From Opening Chapter of HEAVEN ON EARTH

For over a decade, I have been consumed by the kingdom of God. It has become my passion. . . . In my opinion, there is nothing of more importance than correctly understanding the kingdom. It is the overarching theme of the entire Bible and the great umbrella under which all other subjects are subsumed. My goal is to introduce you to the kingdom of God in such a manner that you too will become captivated by it. If I succeed in my mission, you will never be the same. Are you ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime? The journey begins in a garden (Genesis 1:1) and ends in paradise (Revelation 22:21). Along the way, we will meet many interesting characters and discover great treasures. Be forewarned, however, the trip is not for the faint-of-heart. We will encounter various obstacles—potholes, detours, twist and turns—that have the potential of disrupting and slowing down our progress toward the goal. But, do not despair. The road signs are plentiful and our maps are reliable. If we take our time to navigate carefully, we can reach our destination. If we succeed, our knowledge of the kingdom of God will be crisp and clear. Best of all, we will discover how to tap into the kingdom’s riches and to enjoy them here and now.

According to the four Gospel writers, Jesus’ public ministry began with the appearance of John the Baptist, prophet extraordinaire, who called for Israel’s leaders and her people to turn from their self-centered ways and toward the God of their forefathers. John’s message was simple and direct: “Repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand!” (Matthew 3:2). Notice, first John called upon his audience to do something: “Repent!” They were to obey this command then and there without delay. Thus the message was relevant for them. Second, John gave them a reason for this action: “for (because) the kingdom of God is at hand.” He did not say, “The Kingdom of God is 2,000 years away” or “The kingdom is being delayed indefinitely.” Yet, many popular Bible teachers and commentaries hold that the kingdom is entirely in the future. If that were the case, John missed the mark by a county mile and his message had no application for his audience. What do you think?

Brian McLaren Endorses HEAVEN ON EARTH

R. Alan Streett has come upon a discovery that is revolutionizing his understanding of the Bible, the gospel, and the Christian life. You feel his exhilaration in every chapter as he grapples deeply with Jesus' core message - not simply about how to get your soul to heaven when you die, but how God's dreams for planet earth can come true, beginning with you, and catching all of us up in God's transforming mission. This is a courageous work that will stimulate needed conversations about the Bible and the gospel, especially in Baptist and Evangelical circles. Highly recommended. Brian D. McLaren Author and speaker brianmclaren.net

John H. Armstrong Endorses "Heaven on Earth"

"Good biblical scholarship always needs clear-headed and careful writers who can help the church as a whole grasp the 'core essentials' of the gospel of the kingdom. Alan Streett has written a rare book, combining good scholarship with a compelling and clear style that allows him to speak powerfully to a wide audience. There is gold in this hill–search and find. I am quite sure your efforts will be rewarded." John H. Armstrong, President, Act 3

MORE ENDORSEMENTS FOR "HEAVEN ON EARTH'

Among those who have already agreed to endorse my book “Heaven on Earth: Experiencing the Kingdom of God in the Here and Now” are NT scholar Peter Davids (HBU), Christian thinker John Armstrong, and church plant expert Ed Stetzer. Those presently reading the manuscript include theologian Stanley Hauerwas (Duke), religious historian Randall Balmer (Dartmouth), and popular writer Shane Claiborne.

Research and Publications

The Baker Dictionary of Cults, Sects, and World Religions, Wayne House, General Editor (Baker Books, forthcoming 2014). I am contributing 55 entries on various cults and cult personalities (50,000 words, approximately 150 pages). The T&T Clark Handbook of Social Identity and the New Testament, Brian Tucker and Coleman Baker, eds. (T & T Clark, forthcoming 2014). I am writing major chapter: “Agapé Feasts as a means of forming Christian Social Identity in Second Peter.” The B & H Worldview Study Bible, David Dockery, General Editor (Broadman & Holman, forthcoming 2014). I am writing three article-length essays on worldview-related topics. Heaven on Earth. Experiencing the Kingdom of God—Here and Now! Harvest House, Eugene, OR (forthcoming, April 2013). Length: 304 pages. Subversive Meals: Eating the Lord’s Supper under Roman Domination during the First Century, Wipf & Stock (forthcoming, January 2013). Length: 356 pages.

First Endorsement for HEAVEN ON EARTH

When Dr. Alan Streett writes a book it has a long life because of the way he reveals Biblical truth in such a practical and applicable manner. In a day when world events lead believers to focus so much on Christ's second coming that they forget to appropriate all the first coming provides, HEAVEN ON EARTH is a welcome addition. Streett reminds us that we do not have to wait for our Lord's millennial reign to be blessed. Christ is ruling already from the Father’s right hand. This reminder should move every believer to get this book...read it and reap! O.S. Hawkins President/CEO GuideStone Financial Resources

Back Cover and Endorsements

The back cover of HEAVEN ON EARTH will include the following copy, plus endorsements from several well-known Christians, including Peter Davids and John Armstrong: The future hope of heaven is pulled into the here-and-now in this illuminating description of the kingdom of God. Popular teacher and author R. Alan Streett exposes half-truths about the kingdom that many believers have unwittingly accepted. He contrasts these with the testimony of Scripture: * Jesus inaugurated the kingdom of God on the earth--it has already begun. As ambassadors of the kingdom, we are to fulfill our responsibilities and enjoy its benefits here and now. * Salvation does not culminate with the soul escaping the body and living forever in heaven. Our bodies will eventually be transformed, and we will live with God on a restored earth. * The church is like an embassy of heaven in a foreign country. In their life together, believers demonstrate kingdom realities to the world. Readers will find hope and direction in this fresh presentation of the historic teaching on the kingdom. “Heaven on Earth” can be pre-ordered: http://www.amazon.com/Heaven-Earth-Experiencing-Kingdom-Here/dp/0736949143/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1349569888&sr=8-1&keywords=heaven+streett

Book Moves to New Phase

My manuscript HEAVEN ON EARTH has moved from the editing stage to the gallery stage. This means it is being formatted and printed. I will then read through it, make necessary corrections, and give my approval for final publication. Amazon lists the book as 256 pages, but it is actually 304 pages. You can pre-order book at: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=heaven+streett

ISBN # for SUBVERSIVE MEALS

ISBN 978-1-62032-018-1 has been assigned to my book "Subversive Meals: An Analysis of the Lord’s Supper under Roman Domination during the First Century" (Wipf and Stock). It is tentatively scheduled to be published by mid-January 2013 -- just in time for Spring semester.