I want to continue with overcoming actions based on fear. I said earlier to develop a reverent fear of God and develop a proper perspective that this world is temporary and there will come an eternity. We need to live each day for the day we will stand before Jesus.
Next, we need to nurture a desire for heaven. It is guaranteed for all followers of Jesus Christ as we have been given the down payment of the Holy Spirit living in us. Heaven is real and eternal, a dimension without time. Rev. 21:1a, 3-4 Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth, . . . And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” All the pain, evil and temptations will never come our way for it cannot enter God’s eternal Kingdom, for its source will be locked up in hell. As Paul said: 1 Corinthians 2:9 “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” the things God has prepared for those who love him. This includes heaven; it will be beyond anyone’s wildest dream or imagination.
To desire heaven involves becoming less attached to this material world and earthly body. Not that we despise it, but to keep it in proper perspective. 1 John 2:17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. While all our material accomplishments and treasurers will be gone one day, we have opportunities to ‘deposit’ treasures, that is, good works in heaven. Matthew 5:11-12a “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven. I wonder how my heavenly account which will last forever compares with my earthly account. We can only make deposits in heaven’s account while alive on earth, after that it stops.
As Christians we need reminding that this earth is not our home. We are only passing through shedding as much Light in our evil dark world as we can praying unbelievers into God’s presence.
Whatever God allows to come our way, joy or pain we must count the cost and determine that we are willing, by God’s immeasurable grace to pay the price. When all is said and done, there is heaven.
Pr. Bob Snitzer
By the Way:
September 18 9:00 Church worship service.
10:15 Sunday school for all ages.
Wednesday 21, 4:30 confirmation class.
~ Past communiques and sermons can be read and heard on our website: www.pilotknob.org and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PilotKnobLutheran/
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