Heaven: O For a Home with God

by Steve Klein, Jeff May

The study of heaven from a Biblical perspective is of eternal importance. Yet, this vital topic is often neglected in personal study and public Bible classes. In " O For a Home with God," the authors challenge us to see heaven from a Biblical viewpoint. With 13 Scripture-filled chapters, this devotional study guide helps the reader understand what heaven is really like and to discover how, through God's grace, he or she can truly obtain a home with God. As Bill Hall writes in the foreword, "This book reminds us of the value of heaven as seen in all that God did in making it possible for us to be saved, cleansed, justified, and fitted for that abode. We are also reminded that while our hope is in God’s grace and love, we must take up our cross and follow our Lord if we are to find comfort and assurance in that hope."

146 pages, Paperback

First published November 18, 2014

Reviews

[Wayne Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometime around 1917, Thomas R. Sweatmon wrote a song about heaven, usually titled “Walking Alone at Eve,” the chorus of which begins, “O for a home with God, a place in His courts to rest.” Interestingly enough, religious surveys show that a majority of people still believe that there is an actual place called heaven. However, the old saying is that not everybody talking about heaven is going there. For years, gospel preachers have sought to remind us that heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people. In Heaven: O For a Home with God, authors Steve Klein and Jeff May encourage us to want to go to heaven and then tell us, from the Scriptures, how to prepare to go there. Steve, whom I count as a personal friend, works as an evangelist with the Eastside Church of Christ in Athens, AL, and serves as a Bible instructor at Athens Bible School. Jeff, with whom I am not personally acquainted but who is known to me by the good reputation of his name, works as an evangelist with the Oakland Church of Christ in Athens.

This book is designed and intended for Bible study to help focus one’s thoughts on “the joy set before us” (cf. Hebrews 12:2). The thirteen chapters challenge the reader to see heaven from a Biblical viewpoint with copious observations and explanations from God’s word which are well illustrated by interesting, heart-warming stories. Each chapter also has discussion and thought questions. It would be profitable for Bible study classes in churches, small group Bible studies in homes, individual devotional studies, and even as part of a homeschool Bible study curriculum for teens. The study of heaven from a Biblical perspective is of eternal importance, and Steve and Jeff will jolt everyone into seeing heaven as a reality. “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:21).

My good friend Bill Hall wrote in the foreword, “This book reminds us of the value of heaven as seen in all that God did in making it possible for us to be saved, cleansed, justified, and fitted for that abode. We are also reminded that while our hope is in God’s grace and love, we must take up our cross and follow our Lord if we are to find comfort and assurance in that hope.” And Jeff May said at the end of Chapter 13, “The aim of the pages we have written has only been to point you to the Scriptures on the grandest topic of all: Heaven! Our prayer is that you will think about Heaven and its Maker more each day, desire it and Him with all your heart, obey the gospel, and wait for the Master until He comes.” Christians can be encouraged and will benefit from this study, but the book may also be great in helping non-Christians come to Christ so that they can also have the hope of heaven.