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  • John T. Polk II 4:00 am on May 3, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , fortress, , , , heaven, , , , , , refuge, Rock, , , unhappiness,   

    Psalm 144 How To Live In A Happy State 

     This Psalm of David shows why God saw David as “a man after My own heart, who will do all My will” (Acts 13:22). This Psalm is from a heart that knows what God’s grace and mercy is all about!

    Verses 1-2 acknowledge who is with David on his throne over Israel;

    Verses 3-4 recognize how short the rule of a man is compared to God’s reign;

    Verses 5-10 show who really deserves praise for victory over enemies;

    Verses 11-15 summarize where a nation’s blessings and strengths come from.

    Verses 1-2: “The LORD” was David’s “Rock” not a castle. God guided David’s conquests; God showed what “lovingkindness” was like in between battles; David’s “fortress” (protective dwelling), “high tower” (lofty position above the enemy), “shield” (protection against soldiers’ attacks) and “refuge” (safe haven), were all in God. Thus if David’s “people” didn’t obey God, David wouldn’t be king of a nation! Would that Governments recognized this today (John 19:10-11)!

    Verses 3-4: “What is man” is the question David asks that shows great humility (Psalm 8:4). What makes us think we are so important that God would notice us? We are important not because of what we have done, but what God has done (Hebrews 2:17-18)! We do not live long enough to be impressive (James 4:13-15).

    Verses 5-10: God, however, is so impressive that He can “come down” over the Earth; make mountains smoke; use lightning strikes; all as weapons of war “from above.” It is God “from above” who “rescues” the righteous from a flood of “foreigners” hurling “lying words” and lying handshakes.  Those who serve God cannot expect those who do not to be following the same rules in the same way! Christian behavior is not universal, but should be (Ephesians 5:1-17)! It is God who deserves praise for our salvation and daily life. The “harp of ten strings” was an instrument of David (1 Chronicles 23:5) which appealed to the spiritually lazy (Amos 6:3-7) and was condemned. No man-made musical instrument was authorized by Moses’ Law.

    Verses 11-15: It would be by God’s rescue that the Nation of Israel would have: sturdy “sons” and “daughters;” plentiful “produce” and “sheep” and “oxen;” and no external raids nor internal struggles. A nation of people who respect God, will have “sons” who mature like plants and know their work to be done; “daughters” who accept their role of “pillars” as wife and mother; “produce” for people who know how to save for the next crop; fertile “sheep;” “oxen” useful for burdens; peaceful living without disruptiveness. Truly such a nation is “happy,” for “Happy are the people whose God is the LORD!” The plague of America is unhappiness, and it has become pandemic because people do not have the LORD God. “Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” (John 17:1-3). “And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son” (1 John 5:11). “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16). DO YOU KNOW GOD?

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • Eugene Adkins 5:45 am on April 26, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Bible Examples of Faithfulness, , , heaven, hope and faith,   

    Heaven isn’t Made for Quitters 

    Did Peter quit believing after denying Jesus?

    Did Moses go back to Egypt after striking the rock?

    Did Noah do away with his faith after he drank too much?

    Did John Mark give up on spreading the gospel after bailing out the first time?

    Did Paul allow his past to keep him from serving God after he realized what he had done?

    Did Thomas quit walking in the way after doubting it?

    Did Abraham forget about God’s promise after his own plan failed?

    Did David quit standing for what was right after doing so much wrong?

    Did John the baptizer write off Jesus after a moment of insecurity?

    What about us?

    There are plenty of people in the Bible who threw it all away never to return to God, but there are plenty of people who fell, and fell hard, but they got back up by God’s grace. They got back up and got back in the game. We need, I need, to know about these people. God’s grace isn’t for perfect people. It’s for perfected people! And reading about these perfected people can give us hope and faith. Hope and faith that the love of God manifested through His Son is genuine. Humanity is made up of humans, and humans err, but may we never err so much that we refuse to confess it. Quit? Heaven isn’t made for the quitters – it’s made for you and me!

    “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.” (Jude 24-25)

     

    • J. Randal Matheny 7:36 am on April 26, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      Love that title. And the message. One we all need to hear. Thanks!

      • Eugene Adkins 7:53 am on April 27, 2013 Permalink | Reply

        Thanks for the compliment, Randal. I thought about using Psalm 37:24, but I thought Jude might fit better with the grace idea being included in the “presented faultless” aspect. Have a great day!

  • J. Randal Matheny 7:07 pm on April 21, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , divine glory, , heaven   

    Where stars are pretty sprinkles 

    I long for life eternal, far
    Above this earthly dust and doom,
    Where God and Son and Spirit are,
    And outer space is but a room,

    Where stars are pretty sprinkles, moons
    But globes to hang upon a tree,
    Where worlds are served in silver spoons,
    As humble Moses talks with me.

    Here kings bear golden platters, heaped
    With food they never ate below,
    To serve the saints who sowed and reaped,
    In tears, to make the kingdom grow.

    The sea is but a basin, hands
    To wash beneath Niagra Falls,
    A children’s box, Sahara’s sands,
    And Knox’s gold for inner walls.

    Earth’s brightest splendors wither, pale
    Inside the gates, their powers decline;
    Both human craft and creation fail,
    When the glories of the Godhead shine.

    —J. Randal Matheny, 21 April 2013

     

  • Glenda Williams 9:26 am on April 20, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: heaven,   

    Looking forward to heaven 

    From time to time I think about who it is I look forward to seeing in heaven. Of course, I look forward to being reunited with loved ones who have gone before, but I want to see those beloved people who have adorned the pages of God’s word, that I’ve read about through the years. Do you ever think about that? Who is it that you want to see?

    I want to see Jesus, the Savior who died for all. Jesus said, “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father” (John 14:9b). I want to see Jesus, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

    I want to see the angels, don’t you? Gabriel was given the task of telling the virgin Mary she would be found with child and would be the mother of the son of God. I want to see those heavenly beings.

    I want to see Mary, the mother of Jesus. God chose Mary to be the mother of His son. Imagine being a person chosen by God for such a mighty, wonderful, work. And yet, we are chosen by God, aren’t we?  As Christian we are the chosen, the called out of the world for a mighty, wonderful, work He has given us to do. We are chosen by the Father to be His children and to be followers of Him.

    I want to see Paul. Even though he did terrible things to Christians, when he learned better, he did better. He changed and became a mighty worker for the Lord. We can learn a lot from Paul and his example. He laid his life of sin down and took up his cross and followed the Lord.  He was truly a worker in the vineyard of the Lord. I want to see Paul. (More …)

     

  • Richard Mansel 9:55 am on February 28, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: basil overton, , , foy wallace, heaven, jane mocwhorter, wilson wallace   

    So Much Tragedy 

    The Lord’s Church has been ravaged by death this week.  Basil Overton, Perry Cotham, Jane McWhorter and Wilson Wallace, son of Foy Wallace have all passed away this week.

    However, great warriors of the faith never truly leave us. They live and inspire those of us who are left behind to keep the faith.

    “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10).

    Amen.

     

  • Ed Boggess 9:07 am on February 6, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , heaven,   

    Someone raised the question, “How can I be happy, if I know loved ones aren’t there?” Let me answer this way: Can you be happy now? Are there loved ones that are unsaved now? Is there anyone you loved while they were alive that died outside Christ and is that robbing you of happiness now? Is there anything now that makes you happy? If you can be happy now and you know that a loved one died outside Christ, then surely you can be happy in heaven when everything is designed and prepared for our happiness. But besides all this, believe! Jesus told his disciples, “Believe in God, believe also in Me.” This is the key. Believe. God is able to supply whatever is needed to heighten our happiness beyond our highest dreams. This is Just-A-Minute.

