Review – Heaven’s Answer to Earth’s Dilemma

by Gil Cann

Former Editor of the Australian Evangelical Alliance’s Magazine – Working Together

In this very timely, 160 page publication; Ben Gray lifts our sights immensely. He describes the vast scenario in which God’s people are called to honor and serve Him, not only in church, but in every realm of life - indeed throughout the whole creation. He startles and encourages us with the astonishing yet biblical claim that the whole of creation is longing for God’s people to come into their own – something many Christians have never realised or long – since forgotten.

Ben Gray’s portrayal of the scale and scope of our calling goes far beyond that found in most Christian writings. He expands our horizons enormously. On the other hand this book is applied theology! He “earths” the living act, as individually and churches of our exalted calling with the practical insights as to what this means. And unlike some who advise us for example; to put family first, marriage first, or one’s own well being first, this author urges us to put God’s Kingdom first.

Responding to this far more challenging and difficult calling, will he argues, result in a greater authencity and credibility in our lives which honors God, demonstrates His Kingdom and enriches the lives of all those around us. And he helps us see what “Kingdom First” living will mean in our marriage, families, businesses, work places and communities.

An excellent companion, study guide entitled “Obtainable Wisdom” is also available. It is a virtually essential tool if pastors, individual readers, and those reading “Heaven’s Answer” in groups are to get the maximum benefit from doing so.  I cannot recommend it too highly. Further information about both publications is available on several websites. For example www.heavensanswer.com, www.koorong.com.au,  www.amazon.com.

Heaven’s Answer to Earth’s Dilemma is greatly needed. It will spoil you forever for mediocre, demonstrated, culturally modified church. It should leave you trembling with wonder and excitement and it gives clear direction about the way forward for twenty first century Christians.

Review by Lisa Limbrick

Alive Magazine

If you are seeking to find your place in the body of Christ, identify your gifts and ministry, and understand what your vocation really is, then look no further than Heaven's Answer to Earth's Dilemma. This remarkably insightful book begins by discussing the need for changing the church from a traditional Greek worldview (where ministry is confined within the institution of the church) to a Hebraic worldview (the pilgrim church, where ministry permeates every part of daily life). Gray identifies five creational spheres (relationships that connect us to God): Marriage, Family, Work, Tribe, and Nation. By embracing these spheres of relationship we not only encounter God in every aspect of life, but demonstrate to all creation of what it means to be a people of God in society. The book discusses how each of us can identify our role in the Body of Christ by identifying our grace-aligned vocation and our motivations.
 
Obtainable Wisdom: Discovering Heaven's Answer is the study guide for Heaven's Answer to Earth's Dilemma. Each chapter of the book is briefly summarised and accompanied with observations and questions to allow readers to gain more understanding of the issues raised in the book. The guide is suitable for individual study or as a valuable resource for group discussion. Presented in a user-friendly format, Obtainable Wisdom: Discovering Heaven's Answer is an opportunity to bring practical theology into everyday life. Together, they are a must-read.