The key subject for this blog is the word "stress". I have talked about how it affects all humans, some key causes to stress, and how we can alleviate most of our stress in this life. When we talk about "heaven" is it safe to say that it will be a place where there will be no "stress" as we know it today? The subject of afterlife must be answered by all religions and worldviews. A few religions have no clear answer about afterlife, thus creating more stress for their followers. Most religions try to answer the question about afterlife by describing a world beyond this one that is quite different than the one we are experiencing now. A place usually described as free from pain, death, sadness, and stress. Most religions teach of an afterlife called "heaven" or "nirvana". Well, the concept of heaven is described in greater detail in Revelation 21. It would seem that after the earth has been cleansed by fire, God will bring heaven and earth together, and this will be the new heaven and earth described in Scripture. God Himself, the Lamb of God will personally sit and rule over all the earth from His throne in Jerusalem. All those who have accept and declared Jesus to be Lord and Savior will rule and reign with Him on this new earth/heaven. For you see, the Scriptural description of heaven is not a place out in the middle of the universe, but it is the place where Jesus is.
In this new heaven and earth, several new realities will be experienced that will remove the stresses that we face living in a sinful world. First, God's presence will be realized in all it's fullness (3). God will be with His people. Second, God's comfort will be personally experienced in it's fullness (4). No more tears, sorrow, pain, or death will be a part of heaven's residents. Third, all of God's promises will be lived out and fulfilled. Fourth, all the blessings of God will be experienced and lived under for all of eternity. There will be no more curses, but we will live in the constant healing that flows from the throne of God. The residents of heaven will bask forever in the light of God's glory, and it will be the source of power that draws the nations of the world to God's very throne to worship and adore Him forever . God Almighty, the Lord Jesus Christ will be the center of the universe in this new heaven and earth, and forever more we will serve, worship, and enjoy the most meaningful of all lives, without the stresses that distract us from a perfect work. With our eyes fixed forward heaven, we can look forward to a less stressed life. Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.
Monday, May 14, 2012
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Back to the Future (Part 19)
Everyone can think a place that they would rather not go; places that cause the heart to beat a little faster in fear, and moisten the palms of our hands with perspiration. For me, just the thought of going to get a shot causes me anxiety, even though I know most shots don't really hurt. The idea of talking or visiting with someone from the IRS causes some stress even when I know all the paperwork is in working order. And as a pastor, it takes some prompting of my self-conscience to go to the home of someone I know may be upset with me. Yet as a Christian (a person who has given their heart to Jesus Christ and is committed to follow Him where-ever He leads), there is one destination of the most stressful kind, that we will never have to visit, and that is hell. In Revelation chapter 20, the apostle John gives us a glimpse into hell and the lake of fire, two places that were made for the devil and his angels; yet a place that all people will go who choose to reject Christ as Savior and Lord, and try to get to heaven on their own terms.
God is perfect, holy, and righteous. Sin is not conforming to God's law and standard of living. So by the very definition, sin and God can never mix, ever. So while heaven is the place where God dwells, it makes perfect sense that hell would be the place that sin demands. The Bible states that all humanity who have rejected Christ Jesus will stand before the Righteous Judge at the Great White Throne Judgement (20:11-15), not to defend themselves but to hear their sentence. All the lost will be judged from several books, including the Bible and the Lamb's Book of Life, and their final sentence will be eternal death in the lake of fire. There will be no second chances, no do-overs, no mercy. The punishment for a sinful, rebellious attitude toward God's Word will manifest itself in this awful place called the Lake of Fire. As Christians, we are quick to warn people about a bad restaurant, but why in God's name are we timid to warn people about a places Jesus mentioned more times than heaven, hell. If we are truly walking close to Christ, then we will have the passion to tell more people about the realities of hell, a place that should bring fear to our heart anytime we hear the word.
God is perfect, holy, and righteous. Sin is not conforming to God's law and standard of living. So by the very definition, sin and God can never mix, ever. So while heaven is the place where God dwells, it makes perfect sense that hell would be the place that sin demands. The Bible states that all humanity who have rejected Christ Jesus will stand before the Righteous Judge at the Great White Throne Judgement (20:11-15), not to defend themselves but to hear their sentence. All the lost will be judged from several books, including the Bible and the Lamb's Book of Life, and their final sentence will be eternal death in the lake of fire. There will be no second chances, no do-overs, no mercy. The punishment for a sinful, rebellious attitude toward God's Word will manifest itself in this awful place called the Lake of Fire. As Christians, we are quick to warn people about a bad restaurant, but why in God's name are we timid to warn people about a places Jesus mentioned more times than heaven, hell. If we are truly walking close to Christ, then we will have the passion to tell more people about the realities of hell, a place that should bring fear to our heart anytime we hear the word.
