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Here and Now: Thriving in the Kingdom of Heaven Today
The Christian life was so much more than just a one-time decision to secure a place in heaven.
What if you could experience heaven on earth today? Not flying angels singing on clouds, but the fulfilled, abundant life Jesus promised in the Bible—a life that, regardless of your circumstances or your present context, experiences joy, happiness, and peace that is difficult to encapsulate in human terms. What if heaven was available to us today?
Pastor and author Robby Gallaty thinks it is.
We have been taught that salvation is getting man out of earth to live in heaven when the Bible teaches that God desires to bring heaven to earth through man. In Here and Now , readers will journey together to uncover the nucleus of Jesus’ messages, which says the opposite. Jesus spoke about the Kingdom of Heaven and the Kingdom of God (both are synonymous as we will see) more than any other topic. No other concept is even close.
What if you could experience heaven on earth today? Not flying angels singing on clouds, but the fulfilled, abundant life Jesus promised in the Bible—a life that, regardless of your circumstances or your present context, experiences joy, happiness, and peace that is difficult to encapsulate in human terms. What if heaven was available to us today?
Pastor and author Robby Gallaty thinks it is.
We have been taught that salvation is getting man out of earth to live in heaven when the Bible teaches that God desires to bring heaven to earth through man. In Here and Now , readers will journey together to uncover the nucleus of Jesus’ messages, which says the opposite. Jesus spoke about the Kingdom of Heaven and the Kingdom of God (both are synonymous as we will see) more than any other topic. No other concept is even close.
- GenresDiscipleshipTheology
256 pages, Paperback
Published February 15, 2019
17 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 9, 2021
It's crazy there needs to be a book about this...
If you're a Jesus follower, the kingdom of God is an everyday way of life. If you're a cultural Christian, this book will be some shocking news! I love the delivery and honesty Robby gives in this book. We aren't just saved "from something", we are saved "for something". Watch out as Gallaty will whack you over the head with some common sense and conviction. I'd recommend this book for new followers of Jesus, or cultural Christians looking to know more about Jesus.
If you're a Jesus follower, the kingdom of God is an everyday way of life. If you're a cultural Christian, this book will be some shocking news! I love the delivery and honesty Robby gives in this book. We aren't just saved "from something", we are saved "for something". Watch out as Gallaty will whack you over the head with some common sense and conviction. I'd recommend this book for new followers of Jesus, or cultural Christians looking to know more about Jesus.
June 9, 2019
Pastor Gallaty wonders if believers are so obsessed with leaving earth and going to heaven that they miss Jesus’ message on the Kingdom. (page 2) Maybe it is possible to be so heavenly minded you are no earthly good. Not if you truly understand the kingdom, Gallaty believes. Jesus message is “not a salvation out of the world; it is a rescue mission within the world.” (p. 10)
Section 1: The King Among His People. Jesus says He and the Father will make a home with the one who loves Him. The Kingdom is here; Jesus is in the world. “We should quit trying to get out of it.” We need a better understanding of the Old Testament where God personally reigns. The Temple is a physical illustration of this.
Section 2: The Kingdom Among Us. Jesus is the person of the Kingdom. The Kingdom is composed of those who enter it as followers of Jesus. (p 82)
Section 3: Kingdom Conduct. “Our identity influences our activity.” (p 125) Believers are citizens of another realm. Our life here should be marked by our role as a community of royal priests and divine image-bearers, always remembering that the Kingdom is received, not achieved. (p 146.) Sometimes God must deal with us, the King to His people, as He did with Israel and Egypt. It took 40 years to get Egypt out of them. That was the primary goal. He was not just a Savior; He wanted to be Sovereign. (p.148) A kingdom agenda shifts the focus from a ‘come and see’ the church at work model to a ‘disciple and deploy’ model.
Occasionally, my reading slowed down. It was hard to keep pace with the flow, which seemed disjointed from time to time. But the arguments and illustrations are well-planned and Pastor Gallaty proved this premise. “God redeems, to reveal, in order to reign over us, so that we respond with obedience.”
This book will be a good resource for teachers and preachers.
