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Heavy Rain: How You Can Transform the World Around You
We owe the world an encounter with God. We In the midst of the darkest epoch season in human history, Jesus Christ had the audacity to teach us a prayer so powerful that it defies human reason. It would be forever remembered as “The Lord’s Prayer.” Jesus turned to his tattered brigade of spiritual warriors and said, “Pray that My Father’s kingdom would come and His will be done on Earth, as it is in Heaven.”
Was this prayer a sort of wish upon a star, intended to be prayed by billions, but only to be experienced by a few in some distant eternity? Is the earth eroding, or is it evolving? Is global warming the beginning of the intense heat that will reduce our world to a hot rock spinning hopelessly through space? Will evil finally triumph over good, leaving terrorism to ravage the righteous, rape the innocent, and pillage our children? Will some maniac dictator finally push the button and blow us into obliteration?
The purpose of this book is to unearth the ancient mysteries that answer these questions and prepares the Church for a revolution that transforms every realm of society. God wants heaven to invade earth so that earth will look like heaven. God is reforming the Church, moving believers from denominationalism to apostolic families, where true spiritual leaders don’t control people but empower people to find their God-given destiny.
Was this prayer a sort of wish upon a star, intended to be prayed by billions, but only to be experienced by a few in some distant eternity? Is the earth eroding, or is it evolving? Is global warming the beginning of the intense heat that will reduce our world to a hot rock spinning hopelessly through space? Will evil finally triumph over good, leaving terrorism to ravage the righteous, rape the innocent, and pillage our children? Will some maniac dictator finally push the button and blow us into obliteration?
The purpose of this book is to unearth the ancient mysteries that answer these questions and prepares the Church for a revolution that transforms every realm of society. God wants heaven to invade earth so that earth will look like heaven. God is reforming the Church, moving believers from denominationalism to apostolic families, where true spiritual leaders don’t control people but empower people to find their God-given destiny.
239 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
154 people are currently reading
549 people want to read
About the author
Kris Vallotton
130 books277 followersKris Vallotton is the senior associate pastor under the senior pastor Bill Johnson at Bethel Church in Redding, California
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
May 16, 2011
I can't even put this book into words. I just loved it so much. There is so much meat I'm still chewing. Creating a culture that equips people to transform their cities/nations. Five fold ministry stuff. Leaving a legacy to our children's children's children. Mmmmmmmmm..... It was so good!
December 18, 2012
Incredible book. I highly recommend it, particularly chapters 2 and 8 - I could agree more. Kris writes well and passionately. I plan on reading his other books.
August 16, 2017
With exegesis being my default and most comfortable form of hermeneutics (method of bible interpretation), I was quite unsure what to make up of the numerous bible passages that Vallotton cited in support of his substantives. However, the target audience being Charismatics, would probably not find it as great of an intellectual wrestle.
I thoroughly enjoyed the real life accounts, of the failures (like how the hostility and disrespect Vallotton and supporters gave to Planned Parenthood's proposal to set up shop in their area actually titled the city council to issuing a green light), of the hard fought victories (of how Bethel adopted the convention center, refurbished and paid rent on it - all whilst maintaining it as a secular venue) and of the miraculous (of how he was almost mistakenly killed by a policeman deceived by a mad tailgating man). I also would say an emphatic Amen to his highlighting of the prevalence of "denominationalism" (covered in the opening chapters) and to the positive eschatological position (in contrast to the doomsaying position; covered in the closing chapters).
Most significantly, I felt encouraged and once again grappled with how comfortable (or uncomfortable) I am with citing Scripture out of context (outside of my devotional reading; in the public spheres of teaching/preaching). The bible passage that comes to mind alongside my wrestling and deliberation would be from Acts 10 - that of Peter being confronted repeatedly through vision of a theological position that was in direct conflict with what he understood Scripture meant. As far as I can tell, I disagree with the Vallotton's methodology of biblical handling and yet stand behind in emphatic support of his vision, passion and heart for mentoring the generations to come. The call to action is clear, and the reader is sure to be inspired to journey ever closer with the Lord by this master communicator.
I received this book from the Baker Publishing Group's Chosen Blogger Review Program for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.
