October 29, 2010

"Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him." II Peter 3:11-14

Halloween has become one of the most popular holidays in America. Like most of our holidays it melds the sacred with the pagan and morphs into the worst of both.

Christians never quite know what to do with Halloween. Do we celebrate it or not? What message are we sending when we celebrate it? What message should we send? Should we just ignore it?

As I wrap up this seven week series on "Happily Ever After?" let me offer some observations on Halloween from the perspective of this study.

First, death is scary.

God wired us for life. Death was never part of His perfect plan for us. It came as the result of sin by Adam and Eve. Therefore, death became God's enemy. But because of God's mercy and grace and because He is absolutely sovereign He conquered sin and death through the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus!

Because of what Jesus did, death has become less frightening. But still, death usually comes as a result of pain and suffering. Not only is death painful but it is lonely. It is unfamiliar because life is all we have known. Death separates us from our loved ones.

Having said all this, death is still scary and it holds our human race hostage to fear.

Second, spirits are spooky!

Fear and humor have a common thread, there must be a kernel of truth in each for them to work. For example, there was a time when you worried about the monsters under your bed because you believed they existed. Once you understood there are no monsters that fear evaporated.

The spirit world DOES exist! It is every bit as real as the physical world of sight and sound and senses. In fact, it is MORE real because the spirit world exists eternally. You and I will spend more time in that world than we will in this one.

Spirits are all around us all the time. Angels guard us and minister to us and demons oppose us. But they ARE NOT the spirits of dead people. When a person dies his spirit goes straight to heaven or hell. There are no dead people "stuck" between this world and the next. That is the myth that propogates all the spooky stories. The spirits that surround us are angels and demons (fallen angels). Angels and demons are very real, very powerful and very active. While they are creative beings just like us, they were created as spirits rather than human beings. When you or I die we do not become angels or, God forbid, demons. Once you die and go to your eternal destination then your will be surrounded by one or the other and you will see them and interact with them.

Spooked out yet? Don't be scared! Just be prepared! The most powerful spirit is the Holy Spirit and He dwells in believers.

Show up Sunday to find out how you can prepare for a "Happy Ever After" and be sure that you spend eternity with the right sort of spirits!

October 28, 2010

"Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives." II Peter 3:11

The most beautiful place I have ever been is Lake Tahoe in the High Sierras on the California and Nevada border. I would love to go back there some day.

If I aspire to return to Tahoe and I tell all my friends that I want to go back their, but then if I make reservations for a hotel in Miami Beach and buy an airline ticket for Miami, what would people think?

At best they would be a bit confused! They would assume that I am confused. They would probably be right. It IS a mixed message.

What sort of a message are you sending when you say you want to go to Heaven but you can display attitudes and behaviors that do not reflect Heaven?

That is essentially the question Peter asks of these saints. In essence the question he poses is, "How can ou think you are going to Heaven if are living like hell?"

Logically, how can you believe you are destined for a holy place when you are living an unholy life? If getting to Heaven involves a personal relationship with a Holy God, how can you expect to maintain that relationship if you are living an unholy life? Why would you want to spend eternity in a holy place when you aren't comfortable living a godly life?

To get to the destination you desire you must get on the right road and move in the right direction. The road to Heaven is the road to a holy and godly life. A life like that can only be lived in the power of the Holy Spirit in fellowship with the Holy God.

Is that the road you are on? Is that the direction you are headed?

October 27, 2010

"Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives." II Peter 3:11

C.S. Lewis, "It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they became so ineffective in this one."

This world is going to be destroyed and everything in it. All the glitz and glitter of this world that grabs our attention and affections will evaporate in a second when God sends His Son to mark the end of time. The God Who has been redeeming this world since moments after the fall will bring His redemptive plan to completion in a manner that has been prophecied for centuries.

How can you make sure you are not destroyed with the world?

Doesn't it make sense that if you want avoid being destroyed with the world that you should act and think differently from the world? It really doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure this out.

