What compels us to go home?
Last week we went back to our home state of New Jersey for vacation. It was hectic, relaxing and affirming—all at the same time!
Trying to visit everyone we wanted to see was hectic. They’re all on different schedules.
We did manage to get to the Jersey Shore. Boardwalk. Sea gulls. Ocean. Very relaxing.
Then we took our new grandson to meet his great-grandparents. We ate a lot of good food and spent some wonderful time with family. Being with family can be very affirming.
In every culture people try to go home. Eventually most people want to go back.
Why do we have such a deep longing for home? Perhaps the Bible gives us a clue.
“Now hold on just a minute! What does going home have to do with the Bible?”
Because the story of humankind’s first home is in the Bible.
The Bible tells us that, in the beginning, the first man and woman lived in the Garden of Eden. It was a place God made to fit them perfectly. It was their home.
In Eden they had a close personal relationship with our Creator, God. Everything they needed was in the garden. They were loved and accepted completely and unconditionally.
Then everything changed.
According to the first book of the Bible, Genesis, Adam and Eve disobeyed God and were expelled from their home. They discovered that the world had become a very hostile place. But their sin prevented them from returning home.
Ever since humankind has longed to go home. To be homeward bound. To get to the place where we were loved, accepted and cared for. We think we will find it if we can just go home.
But even if we eventually return to our hometown, we discover everything has changed.
Try as we might, we cannot return to a time and place that now exists only in our minds. As someone once told me, “There’s no going back.”
Something in the human soul still longs for our ancient home in Eden where everything was perfect. But the truth is we will find it only when we reach our heavenly home.
The Bible says Abraham, the father of faith, was “looking forward to the city with foundations whose architect and builder is God.” Abraham lived in tents—temporary dwellings. According to the Bible, his longing for a permanent home was really a desire to be with God.
What’s more, Jesus said that when he returned to Heaven, he would “prepare a place” there for those who believe in him. The Bible explains that this place is not just for people of one race or nation. God wants everyone to be part of his ultimate heavenly home.
The only obstacle to keep us from reaching our ultimate home is the same one that kept Adam and Eve from going home--sin. But the message of the Bible is that God has provided a way home through Jesus Christ and his death on the cross for sin. It’s a free gift God paid for.
Now the only thing standing between home and us is whether we trust in Christ as our savior.
On the cross Jesus said, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” He was rejected from the family so we could be accepted in God’s family once again. And welcomed home.
As the Son of God, Jesus got what we deserved so we could receive what he deserved. So we could become sons and daughters of God and be homeward bound through faith in him.
Because of Christ, God invites us to come home.
Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!
Showing posts with label Heaven. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Heaven. Show all posts
Monday, September 28, 2009
Monday, June 8, 2009
Anticipation
In about an hour from the time I’m writing this, my daughter and three granddaughters will arrive for a visit. And I can hardly wait to see them!
It’s been six months since I last saw them at their home in another state. I want to hold them in my arms, to see how they’ve grown and to just plain love them.
My wife and I have been planning things to do and places to go with them since we first heard they were coming. We haven’t told them all our plans yet. It’s going to be a surprise!
Of course it’s nothing compared to the anticipation God must have or the things he has planned for his family!
“Now hold on just a minute! God has grandchildren?”
No, according to the Bible, God doesn’t have any grandchildren. But all who come to him through Jesus Christ become his children. And he’s looking forward to our homecoming.
The Bible says, “Yet to all who received him (Jesus), to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” So through faith in Jesus Christ, everyone can become a part of God’s forever family.
And he’s looking forward to the day we’re with him in Heaven! How do I know? Because the Bible says, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his holy ones [believers].”
Now that may strike you as odd because we look at death as a separation from our loved ones. But from God’s perspective, when one of his children dies, he or she is coming home. And I imagine that he’s just as delighted as we are when our children come home at Thanksgiving!
God also has some surprises planned and exciting things for us to do. People who imagine Heaven as clouds, harps and lounging around must not have read their Bibles!
The Bible says, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.” It’s wonderful beyond words!
Someone once said, “Don’t miss Heaven for the world!” Let’s face it—it’s too easy to let what Jesus called “the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth” make us so selfish that we’re no good for serving the God of Heaven. Don’t let that happen to you.
I wonder—is God looking forward to your homecoming in Heaven with anticipation and delight? Or is he hoping that you’ll finally see the light and start following him before it’s forever too late?
The Bible says, “I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” It also warns us: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.”
Has God been trying to get your attention? Sometimes he speaks through the words of a concerned friend. Other times it may be through a crisis.
One reason our lives can be such messes is because God is patient with us. He lets the consequences follow our bad decisions. He hopes we’ll learn something and turn back to him.
Here’s advice from the prophet Isaiah: “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the Lord and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.”
If you do that, one day God will have a “Welcome Home” party planned just for you.