I thoroughly enjoyed the real life accounts, of the failures (like how the hostility and disrespect Vallotton and supporters gave to Planned Parenthood's proposal to set up shop in their area actually titled the city council to issuing a green light), of the hard fought victories (of how Bethel adopted the convention center, refurbished and paid rent on it - all whilst maintaining it as a secular venue) and of the miraculous (of how he was almost mistakenly killed by a policeman deceived by a mad tailgating man). I also would say an emphatic Amen to his highlighting of the prevalence of "denominationalism" (covered in the opening chapters) and to the positive eschatological position (in contrast to the doomsaying position; covered in the closing chapters).
Most significantly, I felt encouraged and once again grappled with how comfortable (or uncomfortable) I am with citing Scripture out of context (outside of my devotional reading; in the public spheres of teaching/preaching). The bible passage that comes to mind alongside my wrestling and deliberation would be from Acts 10 - that of Peter being confronted repeatedly through vision of a theological position that was in direct conflict with what he understood Scripture meant. As far as I can tell, I disagree with the Vallotton's methodology of biblical handling and yet stand behind in emphatic support of his vision, passion and heart for mentoring the generations to come. The call to action is clear, and the reader is sure to be inspired to journey ever closer with the Lord by this master communicator.
I received this book from the Baker Publishing Group's Chosen Blogger Review Program for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.
May 17, 2025
Un libro con elementos de revelación que animan pero también con un sesgo cultural que genera rechazo
November 5, 2010
I really loved this book. It's a must-read for anyone who is a part of the Church and is interested in what is going on in the Body today. Apostleships Vs. Denominationalism and Eschatology. Completely interesting cover to cover.
February 9, 2011
I find kris very thought provoking I really enjoyed this book. iron sharpens Iron was such a great chapter.
September 10, 2019
Wow, I don't know where to even begin. Vallotton certainly had some interesting ideas (to say the least); there appeared to be some truths (I'll list those below), but a large majority was Vallotton's opinion or "word from God." Interestingly enough, some of these "prophetic visions" seem to go in direct conflict with Scripture (Angels answering prayers, replicating yourselves instead of God, the rise of a "new species" of believers, the picture of Ezekiel's river, the Antichrist government, assimilating into the culture, etc). After reading this book, I am not completely convinced that Bethel isn't a cult in itself, or just Christians who have been severely led astray. I say this with the best intentions possible, not to shame them but to merely point out the dangerous road they are taking. The "truth" that they claim to be promoting isn't always the Biblical truth; it's EXTREMELY close, which makes it EXTREMELY dangerous because many people will not realize that they are being led astray until they are drowning in this false religion.
So, to save you time (unless you really want to read the book to challenge your faith), I've condensed the highlights of the book (as applies to Christians) below:
Loyalty is only tested when we don't agree.
Unity is not conformity, but the celebration of diversity.
Faith requires risk.
Apostolic leaders prize the relationship that believers have with the Holy Spirit. They train people to be dependent on the Holy Spirit because, ultimately, He is the one responsible for their maturity in Christ.
God did not mention Joshua's experience. Instead, He reminded Moses that Joshua had the Spirit on him. The Spirit qualified Joshua to lead the people (Num 27:18-20).
We come in submission to the Father's mission and we get commissioned.
Apostles receive authority. They yield their will to God and allow Him to carry out His plan through their lives and the lives of those over whom they have authority. We also need to be sent, not just go.
Sacrifice is part of life in the Kingdom. But there is a huge difference between making a sacrifice and being sacrificed to obtain some "God-given purpose." --in reference to parents sacrificing their children on the altar of sacrifice
Are you the person who is affected by the culture around you, or are you the person who is helping create that culture?
You cannot conquer what you refuse to confront.
Great leaders understand that real change can only take place when people are transformed from the inside out, not from the outside in.
People don't care what you know until they know that you care.
Jesus never compromised His standards or took on the lifestyles of sinners so that they would accept Him.
Fear will never lead us to cultural transformation.
Whatever ground we take by force, we will have to maintain by force.
Transformation requires assimilation, not just consumption.
