Just Thinking Blog

HD Families

5/31/2013

HD STATEMENT

Matthew 7:24-25 (ESV) “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be
like a wise man who built his house on the rock. [25] And the rain fell, and the floods came,
and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.

Most of you know by now that HD stands for “High Definition,” and refers to an increase in the resolution or clarity a device provides as with high definition televisions and video. It’s almost hard to imagine, as a sports fan, watching any football or basketball game on television that’s not in HD anymore. In my opinion the clarity provided by this technology makes watching sporting events better than actually being at the event itself. Of course part of the enjoyment depends on the screen size, i.e. 60 inches of HD is better than 22 inches of HD. In a very real sense high definition has provided audiences the ability to see minute details of every play, both successes and failures, with greater clarity.

In the digital age we live in Christian families need to have a greater sense of clarity in order to live victoriously for Christ. New information and changes come at such a rapid pace that if we’re not careful our families will be overwhelmed and rocked by a godless culture. HD families have a high degree of clarity in four areas.

HD families have a shared belief in Christ. (Acts 16:29-33)
HD families demonstrate a high degree of loyalty in their homes and with other Christians. (Acts 17:6-7)
HD families work as a team with a ministry mindset. (Acts 18:24-26)
HD families liberally practice forgiveness and compassion in the home and with others. (Luke 15:20)

For us to function as HD families, Jesus the Christ must be Lord of our lives and homes. In the late 80s Focus on the Family provided results of a study done by more than 500 family counselors looking at the traits of what makes a “successful family.” Granted, the study is dated but the results of that study support biblical principles which are never outdated.

The four top traits for successful families are:

Affirming and supporting family members
Sharing time and responsibilities
Having rituals and traditions
Sharing a religious core

I encourage you to do two things. Continue towards spiritual maturity by growing your family through the Word of God. Faithfully keep putting into practice the biblical principles you’ve learned which are built upon the foundation of Christ Jesus.

Blessings,
Rod

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If God is So Loving Then Why…?

5/22/2013

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When tragedy and heartache strike like it did on Monday in Moore, Oklahoma people from all walks of life began to ask some tough questions. Usually these questions revolve around the words “Why God?” Clearly those in the media were somewhat dumbfounded by many of the responses they received from residents in Moore with their praise and glorification of God for His intervention. These responses seemed to be outside the norm of what the non-religious public expected. Although to be honest there are also many religious minded individuals who were just as dumbfounded throughout our country and continue to ask the “Why God” questions. Let’s look at some of the questions people often ask in the midst of tragedy and difficult situations.

“If God is so loving then why is there so much evil and suffering in the world?”

“Why do bad things happen to good people?”

“Why do bad people seem to get away with their evil acts, or they never have to pay a price for the bad things they do?”

There are at least four biblical principles and truths we should consider when attempting to understand God and the evil and sorrow that exists in this world.

One, we should understand that God is the Creator of all that is good. His intent in eternity past was to bring good to His creation which includes your life. The Bible clearly teaches us this fact in the book of Genesis where it is written, “And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good.… (Genesis 1: 31a). The word “very” means “exceedingly;” whereas the word “good” carries with it the idea of not only “favorable, but pleasant, better, right, or best.” The suggestion here is that all of God’s creation was extremely good in every sense of the word. His creation was pleasant or delightful physically and spiritually and then entrusted to mankind.

This world we live in was originally created “good” for man’s benefit and God’s glory. This becomes evident when we read passages such as Genesis 1:26 – 27; 9:6; Ephesians 2:10, and understand we were created in God’s image for His purpose.

Two, we need to come to terms with the reality that suffering is the result of evil which came into the world through mankind. All suffering can be traced back to sin.

Genesis 3:1-6 (ESV) Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” 2 And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, 3 but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’” 4 But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate.

Let’s clarify some things with this passage. Yes it was Satan who rebelled and introduced evil to Adam and Eve, yet it was their choice to participate in this sin. Someone want to blame Eve and all women for the troubles of mankind, but in reality Adam was the one who ultimately failed because he failed to protect his wife as God had directed. Some view Satan simply as a creation of God through which He introduced evil. This would make God the author of evil which is not only a heretical statement but a damnable statement.