Now don’t get me wrong. I want to live my life here as long as God allows. But when my time comes, I’m ready to go. The Bible says, “To depart and be with Christ…is better by far.”
Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!
It’s been six months since I last saw them at their home in another state. I want to hold them in my arms, to see how they’ve grown and to just plain love them.
My wife and I have been planning things to do and places to go with them since we first heard they were coming. We haven’t told them all our plans yet. It’s going to be a surprise!
Of course it’s nothing compared to the anticipation God must have or the things he has planned for his family!
“Now hold on just a minute! God has grandchildren?”
No, according to the Bible, God doesn’t have any grandchildren. But all who come to him through Jesus Christ become his children. And he’s looking forward to our homecoming.
The Bible says, “Yet to all who received him (Jesus), to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” So through faith in Jesus Christ, everyone can become a part of God’s forever family.
And he’s looking forward to the day we’re with him in Heaven! How do I know? Because the Bible says, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his holy ones [believers].”
Now that may strike you as odd because we look at death as a separation from our loved ones. But from God’s perspective, when one of his children dies, he or she is coming home. And I imagine that he’s just as delighted as we are when our children come home at Thanksgiving!
God also has some surprises planned and exciting things for us to do. People who imagine Heaven as clouds, harps and lounging around must not have read their Bibles!
The Bible says, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.” It’s wonderful beyond words!
Someone once said, “Don’t miss Heaven for the world!” Let’s face it—it’s too easy to let what Jesus called “the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth” make us so selfish that we’re no good for serving the God of Heaven. Don’t let that happen to you.
I wonder—is God looking forward to your homecoming in Heaven with anticipation and delight? Or is he hoping that you’ll finally see the light and start following him before it’s forever too late?
The Bible says, “I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” It also warns us: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.”
Has God been trying to get your attention? Sometimes he speaks through the words of a concerned friend. Other times it may be through a crisis.
One reason our lives can be such messes is because God is patient with us. He lets the consequences follow our bad decisions. He hopes we’ll learn something and turn back to him.
Here’s advice from the prophet Isaiah: “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the Lord and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.”
If you do that, one day God will have a “Welcome Home” party planned just for you.
Now don’t get me wrong. I want to live my life here as long as God allows. But when my time comes, I’m ready to go. The Bible says, “To depart and be with Christ…is better by far.”
Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!
Monday, February 9, 2009
Goodbye, Hello
Last week we said goodbye to our cat. She died Thursday, old and well loved.
Bria was faithful. She met us at the door with a meow. She sat in our laps while we watched TV. She lay on the floor near my feet while I worked on my computer.
She didn’t ask for much but gave a lot of love in return. She was a comforting companion.
It hurt to see her suffer. It hurt that we could do little to help. At least she didn’t suffer long.
If you’ve ever lost a pet, you know what we’ve been through. There’s an empty place in our home. I keep expecting to see her out of the corner of my eye.
On top of that, a special aunt also passed away last week. She was my dad’s closest sister.
I remember visiting in Aunt Jean’s home as a child and playing with my cousins. My uncle Joe was a preacher, too. Just like my dad. Now all three of them are gone.
My aunt’s passing reminded me of how much I miss my father. And my heart went out to my cousins who have had to say goodbye to both mother and father.
Losing a relative or a pet we love hurts. Every other time we said goodbye, we hoped to see them again. But last week we had to say the final goodbye. Twice.
The Bible compares death to a sting. At first the loss of a loved one can be almost unbearable. But with time the pain lessens. Eventually the heart heals. Until the next sting.
One thing about life I wasn’t prepared for. The longer you live the more you see death.
My dad came home from a funeral once and, from what he told me, it was one of the most difficult he ever had as a pastor. A man in his early forties had died in a hunting accident. His family was so distraught that they literally tried to pull him out of the coffin. True story.
Now while I miss my dad and others who have passed on, I have a sure hope I will see them again. And that helps me cope with grief.
OK, hold it right there for just a minute. Why is it that Christians talk about seeing their dead loved ones again? Isn’t that a little weird?
Not if you’re a student of the Bible.
The Bible teaches that there is life after this life. But it also says that decisions we make in this life affect our destination in the next.
God doesn’t want anyone to be surprised in eternity. So he tells us the facts of eternal life.
The Bible says people have eternal souls. It tells us that eternal life is available to everyone through faith in Jesus Christ.
What must you believe? That you are a sinner and you need a Savior. That Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for your sin. And that if you trust in him, Jesus will save your soul and take you to Heaven.
The Bible tells us that Heaven and Hell are real places. Just like New York City or Chicago.
For the Christ follower, the Bible says, “To be away from the body” is to be “at home with the Lord.” Reincarnation? No. With the Lord Jesus Christ.
Jesus once told a story that explained how we would one day join those who have died in faith before us. He said we would recognize them and be able to communicate with them. So while it’s “Goodbye” now, it will be “Hello” soon. Heaven is an amazing place!
