Surprised by Hope by N. T. Wright

It is hard for me to overstate the importance of this book. For me it seemed to tie a lot of loose ends. Reading this book is a series of "so that's what those verses mean", and new ways of looking at verses that make them fit better with the whole fabric of the gospel. The thesis of the book is that when Jesus comes he is bringing his kingdom to earth and will recreate the new earth and heavens, not destroy. This world is not a test to go to the next world, there is a radical continuity, Jesus the resurrection King will set all things right. Read this book!