Eternal Life and Punishment

 Mat 25:46
And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

Matthew chapter 25 is filled with compare and contrast illustrations. We had ten virgins, five had oil in their lamps ready for the return of the bride, and five did not. Then there's the parable of the talents. There were those who invested wisely and those who did not. The destiny of their eternal soul was determined by how they invested what was given to them by their master. The parables illustrate that it is not enough to say you believe in God, but action speaks louder than words. The final story that Jesus tells does not say it is a parable, but a prophecy. The King will return to earth some day and final judgment will be given, and the destiny of the souls of people will be handed out. There will be those whose hearts are filled with love for God and others, and those who say they love God, but they live to please themselves, and turn a blind eye to those who are hurting and helpless. Many would like to use this passage of scripture to support the idea that good works and being a good person is all that is needed to have eternal life. But Jesus is speaking to his followers. There is more to eternal life than saying, “Lord, Lord.” Faith in Jesus is essential, but faith without works is dead. The debate of eternal salvation after a person confesses Christ comes into question with the words of Christ in Matthew chapter 25. There will be those who will not make it into heaven, and it will not just be those who live wicked lives. It will be a harsh reality to see that a person who experiences the forgiveness of sin will stand before God and find that they are on the left side of the judgment seat because they failed to live for Christ. It goes without saying that God and God alone is the final judge. It is our responsibility to be a true follower of Christ and do unto others as Christ has done for us. May we be found on the right side of the seat with the sheep, and hear the words of the King. "Enter into life everlasting."

God in Heaven Above

Joshua 2:11
 our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the Lord your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.

America has become the land of all religions. The freedoms granted to this country has allowed many from other countries to migrate to this great country, but with this migration comes beliefs that proclaim other gods that are contrary to the One true living God. It is true that Christians are intolerant of accepting other religions as acceptable ways to truth. The leader of the Christian faith made it clear that He and He alone is the Truth, the Way, and Life, and no one comes to the Father except through Him. Jesus, fully man and God, He is the God of heaven above, and in the earth beneath. “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him”- Col. 1:16. Apologetic books have been written in defense of these claims throughout history. It is good to know how to defend God’s word, but it is more urgent that we share God's grace and power to forgive through Christ. Let people see the power of God in our lives. Others will say. “For the Lord your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath. He is a God that gives peace and joy, and everlasting Life.

Heavens Declare God

 Psalm 19:1
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shews his handiwork.

Being creatures of curiosity and discovery, we look to the sky above us and marvel at the vastness of the universe. Man, in its quest to explore the unknown and discover what is beyond our atmosphere, continues to seek technology to go farther into the unknown. We let our imagination run wild with all the fantasy movies that flood the entertainment world. It is without question that there is a Mastermind behind all that we see in the heavens. The Psalmist realized this as he gazed upward and observed the multitudes of stars that glittered in the night sky. Even without the modern space technology we have today, he could see that God’s handiwork was evident. From the vastness of the universe to the microscopic world of atoms and molecules, God's glory is declared. Man without God, looks for ways to explain the existence of our world and the world’s beyond our human sight, but one cannot deny that mere chance did not make all this happen. The Bible speaks clearly of this creation, “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him.” Col. 1:16. The Apostle’s Creed begins with, “I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth...” I believe He is who He says He is. “Open our eyes Lord, let us see your glory.”

Heavenly Mansions

 John 14:2
In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
In the book of Revelation, John gives us a glimpse of heaven, the mansions that Jesus said He is preparing for those who have been redeemed, and are following His commandments. I can only imagine this place, the Father’s house. The homes that we will live in are described as large and beautiful. We have seen what man can do with earthly material when building an earthly mansion, but this mansion is built by the hand of God. Someday after this life is over, we will live in that city, a place prepared for all those who love Him and are waiting for His appearance. He said He will come back to receive His own. His promises are true, He does not lie. The song written by Ira Stamphill, “I've got a mansion just over the hilltop. In that bright land where we'll never grow old. And someday yonder we will never more wander. But walk on streets that are purest gold.” speaks to the hope and longing of all believers.