    I am sorry I have been absent for a couple of weeks with Just-A-Minute. I don’t mean to be presumptuous, however, I hope to resume with today’s.

     

  • Eugene Adkins 6:29 am on January 30, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , heaven, ,   

    In Memory of Harold Adcock 

    His name isn’t one that’s recognized throughout the brotherhood. Actually, his name probably wouldn’t be recognized in all the congregations of the Lord’s church within the county. But the name Harold Adcock meant a lot to his home congregation.

    In the past, Harold served his congregation as a Bible class teacher, and also as an elder. He enjoyed singing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs and making melody in his heart to the Lord and he did so as a song leader for some 50 years.

    Harold wasn’t raised attending the services of the churches of Christ, but he saw to it that his children got the opportunities that he did not. He was a realist, but an encourager at the same time. He loved to laugh. He loved children, and often mentioned them in his prayers, especially at the beginning of Sunday School. He loved God, he loved his family, he loved the truth and he loved the church.

    Harold’s example will continue to live on in God’s kingdom at Keltonburg while he continues to live on with the King.

    “So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 5:6-8)

     

    • J. Randal Matheny 6:33 am on January 30, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      So many good men and women serve the Lord in their humble places in the kingdom and promote the faith by their good deeds. May God comfort his family and raise up others like him.

    • Weylan Deaver 2:12 pm on January 30, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      Where there are humble servants, out of the spotlight, that’s where the real work of the kingdom gets done.

  • TFRStaff 6:26 am on October 17, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , heaven   

     

  • TFRStaff 8:26 am on September 19, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , heaven   

    I want to go to heaven (Charles Box) 

    Heaven is the eternal inheritance of all faithful children of God. “To an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you.” (1 Peter 1:4) If we are children of God then we are heirs of heaven. “If children, then heirs–heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.” (Romans 8:17) God blesses all those that live upon earth, but this inheritance is to none but His children. By regeneration we receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

    “And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.” (Hebrews 9:15)

    Heaven is our incorruptible inheritance. This inheritance is undefined; It is reserved in heaven for you. Let us observe:

    I want to go to heaven because I want to be with the Lord.

    Sin separates man from God both now and forever. “But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear.” (Isaiah 59:2) The joy of the Christian is an eternity in the presence of the Lord.

    “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)

    The great joy of heaven will be that we will see the Lord, enjoy His presence and be with Him forever. Paul would have been happy to put off the rags of mortality to be clothed in the glory of the Lord’s presence. “We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 5:8)

    I want to go to heaven because that means an end to all the struggles of this life.

    John wrote, “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4) Heaven will be free from all the troubles and sorrows of this life. “All tears shall be wiped away.” All the pains of past sorrow will be removed and all causes of future sorrows will be prevented. At this “living fountains of water God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” (Revelation 7:17) Isaiah 25:8 says, “He will swallow up death forever, And the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces.” There is no more sorrow because sin is no more. “They shall obtain joy and gladness; Sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” (Isaiah 51:11) It will be wonderful to enjoy heaven where there will be no more problems! Peace, joy and happiness will be there forever. (More …)

     

  • Eugene Adkins 11:21 pm on July 27, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , heaven, , Olympics,   

    The Greatest Gathering of Nations for All Time 

    I just finished watching the entrance of the nations for this year’s Olympics! I love watching the entrance ceremony. All the different flags. All the different nationalities. All the different individuals. All the smiles in the same spot together. It truly is a great gathering of the world’s people.

    The Olympic Games brings nations together on a scale that no other event has rivaled. At least not yet. But a gathering of nations is coming that will cause the Olympics to pale in comparison. When will this event happen? It’s not my responsibility to tell when. My responsibility is just to teach that it’s coming, and that there won’t be a nation that’s not represented when it begins.

    “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats.” (Matthew 25:31-32 , NKJV)

    This sight is unimaginable, but it will become a reality. This sight is incomprehensible, but the reason will be understood. This sight is unapproachable, but we will not be able to refuse its beckon.

    At this gathering every nation will be present, but there will be no competition. At this gathering every nation will be present, but there will not be a universal celebration. At this gathering every nation will be present, but the glory will belong to only one Victor.

    But honestly, this wasn’t the thought that entered into my mind as I watched all the nations usher in the Olympics of 2012. The thought that entered into my mind was another gathering of the nations that I can’t wait to see.

    This gathering will begin on a high note, and stay there. This gathering will combine people from all of Earth’s nations into one eternal home. There will be no language barrier. There will be no envy. There will be no hate. There will be no harm. There will be no night. There will be no sadness. There will be no fear. There will be no end to this gathering; and thus this gathering, in my humble opinion, will not only be the greatest gathering of nations of all time…it will be the greatest gathering of nations for all time!

    “After these things I saw a great army of people more than might be numbered, out of every nation and of all tribes and peoples and languages, taking their places before the high seat and before the Lamb, dressed in white robes, and with branches in their hands, saying with a loud voice, Salvation to our God who is seated on the high seat, and to the Lamb.” (Revelation 7:9-10, BBE)

    The context is for those who came through the persecution, but the comfort is one of encouragement for all Christians. Just imagine what the entrance and gathering of the nations in Heaven is going to look like!

     

  • Eugene Adkins 7:13 am on May 30, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , heaven, Stumbling Block   

    Me? 

    Do you know what’s going to get in between you and Heaven more than anything else?

    Your spouse? Your parents? Your job? Your children? Your hobbies? Your addiction? Your anger? Your apathy? Your ignorance? Your culture? Maybe the Devil? What’s the answer?

    Take a look in the mirror for the real answer!

    We may not like what we see, but the mirror doesn’t lie.

    “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.” (Luke 14:26-27 - NKJV)

     ”If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:1-3 - NKJV)

    “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.” (James 1:22-25 - NKJV)

     

    • J. Randal Matheny 9:22 am on May 30, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      We’re good excuse-makers, aren’t we?

      • Eugene Adkins 4:51 pm on May 30, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        Who, me? I don’t know. Well maybe, BUT Randal you don’t understand… :) Thanks for the like. I’m glad you got it. Hmm, you must have a little experience???

  • Eugene Adkins 6:58 am on April 19, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , heaven, Jacob   

    What’s Waiting at the Top of that Ladder? 

    Yesterday, while reading my email from Audio Evangelism, I got to thinking about that ladder in Jacob’s dream. We all know what Jacob saw down here at the bottom rung. After all, we’re more than familiar with the ground view here on Earth. But can you imagine what the view is going to look like from the top of that ladder? We won’t be able to climb it alone that’s for sure, but through God’s grace we will see what it’s like to hit that top rung on “Jacob’s ladder” one of these days.

    Let this thought encourage you today – I know I’m going to try to let it encourage me.

     

  • Richard Mansel 7:48 am on March 15, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , heaven, ,   

    New Heaven and New Earth 

    I am looking for your insight into a difficult passage. It seems obvious to me that this discusses heaven. However, there are two parts of this passage that are difficult.  I accept the later date for Revelation so I don’t know what advocates of the destruction of Jerusalem interpretation believe about this scene.

    Ogden says, “The new Jerusalem is the bride of Christ, the Lamb’s wife” [p. 377].

    Others take these verses to mean that heaven will be on a reconstituted earth.

    The text says:

    “Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband” (Revelation 21:1-2, NKJV).

    The questions for you are:

    1. What is being discussed here? Heaven or something else?

    2. What is the new heaven and the new earth?

    3. What does “come down” mean in this context?

    Thank you for your sharing your knowledge with me. God Bless.

