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Age of Crowns: Pursuing Lives Marked by the Kingdom of God
You were made for more than this life has to offer. That’s why you never feel quite satisfied. Even when you feel happiest, discontent is always looming at the door. That’s because God created you for something far greater than this life; He created you for Jesus Christ and His Kingdom. In Age of Crowns , Kori de Leon will awaken the dreamer in you as she invites you to explore glorious images of the Age to Come. Whether we realize it or not, God designed us for This book is an inspiring examination of how the future hope of heaven changes your today. It will teach you how to faithfully await (and prepare for) the Age to Come, as well as how to live a more purposeful and fulfilling life with Christ here and now.
- GenresChristian
240 pages, Paperback
Published April 3, 2018
7 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
Kori de Leon
5 books2 followersKORI DE LEON is the founder of Adoring Christ Ministries, a teaching ministry devoted to reaching women through the local church, online resources, books, and speaking engagements. She graduated from Southwestern Baptist Theological seminary with a master of arts in theology. Kori lives in Houston with her husband Bobby and daughter Jade. To find out more about her testimony and ministry, please visit www.adoringchrist.org.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
May 23, 2018
I find it a bit hard to describe this book. It is sort of like a “walkabout through the majesty of God.” (202) De Leon helps us marvel at the work of God and out future. She motivates us to set our minds on spiritual things.
De Leon notes that we have spiritual amnesia. We've forgotten who we really are. We look for fulfillment of our desires in all the wrong places. We get distracted by the things of this world. We don't realize we have the “high privilege of reflecting His character and rule throughout the world.” (14)
So she helps us set our minds on things above, revealed to us by the Holy Spirit through the Word. I like her suggestion about meditation, to form mental pictures of what we read in the Word. De Leon teaches by story telling. She uses many examples from her own life as well as stories from the Bible.
I recommend this book to women who desire to be “enthusiastic about our King and life with Him in the Age to Come.” (117) De Leon gives great motivation to find in the King all we desire. She helps readers know how to live day to day, representing the King. Her writing style is almost poetic and a delight to read. I found her topics a bit rambling but other than that, a good book for women.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
De Leon notes that we have spiritual amnesia. We've forgotten who we really are. We look for fulfillment of our desires in all the wrong places. We get distracted by the things of this world. We don't realize we have the “high privilege of reflecting His character and rule throughout the world.” (14)
So she helps us set our minds on things above, revealed to us by the Holy Spirit through the Word. I like her suggestion about meditation, to form mental pictures of what we read in the Word. De Leon teaches by story telling. She uses many examples from her own life as well as stories from the Bible.
I recommend this book to women who desire to be “enthusiastic about our King and life with Him in the Age to Come.” (117) De Leon gives great motivation to find in the King all we desire. She helps readers know how to live day to day, representing the King. Her writing style is almost poetic and a delight to read. I found her topics a bit rambling but other than that, a good book for women.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
May 8, 2018
I had read a bio of the author who had gone through unimaginable suffering growing up and came out of it with so much compassion for survivors of abuse. God got her through it, which is why perseverance through suffering is important to her. God used the hope of a better future to help her thrive instead of simply survive. She has counseled many women through their own childhood abuse. This book is a reflection of the power of future hope to impact faiths today by God's grace. The Kingdom of God in the person of King Jesus will come visit this earth once more. This future promise ought to have a profoundly positive impact on the lives of Christians today to prepare them for tomorrow. Kori writes another amazing book, the "Age of Crowns" is a remarkable literary work written with such literary style that invites and encourages readers from a wide range of spiritual maturity to understand and apply the future spiritual blessings of the coming Kingdom in a way that impacts their faith, so they can passionately strive to please God in every aspect of their lives with all that Jesus has purchased for them to live truly fulfilling and godly lives. Kori eloquently writes about weighty spiritual truths but in such a palatable way for the average reader to grasp, savor, and enjoy. Kori also included at the end of every chapter discussion questions that lead to practical ways to stoke biblical meditations and their applications so that they will be encouraged to lay aside all things that encumbers a passionate pursuit to glorify God in Christ Jesus. I whole heatedly recommend this resource for Christians who desire to let live their best gospel centered life now empowered by tomorrow’s coming of the Kingdom of God!
