Copyright Page
2019 by Robert Jeffress
Published by Baker Books
a division of Baker Publishing Group
PO Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287
www.bakerbooks.com
Ebook edition created 2019
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meansfor example, electronic, photocopy, recordingwithout the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
ISBN 978-1-4934-1923-4
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture is taken from the International Childrens Bible. Copyright 1986, 1988, 1999 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations labeled CEV are from the Contemporary English Version 1991, 1992, 1995 by American Bible Society. Used by permission.
Scripture quotations labeled NASB are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB), copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. www.Lockman.org
Scripture quotations labeled NIrV are from the Holy Bible, New International Readers Version. NIrV. Copyright 1995, 1996, 1998, 2014 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. www.zondervan.com. The NIrV and New International Readers Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.
Scripture quotations labeled NLT are from the Holy Bible , New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Illustrations by Lisa Reed.
Published in association with Yates & Yates, www.Yates2.com.
Dedication
To my two daughters,
Julia Sadler and Dorothy Jeffress.
Im proud of you both and remember the time each of you trusted in Christ as your Savior. The greatest joy of my life is knowing that Amy and I will spend eternity with you in that place called heaven.
Contents
Cover
Half Title Page
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication
Acknowledgments
Is Heaven a Real Place?
What Does Heaven Look Like?
Why Is Heaven Called a Kingdom?
What Will We Look Like in Heaven?
Where Will We Live in Heaven?
What Will We Eat in Heaven?
Who Will Be in Heaven?
What Will We Do in Heaven?
Will We Need Anything in Heaven?
How Do People Get to Heaven?
A Prayer for You
About the Author
Back Cover
Acknowledgments
No book is a solo effort. Im deeply indebted to the following people, who were tremendously helpful in creating and communicating this encouraging message to children about a place called heaven.
Brian Vos, Lindsey Spoolstra, and the entire team at Baker Books, who caught the vision for this childrens book immediately.
Derrick G. Jeter, our creative director at Pathway to Victory, who was instrumental in shepherding this book from initial concept to completion.
Robin Crouch, who made sure my words were age-appropriate and could be understood by children, and Lisa Reed, who visualized and created the beautiful illustrations so children might get a better picture of what heaven will be like.
Jennifer Stair, my faithful editor, who provided invaluable finishing touches to the manuscript.
Sealy Yates, my literary agent and friend for more than twenty years, who has always provided sound advice and outside the lines creativity.
Mary Shafer, who helped in bringing order out of chaos in the pastors office.
Carrilyn Baker, my faithful associate for nearly two decades, who helped keep track of the numerous drafts of the manuscript and changes to the illustrations while juggling a multitude of other tasks at the same timeand always with excellence.Ben Lovvorn, Nate Curtis, Patrick Heatherington, Vickie Sterling, Joe Sneed, and the entire Pathway to Victory team, who work hard to share the message of this book with children around the country.
Amy Jeffress, my junior high girlfriend and wife of forty years, who makes everything I am able to do possible.
Is Heaven a Real Place?
Heaven is the place where God lives. Its a special city that God built for you and me. In the middle of the city flows a big river.
Heaven is a real place where everything is perfect. People in heaven are happy. And they live with God forever.
They were looking forward to a better home in heaven.... [God] even built a city for them.
Hebrews 11:16 CEV
A river of the water of life, clear as crystal... [was] in the middle of its street.
Revelation 22:12 NASB
What Does Heaven Look Like?
Heaven is huge! The city is as tall as it is wide. There is plenty of room for everyone who lives there.
Heaven is made of jewels and gold. There is no night there because God gives it light. The gates to heaven are always open, and everyone is safe.
The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it. The glory of God is its light.
Revelation 21:23
The city was made of pure gold.... The foundation stones of the city walls had every kind of jewel in them.
Revelation 21:1819
Why Is Heaven Called a Kingdom?
God is the king of heaven, so heaven is called Gods kingdom. God sits on His throne there and rules over everyone. And Jesus sits by Him.
In Gods heavenly kingdom, only good things happen. Heaven is filled with laughter and love because God is a loving and joyful king.
The Lord has set his throne in heaven.
And his kingdom rules over everything.
Psalm 103:19
At the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth.
Philippians 2:10 NLT
What Will We Look Like in Heaven?
People in heaven have healthy bodies. No one ever needs to go to the doctor or the dentist. And everyone has energy to run and play.
God makes our heavenly bodies brand new. We will never be sad or hurt or tired. And we will never get sick again!
He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain.
Revelation 21:4 NLT
We grow weary in our present bodies, and we long to put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing.
2 Corinthians 5:2 NLT
Where Will We Live in Heaven?
In heaven, everyone lives near Jesus. Jesus is preparing special homes for all the people who love Him.