So while saying a final goodbye is difficult, for the Christ follower it is an exercise of confident hope. Because we know that, one day soon, we will see our loved ones in Heaven.
Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!
Bria was faithful. She met us at the door with a meow. She sat in our laps while we watched TV. She lay on the floor near my feet while I worked on my computer.
She didn’t ask for much but gave a lot of love in return. She was a comforting companion.
It hurt to see her suffer. It hurt that we could do little to help. At least she didn’t suffer long.
If you’ve ever lost a pet, you know what we’ve been through. There’s an empty place in our home. I keep expecting to see her out of the corner of my eye.
On top of that, a special aunt also passed away last week. She was my dad’s closest sister.
I remember visiting in Aunt Jean’s home as a child and playing with my cousins. My uncle Joe was a preacher, too. Just like my dad. Now all three of them are gone.
My aunt’s passing reminded me of how much I miss my father. And my heart went out to my cousins who have had to say goodbye to both mother and father.
Losing a relative or a pet we love hurts. Every other time we said goodbye, we hoped to see them again. But last week we had to say the final goodbye. Twice.
The Bible compares death to a sting. At first the loss of a loved one can be almost unbearable. But with time the pain lessens. Eventually the heart heals. Until the next sting.
One thing about life I wasn’t prepared for. The longer you live the more you see death.
My dad came home from a funeral once and, from what he told me, it was one of the most difficult he ever had as a pastor. A man in his early forties had died in a hunting accident. His family was so distraught that they literally tried to pull him out of the coffin. True story.
Now while I miss my dad and others who have passed on, I have a sure hope I will see them again. And that helps me cope with grief.
OK, hold it right there for just a minute. Why is it that Christians talk about seeing their dead loved ones again? Isn’t that a little weird?
Not if you’re a student of the Bible.
The Bible teaches that there is life after this life. But it also says that decisions we make in this life affect our destination in the next.
God doesn’t want anyone to be surprised in eternity. So he tells us the facts of eternal life.
The Bible says people have eternal souls. It tells us that eternal life is available to everyone through faith in Jesus Christ.
What must you believe? That you are a sinner and you need a Savior. That Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for your sin. And that if you trust in him, Jesus will save your soul and take you to Heaven.
The Bible tells us that Heaven and Hell are real places. Just like New York City or Chicago.
For the Christ follower, the Bible says, “To be away from the body” is to be “at home with the Lord.” Reincarnation? No. With the Lord Jesus Christ.
Jesus once told a story that explained how we would one day join those who have died in faith before us. He said we would recognize them and be able to communicate with them. So while it’s “Goodbye” now, it will be “Hello” soon. Heaven is an amazing place!
So while saying a final goodbye is difficult, for the Christ follower it is an exercise of confident hope. Because we know that, one day soon, we will see our loved ones in Heaven.
Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!
Monday, January 26, 2009
Homesick
Last week I received an invitation to my fortieth High School Class Reunion. I guess that’s the official notice I’m now “old.”
It was exciting to hear our class is getting back together. Just thinking about visiting my hometown, seeing old friends and catching up with them made me a little homesick.
When I go, there are some places I’d like to visit. So I went online and started looking up addresses. What I discovered surprised me.
On some Google Maps there is an option called “Street Level” view. When I clicked on that, I saw that I could virtually “drive” through the streets of my hometown. It was amazing!
First I looked at my grandparents’ house. Across the street was the building where my great-grandfather had a meat market. A few doors down was a building that held a neighborhood store where I bought penny candy as a child.
Then I checked out the two houses my family lived in. I went by the schools I attended.
There was the gas station where I used to get air for my bike tires. I went by the appliance store once owned by a friend’s father. Downtown I saw where Joe’s Diner used to be.
It was almost an “out of body” experience—like I was THERE. Wow. I didn’t want to leave.
The feeling that came over me is hard to explain. Was it nostalgia, homesickness or a longing to go back to a simpler time?
There was a real sense of connection to my past. And even though I wasn’t there any more, somehow I felt like I still belonged there.
Dorothy had it right in the “Wizard of Oz.” There’s no place like home.
Then I thought, “You know what? Heaven is like that.”
Now hold it for just a minute. How is Heaven like looking at your hometown online?
Well, it’s like this: The Bible gives us a virtual picture of Heaven. We’re not there but, when you read about it, you can “see” it in your mind’s eye. Sort of a virtual reality.
In Heaven you’ll have that hometown feeling forever. And when you arrive, you’ll feel like you’re being welcomed to a combination high school and family reunion—and then some!
In his book “90 Minutes in Heaven,” Don Piper, describes his experience entering heaven like a reunion or a homecoming. It was a place where he felt he completely belonged.
Some people think that Heaven is a place where we’ll sit on clouds and play harps. But that’s just a result of someone’s active imagination.