May 23, 2018
I was so encouraged in my faith to persevere through my current trials because of the truths in this book. Christians are promised both faith and suffering as gifts from King Jesus so that we will persevere in humility and godliness (Phil. 1:29- For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake). Thankfully within the faith God has given Christians also comes with everything that we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3- His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence). There are many future things God has given Christians to persevere with experiences of gladness through trials of many kinds (1 John 4:17- 17 By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world.) The author did a great job with explaining how future blessings from Christ can practically help Christians to persevere in Christ so that they will live a reckless abandonment to Christ that sets them free from the things that hinder them from maximum enjoyment of the Creator above anything that creation has to offer. I highly recommend this book!
February 28, 2018
I enjoyed the eternal perspective that was birthed out of looking towards the Age to Come with Kori. I haven’t found many books that specifically talk about what heaven will be like from a scriptural basis and really appreciated that. I received a free copy from net galley in exchange for an honest review
May 31, 2018
Age of Crowns is quite different from any other Christian Living book I’ve read. It focus on Jesus’s Kingdom that we are destined to be a part of. We are meant to be led by a King, collect Crowns, be a part of a Kingdom and live in a Castle. The book seems to be written for a woman.
Note: I received a copy of the book from Moody Publishers in exchange for an honest review.
The following quotes explain the topic of the book:
We long for that which we have lost. Sin blinds us to what we are missing.
"Due to sin, we have suffered a mental calamity, like spiritual amnesia, if you will. We have forgotten who we really are. We have forgotten God and his glorious design for us. But there are moments when our hearts are stirred with deep desires to return to someone great… something glorious for which we seem to be made, but we cannot find our way home because our hearts and minds have become darkened toward God due to our sin against Him." – p 12
We want to be led by a King.
"Many women desire a relationship with a kinglike man. We want to be united with someone who is stunning; someone who will love us, lead us and protect us as we take grand adventures with him. This is a natural longing, built in because God is the King of the world and He made us to live in a glorious relationship with Him". – pg 12
We want to crowns to be bestowed upon us for living honorably and in a dignified way. We want the rewards Jesus promised.
"God bestowed great dignity and worth on us by creating us in His image. And we see remnants of this truth in our common human desire for a sense of dignity. […] The Bible sometimes uses “crown” to symbolize the honor and dignity God bestowed on human beings by making us in His image and giving us the high privilege of reflecting His character and rule throughout the world. […]But when God’s people live in ways that are contrary to the dignified King, the Bible describes our loss of dignity and honor this way: ‘The crown has fallen from our head; woe to us, for we have sinned!’ (Lam 5:16)" – pg 13-14
We want to be part of His Kingdom.
"When God created us in His image, He also gave us the mandate to subdue the earth and rule over it as His representatives in subjection to Him. In other words, we lost dominion. Now we are like deposed kings and queens in a fallen world, who pridefully seek to build our own kingdoms, for our own glory, and for our own fleeting fame." – pg 15
We long to go back to our Castle.
"A fourth longing common to women – and to humanity in general – is our desire to live in a beautiful and safe place and to have access to abundant material resources, perhaps remembering our original home, the garden of Eden. […] But when humanity was unfaithful to Him, we were exiled from our glorious home with Him." – pg 15
The book was very interesting and raised a lot of points I hadn’t thought of. This would be a great book study to do with a group and you’ll find some great questions at the end of each chapter to either think about yourself or discuss with others.
Read the rest of the review: http://smsnonfictionbookreviews.com/2...
Note: I received a copy of the book from Moody Publishers in exchange for an honest review.
The following quotes explain the topic of the book:
We long for that which we have lost. Sin blinds us to what we are missing.
"Due to sin, we have suffered a mental calamity, like spiritual amnesia, if you will. We have forgotten who we really are. We have forgotten God and his glorious design for us. But there are moments when our hearts are stirred with deep desires to return to someone great… something glorious for which we seem to be made, but we cannot find our way home because our hearts and minds have become darkened toward God due to our sin against Him." – p 12
We want to be led by a King.
"Many women desire a relationship with a kinglike man. We want to be united with someone who is stunning; someone who will love us, lead us and protect us as we take grand adventures with him. This is a natural longing, built in because God is the King of the world and He made us to live in a glorious relationship with Him". – pg 12
We want to crowns to be bestowed upon us for living honorably and in a dignified way. We want the rewards Jesus promised.
