Heaven is not my home

Several of you seemed surprised and intrigued yesterday by the idea that heaven is coming to earth some day and that the Kingdom of God will be embodied here, in this tangible place.  I'm going to try to put together a bible study time on this idea for those who are interested.  Until then (and beyond that), here are some books you might like to check out if you want to learn more:

• Heaven is Not My Home:Living in the Now of God's Creation by Paul Marshall--Doesn't go into the theological ideas very deeply or academically, but explores examples of how God is redeeming specific areas of life, such as rest, play, work, imagination, learning and more.
  
• Heaven is a Place on Earth: Why Everything You Do Matters to God by Michael E. Wittmer--A good introduction with well-explained theological ideas, lots of scripture references and pop culture examples.  Includes a discussion guide with questions.
• Bringing Heaven Down to Earth: Connecting This Life to the Next by Nathan Bierma--Author works at Calvin in the Worship Institute and has taught a DCM course on his book.  Check out the slide shows his students put together illustrating ideas from the book.
• Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, The Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church by N.T. Wright: Wright is a friend of Walsh & Keesmaat's and there's definitely a congruity and influence in their ideas.  This relatively new book has been getting rave reviews.  Check out the author on Stephen Colbert.

Heaven has in some ways been hijacked by ideas that have little merit when held up against the arc of scripture.  For myself, understanding that the eternal Kingdom of God will have something to do with the earthly creatures we are now makes it a much more exciting reality.  It also helps balance my sense of urgency ("I need to change the world and experience everything it has to offer NOW!  Before I die!") with a sense of trust and rest ("I can honor my limitations and the call to Sabbath in the hope of eternity on a renewed, restored earth").