin their journey as an act of pastoral genius. He allows us a glimpse of the uncontainable wind of the Spirit in the life of a congregation and its minister.”

– Dr Bradley Jersak, Author of A More Christlike God.

“If you are wondering what is going on with young Christian leaders and value honest reflection over ‘spin’ or self-promotion – euphemistically called ‘marketing’ – then “I still have more questions than answers” is spot on. Herein matt candidly displays the scrapbook of his journey to follow Jesus and ‘do church’ in ways that make sense for current culture. It is an enjoyable and enlightening read.”

– Rt. Rev Todd hunter, Diocese of Churches for the sake of the Lost; former President, Alpha (USA).

“To be frank with you, I wish I had never read it now.  It echoes many of the questions I have had for years and puts out some more I have never thought of.  I had everything kind of mapped out, but now I am taking walks along the beach… thank you…  for the wake up call… I am making it compulsory reading for all in our leadership.”

– Simon Van Niekerk Former Pastor, City Vineyard, Cape Town.

“How refreshing to find someone willing to shine a light on the subtle shadow that lingers behind many of the practices we do in ministry and church life. Matt’s tone is not condemning nor accusatory, but honest and inviting. Through sharing his story he invites us all to look a little deeper into the “why’s” and “how’s” of our faith journey.”

– Eric Sandras, Lead Pastor of Sanctuary Church, Colorado Springs, CO; author of Buck Naked Faith.

How to buy a copy:

The book is published by Wipf and Stock and is available in the UK from online booksellers such as Amazon, BlackwellsEden, Wordery, Waterstones or the Book Depository or from the SVC bookshop. If you are overseas, you should be able to buy it from most online retailers.