Deadline

Awesomely great read! I love to read, I had a hard time putting this book down. After reading this book I had to buy some more books for my non-believing friends and family. I bought this book for some people who are not believers hoping they would read it and ask Jesus to be their Lord. Other reviewers wrote what the book was about, I’m glad I didn’t read them, it might have ruined the story for me.

This is a book with two stories; one in heaven with the authors idea of what may happen after death and the other on earth with a murder mystery to be solved by those still living. Don't take some of the previous reviews to much to heart; the author hasn't added to God's word or made changes to what's known from the Bible. He's simply taken a very human emotion; curiosity and used it along with his story telling skills to imagine one possibility of what heaven may be like. In fact he states in his authors note (which may or may not be in all editions) "As to those events and dialogues in the afterlife, it should go without saying that these are fiction! I believe God expects us to recognize the limits and flaws of our imaginations, but to utilize them nonetheless. It is of paramount importance that the reader's mind and imagination be submitted to the Word of God as its sole and final authority. This novel lays no claim whatsoever to divine revelation." Some may find his imaginings more improbable then others will but it's the lessons both within his version of heaven and in the conversations on earth that the reader should, hopefully, learn from. I also disagree with those who feel that the conversion of the lead character was incorrect or unrealistic. It did not solely come from a dream and he does not suddenly wake up a Christian. The focus of the book is not how one becomes saved and because of this his change is not spelled out it is only implied in further paragraphs and later chapters. And happily the character is portrayed as a normal human finding his way and standing by new convictions in the first few months after accepting Jesus; too many books portray the characters as going from sinner to immaculate saint with nary a stumble; it's refreshing to see a more human portrayal where the character does not act perfectly but does recognize and confess faults and missteps. Holding the story together is a well told murder mystery with engaging twists that will leave most readers guessing to the end.

This is one of the best novels that I have ever read. Alcorn not only wrote a great story, he also explored some important issues in the process. If you are looking for great Christian fiction, this would be a great place to start. One issue that he really explores is what heaven is like. If you are one of the many who has thought that Heaven may be great, but you want it to be a long time before you ever leave this wonderful Earth to go there, this book will challenge you. Alcorn paints a picture of Heaven as such a beautiful and exciting place that it may actually create a yearning in you. He certainly doesn't view it as a boring place with non stop harp music being played like so many preachers and Christians seem to do. Alcorn will give you some fresh viewpoints to ponder. I encourage you to buy this and enjoy!

This is one of the best christian fiction books I have ever read!!! I am an avid fan of Randy Alcorn and have read most of his novels, but this by far is my favorite!! This book not only tells the story of a friendship between three adult males (one a believer- one a non-believer- and one who is undecided) each one with very different personalities and occupations from one another, but it accompolishes three very important things. First, it paints a very unique and fresh view of heaven. If you have ever wondered what we (believers in Christ) are going to do once we get there, this book paints a picture of beautiful scenery, and fun and enjoyable activities. Secondly, this book paints a realistic view of hell. It reminds the reader of the often overlooked and disbelieved fact that once one goes to hell, the pain and anguish is eternal and forever! You can not go back and change your mind if you die as a non-believer. You go to hell - and live the rest of your eternity in terror, torment, agony, and distress - plain and simple. Thirdly, and most importantly, Alcorn's novels (this one and especially "Edge of Eternity") remind us that our time on earth is simply "a test." Our real life, our eternal life, begins after death. What we do on earth, determines where and how we will spend our eternity. We must take this short life that we are given on earth very seriously and choose who we will serve and where we will spend our eternity. Give this book to an unsaved friend. Change their life!

No doubt, Deadline was one of the most captivating works of Christian fiction I've ever had the pleasure of reading. The glimpes of afterlife, both in Heaven and Hell, were well researched and, therefore, very believable. Alcorn made me look forward more to heaven than I ever have before. He handles the subject of eternity with ease and yet the descriptions and details are handled with care and thoughtfulness. I look forward to reading his second book and hope there is more to come. I recommend this great story to anyone who wonders about the reality of heaven, or anyone who just wants to read a refreshing, clean, realistic and believable story that is tough to put down. Great read! A wonderful Christ-centered account of life and death. I WANT MORE!!!!

As a new Christian, I was hungry for any kind of information which would provoke thought and give me something to increase my faith. I began to read the Bible, but enjoyed novels very much. I had heard about "Deadline" from several people, but the size of the novel was a little intimida- ting. A friend had loaned it to me when I was ill, since I had so much time on my hands. I finally picked it up and began to read. In about two or three pages, I was hooked. Randy's description of heaven brought me to tears. It gave me great hope and encouragement. I could hardly put it down, because I wanted to remain at that place: the place to which his novel carried me. One of serenity and peace. I had also been teetering on the fence of my views on abortion. However, when I read Randy's descrip- tion of conception, my heart was changed forever. This truly is a life-changing book, and I intend to give it as a gift, to all those in my family who are not saved. I feel like handing it out to people on street corners! We need men like Randy Alcorn, who has a vision of where everyone should strive to be: heaven, worshipping the God who wants us there.