Keep The Faith

 2 Tim 4:7
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 
The year has ended, the last day for 2022. It has been a year of change, but the goal has been the same. The course has been completed for another year, and my resolution to keep the faith has not been deterred. As we enter into 2023, the course is still the same, and has not changed. Heaven is the end goal, and being faithful to Jesus and His word. The enemy will do all he can to alter our course, we must continue the good fight. Stand for what is right, live out our faith, let our light shine for Christ. We may make many resolutions for the new year, but the most important resolve we make is to keep the faith, love Him with all our hearts, and show others the love of Christ.

Your Treasures

Matt 6: 21  …lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven…For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

The treasures are the things you love and don’t want to let go. They are the things that are most important to you. Many live for the things of this world, the material things of this world, the approval of others, or the power to rule and command others. This is the mind set of one who is blinded to the real world, a world that can only be seen by spiritual eyes. They who abide in Christ know that this world is not our home. Our heart is for another world. Our treasure is stored in the kingdom of God. We live each day knowing that it could be our last, and only that done for Christ will last. We are not blinded to our earthly needs and desires, God does provide and blesses us with many earthly possessions. But they are not what really matters. Laying up treasures in heaven is to live on earth doing the will of God. To love Him with all our hearts and to treat others with love and respect.

What A Day That Will Be!

Rev. 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

What a day that will be! This life is filled with tears that flow and hearts that ache. Hardship and the loss of loved ones causes sorrow and pain. There is coming a day when God will take His hand of grace and wipe away our tears. This side is heaven we will have tribulations, but the story does not end here. Those who remain faithful servants of God will someday see God cause the things of this world pass away. They will be cast away from our mind, never to be recalled. Death does have it sting, but He has conquered death and we shall live with Him forever and ever. Never to die, never to cry, all pain and sorrow cast away. Oh, what a day that will be!

My Father's House

John 14:2  In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

This world is not my home, am only passing through. In my Father’s house, Jesus has gone to prepare us a home. Mansions that will blow us away. Many songs have been written about these mansions that Jesus is preparing for us in heaven. They say that, “home is where the heart is”. That the physical structure is not what is important about heaven, yet it was important enough for Jesus to mention that there will be a dwelling place when we get there. We all look forward with anticipation to someday enter our Father’s house. As wonderful as this is, the true joy is knowing that Jesus will be there. He will be what makes heaven home. That is where the heart is, to be with Him and see him face to face. This world will is full of troubles, but Jesus has made it possible for each of us to be trouble free. He invites us through the cross to give our lives to Him, forsake the temporal things of this world. hold loosely to this earthly home, and keep our eye set on our Father’s home.

To Die is Gain

Phil 1:21  For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Dying is not something one longs for. We do all we can to avoid the crossing of that river. In our old age, am told that there comes a point when one is ready to let go. suffering and pain overtakes the desire to live much longer, but in our youth and years of vitality, we seek to stretch out our days on this earth as long as we can. The fear of death is soften knowing that this world is only temporary and that our soul will live on forever. Living in Christ on this earthly journey prepares us for the gain we will receive when our bodies are laid to rest. It is a win -win situation for those who serve God. As long as God gives me breath, I will live for Him. For living in Christ is to have everlasting life, eternal life in the kingdom of God has begun. When it is time to depart this world, there is heaven to gain, and seeing Jesus face to face is all that matters.

Heaven is Real

Rev. 22:4  And they shall see his face…

Is heaven real? Heaven is not only a physically place made ready by God for those who have loved and served Him, but it is also a state of mind, and spiritual experience. We all strive to be ready at the end of life to spend eternity in heaven with our creator. “Entering into the gates for the first time, O what glory that will be.” To see Jesus face to face and be with Him forever and ever is what heaven is all about. No tears of sorrow will be shed and death will not exist. The curse of sin will be gone and we will have bodies made new and perfect. Heaven is real and it is the desire of all believers to some day see Jesus in all of His glory. Until then, the kingdom of heaven can dwell in our hearts by faith in the One who preparing a place for us there. 