Monday, April 16, 2012
Back to the Future (Part 18)
As we continue our journey through the book of Revelation, we arrive at chapter 19, a chapter that describes two suppers. I rarely have met anyone who would tell me that they did not like supper time. Some of my greatest memories growing up happened around the supper table...and even breakfast and lunch tables. Overall, I enjoyed eating, and it will continue to be an enjoyable activity in heaven. The first meal is recorded in verses 1-10, and it is commonly known as "The Marriage Supper of the Lamb." This meal is clearly invitation only. Revelation 19:9 is an invitation to both O.T. & tribulation believers to join the bride in this supper. This meal represents the consummation between the bride (church) and the groom (Lamb/Jesus), at last, reunited for all time. All the saints, every human who is saved, will be apart of this supper to celebrate the long awaited reunion with the Lover of our souls.
In verses 11-21 we read of the second meal, a meal not so appetising. This supper could be called "The Supper of the Great God" in which God will judge the world by the word of His mouth, and as a result, all those on the earth who stood opposed to His will and reign will be destroyed. There will be no long drawn out battles. There will be no questing the outcome. In fact the vultures are called together to prepare to feast on the carcases of those who will all be destroyed in the Battle of Armageddon. And the Bible states that while the beast and false prophet will be cast into the lake of fire, the rest of humanity will be cast into hell, waiting for their eternal sentence before the Great White Throne judgment of God. There is only one supper that each one of us should long to be a part of, but only those who have accepted Jesus as Savior will be allowed into the event. Have you? If you have, then your life should be less stressful then those who continue to stand oppose to Jesus (John 14:6). Well, until next time, keep walking with Christ.
In verses 11-21 we read of the second meal, a meal not so appetising. This supper could be called "The Supper of the Great God" in which God will judge the world by the word of His mouth, and as a result, all those on the earth who stood opposed to His will and reign will be destroyed. There will be no long drawn out battles. There will be no questing the outcome. In fact the vultures are called together to prepare to feast on the carcases of those who will all be destroyed in the Battle of Armageddon. And the Bible states that while the beast and false prophet will be cast into the lake of fire, the rest of humanity will be cast into hell, waiting for their eternal sentence before the Great White Throne judgment of God. There is only one supper that each one of us should long to be a part of, but only those who have accepted Jesus as Savior will be allowed into the event. Have you? If you have, then your life should be less stressful then those who continue to stand oppose to Jesus (John 14:6). Well, until next time, keep walking with Christ.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Back to the Future (Part 17)
Every human begins their journey as a rebel against God. This is a truth lived out in the world and lived out in Scripture. Even Satan, a created being, rebelled against God. Adam and Eve, created humans, rebelled against God's one law, and brought sin upon all mankind. In Genesis 6, man is so rebellious against God that God chooses to destroy the earth with the flood. Then after the flood, it is not long before those who witnessed and heard first hand accounts about God's power were rebelling against Him by building a tower called Babel, instead of populating all the earth as God commanded humans to do. It should not surprise us then when we come to the last book of the Bible, the past, present, and future heart of man can be summed up with that one word, "rebellious."
The title of "Babylon" in chapters 17 & 18 is not in reference to a particular city, but rather it represents man's rebellion toward God; a universal system that is being manipulated by the anti-Christ to pollute the whole world with his false message of religion, pride, and wealth. Babylon represents a false, evil, and wicked system, a cancer, that corrupts both the religious and economic systems of the world, in the end of time. The "mysterious woman" found in chapter 17 represents the conglomerate of all the false teachers, doctrines and religions on the earth. She is called the "Harlot", the opposite of the Church, "the Bride". This system will be intoxicating and addicting (vs.2), and the whole world will celebrate their rebellious heart against Almighty God. But as you read a little further in the chapters, you see the collapse of both systems as God begins to judgment humanity for their defiant rebellion against His Word. The end is always the same for those who choose to rebel against God, absolute discipline and judgment. This warning should always motive God's children to carefully listen, believe, and obey His every word. If we choose, that path, then our lives will be less stressful. Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.