According to the Bible, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him – but God has revealed it to us.”
In the Bible we read about a heavenly city. It’s called a “paradise.” Jesus will be there. It’s a place where there will be no more tears. We’re told people from every nation will be there.
It’s common now for people to pre-arrange their funerals. Have you made advance arrangements for eternity? Everyone will spend forever somewhere. Where will you be?
The Bible says, “The gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord.” If Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior, that’s all you need. Be sure you are trusting in him and his death on the cross for your sin.
The Bible is like God’s “Street Level” view of Heaven. It gives us just a glimpse of the ultimate hometown! One of the best parts? --It’s a place you’ll never want to leave.
Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!
It was exciting to hear our class is getting back together. Just thinking about visiting my hometown, seeing old friends and catching up with them made me a little homesick.
When I go, there are some places I’d like to visit. So I went online and started looking up addresses. What I discovered surprised me.
On some Google Maps there is an option called “Street Level” view. When I clicked on that, I saw that I could virtually “drive” through the streets of my hometown. It was amazing!
First I looked at my grandparents’ house. Across the street was the building where my great-grandfather had a meat market. A few doors down was a building that held a neighborhood store where I bought penny candy as a child.
Then I checked out the two houses my family lived in. I went by the schools I attended.
There was the gas station where I used to get air for my bike tires. I went by the appliance store once owned by a friend’s father. Downtown I saw where Joe’s Diner used to be.
It was almost an “out of body” experience—like I was THERE. Wow. I didn’t want to leave.
The feeling that came over me is hard to explain. Was it nostalgia, homesickness or a longing to go back to a simpler time?
There was a real sense of connection to my past. And even though I wasn’t there any more, somehow I felt like I still belonged there.
Dorothy had it right in the “Wizard of Oz.” There’s no place like home.
Then I thought, “You know what? Heaven is like that.”
Now hold it for just a minute. How is Heaven like looking at your hometown online?
Well, it’s like this: The Bible gives us a virtual picture of Heaven. We’re not there but, when you read about it, you can “see” it in your mind’s eye. Sort of a virtual reality.
In Heaven you’ll have that hometown feeling forever. And when you arrive, you’ll feel like you’re being welcomed to a combination high school and family reunion—and then some!
In his book “90 Minutes in Heaven,” Don Piper, describes his experience entering heaven like a reunion or a homecoming. It was a place where he felt he completely belonged.
Some people think that Heaven is a place where we’ll sit on clouds and play harps. But that’s just a result of someone’s active imagination.
According to the Bible, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him – but God has revealed it to us.”
In the Bible we read about a heavenly city. It’s called a “paradise.” Jesus will be there. It’s a place where there will be no more tears. We’re told people from every nation will be there.
It’s common now for people to pre-arrange their funerals. Have you made advance arrangements for eternity? Everyone will spend forever somewhere. Where will you be?
The Bible says, “The gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord.” If Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior, that’s all you need. Be sure you are trusting in him and his death on the cross for your sin.
The Bible is like God’s “Street Level” view of Heaven. It gives us just a glimpse of the ultimate hometown! One of the best parts? --It’s a place you’ll never want to leave.
Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!
Monday, December 29, 2008
Final Thoughts
No this isn’t my last column. At least I don’t think so.
However, since it’s the end of the year, this seems like a good time to reflect and ponder life.
Do you ever think about how short your life is? How every year seems to go by a little faster than the last one? Try to really THINK about it. Not just notice it and comment about it.
It’s good to pause and think about life’s brevity. To consider life’s end once in a while. It helps us see life as it really is and to make needed changes in our lives.
I enjoy talking with people about spiritual things. Often I’ll ask them a question such as, “When you die, what do you think you’ll find on the other side? What’s the final reality?”
It surprises me to hear some say, “I haven’t given it much thought.” Really? How could you not think about the most certain experience in the world?
“Now hold it just a minute,” I can hear someone say. “Isn’t all this talk a little morbid?”
Only if you think ignorance is bliss.
Take a minute and do the math. A man born in America today will live on average to age 75. A woman to age 80. Then what happens? They die and go somewhere forever.
So if we subtract 75 or 80 years from forever it equals—forever! And as they say, “Forever is a long, long time.”
People spend their lives planning and preparing for retirement. And how long does it last? Fifteen to twenty years? Or maybe thirty--if they’re blessed with good health and long life?
And remember--there’s no guarantee they’ll even make it to retirement!
But everyone is guaranteed to die. Last time I checked, no one exits planet earth alive.
Because of this fact of life, the Bible’s advice to us is, “Prepare to meet your God.”
Now the Bible doesn’t tell us that to frighten or scare us. The point is to encourage us to push the “Pause” button on our busy lives and think about what happens when life’s movie ends.
