Heaven: May 30, 2014

TODAYS WORD FOR FRIDAY MAY 30, 2014

HEAVEN

DEFINITION:

The abode of God; the place of existence of the blessed, after mortal life.

SCRIPTURE:

Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. Isaiah 65:17

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

Do you get as excited as we do thinking about heaven? What kind of place is it? Are the streets really paved with gold? But more important, who is going to be there? Will we know our family and friends? These are just some of the questions that you may be asking today.

But the most important question you must ask yourself is, am I certain I will be in heaven? We know people that are certain they will be in heaven just because they are good people and do a lot to help the poor and needy. Others say that God is a just God and would never want any of His creations not to be in heaven.

But the Bible is very clear. There is only one way to heaven and that is through God’s Son Jesus Christ. We were all born in sin because of the actions of Adam and Eve. We then must all pay the penalty for our sins. But Christ paid that penalty by dying on the cross for us, thus paying our penalty. He then rose again, appeared on this earth and then went to heaven to prepare for us a home. All we need to do is accept Jesus as our Savior and build our relationship with Him. We then become an adopted child of God and ready to join Him at His home.

Yes, heaven is home. The Bible takes the word “home” with all its tender associations and with all its sacred memories and tells us that Heaven is our home.

Heaven is a permanent home. We have the promise in God’s Word that heaven, our home, is where Christ’s followers will remain forever.

The Bible teaches that Heaven is a home which is beautiful beyond every imagination. Heaven could not help but be so, because God is a God of beauty.

The Bible teaches that Heaven is a home that will be happy, because there will be nothing to make it sad. In heaven, we are told, that family and friends will be reunited.

God’s house will be a happy home because Christ will be there. He will be the center of Heaven. To Him all hearts will turn, and upon Him all eyes will be focused and rested.

LEARNING:

Our memory verse for this week will be found in Philippians 4:13.

I can do all things through Him whom strengthened me.

PRAYER:

I rejoice, O Lord, when I think of an eternal home with You. May I show a new commitment to help my friends, family and associates to understand that there is only one way to heaven and that one way is through Jesus! Thank You for Your words in John 14:6 that reminds us that You are the way, the truth, and the life. And that no one comes to the Father (God) except through You.