     

    • Brad 10:42 am on March 15, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Richard,

      It cannot be heaven, because it comes down out of heaven. Speaking of heavens and earth being destroyed or shaken was a symbol of the end of a system (usually governmental), see Joel 2:10-11, 28-32. Thus it would be no surprise that a new heaven and new earth would describe a God’s new system (where Christ is the king).

      Also, John is shown New Jerusalem, and it is called the Lamb’s bride. The church is the bride of Christ (the Lamb).

      Also in this chapter, it describes God’s presence “among men” (verse 3), compare this with Christ being in the presence of the church in chapter 1.

    • Ashby 10:17 pm on March 15, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Hi Richard,

      Please bear with me while I fill in some background to my response. Much of it may be “old news” to you, but I think it will help to clarify my understanding of the text you asked about. I do not regularly visit this blog and am not familiar with its ground rules, so if I have violated something in submitting a post of this length please forgive me. (I fear the formatting for the diagrams may mess up, but it was worth a shot.)

      The O.T. ends on a note of unfulfilled hope. It was clear that in one sense God always had ruled the world from the time of creation. He was on his heavenly throne (e.g., Ps. 11:4; Isa. 6:1) and reigned over all (e.g., 1 Chron. 16:31; Ps. 93:1, 96:10). But there was some sense in which his kingly rule was not being fully expressed. He was allowing creation to go on out of step with his ultimate intention for it, to continue in a state of sin and suffering that was contrary to his ultimate purpose and vision.

      But the prophets saw that a day was coming in which God would express his rulership of creation in such a way that all things would be brought into harmony and conformity with his ultimate will and purpose. His creation would be redeemed from the dreadful consequences of sin that had invaded it. This world of rebellion, sin, hostility, fragmentation, suffering, and death would be rescued by God, transformed by him into a true utopia, a perfect reality of love, joy, and eternal fellowship with God and one another. Craig Bartholomew and Michael Goheen write in The Drama of Scripture: Finding Our Place in the Biblical Story (Grand Rapids: Baker, 2004), 122:

      “The people of Israel thought of history being comprised of two very distinct periods: the present age and the age to come. In the present age, which had begun with Adam’s rebellion against God’s rule, the whole of creation had been stained by sin. Inevitably, therefore, evil would continue to flourish in the world throughout the present age, even among God’s own people of Israel, who had been called out to provide the solution to that evil. But in the age to come, God would intervene to cleanse and renew his creation.”

      On that day God would express his authority over creation in a way he was not doing at present; he would in his sovereign power bring his creation to its ultimate fulfillment. At that time, he *will* be king over all the earth (Zech. 14:9) in a manner unlike the present. Robert Saucy states in “The Eschatology of the Bible” in Frank E. Gaebelein, ed., The Expositor’s Bible Commentary (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1979) 1:105:

      “According to the Scriptures, there is a sense in which God has always ruled and is even now the King over all creation (1 Chron 29:11, 12: Ps 103:19; 145:13). But there is another thread of truth that views the kingdom as yet to come (Zech. 14:9; Mat. 6:10). It is this last theme that dominates the eschatological hope of Scripture. . . . While [God] rules over the affairs of the earth with nothing occurring apart from his permissive will, he has allowed sin and rebellion to enter history and Satan to have a certain dominance as the ‘god of this age’ (2 Cor 4:4). God’s rule might be said therefore to be over the earth, but not directly on the earth. It is the coming of God to establish this latter condition, to bring his kingdom to earth in the vindication of his sovereign holiness, that has constituted the hope of God’s people throughout all time.”

      As I. Howard Marshall expresses it in Jesus the Savior (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1990), 218, “[T]he [kingdom of God] is the full and powerful manifestation of the sovereignty that God already exercises over the world.”

      The O.T. uses different imagery to refer to this blessed state that God is going to create. The imagery varies in how sharply it distinguishes the blessed state from this present existence, but all of it says, in forms relevant to ancient Jews, that a time of divine blessing is coming. It says that the failures and sufferings of the present age would be put to rights by the coming of the new age. Sometimes the O.T. speaks of (e.g., Isaiah 2, 11, 25, 51:6, 61, 65:17-25; Jeremiah 31; Daniel 7, 12; Amos. 9:13-15; Micah 4; Joel 2) the restoration of Israel to greatness and of the coming of a new king like the great king David; God’s healing the world’s sicknesses and hatreds; God’s people being freed from oppression; renewed prosperity and justice for the poor; war and weapons of war being abolished; death being swallowed up and tears being wiped away; alienation between God and man being removed; God’s Spirit being poured out in a new way; and a new heaven and a new earth.

      In the first century, Israel was weak, poor, and under the rule of pagans (the Romans). Graeme Goldsworthy writes in According to Plan: The Unfolding Revelation of God in the Bible (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1991), 196, “The return from exile results in only a pale shadow of the predicted glorious kingdom for the people of God.” Thomas Schreiner states in New Testament Theology: Magnifying God in Christ (Grand Rapids: Baker, 2008), 44-45:

      “The prophets promised a new creation, a new temple, a new covenant, and a new king. The exile would be over, and the wilderness would bloom.
      “The great promises in the prophets, however, were not fulfilled when the exile ended in 536 B.C. Israel did return from Babylon and a temple was built, yet the temple was insignificant in comparison to the Solomonic temple. Nor was the nation enjoying glorious prosperity, the kind of glory envisioned in Isa. 40-66. Israel was small, struggling, and under the oppression of former powers. Ezra, Nehemiah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi document the low spiritual state of the nation. Nor did matters improve in the four hundred years before the coming of Jesus of Nazareth. Israel was a pawn in the struggle between the Ptolemies and the Seleucids. A brief period of freedom dawned with the Hasmoneans in the second and first centuries BC, but the interlude was brief, and soon the Romans swept in and subjugated Israel, appointing the Herodians and procurators to rule the land.”

      The people longed and prayed for the coming of God, for his final intervention when he would set all things right and rule in the fullest sense to the blessing of his people. In Mk. 15:43 Joseph of Arimathea is described as one who was “waiting for the kingdom of God” (TNIV). He was waiting for that state in which God expresses his sovereignty by “heavenizing” creation, by transforming this fallen creation into the divine utopia, into an eternal state of love, joy, peace, and ultimate fellowship.

      It was into that religious, social, and political environment that Jesus came saying, “The time is fulfilled; the kingdom of God is at hand” (Mk. 1:15) and “But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you” (Mat. 12:28) and “for behold, the kingdom of God is among you [in your midst]” (Lk. 17:21b). Jesus came announcing the arrival of God’s final intervention in history, the ultimate expression of his kingly rule on the world. David Wenham writes in The Parables of Jesus (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1989), 25:

      “To sum up: in proclaiming the kingdom of God, Jesus was announcing the coming of God’s revolution and of God’s new world, as promised in the Old Testament. God was at last intervening, Jesus declared, to establish his reign over everything, to bring salvation to his people and renewal and reconciliation to the world. But fortunately Jesus did not announce his message in such general theological terms; he announced it primarily through vivid, concrete parables.”

      This naturally created excitement in some quarters and suspicion and opposition in others. It also led to misunderstanding because of incorrect ideas the Jews had about the coming and nature of the kingdom of God. Many of them thought the kingdom would arrive through or in conjunction with human military conquest, and more specifically, through or in conjunction with the expulsion of the Romans and their supporters from Palestine. But as Wenham notes (p. 23):

      “Jesus had in mind a bigger revolution than that: God’s revolution was to be a total revolution overthrowing Satan and evil and bringing earth and heaven back in harmony, and this would not be accomplished by force of arms, but – unbelievably so far as the disciples were concerned, and who blames them? – through suffering and death.”

