What Happens Next: A Traveler’s Guide Through the End of This Age

by Max Lucado

Are we living in the end times? If so, what does that mean for me? Max Lucado's optimistic, accessible, and non-sensational guide to what the Bible says about heaven's timeline will empower readers to face the future with faith.

Seven years of chaos called the Tribulation. A cruel and cunning Antichrist. The dreaded battle of Armageddon. These images and ideas associated with prophecy can be stimulating but also unnecessarily scary. Max Lucado believes God wants us to be prepared, not scared. In his first book exploring the end of this age, Max provides a wise, well-researched, and reassuring overview of what God's Word has to say on a topic that often creates confusion and anxiety.

Max explores four big ideas that will provide a solid foundation for understanding God's plans and will remind us that we are headed to a far better place than where we started. He explains that

we were made to reign with Christ; God has made and will keep his promises; heaven has a timeline; and a golden era, the millennium, awaits God's children.  

In a world filled with political tension, personal trials, and international turbulence, we find ourselves drawn to exploring what happens next on heaven's timeline. Whether readers find themselves in the "I can't wait," "I'm almost ready," or "I'm not sure about all of this" camp, they will be encouraged to ponder God's plans and promises for the future. In Max's signature encouraging style, he reminds us, "It's all about hope. It's all about him." 

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Faith, Christian Living, Theology, Christianity, Religion

256 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 13, 2024

About the author

With more than 150 million products in print and several NYT bestsellers, Max Lucado is America's bestselling inspirational author. He serves the Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, where he lives with his wife, Denalyn, and their mischievous mutt, Andy. His most recent book published in August 2024 and is titled What Happens Next.

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Reviews

[Jessica Ashe · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️

Thank you so much to netgalley and the publisher for allowing me early access to this magnificent read in exchange for an honest review.

I have long been a fan of Max Lucado’s writing. I was first introduced to him when I was going through a period of anxiety due to a cross country move and other personal things that were weighing on my heart. I found the book “anxious for nothing” and fell in love with max’s style of writing and his biblical approach.

“What Happens Next” touched my heart in the same way that “anxious for nothing” did.

It is a biblical view (revelations) into what our future looks like as Christian’s and non Christians alike. It is a digestible timeline that he makes quite easy to understand and while the topic is a weighty one, it is equally (or more so) exciting that our time to be with Jesus and be reunited with family and friends is imminently approaching.

This will be a book I buy multiple copies of to share with friend. It is a must read.

Keep your eyes on Jesus and heaven. May we all be living each day like we will see Jesus in the next moment.

MUST READ!

[Olde American Spirit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow.

Wow.

Um...wow.

That's all I've got.

And this.....

This ol' world have you troubled?

Read this book.

Even if you are a student of the Bible and know bits and pieces. Even if you hold position at the church.

We all need to be reminded what comes next. ✨✨✨

Hallelu. 💙

[Kellie O'Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful treasure of a book!! Max Lucado has really written a wonderful book about being prepared, not scared as we live in the end times. It's riveting, compelling and keeps you turning the pages.

This book is best summed up by this quote:

" So as his promises are being fulfilled, we have no need to fear. Knowing that our Father has the wheel."

I highly recommend this one!

Enjoy and Happy Reading 💫🤍

[Jesus Beach Girl Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve heard it said that “fear not “ is in the Bible at least 365 times. One for each day of the year. As we live in these last days, there are many books out there that are more fearful instead of being filled with hope and faith. That is not the case with “What Happens Next.” This is a very good book where Max tackles not being anxiety ridden about these last days as we wait for the return of Jesus. It is possible to be prepared and ready without being in fear. Max did well explaining this subject as he always does.

I received an advanced reader’s copy from Nelson Books/Thomas Nelson and Netgalley. Opinions are my own.

[J.E. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inciteful look at the End of the Age through biblical references explained in an easy-to-read book. This is one book that I will refer to over and over again. The author includes a time line of history that we can follow.

