The future hope of heaven is pulled into the here-and-now in this illuminating description of the kingdom of God. Popular teacher and author R. Alan Streett exposes half-truths about the kingdom that many believers have unwittingly accepted. He contrasts these with the testimony of Scripture: Jesus inaugurated the kingdom of God on the earth—it has already begun. As ambassadors of the kingdom, we are to fulfill our responsibilities and enjoy its benefits here and now. Salvation does not culminate with the soul escaping the body and living forever in heaven. Our bodies will eventually be transformed, and we will live with God on a restored earth. The church is like an embassy of heaven in a foreign country. In their life together, believers demonstrate kingdom realities to the world. Readers will find hope and direction in this fresh presentation of the historic teaching on the kingdom.
Review
Alan Streett has written a very readable theology of the kingdom of God. But it is more than a theology, for it is the grand narrative of God's relationship to the world and humanity told in a fascinating manner without any mincing of words when it comes to bringing out its practical implications. I can only hope that as many as can get their hands on it will indeed "Take up and read." At the end of the work one wants to stand and sing the "Hallelujah Chorus."
Peter Davids, Ph.D. Visiting Professor of Christianity Houston Baptist University
Alan Streett has come upon a discovery that is revolutionizing his understanding of the Bible, the gospel, and the Christian life. You feel his exhilaration in every chapter as he grapples deeply with Jesus' core message - not simply about how to get into heaven when you die, but how God's dreams for planet earth can come true, beginning with you, and catching all of us up in God's transforming mission. This is a courageous work that will stimulate needed conversations about the Bible and the gospel, especially in Evangelical circles. Highly recommended.
Brian D. McLaren Author and speaker
Good biblical scholarship always needs clear-headed and careful writers who can help the church as a whole grasp the "core essentials" of the gospel of the kingdom. Alan Streett has written a rare book, combining good scholarship with a compelling and clear style that allows him to speak powerfully to a wide audience. There is gold in this hill-search and find. I am quite sure your efforts will be rewarded. John H. Armstrong President, ACT 3 Network
Since Jesus spoke so often of the kingdom, shouldn't we? I heartily commend Alan's contribution to this important conversation about one of the Bible's often overlooked themes, the kingdom of God. Read it and be challenged.
Ed Stetzer President, LifeWay Research Author of Subversive Kingdom
When Alan Streett pens a book it has a long life because of the way he reveals Biblical truth in such a practical and applicable manner. In a day when world events move believers to focus so much on Christ's second coming that they forget to appropriate all the first coming provides, HEAVEN ON EARTH is a welcome addition. Streett reminds us that we do not have to wait for our Lord's millennial reign to be blessed. Christ rules already from the Father's right hand. This truth should move every believer to get this book...read it and reap!
O. S. Hawkins President/CEO, Guidestone Financial Services
From the Author
Heaven on Earth is the culmination of my decade-long study of the kingdom of God. I have written this book for laypeople, theological students and ministers. I believe that all who read it will not only be informed, but changed by its message.
The kingdom of God is the theme of the entire Bible. The prophets pointed to it. The apostles preached about it. Jesus inaugurated it. And you can experience it for yourself. Learn how you can become a kingdom-centered believer and how your church can be transformed into a kingdom-focused congregation.
Description:
The future hope of heaven is pulled into the here-and-now in this illuminating description of the kingdom of God. Popular teacher and author R. Alan Streett exposes half-truths about the kingdom that many believers have unwittingly accepted. He contrasts these with the testimony of Scripture: Jesus inaugurated the kingdom of God on the earth—it has already begun. As ambassadors of the kingdom, we are to fulfill our responsibilities and enjoy its benefits here and now. Salvation does not culminate with the soul escaping the body and living forever in heaven. Our bodies will eventually be transformed, and we will live with God on a restored earth. The church is like an embassy of heaven in a foreign country. In their life together, believers demonstrate kingdom realities to the world. Readers will find hope and direction in this fresh presentation of the historic teaching on the kingdom.
Review
Alan Streett has written a very readable theology of the kingdom of God. But it is more than a theology, for it is the grand narrative of God's relationship to the world and humanity told in a fascinating manner without any mincing of words when it comes to bringing out its practical implications. I can only hope that as many as can get their hands on it will indeed "Take up and read." At the end of the work one wants to stand and sing the "Hallelujah Chorus."
Peter Davids, Ph.D.
Visiting Professor of Christianity
Houston Baptist University
Alan Streett has come upon a discovery that is revolutionizing his understanding of the Bible, the gospel, and the Christian life. You feel his exhilaration in every chapter as he grapples deeply with Jesus' core message - not simply about how to get into heaven when you die, but how God's dreams for planet earth can come true, beginning with you, and catching all of us up in God's transforming mission. This is a courageous work that will stimulate needed conversations about the Bible and the gospel, especially in Evangelical circles. Highly recommended.
Brian D. McLaren
Author and speaker
Good biblical scholarship always needs clear-headed and careful writers who can help the church as a whole grasp the "core essentials" of the gospel of the kingdom. Alan Streett has written a rare book, combining good scholarship with a compelling and clear style that allows him to speak powerfully to a wide audience. There is gold in this hill-search and find. I am quite sure your efforts will be rewarded.
John H. Armstrong
President, ACT 3 Network
Since Jesus spoke so often of the kingdom, shouldn't we? I heartily commend Alan's contribution to this important conversation about one of the Bible's often overlooked themes, the kingdom of God. Read it and be challenged.
Ed Stetzer
President, LifeWay Research
Author of Subversive Kingdom
When Alan Streett pens a book it has a long life because of the way he reveals Biblical truth in such a practical and applicable manner. In a day when world events move believers to focus so much on Christ's second coming that they forget to appropriate all the first coming provides, HEAVEN ON EARTH is a welcome addition. Streett reminds us that we do not have to wait for our Lord's millennial reign to be blessed. Christ rules already from the Father's right hand. This truth should move every believer to get this book...read it and reap!
O. S. Hawkins
President/CEO,
Guidestone Financial Services
From the Author
Heaven on Earth is the culmination of my decade-long study of the kingdom of God. I have written this book for laypeople, theological students and ministers. I believe that all who read it will not only be informed, but changed by its message.
The kingdom of God is the theme of the entire Bible. The prophets pointed to it. The apostles preached about it. Jesus inaugurated it. And you can experience it for yourself. Learn how you can become a kingdom-centered believer and how your church can be transformed into a kingdom-focused congregation.