Heaven (1)
by Pat McIntosh
Sometimes even a question that seems to be a simple one can be quite complex. A few questions along these lines involve heaven. Is there a heaven? Where is it? What is heaven like? Who will be there? Who won’t be there? What will we do there? Will we know one another in heaven?
These are all pertinent questions. We are curious creatures. We like to have things in their proper place and have a firm grasp on such concepts. However, we must understand that concepts such as heaven and our eternal forms may never be answered to our satisfaction. The best we can do is glean from the figurative language the Holy Spirit used when inspiring the Bible writers to address such subjects.
There are several facts of which we can be sure. Each of us will spend eternity in either heaven or hell. We will have chosen to be there (not necessarily knowingly, but through what we choose to believe and practice). God loves us enough to send His Son to provide salvation from sin (Jno. 3:16). Christ has gone to prepare a place and desires that we take that path (Jno. 14:1-3).
Someone has well said, “If you want to live in a heavenly dwelling place, you must make your reservations in advance.” We fully understand this concept as we plan a trip here on earth. This is especially the case if it is a special place or if the season of the year necessitates it (vacation, Spring Break, etc.). Spiritually speaking, this refers to the decisions we make today that will affect us in that Day of Judgment.
May we choose to be with God and His Son for eternity. Everything is ready. All that waits is our commitment to His will and dedicating our life to His service. Let’s choose the beauty and peace of heaven.
Sunday A.M. Sermon – Great Bible Themes: Heaven (1)
Introduction – Matt. 7:13-14
Body: I Wonder…
- If There is a Heaven – Matt. 5:12, 16, 34, 44-45, 48; Jno. 14:1-3
- What Heaven is Like – Heb. 11:10; Rev. 21:21, 10; 2 Cor. 5:1-2; Phil. 1:23; 2 Tim. 4:6-8; Rev. 7:16-17; 21:3-4; 22:3-5; 1 Cor. 2:9; 2 Cor. 4:17
- How Long Heaven Will Last – Mk. 10:30; Matt. 25:46; 1 Cor. 15:52; 1 Pet. 1:4; 1 Cor. 9:25
Sunday P.M. Sermon – Why Paul Died Happy (2 Tim. 4:6-8)