Listen to the wisdom of God’s Word: “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the dust returns to the ground it came from and the spirit returns to God who gave it.”
According to the Bible there is no reincarnation, no purgatory, and no second chances. Jesus clearly taught that eternity holds just two options: a place of delight and adventure the Bible calls heaven and a place of eternal punishment Jesus called hell.
To be sure we don’t miss this fact the Bible says, “Man is destined to die once and after that to face judgment.” That’s the facts straight up. No sugar coating.
The good news is that God made it possible to spend forever with him. Through Jesus’ death on the cross, God offers forgiveness and peace to all who come to him through faith in Christ.
Jesus came to bring new life now and eternal life later to everyone. God’s offer is not just for Jews or Christians. It’s for everyone regardless of his or her religion.
The angel who announced Jesus’ birth to the shepherds said, “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for ALL THE PEOPLE. Today in the City of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord.”
A New Year’s resolution can help change a habit. But Jesus Christ offers a better life—both now and forever. Faith in him brings us peace with God and can help us be at peace with others.
Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Because Jesus came we can follow him to our eternal home. And that’s final.
Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!
However, since it’s the end of the year, this seems like a good time to reflect and ponder life.
Do you ever think about how short your life is? How every year seems to go by a little faster than the last one? Try to really THINK about it. Not just notice it and comment about it.
It’s good to pause and think about life’s brevity. To consider life’s end once in a while. It helps us see life as it really is and to make needed changes in our lives.
I enjoy talking with people about spiritual things. Often I’ll ask them a question such as, “When you die, what do you think you’ll find on the other side? What’s the final reality?”
It surprises me to hear some say, “I haven’t given it much thought.” Really? How could you not think about the most certain experience in the world?
“Now hold it just a minute,” I can hear someone say. “Isn’t all this talk a little morbid?”
Only if you think ignorance is bliss.
Take a minute and do the math. A man born in America today will live on average to age 75. A woman to age 80. Then what happens? They die and go somewhere forever.
So if we subtract 75 or 80 years from forever it equals—forever! And as they say, “Forever is a long, long time.”
People spend their lives planning and preparing for retirement. And how long does it last? Fifteen to twenty years? Or maybe thirty--if they’re blessed with good health and long life?
And remember--there’s no guarantee they’ll even make it to retirement!
But everyone is guaranteed to die. Last time I checked, no one exits planet earth alive.
Because of this fact of life, the Bible’s advice to us is, “Prepare to meet your God.”
Now the Bible doesn’t tell us that to frighten or scare us. The point is to encourage us to push the “Pause” button on our busy lives and think about what happens when life’s movie ends.
Listen to the wisdom of God’s Word: “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the dust returns to the ground it came from and the spirit returns to God who gave it.”
According to the Bible there is no reincarnation, no purgatory, and no second chances. Jesus clearly taught that eternity holds just two options: a place of delight and adventure the Bible calls heaven and a place of eternal punishment Jesus called hell.
To be sure we don’t miss this fact the Bible says, “Man is destined to die once and after that to face judgment.” That’s the facts straight up. No sugar coating.
The good news is that God made it possible to spend forever with him. Through Jesus’ death on the cross, God offers forgiveness and peace to all who come to him through faith in Christ.
Jesus came to bring new life now and eternal life later to everyone. God’s offer is not just for Jews or Christians. It’s for everyone regardless of his or her religion.
The angel who announced Jesus’ birth to the shepherds said, “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for ALL THE PEOPLE. Today in the City of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord.”
A New Year’s resolution can help change a habit. But Jesus Christ offers a better life—both now and forever. Faith in him brings us peace with God and can help us be at peace with others.
Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Because Jesus came we can follow him to our eternal home. And that’s final.
Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!
Monday, November 26, 2007
Homeward Bound
Where’s your home?
When I meet someone new I like to ask them where they’re from. Sometimes they’ll tell me where they live right now. So my next question is, “Where were you born and raised?” or “Where are you from originally? Where’s ‘home’?”
“Home is where the heart is.” Home is where you head for Thanksgiving and Christmas, if you can. It’s family, friends and a place where you sense you belong. Home is a place where you can rest. It’s where you feel safe and secure.
Often it’s right where you are. For others it’s a place far away in another state or another country. But wherever it is, it’s an anchor for your life. It helps define who you are.
Sometimes home is where you yearn to be. In the old Simon & Garfunkel standard “Homeward Bound” the lyrics speak of a seemingly endless concert tour. Then the pair admits, “And every stranger’s face I see / reminds me that I long to be / homeward bound.”
For the God-follower, the Bible says that home will one day be with God in Heaven.
Now hold on just a minute. Doesn’t the believer have a home here on earth?
Absolutely. But his or her desire is to, one day, be with the Lord forever. That’s why, after a Christian’s funeral, you’ll sometimes hear it said, “He (or she) is home with the Lord.”