James 1:13-15 (ESV) Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

Another statement within the book of Genesis also helps us to understand the heart of man. After the fall in the Garden of Eden mankind waxed worse as humanity continue to increase upon the earth. Genesis 6:5 states, “The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” Things are bad in this world not because of God but because of our sin. There is a quote by Walt Kelly that aptly applies here, “We have met the enemy and he is us.”

Three, the results of natural disasters and disease doesn't diminish God’s love for us. Unlike the teachings of Deist God is not distant and cold toward humanity. Some have the idea He simply began the creative process and left us without a care or thought for our well-being. The words of the Apostle Paul in Romans indicate something vastly different.

Romans 8:18-21 (ESV) For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.

If anyone understands the trials, torments, and sufferings we experience as human beings it is God. For it was God the Father Who sent His Son to redeem us from our lost and sad condition of sin. He experienced and overcame every form of temptation known to man by taking on the flesh of mankind, and in so doing He also experienced the agony of death for us. What greater love could be demonstrated than to suffer for mankind and promise a day of liberty from the corruption of sin and death?

When individuals ask;

“How can God allow such a thing to happen?”

“Why doesn't God end all evil and suffering; doesn't He care?”

We should remember that God could destroy all evil today and no longer allow suffering to take place like it did in Oklahoma on Monday. But let’s keep one thing in mind, for God to bring all suffering to an end He would have to destroy the source of evil and suffering which is mankind. The Scriptures teach us that God is long-suffering not wishing any to perish, and so He patiently waits because His timing is perfect. William Brown shares a wonderful story about an agnostic farmer that drives this point home in his book “Making Sense of Your Faith”.

There was a farmer in a Midwestern state who had a strong disdain for “religious” things. As he plowed his field on Sunday morning, he would shake his fist at the church people who passed by on their way to worship.

October came and the farmer had his finest crop ever—the best in the entire county. When the harvest was complete, he placed an advertisement in the local paper which belittled the Christians for their faith in God.

Near the end of his diatribe he wrote, “Faith in God must not mean much if someone like me can prosper.” The response from the Christians in the community was quiet and polite. In the next edition of the town paper, a small ad appeared. It read simply, “God doesn't always settle His accounts in October.”

Lastly, pain and suffering can be beneficial for our lives. This is one of the toughest concepts for us as human beings to understand. I've learned from my own life how God can use some of the most horrific experiences to grow us and to benefit others. One of the statements I often share with individuals, (developed from my own life experiences) is, “God never waste a hurt.” Some of the hurts and sufferings in our lives are brought about by the sin of others, but we should also keep in mind pain-and-suffering can also come upon us because of our own sin.

Evidently Solomon had similar thoughts, note this particular rendering of Proverbs 20:30; “Sometimes it takes a painful experience to make us change our ways.” I think this paraphrase from the Good News Bible accurately renders Solomon’s thoughts. Some may want to focus on a variety of words used in different translations such as, “blows, wounds, or beatings,” but the main thought is not on inflicting pain. The context is speaking of corporal punishment but with the idea of having one’s misconduct change direction. The writer of Hebrews conveys a similar thought with God chastising His children when they sin.

Trials and sufferings often draw us closer to God in holiness all the while building our character for His glory. I’m not sure who made this statement but I believe it to be true; “Pain-and-suffering can keep us from greater harm, greater moral failures, turn us toward God for deliverance, and equip us to live a Christ honoring life.”

Having a good life in Christ doesn't mean we’ll never experience hardships, heartache, or stress. If you’re a child of God keep this in mind; “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose, (Romans 8:28)”.

Blessings,
Rod

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Sick and Tired

5/16/2013

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Have you ever used that expression before? “I’m just sick and tired of _____________.” Normally when we reach the point where we’re “sick and tired” it means we’re ready for a change. That brings to mind another saying that you may have used before, “Lord I know I need to change but ______________.”

“Lord I know I need to change but it’s hard.”

“Lord I know I need to change but it’s not my fault.”

