Two students were knocking on doors evangelizing. One of those doors was answered by a mother. It was not a good day. The house was crazy, kids were going nuts, and she was clearly tired and frazzled. They asked her: “Are you interested in eternal life?” Looking around at her chaotic life she replied: “Frankly, … Continue reading To give you the crown of glory
heaven
Bringing heaven home
We’ve spent some time thinking about our true citizenship. Paul says that “our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20). That reality has implications for the lives we are leading right now. The ancient city of Philippi was a Roman colony. Rome had tonnes of people, including retired soldiers. The city was too small to support … Continue reading Bringing heaven home
Not just eventually, but presently
Forever is a big deal. Heaven is a big deal. Eternity is a big deal. You and I have probably thought about those things a lot. That makes sense. We should. Not only is eternity with God something to look forward to, but it gives us hope in the here and now. That’s the part … Continue reading Not just eventually, but presently
Getting heaven into you
“And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you” (Romans 8:11). There are days when we need a reminder that in Christ you are not … Continue reading Getting heaven into you
Living by the light of tomorrow’s sun
Hope. It changes things. C.R. Wiley says it like this: “We live by the light of tomorrow’s sun, and that sun is the Lord God.”* He cites the description of Eden restored in Revelation 22:5: “There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the … Continue reading Living by the light of tomorrow’s sun
Make our hearts a map of heaven
The Puritans are often given a bad rap. If someone says you are “puritanical,” they are not giving you a compliment. This is an unfortunate result of people not knowing what they’re talking about. The actual Puritans (and not the modern, dismissive caricature) were a group of Protestant Christians who primarily lived from the mid-1600’s … Continue reading Make our hearts a map of heaven
Can we earn heaven?
I was recently asked this question: “What Jesus says in Matthew 7:21 unsettles me because it indicates that you can only get into heaven if you do God’s will. I thought we couldn’t earn heaven so this seems a bit confusing to me. I'm also very aware of my many faults and sins! Can you … Continue reading Can we earn heaven?
When nice things become ultimate things
Jesus said: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21). Last week we spent time talking about your soul and about how your soul has an appetite. Fill it with the wrong thing … Continue reading When nice things become ultimate things
Will you knock in vain on a closed door?
Jesus healed a man who was born blind. This irked some of the Pharisees. They peppered the man who was healed (and his parents) with questions, trying to discredit the man or the miracle. Quite understandably, he got tired of repeatedly explaining how it happened. “I have told you already,” he said, “and you would … Continue reading Will you knock in vain on a closed door?
Heaven’s appetizer
One day a week for rest and worship is heaven’s appetizer. Here’s what I mean. Think of an appetizer. It’s something that tastes good and is satisfying, but makes you anticipate or look forward to the full meal that is yet to come. It whets your appetite. That’s what the day of rest and worship … Continue reading Heaven’s appetizer
