On Heaven

  One of the things I think we don't talk about enough is Heaven. We talk a lot about the temporary, the present, but we often forget to talk about and dwell on eternity, and our eternal destination: Heaven. Heaven is one of life's great mysteries, which this writer believes and holds true will be well worth the wait. There are many things we don't know about Heaven, but there are a few we do. The following ideas that follow are a Christian perspective on Heaven.

1) Heaven is a reality where God is said to dwell-Numerous examples throughout the Old Testament show that God dwells in Heaven, gives gifts from Heaven, is worshiped in Heaven, and the list can go on and on and on. A lot happens in Heaven. One of the main things we want you to understand is that Heaven is the ultimate destination of your future. That destination won't change, cannot be altered, isn't affected by your circumstances, and it's a place you can never be taken away from. Be comforted and assured that no matter what your government does, your children get into, your bank account reads, etc. Your citizenship in Heaven cannot be taken away from you!

2) The Kingdom of Heaven is here but not fully realized- This is not an easy thing for people to understand. When you arrive at a party or at work you are totally 100% there and fully realized. But, it can be tough to see how something is here but not fully realized. One thing we know for sure, the Kingdom of Heaven is directly tied to the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. Throughout his earthly ministry Jesus preached for sinners to repent for the Kingdom is near or at hand. We believe that the Kingdom will be fully realized in the second coming, but we do see glimpses of the Kingdom right now. When a marriage comes back together after being on the brinks, the Kingdom shows. When someone sacrificially gives to others who are hungry, tired, cold, or thirsty, the Kingdom shows. When someone who has been controlled or addicted by external forces gives that up and pursues help, the Kingdom shows. When children talk innocently and plainly about their faith and trust in God, the Kingdom shows. The list can go on and on and on. But, I think you get my point.

3) The Kingdom is our message- One of the biggest things I hear in fear of evangelism is people don't know what to say or are afraid they'll say something wrong. My best advice share the message Jesus shared. The kingdom of God has come and is for everyone. Jesus is not distant, impersonal, or doesn't care, Jesus Christ the Son of God has come to bring the Kingdom to it full reality and it will be a day you won't want to miss! That's the message the world needs to hear.