Section 1: The King Among His People. Jesus says He and the Father will make a home with the one who loves Him. The Kingdom is here; Jesus is in the world. “We should quit trying to get out of it.” We need a better understanding of the Old Testament where God personally reigns. The Temple is a physical illustration of this.
Section 2: The Kingdom Among Us. Jesus is the person of the Kingdom. The Kingdom is composed of those who enter it as followers of Jesus. (p 82)
Section 3: Kingdom Conduct. “Our identity influences our activity.” (p 125) Believers are citizens of another realm. Our life here should be marked by our role as a community of royal priests and divine image-bearers, always remembering that the Kingdom is received, not achieved. (p 146.) Sometimes God must deal with us, the King to His people, as He did with Israel and Egypt. It took 40 years to get Egypt out of them. That was the primary goal. He was not just a Savior; He wanted to be Sovereign. (p.148) A kingdom agenda shifts the focus from a ‘come and see’ the church at work model to a ‘disciple and deploy’ model.
Occasionally, my reading slowed down. It was hard to keep pace with the flow, which seemed disjointed from time to time. But the arguments and illustrations are well-planned and Pastor Gallaty proved this premise. “God redeems, to reveal, in order to reign over us, so that we respond with obedience.”
This book will be a good resource for teachers and preachers.
May 4, 2019
Great book but better suited for Bible college students
In his new book, “Here and Now: Thriving in the Kingdom of Heaven Today,” Robby Gallaty does a masterful job of showing how the Kingdom of God is not for later when we get to heaven, but for the present day.
In his 256-page book, Gallaty spells out why the Kingdom of God is already here to be walked out – if we will simply believe the Word of God and act on it. Through a wealth of examples from the Word, Gallaty beautifully illustrates that the Kingdom of God is happening right now.
In short, his book is a clarion call for us believers to change our entire paradigm of what we think the Kingdom of God is and actually live in that reality; however, it does come with prerequisites.
“Kingdom citizenship is limited to those who follow the king,” Gallaty writes in Chapter 6 (The Kingdom Has Come, page 74). “While God is providential king over the Earth (“Heaven is My throne, and earth is my footstool” (Isa. 66:1), only those who enter and submit to His rule experience His rewards.” In other words, if we want to experience Kingdom living, we first must be under His lordship – and stay there by the grace and power of God.
One of my favorite chapters is Chapter 10 (How Shall We Then Live? – page 147) where he writes, “Kingdom living is the outflow of a right relationship with God. We glorify King Jesus as we live for Him through obeying His Word. But as Scripture teaches, knowledge precedes doing.”
While Gallaty does show readers the Kingdom of God is for the here and now, he does, however, slip in a little Calvinism along the way – especially in Chapter 9 (Kingdom-Minded Ministry, page 129) where he talks about “image bearers.”
Overall, Gallaty’s book is well-written and very rich in biblical scholarship. However, because of the book’s heavy textbook-like style (the material presented will need to be slowly digested to truly appreciate its value), Gallaty’s new book would actually be ideal and better suited for Bible college and seminary students.
I gave it a 4 out of 5 stars.
Full disclosure: In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, I received this book free through B&H Publishing. My opinions are my own and I wasn’t required to write a positive review.
© 2019 by Doug S., M.A.
In his new book, “Here and Now: Thriving in the Kingdom of Heaven Today,” Robby Gallaty does a masterful job of showing how the Kingdom of God is not for later when we get to heaven, but for the present day.
In his 256-page book, Gallaty spells out why the Kingdom of God is already here to be walked out – if we will simply believe the Word of God and act on it. Through a wealth of examples from the Word, Gallaty beautifully illustrates that the Kingdom of God is happening right now.
In short, his book is a clarion call for us believers to change our entire paradigm of what we think the Kingdom of God is and actually live in that reality; however, it does come with prerequisites.
“Kingdom citizenship is limited to those who follow the king,” Gallaty writes in Chapter 6 (The Kingdom Has Come, page 74). “While God is providential king over the Earth (“Heaven is My throne, and earth is my footstool” (Isa. 66:1), only those who enter and submit to His rule experience His rewards.” In other words, if we want to experience Kingdom living, we first must be under His lordship – and stay there by the grace and power of God.