Our standard is not yesterday's condition; our standard is "on earth as it is in heaven."
Fervent prayer shapes the course of history.
Peacekeepers spend their time trying to keep everybody happy, while peacemakers bring forth truth that destroys lies, exposes false religions, and releases hope into its hearers' hearts.
There are times when love requires us to turn the other cheek, and there are other times when love must get tough and stop enabling evil.
Love demands that we protect the innocent.
You will never possess what you are unwilling to pursue. --Mike Murdock
Do not settle for becoming a cheap imitation of another instead of an original of yourself.
The difference between what is and what could be is not measured by the length of the track, but rather by the resistance between our ears. The impossible barriers we perceive are frequently just obstacles in our own minds.
The Kingdom of God is not a democracy; it is a theocracy.
God is not looking for a crowd; He is longing for a person.
One of the main reasons that people don't act is because they feel an overwhelming sense of inadequacy.
Samson's greatest victory followed his greatest defeat.
Men don't follow titles, they follow courage
When the leader lacks confidence, the followers lack commitment. Courage inspires people. It is the bridge between what is and what should be.
Until we have something to die for, we really never live.
It is only when we deal with the inevitable that we can actually do the impossible.
Remember, God did not childproof the Garden of Eden. He is not as interested in keeping us safe as He is in trying to keep us from a meaningless life. Courage is a catalyst to great leadership and a life full of purpose.
Most people never fully enter into their promised land because they allow fear to dictate the boundaries of their future. They reduce their lives to accommodate the dogs of doom, and they mistake the silence for peace.
It is fear-and-trembling courage that moves us past the Goliaths of our life.
Courage does not necessarily mean you are afraid. Most often, bravery is actually demonstrated in the fact of fear.
Courage is not an emotional state, but rather the choice we make to overcome our feelings so that we can obtain our desired outcome.
Excellence is the result of caring more than others think is wise, risking more than others think is safe, dreaming more than others think is practical, and expecting more than others think is possible. --Ronnie Oldham
True humility begins with remembering the source of your greatness, the King of heaven. The truth of God's grace humbles a man without degrading him and exalts a man without inflating him.
We have to be confident in who we are and content with who we are not.
One of the most common ways to control people is to withdraw and withhold information. Jesus equated withholding information to slavery (Jn 15:15)/
Jesus did not merely tell the disciples what to think; He taught them through His conversations and interactions with them how to think. He did not keep them on the sidelines, watching Him do everything. They had permission to ask questions, try to do what He was doing, and get His feedback.
Jesus refused to change the disciples circumstances to deal with their character issues. His prescription for their jealousy was simple: Humble yourselves by becoming like a child (Matt. 18:1-4)
Our circumstances never cause heart issues; they only reveal them.
Victories should always be a family affair.
True greatness is only found as we die to selfish ambition, jealousy, envy, strife, and embrace a noble culture that manifests the heart of the King.
It is important to remember that just because someone approaches a problem differently than you would does not make that person wrong.
If you look at the past long enough, you will become a monument instead of a movement --Bill Johnson
Without a mission from God, the greatest visions in life are no more than the worthless efforts of self-righteous souls who climb the high mountains of human significance, only to see their passion perish in the thin air of human applause.
Without vision, God's holy intentions lay buried deep in our souls. Talents are buried in the hard soil of comfort and complacency.
It is mission that inspires passion and zeal, while vision provokes perseverance and sacrifice.
A man without a vision is a man without a future. A man without a future will always return to his past. --P.K. Bernard
People who insist on living in the "good old days" cannot "in-vision." They just don't understand that when your memories are greater than your dreams, you are already dying.
It is time that we stop complaining about our circumstances and journey to the top of the mountain. It is from these heights that we will envision the world as it is, but as God intended it to be.
We should put on the mind of Christ and not let our circumstances dictate our stances. Every time we react to the world's condition instead of responding in faith, we find ourselves under the circumstances.
Male domination was part of the curse, not part of the original order of creation.
Jesus was crucified to deliver all of creation from the curse.
So, to save you time (unless you really want to read the book to challenge your faith), I've condensed the highlights of the book (as applies to Christians) below:
Loyalty is only tested when we don't agree.
