Today as we celebrate our freedom as Americans, my thoughts are turning to a heavenly country and an unlimited freedom.
TripAdvisor for Heaven
Tomorrow at Family Church we’re going to look at heaven as described by those to whom God gave just a glimpse. I don’t know about you, but if I’m going to spend eternity somewhere, I’d like to know a little more about it. The Bible is our TripAdvisor for heaven. It tells us what heaven is like, what we’ll do there and the places we can eat. Yes, there will be food in heaven. Why else would God invite us to the marriage supper of the Lamb?
The Apostle John describes our eternal destination like this, “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.’ And he who was seated on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new'” (Rev. 21:3-5).
Heaven is “New and Improved” Heavens and Earth
Heaven is a real place and it’s more than clouds and harps. It’s more than eternal praise songs. We aren’t transformed into chubby angels, but rather our existing bodies are transformed into “new and improved” bodies (1 Cor. 15:42-44). The Bible clearly tells us that there are rewards in heaven and work to be done.
If I use a little Biblical imagination, I would say that we will have new, powerful bodies and minds and we’ll use them. We will train, compete, learn, solve problems, and manage people and projects. We will invent new technologies. We will enjoy and create new great works of art.
Heaven is a place where EVERYTHING is made new. It’s all “new and improved”–and who doesn’t like that? We will also be free from some things–free from death, sorrow and pain. It’s a hard-won freedom–bought with the precious blood of Jesus–and it’s ultimate freedom.
Heaven is Worth Living for Today
Some of us celebrate our American freedom by getting as much earthly pleasure as we can get. We want to get it while the gettin’ is good. Maybe that’s because we don’t really think there’s something better. The Bible makes it clear that there is something better. How we live today will affect our eternal tomorrows. And how we think we’ll live our eternal tomorrows will affect how we live today. Don’t miss your opportunity to have more and better freedom in a more and better life. Repent and believe the gospel of Jesus today so you can start dreaming about your trip to heaven. If you’re not certain that heaven is your eternal destination, join us at Family Church tomorrow so we can help you start planning your trip.