“Lord I know I need to change but I don’t know how.”

As followers of Christ when we reach the point of being “sick and tired” knowing that we need to change something about our lives it’s usually brought about by the convicting power the Holy Spirit. Once we’re aware of God’s calling us to change there’s only one question we need to answer. “Am I willing to do what is necessary to bring about this change as the Lord leads?”

This blog is an adaptation of a sermon I wrote several years ago with Isaiah 6:1 – 9 as my focal passage. The prophet Isaiah had reached a point in his life where being inactive or ignoring the truth of God was no longer an option for his life. He had reached a state of brokenness in which there was no return. In essence he did become “sick and tired” of his own sinful ways and that of his people.

A few years back I dealt with the young man who had reached a place of brokenness in his life much like Isaiah. He was sick and tired of living a life far from God. Consumed with guilt and shame he knew he needed to change but was seemingly unable to move beyond the circumstances. As I met with him he stated, “I know the sinful things (behaviors) I do are wrong but I just can’t help myself.” At that moment it wasn't that he couldn't change but that he was unwilling to make the changes that God desired for his life. That young man left my office that day without taking the necessary steps he needed to take in order to bring real change to his life.

There are four things all of us need to do at some point in order to experience the change that God has directed for our lives.

The first step to experiencing real change in our life is to have a personal encounter with God. This is exactly what happened with the prophet Isaiah in chapter 6:1-4. The prophet saw the Lord in His heavenly tabernacle; the throne room of God and in all His glory. It was through this experience that Isaiah saw his own depravity along with that of the nation of Israel. When standing in the presence of the holiness of God the contrast between his life and that of God’s became extremely apparent. The repetitious words “holy, holy, holy” of the angelic beings drive home the point of God’s holiness and Isaiah’s unholiness. He is broken and sensitive to his own filth and that of his people.

Only when we have a close personal encounter with the risen Christ can we begin to see who we really are as a people. Much like the people of Israel America has become a depraved nation wallowing in the filth of sensuality and hedonistic philosophies. As Christians we are not immune to the sinful attitudes and behaviors of the world around us. This leads us to our second step.

To experience real and lasting change in our lives we need to daily reassess the life we live. Note Isaiah 6:5.

(ESV) 5 And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!”

The vision of God’s majesty and holiness caused Isaiah to reassess his own life in light of his sin. The word “woe” is a term of mourning and judgment. The prophet realizes that he too is the subject of God’s judgment because of his uncleanness. His lips most likely symbolize not only his words but his attitudes and actions. This should cause us to consider our words and how they reflect our thinking in relation to our actions.

Like Isaiah we should daily reassess our own lives as we come into the presence of Christ through the reading of His Word. And as we pray we should welcome the convicting power of the Holy Spirit in order that we might be found spiritually in tune with the mind of Christ.

The third step for experiencing real change is to clean up our act today. Isaiah 6:6 – 7 the prophet states one of the Seraphim touches his lips with a burning coal. This represents the cleansing work of God through the intermediary work of one of His holy ones. Symbolically this is what Christ Jesus has done for us through His sacrificial atoning blood. Another way of looking at this is that it signifies the removal of guilt and sin through the cleansing touch of God.

The fourth step is not necessarily a step but evidence that real change has taken place in our hearts. Like Isaiah if we’re serious about being “sick and tired” we will call out to God not only for change but that He will then send us as His messengers of change.

Isaiah 6:8-9a (ESV) And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.” 9 And he said, “Go, and say to this people: ..."

The significance here is that Isaiah wasn't called to service till he had experienced the cleansing of God. He had been changed all for the better. The remainder of Isaiah 6 deals with the message of change God would have him preach to the people of Judah. In reality how can we share with others how to take the steps towards change unless we too have been changed. At some point every Christian reached a juncture of being “sick and tired” of who they once were without Christ?

Blessings,
Rod

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What Will Happen When You Die?

5/11/2013

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Please watch this video and take note of the many amazing and sad answers to this question.

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Next Stop Hell?