As Christians, we should approach the future with courage, hope, and the knowledge of what's ahead. This book will prepare you for God's kingdom and give you the basic answers to what you should do now while you are waiting for the Lord's return.

[YourBookHunter]

Una lectura rapida pero contundente. Me gusto lo directo al grano que fue el estilo de escritura del autor, y como a pesar de ser basado en interpretación de la biblia que es algo subjetivo, el autor logra fundamentar todo lo que dice de una manera que te hace sentir confianza en el. Es una lectura que te abre los ojos, que re hace profundizar y que te deja con muchas lecciones.

[Dave Andreoni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe this is Max Lucado's best book Ive ever read. Clearly and succinctly written it provides illuminating insight and scriptural references that will inform and motivate Christians to deeply reflect on the end of ages and promises of God.

[Josie Siler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best nonfiction book I’ve ever read (besides the Bible)! Even as a seminary student, end times events always confused me. I understood the events, but I just couldn’t wrap my mind around the timing and how everything works. In What Happens Next, Max Lucado lays everything out with such simplicity and beauty it literally brought me to tears. God’s plan for humanity is so beautiful. I finished this book on Christmas Day and the timing was perfect. Oh the things we have to look forward to if we know Jesus! My heart is bursting with hope, joy, and anticipation. If ever there was a book I think everyone should read, this is it!

[Margie B’s Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I struggled with the interpretation of scripture here. I do appreciate learning different perspectives on the end of the world, so I did enjoy the book, but be aware that Lucado only presents his interpretation of the scriptures, although he does mention that there are others. What I do know is that no matter how or when the Lord returns, He will indeed, and we need to be ready.

[Terryl Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and easy to understand look at biblical prophecies. Reminds us that this is not our home but our hope is in the return of Jesus to establish His Kingdom. We should live our lives in the light of this truth.

[Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book packs a punch! Not only did it made me think - above all it gave me hope and encouragement. Max Lucado has laid out a road map for the end of days, backing up each point with scripture (I checked into these on occasion, to see the context and note that the references were spot on).

To make concepts more understandable, Max Lucado uses analogies, stories for him life and even a Star Wars reference! Since reading it, I have already recommended it on (I finished it less than 15 minutes ago). If you want a thoughtful book that is intelligently laid out by a well respected man of God, I highly recommend this one.

I receive complimentary books for various sources including, Netgalley, Authors, and other such sources. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received compensation.

[Deedee Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful study on Revelation!

[Literaturealatte (Jalyn) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone has heard people say end times are near. If this thought makes you at all anxious, this is the book to read. Although no one knows the exact timeframe when Jesus will return, Max talks about the timeline of where we might fall on the timeline. It discusses what will occur and why we should not fear. Has scripture throughout the book to back up what he says. If the book of Revelation confuses you (it’s ok it confuses most people) this helps to better explain it. It also has great discussion questions at the end of the chapters which is great for Bible study groups and self reflection. This would also make a great book to give those who may be questioning God and Satan. Always love his books!

Thank you to Thomas Nelson publishing and Max Lucado for giving me an advanced copy! (All opinions are my own)

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max Lucado has such a gift with words. This excellent look at the end times is not the normal "interpret the symbolism" book. While he does touch briefly on the happenings on earth during the tribulation, the focus of this book is on what is next for believers - the rapture, heaven, the Millennial kingdom, etc.

This book is filled with hope and good news. Don't miss it!

If you are not a Christian but are interested in knowing what we believe and why, this is a great place to start.

Family friendly.

Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy the author’s writing style but felt too much time and false hope was spent on the rapture. I agree with another reviewer who said they felt like they were reading the Left Behind series. The very verses provided to justify the rapture, actually make clear that it doesn’t happen until after the tribulation saints are raised at the last trumpet. God did not rapture Noah, he instructed him to build a boat and held him through the storm/flood. Lot was not raptured. He was instructed to use his feet and to flee. So I must respectfully disagree on this point.