      They also expected the kingdom to come suddenly and decisively. They thought God’s final intervention would be a one-shot deal – the Day of the Lord – where the old age would be terminated abruptly and the new, glorious age would begin. Recall Lk. 19:11 where the people supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately upon Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem. That aspect of their thinking has been diagrammed as follows (Wenham, 63):

      The day of
      The Lord
      |
      |
      _______________________________________
      The old age The new age

      This caused people to wonder how Jesus could be ushering in the kingdom of God when the hallmarks of the old age – death, decay, suffering, etc. – still were present. Even John the Baptist began to question as he sat in Herod’s jail whether Jesus was in fact the one who would bring in the kingdom of God (Mat. 11:2-3; Lk. 7:18-19).

      Jesus explained in a number of parables (and elsewhere) that the kingdom comes in two stages. It is introduced or inaugurated, then there is an interval of time, and then there is a decisive intervention when the kingdom is consummated or finalized. Samuel Mikolaski states in “The Theology of the New Testament” in Frank E. Gaebelein, ed., The Expositor’s Bible Commentary (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1979) 1:471:

      “While Scripture recognizes the reign of God as being eternal, it acknowledges that his sovereignty in the evil-infected world is only partial. Scripture declares that God’s universal reign will be achieved at Christ’s second advent. This reign, however, has already broken into history in the incarnation, death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ.”

      Preben Vang and Terry Carter state in Telling God’s Story: The Biblical Narrative from Beginning to End (Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 2006), 199:

      “According to Jesus, the kingdom of God is already here. Jesus inaugurated it! The “age to come” has broken into the “present age.” God is making his presence felt already now. Yet the kingdom of God is not here in full. Evil still exists. God does not yet fill “all in all” (1 Cor. 15:28). This will only happen at the time of consummation when Christ comes back. We now live between the times. The promised “age to come” has already begun but is not here in full. The “old age” is still here as well.”

      Wenham (p. 63) diagrams the concept like this:

      Jesus’ Jesus’
      coming second coming
      | |
      | |
      ————————————————————————–
      | The kingdom of God |
      | |
      | |
      —————————————————-
      The old age of Satan

      There are texts in addition to the parables that indicate the kingdom of God is a present reality between the first and second comings of Jesus Christ, and there are texts in addition to the parables that indicate the kingdom of God is a future hope. Thus, Robert Stein writes in Walter A. Elwell, ed., The Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1996), 453:

      “The kingdom of God is both now and not yet. Thus the kingdom of God is “realized” and present in one sense, and yet . . . future in another sense. This is not a contradiction but simply the nature of the kingdom. The kingdom has come in fulfillment of the Old Testament promises. A new covenant has been established. But its final manifestation and consummation lie in the future. Until then, we are to be good and faithful servants (Luke 19:11-27).”

      It is at Christ’s return that the redemption he began nearly 2,000 years ago will come to completion. That is the time when in Rev. 11:15 the heavenly voices say, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.” And that is the time when in Rev. 11:17 the twenty-four elders say, “We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, who is and who was, for you have taken your great power and begun to reign.” At Christ’s return, the kingdom he inaugurated with his first coming will be consummated or finalized.

      This expectation is what is behind Peter’s statement in Acts 3:20-21 that Christ must remain in heaven “until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets” (TNIV). And it is the coming of the kingdom in this consummated sense for which Jesus instructed the disciples to pray in Mat. 6:10: “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

      The resurrection of the dead (and transformation of the living) will occur when the Lord returns (1 Cor. 15:20-26, 51-54; Phil. 3:20-21; 1 Thess. 4:13-16; 1 Jn. 3:2). Both believers and unbelievers, the saved and the condemned, will be raised to life at that time (Dan. 12:2; Jn. 5:28-29; Acts 24:14-15; see also, Mat. 25:31-46 and Rev. 20:11-15). Note that sometimes a reference to the resurrection relates exclusively to the resurrection of the redeemed, what Jesus calls in Lk. 14:14 “the resurrection of the righteous.”

      It is important to understand that in the resurrection at Christ’s return the body will be restored to life (or transformed in the case of those living on earth at the time – 1 Cor. 15:50-52; 1 Thess. 4:13-17). In other words, the resurrection is not about the mere post-death survival of the spirit or soul. That is simply death, not victory over death! See, e.g., (Rom. 8:11, 8:23; Phil. 3:20-21; 1 Corinthians 15 (esp. vv. 20-23, 42-44, 49); Jn. 5:28-29; 2 Tim. 2:18). On the other hand, the resurrection body is not simply a resuscitated natural body. Rather, our natural body will be transformed into a supernatural body, what Paul in 1 Cor. 15:44 calls a “spiritual body.” Note that Paul does not say the dead body is raised “a spirit”; he says it is raised “a spiritual body.” The contrast is not between a physical/material body and a spiritual body but between a natural body and a spiritual body. Resurrection bodies are “spiritual” not in the sense of being nonphysical (made of spirit), which would be an oxymoron given the inherent physicalness of the word “body,” but in the sense of being supernatural, in the sense they are imperishable, glorious, and powerful. This is recognized by a broad range of scholars.

      1 Cor. 15:50 does not bar all things physical from entering the eternal state. Paul there says, “Now I say this, brothers, that flesh and blood is not able to inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.” He is referring to flesh and blood as presently constituted, that is, as subject to weakness, decay, and death. He was not saying that a natural body that was miraculously transformed into a supernatural (“spiritual”) body (being imperishable, glorious, powerful, and immortal) could not, in some sense, be said to consist of flesh and bone (or blood). Indeed, Christ’s resurrection body was a transformed body that was no longer subject to death (Rom. 6:9), but the Lord still described it in Lk. 24:39 as “flesh and bones.” And our lowly bodies will be transformed so that they will be like his glorious body (Phil. 3:21).

      The idea that Christians will spend eternity with God as spirits in some nonphysical realm has seeped into much Christian thinking, but it is wrong. Listen to how N. T. Wright states it in Surprised By Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection and the Mission of the Church (New York: Harper Collins, 2008), 194:

      “Mention salvation, and almost all Western Christians assume that you mean going to heaven when you die. But a moment’s thought, in the light of all we have said so far, reveals that this simply cannot be right. Salvation means, of course, rescue. But what are we ultimately to be rescued from? The obvious answer is death. But if, when we die, all that happens is that our bodies decompose while our souls (or whatever other word we want to use for our continuing existence) go on elsewhere, this doesn’t mean we’ve been rescued from death. It simply means that we’ve died.
      “And if God’s good creation – of the world, of life as we know it, of our glorious and remarkable bodies, brains, and bloodstreams – really is good, and if God wants to reaffirm that goodness in a wonderful act of new creation at the last, then to see the death of the body and the escape of the soul as salvation is not simply slightly off course, in need of a few subtle alterations and modifications. It is totally and utterly wrong. It is colluding with death. It is conniving at death’s destruction of God’s good, image-bearing human creatures while consoling ourselves with the (essentially non-Christian and non-Jewish) thought that the really important bit of ourselves is saved from this wicked, nasty body and this sad, dark world of space, time, and matter! As we have seen, the whole of the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, speaks out against such nonsense. It is, however, what most Western Christians, including most Bible Christians of whatever sort, actually believe. This is a serious state of affairs, reinforced not only in popular teaching but also in liturgies, public prayers, hymns, and homilies of every kind.”