One of my favorite chapters is Chapter 10 (How Shall We Then Live? – page 147) where he writes, “Kingdom living is the outflow of a right relationship with God. We glorify King Jesus as we live for Him through obeying His Word. But as Scripture teaches, knowledge precedes doing.”
While Gallaty does show readers the Kingdom of God is for the here and now, he does, however, slip in a little Calvinism along the way – especially in Chapter 9 (Kingdom-Minded Ministry, page 129) where he talks about “image bearers.”
Overall, Gallaty’s book is well-written and very rich in biblical scholarship. However, because of the book’s heavy textbook-like style (the material presented will need to be slowly digested to truly appreciate its value), Gallaty’s new book would actually be ideal and better suited for Bible college and seminary students.
I gave it a 4 out of 5 stars.
Full disclosure: In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, I received this book free through B&H Publishing. My opinions are my own and I wasn’t required to write a positive review.
© 2019 by Doug S., M.A.
March 3, 2019
For many years I’ve been telling people that there is more to being a Christian than repeating a prayer, and then going out to ‘sin happily ever after’ because you’ve got your golden ticket, and are assured a place in heaven. I usually add that eternity with God starts at the moment of conversion, not at the moment of death.
I’m one of those weird people who read the whole book—which includes the preface, the introduction, the epilogue, and even the appendices. I read the preface of Robby Gallaty’s book Here and Now: Thriving in the Kingdom of Heaven Today (B&H Books, 2019) and thought that this would probably be a book that I would enjoy. Then I read the introduction, and started to get excited. This is a book that calls Christians, followers of Christ, to actually follow Christ.
There are three distinct sections to the book. First, Gallaty asks us to look at Jesus in the context of His earthly ministry (and by the way, Jesus was not a “blonde-haired, blue-eyed American Pastor”). Jesus was very much about the Kingdom of God, which he didn’t proclaim as something that began when you get to heaven. He was very much about make the Kingdom appear here on earth.
The second section is a vibrant reminder that the Kingdom is here, and that as we have God within us, we are in, but not of, the world. Christians are set apart to act as God's emissaries, to show the world what it is like to be in relationship with a covenantal God. (Sounds like the mandate of Israel—to show their neighboring pagan nations what life with God was all about).
And section three, “Kingdom Conduct” deals with living in a way that demonstrates that we are part of God's Kingdom come, the now but not yet part of the Christian life style. Christianity is definitely more than a set of rules and regulations, it’s not just spiritual disciplines: it’s a life style. It involves an eternity with God that starts now, not 5 seconds after we die.
I received a copy of this book through the publisher’s bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my opinions.
5/5
I’m one of those weird people who read the whole book—which includes the preface, the introduction, the epilogue, and even the appendices. I read the preface of Robby Gallaty’s book Here and Now: Thriving in the Kingdom of Heaven Today (B&H Books, 2019) and thought that this would probably be a book that I would enjoy. Then I read the introduction, and started to get excited. This is a book that calls Christians, followers of Christ, to actually follow Christ.
There are three distinct sections to the book. First, Gallaty asks us to look at Jesus in the context of His earthly ministry (and by the way, Jesus was not a “blonde-haired, blue-eyed American Pastor”). Jesus was very much about the Kingdom of God, which he didn’t proclaim as something that began when you get to heaven. He was very much about make the Kingdom appear here on earth.
The second section is a vibrant reminder that the Kingdom is here, and that as we have God within us, we are in, but not of, the world. Christians are set apart to act as God's emissaries, to show the world what it is like to be in relationship with a covenantal God. (Sounds like the mandate of Israel—to show their neighboring pagan nations what life with God was all about).
And section three, “Kingdom Conduct” deals with living in a way that demonstrates that we are part of God's Kingdom come, the now but not yet part of the Christian life style. Christianity is definitely more than a set of rules and regulations, it’s not just spiritual disciplines: it’s a life style. It involves an eternity with God that starts now, not 5 seconds after we die.