I Thessalonians 4: 15 states
“According to the Lord’s own word, we tell you that we are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord,will certainly NOT PRECEDE THOSE WHO FALLEN ASLEEP”.

1 Corinthians 15:51-52
“Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.”
‭‭
1 Thessalonians 4:13-17
“But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. 

For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.”
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Revelation 20:4-5
“And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.”

Matthew 24:29-31
““Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.”
‭‭
Also, Hebrews 9:28 tells us he comes twice. Not three times. 
“so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.”
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[Michael Rutherford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought Max Lucado did an excellent job of showing the timeline of Genesis through the Tribulation and beyond. He explains his interpretation of Revelation and overlays Old Testament scriptures, especially Daniel and Ezekiel, to make his points clear.

[Michelle Korting · Rating 5 out of 5]

10 Stars

I am a very big fan of Max Lucado and I was fortunate enough to meet him years ago.
I have always found his books easy to read and understand as well as, being aligned with my own thinking and reasoning of the Bible.
I will be gifting this book to a few.
I highly encourage everyone to read this book and maybe have a few different Bibles to read along as I did.

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

As always, I absolutely adore the way Max uses everyday examples to explain Biblical passages.

That being said, I know this was supposed to be uplifting but it wasn’t that for me. I found it kind of depressing, and Max even says that this is all just a theory and he could be completely wrong.

Still, this gets 3 stars because I love Max’s books!

[Kelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came to this book via Jennie Allen’s podcast on spiritual warfare. I found unexpected comfort in this book and I think it’s because it was so scripture based. The audiobook was great and I’ll probably read it again. Lots of things for further study and led to some great discussions as a family.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

FIVE HUNDRED STARS. Everyone read this book!

[Feyi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend this book to everyone: to the believer and skeptic alike.

[Cathy Ames · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very concise explanation of end times prophecies...easy to read and understand.

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

What Happens Next
A Traveler’s Guide Through the End of This Age
by Max Lucado
Pub DateAug 13 2024
Nelson Books |Thomas Nelson
Christian| Nonfiction \(Adult\)| Religion & Spirituality


Nelson Books/Thomas Nelson and Netgalley have provided me with a copy of What Happens Next for review:


Prepare, don't be scared


Do we live in the end times? If so, How does that affect you?


In contrast to the confusion and anxiety often associated with this topic, Max Lucado believes God wants us to be prepared, not scared; informed, not intimidated. He writes: "The future is not frightening if you know the future. And you can know the future when you know who holds it."

With What Happens Next, you will learn what the Bible says about heaven's time line and be empowered to face the future with faith. As Max presents a well-researched overview of what God's Word says, he offers four key insights that are key to understanding God's eternal purpose:

We were made to reign with Christ.
God has made and will keep his promises.
Heaven has a time line.
A golden era-the millennium-awaits God's children.
 
Plus, Max takes you on a journey of the time line of history, examining essential milestones such as the rapture, the seven years of tribulation, and the glory of heaven.In addition, Max explores the timeline of history, including the rapture, the seven years of tribulation, and heaven's glory.
.We will encourage you to ponder God's future promises, regardless of whether you are "I can't wait," "I'm almost ready," or "I'm not sure about all this."


Max's encouraging style reminds us, "It's all about hope. It's all about him."

I Give What Happens Next five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

[Jonny Hughes · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's somewhat hard to rate a book like this fairly when the author arrives at quite different conclusions than where I happen to find myself landing on most of these topics. But in all fairness he does handle potential disagreement quite proactively and clearly has thought through his positions and arguments quite well.

so why only 3 stars, I feel like the biggest issue is failure to acknowledge quite big assumptions. both biblical interpretation and his opinion, assumptions about timelines derived from his interpretation and the subsequent filling in of gaps, with albeit reasonable ideas, are often presented equally. This was a serious detraction from the enjoyment of the book, when I'd be confused where he's pulling something from only to realize he's just assuming it then stating it like it's both true and the only/obviously conclusion to be drawn.

