What the Bible Actually Says
By: Chip Ingram, Lance Witt
ISBN: 9780801016134
Publisher: Baker
Publication Date: 3/1/2016
Format: Hardcover
My Rating: 5 Stars
Heaven has received a lot of attention in recent years as bestselling books and movies have told the stories of people who claim to have been there. But what does the Bible actually say about heaven? What difference does it make? What happens the moment after we die? What will our relationships be like in heaven? Chip Ingram sets aside the hype and myths and digs into the Scriptures to discover what God actually wants us to know about the hereafter. Most importantly, Ingram shows why our understanding of heaven matters now, in this life. Because what we believe about heaven actually affects us today in ways we may not have imagined.
My Review
A special thank you to Baker and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Chip Ingram and Lance Witt's THE REAL HEAVEN: WHAT THE BIBLE ACTUALLY SAYS, a book based on the foundational premise that the one person who has authority to speak of Heaven is the One who created it.
Chip Ingram's passion as a pastor, author, coach and teacher for more than twenty-five years, has helped believers around the world --move from spiritual spectators to healthy, authentic disciples of Jesus by living out God's truth in their lives and relationships in transforming ways. Many of us have a mix of views about Heaven--influenced by movies and other books about the afterlife. Some have even claimed to experienced death and brought back to life. With much confusion, Ingram cuts through the clutter and focuses on a simple, clear, practical and Biblical view of God’s greatest hope and promise for His children: Heaven.Secure your spot for eternity. The sixty-six books of the Bible make up one book. It is one story. God’s story.
"Set your minds on things above, not on earthy things. For you died and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory." --Col 3:2-4 We all are going to die and even though we know Heaven is a place where believers will spend eternity, most of us do not give it much thought. As Ingram references, some have more interest in where they are going for lunch, than where we they will spend their eternity. We are all terminal. Death rate 100%. Challenging readers to go on a journey with him to discover what Heaven is really like—a clear picture of our tomorrow and how it will transform the life you live today. He focuses on what God has to say about heaven. With three main reasons to study Heaven: • Our misconceptions are crippling us • We are commanded to think about Heaven • A faulty view of Heaven destines us to a wasted life on Earth. Our contemporary culture is all about now. Instant gratification. No one likes to wait. Understanding Biblical truths about Heaven will change your perspective, desires, and priorities. It will change your life. This world is temporary. It will wear out, give out, break down, and ultimately be thrown in the trash. Treasures we store up in Heaven are eternal and will never rot, rust, or ruin. It will not be marred by sin, disease, pollution, and disaster. The planet we live on is a gift from God, but it is stained and scarred by sin. God is preparing us for a New Heaven and a New Earth that far exceeds our wildest imagination.
Going back to the beginning of time. The Garden of Eden. An accurate picture of the ultimate New Heaven and New Earth. Eternity is real. God will not save us against our will. He has offered forgiveness and salvation. Our decision. To fully grasp our future Heaven, it is critical we see the parallels between God’s original place for mankind and His future home for us. Heaven, is very much like the paradise he created in the beginning for Adam and Eve. Once you die, your eternal destiny is set. Your future is secure. What you do in this life will have direct impact on the quality of life in Heaven. Heaven is a literal place and the purpose of Heaven has been clear from the beginning. He wants to be with us forever. A relationship. He loves us and sent Christ to pay for our sins and redeem us. The question: Are you certain you are going to Heaven? The Bible is clear, so you will know for certain. A critical focus of the book: It is not about trying hard, being religious, or hoping that it all works out. It isn’t about giving to your favorite charity or attending church, or doing good deeds. It is a gift of grace from a God who love you, and sent His Son to die in your place to pay for all your sins once and for all. We need to share our faith. He uses everyday believers, like all of us to tell others. The entire message of this book on Heaven rests on one element: that the Bible is the inspired and infallible Word of God. Everything written in this book is based on the belief that the Bible is credible, trustworthy, and accurate.
Having read and listened to many of Chip Ingram’s sermons and teachings over the years, he expands the explanation of how to have eternal life and know, with certainty you have a place in Heaven---beyond the book, with his incredible website with further readings, videos, and references at LivingOnTheEdge.com No matter where you are on your spiritual journey, THE REAL HEAVEN is a message explaining God’s special gift to each of us, and how we can receive this free gift of salvation, without doubt.
You can’t earn it or be good enough to merit it. Eternal life and a place in Heaven can be yours today if you believe and turn from sin and become His follower. John 3:16. Highly recommend the audio book, narrated by Lloyd James in combination with the book format, for reference. If you have not read Ingram's previous books, his website is a great online starting place with insightful videos, radio, podcast, readings and teachings.
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About the Author
Chip is the author of fifteen books, including his most recent releases: Culture Shock, True Spirituality, and Good to Great in God's Eyes. Reaching more than a million people a week, his teaching can be heard online and through hundreds of radio and television outlets worldwide.
Teacher. Author. Pastor. Coach.
Chip Ingram's passion is helping Christians really live like Christians. As a pastor, author, coach and teacher for more than twenty-five years, Chip has helped believers around the world move from spiritual spectators to healthy, authentic disciples of Jesus by living out God's truth in their lives and relationships in transformational ways.