I received a copy of this book through the publisher’s bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my opinions.
5/5
May 1, 2019
This book hits the line between scholarly work and a challenging read. It is not a super easy read but is worth your time to discover what Gallaty shared about the impact of the kingdom of God on the Here and Now. His history and culture foundation laid down for how we read the scripture is useful for any Bible teacher. If you aren’t theologically trained, this book is for you since it will teach how to understand the life God wants for you right now and how to discover that through the Bible. If you are theologically trained, it gives you a great format and sourcebook to teach this topic to anyone. He does not shy away from the Old Testament culture and background; he embraces it as a way to illuminate God’s message to us through the Bible.
This is the fourth Gallaty book I’ve read. I love his approach and the fact that his writing reflects strong research and he doesn’t mind you seeing it in his footnotes. If you are a bit too comfortable staying in the New Testament, this book will stretch you understand scripture in total. Gallaty does not shy away from explanations that make you think. I have never enjoyed a liquid diet because I don’t get to chew anything. This book allows you to chew on theological truths and helps you get the perspective you need as a teacher of God’s Word. Keep on writing, Robby. I’ll keep on reading and using your books.
This is the fourth Gallaty book I’ve read. I love his approach and the fact that his writing reflects strong research and he doesn’t mind you seeing it in his footnotes. If you are a bit too comfortable staying in the New Testament, this book will stretch you understand scripture in total. Gallaty does not shy away from explanations that make you think. I have never enjoyed a liquid diet because I don’t get to chew anything. This book allows you to chew on theological truths and helps you get the perspective you need as a teacher of God’s Word. Keep on writing, Robby. I’ll keep on reading and using your books.
May 1, 2019
Robby Gallaty has provided another resource for Christians and this time it is a urgent plea and alarm for believers to thrive and not merely survive in their journey.
Hearing the word thrive brings up connotations of prosperity and a pie-in-the-sky manner of living. But by thriving, I am implying actually experiencing Jesus now. This is the essence of what the book teaches.
The book flows through 3 parts: The King Among His People / The King Among Us / Kingdom Conduct
The King Among His People examines Jesus in the flesh and who He was and what He did. It is a gospel-refresher for those who are spiritually stagnant.
The King Among Us examines the reality of Christ in Us and Us in Christ, which is often an after-thought in the self-help, self-motivated and self-inspired world.
Kingdom Conduct examines how our eternal destination impacts our earthly instruction. We will simply live out what our heart is set on. This implies how the Kingdom has come in the sense that salvation changes our eternal home and resets how we live on earth.
This book does a great job of taking an up-close look at Jesus, His Promise, and His Purpose for those who follow Him wholeheartedly.
I was provided this resource by the publisher in exchange for a fair review.
Hearing the word thrive brings up connotations of prosperity and a pie-in-the-sky manner of living. But by thriving, I am implying actually experiencing Jesus now. This is the essence of what the book teaches.
The book flows through 3 parts: The King Among His People / The King Among Us / Kingdom Conduct
The King Among His People examines Jesus in the flesh and who He was and what He did. It is a gospel-refresher for those who are spiritually stagnant.
The King Among Us examines the reality of Christ in Us and Us in Christ, which is often an after-thought in the self-help, self-motivated and self-inspired world.
Kingdom Conduct examines how our eternal destination impacts our earthly instruction. We will simply live out what our heart is set on. This implies how the Kingdom has come in the sense that salvation changes our eternal home and resets how we live on earth.
This book does a great job of taking an up-close look at Jesus, His Promise, and His Purpose for those who follow Him wholeheartedly.
I was provided this resource by the publisher in exchange for a fair review.
March 9, 2019
Robby Gallaty's new book "Here and Now" is an absolute must for the follower of Jesus whether they've been following Him for a long time or just recently. Robby helps his readers, most likely Westerners, to understand the intricacies of what Jesus preached as the Kingdom of God or the Kingdom of Heaven and how the Old Testament points to Christ.