Peter states the obvious because it obviously needed to be said. Because you live in the world with worldly pressures and demands it takes discipline and focus to keep from being conformed to the ways of that world. That is what "worldliness" means.

If you want to avoid perishing with the world you must come out of the world. Actually, that is what the Church is. The greek word translated "church" means "called out ones" and "called out" people must live godly and holy lives.

The supernatural spiritual transformation that God desires to work in you should evidence itself in your actions and attitudes. To escape the destruction of this world you must escape its corruption. That requires you to obey God and live according to His Word and be led by His Spirit. When that happens the "spiritual man" will control the "physical man" and behavior dramatically changes.

Heavenly-minded people make earth a better place! What about you?

October 26, 2010

"....what manner of persons ought you to be......?" II Peter 3:11


Membership has its privileges and its responsibilities!

As a high school student I was given a set of rules that I was expected to keep. For the privilege of going to that school I was told what sort of person I should be.

When I became a member of Silver Lake Wesleyan Church I was asked to subscribe to a code of conduct and behavior.

The same happened when I enrolled at Indiana Wesleyan.

In fact, as I think about it, every organization I joined or every athletic team I played on has had a set of guidelines, rules or code of conduct stipulating what sort of person they expected me to be as a member of that group. That is entirely appropriate.

Why then, as people claiming to be followers of Christ not expect to display attitudes and conduct consistent with the character of Christ? As those professing a belief in a holy and perfect eternal destination should they not possess attitudes and behavior befitting of heaven?

Of course!

In II Peter 3, Peter is calling these believers to live up to the expectations incumbent on those preparing for eternity in heaven. The word "ought" carries the idea of necessity. Holy living is not optional for those preparing for a holy place!

People who are preparing for a better place should also be making their homes, their churches, their communites and their world a better place!

Planning on going to heaven? Act like it!

October 25, 2010

“Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved……” II Peter 3:11a

Guys always remember the first car they owned.

My first car was a 1956 Mercury Monterey. It was ten years old when I got it and had plenty of rust spots, but it ran great! Of course, I only paid $100 for it.

I loved that car. I worked an after school job to support it and fix it up. Little did I realize how much support a ten-year old high-mileage eight-cylinder car would require, but I was soon to find out.

Over the time I owned that one hundred dollar car I spent hundreds of dollars and way to much attention and time on it. It always needed something!

Honestly compels me to confess that there were several times when I had to decide whether to pay my tithe or spend money on my Mercury. I am ashamed to admit I made the wrong decision a couple of times.

Each time I honored my car above the Lord, it developed a problem that would cost me extra money. I always paid for my improper priorities. That first vehicle was not only transportation it became a teaching tool.

One rainy night I agreed to do a favor for my co-worker and run him home after work. Even though it was a bit out of my way, he was my friend and I had a car. Because it was a little out of my way I decided to take a short cut not thinking that the short-cut would require me to travel under a railroad viaduct.

I underestimated the amount of rain that had fallen overestimated my driving skills. Remember those public service ads where they caution you against driving into standing water? I didn’t. And as soon as I hit the water I knew I had made a bad decision. When the water lifted my car off the payment and it began to float momentarily, I rued my decision. As my Mercury settled back down to the pavement and the water started streaming in under all four doors, my heart sank – as much as my car had.

My point in sharing this painfully embarrassing story is the lesson I learned. It is the truth that Peter shares in this Scripture portion. Those material things which steal much of our time and money and affection never lasts. All those things wear out, rust out, break down, get damaged, wrecked or stolen and our investments are lost. Even if they manage to last we will some day trade them or sell them or die and leave them behind.

Peter wisely admonishes us to value things that last forever and the only things that last forever are people and relationships. Since you and I are eternal, we should live like it and put a priority on preparing for eternity.

If you think you can wait until you get to Heaven to live heavenly, you are in for a rude awakening. If you are planning to live forever – act like it. Love God supremely and live in love toward His commands and His people. Your journey to Heaven begins today.

