Throughout the history of the church, God’s people have been preoccupied with heaven. Believers who do not have heaven on their minds trivialize their lives, hinder the power of the church, and become absorbed with the fading things of this world. A genuine and strong longing for heaven has many important implications and benefits for the Christian:1. This longing is one of the surest indicators of genuine salvation. Luke 12:334 says “Where your treasure is, there you heart will be also.”2. A genuine and strong longing for heaven produces the highest and noblest Christian character. Colossians 3:1 reminds us “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God.”3. A genuine longing for heaven brings joy and comfort in trials. 2 Corinthians 4:17 reminds us “For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison.”4. This longing becomes a preservative against sin. Colossians 3:2 says, “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” 5. This desire for heaven gives us a desire to serve the Lord and other believers as we are able. Galatians 5:13 tells us, … READ MORE

Jesus started His week of the crucifixion by making His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, but it was not to be the entrance that the disciples thought it was going to be. He entered to die, His kingdom was not of this world, it was a kingdom of heaven. As we turn to the book of Revelation 21 we see that the ultimate fulfillment of prophecy is the establishment of a New Heaven and a New Earth. Not one like we had only new, but one that is different and distinct. We are told that the old earth and heaven will pass away, and a New Heaven will be a part of the eternal rule of our Savior, who has become the fulfillment of the promise from of old. The New Heaven and New Earth is the place where all tears will be wiped away, all pain will end, and there will be on more death! What a promise to look forward too! A New Heaven and Earth is being prepared for those who enjoy a relationship with Christ. This weekend is a time we focus on the death and resurrection of Christ, make it a special time of hope and … READ MORE

It is important that we hold a Biblical view of the afterlife. Not only is heaven a reality, but so too is hell. We have this lifetime to decide if we will accept the plan of God through salvation, for there is “no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12). Separation from God is as long as entrance into the New Heaven and New Earth, and Revelation 21:8 says, “but the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” This is a reminder that this place is real. The reference to the fact that they “have their part” ties this verse to Revelation 20:10 which says, “The devil, who deceived, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone … and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. We don’t have to like the reality of this teaching to accept it to be true. Use this truth as a motivation to turn to the Lord, as you realize what He has offered you deliverance from. Use this truth … READ MORE