The Bible says of the Old Testament patriarch, Abraham, “By faith…he was looking forward to the city whose architect and builder is God.” His quest didn’t keep him from setting up homes in the different places he lived in the Middle East. But as a God-seeker he knew he wouldn’t really be home until he was in the presence of God.
According to the Bible we will all be somewhere forever. Where will your home be?
When you get to the end of your life what do you expect to find on the other side? How do you hope to get there? Are you sure—sure enough to bet your life?
For the Christ follower, the Bible promises a heavenly home. It’s a place much better than sitting on a cloud and playing a harp. It’s better than you can even imagine.
First, Jesus said he was going away to prepare a place for those whose faith and trust are in him for salvation. Then he said he would come back to take them to be with him.
To that the Apostle Paul added, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” Heaven is too wonderful for words.
Some people think that Christians are crazy to pin their hopes on an ancient book. And with all the religions in the world there’s nothing wrong with a healthy skepticism. But when you examine the evidence, the Bible alone stands the test of time. No other book comes close.
Yes, some of its authors had visions. Many were eyewitnesses of events they recorded. Others thoroughly interviewed eyewitnesses and examined evidence. On top of that, hundreds of prophecies the Bible recorded have come true. It has more than 40 authors but they all agree that to make it to your eternal home takes faith in God--faith in the promised Messiah, Jesus Christ.
You owe it to yourself to check it out. Don’t just take my word for it. Start with the New Testament book called the Gospel of John and take Jesus’ challenge. He said, “If anyone chooses to do God’s will he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own.” He added, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”
Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul! --And it will get you home.
When I meet someone new I like to ask them where they’re from. Sometimes they’ll tell me where they live right now. So my next question is, “Where were you born and raised?” or “Where are you from originally? Where’s ‘home’?”
“Home is where the heart is.” Home is where you head for Thanksgiving and Christmas, if you can. It’s family, friends and a place where you sense you belong. Home is a place where you can rest. It’s where you feel safe and secure.
Often it’s right where you are. For others it’s a place far away in another state or another country. But wherever it is, it’s an anchor for your life. It helps define who you are.
Sometimes home is where you yearn to be. In the old Simon & Garfunkel standard “Homeward Bound” the lyrics speak of a seemingly endless concert tour. Then the pair admits, “And every stranger’s face I see / reminds me that I long to be / homeward bound.”
For the God-follower, the Bible says that home will one day be with God in Heaven.
Now hold on just a minute. Doesn’t the believer have a home here on earth?
Absolutely. But his or her desire is to, one day, be with the Lord forever. That’s why, after a Christian’s funeral, you’ll sometimes hear it said, “He (or she) is home with the Lord.”
The Bible says of the Old Testament patriarch, Abraham, “By faith…he was looking forward to the city whose architect and builder is God.” His quest didn’t keep him from setting up homes in the different places he lived in the Middle East. But as a God-seeker he knew he wouldn’t really be home until he was in the presence of God.
According to the Bible we will all be somewhere forever. Where will your home be?
When you get to the end of your life what do you expect to find on the other side? How do you hope to get there? Are you sure—sure enough to bet your life?
For the Christ follower, the Bible promises a heavenly home. It’s a place much better than sitting on a cloud and playing a harp. It’s better than you can even imagine.
First, Jesus said he was going away to prepare a place for those whose faith and trust are in him for salvation. Then he said he would come back to take them to be with him.
To that the Apostle Paul added, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” Heaven is too wonderful for words.
Some people think that Christians are crazy to pin their hopes on an ancient book. And with all the religions in the world there’s nothing wrong with a healthy skepticism. But when you examine the evidence, the Bible alone stands the test of time. No other book comes close.
Yes, some of its authors had visions. Many were eyewitnesses of events they recorded. Others thoroughly interviewed eyewitnesses and examined evidence. On top of that, hundreds of prophecies the Bible recorded have come true. It has more than 40 authors but they all agree that to make it to your eternal home takes faith in God--faith in the promised Messiah, Jesus Christ.
You owe it to yourself to check it out. Don’t just take my word for it. Start with the New Testament book called the Gospel of John and take Jesus’ challenge. He said, “If anyone chooses to do God’s will he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own.” He added, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”
Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul! --And it will get you home.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Road To Nowhere
Would you take a road if it went nowhere? How about a bridge?
For some time the state of Alaska was in the news over a highly publicized “bridge to nowhere.” At a cost of hundreds of millions of dollars the state was going to build a bridge to a small island with a few residents.
The project was finally cancelled before it became a taxpayer boondoggle.
We chuckle and shake our heads at such an obvious waste of time and money. Why would anyone drive over a bridge to nowhere?
Yet every day millions of people take the on-ramp for a road to nowhere.
Now hold it right there for just a minute. Why would anyone get on such a road?
Exactly. And my question to you is, “Are you on a road to nowhere?” If life were a road trip, would the road you’re on take you to where you hope to end up?