      Roger Olson writes in The Mosaic of Christian Belief: Twenty Centuries of Unity and Diversity (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2002) 311, 314:

      “The bodily resurrection of all people at some time after death has played a prominent role in Christian teaching throughout history. In spite of a pronounced tendency among untutored lay Christians to focus attention on immortality of souls and neglect bodily resurrection, the fathers of the church, medieval Christian thinkers, all the Protestant Reformers and faithful modern biblical scholars and theologians have emphasized the bodily resurrection as the blessed hope of believers in Christ. . . .
      “It would be impossible to discover any single point of greater agreement in the history of Christian thought than this one: the future bodily resurrection of the dead is the blessed hope of all who are in Christ Jesus by faith. Over two millennia the church’s leaders and faithful theologians have unanimously taught this above the immortality of souls and as more important than some ethereal intermediate state between bodily death and bodily resurrection when Christ returns. And yet, as we lamented earlier, it seems that the vast majority of Christians do not know this and neglect belief in bodily resurrection in favor of belief in immediate post-mortem heavenly, spiritual existence as ghost-like beings (or even angels!) ‘forever with the Lord in heaven.’”

      Not only will our bodies be transformed to be suitable for eternity with God, but all of creation will be transformed, as Paul explains in Rom. 8:18-23. According to Eph. 1:7-10, God’s will for the handling of the end of history, his will for the management of the completion of the ages, is to unify heaven and earth in Christ. The eternal state, which will come about in conjunction with Christ’s return, will be a redeemed and transformed creation, a “heavenized” creation from which sin and all its consequences have been expunged. The curse will have been lifted (Rev. 22:3), and creation itself will have been freed from its slavery to decay (Rom. 8:20-21). It is what the Bible calls the new heavens and new earth (2 Pet. 3:13; Rev. 21:1-3; see also, Isa. 65:17, 66:22), the divine utopia in which Christians will dwell forever in resurrection bodies and in which there will be no evil, no death, no mourning, no crying, and no pain (Rev. 21:1-4). As Wayne Grudem states in Systematic Theology (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1994), 613:

      “We as resurrected men and women will live forever in “new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells” (2 Pet. 3:13). We will live in a renewed earth that ‘will be set free from its bondage to decay’ (Rom. 8:21) and become like a new Garden of Eden. . . . In this very material, physical, renewed universe, it seems that we will need to live as human beings with physical bodies, suitable for life in God’s renewed physical creation. Specifically, Jesus’ physical resurrection body affirms the goodness of God’s original creation of man not as a mere spirit like the angels, but as a creature with a physical body that was ‘very good.’ We must not fall into the error of thinking that nonmaterial existence is somehow a better form of existence for creatures: when God made us as the pinnacle of his creation, he gave us physical bodies.”

      “Within the Protestant world, there has been disagreement as to whether the earth is to be destroyed completely and replaced, or just changed and renewed” (Grudem, 1160). I think Grudem has it right when he states (p. 1160-1161):

      “The [radical-transformation] position seems preferable here, for it is difficult to think that God would entirely annihilate his original creation, thereby seeming to give the devil the last word and scrapping the creation that was originally “very good” (Gen. 1:31). The passages above that speak of shaking and removing the earth and of the first earth passing away may simply refer to its existence in its present form, not its very existence itself, and even 2 Peter 3:10, which speaks of the elements dissolving and the earth and the work on it being burned up, may not be speaking of the earth as a planet but rather the surface things on the earth (that is, much of the ground and the things on the ground).”

      In Rev. 21:1-2 John is reporting the vision he was given of the consummation of the kingdom of God, the “heavenization” of this reality; we and creation are getting the ultimate makeover. The heavenly Jerusalem represents the eternal abode of the redeemed. As the holy city descends, heaven and earth are merged. God’s dwelling is with redeemed humanity (21:3) and the throne of God and of the Lamb is in the new Jerusalem (22:3). Thus, glorified believers will be both in heaven and on earth since the two shall then be one. In this existence, there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain.

      I pray this is of some value.

      In Christ,

      Ashby

    • Kevin L Moore 6:50 pm on March 16, 2012 Permalink | Reply

  • Chad Dollahite 9:02 am on February 21, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: heaven   

    The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly 

    My wife & I enjoyed a great weekend in Pigeon Forge, TN, attending the annual Great Smoky Mountains Marriage Retreat (arranged by the congregation in Jacksonville, AL).  This was the “good” of our weekend.  We traveled with my wife’s brother & his wife, enjoying a great deal of time spent with them.  We also met up with some old friends & got to spend some time with them, as well.  And, of course, we made some great new friends with whom we look forward to spending more time in the future, Lord willing.

    The “bad” of the weekend was having to leave to come home.  I am a “home body,” as they say, so I enjoy getting back to “my” place, but every lectureship, retreat, Bible camp, and so on that I have to leave sort of makes me sad; being there is truly a foretaste of heaven itself, and it certainly makes me long for that eternal home.

    Finally, there was an “ugly” part of our weekend.  We came out of a session Saturday morning to discover the car had been broken into, & my brother-in-law & I had our laptops stolen.  They were in the trunk, so I’m not sure what in the car itself enticed the sinner(s) to get inside (the Chik-Fil-A bag in the passenger floorboard, perhaps?).  I have learned through the years to back things up, so most of my important data is still with me (thank you, DropBox!), though I had not backed up a few things in a while, so I did lose some.  The greatest loss was my brother-in-law’s, though, as he had data backed up…on 4 flash drives that were IN his laptop bag!  And, worst of all, they had just taken their little girls to Disney World a few weeks ago, & the camera’s memory card with all the pictures was in the bag.  Things are replaceable, for sure (they don’t last, anyway), but those memories captured on photo were more than precious.  Seeing the evil in this world just serves to remind us that this world is not our home, & we long for a place where there’s no need to “shut the gates” or lock the doors for safety (Rev. 21:25), for “there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life” (Rev. 21:27)!

    Even with the “bad” & the “ugly,” it was a great weekend, & we certainly hope to be able to attend again next year (although we’ll probably leave the laptops at home or else carry them inside with us!).

    “For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.  For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:  If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.  For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life” (2 Cor. 5:1-4)

     

    • Stephen R. Bradd 8:03 am on February 22, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Hi Chad. Glad you’re able to see the “good” despite the “ugly” you had to deal with. Wish Ranae & I could have made it! We are going to attend PTP this year (and I guess I’ll keep my laptop with me at all times!). Just made the room reservation this morning (Super 8 about 1 mile from PTP). You going in August?

      • Chad Dollahite 3:07 pm on February 22, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        I’m not sure yet. If I end up going to Panama in June (which I hope to do), I’ll probably opt out on PTP to avoid so much time away. The marriage retreat itself was great, btw (always is). The convention center where they do PTP has much better security, if I recall correctly. Either way, I think I’d take it in with, just to be sure! We used Carbonite before when I was at GBN, but stopped for some reason. Dropbox is free, but has a 2gb limit unless you pay. Might be worth checking into Carbonite again. Thanks for the heads-up. If we end up going to PTP, would love to meet up with you at some point!

        • Stephen R. Bradd 6:11 pm on February 22, 2012 Permalink

          Panama–wow–that would be a neat trip. I’ve used Dropbox a little; mostly just don’t have a need for my situation.

          We’ve only made it to PTP in 2006 and 2008, so we don’t make it every year. But, if you’re there this year we’ll definitely get together! That would be great.

  • Chad Dollahite 12:26 pm on January 18, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , heaven, ,   

    Illustration: Living Expectantly 

    by: Ron Bartanen

    Have you ever heard the tale of old Shep? Near where our daughter and family live in Montana, overlooking the Missouri River and the Great Northern Railroad, is a monument erected to pay tribute to old Shep, a collie dog that had belonged to an old shepherd. Wherever the man went Shep was always at his side.

    Then in 1936 Shep’s master died. Shep accompanied him the final time when men took his body to the train station, from whence it would be shipped back East for burial. Shep tried to board the train with his master, but was put off. As the train pulled from the station, Shep followed as far as he could. Losing sight of the train, he returned to the station where he dug a spot under the depot, from which he would keep vigil for the return of his master. Through six cold, snowy Montana winters and five springs he would expectantly greet the arrival of each train, looking for his master” return. In January, 1942, a train struck the old dog, killing him. Railroaders who had befriended and fed the dog buried him on a bluff, and the monument was erected in his memory.

    Are we, as Christians, as faithful as was old Shep as we look for the return of our Master? Unlike Shep, our Master will return. When God’s table of time is completed, “He that shall come will come, and will not tarry” (Hebrews 10:37). Though years pass, we are “looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior, Jesus Christ” (Titus 3:13). The question is:  ARE YOU READY?

    “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.  Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (Col. 3:1-2)

    Source: Bulletin Gold: Vol. 5, No. 6, Aug 7, 2005

     

    • rroycep 1:58 pm on January 18, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      My Dad had an Australian Shepherd that was at his side at all times. When Dad passed away he went to the corner of the property and waited all day every day. At night he would come home where my brother’s family would feed him and the next morning he would go back to the corner as he watched for Dad to come home. Dogs are sometimes special.

    • Ron Thomas 4:49 am on January 19, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      The man who authored the article lives right behind my office; in fact he has a key to my office and can use whenever I am gone (he never does). He is a great neighbor (he and his wife), and was with us last night in Bible study. He preaches for a small church about 13 miles north of here (Arthur, IL).

    • Chad Dollahite 9:30 am on January 19, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Small world, eh, Ron? That is interesting…tell him I said thanks for the great illustration. Dogs are indeed sometimes special…God uses all kinds of critters to teach us powerful lessons, doesn’t He (Prov. 30:24-28)?

  • Richard Mansel 2:12 pm on October 12, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: heaven, , ,   

    Revelation 9 

    Reading the commentaries on Revelation chapter 9 will make you dizzy. They all feel compelled to find historical figures to plug into this chapter. Since they all have different ones, the reader finds it hopeless. I tend to think that the visions are more timeless than specific. The spiritual war with Satan and his forces will always be with us.

    The book showers comfort on the Saints of John’s day and the Christians, Jews and Romans are backdrops. Yet, the overall theme is much larger, encompassing the entire spectrum of spiritual existence. We must be careful not to become lost in the morass of imagination when we study Revelation.

    The locusts are the power of Satan and those who do his will. They bring havoc to the world but they are limited in their power and scope. Thank the Lord that He is always with us (Hebrews 13:5) and has prepared an eternal place of comfort for us (John 14:1-6)!

     

  • Chad Dollahite 12:29 am on July 26, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , heaven   

    We just finished 2 weeks in a row, coming home only to do laundry & for me to preach, & I have to say that the more I go to Bible camp, the more I truly believe it is one of those things in life that is an earthly taste of heaven (minus the extreme drowsiness and just general fatigue). There’s worship & fellowship all day, & we are so far removed from the ungodliness of the world…that’s just a starting point, but it seems to me that heaven will in many ways resemble Bible camp. Anybody agree…disagree? As I head to bed & Randal heads for parts unknown (to me, at least), perhaps this can serve as a sort of “nudge” today. Fire away…if you’ve ever been to Bible camp, just the memories will no doubt have you starting the day off right.

     

    • J. Randal Matheny 12:06 pm on July 28, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      A lot of good is done at Bible camp. God bless you for your work there, Chad. I’ve been privileged to be associated with our Christian camp for many years, though that phase is drawing to a close.

  • John Henson 11:52 am on July 12, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , heaven,   

    Willing to Listen? 

    In Numbers 14, there was a turning point. God’s patience had been exhausted by a people who had seen his greatness and goodness, yet obstinately refused to listen and obey his will and refused to trust him.

    To God, there was little else he could do but destroy Israel and start out fresh with another people born from Moses who might listen (Numbers 14:12).

    But Moses raised a valid point. If Israel was destroyed, as it deserved, then the nations would hear of it and say “Because the Lord was not able to bring these people into the land he sware unto them, therefore he hath slain them in the wilderness,” (Numbers 14:16). Israel’s destruction would, therefore, precipitate blasphemy of God’s name.

    Instead of destroying Israel, God disciplined his people with a walk in the wilderness. Those who refused to listen and obey God fell there.

     In Isaiah 48, God told rebellious Judah he would again discipline them for the same reason: their stubborn refusal to listen had caused them to fall in a strange land (Isaiah 48:11ff).

    God wants people who are willing to listen. Jesus said, “Why call ye me Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46).

    Heaven will only be populated with people who have proven in this world they are willing and ready to hear God and obey him.

     

  • TFRStaff 2:56 pm on June 10, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , heaven, ,   

    ‘Heaven Holds All to Me:’ Christian Worker, June ’11 

    One of the oldest publications among us, in its 97th year, Christian Worker this month highlights the theme, “Heaven Holds All to Me.” This precious topic should be carefully studied, so that it might motivate us toward eternal things, and not temporal and terrestrial interests. Click below for the PDF file, received today.

    CW 6-11.pdf

     

  • Richard Mansel 9:30 pm on May 20, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: heaven, , ,   

    Realities of Satan and Hell 

    “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek [Christ]” (Hebrews 11:6). We cannot ever hope to be saved if we do not have faith in Christ. If we believe in Christ, we accept Him as the Lord and Savior, who died for the world (Romans 5:6-10).  Accordingly, we will not enter heaven unless we are in Christ (Acts 2:37-38,47; Romans 6;3-4; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:27; Ephesians 1:3,22-23).

    However, Satan is not as discriminating. He will welcome us to hell, regardless of whether we believe in Satan or not. The Devil doesn’t care what we think or do.  He has a very loose, open-door policy. So, stay away from God and Satan’s home will be yours. What a horrifying thought (Matthew 25:46).

     

  • Larry Miles 12:01 am on March 17, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: God's Promises, heaven,   

    A Home In Heaven 

    Christians are promised in the Word of God that their eternal destiny is to be with the Lord Jesus Christ forever (I Thes. 4:17). Wherever He is or goes, we will be with Him. We can know, in this life, that we are saved and have assurance of our salvation. Many, even some Christians do not have this assurance.

    The song “I’ll Put Jesus First,” in verse 3 uses the words “I Know.” We can look forward to a time “when death is no more, when struggle is o’er.” Christians are “the ransomed and blest.” When we sing this song we are forever reminded of the redemption we have in Christ. (More …)

     

  • J. Randal Matheny 4:15 pm on March 11, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , heaven,   

    Missed it again! 

    I love this, from Brett Petrillo:

    About a month ago Julie’s uncle Rick nearly passed away.  For most of his life he has struggled with an inoperable brain tumor.  As his condition worsened, so have his chances of living.  In fact, he has come near to death many times now.  In his latest “close call,” Rick was in ICU and was unresponsive for days.  The doctors really did not see much hope and it was looking like his time had come.  But, as he has done several other times, he made a turn around.  He started improving.  He began responding.  Soon, he was even able to speak again, …  Realizing he almost had died again, he said, “Ah man!  I missed it again.”  Rick was saying that he missed going away to heaven!

    Read the whole thing.

     

  • Mike Riley 2:23 pm on March 10, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , handiwork, heaven, made, , , , wonderful   

    What Feature Of Creation? 

    There are too many features to list. Can’t focus on just one. The oceans, the heavens, the moon and the stars all show God’s handiwork (Psalm 19:1): http://mbriley.preachersfiles.com/2011/01/14/the-awesome-ruler-of-sea-and-sky/

    We ourselves are a part of God’s handiwork (Ephesians 2:10 AMP) for we (like the hummingbird) are wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14): http://mbriley.preachersfiles.com/2007/03/15/the-amazing-hummingbird/

    No question about it – our God is indeed awesome! http://mbriley.preachersfiles.com/2008/07/25/our-awesome-god/

     

  • Mike Riley 7:10 am on February 25, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: attain, , coming, heaven, , , , ,   

    Summing Up The Bible In One Sentence 

    The Bible is about the coming of Jesus as our Savior, His teachings, & our necessary obedience to those teachings in order to attain heaven.

     

  • Mike Riley 11:08 am on February 17, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , heaven, ,   

    "Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp, Or what's a heaven for?"

    Robert Browning

     

  • Mike Riley 10:07 am on December 8, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , gladness, , , heaven, , , produce, , , , , ,   

    An Example Of Bible Weather 

    In Acts 14:17, Luke records that God “did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness” (cf. Leviticus 26:4; Deuteronomy 11:14; Deuteronomy 28:12; Job 5:10; Psalm 65:10; Psalm 68:9; Psalm 147:8; Jeremiah 14:22).

    God “did good” by providing the weather needed to produce (1) rain; (2) fruitful seasons; (3) food. Without the changing weather patterns which produce the “fruitful seasons” (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter) none of this would be possible.

     

  • John Henson 10:54 am on October 16, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: heaven, ,   

    Laying up treasure 

    It is impossible to consider a history of the Americas apart from treasure.

    When Christopher Columbus landed on the shores of the Bahamas on Oct. 12, 1492, he was looking for two things: he sought a shorter route to India, and he was looking for treasure.

    The conquistadors brought religion to the land of the Aztecs and Incas, but they were principally looking for gold to take back to Spain to fund that country’s navy. In addition to the Spanish language, they brought European diseases, such as smallpox, that wiped out both native cultures.

    Men have sought and laid up treasures for as long as there have been human beings, only to find their lives gone and death at the door. Columbus died May 20, 1506 still believing he had found a shorter route to India. One of the conquistadors, Francisco Pizzarro, was assassinated.

    Jesus talked about treasure, too, but it was the kind of treasure that could not be stolen and one which could not be destroyed by time and decay. The Lord encouraged us to use a different banking system that of the world.

    Jesus said, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal,” (Matthew 6:19). He knew that many people stored things on earth they will never use, things that will never benefit them or anyone else. When talking about the rich fool who built more storehouses to hold his treasures, Jesus said, “Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?”(Luke 12:20).

    People sometimes say, “If I can’t take it with me, I’m not going.” Of course, they’re wrong about that. They will, indeed, go, and they won’t be taking anything with them. The idea of a hearse towing a trailer is so absurd it’s laughable, but isn’t that the way many think? Isn’t that how they live?

    Oh, how much happier we’d be in this life and in eternity if we heeded the words of Jesus, who said, “but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also,” (Matthew 6:20).

    Where is your treasure? What are you storing up and when do you think it will make you prosper? Nothing on this earth can help provide one bit of assurance in eternity, except the Lord Jesus and his body, the church. As the hymn says, “Live for Jesus, oh, my brother; his disciple ever be. Render not to any other what alone the Lord’s should be.”

     

  • Larry Miles 9:30 pm on July 23, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Assurance of Salvation, , , heaven   

    Forever in the Presence of God! 

    Christians are promised in the Word of God that their eternal destiny is to be with the Lord Jesus Christ forever (I Thes. 4:17). Wherever He is or goes, we will be with Him. We can know, in this life, that we are saved and have assurance of our salvation. Many, even some Christians do not have this assurance. The song “I’ll Put Jesus First,” in verse 3 uses the words “I Know.” We can look forward to a time “when death is no more, when struggle is o’er.” Christians are “the ransomed and blest.” When we sing this song we are forever reminded of the redemption we have in Christ. The last phrase of the verse says “For those who love Jesus and give Him their best.” Do you love Jesus? If so, you will want to “grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus.” (I Peter 3:18). We prepare for the “home for the ransomed and blest,” in this life. Remember, we are saved by grace, thought faith, in baptism, for good works. We are not saved because we worked our way into Heaven; rather, we are working for the Lord Jesus because we are saved. Let’s live our Christian lives preparing for eternal life. If we want to grow in Jesus, He will equip us for service.

     

  • John Henson 1:18 pm on June 15, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , heaven,   

    What’s on your mind? 

    Facebook, twitter, and other social networks all want to know what’s on your mind. In your “status,” the line at the top of your profile in Facebook, the question is unavoidable.

    So, let’s ask the question… what is on your mind? For many, job or work is the predominant thought. One person complains the weekend was not long enough and going back to work was too soon. Others are glad to be back because the weekend was too stressful.

    Some people think about personal matters. Thinking about love, family relationships, who’s going to be the “hot” date this weekend preoccupies the minds of some.

    Is eternity ever on your mind? There is more to this existence on earth than just this old world. Just look into a starry-night’s sky. The Apostle Paul wrote, “For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made,” (Romans 1:20 ESV). Because there is a God, there is an eternity, because God is eternal. There is no doubt that living on this old earth is just not all there is. There is more. There is eternity.

    And, if there is an eternity, then at some point each of us must decide where we will live after this life is over. Is something like this ever on your mind? Do you ever think what your destination in eternity might be? The Lord Jesus Christ said there are only two destinations after the judgment.

    In Matthew 25, there is a view of the judgment and the assignment of destinations by the judge ― Jesus. The population of people who have ever lived in the world ― that means you and me ― will be separated into two groups. One group will be admitted into the blessings of heaven for eternity. Here’s what Jesus said about the other group: “And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life,” (Matthew 25:48).

    When you stand before God in the judgment, do you know which group you’d belong to? Some people think they know. Some would say, “God is all loving and can’t condemn anyone, therefore, I’m saved.” But, is that what Jesus said? Some people say, “Well I believe, so I know I’m saved.” Are they? Doesn’t one need to obey the commands of God to be saved (Romans 6:17-18)?

    What’s on your mind?

     

    • Mike Riley 1:43 pm on June 15, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      John, great article and great thoughts! Empty pews in our auditoriums are testimony to the sad fact that not many members of the church are really thinking about either judgment or eternity.

    • Richard Hill 1:26 am on June 16, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Thanks for the post, John. You expressed with clarity the most important consideration in life. Where will we spend eternity.

      I couldn’t help but think about the eternal aspects of both heaven and hell and the eternal aspects of both the blessing of heaven and the punishment of hell. Some are fudging on this idea by saying hell is an eternal place of punishment, but we are completely annihilated when we hit the lake of fire.

      If that’s the case where’s the eternal part of the individual’s punishment?? If those condemned to hell are incinerated into oblivion in a split second I feel hard pressed to call that eternal punishment. Maybe those who believe this doctrine need to change it to split second punishment.

      Thanks for clearly stating this truth. We must not soften the truth of God’s Word in order to feel better about the plight of the lost. The hard fact of eternal punishment might be the very motivation that brings about a change of heart.

      • John Henson 9:41 am on June 16, 2010 Permalink | Reply

        Thanks for the good words, brothers.

  • Mike Riley 11:09 am on May 6, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: abundant, , , , forever, , heaven, , key, , , , trod   

    A Short Poem – “Faith Is The Hand” 

    Faith is the hand that reaches out
    Accepting the love of God;
    Guiding our every daily walk
    As down life’s road we daily trod.

    Faith is the hand that turns the key
    To heaven’s golden door;
    Leading to abundant joy
    And life forever more.

    —Ruth H. Underhill

     

    • Randal 1:40 pm on May 6, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Ah, ha, trying this reply in Safari, while I hit the like button on Mike’s choice of poem. Working so far.

  • John Henson 4:56 pm on April 22, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: heaven,   

    Safe is such a wonderful word. Scared children call for their parents to reassure them they are safe.