5/10/2013

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About a year and a half ago I delivered a message in response to Rob Bell’s book “Love Wins,” and this blog is based partly on that sermon. As we begin I’d like to share a story that you may have read somewhere before. The author is unknown but I feel sure there must be some southern blood coursing through his or her veins because of the way the story unfolds.

There was an old fellow living up in the hills and he had lived a full but not exactly saintly life and now was on his deathbed. He called his weeping wife to his side and said, “Sara, go to the fireplace and take out the third stone from the top.”

She did as instructed. “Reach in there and bring out what you find.” Her fingers touched a large Mason jar, and with some effort she pulled it up. The jar was full of cash.

“Sara when I go, I’m going to take all that money with me. I want you to put that jar up in the attic by the window. And I’ll get it as I go by on my way to heaven.”

His wife followed his instructions and that night the old fellow died.

After the funeral his wife remembered the Mason jar and went to the attic. There was the jar still full of money and by the window. “Oh,” the widow sighed. “I knew I should have put it in the basement.”

No matter who you talk to or what you read everyone has an opinion on heaven and hell. Even though the story above is humorous in reality hell is no laughing matter. Some like Rob Bell hold to the idea of a literal heaven while dismissing a literal hell. Your opinions or thinking regarding hell reveals a great deal about your view of the Bible and personal theology.

Those who hold to a non-literal view of hell typically question the inspiration and authority of God’s Word. From this position come three views of hell which are absolutely un-biblical, yet seem to be favored by many in society today. What is horrifying is that some Christians claim to hold to these views also.

The first position is known as the “Second Chance” view. Individuals who hold to this view believe that even after death there is still a way to escape the torments of hell. The writer of Hebrews indicates something totally different, note:

Hebrews 9:27 (ESV) And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,

The word “judgment” in this passage literally means a “separating” and is also translated as “condemnation.” The ideas of “separating” and “condemnation” are meant to be understood as eternal in nature, and therefore eliminate any second chance an individual might have of exiting hell once he/she enters.

The second heretical position is known as the “Annihilationism” view which teaches the cessation of existence upon death. The idea is body and soul are destroyed as a consequence of sin and therefore there is no sense of consciousness. In essence hell becomes an eternal incinerator that destroys all that enters. The Scriptural teachings on the two types of resurrection reveal this to be a false belief in hell. Note this passage from the Gospel of John:

John 5:28-29 (ESV) Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice 29 and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.

Even those who have died and are lost will be resurrected at the end of time, and judged at the Great White Throne judgment of God. This in itself would indicate those who die in their lost-ness do not cease to exist. The soul of man is eternal and the only question remaining is where the soul will resides – in heaven or in hell.

The third position is known as the “Universalism” view. Those who hold to this view believe all are eternally saved. This is also known as the “Sooner or later all will be saved theory.” This view promotes a perverted view of God and His love. The argument many of you have heard before goes something like this, “Because God is a God of love He would never send anyone to hell, and this type of punishment is far too severe for man’s sin.”

There are actually two forms of this view. The older position teaches that after a period of temporary punishment salvation would come to the individual. The newer position states that all of mankind is already saved even though most have not come to the realization of their salvation. In essence this is the view Rob Bell wrote about in his book “Love Wins.” Note the words of Christ in these two verses:

John 3:16, 36 (ESV) “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. … 36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

The “Whoever” here makes all the difference. The context indicates not all will believe or be saved and spared from an eternal hell. Now many in our society believe that a person holding to a literal interpretation of these verses is a hateful and vengeful being who rarely see the good in anything. In actuality the literal position is what Christ Jesus taught. In essence holding to a non-literal view of hell based upon this position makes Christ Jesus a liar and God the Father and immoral monster.

Society as a whole may not like the idea of a literal hell or of a God that would condemn one to a place of eternal torment, but frankly it doesn’t matter if society approves of this position because the truth of God’s Word is unchanging. One cannot logically separate God’s love from His judgment because of the reality of sin and the price that must be paid. God is a loving God which is why He provided a way out of hell through the sacrifice of His Son Christ Jesus.