Jesus compared life to two roads with two destinations. He said, “Wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road the leads to life, and only a few find it.”
The majority of people in this world take the broad road without ever checking to see where it might lead them. The broad road is the easy road. It’s the road of self-indulgence. The road to destruction. The road to nowhere.
My advice? Look down the road you’re on to see where you’re headed.
When I’m on a trip I like to stop once in a while and check the map and the directions to be sure I’m still headed to my destination. I do that because distractions sometimes make me miss my exit and I end up on the wrong road.
Life is full of distractions that put you on the wrong road. Jesus mentioned things like, “the worries of life and the deceitfulness of wealth.” Other distractions mentioned in the Bible are “the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does.”
Jesus said that there is only one way to Heaven and the place he is preparing for those who love him. He said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Jesus made it clear in this and other passages of scripture that he alone is the path to God and eternal life.
But this road to which he calls us is the narrow road, “the road less traveled.” It is a path that leads first to the cross, the empty tomb and accepting the risen Christ as Lord and Savior. Then it leads to serving God and others. A life of selfless service.
The older I get, the more I think about what’s waiting for me at the end of the road. But I don’t worry about it because many years ago I took Jesus at his word. I put my faith and trust in him and answered his call to “Follow me.”
Ever since I have found that Jesus’ narrow road is the path to peace and purpose in life. It’s not an easy road, but there are many joys on the journey. Joys that come from seeing my life make a difference for eternity.
Many people meander through life with no thought to which road they are on. One of the saddest moments in life would be to get to the end of the road and find out you’ve been on the wrong road. The road to nowhere.
Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!
For some time the state of Alaska was in the news over a highly publicized “bridge to nowhere.” At a cost of hundreds of millions of dollars the state was going to build a bridge to a small island with a few residents.
The project was finally cancelled before it became a taxpayer boondoggle.
We chuckle and shake our heads at such an obvious waste of time and money. Why would anyone drive over a bridge to nowhere?
Yet every day millions of people take the on-ramp for a road to nowhere.
Now hold it right there for just a minute. Why would anyone get on such a road?
Exactly. And my question to you is, “Are you on a road to nowhere?” If life were a road trip, would the road you’re on take you to where you hope to end up?
Jesus compared life to two roads with two destinations. He said, “Wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road the leads to life, and only a few find it.”
The majority of people in this world take the broad road without ever checking to see where it might lead them. The broad road is the easy road. It’s the road of self-indulgence. The road to destruction. The road to nowhere.
My advice? Look down the road you’re on to see where you’re headed.
When I’m on a trip I like to stop once in a while and check the map and the directions to be sure I’m still headed to my destination. I do that because distractions sometimes make me miss my exit and I end up on the wrong road.
Life is full of distractions that put you on the wrong road. Jesus mentioned things like, “the worries of life and the deceitfulness of wealth.” Other distractions mentioned in the Bible are “the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does.”
Jesus said that there is only one way to Heaven and the place he is preparing for those who love him. He said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Jesus made it clear in this and other passages of scripture that he alone is the path to God and eternal life.
But this road to which he calls us is the narrow road, “the road less traveled.” It is a path that leads first to the cross, the empty tomb and accepting the risen Christ as Lord and Savior. Then it leads to serving God and others. A life of selfless service.
The older I get, the more I think about what’s waiting for me at the end of the road. But I don’t worry about it because many years ago I took Jesus at his word. I put my faith and trust in him and answered his call to “Follow me.”
Ever since I have found that Jesus’ narrow road is the path to peace and purpose in life. It’s not an easy road, but there are many joys on the journey. Joys that come from seeing my life make a difference for eternity.
Many people meander through life with no thought to which road they are on. One of the saddest moments in life would be to get to the end of the road and find out you’ve been on the wrong road. The road to nowhere.
Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!
Monday, June 18, 2007
Travel Restrictions
“You can’t take it with you” was never truer than today.
Since September 11, 2001, things once considered harmless can no longer go anywhere near a commercial airplane. Anyone flying since that fateful day is very familiar with the new travel restrictions!
It took me a while to get used to the new reality. In November of 2001 I flew to Arizona with my family to spend Thanksgiving with relatives. Going through airport security, I forgot I was carrying a penknife in my pocket. Suddenly that small knife was enough to keep me off the plane. How could I be so dumb? They could have arrested me on the spot!
Thankfully I was allowed to throw it away and board the plane.
One day we all hope to successfully travel to our final destination. Are you aware that God has “travel restrictions” on what you can bring to Heaven?
Well, hold on just a minute! How can there be travel restrictions for Heaven? --Because the Bible tells us God is a holy God and he cannot permit sin in his presence.
“Holy” means God is clean, pure and separated above all other beings and there is no other god like him. It means his character is totally good and entirely without evil.