The title of "Babylon" in chapters 17 & 18 is not in reference to a particular city, but rather it represents man's rebellion toward God; a universal system that is being manipulated by the anti-Christ to pollute the whole world with his false message of religion, pride, and wealth. Babylon represents a false, evil, and wicked system, a cancer, that corrupts both the religious and economic systems of the world, in the end of time. The "mysterious woman" found in chapter 17 represents the conglomerate of all the false teachers, doctrines and religions on the earth. She is called the "Harlot", the opposite of the Church, "the Bride". This system will be intoxicating and addicting (vs.2), and the whole world will celebrate their rebellious heart against Almighty God. But as you read a little further in the chapters, you see the collapse of both systems as God begins to judgment humanity for their defiant rebellion against His Word. The end is always the same for those who choose to rebel against God, absolute discipline and judgment. This warning should always motive God's children to carefully listen, believe, and obey His every word. If we choose, that path, then our lives will be less stressful. Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.
Monday, April 2, 2012
Back to the Future (Part 16)
In the Bible, songs, music, and singing takes on a significant role in both the Old and New Testaments. In fact we have one whole book devoted to praise and worship, Psalms. It should not surprise us then when we look into heaven we are constantly being reminded of the prominent role music and singing has in heaven. The worship around the throne of God is constant and always exalts one person, Jesus! John gives the reader another glimpse into heaven and the musical cantata from the choirs of heaven. We are told in Revelation chapter 15 that two particular musical arrangements are being sung: The Song of Moses and the Song of the Lamb. These two songs represent OT and NT saints all coming together as one voice, praising God for the victory they have experience through the work of the Son, Christ Jesus. It would seem that when we come to chapter 15, before the final round of judgments, all the saints are present in heaven, Jew and Gentile, worshiping with one voice the mighty works of King Jesus.
John MacArthur in his commentary on Revelation quotes John Phillips as he compares both songs in the following way. "The song of Moses was sung at the Red Sea, the song of the Lamb sung at the crystal sea; the song of Moses was a song of triumph over Egypt, the song of the Lamb is a song of triumph over Babylon; the song Moses told how God brought His people out, the song of the Lamb tells how God brings His people in; the song of Moses was the first song in Scripture, the song of the Lamb is the last. The song of Moses commemorated the execution of the foe, the expectation of the saints and the exaltation of the Lord; the song of the Lamb deals with the same three themes." The only real reason for having a eternal song in one's heart is knowing that we have been delivered from sin, death, and Satan himself; and only the child of God can make such a claim. With such a hope, we can expect to have a less stressed life when Jesus is the theme to our life's song. Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.
John MacArthur in his commentary on Revelation quotes John Phillips as he compares both songs in the following way. "The song of Moses was sung at the Red Sea, the song of the Lamb sung at the crystal sea; the song of Moses was a song of triumph over Egypt, the song of the Lamb is a song of triumph over Babylon; the song Moses told how God brought His people out, the song of the Lamb tells how God brings His people in; the song of Moses was the first song in Scripture, the song of the Lamb is the last. The song of Moses commemorated the execution of the foe, the expectation of the saints and the exaltation of the Lord; the song of the Lamb deals with the same three themes." The only real reason for having a eternal song in one's heart is knowing that we have been delivered from sin, death, and Satan himself; and only the child of God can make such a claim. With such a hope, we can expect to have a less stressed life when Jesus is the theme to our life's song. Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Back to the Future (Part 15)
Last time we looked at Revelation 12-14 where the Apostle John gives the readers a brief description of each of the key characters in this real life drama called "history" or "God's story". As with any play, movie, or drama, it is at the end where you see the true heroes and villains. It is at the end of the story in which everything you have witness comes together to it's rightful conclusion, as written by the author. Throughout the story or drama there may have been characters, plots, dialogue, and action that may not have been clearly recognized or understood in the moment; but a sign of a good movie or drama is to keep it's audience guessing or hooked to the very end. It is no different with all the events that will unfold at the end of time. A lot of action has played out in history for over six thousand years, and now it will come to a dramatic end.
