What Happens Next

I’ve heard it said that “fear not “ is in the Bible at least 365 times. One for each day of the year. As we live in these last days, there are many books out there that are more fearful instead of being filled with hope and faith. That is not the case with “What Happens Next.” This is a very good book where Max tackles not being anxiety ridden about these last days as we wait for the return of Jesus. It is possible to be prepared and ready without being in fear. Max did well explaining this subject as he always does.

I received an advanced reader’s copy from Nelson Books/Thomas Nelson and Netgalley. Opinions are my own.

Thank you for this ARC.
As I get older, I keep enjoying Lucado's books. Every chapter is a lesson from the Bible with Max's life story attached to it some way. Helps through the fear and anxiety you may have. Have an open mind and try to be a child of faith. As you get closer to your end time, because we all live on borrowed time, have patience and love.

What Happens Next
by Max Lucado
Pub Date: August 13, 2024
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I am a fan of Lucado's writing style and bible studies. I have read and done as many studies as we can. I highly recommend this book.
Are we living in the end times? If so, what does that mean for me? Max Lucado's optimistic, accessible, and non-sensational guide to what the Bible says about heaven's timeline will empower readers to face the future with faith.
Max explores four big ideas that will provide a solid foundation for understanding God's plans and will remind us that we are headed to a far better place than where we started. He explains that

we were made to reign with Christ; God has made and will keep his promises; heaven has a timeline; and a golden era, the millennium, awaits God's children.
In this book we are reminded: It's all about Hope! It's all about HIM!

What Happens Next by Max Lucado is a clear, easy to understand resource on what the Bible tells us to expect in the coming days. He illustrates with heart warming stories and references scripture throughout. I don’t know how any believer could pick up this book and not be excited for the future God has planned for us.

I love Max Lucado books and this new book is no exception. His writing style is clear and easy to understand with Bible verses relevant to his topic. By using life examples it just reinforces his point all the more. He makes the books interesting and thought provoking. I have learned so much from his writing. He is one of my favourite Christian authors.

I think anyone who picks up this book or any of Max Lucado's books will want to learn more and will be excited for the future. It fills the reader with hope of what is to come.

I highly recommend this book to everyone. Thanks to NetGalley and Nelson Books for an advance copy of this book.

You can count on beloved author Max Lucado to make the complex simple and understandable. One area of the Christian faith that can be hard to comprehend is the End Times. Mr. Lucado encourages us to consider “What Happens Next.”

Some of us may be longing for the Second Coming, some may be concerned about it, and some may have no interest whatsoever. Max Lucado outlines the chronology of end times in a positive and loving, friendly way. “We do not know when our Lord will come, but we know he will. May he find us watching.”

“Let the promise of the next life define the way you spend this life.” This book is thoughtful, positive and compelling. It is based on Scripture, with plenty of Max Lucado’s charming stories and anecdotes. I was blessed to have read it and I highly recommend “What Happens Next”.

Thanks to Net Galley and Thomas Nelson publishing for an Advance Review Copy. This is my honest review.

The author has an unique way of explaining biblical prophecy. This would make a wonderful Bible study. Highly recommended.

What Happens Next Aug 23


Why should we think about the future when there is so much to concern us now - family, bills, the state of the world ?

We should seriously consider the future because Jesus warned us about what to expect in the Last Days - wars, famines, plagues, earthquakes, and economic turmoils and also about the AntiChrist making a deal with Israel. This was not possible until Israel became a state in May of 1948 with the support and recognition of President Truman.

Max then goes on to say that God has always kept His promises to us, through Adam, Abraham and Daniel. Daniel prophesied when Jesus came and what it will be like in the Tribulation.

The subject of the Rapture of the Church and the Millennium are discussed with various theories on what the Millennium is, if it is a thousand years period or if it is something different.

You will learn about the various covenants God has made in the past and how a covenant will be made in the Tribulation era between the Antichrist and Israel.

Think about what the future hold and your part as a believer in it.

I loved this book by Max Lucado. As with all his books, Max talks to you not above you. He breaks things down so you understand and can follow along all while using examples and stories that you can relate to.