October 24, 2010

“HAPPILY EVER AFTER?”

Week Six – “Home, Sweet, Home!” Revelation 21

"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Revelation 21:1-4

The late comedian George Goebel once said, “Sometimes I feel like the world is a tuxedo and I am a pair of brown shoes.”

C. S. Lewis made a similar statement with a little more definition, “If nothing in this world satisfies me, perhaps it is because I was made for another world.”

We have some very gracious hosts in our fellowship who welcome you to their home and will treat you with such grace that you feel like part of the family, but as gracious as they are their home is not your home. After a relaxing and enjoyable evening you return to your home. Despite their hospitality gifts, your home still feels more like home to you than theirs does.


There are a couple of good reasons why we don’t fit real well in this world:

1) Paradise Lost
2) Kingdom Lost

The Bible refers to this longing for a spiritual home. Here are a few examples:

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God[; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.” John 14:1-2

“All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own.” Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.” Hebrews 11:13-14, 16

This world is not our home! We do not fit here! God has designed and destined us for a “happy ever after” place! Revelation 21 and 22 gives us a great view of Heaven, our “happy ever after” place. Today we get to peak into our future home.

I. The Dimensions of the City, Vv. 15-17

To gain an appreciation for just how marvelous Heaven will be we need to understand the nature and dimension of the city that will be its capital. The New Jerusalem is the crown jewel of the new creation of God. The New Jerusalem is not all of Heaven but it is the capital city of Heaven.

“The angel who talked with me had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city, its gates and its walls. The city was laid out like a square, as long as it was wide. He measured the city with the rod and found it to be 12,000 stadia in length, and as wide and high as it is long. He measured its wall and it was 144 cubits thick, by man's measurement, which the angel was using.” Rev. 21:15-17

You may not be a big city person, but you’d better make an exception for Heaven because it is ONE BIG CITY! Even bigger than Texas!

Why do you think this is revealed to John? Why do we need to know how big the Holy City will be?

Could it be God wants us all to know that there is plenty of room for us in Heaven and for everyone who will trust in Jesus! And remember, this is just the New Jerusalem. Heaven is even bigger than this!

So, how big is it? It is pretty mind-boggling! Check this out!

The city is cubic in its shape – 12,000 stadia x 12,000 stadia x 12,000 stadia! A stadia = a furlong = 660 ft. Do the math on that and it figures out to 1,500 miles long by 1,500 miles wide by 1,500 miles high. So, this city would cover 2,250,000 square miles.

If this city were placed in the United States it would stretch from Canada to Mexico and from New York City to Oklahoma City and as high as a 800,000 story building!

Again, that is not all of the Heaven that is just the Holy City!

I have got to believe that in an area that big – there would have to be a golf course!

Not only is the Holy City huge, but it is unbelievably beautiful! Once you walk into it you would not only be overwhelmed by its size but also amazed by its sheer beauty!

II. The Description of the City

a. The Pearly Gates, vv. 12-13, 21

This city is accessed through gates of pearl! And not just one gate but 12 of them! And not just pearls but 240 feet high pearls!

Why pearls?

For one, pearls are beautiful!

Secondly, pearls are the product of irritation, pain, and discomfort. Could it be that every time we enter that city through those gates of pearl we will be reminded of the suffering and pain it took to get there? Both His suffering and ours.
b. The foundation of precious stones, Vv. 19-20

c. The streets of gold, v. 21b

d. The Lamb is the Light, v.23

e. The river of life and the tree of life, 22:1-2

This is a pretty impressive place, wouldn’t you say? How can you not be impressed with a place where the pavement is pure gold!

III. The Distinctions of the City, Vv. 4, 8, 27

Heaven is certainly distinguished by the amazing wonders that will be revealed in Heaven. The splendor of what He has prepared for us will be daze and amaze! When people talk about Heaven or write about Heaven these are the things they concentrate on! And rightly so! Never has there been anything like this before!