John gives us three main scenes, the first deals with the hatred Satan has toward Israel and the Messiah (12). The second scene deals with the rise of the Anti-christ and false prophet in the end time (13). The last scene pictures the Victorious Lamb of God (14). It is the end of this drama that matters the most. Even when it seemed there were times when Satan might win, it is the final scene of victory in heaven that matters the most. The Lamb is standing with all the redeemed (14:1-5). The Lamb is shown in control of all events and giving out the final blessings and curses upon those who obey or disobey His offer of mercy. It was the Lamb who paid the ultimate price for sin by shedding His blood (5:6), yet now stands in victory over the enemies of the cross. And all those who chose to side with the Lamb, the overcomers, will too experience the victory of the Lamb. When you recognize and embrace Jesus as the only true Warrior, that fact alone should make your life less stressful. Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.
John gives us three main scenes, the first deals with the hatred Satan has toward Israel and the Messiah (12). The second scene deals with the rise of the Anti-christ and false prophet in the end time (13). The last scene pictures the Victorious Lamb of God (14). It is the end of this drama that matters the most. Even when it seemed there were times when Satan might win, it is the final scene of victory in heaven that matters the most. The Lamb is standing with all the redeemed (14:1-5). The Lamb is shown in control of all events and giving out the final blessings and curses upon those who obey or disobey His offer of mercy. It was the Lamb who paid the ultimate price for sin by shedding His blood (5:6), yet now stands in victory over the enemies of the cross. And all those who chose to side with the Lamb, the overcomers, will too experience the victory of the Lamb. When you recognize and embrace Jesus as the only true Warrior, that fact alone should make your life less stressful. Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Back to the Future (Part 14)
The only experience I have had in role playing was two different times in high school I signed up for the school play in drama class. In the first production I had a semi-prominent role, and in the second production I worked mainly behind the scenes. I really enjoyed by time on the set, working, building, memorizing, and watching the whole production come together. I may not be the smartest cookie in the jar, but one thing I know about dramas, skits, movies...when the time comes for the action to begin, not just anyone can jump on stage, or in front of the camera and join the cast. The cast has been chosen and pre-approved ahead of time by the director, to fill the needed roles. One might think they would make the best leading character, but quickly find out that the director has the final say in whether or not they get that staring role. In most cases, those who think they are the best in a particular role find out quickly that they don't have what it takes to fulfill the wishes of the director.
It is no different when we talk about the end time and the final act on earth. When the Apostle John writes Revelation 12-14, what he does is give us a brief description of all the main cast and characters in the great tribulation, so the readers will have a better understanding of the great drama that will unfolded in the near future. Every character has been appointed by God for a specific role, and each follow the script perfectly, even the villains. God, the master director has everything in order, even in an environment that seems chaotic. The following are the main characters: Sun-clothed woman (Israel, 12:1-2,5-6,13-17), great red dragon (Satan, 12:3-4,7-9,13-17,13:1), the male child (Christ, 12:5-6), Michael the Archangel (12:7-9), first great beast (anti-Christ, 13:1-8), 2nd beast (false prophet, 13:11-18), and The Lamb (Jesus the Risen Savior, 14:1-21). All cast and characters throughout history have been playing out their role on God's grand stage. God has not empowered any of the sinful acts of devil and men, but He has permitted them in order to bring Him the greatest of glory. This glory is seen in the last chapters of Revelation when we read that Jesus Christ is King of kings and Lord of lords, and Satan will be judged in the lake of fire forever. When we realize how powerful God truly is, then it makes our life on earth less stressful. Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.
It is no different when we talk about the end time and the final act on earth. When the Apostle John writes Revelation 12-14, what he does is give us a brief description of all the main cast and characters in the great tribulation, so the readers will have a better understanding of the great drama that will unfolded in the near future. Every character has been appointed by God for a specific role, and each follow the script perfectly, even the villains. God, the master director has everything in order, even in an environment that seems chaotic. The following are the main characters: Sun-clothed woman (Israel, 12:1-2,5-6,13-17), great red dragon (Satan, 12:3-4,7-9,13-17,13:1), the male child (Christ, 12:5-6), Michael the Archangel (12:7-9), first great beast (anti-Christ, 13:1-8), 2nd beast (false prophet, 13:11-18), and The Lamb (Jesus the Risen Savior, 14:1-21). All cast and characters throughout history have been playing out their role on God's grand stage. God has not empowered any of the sinful acts of devil and men, but He has permitted them in order to bring Him the greatest of glory. This glory is seen in the last chapters of Revelation when we read that Jesus Christ is King of kings and Lord of lords, and Satan will be judged in the lake of fire forever. When we realize how powerful God truly is, then it makes our life on earth less stressful. Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.
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