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How Heaven & the New Earth Satisfy Our Deepest Longings

by: Elyse Fitzpatrick

• Format

  E-Book

  ISBN

  9781441230447

  Pub. Date

  Aug 2016

  SRP

  $19.00

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About

You Were Made for Another World

In this world of fear, trials, and loneliness it's easy to feel adrift, like you're homesick for somewhere you've never been. This longing is no small thing to be brushed off and forgotten--it's a guidepost letting you know that you were made for a different place. This earth, as we know it, is not your home. But it's close. In fact, at times you can almost see your home from here.

What you long for is the New Earth--the place God has been preparing for your eternity with him. With heartfelt stories, personal reflection, and deep scriptural insight, Elyse Fitzpatrick explores heaven and the New Earth--showing that our assumptions about heaven and the realities of the New Earth are not one and the same. Your final destination is not a dull, featureless room in the clouds, but rather a perfected earth. It's an actual place full of beauty and wonder that we'll explore with real, perfect bodies. There's no need to chase a bucket list--on the New Earth there will be no end of glorious sites and amazing activities, and we'll never run out of time.

Includes questions for group discussion.

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Endorsements

"As someone who grew up in the church and studying the Bible, yet without a full understanding of our eternal home--the New Heaven and the New Earth--this book not only expanded my understanding, it fed my longing. This is a book I will recommend again and again to those who long to understand what awaits believers beyond this life."

Nancy Guthrie, author of Hearing Jesus Speak Into Your Sorrow

"Finally, we have an accessible-to-all book which seeks to explain the now and not yet of heaven. To be absent from this body is to be present with the Lord in paradise--good news, indeed. But the future of heaven will have us living with Jesus right here, in our never-gonna-wear out resurrection bodies, in the all-things-new Garden City of the New Earth. Home gives us a better understanding of our future inheritance, that we might live and love to God's glory, until the Day Jesus returns to finish making all things new."

Scotty Smith, teacher in residence, West End Community Church, Nashville, TN

"Home. The word resonates with me. It's a word that brings longing and hope for some, pain and suffering for others. Elyse walks us through the realities on earth around this word and how the gospel gives us hope for a better home. This is a comforting book."

Wendy Alsup, author of Practical Theology for Women and The Gospel-Centered Woman

"If ever we try to mark the character of God by the circumstances of our broken world, we will measure wrongly. The world does not disclose the fullness of his heart--the Cross does. Why then do we have to travel through this brokenness to find our way to a better home? The answer Elyse Fitzpatrick explores with empathy and accuracy is that the hard things wean us from a love of what is passing so that we long for the promises of the eternal--and prioritize every experience and relationship accordingly. In this way, we learn that God's heart is not only revealed at the Cross, but also in the warmth of the Home to which we are welcomed forever."

Bryan Chapell, author and pastor, Grace Presbyterian Church, Peoria, Illinois

"I've tasted enough of the fake stuff to know that I only want to feast on real hope. Elyse has done a fabulous job in this book to whet our appetites for Home--our real Home. She sorts out the misunderstandings surrounding heaven, and lays out a buffet of biblical truth for our homesick hearts. The gospel rings out loud and clear through Elyse's words, and makes my heart soar. Because of Jesus Christ, we have so much to look forward to, and that is the understatement of the ages."

Gloria Furman, author of Missional Motherhood and Alive in Him

"Home is not simply a book, but a devotional experience. Between these pages you will discover a piercing clarity and rich vocabulary for that haunting sense of exile that shadows so many of us each day. It's the daily ping from a distant homeland; a God-installed reminder that we are absent from the world to which we are best fitted. The New Heaven and New Earth await us--we are not Home yet! If you know that longing, read this book. In fact, if you want to yearn with greater hope, buy it right now! And then watch God convert your present longings into eager anticipation for what awaits you."

Dave Harvey, executive director, Sojourn Network; pastor, Four Oaks Church, Tallahassee, Florida; founder, AmICalled.com; author, When Sinners Say I Do and forthcoming Zondervan release, Letting Go

"When pain overwhelms, or passing pleasures distract, all Christians need reminding that this shattered world is not our destiny. But when pain and pleasure disorient us we need a map and guide to show us the way to where Christ is. Elyse Fitzpatrick is that guide, and she is acquainted with God's map in the Bible. I hope you will join her as she encourages you in the pages of this book to follow Christ to the magnificent place he has created for you. Whether this world has distracted you with tragedy or with triumph, you need this book to reorient you toward Home."