"God bestowed great dignity and worth on us by creating us in His image. And we see remnants of this truth in our common human desire for a sense of dignity. […] The Bible sometimes uses “crown” to symbolize the honor and dignity God bestowed on human beings by making us in His image and giving us the high privilege of reflecting His character and rule throughout the world. […]But when God’s people live in ways that are contrary to the dignified King, the Bible describes our loss of dignity and honor this way: ‘The crown has fallen from our head; woe to us, for we have sinned!’ (Lam 5:16)" – pg 13-14
We want to be part of His Kingdom.
"When God created us in His image, He also gave us the mandate to subdue the earth and rule over it as His representatives in subjection to Him. In other words, we lost dominion. Now we are like deposed kings and queens in a fallen world, who pridefully seek to build our own kingdoms, for our own glory, and for our own fleeting fame." – pg 15
We long to go back to our Castle.
"A fourth longing common to women – and to humanity in general – is our desire to live in a beautiful and safe place and to have access to abundant material resources, perhaps remembering our original home, the garden of Eden. […] But when humanity was unfaithful to Him, we were exiled from our glorious home with Him." – pg 15
The book was very interesting and raised a lot of points I hadn’t thought of. This would be a great book study to do with a group and you’ll find some great questions at the end of each chapter to either think about yourself or discuss with others.
Read the rest of the review: http://smsnonfictionbookreviews.com/2...
March 1, 2023
Kori de Leon gives words of encouragement for those suffering through trials. From what I have heard, the author endured horrible traumas when she was growing up. What she's been through has made her an incredibly compassionate person. God got her through her trials and used it to make her stronger.
March 19, 2018
This NetGalley christian book has a subtitle of 'pursuing lives marked by the Kingdom of God'. I chose it expecting it to contain an exposition of the doctrine of the second coming or the fulfilment of Kingdom doctrine. I was very disappointed.
It is intended to be an inspirational or motivational book intending to urge us on in our present walk with God whilst holding a picture of the 'age to come' in our minds.
The book is divided into 3 sections and the first section I really did not enjoy at all. Every chapter seemed to be challenging the reader to salvation, yet this was not a book many non christians would select.
In addition the author rambled, often straying far from her initial point with irrelevant personal memories. It reads much like a cross between an inspirational sermon and a journal.
I felt much of the first 4 chapters needed reordering and reediting. For instance, at one place the author tells us our life will be an adventure, yet within a few paragraphs she says, 'there is no epic adventure to take', which reads as a contradiction.
The 4 principles with which she opens the book are not scriptural, but randomly connected to fairytale literature, which does not help the entire feeling of shallow unreality which pervades the entire book.
When considering wounded christians she is brusque, suggesting the lonely just pray over a picture of a bride and groom (not even explaining the symbolism intended). An insecure child's issues are dismissed with a short statement that Christ can no doubt heal them!
There was a lot of unexplained church jargon, ( to pray back through a situation, dominion language, the slumber of sin) none of which are explained. However half a chapter is given to explaining what meditation is; yet despite this she gave little guidance how to meditate, there were no actual examples.
Some of her theology is very imaginative, there is no scriptural evidence Abraham's family worshipped the moon, nor that we shall each rule individual cities when Christ returns. Just 2 examples from the first 2 chapters. When explaining the small portion of scripture 'awake O sleeper' she herself seems confused. Initially she tells us it refers to us living in a false reality, then quotes C S Lewis more recognised opinion that it refers to moving from one kingdom to the next at salvation.
In chapter 3 she explained idolatry as referred to in the Old Testament and applied it to her daughter's dolls, but then in one sentence glossed over the modern applications purely as a list. There was no explanation how this was idolatry and how to approach the issue. It appeared throughout as if she was prepared to explain simple theology yet avoided the more difficult aspects expecting us to already know, whilst still preaching the gospel repeatedly throughout the book.
She seemed to have no interest in pain and suffering, just exhorted us to deal with it, indeed in one section she told us that failure to move forward during hardship can 'be an indicator that a person is an unbeliever' Luke 8v13, a singularly condemning interpretation of the scripture. That could have devastating consequences with an unwitting struggling reader. We are exhorted to build up not tear down!
The last two sections of the book were much improved, but her application of the doctrine of the bride as a personal destiny for each woman reading the book is questionable. The bride is a concept which applies to the church as a body worldwide, not to individuals.As teachers of the flock we are accountable before Christ for every word we teach and adjusting scripture to suit our purposes is not acceptable, however nice it may sound.