I love the premise of the book and that "Max Lucado believes God wants us to be prepared, not scared; informed, not intimidated." This is first book about the "end times" that explains the timeline in a meaningful way by looking at events that have already occurred to help us understand those that are yet to occur.

Understanding the end times prophecy in the Bible can be difficult, but Max Lucado effortlessly tackles this daunting subject and makes it easy to understand. From Genesis to Revelation, he follows God’s plan for mankind and proves that God keeps His promises. If you don’t know what will happen next, and why it matters, or if Daniel and Revelation seem too daunting to wade through, pick up this book for an engaging study through the wonderful things in store for believers in Christ.
*I received a complimentary copy of this e-book courtesy of Thomas Nelson Publishing through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

In What Happens Next, Max Lucado breaks down the question of what happens after the earth as we know it passes, in simple terms and in his typical illustrative manner. According to the author, the purpose of this book is for information so that we will have no reason to fear. However, the Bible is clear - Jesus is coming back for the rapture of His own, there will be an antiChrist and a time of tribulation, the Millennial Reign of Christ, the final battle between Good and Evil, the Great Judgement, all culminating in Eternity. Every Christian should read this book. I also loved how it is consistent with the fictionalised Left Behind series by Tim Lahaye.
Thank you, Netgalley and Nelson Books | Thomas Nelson for giving me the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Max Lucado, you are a pure light of Jesus. Your books are just always so phenomenal. I am always so awe struck by the way you bring scripture and truth, and how you guide it back to the word of the Lord. Thank you for talking about such a heavy topic, but one that needs to be brought up more and more with the way the world is. Our BSF is studying Revelations this year and I so needed this book full of direction for this study. Thank you for such beautiful words and your heart for the Lord.

This was a fresh perspective on End Times theology. Max Lucado has been an auto-read author since I was first introduced to him in college and as my dad was super interested in End Times, I'm fairly well-versed in what happens next. However, Lucado put a fresh spin on things and one that "felt" more uplifting. Beginning with the covenant made in the Garden of Eden and progressing through the other covenants throughout scripture, Lucado plots out a road map from the beginning of time through the end, taking into account the prophecies in Daniel, Jeremiah, and Revelation. He also references Paul's letters to the early church, King David, other Old Testament prophets and Jesus Christ himself. Referencing the culture of Bible times, the author paints a picture of why the church/holy city is referred to as a bride and other such significant correlations in the visions John had in Revelation. He also creates a timeline - showcasing where we've been so we know what we can still expect to be. While we cannot know the date or time (and the significance of that is also spelled out), Lucado shows what signs we should be continuing to look for before the end will come. With thought-provoking questions at the end, including prayers to accompany each chapter, I would definitely recommend this one to anyone who wants to better understand the end times and where we are in that timeline. I thoroughly enjoyed this read. Special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

Everyone has heard people say end times are near. If this thought makes you at all anxious, this is the book to read. Although no one knows the exact timeframe when Jesus will return, Max talks about the timeline of where we might fall on the timeline. It discusses what will occur and why we should not fear. Has scripture throughout the book to back up what he says. If the book of Revelation confuses you (it’s ok it confuses most people) this helps to better explain it. It also has great discussion questions at the end of the chapters which is great for Bible study groups and self reflection. This would also make a great book to give those who may be questioning God and Satan. Always love his books!

Thank you to Thomas Nelson publishing and Max Lucado for giving me an advanced copy! (All opinions are my own)

In the book What Happens Next, author and pastor Max Lucado, writes about end times with optimism and hope. Lucado writes: “Understanding the future empowers us to face the present. That was Paul’s opinion: "I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us" (Phil. 3:13–14 nlt).”
While Lucado writes optimistically, he also gives us the reality. He writes: “Jesus told us to anticipate choppy waters. According to him, the final days will be marked by escalating events of…. • deception • signs in the heavens • economic turmoil • seismic activity • persecution of Christians • political conflict • famines • pestilence • commotions • ethnic conflicts • false prophets • waning faith • fearful sights • wars and rumors of wars • diseases (Matt. 24:4–14; Mark 13:5–13; Luke 21:11)”
Lucado gives good overview and encouragement about the future. I would highly recommend this book. I received a copy of this e-book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book packs a punch! Not only did it made me think - above all it gave me hope and encouragement. Max Lucado has laid out a road map for the end of days, backing up each point with scripture (I checked into these on occasion, to see the context and note that the references were spot on).