Unity is not conformity, but the celebration of diversity.
Faith requires risk.
Apostolic leaders prize the relationship that believers have with the Holy Spirit. They train people to be dependent on the Holy Spirit because, ultimately, He is the one responsible for their maturity in Christ.
God did not mention Joshua's experience. Instead, He reminded Moses that Joshua had the Spirit on him. The Spirit qualified Joshua to lead the people (Num 27:18-20).
We come in submission to the Father's mission and we get commissioned.
Apostles receive authority. They yield their will to God and allow Him to carry out His plan through their lives and the lives of those over whom they have authority. We also need to be sent, not just go.
Sacrifice is part of life in the Kingdom. But there is a huge difference between making a sacrifice and being sacrificed to obtain some "God-given purpose." --in reference to parents sacrificing their children on the altar of sacrifice
Are you the person who is affected by the culture around you, or are you the person who is helping create that culture?
You cannot conquer what you refuse to confront.
Great leaders understand that real change can only take place when people are transformed from the inside out, not from the outside in.
People don't care what you know until they know that you care.
Jesus never compromised His standards or took on the lifestyles of sinners so that they would accept Him.
Fear will never lead us to cultural transformation.
Whatever ground we take by force, we will have to maintain by force.
Transformation requires assimilation, not just consumption.
Our standard is not yesterday's condition; our standard is "on earth as it is in heaven."
Fervent prayer shapes the course of history.
Peacekeepers spend their time trying to keep everybody happy, while peacemakers bring forth truth that destroys lies, exposes false religions, and releases hope into its hearers' hearts.
There are times when love requires us to turn the other cheek, and there are other times when love must get tough and stop enabling evil.
Love demands that we protect the innocent.
You will never possess what you are unwilling to pursue. --Mike Murdock
Do not settle for becoming a cheap imitation of another instead of an original of yourself.
The difference between what is and what could be is not measured by the length of the track, but rather by the resistance between our ears. The impossible barriers we perceive are frequently just obstacles in our own minds.
The Kingdom of God is not a democracy; it is a theocracy.
God is not looking for a crowd; He is longing for a person.
One of the main reasons that people don't act is because they feel an overwhelming sense of inadequacy.
Samson's greatest victory followed his greatest defeat.
Men don't follow titles, they follow courage
When the leader lacks confidence, the followers lack commitment. Courage inspires people. It is the bridge between what is and what should be.
Until we have something to die for, we really never live.
It is only when we deal with the inevitable that we can actually do the impossible.
Remember, God did not childproof the Garden of Eden. He is not as interested in keeping us safe as He is in trying to keep us from a meaningless life. Courage is a catalyst to great leadership and a life full of purpose.
Most people never fully enter into their promised land because they allow fear to dictate the boundaries of their future. They reduce their lives to accommodate the dogs of doom, and they mistake the silence for peace.
It is fear-and-trembling courage that moves us past the Goliaths of our life.
Courage does not necessarily mean you are afraid. Most often, bravery is actually demonstrated in the fact of fear.
Courage is not an emotional state, but rather the choice we make to overcome our feelings so that we can obtain our desired outcome.
Excellence is the result of caring more than others think is wise, risking more than others think is safe, dreaming more than others think is practical, and expecting more than others think is possible. --Ronnie Oldham
True humility begins with remembering the source of your greatness, the King of heaven. The truth of God's grace humbles a man without degrading him and exalts a man without inflating him.
We have to be confident in who we are and content with who we are not.
One of the most common ways to control people is to withdraw and withhold information. Jesus equated withholding information to slavery (Jn 15:15)/
Jesus did not merely tell the disciples what to think; He taught them through His conversations and interactions with them how to think. He did not keep them on the sidelines, watching Him do everything. They had permission to ask questions, try to do what He was doing, and get His feedback.
Jesus refused to change the disciples circumstances to deal with their character issues. His prescription for their jealousy was simple: Humble yourselves by becoming like a child (Matt. 18:1-4)
Our circumstances never cause heart issues; they only reveal them.
Victories should always be a family affair.