The Bible says, “Without holiness, no one will see the Lord.” Do you meet the standard? Like the penknife I carry, we’re so used to our sins we forget they’re in our spiritual “pockets.” And even “small” sins will keep us from holiness and Heaven. --Now that’s a travel restriction!
Many people believe the way to get to Heaven is by doing more good things than bad in this life. And when they meet God, they hope the good deeds will outweigh the bad.
But there’s a big problem with that view. The Bible says that all of our good works are like filthy rags in God’s sight. Nothing we do even comes close to his standard. Only perfection makes it into Heaven. And perfection is humanly impossible. You know it and so do I.
Thankfully God is not only holy but he is also a God of love.
Because of his great love for us, the Bible says that God sent his only son, Jesus, to solve our sin problem. Jesus made a way for us to have fellowship with God now and then live with him forever. His perfect life on earth and his death in our place on the cross makes it possible for God to forgive us. The resurrection proved his power to conquer sin’s eternal death penalty.
Before Jesus came, sin was enough to keep us out of Heaven and God’s presence. But since Jesus’ death paid for our sin, the only thing standing between God and us is Jesus Christ.
The Bible says God forgives the sin of whoever accepts Jesus as their personal Savior. They share in his holiness. However, the Bible is just as clear that those who will not believe in Christ still stand condemned because of their unbelief. Their sin is not forgiven.
It’s sad to think that many people will miss Heaven by five letters:
J-E-S-U-S.
For some reason they just can’t bring themselves to accept the Jesus of the Bible. They won’t trust him.
With the summer vacation season upon us, airline travelers need to be aware of travel restrictions before flying. But since any day could be the day of your trip to eternity, think about God’s travel restrictions (and Jesus’ solution) before it’s too late.
Remember--someone tougher than the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) will be doing the pre-flight inspection of your “baggage” before you’re cleared for Heaven. The Bible says that Jesus Christ is The Judge of the living and the dead. He is also our Savior.
Listen to the Bible; it’s good for your soul!
Since September 11, 2001, things once considered harmless can no longer go anywhere near a commercial airplane. Anyone flying since that fateful day is very familiar with the new travel restrictions!
It took me a while to get used to the new reality. In November of 2001 I flew to Arizona with my family to spend Thanksgiving with relatives. Going through airport security, I forgot I was carrying a penknife in my pocket. Suddenly that small knife was enough to keep me off the plane. How could I be so dumb? They could have arrested me on the spot!
Thankfully I was allowed to throw it away and board the plane.
One day we all hope to successfully travel to our final destination. Are you aware that God has “travel restrictions” on what you can bring to Heaven?
Well, hold on just a minute! How can there be travel restrictions for Heaven? --Because the Bible tells us God is a holy God and he cannot permit sin in his presence.
“Holy” means God is clean, pure and separated above all other beings and there is no other god like him. It means his character is totally good and entirely without evil.
The Bible says, “Without holiness, no one will see the Lord.” Do you meet the standard? Like the penknife I carry, we’re so used to our sins we forget they’re in our spiritual “pockets.” And even “small” sins will keep us from holiness and Heaven. --Now that’s a travel restriction!
Many people believe the way to get to Heaven is by doing more good things than bad in this life. And when they meet God, they hope the good deeds will outweigh the bad.
But there’s a big problem with that view. The Bible says that all of our good works are like filthy rags in God’s sight. Nothing we do even comes close to his standard. Only perfection makes it into Heaven. And perfection is humanly impossible. You know it and so do I.
Thankfully God is not only holy but he is also a God of love.
Because of his great love for us, the Bible says that God sent his only son, Jesus, to solve our sin problem. Jesus made a way for us to have fellowship with God now and then live with him forever. His perfect life on earth and his death in our place on the cross makes it possible for God to forgive us. The resurrection proved his power to conquer sin’s eternal death penalty.
Before Jesus came, sin was enough to keep us out of Heaven and God’s presence. But since Jesus’ death paid for our sin, the only thing standing between God and us is Jesus Christ.
The Bible says God forgives the sin of whoever accepts Jesus as their personal Savior. They share in his holiness. However, the Bible is just as clear that those who will not believe in Christ still stand condemned because of their unbelief. Their sin is not forgiven.
It’s sad to think that many people will miss Heaven by five letters:
J-E-S-U-S.
For some reason they just can’t bring themselves to accept the Jesus of the Bible. They won’t trust him.
With the summer vacation season upon us, airline travelers need to be aware of travel restrictions before flying. But since any day could be the day of your trip to eternity, think about God’s travel restrictions (and Jesus’ solution) before it’s too late.
Remember--someone tougher than the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) will be doing the pre-flight inspection of your “baggage” before you’re cleared for Heaven. The Bible says that Jesus Christ is The Judge of the living and the dead. He is also our Savior.
Listen to the Bible; it’s good for your soul!
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