All Things New is a substantial yet highly accessible exploration of the Bible’s grand narrative, tracing the story of creation, de-creation, and re-creation from Genesis to Revelation. Hughes combines deep biblical and theological insight with practical application, making the book both informative and life-shaping. One of its greatest strengths is the way it weaves the big picture of Scripture together with real-life stories from Hughes’s own journey as a church leader in King’s Cross, London, showing how the gospel can shape individuals, communities, and culture.
The book challenges readers to see themselves not merely as observers of God’s story, but as participants in his mission to make all things new, whether in their own lives, in the local church, or in the wider society. Hughes handles complex topics with clarity, from discipleship and spiritual formation to cultural renewal, revival, and even theological debates such as the nature of hell, offering a thoughtful defence of an annihilationist perspective.
While some sections may be challenging, particularly for new and younger Christians, this is precisely the audience who would benefit most: those new to faith or seeking a framework for understanding Scripture and living it out. Hughes’s work is clearly informed by the scholarship of N. T. Wright and others, but he presents these insights in a readable, engaging, and deeply practical format.
Overall, All Things New is an inspiring and thought-provoking book that balances theological depth with real-world application. It invites readers to inhabit God’s story fully, to let it shape their lives, and to join in his mission of re-creation. I enjoyed it so much that I used it for church reading group a few years ago, and I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking a big-picture understanding of Scripture that equips them for life and mission today.
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Pete Hughes recorded introductory videos for each chapter as part of The Big Church Read some years ago – you can find them here.
You can find my own summary of the book here at LifeWords Summaries
A Different Kingdom 
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