The Sorrow of Death

Psalm 116:3,4 The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow. Then called I upon the name of the Lord; O Lord, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.

The thought of death is one that we don’t like to dwell on. It brings sorrow to those who have loved ones that gone before us. Life, or walking among the living ceases and our bodies return back to the dust. It is painful to think of the place of the dead where life as we know it does not exist. Base on what scripture gives us, we can only imagine what happens after death. We know that ultimately at some time after death we either spend eternity with Jesus in heaven, or we suffer the torments of hell. Hell is a real place, and it is hard to imagine that those who die without God are suffering the torments of eternal fire and darkness. We cannot grasps the reality of it in our finite thinking. We leave final judgment in the hands of God who knows the heart of all who have walked among the living. The Psalmist may or may not be referring to this place, but even so, he acknowledges the source of his deliverance. He knows the One who is able to deliver his soul. For those who call upon the Name of the Lord, will be saved from the pains of hell and the fire of hell

See You Later

John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

The accession of Christ was not a goodbye, but a “see you later” salutation. The preparation are being made, and whatever they are, it will be good. God does all things good and this place is being prepared by Christ Himself. But, the greatest anticipation is that we will be with Him. The promise was made many years ago, and God keeps His promises. He will come again, and those who have served Him, that remain on earth will be caught up together in the sky to be with Him forever. To be with Jesus is the desire of my heart. I want to live in such a way that I will not be ashamed to be in His presence. 

Looking For a City

Heb. 11:10,16  For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God…Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He hath prepared for them a City.”

This world is not my home, I’m only passing through. Looking for a City that is not made by human architect. Man has achieve remarkable skills and technology to make habitats that are beautiful and stunning, but they will all pass away with time. God, has built a City that will not fade away, a City where the light of day and night is Christ Himself. This City, John saw coming down from the heavenly skies. A City where the streets are made of gold. We need to look beyond this world and set our eyes on things that are eternal. God has prepared a place for those who choose to believe, those who are faithful to trust God. For God will be faithful to us if we keep our eyes on that City.

Inheritance in Christ

1 Peter 1:4 “to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that fadeth not away, reserved in Heaven for you,”

The inheritance that I receive from my mother and the inheritance I leave my children will fade away with the passing of time. It may buy a few things and may provide for a more comfortable life, but the inheritance of this world is corruptible, it will all turn to dust. After we pass from this life, the trails and temptations will also fade away. We have been promised a new hope, a new beginning. Through Christ, we have inherited eternal life, this inheritance will not fade away. The treasures of life are truly that which pertain to the Kingdom of God. We are not of this world, we are only passing through. Our final destination is Heaven, it is our inheritance in Christ.

Heaven

Rev. 22;4,5 “And they shall see His face, and His name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there, and they will need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light...”

Heaven, what a wonderful place that will be. To see Jesus face to face. We all fantasize what it will be like in Heaven. We wonder if we will be able to sit down and visit with those who have gone before us. We long to see our loved ones that loved Jesus and served Him on this earthly journey. We wonder what our mansion will look like. Many things about heaven that we wonder about. John gives us a glimpse of heaven. Standing on the Island of Patmos, the sky is opened and God lets John take a peek into what life will be like after we leave this world. It is clear that sin will not be there. That is why it is essential that we have our sins forgiven and cast away. Only that which is holy will be able to enter into heaven. The blood of Jesus is the only thing that will cleanse us from an unholy heart. We also know that there is no sun or artificial light there, yet light illuminate everywhere. This is the light of God that comes for the essence of God. All that live in heaven will be in love with Jesus and will serve Him with gladness. Heaven will not be a place we visit, it will be a place where we will live forever and ever, praising and serving God.