The Kingdom of Heaven is not only a distant place in a far future but it is already here in Christ but not yet fully arrived. Robby then gives practical understanding to how Kingdom as a subject under King Jesus will change our life and help us experience heaven on earth. Well done and I'm convinced the Lord will use this book to change perspectives about God's Kingdom
The Kingdom of Heaven is not only a distant place in a far future but it is already here in Christ but not yet fully arrived. Robby then gives practical understanding to how Kingdom as a subject under King Jesus will change our life and help us experience heaven on earth. Well done and I'm convinced the Lord will use this book to change perspectives about God's Kingdom
December 11, 2019
This book by pastor and author Robby Galaty focuses on the Kingdom of God and how believers should understand this important concept so that they can live more fruitful lives today.
For those of us who live in the West, the concept of "kingdom" is hard to grasp. But Gallaty does an admirable job in explaining what "kingdom" meant in biblical times, and how Christians today can apply that biblical understanding to their lives, thoughts and actions today.
The author is certainly educated and knowledgeable, but as a good pastor and author is able to breakdown this mindset in ways that are engaging and relatable for believers today. Recommended.
For those of us who live in the West, the concept of "kingdom" is hard to grasp. But Gallaty does an admirable job in explaining what "kingdom" meant in biblical times, and how Christians today can apply that biblical understanding to their lives, thoughts and actions today.
The author is certainly educated and knowledgeable, but as a good pastor and author is able to breakdown this mindset in ways that are engaging and relatable for believers today. Recommended.
April 20, 2019
Robby Gallaty has quickly become one of my favorite pastors/authors. His books are profoundly practical, Biblical, and inspirational.
Here and Now focuses upon the reality that the Kingdom of God is not merely a future kingdom for the end times. The Kingdom of God is "Here and Now." In Mark 1:15, Jesus said, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of Gos is at hand." The kingdom of God is Christ's reign and rule in our lives today, and should profoundly affect the way we live our lives for Him.
Here and Now focuses upon the reality that the Kingdom of God is not merely a future kingdom for the end times. The Kingdom of God is "Here and Now." In Mark 1:15, Jesus said, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of Gos is at hand." The kingdom of God is Christ's reign and rule in our lives today, and should profoundly affect the way we live our lives for Him.
July 9, 2019
Robby Gallaty brings us a great insight of what the Kingdom of Heaven means to believers living in the here and now. His research and understanding of the original biblical language and history of the text of Scripture is truly fascinating. His ability to make it make sense to the average Christian is unique and shows the gifting that the Holy Spirit has given him. If you are wanting to study, teach or preach the Sermon on the Mount, I highly recommend that you use this book as part of your preparation materials, you'll be glad you did.
March 21, 2019
Robby Gallaty does it again with another book of beautifully weaving the entirety of Scripture together to show a single thread of emphasizing The Kingdom of God. I personally have been studying the Kingdom for some time and was excited to see Gallaty's new book and it did not disappoint. The Kingdom is everything and to be "sought first" and this new book will help develop disciples after God's priorities. An enjoyable read and one that I will refer back to again for reference.
March 6, 2019
Robby Gallaty goes deep once again to help the reader have a greater, contextual understanding of scripture. The reader is shown how to live from the Kingdom perspective now rather than only when Christ comes back. This means believers don’t just “hang out” while waiting for the end of the world, rather they live in the full truth and assurance of the kingdom right now.
May 15, 2021
I enjoyed this read as the author explored some of the detail of the Kingdom of God. I appreciated the author's research and the insights he provided on the scriptures. This is the kind of book that draws you into the Bible and directs the reader to a deeper dive into truths of specific passages.
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September 5, 2019Another great read from Robby Gallaty. A great over view of The Kingdom of God and why it is important.
November 29, 2019
Great book on discipleship from a kingdom perspective.
May 21, 2020
A thought provoking book that every follower of Jesus should read. Christianity is not merely about accepting Jesus work on the cross and waiting for Him to return again one day. It is about flourishing in the Kingdom of God today.
March 22, 2019
This book is bible-based, doctrinally sound, well-written, and stunningly motivating. This is a must-read for every follower of Jesus Christ.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews