Category: Heaven

Subject: Heaven

Mining the Scriptures: 1 Peter 1:10-12

Peter in previous verses had established the end of the faithful.  An “inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” (1:4).

This salvation was not fully revealed in times past. The prophets of old had questions about it as they spoke of the promise of it in words supplied by God. They did not fully comprehend the nature, or the time when redemption would come.

Now we have all revealed.  We can look to the New Testament and read from it all that Jesus had to suffer to secure our redemption. We know of His resurrection, His ascension, and His reign in heaven at God’s right hand. We are so blessed with this knowledge, and that we live in the “last days.”

As our redemption is secured through our belief and obedience to the good news of Christ, we have reason to rejoice. We have had revealed to us things that even angels could not fully comprehend before Jesus came.  We know, we can read. We are blessed by God!

Mining the Scriptures: 1 Peter 1:6-9

In the previous verses, Peter referred to the inheritance that awaits all the faithful. It is reserved in heaven (4), and is eternal in nature (5). In our text, he notes this is a reason for rejoicing though our lives at present may be difficult.

It is a fact that life here on earth may be difficult for every human. Christians are not excepted. Rain falls on “the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:45). These trials serve a specific purpose for the child of God.  The establish the genuineness of his faith.

Is your faith in Jesus true? You have never seen Him. Do you truly love Him? The hope that is proclaimed, an eternity in Heaven in the presence of God, is contained in a future promise. Do you believe it? The proof is seen in how you conduct yourself as you live here on this earth. Trials and tribulations on earth serve the same purpose as fire does to the purification of metal. If you prove yourself by the life you live on earth you will receive “the end of your faith — the salvation of your souls” (9).

The Response of Faith

The apostle Peter began his second epistle with a  proclamation of God’s mercy and grace. With His divine power, He “has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness.” Further, “by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises.” Because of this, we “may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust” (1:2-4).

What a wonderful expression of God’s love. He determined to save man from Himself, and sent His Son. It is through Jesus that God has “blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 1:3). When we have gained so much from Him, the obvious question we should be asking is—how should we respond to His munificence? Continue reading “The Response of Faith”

Sermon: In My Father’s House are Many Mansions

John 35

In lesson 35 of the series, the discussion centers on the first 6 verses of Jesus’ address to His disciples on the night of His betrayal. (John 14:1-6).

Sermon: The Life of Paul

The Life of Paul

An examination of the apostle Paul’s life, discussing his persecution of the church, his conversion, his work, and his reward.

Sermon: Where I Go You Can Not Come

22

Lesson 22 in series

In John 8:21-30 Jesus informs the unbelieving Jews that their unwillingness to believe in Him would keep them from heaven. Faith in Jesus (cf. John 14:6) is the only way to the Father. Without belief in Jesus, sin separates man from God.

fini

fini

If you are a fan of foreign films, you may be aware of the Italian word “fini.” It is the small word at appears at the end of the credits. It means, “finished, done.” It is the Italian equivalent of the English phrase, “The End.”

This Sunday is the last Lord’s day in 2020. Thursday is the last day of the year, and this most challenging of years will be over.

The challenges will not end, however. Unfortunately the turning of a calendar page does not alleviate the trials and tribulations of life. While 2020 was particularly difficult, men have struggled with their physical existence from the beginning, (cf. Genesis 3:17-19).

With the right perspective, we become able to navigate the difficulties of our lives. Paul had that perspective, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).

There will be a day where all is finished and done. Jesus will one day return, bringing to an end the physical existence of man on the earth. In that day, all suffering will truly be fini. For the righteous, all that will remain is rest. “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). Praise be to Him!

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An Evil Common Among Men

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The wise man of Ecclesiastes used his book to consider the vanity of life lived under the sun. Put simply, life is not fair, and seeking for lasting happiness and value by trusting in the here and now is a mistake. He illustrated the main point of his treatise in chapter six by noting “an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it is common among men.” It was not an evil in the same sense we typically use it, that is, sin. Rather, it was the observation that many receive great physical blessings from God, but before they can be enjoyed, they lose their ability to enjoy their blessings. It may be illness, tragedy, or death, but “a foreigner consumes it” instead of them. “This is vanity, and it is an evil affliction” (vs. 1-2).

Consider this lesson, “For who knows what is good for man in life, all the days of his vain life which he passes like a shadow? Who can tell what will happen after him under the sun?” (12).

Rather than seeking joy and happiness in this fickle world, with all its injustice and uncertainty, the wise man instead places his hope in heaven. In order to gain that eternal reward, it is necessary to live a life of faithful obedience! “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil” (12:13-14).

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“Even so, come, Lord Jesus!”

 

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The book of Revelation, among all the New Testament books and letters, is unique in style. The use of imagery and apocalyptic symbols is arresting, serving as a perfect vehicle to establish its central theme, “the Lamb will overcome…for He is Lord of lords and King of kings” (Revelation 17:14).

The message of the book was relevant to those who first read it. John wrote the book in the midst of persecution, offering hope to the afflicted. It is unfortunate that interpretations of the book have appeared that do violence to the immediacy of the message. Any who believe that the book details physical battles and earthly conflicts yet to occur fail to understand its message and purpose.

Continue reading ““Even so, come, Lord Jesus!””

An Earnest and Urgent Pursuit of Heaven

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The Christian is defined by his purpose in life. It is not to get wealthy, not to get famous, not to “go for the gusto”, it is to serve the Lord. Few people live for this purpose. “…narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it (Matthew 7:14).

The Bible reveals clearly two truths. First, men ought to have service to the Lord as their primary purpose in life. “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). Second, if a man lives his life without serving God, his life is ultimately empty of meaning. “I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and indeed, all is vanity and grasping for the wind” (Ecclesiastes 1:14). (Note: the phrase “under the sun” indicates works that are done without an acknowledgment of God’s existence). Stated simply, the only way to have a meaningful life is to put God first.

Continue reading “An Earnest and Urgent Pursuit of Heaven”

The Crown of Righteousness

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When Paul wrote his second letter to Timothy, he knew that his life was nearing an end. His mind was on eternity, and he expressed his expectations in a wonderful way. “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:6-8).

Paul spoke of his end as a fait accompli, and we can trust that his faithful service continued until the hour of his passing. The apostle had proven himself a faithful ambassador of the Lord. He had once proclaimed, “Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful (1 Corinthians 4:1-2).

Continue reading “The Crown of Righteousness”

Sermon: The Events of Judgment Day

The Events of Judgment Day

This lesson describes all the things that will happen on the Day that Jesus returns to judge the world.

Audio

Powerpoint PPTX File

To Die is Gain

“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).

Imagine being able to say this, all while in chains, not knowing whether you will be released, or executed. Paul is a wonderful example of faith in the midst of extreme hardship.

We Christians who live in America have so many reasons to be faithful. Despite a society that is presently antagonistic toward our faith, we remain free to worship openly and comfortably. This has not been the case in other times and other places.

Regardless, this world is not our home! While we remain thankful for our time here on earth, we eagerly anticipate the day when “this mortal must put on immortality” (1 Corinthians 15:53).

Our lives are opportunities to live for Christ. Through our teaching and example, other souls may be saved. But, we gain personally from death, if we be faithful. There comes a time of glory and rest in the presence of the God of Heaven! To die truly is to Gain!

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Paul’s View of Death – Invitation

Invitation by Stan Cox

The Apostle Paul expresses a mature and spiritual perspective toward’s death in 2 Corinthians 5:1-8.  One we would do well to emulate.

Audio

Invitation: Rich and Wicked

Invitation by Stan Cox

In James 5, we have a description of rich, wicked people who were oppressing Christians.  Whether the wicked rich, or any other, if we live for God we will overcome such persecution, and live eternally in joy!

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