    “Safe in the Arms of Jesus” is such a wonderful song. A preacher during a funeral once said about the song he was reminded of a baseball umpire calling players “safe at home.”

    “Safe in the arms of Jesus; safe on his gentle breast. There by his love o’er shaded, sweetly my soul shall rest.” What a great thought that through the magnificent grace of Jesus, my soul shall someday rest from the labors of this world! Resting there in heaven, we’ll be allowed to serve our Lord and hang on every word he says We’ll be able to thank him for allowing us to have the Bible to read and study. There will be no night there (Revelation 22:5). There will be nothing to harm anyone. There will be no disease, no venomous creatures, no criminals, nothing that can speak a lie. No fences, no need to call 911.

    Safe.

     

    • Mike Riley 6:13 pm on April 22, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      No shyster lawyers and deceivers will be there either.

    • rcottrill 1:45 pm on April 30, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Ah, but you may have missed an important point about that hymn. Your blog caught my eye this morning because of Fanny Crosby’s song. It was written 142 years ago this very day. (You can read more about it on my daily blog on hymn history, Wordwise Hymns.)

      Fanny Crosby wasn’t talking about being safe in heaven. Her point was that here on earth, in anticipation of heaven, every child of God is protected and cherished in the arms of the Lord. It is certainly true that Christians will be finally and forever safe in heaven. But it is also true that nothing can touch the child of God here and now that a wise and loving Father does not permit. That’s what Fanny was saying.

      You can see the full text of the hymn on the Cyber Hymnal, here…
      http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/s/a/f/safearms.htm

  • Richard Hill 2:09 am on April 13, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , heaven,   

    Thoughts on home 

    What comes to mind when you think of home? The familiar. The sights and smells of normal. Water that tastes “right.” That comfortable chair. Same goes for the bed. Peace and quiet. The regular routine. But mostly home is about the people you love. Everything else can be in place, but if the ones you love aren’t there, it doesn’t really feel like home.

    Someday we will all be home–when all the family will be gathered in. What a day that will be. And Barbara is already a step ahead of us.

    I’ve met so many of our brothers and sisters for the first time and, after a few hours of talking, felt like I’d known them all my life. I wonder if this won’t happen over, and over, and over again in heaven.

    Growing up, my immediate family wasn’t large. My present family isn’t either, so heaven will be a change, but it’s a change I can get used to.

    Having participated in the Fellowship Room for a few months, I have a great desire to meet every one of you. I realize that will not likely happen this side of heaven, but I’m confident we will meet–someday. And talk. And in a very short span it will seem as if we had always known each other. Till then.

     

  • Larry Miles 2:59 am on February 11, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , heaven, ,   

    A Home In Heaven 

    Christians are promised in the Word of God that their eternal destiny is to be with the Lord Jesus Christ forever (I Thes. 4:17). Wherever He is or goes, we will be with Him. We can know, in this life, that we are saved and have assurance of our salvation. Many, even some Christians do not have this assurance.

    The song “I’ll Put Jesus First,” in verse 3 uses the words “I Know.” We can look forward to a time “when death is no more, when struggle is o’er.” Christians are “the ransomed and blest.” When we sing this song we are forever reminded of the redemption we have in Christ.

    The last phrase of the verse says “For those who love Jesus and give Him their best.” Do you love Jesus? If so, you will want to “grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus.” (I Peter 3:18). We prepare for the “home for the ransomed and blest,” in this life. Remember, we are saved by grace, thought faith, in baptism, for good works. We are not saved because we worked our way into Heaven; rather, we are working for the Lord Jesus because we are saved. Let’s live our Christian lives preparing for eternal life. If we want to grow in Jesus, He will equip us for service.

     

  • Richard Mansel 1:33 pm on January 24, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , heaven,   

    Struggle with the Thought of Death? 

    We must realize that not being eager to die and not being afraid to die are two separate things.  Paul was ready to die for the Lord. But he wasn’t going out of his way to see that it happened. I preach in an Army congregation and I recently discussed this with the retired soldiers. They have a mission to perform on the battlefield and they are all prepared to die for their country. However, they will do all that they can to avoid it happening. If they are all killed, their army and country perishes.

    If we fail to differentiate this fact, we may feel guilt for not wanting to die and think that our faith is lacking.

    I am not afraid to die. However, like everyone else, I fear the unknown aspect of it. Scripture says little about what happens after we die. Sure, there are broad strokes, but the details are sketchy. I am not eager to die because there is so much left to do. So much writing and teaching that has to be completed.

    I want to see my younger daughters have families and to be with my wife as we grow old together.  I want to have more grandchildren and see them grow. My biggest concern regarding death right now is that my parents are in poor health and I can’t imagine life without them.

    This is a big and complex subject that we need more writing and thinking about. Good suggestion, Randal.

     

  • Richard Mansel 7:07 pm on January 10, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: heaven,   

    Rationalization will take you anywhere you want to go, except heaven.

     

    • John Henson 8:00 pm on January 10, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      1 Samuel 15:21, “”But the people took some of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the choicest of the things devoted to destruction, to sacrifice to the LORD your God at Gilgal.”

      Saul rationalized, but to no avail. He was wrong not to obey. “Samuel said, “Has the LORD as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices As in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams.”

  • J. Randal Matheny 9:08 am on November 30, 2009 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , heaven   

    50 things to expect in heaven 

    As promised, here is a segment of Don’s email from last night. Reading through this list gave me a stronger desire to obey the Lord in order to see those gates swing wide open and to hear that wonderful welcome into the eternal home of God. Here’s Don …

    50 Things We Might Expect in Heaven, by Don Petty

    1. We will all know God.

    2. Jesus will be our brother.

    3. It will be a place where we hold all truth in common with those around us.

    4. There will be no hospitals, jails, insane asylums, or retirement homes. (More …)

     

    • Mike Riley 10:25 pm on November 30, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      I’m looking forward to Number 22: There will be no one in poverty, and no anxiety and dread of payments or bills or debts.

  • J. Randal Matheny 9:58 pm on November 29, 2009 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: heaven, ,   

    Our function in heaven 

    Don Petty, of the Lewisville TX church, sends out a weekly email on Sunday nights to the 70, encouraging us to consider how to turn around the decline in the American church. He’s given me permission to share portions of it with you. Don was a vocational missionary in Iraq back in the 1970s. He was on the team that developed Tostitos.

    Tonight Don sent out “50 things we might expect in heaven,” which I’ll share tomorrow, but tonight, I’d like to post a piece from last Sunday’s mailing, about what our function in heaven will be. Something of a fun exercise for the Christian.

    What will be our function in Heaven through eternity? Have you ever pondered that question? Have you ever wondered if there will be work for us to perform? Would it be like God as we know Him to leave us aimless, without something productive to do? What might that be?

    Will there be some further kinds of creation(s) God will perform? Another earth or type of earth with living beings? And will he offer them a way … and judge them?

    Will we be involved in any further creative work God would do?

    Okay … I can’t answer those things. But I like to wander through the portals of Heaven wondering and imagining, praying and hoping.

     

    • jimnewy 12:07 am on November 30, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      Those are some good questions posed by Don. I have often wondered myself of these same questions. Will there be more than what He has revealed. On the other hand I figure if He had revealed more then there would be those that wanted to go to heaven to obtain all the blessings of an afterlife, not because they love Him and serve Him while here on earth. Will be looking forward to the 50 things we might expect in heaven.

  • Richard Mansel 4:32 pm on November 28, 2009 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: heaven, ,   

    John 14:1-6 because it is the impetus for a life lived to the fullest. We know that we shall win and that Christ will come and retrieve us and we will not have to wander and worry about finding our way home. He is the way, the truth and the life and the only way to the Father. Amen.

     

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