I have been much blessed by a timely book from the leader of a vibrant church in London’s King’s Cross.

All Things New reflects what clearly seems to be happening in that busy transport hub which has seen significant redevelopment in recent years – all for the better.

KXC (King’s Cross Church)

Something beautiful is taking place there, from what Pete Hughes recounts. I didn’t know about the relatively new church plant, but I had sensed a real freshness in that part of London, where I had spent time waiting for trains, or needing to cross over the road to the similarly redeveloped St Pancras.

And it was not just a physical thing. There was a fresh sense of purpose about the place; there’s even a street market right outside the train terminus, offering delicious-looking fast food. Pete and his wife, Bee, planted an innovative church in this unlikely cosmopolitan, secular central London location ten years ago. It has grown to be a significant Christian presence of predominantly 20 and 30 year-olds in a very challenging area.

It has grown to be a significant Christian presence of predominantly 20 and 30 year-olds.

Pete Hughes is brother of popular songwriter Tim, whom he actually led to the Lord immediately after his own conversion when he was just four! An emerging new leader of the 21st century Church, Pete is envisioned to reach a new generation with a deep understanding of the gospel’s ability to make all things new and thus affect every area of their lives.

Bringing restoration

Starting in Genesis and working through the Scriptures, All Things New takes the reader on a journey into the very heart of God and his relentless passion to redeem lives, heal the nations, rewire the culture, and bring renewal to all of creation. God’s burning desire, Pete declares, is to bring restoration to every sphere of society.

What I found particularly helpful was the way in which the author colourfully sets Jesus’ teaching in its Jewish context – beautifully illustrating how first century Jews would have understood his parables, for example.

God’s burning desire, Pete declares, is to bring restoration to every sphere of society.

His take on ‘The prodigal son’, which he heads The Promise of a Loving Father, is classic. A real revelation, I was going to spell it out, but I don’t want to spoil it for you. So just read the book yourself!

Caveat quibbles

But having successfully outlined an understanding of the gospel in this way, application to present-day Israel is mysteriously absent. Has the Jewish factor been subsumed (or replaced even) by the Church? I hope not.

When discussing the downward spiral into immorality sparked by denial of God as Creator in Romans 1, the author seems to suggest that Paul had first century Israel in mind when in fact he is surely referring to Rome, where those to whom he was writing lived!

He also suggests that Ezekiel 37’s Valley of Dry Bones coming to life was fulfilled with the outpouring of the Spirit, which I feel is rather far off the mark. I would have thought it was fairly obviously prophesying the resurrection – virtually from the dead – of Israel.

The author seems to suggest that Paul had first century Israel in mind when in fact he is surely referring to Rome, where those to whom he was writing lived!

Refreshing and rewarding

These are oversights that need correcting. Despite my quibbles, however, this book has much to commend it. Nevertheless, I do pray that high-profile young leaders like Pete will develop a growing love for Israel, and thus hook in to God’s end-time plan for Jews and Gentiles to worship and witness together.

Brother Tim, by the way, has also seen tremendous growth with his new church plant in downtown Birmingham.

‘All Things New’ (338pp) is published by David C Cook and is available from Eden Christian Books for £10.56 (inc p&p).