Episode Details

In this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman and Steph Thurling are joined by author Randy Alcorn to discuss his children's book Heaven on Earth and the biblical promise of a new heaven and new earth. Drawing on 2 Peter 3 and other passages, Randy contrasts the common disembodied, "clouds and harps" view of heaven with Scripture's emphasis on resurrection bodies and a renewed earth where God removes the curse and restores creation. Together, they explore how parents can talk with kids about death, grief, memory, and reunions with loved ones, along with hope for those who have lost children or pregnancies and questions about marriage in the resurrection. The conversation closes with a look at disabilities, the role of time in eternity, and why animals, and possibly even pets, have a place in the renewal of "all things."

Topics

(0:00) Introduction

(3:47) New Earth Explained

(12:56) Helping Kids Understand

(17:06) When to Start Talking to Kids

(22:54) Marriage in Resurrection

(27:53) Children in Heaven

(29:16) Grief With Hope

(31:17) Remembering Loved Ones

(32:46) Miscarriage And Hope

(37:48) Healing Disabilities

(42:01) Pets In The New Earth

(51:47) Questions About Suffering

(55:44) Conclusion

Resources

• Eternal Perspectives Ministry
• Heaven on Earth book
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About Randy Alcorn

Randy Alcorn is the founder and director of Eternal Perspective Ministries (EPM), a nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching biblical truth and drawing attention to the needy and how to help them. EPM exists to meet the needs of the unreached, unfed, unborn, uneducated, unreconciled and unsupported people around the world.

A New York Times bestselling author, Randy has written over sixty books, including Courageous, Heaven, The Treasure Principle, and the Gold Medallion winning novel Safely Home. His books, including on theology, Christian life, murder mysteries, fantasy, graphic novels (comic book style) and Children’s books, have been translated into over 70 languages and have sold over 13 million copies. 100% of his book royalties go to need-meeting ministries.

About Steph Thurling

Steph Thurling is the host of The Christian Parenting Podcast.

Steph has her master’s in youth, family, and culture from Fuller Theological Seminary and has a background in youth and children’s ministry. She is co-author of Raising Prayerful Kids, a book that shares easy, life-giving, and fun ways to teach kids to pray. She loves helpi