To make concepts more understandable, Max Lucado uses analogies, stories for him life and even a Star Wars reference! Since reading it, I have already recommended it on (I finished it less than 15 minutes ago). If you want a thoughtful book that is intelligently laid out by a well respected man of God, I highly recommend this one.

I receive complimentary books for various sources including, Netgalley, Authors, and other such sources. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received compensation.

Max Lucado has such a gift with words. This excellent look at the end times is not the normal "interpret the symbolism" book. While he does touch briefly on the happenings on earth during the tribulation, the focus of this book is on what is next for believers - the rapture, heaven, the Millennial kingdom, etc.

This book is filled with hope and good news. Don't miss it!

If you are not a Christian but are interested in knowing what we believe and why, this is a great place to start.

Family friendly.

5 ⭐️

Thank you so much to netgalley and the publisher for allowing me early access to this magnificent read in exchange for an honest review.

I have long been a fan of Max Lucado’s writing. I was first introduced to him when I was going through a period of anxiety due to a cross country move and other personal things that were weighing on my heart. I found the book “anxious for nothing” and fell in love with max’s style of writing and his biblical approach.

“What Happens Next” touched my heart in the same way that “anxious for nothing” did.

It is a biblical view (revelations) into what our future looks like as Christian’s and non Christians alike. It is a digestible timeline that he makes quite easy to understand and while the topic is a weighty one, it is equally (or more so) exciting that our time to be with Jesus and be reunited with family and friends is imminently approaching.

This will be a book I buy multiple copies of to share with friend. It is a must read.

Keep your eyes on Jesus and heaven. May we all be living each day like we will see Jesus in the next moment.

MUST READ!

Max Lucado’s latest book is sure to become a bestseller among those seeking to better understand what the Bible says about end-times. In Max’s own unique style he uses stories and illustrations to help readers unlock the mystery of end-times prophecy and tells what they can expect as heaven’s timeline of events unfolds. At the end of the book there are questions for reflection to be used for deeper individual study or group discussion. This is certainly a very timely and relevant book given the current events of today’s world. It’s definitely a must read for all those wanting a better understanding of what lies ahead.

Max Lucado’s books and Bible studies are all outstanding, easy to grasp and pertinent. When I read one of his books, it is like visiting with an old friend and I learn quite a bit. His books are Bible based well researched and dynamic. I often reread his books, just for a refresher course. As I review this book, my 89 year old Mother was placed on hospice and the end is in sight. This book brought me so much joy and reminded me of the hope we have in Christ. As a believer it means so much when death is imminent to know where a fellow believer will go. I was blessed with a free ARC, and I’m voluntarily submitting this review. Highly recommend this book and all of Pastor Lucado’s books.

Christian author and pastor Max Lucado has written a guide to end times with a title that reminded me of another book I enjoyed in my college years. What Happens Next? A Traveler’s Guide Through the End of This Age reminds me of Douglas Adams' title for his book, A Hitchhiker's Guide to the Universe. I need a guide like Max to understand biblical prophecy, especially the daunting book of Revelation. Every book Max writes entertains while teaching me.

Max joked that older folks usually enjoy new hobbies like gardening, crafting, and baking. His new hobby is eschatology. A friend questioned Max about his choice of topic. Why not talk about the here and now? Carpe diem and all. Max said understanding the future God revealed in His Word gives Christians hope in this turbulent present age (Matthew 24:3-44 ). Max begins with a question he said works well for him when initiating in airport conversations: Where are you headed?

Whether in travel or in life, Max wants us to know where we’re headed. The Scriptures show us God’s plan for humanity before, during, and after life here on planet Earth. He said the Bible has more than 700 references to Heaven; 300 passages about the return of Jesus Christ, which equates to “one out of every 25 verses”; 23 out of 27 books in the New Testament describe the Second Coming.