True greatness is only found as we die to selfish ambition, jealousy, envy, strife, and embrace a noble culture that manifests the heart of the King.
It is important to remember that just because someone approaches a problem differently than you would does not make that person wrong.
If you look at the past long enough, you will become a monument instead of a movement --Bill Johnson
Without a mission from God, the greatest visions in life are no more than the worthless efforts of self-righteous souls who climb the high mountains of human significance, only to see their passion perish in the thin air of human applause.
Without vision, God's holy intentions lay buried deep in our souls. Talents are buried in the hard soil of comfort and complacency.
It is mission that inspires passion and zeal, while vision provokes perseverance and sacrifice.
A man without a vision is a man without a future. A man without a future will always return to his past. --P.K. Bernard
People who insist on living in the "good old days" cannot "in-vision." They just don't understand that when your memories are greater than your dreams, you are already dying.
It is time that we stop complaining about our circumstances and journey to the top of the mountain. It is from these heights that we will envision the world as it is, but as God intended it to be.
We should put on the mind of Christ and not let our circumstances dictate our stances. Every time we react to the world's condition instead of responding in faith, we find ourselves under the circumstances.
Male domination was part of the curse, not part of the original order of creation.
Jesus was crucified to deliver all of creation from the curse.
May 5, 2017
This is my favorite Kris Vallotton book by far. Each chapter is meaty and life giving. I was convicted by some chapters and affirmed in others. This book gave words to things I've always felt in my spirit, but didn't know how to verbalize. If you want revival in your church, community, nation, or world, this book is a must read. You don't have to agree with every word, at least wrestle with it and consider the possibilities!
January 24, 2024
I liked the simplicity of this book and how it got right to the point without fluff or filler. Vallotton was humble, honest, and passionate in these pages and it was inspiring to hear his heart for God's people. His words weren't trying to manipulate or change people's minds, but rather gave permission to dig deeper into our own minds and paradigms and give God the room to uproot and replace with truth that which needs to be.
April 26, 2018
I bought this book after hearing Kris speak on it a couple of months ago - I’m so glad I did! Really helpful and challenging book
January 3, 2019
I enjoy how this book encourages and stirs up hope, but still too much focus on ourselves instead of Jesus and His work in the cross.
January 24, 2019
Loved this book! Kris did it again! Inspiration to help you change the world around you that is realistic and powerful!!
August 7, 2020
Such a great book. It opened my eyes in many ways. I am so happy I learned a lot through this book. Thanks God.
July 2, 2025
Not bad !
October 5, 2023
A stirring book with a strong reminder that in essence, we are the people we have been praying for, we are the change we not only wish to see in the world but we know God is bringing about in the world. I was inspired by some of the personal and corporate stories from Kris and the Bethel Movement, how they sought to bring the presence and power of God in various ways. Also love the reminder that contrary to popular belief, though evil is increasing, the light shines in the darkness and the darkness cannot overcome it, we are on the winning side.
I did find a couple of parts slightly mystical and hard to verufy, perhaps because the senses of the writer were so personal to them and God, particularly prophetic senses and scriptural interpretations. Additionally, some political commentaries and a heavy focus on the American context made it at times less relevant to my context but still somewhat interesting.
I also wish more was said about the need for Prayer and Holy Spirit in a book titled 'Heavy Rain' given the outpouring of Holy Spirit (and prayer) is usually what brings about revival. I also wish there was more of a focus on the power of the Cross. All of these would have helped to lay a stronger foundation. Nonetheless, I feel more encouraged and empowered having read this, to think differently and bring transformation. Lord let you Kingdom Come, in us and through us!
I did find a couple of parts slightly mystical and hard to verufy, perhaps because the senses of the writer were so personal to them and God, particularly prophetic senses and scriptural interpretations. Additionally, some political commentaries and a heavy focus on the American context made it at times less relevant to my context but still somewhat interesting.
I also wish more was said about the need for Prayer and Holy Spirit in a book titled 'Heavy Rain' given the outpouring of Holy Spirit (and prayer) is usually what brings about revival. I also wish there was more of a focus on the power of the Cross. All of these would have helped to lay a stronger foundation. Nonetheless, I feel more encouraged and empowered having read this, to think differently and bring transformation. Lord let you Kingdom Come, in us and through us!