Dr. Heath Lambert, executive director, Association of Certified Biblical Counselors; author, A Theology of Biblical Counseling

"When Elyse Fitzpatrick writes a book, you want to read it because you know it came from her passionate, purposeful, yet practical walk with the Lord. When she writes about heaven, you want to go there because she describes it in such a clear, compelling way. Home will fan the flame of your desire for the life that is to come--in heaven with Jesus Christ for all eternity."

Dr. James MacDonald, senior pastor, Harvest Bible Chapel; author, Act Like Men and Vertical Church

"Western Christians have had very few good books on the subject of heaven--at least books written in our lifetimes. . . . Elyse Fitzpatrick has now authored one for all Christians--and a genuinely good one! Readers should not skip Dr. Paul Tripp's preface. Dr. Tripp introduces one theme of Fitzpatrick that I found most fascinating: 'an insatiable hunger for home,' a deep longing, a homesickness in each of us. For me, the first aspect of Fitzpatrick's book that I found utterly fascinating was this theme of 'longing,' of 'homesickness.' Fitzpatrick's book is suffused with the text of Holy Scripture--on virtually every page! She obviously intends to build a roundly and soundly scriptural view of heaven as Christians' true home. What she is not interested in doing is presenting to her readers her own speculations. Good! I commend this book to any and all Christians. You won't have read, I think, anything like it before. And Fitzpatrick argues her case from Scripture text!"

Dr. Rod Rosenbladt, former professor of theology, Concordia University, Irvine; former co-host, nationally syndicated radio program The White Horse Inn

"Home, no goodbyes, livelier life, face-to-face--is there anything better than being led by God's Word to meditate on heaven? Through Elyse's book, the Spirit and Word will open your eyes and take you into 'thin places,' your present troubles will feel a little less weighty, you will be more motivated to live heavenly, and you will even contribute to the Lord's sooner return."

Dr. Edward T. Welch, counselor and faculty member, Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation

"In Home Elyse Fitzpatrick has tackled a daunting assignment: 'I'm trying to describe and even make you long for something neither one of us has ever experienced.' The challenge is to give us a glimpse, a taste, an aroma of the unmitigated and endless delights of the New Earth that are Christians' destiny, secured for us by Jesus' death and resurrection. Instead of indulging in flights of sentimental fancy, Elyse has harnessed her imagination to the clues revealed in God's Word. The result is a preview of the Home (for which we are all homesick) that is both robustly biblical and irresistibly attractive. Both those who suffer the pain of alienation and those who are too comfortably 'at home' in this sin-sick world need to let this book lift our sights toward the return of the King and his consummated kingdom."

Dennis E. Johnson, professor of practical theology, Westminster Seminary California

"Reading this book was a doxological experience for me. Elyse articulates the longings of my heart and challenges me to live for the glory of the Savior who will one day welcome me Home. I will keep this book close so I can read it again, and again."

Susan Hunt, author and former director of women's ministries for the Presbyterian Church in America

"A new book from my friend Elyse is always an occasion for rejoicing, and Home is no exception. With characteristic insight, vulnerability, and humor, she paints a hope-drenched portrait of kingdom come that is as fresh as it is alluring, yet clearly grounded in compassion for a world that's never seemed more sunk down in conflict, hurt, and confusion. All that's missing is Paul Simon in your ears, singing 'Homeward Bound.' Beautiful."

David Zahl, director, Mockingbird Ministries

"In a world of instant gratification and bucket list idolatry, Elyse points believers to the true object of their deepest longings: seeing Christ face-to-face in glory. I enthusiastically recommend Home."

Cameron Cole, editor, Gospel-Centered Youth Ministry: A Practical Guide

"Read this book and your heart will fill with hope! It's not just about the heaven we go to after we die; it's about the Day of the Lord when Christ will return and remake the heavens and the earth--and us and our bodies--and finally bring us Home. Pondering your future in light of God's Word will do you a world of good."

Charles Morris, Haven Today

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