This morning Wes Bell added the next installment to our series at Harvest Chapel called "God Questions." We talked about eternity this morning and I have to say that from looking at my notes on todays sermon, the one thing that really stands out to me a whole lot more than the others thats speaks such truth would be from Ecc. 7:2. "Death is the destiny of every man; the living should take this to heart." Isn't that crazy to think that our destiny as humans that God created is death? Definately not something you thought would be true huh? James 4:14 says "What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." Also crazy! We think of these people that live to 100 years or longer and say, "thats a long time." Apparently not. And to think that we sin all the time makes you think, "where am I going when I die?" Heaven or Hell? They are both very real places. Hell is defined as a place of justice, suffering, accumulation of our sins. Now again, this is no place where it's like "yeah lets party! we can do anything we want here!" Suffering for eternity? Two words that you really don't like together. Is it a place you want to be? I would hope not. And then theres Heaven. And why is Heaven our hope? Because we get a new body (2 Cor. 5:4), custom built house (John 14:1-3), get to talk with Bible Heroes (personal favorite of mine), and see our loved ones (also a favorite). What could be better? WE GET TO SEE GOD!! No more falling or failing. It will be.....perfection. Now remember that I'm just kind of going off todays notes this morning so.......
How not to get to Heaven-
1.) Trust your good works
2.) Trust your traditions and religions
3.) Trust your backgrounds and nationality
How to get to Heaven-
Romans 8:8-10 " Salvations that comes from trusting Christ - which is the message we preach - is already within easy reach. In fact, the Scriptures say, "The message is close at hand; it is on your lips and in your heart." For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved."
Now, really quick question for you, are you willing to risk the difference between going to Heaven or Hell?
1 comment:
Things to contemplate, Jared: What is salvation? Does it mean Heaven? What is? When the New Testament talks about suffering is it usually in reference to eternal Hell?
I have a task for you, read some of Paul's letters and keep your eyes open for where he talks about Hell or warns about Hell, and make sure it's Hell he's talking about. I have a theory that we focus on an eternal Hell waaaay more than Paul or Jesus ever did. Not saying that Hell is not real, but perhaps our focus is a tad unbalanced in the eternal perspective of things.
Post a Comment