There is a fourth and right position known simply as the “Biblical” view. During the Olivet Discourse Christ Jesus teaches on end-time events, and it is during this discourse He makes the following statement concerning those who are lost:

Matthew 25:41 (ESV) “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.

The context of this verse addresses what is known as the “Judgment of the Nations.” Note the wording Christ uses, “eternal fire” which speaks of not only a judgment but the sentence of this particular judgment. This is an everlasting sentence, i.e. a form of punishment which never ends. This is the final abode for Satan and his demons. What I would find so terrifying if I were lost is that this is a place created specifically for the demonic realm and not human habitation. Yet at the end of time there is no other place for those who are lost to spend eternity other than hell.

Here’s another reality check. If you’re reading this and you do not know Jesus the Christ as your Savior and Lord then the best you can ever expect is the life you have today upon this earth. What awaits the lost person is something that I would never wish upon even my worst enemy. Note the following passage:

Luke 16:23-26 (ESV) and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. 24 And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.’ 25 But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. 26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.’

Hell is many things such as a place of “unquenchable fire, thirst, remorse, torment, misery and pain.” But worst of all hell is a place of divine wrath and separation from God for all eternity. The thought of any human being spending their eternal life in hell should be disturbing to all of us, and especially Christians who have experienced the blessing of a promised eternal life with God. There is much more I could write about the reality of hell but I close with these two thoughts and passages.

One, to object to a biblical view of hell is to demean God and taint His Character. By somehow suggesting that God is partial is to question His sovereignty and goodness. And to suggest that God’s Word is a contradiction would be to taint His character and call Him a liar.

Romans 2:11-12 (ESV) For God shows no partiality. 12 For all who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law.

God is more than fair with man, and He has demonstrated His non-partiality by the dispensing of His love through His Son Jesus the Christ.

Two, all can be assured that the reality of hell will never diminish God’s love for humanity. Truthfully the reality of hell actually magnifies His love. For some this may seem illogical but let’s look at the words of Christ again.

John 3:17-18 (NASB) "For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. 18 "He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

For God knowing the reality of hell demonstrates His great love for humanity because He willingly provides a way of salvation for all who would believe. He does this at a great cost to Himself by the surrendering of His Son. Think for moment, God could have stated that the cost was too high and simply began a new, but even knowing in eternity past the failure of mankind He still chose to love us and follow through on our behalf. I close with this passage:

2 Peter 3:9 (NASB) The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.

I pray you know Christ as your Savior and Lord!

Blessings,
Rod

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Stand with Scouts Sunday

5/7/2013

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Last Sunday evening the Family Research Council hosted the event “Stand with Scouts Sunday” in Washington, DC. Scouting in America is under attack culturally and from the radical homosexual agenda on the left. In just a few days 1700 scouting representatives will gather and vote on changing the moral standards of scouting here in our country.

Please click the link below and watch the video from the FCR event, and then set aside a time each day to pray for those who will be voting on this proposed change. Together let’s put this in God’s hands.

Blessings,
Rod

http://standwithscoutssunday.org/

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Next Stop Heaven?

5/1/2013

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Several times a year I receive questions from parishioners and others regarding what the Bible teaches about death and the afterlife. Normally these questions arise after a tragedy like those in the Boston bombing and the explosion in West Texas, or at other times from those who are struggling with the loss of someone close. I received one of these questions last week from one of my blog readers. Her specific question is; “Do we as Christians go right to heaven when we die and see God, or do we have to wait until He returns at His Second Coming?”

Those sitting under my preaching and teaching most likely will not be shocked at my next statement. When there are varying opinions on a biblical topic I try to be upfront with folks by telling them I’m biased in my beliefs. Matter of fact I believe we’re all biased to some degree no matter how hard we try to be objective on any given subject. As I’ve told others “we all come to the table with our own presuppositions.” I really try not to be so dogmatic about most issues, but in my mind there are some topics that are just simply black and white. On the subjects of death, heaven and hell I’m unbendable because I believe the Scriptures are clear regarding these matters.

