What do you think heaven will be like? I know the Book of Revelation uses lots of cryptic language to portray it being a place of joy and beauty. But, “What we will do in heaven?” is the question I guess I am really thinking about. Too many people think heaven is going to be like a never-ending church service. Even the most devout member could find that uninviting. Surveys say the average American relates attending church with the word “boredom.” So, if heaven is going to be eternally attending church, no thanks! Imagine eternal boredom. This is definitely not my vision of heaven!
Heaven is going to be exciting! We will be in God’s presence and be perfected by having been released from this flesh. Not only will we not be sinful anymore but we will live among the millions who are freed from sin. Romans 6:10 refers to Christ and tells us, “The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.” The Scripture says we will be like Him, namely perfect! Yes, even our preachers! (Good news, I know.)
That reminds me of a story about a member of a congregation who had undergone a serious operation and was still under the influence of the anaesthesia when the preacher arrived, so the minister said a brief prayer and left. The next day the preacher returned and asked the patient if he had been aware of his visit. "I vaguely remember your visit yesterday. I remember opening my eyes and thinking 'I can't be in Heaven. . .there's the preacher." Ouch!
Heaven is going to the ultimate exhilaration! We will be surrounded by angels, the great saints from the Bible, our loved ones that were washed in the blood of the Lamb and await us there in His presence. It will be the ultimate reunion! The ultimate celebration! The party that never ends! Biggest joy will be living in the presence of our loving God.
Heaven is going to be exciting! We will be in God’s presence and be perfected by having been released from this flesh. Not only will we not be sinful anymore but we will live among the millions who are freed from sin. Romans 6:10 refers to Christ and tells us, “The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.” The Scripture says we will be like Him, namely perfect! Yes, even our preachers! (Good news, I know.)
That reminds me of a story about a member of a congregation who had undergone a serious operation and was still under the influence of the anaesthesia when the preacher arrived, so the minister said a brief prayer and left. The next day the preacher returned and asked the patient if he had been aware of his visit. "I vaguely remember your visit yesterday. I remember opening my eyes and thinking 'I can't be in Heaven. . .there's the preacher." Ouch!
Heaven is going to the ultimate exhilaration! We will be surrounded by angels, the great saints from the Bible, our loved ones that were washed in the blood of the Lamb and await us there in His presence. It will be the ultimate reunion! The ultimate celebration! The party that never ends! Biggest joy will be living in the presence of our loving God.
Once a year there is an event in Southern California that gives us a snapshot of what heaven will be like. That event is called the Pepperdine Bible Lectures. It is a special week of celebration of our Lord and His people. Thousands gather for warm, spirited praise and fellowship. A great place to see old friends in the faith and meet new brothers and sisters. Thousands praising God in inspirational worship and spending time joyously visiting with each other. Wow. Sounds like heaven. . .
Having just returned from this year’s Lectureship all I can say is that whatever barriers prevent you from attending I ask that you petition the Lord to overcome and make it possible to go next year. Many Christians told me, “I cannot go John because ...” and then list expenses or schedules. I get that. I’ll cut this short and simply state that the amount of spiritual impact & empowerment granted for going to the Pepperdine Lectures convinces me that you cannot afford not to go.
Post a comment. Lets talk about this. Go to http://www.pepperdine.edu/biblelectures for more. To order messages check out http://www.purelogicvideo.com/
Blessings,
<>< John