His takeaway? Scripture wants us to ready ourselves for “what happens next.” The Bible said no one knows the day or hour – not the angels, not the Son, not any televangelist, only the God the Father. (Matthew 24:36) To understand the end, Max said we need to start at the beginning, or protology, the study of origins and first things. Adam and Eve were created to have dominion over the Earth and creatures God created (Genesis 1:26-28). The serpent tempts Eve to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. They would be like God, knowing good and evil, but that choice brought sin into the world. Their sin separated them from God. (Genesis 3)

That didn't mean God canceled His plans for the Garden of Eden when He barred Adam and Eve from entrance, Max said. He put a pause on the plan. Sin had a price to be paid. Only a perfect, sinless human could pay that price. Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Jesus Christ became flesh – fully human, fully divine - and bore our sin on His body. He took our punishment when He died on the cross. He defeated sin and when He arose from the grave, He defeated death. In Scripture, Jesus is the second Adam Paul talks about succeeding when the first Adam failed.

Two themes emerge in Scripture, Max said: it’s all about hope and all about Him. Our hope centers on what Christ accomplished at the Cross for us and the fact that today we serve a Risen Savior. He defeated sin and death. Our hope is also centered on the return of Christ. For now, He is at the right hand of the Father “until the time comes when all things will be made right again.” (Acts 3:19-21 NCV)

Old Testament prophecies have already been fulfilled as seen in the New Testament, but others have not yet happened. And that’s what Max’s discussion centers on in this short guide to the end times. After talking about God’s covenantal promises to Adam and Eve, Abraham, Jeremiah, and David, as well as the new covenant with His Church. He discusses the Rapture and the Millennial Reign of Christ on Earth. He explained that most Christians agree that Christ will visibly return in the clouds as written in the New Testament (Mark 13:26-27). Christians agree that the dead will rise again, just as Christ arose from the grave. We will live in eternity with God. Max here gave three views of the Millennium: amillennialism, postmillennialism, and premillennialism.

Many Christians know they are saved by grace, and that Christ is coming again. How they view the Millennium rather informs how they interpret what happens next. Max wants to help us crack the code.

Max presented for consideration the prophet Daniel. He read Jeremiah’s prophecy about the 70-year Babylonian exile and interpreted the words "as is" when he prayed for God to keep His promises in the 67th year. Those 70 years were not symbolic or figurative to Daniel. While praying, he received a prophetic word from the angel Gabriel that involved 490 years (See Daniel 9.) Max said Daniel wrote what is considered “the backbone of Bible prophecy” in that passage because people are still waiting for those 490 years. Daniel inspired Max to consider a word-for-word, literal interpretation of biblical prophecy, especially Revelation. Max also presents other Bible scholars who mined the prophetic Scriptures in similar fashion to explain how they interpreted these difficult passages from AD to today.

Jesus told us it’s going to be a bumpy ride in the final days (Matthew 24:8-10). He wants His church prepared, watchful and waiting, but not fearful and fretful about the future. Max gives the plan of salvation to readers to reach others for Christ, so they will be ready when He returns for His own.

I loved when Max talked about Paradise, the place the thief on the cross heard Jesus say they were going. Paradise is Heaven’s front porch, Max said, with loved ones and other saints praying for us to finish this race well. That brought me immense comfort.

Max is a gifted storyteller and pastor. He knows how to search out just the right story to go with the points he wishes to illustrate. He weaves memoir with biblical teaching. One example he gave was that his Dad took his sons on camping trips back in the days when we had no GPS. His Dad would highlight the route, the campgrounds, and then reveal the plan to his sons. He told them of the great activities planned as well. Everything happened just as he said, down to the expected climate, views, food, and recreational activities. Max compared this to God’s plans for us in Scripture. What God says, He will do.

