A Burning and Shining Light is a comprehensive, modern-day biography of George Whitefield, the Great Awakening Evangelist. Chronological in nature, its emphasis is on his travel, preaching, and influence on two continents. Nelson's intent is to expand the reader's understanding of Whitefield's ministry to its influence today, by bringing the reader into Whitefield's era. The reader will observe the events of his life, participating in Whitefield's passion for ministry, as well as his joys and sorrows. An evaluation of Whitefield's influence is given in the last two chapters. The book is laden with references from other biographies and books about Whitefield. The biography regards the time in which he lived, comparing it to today's time, by evaluating his inward motivations and influences that made him one of the greatest preachers in the History of Christianity.
Readers who are interested in early history of the American colonies and the history of one of the greatest dramatic preachers of all time will appreciate this look into what made evangelism what it is today. It's appeal to pastors, students, and leaders who need a magnificent model of perseverance and overcoming obstacles.
Students of evangelism will be intrigued by the origin of effective mass evangelism methods. Theologians and believers interested in the struggle between Calvinism and Arminianism will profit from the history of this doctrinal controversy with Wesley.
The passive observer who knows nothing about Whitefield can be enlightened to an almost unbelievable legacy of Whitefield's impact on people in a day with so many limitations on travel, communication, and expansion. The impact is a legacy of one who rose out from small beginnings to leave a tremendous example for others to follow.
About the AuthorNelson, Dan: - Dan holds the Master of Divinity degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in New Orleans, Louisiana, a Ph. D. degree from California Graduate School of Theology in Glendale, California, and the Doctor of Ministry degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. Dan Nelson has served as pastor of First Baptist Church of Camarillo, California, in the greater Los Angeles area for the last 33 years after previously serving as pastor of First Baptist Church Burney and Seminary Baptist Church. Dan has served as Associate to the Evangelism Director in the Northwest Baptist Convention for two years and has also worked as an evangelist through the California Baptist Convention in Fresno on student-led revival teams. Dan has preached in over 40 evangelistic meetings and revivals in his ministry. Dan has been active in the Southern Baptist Convention denominational structure, serving on the Board of Trustees at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, and as National Alumni Chairman for New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in New Orleans, Louisiana. Dan is a regular contributor to SBC Today as well as an active contributor to other blog sites and publications. He has been married to his wife Janice for 42 years. They have two daughters, Krista and Kimberly, Dan is a regular contributor to SBC Today as well as an active contributor to other blog sites and publications. He is an avid bicyclist and an instructor in indoor cycling (spin class) at several local gyms. A Burning and Shining Light: The Testimony and Witness of George Whitefield is Dan's third book and is the product of many years of research and development in presenting the most recent comprehensive historical record of Whitefield's ministry. Baptist Revival: Reaffirming Baptist Principles in Today's Changing Church Scene was Dan's first book followed by Game On All the Time: Growing up in the Home of a Legendary Football Coach: L. R. Nelson.