I appreciate his acknowledgement of various positions which he doesn't hold; in particular addressing Annihilationism briefly with room for hope even. that was refreshing as opposed to what I expected to be default dogmatic opposition.

ultimately I think his perspective is a bit too literal in interpretation of timeline and what I take to be symbolic imagery. but it's certainly a fascinating and well thought out explaining of his perspective.

[Lance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max Lucado’s latest book is sure to become a bestseller among those seeking to better understand what the Bible says about end-times. In Max’s own unique style he uses stories and illustrations to help readers unlock the mystery of end-times prophecy and tells what they can expect as heaven’s timeline of events unfolds. At the end of the book there are questions for reflection to be used for deeper individual study or group discussion. This is certainly a very timely and relevant book given the current events of today’s world. It’s definitely a must read for all those wanting a better understanding of what lies ahead.

[Erin Laramore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fresh perspective on End Times theology. Max Lucado has been an auto-read author since I was first introduced to him in college and as my dad was super interested in End Times, I'm fairly well-versed in what happens next. However, Lucado put a fresh spin on things and one that "felt" more uplifting. Beginning with the covenant made in the Garden of Eden and progressing through the other covenants throughout scripture, Lucado plots out a road map from the beginning of time through the end, taking into account the prophecies in Daniel, Jeremiah, and Revelation. He also references Paul's letters to the early church, King David, other Old Testament prophets and Jesus Christ himself. Referencing the culture of Bible times, the author paints a picture of why the church/holy city is referred to as a bride and other such significant correlations in the visions John had in Revelation. He also creates a timeline - showcasing where we've been so we know what we can still expect to be. While we cannot know the date or time (and the significance of that is also spelled out), Lucado shows what signs we should be continuing to look for before the end will come. With thought-provoking questions at the end, including prayers to accompany each chapter, I would definitely recommend this one to anyone who wants to better understand the end times and where we are in that timeline. I thoroughly enjoyed this read. Special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

[Joanne Sher · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting, informative, enjoyable read with easy-to-understand (or as easy as it can be, anyway) explanations of the end times. In typical Max Lucado fashion, anecdotes and relatable examples draw you in. This isn't a theology book, but the explanations, justifications for Lucado's views, and Bible references seem to be on point. Kept me engaged, and reading, from beginning to end.

[LAMONT D · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to confessed that I will read and have read any and all of Max Lucado's works. Most I will rate 5 stars and this is no different. He always brings a very readable narrative to his books with personal reflections and illustrations. This is not his strongest work in my opinion but yet I believe, because of the topic it is one of his most important books. There is a wealth of material out there about prophecy, the last days or end times, heaven, etc. but in reality, we do not hear it discussed as much as we should in many churches including my own. That leads to ignorance and certainly unfamiliarity about the topic and what you "should" believe. This book takes a definite viewpoint without discussing alternative interpretations except for briefly he discusses the various views of the tribulation or 7-year period. That is okay but you personally will need to dive into the subject more to get a broader perspective on how others conclude their thoughts and feelings about the end times. As always, he includes a very robust section at the end called Questions for Reflection which are perfect for personal or small group use. No doubt as Christians we should be experts in this area and not shy away from what is given to us in the Bible so that we can bring a better more informed perspective on the events in our world today especially as it relates to the nation of Isreal and their enemies.

[Gail Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting and enlightening. Love Max and his thoughts of heaven are amazing!

I love Max..his thoughts of paradise is awesome.
His gift of painting pictures with words is as great as possible.

[Regina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always found the study of end times and Revelation to be rather intimidating. There's so much that is unclear and even discussing it with other Christians can be very polarizing. My parents got me the book for Christmas, so being a dutiful daughter I decided to give it a read. I found it to be very interesting and easy to understand. While I'm not sure that the author is 100% correct in all his theories, it was clearly well-researched and marked with Scripture throughout the pages. I definitely feel like I understand some aspects of end times much more clearly than I did before and plan to share the book with a friend as well.