I presume after reading the book, that it is aimed at christians who have been saved for a while, but the repeated salvation calls and the fantasy imagery suggest other audiences. Her claims that christianity is no 'humdrum existence' and repeated calls to adventure suggest to me someone with no obvious life
-threatening or overwhelming problems in their life, which is great for her. But, this book could have been such a great tool for someone who living in overwhelming current circumstances, instead, had the author shown more love and compassion in her words.
I was not inspired by the teaching, I was continually stopping to question what I was reading and work out where it was incorrect. By the end I felt I was marking a students work.
It is not often that I so thoroughly criticise a book, and I repeat, the last 2/3 are not too bad. However with christianity, truth is integral, and although we differ often in small doctrines, the argument should be scrupulously supported in scripture and overflow the love of Christ.
I could not recommend this book ultimately because I will not take the responsibility for the consequences of someone being affected negatively by the fanciful teaching which may not all be incorrect, but are skewed in such a way that someone could assume something which is not the truth.
It is intended to be an inspirational or motivational book intending to urge us on in our present walk with God whilst holding a picture of the 'age to come' in our minds.
The book is divided into 3 sections and the first section I really did not enjoy at all. Every chapter seemed to be challenging the reader to salvation, yet this was not a book many non christians would select.
In addition the author rambled, often straying far from her initial point with irrelevant personal memories. It reads much like a cross between an inspirational sermon and a journal.
I felt much of the first 4 chapters needed reordering and reediting. For instance, at one place the author tells us our life will be an adventure, yet within a few paragraphs she says, 'there is no epic adventure to take', which reads as a contradiction.
The 4 principles with which she opens the book are not scriptural, but randomly connected to fairytale literature, which does not help the entire feeling of shallow unreality which pervades the entire book.
When considering wounded christians she is brusque, suggesting the lonely just pray over a picture of a bride and groom (not even explaining the symbolism intended). An insecure child's issues are dismissed with a short statement that Christ can no doubt heal them!
There was a lot of unexplained church jargon, ( to pray back through a situation, dominion language, the slumber of sin) none of which are explained. However half a chapter is given to explaining what meditation is; yet despite this she gave little guidance how to meditate, there were no actual examples.
Some of her theology is very imaginative, there is no scriptural evidence Abraham's family worshipped the moon, nor that we shall each rule individual cities when Christ returns. Just 2 examples from the first 2 chapters. When explaining the small portion of scripture 'awake O sleeper' she herself seems confused. Initially she tells us it refers to us living in a false reality, then quotes C S Lewis more recognised opinion that it refers to moving from one kingdom to the next at salvation.
In chapter 3 she explained idolatry as referred to in the Old Testament and applied it to her daughter's dolls, but then in one sentence glossed over the modern applications purely as a list. There was no explanation how this was idolatry and how to approach the issue. It appeared throughout as if she was prepared to explain simple theology yet avoided the more difficult aspects expecting us to already know, whilst still preaching the gospel repeatedly throughout the book.
She seemed to have no interest in pain and suffering, just exhorted us to deal with it, indeed in one section she told us that failure to move forward during hardship can 'be an indicator that a person is an unbeliever' Luke 8v13, a singularly condemning interpretation of the scripture. That could have devastating consequences with an unwitting struggling reader. We are exhorted to build up not tear down!
The last two sections of the book were much improved, but her application of the doctrine of the bride as a personal destiny for each woman reading the book is questionable. The bride is a concept which applies to the church as a body worldwide, not to individuals.As teachers of the flock we are accountable before Christ for every word we teach and adjusting scripture to suit our purposes is not acceptable, however nice it may sound.
I presume after reading the book, that it is aimed at christians who have been saved for a while, but the repeated salvation calls and the fantasy imagery suggest other audiences. Her claims that christianity is no 'humdrum existence' and repeated calls to adventure suggest to me someone with no obvious life
-threatening or overwhelming problems in their life, which is great for her. But, this book could have been such a great tool for someone who living in overwhelming current circumstances, instead, had the author shown more love and compassion in her words.
I was not inspired by the teaching, I was continually stopping to question what I was reading and work out where it was incorrect. By the end I felt I was marking a students work.
It is not often that I so thoroughly criticise a book, and I repeat, the last 2/3 are not too bad. However with christianity, truth is integral, and although we differ often in small doctrines, the argument should be scrupulously supported in scripture and overflow the love of Christ.
I could not recommend this book ultimately because I will not take the responsibility for the consequences of someone being affected negatively by the fanciful teaching which may not all be incorrect, but are skewed in such a way that someone could assume something which is not the truth.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews