Not Home Yet : How the Renewal of the Earth Fits Into God's Plan for the World

**"A vivid picture of how this earth matters to God—our work, our communities, and the physical world." —Scott B. Rae** Beginning with the creation of the heavens and earth and ending with the New Jerusalem, the storyline of Scripture reveals God's commitment to the physical world that he created. Our final destiny is not some disembodied, heavenly existence but rather life with God on a renewed earth. How does this understanding of our future home affect our lives today? What role should Christians play in meeting physical needs? Are spiritual realities more significant than physical? This book will help us understand God's eternal vision for the renewal of this earth and discover purpose in all of our daily, real-world endeavors, such as work, the arts, social justice, ecology, medicine, and more. Christians often view heaven as their "future home"--but God's plan is to live forever with his people on a renewed earth. Beginning with the creation of the heavens and earth and ending with the awe-inspiring picture of the New Jerusalem descending to earth, the storyline of Scripture reveals God's commitment to the physical world. What's more, an understanding of God's commitment to renew and restore this earth connects what Christians learn on Sunday mornings with what happens the rest of the week, infusing all good earthly endeavors with dignity, meaning, and significance. This anticipation of God's cosmic renewal has the power to shape the mission of the church as God's people discover eternal purpose in the seemingly "earthly" and "unspiritual" facets of everyday life. Understanding God’s plan to renew the earth connects what Christians learn on Sunday mornings with the rest of the week—shaping their mission as they discover purpose in all their daily work here on earth. "Showcases God's commitment to the world he has made and the need for those who follow him to share this commitment. Creation is in the process of being renewed"-- Provided by publisher