You will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man (John 1:51 HCSB). When Jesus spoke these mysterious words to Nathanael, He was announcing a new order: life will no longer be the same. And just as the early believers needed a theology to strengthen their souls and steady their nerves in their turbulent times, we too need to know that the abundant life under the opened heaven John describes is not just conceivable–it’s a promise.

In subsequent conversations in John’s gospel, Jesus unpacks the implications for those willing to step into the life of Christ. Drawing from these conversations, John E. Johnson points out clear applications still useful for our modern lives–handling conflicts with family, overcoming cultural barriers, resisting consumer pressures, and facing life’s disappointments.

If you’re tired of living a confined life, frustrated by failure, or starving in the midst of plenty, these conversations in John assure you: life doesn’t have to stay small. There is a whole new world made possible under God’s open heaven.