There are several basic views of the afterlife along with a few variations within groups. Of course we have the atheists, agnostics, and humanist with their views ranging from “nonexistence” to “I don’t care.” There are also non-Christian semi-cultic views taught by Mormons and Jehovah Witnesses with their beliefs in multi-tiered heavens. Let’s not forget Jehovah Witnesses also teach the false doctrine of “annihilation” meaning there is no literal hell. Then there are those like Rob Bell of the Emergent Church Movement who believe in heaven but not necessarily a literal hell; their view of hell is best represented in the hardships and troubles we face in this life. These are all heretical views and we can also include the teachings of purgatory and the false doctrine of soul sleep.

When I’m dealing with someone who is full of questions and doubts concerning eternity I will often answer their questions with another set of questions. Usually the conversation goes something like this:

Parishioner: “Pastor Rod I’m really struggling with the death of my mother and the whole idea of heaven. Do you believe heaven is real?

Me: “Let me ask you a question. Do you believe God is real?”

Parishioner: “Yes, I believe God is real.”

Me: “Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and in fact is God Himself?”

Parishioner: “Yes I believe Jesus is God.”

Me: “Do you believe the Bible is God’s Word and testimony to mankind?”

Parishioner: “Yes.”

Me: “Then if you believe Jesus to be the son of God and the Bible is His Word do you in some way believe God can or would lie to you?”

Parishioner: “NO – because God is sinless and He can’t lie.”

Me: “You’re right – God doesn't lie and His Word contains the answers you seek.”

Clearly I approach the conversation with a presupposition that the Bible is true in all it teaches, and that God is Who He says He is and would not lie in regards to any of these matters. Now obviously this approach and using these types of questions wouldn't work very well for someone who didn’t at least have a basic Christian background. In fact the tactics I use with a non-Christian would be vastly different but my presuppositions wouldn’t change. Let’s keep in mind the answer to our question is directed toward those who are Christians. Please also remember my teachings are from an Orthodox Christian view of God and the Bible, and I’m only addressing the heaven side of the coin in this article. Next week I’ll write on the reality of hell and the destiny of the unbeliever.

First, everyone living will die at some point or at least be “translated” at the return of Christ. It doesn't really matter if you believe in a “pre, mid, or post” rapture regarding the translating or glorification of the believers body, other than at some point it will be changed if you’re living during His return.

1 Corinthians 15:50-55 (ESV) I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 51 Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. 53 For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. 54 When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” 55 “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”

Here are some things to note from the passage above. The Apostle Paul’s use of the word “sleep” is as a euphemism for death, and he conveys to us that some believers will be alive when Jesus returns and their bodies will be supernaturally changed. The words “perishable” and “imperishable” addresses physical and spiritual bodies which are and are not susceptible to decay. The Apostle clearly states this is a mystery and that some facets are really beyond our full comprehension. What we do know is that there is life after death and at some future point physical bodies will change to eternal glorified bodies.

Second, when Christ Jesus was preparing His disciples for His departure from this earth He sought to comfort them with these words.

John 14:1-4 (ESV) “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.”

Christ teaches the concept of a literal heaven where each believer will possess a place to eternally dwell. This is one of the greatest truths about death for the Christian; when a believer dies he/she enters into the very presence and fellowship of God. Now to be frank with you some do teach the idea of “soul sleep,” and using this passage they might say heaven isn’t ready for occupancy yet. I won’t go into great depth about this false doctrine other than to point out its basic teaching. Those who promote “soul sleep” believe when one dies his/her soul enters into some sort of state of unconscious hibernation, and only after the events of the world run their course are these individuals awakened at the last resurrection. Two of the primary verses used for promoting the doctrine of “soul sleep” are found in Ecclesiastes 9:5 and 12:7. In Ecclesiastes 9 Solomon simply points out that while one is living he has a sense of hope and the ability to enjoy life, but once death comes to an individual the capability no longer exist to experience the things of this life especially for those who are spiritually dead.

The Apostle Paul on the other hand speaks of the joy a believer has awaiting him/her at death. For the Christian death brings on a new sense of reality as he/she leaves this body of corruption and spiritually steps into the presence of God and His heaven.