But equally impressive are the things that WON’T be in Heaven! The Apostle John. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit focuses on three significant things that won’t be in Heaven and those three things make it a distinctive place.

a. Sadness Is Absent, V. 4

How many of you have had a really good day recently? I am talking about a really care-free joyous day?

Every day in Heaven will be like that! Every second, every minute, every hour and every day will be better than your most perfect day on earth!

Kleenex will have no place in Heaven! God will wipe away all tears AND every reason and every cause of sadness. The only tears possible in Heaven might be tears of joy!

b. Sinfulness Is Absent, V. 8

Heaven is a perfect place – a holy place!

This is quite a list of undesirables! I find it interesting that those types of people mentioned at the end of this verse you would expect to be banned from Heaven, but notice the “cowardly” and the “unbelieving” – interesting….

c. Self-Righteousness Is Absent, V. 27

No one in Heaven will be able to say, “I deserve to be here!”

No one in Heaven will be able to claim, “I earned my way here!”

As Paul wrote to the Ephesians, “For it is by grace you are saved…..”

Heaven will be eternally magnificent based on what is there! And more importantly – WHO is there!

But Heaven will also be incredible because of who ISN’T there!

This world is not your home! Your home is being prepared for you!

You are being prepared for your home!

· What needs to be done in your heart?
· If you find yourself being to comfortable in this world you may not fit in the next.

What are you doing to prepare others for their eternal home?

HEAVEN IS TOO GOOD TO MISS!

This morning we have been reminded why!

I want to close with one more amazing truth about Heaven:

“3And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

WHILE WE ARE IMPRESS WITH THE SPLENDOR OF PEARLY GATES AND GOLDEN STREETS - GOD IS EXCITED ABOUT BEING WITH YOU!

October 23, 2010

When I recall the most beautiful and awe-inspiring sights I have seen in my life, there are several that leap to the forefront of my memory.

Not counting the births of my children and grandchildren, the most beautiful image I have is the view of Lake Tahoe from about 1,500 feet above it in the Sierra Mountains. We had hiked up a trail to a place called Eagle's Nest and there was a serene, placid, mirror-like mountain lake with the higher snow-capped peaks reflected in it. And then, turning in the other direct about a quarter of a mile below was Lake Tahoe. Overwhelmed with the natural beauty of it all and in complete sensory overload I had to exclaim, "Oh, God, you are just showing off!"

Augmenting remarkable beauty surrounding me was an awareness of the things that were not there - nothing artificial, no pollution, no loud noise, no urban sprawl, no congested traffic - just raw natural God-created magnificence!

As John reveals his vision of Heaven in Revelation 21 and 22 he elaborates on all it splendor but also casually mentions several things that won't be there which will also add to its beauty!

In verse 4, John tells us that there will be no sadness there!

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

Heaven will be a joyous happy place! God Himself will wipe away ALL tears and their will be no more tears because there will be no reason for sadness! All suffering will be banished! There will be no death, no pain, no evil - NOTHING but holiness, healthiness and happiness!

Secondly, there will be no sinfulness in Heaven!

"But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death." 21:8

No evil or malicious or impure people will be allowed into Heaven. One of the reasons there will be no suffering or pain is because the people who cause much of those things won't be anywhere near the place! John specifically lists the types of people who will be excluded from paradise! These are the people your Momma told you to stay away from! In Heaven, they won't be there!

Third, there will be no self-righteousness there!

"Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life.' Rev. 21:27

Only those whose names are in the Book of Life will be allowed entrance into Heaven. And the only way to get your name written down in to confess your sinfulness and receive the righteousness of Christ! No one who makes it into Heaven will be able to say, "I deserve to be here." All who get into the Holy City are there because of the mercy of God through the grace of Jesus Christ!

Heaven is an awesome eternal place! In our human intellect and finite understanding we are incapable of conceiving its magnificence. And it is amazing because of what is there but also because of what is NOT there!

No sadness will be there!

No sinfulness will be there!

No self-righteousness will be there!

Will you be there?