120. ON OUR WAY TO HEAVEN. Philippians 3:2

The story is told of a Pastor who asked his congregation “who wants to go to Heaven?” Everyone raised their hand, except one little boy. The pastor questioned the child as to why he didn’t wont to go to heaven, and the boy replied, “Well, Tomorrow’s my Ninth Birthday, so I’ll go after that!! Let’s be honest, we don’t think or talk much about Heaven, until a loved one dies and goes there, or we grow old and we feel we have fulfilled our assignment here on earth. Then we feel a tug pulling us heavenward. And so we should! On average we all spend seventy or eighty years here on earth, whereas we will spend eternity there in Heaven.(1 Thessalonians 4:17) Tells us “Then we shall always be with The Lord. Here on earth we get a mixed scorecard, sometimes we do well and other times, not so well. But in Heaven, we will be just like Jesus. Why? Because we are citizens of Heaven and therefore that is our real home and destiny… In (Philippians 3:20-21) we read; “We are eagerly waiting for Him to return as our Saviour. He will take our weak natural bodies and change them in to glorious bodies like His own.” C. S .Lewis wrote, “That in Heaven we would each be a dazzling, radiant immortal creature, pulsating all through with such energy, joy, wisdom and love as we cannot now imagine,” All the Patriarchs, Prophets and Preachers in the Bible longed for Heaven. (Zechariah 9:16-17) describes it in these words: “They will certainly sparkle in His land like jewels in a crown they will be beautiful and lovely” Now here’s a Question. If you were to die today, would you go to Heaven? You can, by putting your trust in Jesus Christ. He and His Way is the only Way, His Truth is the only truth and His life is the only Life that can get you there. It’s not a matter of I hope so, or I think so; No! We need a bit more certainty. You see, we are not going on holiday, this is forever and ever; and there are only two destinations. So what are you going to say when you get to those “Pearly Gates” will you show all the good works you’ve done or the money you’ve given to worthy causes, the many times you visited the sick and imprisoned clothed the naked and fed the hungry. These are great attributes to have on your C.V. that will determine your position when you get there, But, none of them will open those gates for you or me. There’s only one way; We must truly be able to say>-I was not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” …’ I believed in my heart and spoke it out with my mouth That Jesus Christ is Lord.” and on those grounds alone I am accepted by my Father and entitled to enter Heaven for all eternity.” What a wonderful Blessing awaits those who Believe in their hearts and speak with their lips that Jesus Christ is Lord. Can you truly say & believe that. Then come on in. The joys of Heaven: The next time you feel cramped for space, read this from (Revelation 21:16) “The city was shaped like a cube, because it was as high as it was wide. When the Angel measured the city, (Revelation 21:16) it was about 2,400 kilometres high and the same width. That’s an area of five million square kilometres – making the New Jerusalem larger than most countries in the world. In fact it’s almost twenty four times larger than the United Kingdom and more than half the size of the entire continent of Europe! A city that big would be anything but crowded and uncomfortable. And here’s something even more incredible; with the height of 2,400 kilometres; there will be no space limitations. And that confirms what Jesus said about Heaven in (John:14-2) “In My Father’s house there are many mansions I go to prepare a place for you.” Since the same God who created Earth also designed Heaven. And since Paul said in (Philippians 1:23) “{Heaven will be “far better”) Just think of the most beautiful place you have ever visited and multiply that scene by infinity. John the Apostle described it this way in (Revelation 21:12) “The Glory of God made the city bright. It was dazzling.) One night as he held his father’s hand and looked up at the stars, a little boy said to his Dad, “If the wrong side of Heaven is so beautiful, what must the right side look like? Jesus died so you and I can go to Heaven. But it’s not a lottery, or getting there by chance, No! It’s by choice, Yours and mine. So have you placed your trust in Jesus Christ: If so “See you there. Sometimes people describe dying as “Crossing the Jordan” That’s because the Jordan River runs into the Dead Sea. The story is told of an elderly Christian lady who was dying. For most of her life illness had confined her to bed or a wheelchair. The family gathered to say their final goodbye to her. one of her grandchildren asked her “Are you afraid to die? “No” she replied with tears of joy, I’m not afraid of death, because my father owns the land on both sides of the river.” Great answer. In Heaven there will be no sickness, or depression, or pain, or loneliness, or fear, or grief; or any of the things that make life on earth so difficult. God’s Word says in (Malachi 4:2) “For you that honour my name victory will shine like the Sun with healing in it’s rays” And in (Isaiah 35:10) we read “The ransomed of The Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing, With everlasting joy on their heads. And they shall obtain Joy and Gladness. And sorrow and mourning shall flee away. When we lose a loved one in death, these questions arise, Will I see them in Heaven? Will I see them again? And will I even know them? Yes, Because we will know even more in Heaven than we know here on earth. How do I know that? Because Paul writes in (1Corinthians 13:12) “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know, just as I am also known.” Heaven will be the greatest family reunion of all time, and here is the best part of all, we will never be separated again. I often think of My husband, my son, my parents and siblings and so many relatives and friends that have gone ahead of me rejoicing as they anticipate my arrival, and Jesus my Saviour waiting at those “Pearly Gates” to welcome me Home, I can’t wait to hear those words “Enter into your Blessing Good and Faith full Servant.” Yes! I’ll drown in Tears if Joy at those pearly gates. Thank you for walking with me along the road to Heaven. We are all at different stages, but we are all walking the same road; And, IF like me, you have made Jesus Christ the Lord of your life we are sure to meet and enjoy sharing our memories of this world. God Bless and Guide us on our way home. Phaline.