Max joked in his author’s note that he has “a reserved seat at the PWPOET Café in Heaven – Pastors Who Preached On End Times” where they will probably laugh and shake their heads over what they missed or misunderstood. He provides an easy to follow outline of his discussion seasoned with humor and love for his audience. His intended readers are those who are leery, confused, or cynical about the subject of eschatology – end times. And he helps readers mine the prophecies found in Scripture for themselves so they too can know “what happens next” in God’s story of our redemption and new life in Christ. Max reminds us that God has tomorrow in His hands, and we can rest in that knowledge. He doesn’t lie. He doesn’t change His mind. What He plans, He will do.

Max uses various translations of Scripture, including the Message and New Century Version. I balked a bit about those translations. I linked some passages to the NCV in this blog just to give you a feel for how those verse sound. Certain translations seem way too colloquial for my taste. The words don’t always have the same impact.

That said, I did understand his motivation. He uses easy to understand language when talking about difficult material to decipher, and he does it like a boss. He knows how to turn a phrase. Max is the king of alliteration. I enjoyed highlighting those gems. If you’ve thought those end-times prophecies were difficult to follow (especially found in Revelation), you might want Max as your guide. Reading prophecies in the Old Testament fulfilled in the New Testament adds to my confidence that what hasn’t happened yet will happen.

Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for allowing me to read and review this advance copy of Max Lucado’s What Happens Next? A Traveler’s Guide Through the End of This Age. I need to read the last three chapters, but wanted to share my review now. It's so good! I cried through much of the second half, so I’m glad I had an electronic book. Why did I cry? I think it’s because I have loved ones in Paradise. I felt relieved and happy, and the pictures formed from Max's words filled my mind with joy and excitement. What if I’m here for the Rapture? What will it be like to see Christ for the first time? I know now why God gives us crowns. He personally hands them to us for reason I never expected. And we lay them at Him feet.

An interesting, informative, enjoyable read with easy-to-understand (or as easy as it can be, anyway) explanations of the end times. In typical Max Lucado fashion, anecdotes and relatable examples draw you in. This isn't a theology book, but the explanations, justifications for Lucado's views, and Bible references seem to be on point. Kept me engaged, and reading, from beginning to end.

When I read a book by Max Lucado, because of his unique writing style, I feel like he is having a friendly conversation with me. He explains things clearing in a way that is easy to understand, and his sense of humor shows through, even on a serious topic like this one.
I have read the book of Revelation more times than I can count and can’t say that I ever completely understood it. Max’s explanation with examples, about this very important topic makes it clear, even when speaking of the book of Revelation.
Everyone who is still breathing should be concerned about this topic of what happens next when either the Rapture occurs, when those who are Christ followers will disappear in the clouds to meet Jesus in the air and what happens to those who have already died. If you are left behind on the earth, it is very important to know what happens next.
Max expertly outlines exactly what happens to those who disappear, those who have already died, and those left behind to live through the tribulation. Everything he tells us is backed up with the scripture reference, so any doubters can look it up themselves.
I highly recommend this informative, important book, that will be a valuable addition to a home library.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.

Wow! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ++
I absolutely loved and devoured every chapter of this book. Max Lucado writes with a unique voice that deeply moved me. As a believer, I gained new insights on my traveler’s guide through the end of this age, and found affirmation in what I thought I knew about what happens next. I look forward to the day when I journey to my eternal home in Heaven—a place I now understand more clearly, filled with the promise of a beautiful homecoming.

What Happens Next by Max Lucado is one of the most in-depth, encouraging books written about the return of Christ and the fulfillment of end-time scripture I have ever read. I have enjoyed his books over the years, and found his approach to be ever hopeful and compassionate. This tome is written for those new to the study of prophecy and explains each phase with that in mind, with Bible verses and commentary. With each disclosure of times of great testing and judgement, Lucado explains using the Bible how God has made provision for all and is not unjust. What Comes Next culminates in the fullness of the glory of God, when the very best is at last, and evil is no more. This was a very powerful writing of a difficult subject that some people avoid, but this is the book you need if that describes you.

I received a free copy from Netgalley for an honest review. Max Lucado is one of my favorite authors. Anytime he explains anything it will be easy to learn. A very good book on the last days and how to prepare for it. Will highly recommend this book and author.