Between Heaven And Earth by Steve Berger, Book review

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (March 4, 2014)
• ISBN-13: 978-0764211676
• Also available in KINDLE format

SYNOPSIS:


Be Transformed by a Glimpse of Paradise
· What will heaven be like? What will we do? Who will we see?
· How can I become more excited about heaven as my true home? 
· Is it possible that knowing more about heaven will result in greater joy and purpose in my daily life?

It's not easy separating fact from fiction when it comes to heaven, nor is it always easy to see how the afterlife can affect our lives today. After a car accident caused his nineteen-year-old son to unexpectedly enter heaven, Pastor Steve Berger chose to reject despair and commit himself to carefully studying his son's new, eternal home. He had no idea how much there was to learn, and his life hasn't been the same since. This biblical and deeply personal study of heaven will give you hope for the future. 

But more than that, it will show you what it means to live today in light of the reality of heaven. If your view of heaven isn't life-changing, it needs to be adjusted. Let Pastor Berger's exploration of eternity fill you with overflowing hope, courage, and purpose.


My thoughts:


When a loved one dies, we hurt so much we often forget God's promise Heaven will be the ultimate reward. 
What is Heaven, we wonder? At best we picture a sort of land of milk and honey.  Christians have tried to imagine what this Heaven will be like for millenniums. 

We long for the healing and freedom of God's mansion yet we fear leaving our loved ones upon death. Sadness is overwhelming when it holds you tight in its grip, ever more when we loose a child. 

In 'Between Heaven and Earth: Finding Hope, Courage, and Passion Through a Fresh Vision of Heaven', Steve Berger shares his own loss, that of his precious son who would never know the joy of college, marriage or having children. At such a tragic moment in his life, Steve Berger came undone and ask God 'Why?' 

There are no simple answers to such a question but God shows us the way. He reminds us to look to Him in our hurt, to know the joy that is before us whilst enduring our cross in order to sit one day at the place of power at His right hand.

With an insight born of personal hurt, Pastor Berger explored the Bible's detailed accounts of Heaven and the promises of after life to offer comfort and a measure of hope to anyone who faces such difficult times as he did. Despite the sadness, there is to be also joy, joy that for anyone departing earth, whatever form Heaven takes after death, God's promises will come true.

C.S. Lewis said: 'Joy is the serious business of Heaven' whilst Martin Luther stated 'If you are not allowed to laugh in Heaven, I don't want to go there.' It sounds pretty good to me! 

To those whose hurt we witness, our ultimate goal should be to be like Jesus, wherever it is, at whatever time, day or night, with everything we have and someday to be with Jesus face to face.
I believe Steve Berger's advice to be spot on!

4 Stars and heartily recommended for Pastors and Church libraries.


Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book courtesy of BETHANY HOUSE PUBLISHERS as part of the book's promotion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.