Philippians 1:21-24 (ESV) For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.

He writes this letter from Rome not knowing if he will be condemned by Caesar, but he does know if he lives or dies it will be according to God’s will. Some have taken the Apostle’s words as some sort of death wish but nothing could be further from the truth. He simply realized if he were to live it would be for the benefit of the Saints and the glory of Christ. Yet he also knew that if he were to die at the command of Caesar he had a better and eternal life waiting for him with Christ. Read verse 23 again and it becomes apparent that the Apostle Paul believed that death would immediately place him in the presence of Christ Who sits at the right hand of the Father in heaven presently.

There are numerous other passages which support the same idea as the Apostle Paul gave us in Philippians chapter 1. Notice the following passages and how the inhabitants of heaven are conscious and active in the worship and praise of God.

Revelation 4:1-4, 9-11 (ESV) After this I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven! And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” 2 At once I was in the Spirit, and behold, a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne. 3 And he who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian, and around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald. 4 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones were twenty-four elders, clothed in white garments, with golden crowns on their heads. … 9 And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 11 “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”

There is much discussion about who the 24 elders are in Revelation chapter 4, but what is clear is that these are not angelic beings. Most scholars and commentators agree these 24 elders are representatives of both Old and New Testament saints based upon the garments and crowns they wear, and their actions in association with those crowns as the angelic creatures cry out “holy, holy, holy.” For Christians the crowns cast at the feet of Christ are those that will be given at His Judgment Seat based upon one’s work during this life, (1 Corinthians 3:10 – 15; 4:1 – 5).

Note also this passage from Revelation chapter 15, and let me remind you unconscious or hibernating people do not sing praises to God.

Revelation 15:2-3 (ESV) And I saw what appeared to be a sea of glass mingled with fire—and also those who had conquered the beast and its image and the number of its name, standing beside the sea of glass with harps of God in their hands. 3 And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, “Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations!

Some might argue that the passage above takes place during the time of tribulation here on earth to which I would agree, but this doesn't change the fact that individuals who have died are actively participating in the worship of God while in heaven. Heaven is a place of rest but it isn’t a place of unconscious rest and inactivity. The type of rest the Scriptures speak of concerning heaven is a type of spiritual Sabbath. This is a rest for our heart and soul where we enjoy a perpetual fellowship with God in combination with our worship of Him.

Matthew 11:28-29 (ESV) Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Hebrews 4:9-10 (ESV) So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, 10 for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his.

As part of our active worship we will sing praises and serve God, and there is an indication we will also learn from the Master Himself – Christ Jesus.

Revelation 22:3 (ESV) No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him.

1 Corinthians 13:9-10 (NLT) Now our knowledge is partial and incomplete, and even the gift of prophecy reveals only part of the whole picture! 10 But when full understanding comes, these partial things will become useless.

Third, the bottom line is not so much a debate on whether heaven is real but rather that no individual will enter heaven without a reservation. God the Father resides in heaven and no one enters that place except through Jesus the Christ, (John 14:6). Heaven is a place of holiness and filled with God’s righteousness.

Revelation 21:27 (ESV) But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

Fourth and lastly, I should mention for someone to suggest that heaven and eternity are not real then that person would in essence be calling Christ Jesus a liar, and I would not want to be that person on the day of reckoning.

In closing I share the story titled, “What’s Heaven like?” The author is unknown but it certainly makes me think about heaven on a more personal level.

Blessings in the Name of Christ,
Rod

What’s Heaven Like?

“As a boy, I thought of heaven as a city with domes, spires, and beautiful streets, inhabited by angels. By and by my little brother died, and I thought of heaven much as before, but with one inhabitant that I knew. Then another died, and then some of my acquaintances, so in time I began to think of heaven as containing several people that I knew. But it was not until one of my own little children died that I began to think I had treasure in heaven myself. Afterward another went, and yet another. By that time I had so many acquaintances and children in heaven that I no more thought of it as a city merely with streets of gold but as a place full of inhabitants. Now there are so many loved ones there I sometimes think I know more people in heaven than I do on earth.

Source unknown

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