September 17, 2018
Absolutely loved the message of this book. It's such a dramatic shift the needs to take place in the life of the wider church. But it also misses one point the priority of uniting our lives to the spirit wholly in conjunction to the practices of all the different flavours of the body. (My thinking is being influenced around this through a book by Aaron Niequist called Eternal Current another recommended read alongside this book). Not inter-faith works but more in a all connected and unified approach.
My Big takeaway quote:
"What's occuring now is a result of my Great great great grandfathers and great great great Grandmothers. I instant;y came out of the vision, struggling to gather my thoughts. Next I heard a thundering voice speak to my spirit: You Children's Children's Children are depending on you leaving them a world in revival. You are no longer to live for a ministry. From this day Forward YOU ARE TO LIVE TO LEAVE A LEGACY"
It's our choice. Are we content with just being a part of a revival or do we want to develop a legacy of revival for those yet to come.
My Big takeaway quote:
"What's occuring now is a result of my Great great great grandfathers and great great great Grandmothers. I instant;y came out of the vision, struggling to gather my thoughts. Next I heard a thundering voice speak to my spirit: You Children's Children's Children are depending on you leaving them a world in revival. You are no longer to live for a ministry. From this day Forward YOU ARE TO LIVE TO LEAVE A LEGACY"
It's our choice. Are we content with just being a part of a revival or do we want to develop a legacy of revival for those yet to come.
December 10, 2018
Vallotton has an interesting perspective on end times - sees things getting better and not worse. Our world view of things going to hell in a hand basket impacts our ministry in attempting to fulfill the Lord's Prayer ("Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven") and the great commission ("Go into all the world"). I appreciated the chapter "Casting vision and capturing hearts." The quote that I take with me from this book is on p. 219 "when your memories are greater than your dreams, you are already dying." Although I don't agree with everything in this book, I was blessed and encouraged in many ways and he helped me see things from a different perspective.
October 11, 2016
Are you ready for heaven on earth? This book will challenge you in ways that you have never even considered when it comes to fulfilling the great commission. The book is filled with sage advice that will spurn you into fulfilling your role as a Christ follower.
* I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
* I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
November 13, 2016
This is the frist book I read by Kris Vallotton. I've been to conferences where Kris preached and I like listening to him. This book is really refreshing. It describes the struggles of a young and growing church, a changing world and a loving everlasting God. It gave me new insights and food for thought.
August 17, 2020
Astounding book! I can't recommend this highly enough for pastors and church leaders. I also think this book is perfect for business people like me! You've gotta read this book!
God has a vision for the future and it is high time that the church becomes a beacon of hope rather than the one throwing stones.
God has a vision for the future and it is high time that the church becomes a beacon of hope rather than the one throwing stones.
December 23, 2020
Excellent! I haven't enjoyed a book this much in years- and that s really saying something considering how much I read!! Kris writes succinctly and teaches with clarity. He shares fascinating stories and ultimately ties the book together with a sound and encouraging exhortation to follow the call of God in practical and supernatural ways. Bravo!!
May 19, 2020
Such a good read. Kris did a great job of opening my eyes to see how God works around me. He is so engaging with the stories he shares and the insight that his walk with the Lord has shown him. I recommend that you read this book.
February 28, 2013
Excellent Apostolic teaching and good spiritual food.
April 27, 2012
This was hard to read.
August 29, 2012
Wow, such good info, very enjoyable read!
June 3, 2013
Vallotton is a little jumpy but he makes some interesting points. I enjoyed his thoughts on the importance of imagination.
July 15, 2013
I absolutely love Kris Vallotton's books. So much to think about. Great book!!!
June 25, 2014
great book. learn how to leave an apostolic legacy for generations to come. very important message for the church at the moment.
April 14, 2014
Exceptional book!! Very enlightening and encouraging. It helped me confront some unhealthy views/mindsets I had been taught for years.
August 7, 2016
I love Kris Vallotton's books and I read the original edition of this book several years ago. While I did not agree with everything in this updated edition, I still recommend reading the book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews