‘Heaven’ On Earth? [v289]

MARCH 2023

Have you ever been somewhere that was so beautiful and peaceful that you thought, “Wow, this place seems like ‘heaven on earth’”? So, does it ‘actually’ exist?

INTRODUCTION
When you hear the expression, “Heaven on earth,” what do you think? Is it a ‘place’? Is it a ‘feeling’? Is it a ‘relationship’? Is it a ‘thing’? Is it ‘food’?

Well, some of the synonyms I found were: Paradise, Utopia, Euphoria, Bliss, Elation, Delight, Happiness, Joyousness, Jubilation, Rhapsody, Glee, Intoxication, Cloud Nine, Wonderland, Nirvana, Shangri-La, Arcadia, Garden of Eden, The Promised Land.

The most used definition was “A very pleasurable or enjoyable place or situation.”

[ VIDEO: “10 Most Beautiful Places That Actually Exist (Heaven on Earth)” ]

As the definition includes, in addition to a physical ‘place’, people also think about an ideal “situation”—usually referred to as “Utopia”—that some of the characteristics that they would like to experience in a world like this would have:

– No illness
– No suffering
– No poverty or scarcity
– Everyone’s needs are fulfilled
– No war, conflict, crime, or social disorder
– No race or social status discrimination
– Perfect equality with all people
– Citizens are truly free to think independently
– Society harmoniously controlled by the citizenry
– Citizens only do work that they enjoy
– No fear of the outside world
– Harmonious state of living
– The natural world is embraced and revered
– No longer any greed
– Abundance of resources
– Nobody is addicted to anything
– Everybody is ready to help others
– Animals and humans live peacefully together
– Humans and nature live in ecological harmony
– There is no pollution or waste
– Technology only helps humanity
– Perfect cooperation and harmony
– People are compassionate
– Everyone is perfectly peaceful
– Everyone lives in peace with everyone else
– A singular idea of God is accepted and practiced

Wow, that’s a long list of idealistic desires. Sounds good to me! However, do they exist anywhere on earth, or are they attainable in the future?

<<< TABLE OF CONTENTS >>>

‘HEAVENLY’ DESIRES
‘PLACES’ YOU CAN VISIT TODAY
– Antelope Canyon
– Bora Bora Island
– Cano Cristales River
– Engelberg
– Grand Canyon
– Great Barrier Reef
– “Hispaniola”
– Iguazu Falls
– Kashmir
– Seychelles Island

“SHANGRI-LA”

“NIRVANA”
“PURE LAND”

“PARADISE”?
‘RELIGIOUS’ DEPICTIONS
DEPICTIONS IN ‘CULTURE’
RELIGIOUS ‘BELIEFS’ ABOUT PARADISE
– Hinduism
– Buddhism
– Ancient Greek
– Ancient Egypt
– Zoroastrianism
– Islam
– Judaism
– Christianity

HAS PARADISE BEEN ‘FOUND’?

“HEAVEN ON EARTH”?

‘PRELUDE’ TO HEAVEN
‘BENEFITS’ OF BEING “HEAVENLY MINDED”
REMINDS OF THE ‘BREVITY’ OF LIFE
PREPARES FOR ‘JUDGMENT’
MOTIVATES TO LIVE A ‘PURE’ LIFE
PUTS ‘SUFFERING’ INTO PERSPECTIVE

‘FORETASTE’ OF HEAVEN
‘HINTS’ OF HEAVEN
CELEBRATING THE ‘ROUTINE’
EXPECTATIONS

FINAL ‘JOB REVIEW’
PREPARATION FOR ‘ASSIGNMENTS’

HEAVENLY ‘MOTIVATION’
LIVING WITH A ‘DESTINATION’ MINDSET
MAKING THE MOST OF ONE’S ‘TIME’
GOD-WORTHY ‘MOTIVATIONS’
WHAT FAITHFUL BELIEVERS ‘RECEIVE’
MISSING ‘INGREDIENT’
THE POWER OF ‘INCENTIVES’
‘TEMPTATIONS’ OR MOTIVATIONS?

BECOMING ‘VIRTUOUS’

EARTHLY ‘LIFESTYLE’
‘ATTITUDES’ GOD IS LOOKING FOR
THE ‘BEATITUDES’
– For the Poor in Spirit
– For those who Mourn
– For the Meek
– For those who desire Righteousness
– For the Merciful
– For the Pure in Heart
– For the Peacemakers
– For those who are Persecuted
– For those who are Insulted

MAKING SOMETHING HAPPEN

MINIMIZE ‘REGRETS’

TAKE CARE OF THE ‘PRINCIPAL MATTERS’

EARTHLY ‘WORKS’
WHAT ‘CONSTITUTES’ GOOD WORKS?
MADE ‘FOR’ GOOD WORKS
‘DELAYED’ REWARDS
‘IDEAS’ FOR GOOD WORKS
ONLY WHAT’S DONE NOW WILL ‘COUNT’

HEAVENLY ‘REWARDS’
GOD ‘WANTS’ TO REWARD US!
‘WHAT’ GETS REWARDED?
REWARDS ARE BY BELIEF AND BEHAVIOR
REWARDS FOR ‘OVERCOMERS’
EXCEEDINGLY GREAT REWARD!
NOT ‘PROMISED’ TO EVERYONE!

THE ‘JUDGMENT’
‘WHAT’ WILL BE JUDGED
BELIEVERS ARE BEING ’SCRUTINIZED’

REWARDS ‘ON EARTH’
SOW BOUNTIFULLY, REAP BOUNTIFULLY

STORING UP ‘TREASURES’
‘PRIMARY’ TREASURES
‘STEWARDSHIP’
ETERNAL ‘RESPONSIBILITIES’
‘CROWNS’

ULTIMATE ‘PAYDAY’

WRAP-UP
EARTHLY LOCATIONS
HAS PARADISE BEEN ‘FOUND’?
‘FORETASTE’ OF HEAVEN ON EARTH
THE ‘WAY’ TO LIVE
FINAL ‘JOB REVIEW’
LIVING WITH A ‘DESTINATION’ MINDSET
MAKING THE MOST OF ONE’S ‘TIME’
EARTHLY ‘WORKS’
HEAVENLY ‘REWARDS’
‘DELAYED’ REWARDS
THE ‘JUDGMENT’
REWARDS ‘ON EARTH’
STORING UP ‘TREASURES’
IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE
USE IT OR LOSE IT
HEAVEN WILL BE ‘ON’ THE EARTH ONE DAY!

<<< SUMMARY >>>

The following is a collection of ‘snippets’ from the post that aims to give you the overall ‘jest’ of this post.
[ 15-20 Minute Read ].

‘HEAVENLY’ DESIRES
Now, when people are asked what “heaven on earth” means to them, they respond with a ‘place’ that is beautiful, visually striking, calming, and peaceful. When asked what places they think actually ‘fulfill’ those descriptions, there are many suggestions.

It is not hard to find ‘natural’ beauty on this massive planet. Almost incomprehensible, these ‘magical’ destinations need to be seen to be believed. From the grand waterfalls of Africa to the otherworldly landscapes of China, countless locations look much more like heaven than our home planet. With so many impressive wonders on earth, it can be a challenge just to choose which destination to put next on the itinerary. There are plenty of beautiful places on earth, but there seem to be some that most people agree that they look more like ‘heaven’ to them.
[ more… ]

‘PLACES’ YOU CAN VISIT TODAY
So, to determine what destinations were described as “paradise,” “heaven on earth,” “most beautiful places on earth,” or “the must-see destinations before you die,” I scoured the Internet for some “Top” lists. I came up with 67 (my age) locations that were mentioned time andr time again. [ Note: My entire list is the first entry in the “Articles” section below ]. Then, I went through that list and created my “Top 10” list, and they are listed alphabetically below.

[ Note: I did put each of the locations that, historically, have been called/officially ‘recognized’ as “heaven on earth” (“Hispaniola,” Kashmir, Seychelles, and Switzerland)—so I only could pick six for myself! ]

[ This was ‘EXCRUCIATING’ for me since I loved them all (and many others, too! Then, there was NO WAY I was going to try to put them in order of importance. (If you do, please send them to me and I will share them. ]

– ANTELOPE CANYON [ Page, Arizona ]
– BORA BORA ISLAND [ French Polynesia ]
– CANO CRISTALES RIVER [ Meta, Columbia ]
– ENGELBERG [ Switzerland ]
– GRAND CANYON [ Arizona ]
– GREAT BARRIER REEF [ Australia ]
– “HISPANIOLA” [ Dominican Republic and Haiti ]
– IGUAZU FALLS [ Argentina-Brazil ]
– KASHMIR [ India ]
– SEYCHELLES ISLAND [ Indian Ocean, East Africa ]

[ NOTE: I collected A LOT of pics for each one of my selected 67 locations. Contact me if you would like me to send you them for the locations you would like (mbesh@comcast.net). ]

“SHANGRI-LA”
When asked about “heaven on earth,” many people (usually older) remember the 1933 novel written by James Hilton titled “Lost Horizon” (which was turned into a hit Hollywood movie in 1937). In it, he described a mythical land he called “Shangri-La,” a fictional account of the legendary Tibetan paradise “Shambala” (or Shambhala”). [ Hilton changed the name of his paradise to “Shangri-La.” ] The ancient Tibetan Buddhist myth of the spiritual kingdom of Shambala is said to exist somewhere between the Himalayas Mountains and the Gobi Desert and is thought, by some, to have informed Hilton’s description of his fictional Shangri-La.

Hilton describes Shangri-La as a mystical, harmonious valley that has become synonymous with any earthly paradise, and particularly a mythical Himalayan utopia—a permanently happy land, isolated from the outside world. In this paradise, people live for hundreds of years and age very slowly. In addition, the cultural treasures and wisdom of the world are stored there, in anticipation of a future of peace on earth. Lost Horizon caught the popular imagination, and Shangri-La entered the lexicon as a term for “utopia.”
———
Today, Shangri-La is seen both as a place and as an era of enlightened consciousness. The Tibetans say that the need to find paradise elsewhere is what keeps us from having it. Wherever Shangri-La is, the search for it continues.

[ Note: The 1973 hit song, “Shambala,” by the Three Dog Night talked about this land. (Their video of the song is in the “Songs” section below) ].

“NIRVANA”
Another term used to describe an “earthly paradise” is “Nirvana.” Some people think of it as a ‘place’ of bliss, peace, and perfection. However, practitioners say that it is a “state of being” that few people know about and even fewer have experienced.

Buddhists believe in a ‘cycle’ of life called “Samsara,” and are reincarnated at death—thus restarting the cycle. This reincarnation is governed by Karma. The cycle can eventually be escaped by enlightenment, at which time a person enters Nirvana and the end of suffering.

Nirvana means “quenching” or “blowing out,” in the way that the flame of a candle is blown out. But what does one ‘blow out’? Well, what is ‘extinguished’ is greed, hatred, and delusion—which then leads to ‘rebirth’. It is a transformed state of personality characterized by peace, deep spiritual joy, compassion, and refined and subtle awareness. (Negative mental states and emotions such as doubt, worry, anxiety, and fear are absent from the ‘enlightened’ mind.)

The whole goal of Buddhism is to obtain Nirvana by letting go of all attachments. Nirvana is the destination of a journey. It is a departure from the mundane world and aims to leave bitterness behind. The Buddha acts as a guide in the journey to Nirvana.
[ more… ]

“PURE LAND”
“Pure Land” refers to a spiritual domain or “field” generated by a Buddha in which the path to enlightenment is much easier than elsewhere—even effortless. Being in the Buddha’s presence is sufficient to achieve liberation.
———
Those who manage to be reborn into the Pure Land are not liberated from the cycle of rebirth, but they are much more likely to reach enlightenment than one who is reborn into life on earth as it is much easier to work toward enlightenment and liberation while in the Pure Land. As such, those who practice Pure Land Buddhism believe that being reborn into the Pure Land is the next step on the path to enlightenment.

“PARADISE”?
Colorful travel brochures make tempting offers for us to fly away to some distant “paradise” to relax and forget all our worries and troubles—and it works! The fascination with ‘paradise’ is powerful. We cannot help but wonder, is “paradise” nothing more than a pleasant fantasy or a future reality?
———
In Near East cultures, the concept of paradise developed in two ‘levels’. The first was scriptural and thus a part of religious belief: paradise is either a place for life after death—often serving as a more tangible and concrete substitute for the vaguer term “heaven”—or the setting for an idealized ‘epoch’ in human history: the “Garden of Eden.”

The second concept developed was through the actual physical depiction of paradise on earth, either in the form of actual gardens or through the use of certain types of garden imagery in music, literature, and the visual arts.

‘RELIGIOUS’ DEPICTIONS
In the Jewish Torah (the first five books of the Bible, including Jewish law and traditions), Paradise first appears as the Garden of Eden (in Genesis). In terms of ‘imagery’, the most famous Old Testament depiction of paradise is outlined in the Psalms: “He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters” [ Psalm 23:2 ].

In Christianity, Paradise is the afterlife promised by Jesus when He said to the repentant there on the cross next to Him: “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise” [ Luke 23:43 ]. A more detailed and ‘mystical’ depiction is in the Book of Revelation: “Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations” [ Revelation 22:1-2 ].

In Islamic scripture, the image of paradise (“Janna”) is far more concrete and descriptive, with a garden with flowering trees, running streams, silken cushions, and chaste companions: “This is the picture of Paradise promised to those who fear God: it contains rivers of ever-fresh water, rivers of milk that never sours, rivers of wine that are a delight to those who drink, and rivers of pure honey; also, for those who fear God are found every fruit, and their Lord’s forgiveness” (Sura 47:15)
[ more… ]

DEPICTIONS IN ‘CULTURE’
The image of “paradise on earth” in the Western tradition is not exclusively a Christian inspiration. The ‘idyllic’ earthly place of bliss is also evoked in the rich tradition of poetry and art inspired by the Greek myths of Arcadia and given defining a shape in the poetry of Virgil.
———
While the concept of an earthly paradise as a reflection of a heavenly paradise permeates much art in cultures under the influence of Christianity and Islam, a somewhat similar concept of a heavenly presence on earth
[ more… ]

RELIGIOUS ‘BELIEFS’ ABOUT PARADISE
The following is a bit more detailed overview of what each of the ‘major’ religions believes about “paradise.” [ Source: The “DABRAN” think-tank ]

– Hinduism
– Buddhism
– Ancient Greek
– Ancient Egypt
– Zoroastrianism
– Islam
– Judaism
– Christianity

HAS PARADISE BEEN ‘FOUND’?
In 1933, when British author James Hilton published the novel Lost Horizon (amid the Great Depression). The book became a best-seller in part because it provided a welcome respite from reality. The focal point of the story is a serene paradise called Shangri-La, a fabled land hidden amongst the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas that is blissfully free of sickness, poverty, conflict, or struggle. The tantalizing tale of a mystical utopia with no shortage of security, beauty, peace, and excited weary readers and piqued their imaginations.

However, today, for some, the fauna species of Central Asia combined with homes nestled high up amid the rugged and intimidating terrain of the frigid Himalayan mountains, seems to imitate literary art. At great heights within the boundaries of this mysterious and remote part of the world, they have carved out a little piece of heaven for their very own.

It is easy to imagine the glorious splendor of heaven and how blissfully happy and peaceful life would be there. Everyone would, probably, love to have that heavenly joy even while still living in this world. Most people, indeed, wish for paradise here on earth but do not know where to find it.
[ more… ]

“HEAVEN ON EARTH”?
In the 1970s, some people hoped to build a little piece of heaven in the Arizona desert. They built a brand-new city in the middle of nowhere called “Arcosanti.” Dreamed up by an Italian architect, Paolo Soleri, this paradise offered 5,000 people the simple life. They would share modern-looking apartment buildings, grow their food, and pay for the whole thing by selling wind chimes. Fifty-plus years later, it is only five percent finished and only 50 people live there. Not as successful as they had planned.
———
In the beginning, God put humans in the perfect home. God Himself “walked” with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, but then they rebelled and God sent them out of the Garden—and humans have been desiring that ‘environment’ ever since!

The thing is, God has promised that He WILL create “heaven on earth” one day when He will recreate a “new heaven and a new earth” (Revelation 21-22)—that seem to indicate Eden-like conditions and where God will actually ‘reside’. However, some ‘mopping up’ is needed before then, and a few other things—like the Rapture, Jesus’ Second Coming, and the Millennium—need to happen on God’s ‘timeline’ before then.

[ Note: The “New Heavens and the New Earth” will be the theme for next month’s post (April 2023). ]

So, as long as God has the believer here on earth, they CAN experience times that are a ‘prelude’ to what Heaven will be like.

‘PRELUDE’ TO HEAVEN
So, what difference does thinking about one’s future in Heaven make in their life today? Well, the most obvious reason is that their departure from their future home is both certain and, in my opinion, will be relatively soon! The Roman philosopher Seneca said, “This life is only a prelude to eternity.”

[ FYI: Without ‘date-setting’, it seems that there is a “convergence” of all biblical prophecy, indicating that the Rapture of the believer is imminent. For more details about that, view these previous “Life’s Deep Thoughts” posts:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/when-will-something-important-happen-v274/
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/last-generation-v249/ ].

‘BENEFITS’ OF BEING “HEAVENLY MINDED”
Indeed, if our brief time on earth is only the “cover and the title page” of our eternal existence, it only makes sense that we would want to know what comes after the title page.
———
Beyond satisfying our natural curiosity about what awaits us beyond the grave, contemplating the next life can result in ‘TANGIBLE’ BENEFITS in THIS LIFE: Reminds one of the ‘brevity’ of life; Prepares one for the certainty of ‘judgment’; Motivates one to live ‘pure’ lives; and puts ‘suffering’ into perspective.

REMINDS OF THE ‘BREVITY’ OF LIFE
Life is short and eternity is VERY, VERY long! To illustrate this reality, author Randy Alcorn asked people to take a piece of paper and place a dot on the left side of the paper and then draw a line from the dot to the right edge of the paper. It would look something like this:
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So, while we live ‘in’ the dot, we should never live ‘for’ the dot. We must live for the ‘line’—eternity! Question: Would you say you have been living for the dot or the line?
[ more… ]

PREPARES FOR ‘JUDGMENT’
Tragically, the majority of humanity is on the wrong road which ultimately leads to the wrong destination. From the moment we are born, we are on that road (or “way”) that is leading away from God. It is the “way” of rebellion against God. “All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way” [ Isaiah 53:6 ].

The thing is, no one has to ‘do’ anything to end up in Hell when they die. All personal needs to do is continue traveling in the same direction they have been traveling since birth (Romans 3:23). By contrast, relatively few people find the ‘road’ that leads to Heaven (Matthew 7:14).
———
Reflecting upon the reality of Heaven reminds the believer of the reality of God’s judgment at the end of their life, and serves as an ‘incentive’ to make certain that they do good works while here on earth that result in God’s rewards rather than His condemnation.

MOTIVATES TO LIVE A ‘PURE’ LIFE
One of the best ‘detergents’ for keeping our lives spotless is keeping our eyes focused on the promise of Heaven. The writer to the Hebrews said that Moses, the son of royal privilege, who was surrounded by the luxuries of Egypt, willingly endured “ill-treatment with the people of God” rather than enjoying “the passing pleasures of sin,” because “he was looking to the reward” he would receive in Heaven (Hebrews 11:25-27).

Moses understood that the pleasures and the treasures of this world last only for a moment. In due time, they will be consumed, along with all creation—just as the Apostle Peter said:
[ more… ]

PUTS ‘SUFFERING’ INTO PERSPECTIVE
The Apostle Paul, who was well acquainted with suffering, wrote confidently:

“For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal”
[ 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 ].

The believer’s earthly life serves two purposes. They are carrying out God’s will to please Him in everything they do, and they are also in training for their eternal ‘assignments’. Earth is the temporary world to prepare them for the everlasting Kingdom. “The world is passing away… But the one who does the will of God lives forever” [ 1 John 2:17 ]. This is why the believer needs to view their life not in terms of 70 or 80 years on earth (the ‘dot’), but in light of eternity (the ‘line’). The end of this life is the beginning of the next!
———
Even though Paul had been shipwrecked, imprisoned, and beaten within an ‘inch’ of his life on five different occasions, he described those horrific experiences as “momentary” and “light.” How could Paul say such a thing? Was the apostle suffering from amnesia? Well, no, his suffering could only be considered “momentary” and “light” when compared to the “eternal weight” of the future God had planned for him!

‘FORETASTE’ OF HEAVEN
So much of our focus these days is upon how we can use the principles of God to make this temporal existence as comfortable and pleasant as possible.

There’s nothing wrong with wanting a little bit of ‘heaven’ here on earth. God says the believer should have it. However, there is only one way to get it: “But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” [ Matthew 6:33 ]. Essentially that means:
[ more… ]

‘HINTS’ OF HEAVEN
How is the believer to account for the existence of pleasures and joys in this life? Well, writer and Christian apologist G. K. Chesterton intimated that only Christian theology can adequately account for pleasures—that they come from the very ‘hand’ of God.

While the world at large seeks from this life pleasures and happiness is the ‘ultimate’ of existence, it is the believer who properly recognizes that “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change” [ James 1:17 ].
[ more… ]

CELEBRATING THE ‘ROUTINE’
French theologian and philosopher Pierre Teilhard de Chardin once commented: “Do not forget that the value and interest of life are not so much to do conspicuous things… as to do ordinary things with the perception of their enormous value.”

If the believer is not careful, they will make the terrible mistake of overlooking perhaps the most profound ‘hint’ of transcendence—the daily ‘routine’—just living out the ordinary and mundane things in one’s life. Such a view of life sees everything that we do—literally, everything “under the sun”—as having a ‘sacramental’ perspective.
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God created this temporary place called earth, then placed people on it to populate it, subdue it, and live a short time on it. Then, during their earthly lives, people decide if they want to spend eternity with Him. Those who reject His companionship will spend eternity ‘away’ from Him (He is a ‘Gentleman’ that will not force anyone against their free will), however, for those who love Him, He has made a never-ending Kingdom for them to enjoy—forever! Planet earth is just a place of ‘training’ to prepare God’s ‘children’ for their eternal home.

God’s children will not be strumming harps or eating angel food cake in heaven. He will assign them important duties. I believe the decisions you make while on earth WILL determine what you will be doing in eternity. Life on earth is your ‘test’. If you choose to be a part of His family, He will assign you responsibilities in Heaven according to the way you lived your earthly life. You CAN make today count for eternity!

[ See last month’s post for more details about ‘home’:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/theres-no-place-like-home-v288/ ].

Now, since you are reading this, you have not yet entered eternity. So, if you are not a part of God’s family, you still have an opportunity to become one of His children. There is still time to correct your life decision and make God smile.

[ FYI: For more details on how to become one of God’s ‘children’, view this previous “Life’s Deep thoughts” post:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/developing-ones-character-v283/ ].

EXPECTATIONS
So, what can one expect from a ‘relationship’ with God? Well, developing a relationship based on ‘reasonable’ expectations will definitely help one’s faith to ‘FLOURISH’.

As was said previously, when one enters into a relationship with someone, they have some general expectations. As one shows that they are genuinely invested in the relationship, they can anticipate that the person will give them certain ‘things’ in return. Honesty and care are just some of the few ‘reasonable’ expectations that one might have in a relationship.
[ more… ]

FINAL ‘JOB REVIEW’
The Bible teaches that there is a ‘final exam’ on God’s prophetic calendar for each believer. It is not a ‘pop quiz’ since He HAS clearly announced that it is coming and it is on ‘schedule’! No believer should be caught by surprise when it arrives!

Now, not only has God told us about the test, He has graciously given the believer the test ‘questions’ ahead of time (an “open book” test)! The following is a ‘short list’ of what God will reward after going through a believer’s final exam:
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Granted, there are others, but these questions are probably going to be near the top of His ‘list’. What you need to be concerned with is that the final ‘exam’ IS COMING and you will not be able to ‘call in sick’ and there is no ‘make up’ test! Note also that there is no grading on the ‘curve and you only get ONE ’SHOT’ at this—so start ‘PREPARING’ NOW!

Now is your opportunity to prepare to get ready. You now have at least some of the questions, so don’t wait until the last minute to ‘cram’ for the test. Now that you have been told, you have NO ‘EXCUSE’ to fail!

So, commit to doing all you can every day to ‘ace’ the test—to get an “A+”—and so you can hear Jesus say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

PREPARATION FOR ‘ASSIGNMENTS’
The Bible suggests that the believer will have ‘assignments’ that will be far more advanced than anything in this life and that believers are not in Heaven right now because they are in training for something ‘spectacular’ in the next world. Although a believer’s everyday duties often seem mundane and routine to them now, some will have great importance in eternity. God has placed His children all over the world and equipped them with varying abilities to accomplish his purposes here on earth.

Jesus told a parable that explains why people have different degrees of ability. The master, about to leave on a journey, summoned his slaves and distributed money to them. In the story, the master distributed “talents.” [ A talent was a bag of gold or silver coins weighing about 100 pounds—about 6,000 Drachma—or, about 6,000 days of work! Today, about $1.4M! ]
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The believer only has a very small ‘window’ of time to change their eternity! God wants to place them in charge of many things in the next life, but they have to be faithful to their talents and endeavor to increase their abilities while they are on earth. So, they need not don’t waste their opportunities!
———
If the believer makes it their aim to ‘sacrifice’ their lives, they can easily become self-imposed ‘martyrs’, sacrificing the joy and pleasure of life that God desires for them. They can come to possess a “grin and bear it” type of Christianity that does not honor God. So, instead of focusing on what they will ‘give up’, Jesus tells them to rejoice in what they will ‘find’. Then comes a surprising result: The lives they ‘lose’ become fruitful, abundant, purposeful, and of much of earthly good. The thing is, the only time God asks the believer to give something up is to make ‘room’ for something better that He is ‘prepping’ them for. As they pour their lives out for God, He pours His life into them—and creates an amazing life!

HEAVENLY ‘MOTIVATION’
If John Bunyan had not already used the title, “Pilgrims Progress” for his book, it would have been a good contender for the sermon that Jonathan Edwards entitled, “The True Christian’s Life: A Journey Toward Heaven.” It embodied living the Christian life with a focus on Heaven.

As has been mentioned previously, the life of a believer is the ‘pilgrim’ life—a theme with a rich history in Christian history. In the Middle Ages, “the pilgrim way” was used to describe literal routes to the Holy City of Jerusalem during the time of the Crusades. These were great distances at a time when travel proved extremely difficult. So, monasteries were constructed along these routes, providing necessary oases of refreshment and rest. Along the way, pilgrims would hear heroic stories of those who had gone along before them, and they would also hear stories of the great things to come when they would finally reach their destination. These stories inspired them along their long arduous pilgrim journeys.
[ more… ]

LIVING WITH A ‘DESTINATION’ MINDSET
Trying to live in two places at the same time can be difficult, but it is what every believer has been called to do—temporarily. Since we do not know when we will suddenly be called a way to Heaven, we have to learn how to fulfill our responsibilities in this world while preparing for the next. Although the believer is still a resident of earth, their “true country” is Heaven, as the path of the Apostle Paul reminded the Philippians: “But our citizenship is in Heaven, and from it, we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” [Philippians 3:20]. Even though, God has ‘charged’ each believer with responsibilities in this world that involve their work, their families, and especially their ‘ministry’ for Him as “ambassadors for Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:20).

[ FYI: For more details about being an “ambassador” for God, view this previous “Life’s Deep Thoughts” post:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/Kingdoms-past-present-and-future-v262/ ].
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As I mentioned previously, the more seriously one considers Heaven, the more seriously one will consider earth. Life is very short, and you do not know when it will be your last day. To be a “heavenly-minded” believer means to live every day as if it were going to be the last day before God calls you home—because someday it will be that last day!

MAKING THE MOST OF ONE’S ‘TIME’
Moses beat today’s average lifespan by 40 to 50 years—dying at 120 years old—so his admonition about the value and brevity of life is worth heeding:
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The Apostle Paul had a different motivation for “making the most of the time.” He saw “the days as evil.” Make no mistake about it, Satan will do whatever it takes to prevent the believer from living a purposeful and God-honoring life. Satan will entice one to squander their time—and therefore their life—on worthless pursuits rather than their God-given priorities. The J. B. Phillips paraphrase captures this well:
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GOD-WORTHY ‘MOTIVATIONS’
So then, what should the believer’s motivations be? Well, the Bible gives us many motivating factors to serve God. So, here are 10 of the most mentioned desires:
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WHAT FAITHFUL BELIEVERS ‘RECEIVE’
Those who run the ‘race’ well, who administer their trust faithfully, and who build their lives with gold, silver, and precious stones, will receive with the Bible calls “crowns.” Scripture speaks of at least five different crowns the believer might receive at the judgment seat of Christ:
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All of these motives are wrong. God wants the believer to serve him out of a heart that burns with love for him. When they desire to make God smile, their motives will always be right.

Pastor Warren Wiersbe aptly said that “For the Christian, heaven isn’t simply a destination; it’s a motivation.”

MISSING ‘INGREDIENT’
The missing ‘ingredient’ in the lives of countless believers today is motivation. Given their false assumption that what they ‘do’ in this life will not have eternal consequences—apart from our decision to place our trust in Jesus for salvation—it is no wonder they are so unmotivated to follow God’s directions regarding money, possessions, and giving. When it comes down to it, what difference will it make? According to some prevailing theology, everything “comes out in the wash” so it will not make any difference at all. HOWEVER, according to the Bible, it WILL make a ‘tremendous’ difference! The doctrine of eternal rewards for the believer’s obedience is the neglected ‘key’ to unlocking one’s motivation.
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THE POWER OF ‘INCENTIVES’
Business people work in a world of incentives—as do homemakers, school children, and every other human being, regardless of age, nationality, or wealth. Every effective manager and every wise leader knows the importance of incentives. These are tangible motivators that may be personal, social, spiritual, physical, or financial. Unfortunately, too many believers consider incentives to be “secular,” “carnal,” or “unspiritual.”
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‘TEMPTATIONS’ OR MOTIVATIONS?
Grasping the ‘law’ of rewards requires one to think often and accurately about Heaven. Pastor Richard Baxter—writing in 1649—asked a probing question:
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BECOMING ‘VIRTUOUS’
A believer died and went to Heaven. Upon arriving, he was taken by the angel Gabriel to see his eternal dwelling place. On their way to his abode, they passed some very impressive and beautiful places. At the outer edge of the Holy City, they came to the place where the homes were modest and not comparable with the first places they had just passed. Gabriel then took him down a street to a less-than-modest house and announced, “Well, this is it. Your eternal house.”

Well, he was visibly shaken and upset by what he saw. He turned to Gabriel and said, “I don’t wish to appear ungrateful, but I must tell you that I am not at all pleased with this place. It is small and cramped, lacks beauty and design, and appears to have been constructed with substandard materials.”
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Each believer must come to that point where they decide that all of this is important enough to live their lives completely and diligently for Jesus. Peter told his readers that those who do not live with such diligence are “blind” and “shortsighted” since they have failed to abundantly produce the virtues that he had listed for them (2 Peter 1:9)—that the Holy Spirit ‘inspired’ him to write.

So, may the indictment of being “blind” and “shortsighted” not be applied to you! Rather, may you be thrilled and overwhelmed with Jesus saying to you, “Well done, you diligent servant,” then enter, truly ‘JOYOUS’, into Heaven for ALL TIME!

“Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen”
[ Jude 24-25 ].

EARTHLY ‘LIFESTYLE’
The Apostle Paul, speaking to the Corinthians, talks about the proper ‘foundation’ that they need to build their lives upon:
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This reference to being disqualified refers not to salvation but to rewards. Theologian John Walvoord said of this: “It is a picture of an athlete who buy, breaking the rules, is disqualified from winning the race. The figure makes plane that a Christian should bend all his efforts to living in such a way that he will not be ashamed when his life is reviewed at the judgment seat of Christ.” So, like Paul, the believer should make every effort to avoid being disqualified!

‘ATTITUDES’ GOD IS LOOKING FOR
The thought of a thorough judgment that even exposes our hidden motives and private thoughts is more frightening than comforting. Some believers hope that they could slip into Heaven, in the ‘back row’, and not have to face their dismal performance on earth. Well, that is not the way it is going to happen!

The thing is, how can any one of us expect to receive anything at all from God? Not one of us has done any of the works that the Bible presents as being worthy of reward. Our opportunities are limited, our lives are too short, and our hearts are too sinful.

So then, how can a believer be rewarded for deeds done with motives that are not entirely loving and free of all self-interest? Well, Jesus comes to the ‘rescue’! He takes our acts done with good ‘intentions’ and cleanses them so they might be acceptable to God the Father. Since the believer is presented to the Father by Jesus—and the believer is ‘joined’ to Him–God sees their works as having been done by Him, perfect and acceptable! God is especially pleased when He sees His Son ‘in’ the believer, since, after their conversion, their deeds no longer originate in the flesh, but in the work of the Holy Spirit!
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THE ‘BEATITUDES’
Jesus’ opening words in the “Sermon on the Mount” (in Matthew 5:3-12)—most commonly referred to as “The Beatitudes”—are navigational ‘beacons’ that tell the believer how to experience the ‘good life’, because they tell us what God is looking for in a believer. These ‘attitudes’, when desired to be a part of the believer’s life, become potential heavenly realities that can be experienced here on earth as sort of a ‘precursor’ of Heaven. So, you might even say, experiencing “heaven on earth.”

The Beatitudes are not descriptions for us to follow to gain divine favor from God so that He blesses our ambitions and plans. They are descriptions of the ‘kind’ of person God will bless, and what a difference God’s Kingdom ‘breaking’ into this world makes. The Kingdom of Heaven makes a difference for the poor in spirit, for those who mourn, for the meek, for those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for the merciful, for the pure in heart, for the peacemakers, and for those who are persecuted and insulted because of their righteousness.

As the believer aligns their lives with these realities, they become a ‘difference-maker’ in the world. The Beatitudes show them what a difference God’s Kingdom makes, and invite them to align their lives to them accordingly. They give the believer direction when they find themselves longing to do what God wants.
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The “Sermon on the Mount”—of which the “Beatitudes” is the introduction—has been said, by most, to be the “most important sermon” that Jesus ever preached, and that the “fruit of the Spirit” are the most important traits that a Christian can demonstrate in their lives.

Now, these ‘associates’ may not be ‘Spirit-inspired’ (“thus saith the Lord”), but at the very least they may help you remember these quintessential teachings of the Bible for the blessed Christian life. Hopefully, they will help you develop the inner attitudes the “Beatitudes” speak of, and put into action the “fruit of the Spirit.”

These associations intend to help you focus on becoming more like Jesus—and become the kind of person that God will BLESS!

One thing also to note about these ‘pairings’, is that their meanings have been expanded beyond what Jesus’ intent was just in the Beatitudes, to what He said about the ‘attitude’ throughout the Bible. The same is true about the fruit of the Spirit—I have also included teachings about each ‘action’ from other areas of the Bible.

[ FYI: For a PDF of all of the specific ‘pairings’, download it by clicking the following link:
https://fruitsofthebeatitudes.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Fruits_Of_The_Beatitudes-Pairings_Placard.pdf ].

The following listing is presented in the proper order (the verses) that The Beatitudes appear in the Sermon on the Mount:

– For the Poor in Spirit
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven” [ Matthew 5:3 ].
– For those who Mourn
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” [ Matthew 5:4 ].
– For the Meek
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” [ Matthew 5:5 ].
– For those who desire Righteousness
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied” [ Matthew 5:6 ].
– For the Merciful
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy” [ Matthew 5:7 ].
– For the Pure in Heart
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” [ Matthew 5:8 ].
– For the Peacemakers
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” [ Matthew 5:9 ].
– For those who are Persecuted
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven” [ Matthew 5:10 ].
– For those who are Insulted
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in Heaven, for, in the same way, they persecuted the prophets who were before you” [ Matthew 5:11 ].

MAKING SOMETHING HAPPEN
Jesus recognizes the believers’ capacity to make something ‘good’ happen on this earth before they ‘leave’—by the ‘actions’ that are rooted and shaped by the attitudes and characteristics that the Beatitudes speak of.

The Beatitudes provide the context for understanding what Jesus says next in His Sermon—enlightening His followers to be “salt and light” (evangelizing) to the world (Matthew 5:13-14). In the Beatitudes, Jesus is announcing what it means for the world that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. It is going to make a difference for the poor in spirit, those who are mourning, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, those who are pure in heart, the peacemakers, and those who are persecuted and insulted because of righteousness. In every case, His declaration begins with “Blessed” to indicate that these are the arenas where God is working—and where His reign will make a difference. The Beatitudes help the believer realize what God is doing, what He values, and where He is at work and invites them to align their lives accordingly with them.
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The ‘good life’ happens when the believer allows Jesus to have a ‘monopoly’ on them, and the Beatitudes teach the believer to see the world for what it will one day become—the “New Heaven and the New Earth” (Revelation 21).

Heaven on earth awaits those willing to develop the attitudes and characteristics of The Beatitudes, and the rest of the world awaits the believers to tell them about the Kingdom of Heaven that they, one day, could be a part of!
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Few of us will ever achieve the fame and fortune of Alfred Nobel, but all of us CAN ‘redirect’ our time, our money, and our energy to things that will allow us to live and die without regrets!

MINIMIZE ‘REGRETS’
Nothing will steal your joy faster or more completely than ‘regrets’. Poet John Greenleaf Whittier captured this mournful emotion with these lines:
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TAKE CARE OF THE ‘PRINCIPAL MATTERS’
One last item to check off your ‘to-do’ list before departing on your heavenly journey is to make sure that those you leave behind will be adequately cared for. That is what the prophet Isaiah told King Hezekiah: “Thus says the LORD, ‘Set your house in order, for you shall die’” [ 2 Kings 20:1 ]. Really good advice!

[ FYI: A few months ago, I wrote a post detailing what one should consider when creating a will and a trust. It might help you out in preparing some of the ‘principle matters’ before you go:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/preparing-for-the-future-v286/ ].
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So, BE ‘SURE’ you have been ‘forgiven’ by God—through Jesus—and you are living ‘for’ Jesus here on earth to gain your eternal ‘rewards’!

EARTHLY ‘WORKS’
Many Christians are confused about the importance of good ‘works’ in this life. They claim that “My good works are worthless to God.” Now, while it is true that we are saved by God’s grace apart from our works, God DOES reward the believer based on their works, and they are ‘INTEGRAL’ to determining one’s ‘experience’ in Heaven!
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WHAT ‘CONSTITUTES’ GOOD WORKS?
If one is serious about wishing to be rewarded for their good works, then first one needs to understand what God deems good works. One may think something is a good work, but if God has not commanded it, then one cannot be confident that it will be rewarded.

So, a good source for detailed descriptions of biblical doctrine is “The Westminster Confession of Faith.” It says, “Good works are only such as God has commanded in his holy word… These good works, done in obedience to God’s commands, are the fruits and evidence of a true and lively faith” (WCF 16.1-2).
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So, the reason believers can even do good works is who they are ‘in’ Jesus. God has changed the believer’s nature, produced faith in them, and enabled them to express their love for Him through good works—which He is appreciative of, and will reward the believer for doing so. Then, on the Day of Judgment, God will separate a believer’s good and bad works to determine their reward.
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For those who have served in Jesus faithfully, the Judgment Seat of Christ will be a time of commendation and celebration. God will also reward the believer for deeds that no one else even noticed!

The 500-year-old play “Everyman” is an illustration of all people. As Everyman faces Death, he looks among his friends for a companion. Only one friend would accompany him on the journey through death to final judgment. His name? “Good Deeds”!

Now, some balk at such an illustration, however, it is explicitly biblical: “And I heard a voice from Heaven saying, ‘Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ‘Blessed indeed’, says the Spirit, ‘that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!’” [ Revelation 14:13 ].

MADE ‘FOR’ GOOD WORKS
God has a lifetime of good works for each believer to do, including many works with their money and possessions. He will reward them according to whether or not they did them. “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” [ Ephesians 2:10 ].

James also emphatically states that good works are ‘ESSENTIAL’ to the life of the believer: “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” [ James 2:17b ], “You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did” [ James 2:22 ], and “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead” [ James 2:26 ].
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‘DELAYED’ REWARDS
All of us want to enjoy the rewards of God in our present lives on earth—not everyone is willing to deny immediate gratification. However, it seems that sometimes God’s greatest rewards are usually ‘delayed’ and given to the believer in Heaven.

Jesus is going to put forth the teaching that it can be ‘dangerous’ to live for earthly repayment (Luke 6:24), but to meet the needs of the ‘lowly’:
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So, no deed forgotten will pass by overlooked or unreported. Not one cup of water, or one prayer in the middle of the night.

‘IDEAS’ FOR GOOD WORKS
So, to have the ‘right’ attitude for doing good works, the believer must be ‘seeking’ the Kingdom of God: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:31). In doing so, there is a promised reward: “and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33a). Material blessings come to those pursuing God’s Kingdom as their greatest priority.

Then, as the believer, by faith, for the glory of God, gives toward the Kingdom, they will find that they end up receiving as much as they give. Amazing! God gives freely and abundantly as the believer gives back to Him. When a believer puts the Kingdom first, they will find that they cannot ever lose by putting the interest of God and His Kingdom before their own.
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ONLY WHAT’S DONE NOW WILL ‘COUNT’
So, hopefully, the possible rewards the believer can receive will ‘INCENTIVIZE’ them to live faithfully and work tirelessly for God EVERY DAY! The great reformer John Calvin said, “Most assuredly, if I had merely served man, this would have been a poor recompense; but it is my happiness that I have served him who never fails to reward his servants to the full extent of his promise.”

I think British missionary to China, India, and Africa C.T. Studd said it well in a poem he wrote, “Only One Life, Twill Soon Be Past”:
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HEAVENLY ‘REWARDS’
Rewards are a part of life. From our earliest years, we get gold stars on our homework from our teachers for a job well done, blue ribbons at the county fair, and trophies for winning in sports. As we grow older, the rewards get more expensive and more difficult to earn, and if we are honest, we all have appreciated being recognized and rewarded for a job well done. Most rewards are simple and basic, but some have become so prestigious that they are widely coveted and celebrated the world over:
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According to the Bible, the all-knowing, all-seeing God is keeping track of how you are living and what you are doing for Him every day, and you have more to gain by living for Him than you can ever imagine! Rewards for serving Jesus faithfully are beyond our wildest imagination! Rewards are tangible evidence that we pleased God with our life. For that reason, they should be important to us now, because this is the only ‘season’ during which we can earn them. In addition to that, one should do their best on earth since, just like in the corporate sales department and the video game, there will be ‘levels’ in Heaven depending on the ‘degree’ of one’s faithfulness and sacrifice for Jesus on earth.

GOD ‘WANTS’ TO REWARD US!
If you have never thought much about heavenly rewards, and are not sure that God really wants to give them out, I trust that these few Scripture passages will pique your interest and give you the confidence to do more in your life for God:
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‘WHAT’ GETS REWARDED?
Now, nowhere in the Bible does Jesus give an exhaustive list of what actions He will reward. However, cultures around the world know instinctively what a “good work” is—essentially, an act you do for someone that meets a need in honoring God.

In Bruce Wilkinson’s book, “Secrets of the Vine,” he notes a few things that God rewards based on the teachings of Jesus:
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REWARDS ARE BY BELIEF AND BEHAVIOR
Works are wonderful as long as you keep them in the right place regarding salvation: the biblical formula of salvation is: Faith = Salvation + Works

Outside the registrar’s office in the Dallas Theological Seminary is a sign that reads: Salvation is by grace… Graduation is by works.” ;^D
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REWARDS FOR ‘OVERCOMERS’
At the end of each of the seven letters to the churches in the book of Revelation (Chapters 2-3), Jesus promised special rewards to “overcomers.” Some of the promised rewards are:
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EXCEEDINGLY GREAT REWARD!
Scripture emphasizes the importance of the believer knowing about their rewards: “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does” [ Ephesians 6:7-8 ].

God knows how to motivate His ‘children’ into right thinking and right living. Desiring God’s reward is not selfish or prideful. It might be possible to start with the wrong attitude, but it would be impossible to stay that way. If the promise of reward could in any way sully a believer’s motives, God doesn’t put stumbling blocks in our path to obedience!
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The truth that believers are ‘kings’ and ‘queens’ in Christ is not some idea conjured up to boost our self-esteem, but a present reality that they will enjoy in Heaven. At that point, they will sit on ‘thrones’ alongside Jesus and enjoy, by ‘grace’, what is His by ‘right’. However, until then, they are to reign over their sinful passions, bringing their minds, wills, and affections into submission to Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit through His Word, the Bible.

NOT ‘PROMISED’ TO EVERYONE!
Now, this inheritance IS ‘promised’, but NOT to everyone. The inheritance of eternal life with God is ‘reserved’ only for believers and that can only happen when they are “born again.”

So, if you have not yet put your trust in Jesus—and would like to—you can express your faith in Him by praying something like the “Prayer of Repentance” below. The words of this prayer are not what will ‘save’ you. It is simply a means of expressing repentance of your sins and trusting in Him as your Savior and Lord (so you can pray with any words you would like).

[ FYI: For more details about becoming “born again,” view this previous “Life’s Deep Thoughts” post:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/developing-ones-character-v283/ ].
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THE ‘JUDGMENT’
Now, every believer will give an ‘account’ for EVERYTHING they did on earth—good or bad—and they will receive compensation from God based on their works: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad” [ 2 Corinthians 5:10 ]. (Note: When he says “things done in the body,” he is restricting the reward to things you did while you were alive on earth.)

This accounting will be at what is called the “Bema” (It is the Greek word for “Judgment Seat”). It was an actual place in the city of Corinth where the provincial magistrate sat to hear judicial cases. The Bema represented authority, justice, and reward (John 19:13; Acts 25:10-12). This was where Paul’s hearing took place.

He stood before a magistrate named Gallio, while his enemies argued for his punishment. However, Paul defended himself and Gallio decided that no crime had occurred—so Paul went free.
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‘WHAT’ WILL BE JUDGED
Theologian Dr. Joe L. Wall put together a list of Jesus’ ‘major’ principles that Jesus will use at the Bema to judge believers. It can furnish a ‘framework’ for the believer to decide what is truly important in their lives and can help them to set the right priorities to live by on earth to create a ‘worthwhile’ life. These principles can significantly affect a believer’s decision of what to spend their time on during their earthly stay:
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BELIEVERS ARE BEING ’SCRUTINIZED’
God is watching. He is keeping track. Nothing is veiled from His sight (Hebrews 4:13). He looks down every day on what believers are doing, thinking, and saying. Therefore, they must do their best work for Him as they are empowered by the Holy Spirit to do at all times.
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I think Scottish Baptist minister Alexander Maclaren sums it up with his poem “His Plan for Me”:
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REWARDS ‘ON EARTH’
Now, God rewards the believer here on earth as a ‘foretaste’ of His plan to bless them for all eternity.

One reward the believer receives here on earth—as a result of their obedience—is an increased ‘presence’ of God’s love. It has three ‘components’:
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SOW BOUNTIFULLY, REAP BOUNTIFULLY
The Apostle Paul explains to his readers, “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully” [ 2 Corinthians 9:6 ]. Paul then applies this as a ‘general’ principle to Christian giving: “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” [ 2 Corinthians 9:7 ]. God has a special ‘complacency’ for those who are cheerful givers.

Now, the reward does not end with the reception of God’s fatherly favor. The Apostle Paul says, “He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God” [ 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 ].
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The thing is, these good works do not even need to be ‘perfect’, and God rewards the believer for their works with rewards far beyond what the works could ever be worth! This then motivated the believer constantly to do good to be rewarded! Win-win!

STORING UP ‘TREASURES’
Perhaps Jesus is most familiar teaching on treasure is found in the Sermon on the Mount:
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So, let me ask you, where is your heart right now? Are you storing up treasure for Heaven or earthly treasure? If you are not purposely and generously investing your treasure in God’s Kingdom, I promise you it is because your heart isn’t there! ;^(

If you are not fully focused on ‘sending ahead’ treasures, the solution is simple and can be life-changing. Don’t wait for your heart to move on its own, because it might never happen! Instead, apply what you have learned from the words of Jesus. Begin to focus your treasures for Heaven, and your heart will follow!

‘PRIMARY’ TREASURES
The PRIMARY ‘treasures’ that believers will send to Heaven will be BELIEVERS—people that they have helped to find God’s forgiveness through His Son Jesus.

Just before Jesus ascended back into Heaven, He gave His disciples an ‘assignment’—and it essentially outlined what Jesus expected those who followed Him to do in His absence: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” [ Matthew 28:19-20a ]
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For the believer, it is going to be a ‘joyous’ reward to have eternal friendships that were begun on earth through various God-appointed means! Their union with each other can be very close on earth, but I’ve got to believe that they will be MUCH MORE ‘intimate’ in Heaven since sin will be absent and everyone will be ‘filled’ with the Holy Spirit!

At least for me, I look forward to perfectly satisfying and rewarding friendships in eternity, so to have them, I try to help as many people as I can to be with me in Heaven! (This ’newsletter’ is one thing I do.)

‘STEWARDSHIP’
The principles of stewardship (responsibility, faithfulness, growth, and potential) apply to one’s treasure. In one of Jesus’ teachings about money and possessions, he said: “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So, if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?” [ Luke 16:10-12 ].

Here, Jesus is describing how one can succeed with someone else’s money. Not surprisingly, He uses the word “faithful” four times! What is surprising about this is what Jesus promises a faithful steward is not as you might expect: That one will ‘own’ for themselves what they store up in Heaven—“true riches”—and instead of managing “what is another man’s,” they will have “what is your own.” So, if you do well with what you think is your own now—even though God owns everything—you will get what is really your own in Heaven!
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ETERNAL ‘RESPONSIBILITIES’
How the believer handles the “little things” on earth will determine what they will manage in eternity. How they manage these little things indicates what they would do if they had more. Why would God give ‘dynamite’ to someone who can’t handle ‘firecracker’? It would be foolish to give greater responsibility to someone who has proven unfaithful with smaller jobs. So, eternal responsibilities will be assigned according to one’s faithfulness to their opportunities on earth. Jesus said, “Therefore if you have not been faithful in the use of unrighteous wealth, who will entrust the true riches to you?” [ Luke 16:11 ].

Again, “true riches” are not just more of the same worldly wealth. They are what is valuable to God and what will last for eternity. As just mentioned, they are other human beings with eternal souls! So, God tests a believer in the handling of money and possessions to determine their trustworthiness in handling souls.
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‘CROWNS’
So, what specific kinds of rewards will be ‘stored up’ for them in Heaven? Well, as mentioned previously, those who run the ‘race’ well, who administer their trust faithfully, and who build their lives with gold, silver, and precious stones, will receive with the Bible calls “crowns” at the Judgment Seat of Christ.

Christian scholar Arnold Fruchtenbaum tells us that the Greek language has two words for “crown”: “One is the word “diadem,” which is a king’s crown. It is the crown of a sovereign end of a person who is royal by his nature and buys his position—a king. This is the kind of crown that Jesus wears. The second Greek word is “stephanos,” which is a crown given to an overcomer, a victor, one who has won a race.”

As a reminder, several different crowns symbolize the various achievements and rewards in the Christian life:
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ULTIMATE ‘PAYDAY’
Jesus told a fascinating parable about the coming ‘payday’ for God’s children in Matthew 19. The passage gives us the principles of God’s reward program:
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Here’s an old poem I found titled, “Who does God’s work will get God’s pay,” which does a good job of summarizing all this. Meditate on these words and let them motivate you to sacrifice in light of the coming day when you will stand before God:
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Author of the book “Heaven,” Randy Alcorn, puts all this into perspective with this sentiment:

“Five minutes after we die, we’ll know exactly how we should have lived. But God has given us His Word so that we don’t have to wait to die to find out. And He’s given us His Spirit to empower us to live that way now.”

Are you being a good ’steward’ of your time, ‘talents’, and treasures here on earth that you will receive ‘crowns’ for doing so in Heaven?

WRAP-UP
Webster’s defines “heaven on earth” as “a very pleasant or enjoyable place or situation. The “Urban” dictionary says that it is “anything that is extremely wonderful and exists on the earth.” Random other comments term it as “an ideal place,” “the happiest, most wonderful and peaceful place ever created,” and “utopia.”

EARTHLY LOCATIONS
Travel brochures make tempting offers for us to fly away to some distant “paradise” to relax and forget all our worries and troubles—and it works! The fascination with ‘paradise’ is powerful. We cannot help but wonder, is “paradise” nothing more than a pleasant fantasy or a future reality?

In the past, some ‘explorers’ claimed to have located a lost paradise. For example, Charles Gordon, a British army general, on visiting Seychelles in 1881, was so impressed by the luxuriant beauty of the Vallée de Mai, that he declared it to be the “Garden of Eden.” In the 15th century, Christopher Columbus wondered if he was close to rediscovering the Edenic garden when he landed on the island of Hispaniola, now the Dominican Republic and Haiti.
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HAS PARADISE BEEN ‘FOUND’?
In 1933, when British author James Hilton published the novel Lost Horizon (in the midst of the Great Depression). The book became a best-seller in part because it provided a welcome respite from reality. The focal point of the story is a serene paradise called Shangri-La, a fabled land hidden amongst the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas that is blissfully free of sickness, poverty, conflict, or struggle. The tantalizing tale of a mystical utopia with no shortage of security, beauty, peace, and excited weary readers and piqued their imaginations.

‘FORETASTE’ OF HEAVEN ON EARTH
An old song, by Jim Reeves, says, “This world is not my home; I’m just a passing through,” and a few lines later, “If Heaven’s not my home, then, Lord, what will I do?” Well, indeed, based on the Bible, this world is not a believer’s ‘home’, and their ‘job description’ is to prepare themselves and prepare others for getting there!

[ See last month’s post for more details about ‘home’:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/theres-no-place-like-home-v288/ ].
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THE ‘WAY’ TO LIVE
To have a fulfilling life, one needs to reset their priorities. The first item on their new agenda is to seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness above all else (Matthew 6:33).

As you well know, when you get the top button of the shirt wrong, all of the other buttons will also be wrong. This works also in life. One will have everything in their lives out of order because they first haven’t properly fastened the Kingdom of God ‘button’.

The top ‘button’ is to love God, and the second ‘button’ is to love people. It’s that simple. Do this and every other ‘button’ in life will fall into place. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself” [ Matthew 22:37-39 ].
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FINAL ‘JOB REVIEW’
Just like most of us have on a yearly basis—a “job review”—the believer will also have something similar. The thing is, it is not a ‘pop quiz’ since God HAS clearly announced that it is coming and no believer should be caught by surprise when it arrives!

Now, not only has God told us about the test, He has graciously given the believer the test ‘questions’ ahead of time (an “open book” test)! Then, being additionally gracious to the believer, God will reward them for the things they did for Him (and His ‘children’) while they were on earth with some “crowns” (The Crown of Life, Incorruptible Crown, Crown of Righteousness, Crown of Glory, and the Crown of Rejoicing).

[ FYI: For more details about being an “ambassador” for God, view this previous “Life’s Deep Thoughts” post:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/Kingdoms-past-present-and-future-v262/ ].

God has called each believer to live with a “here/there” mindset. Now living and working here on earth, they should be preparing for their lives to live there in Heaven. Admittedly, it is challenging to live in one location while preparing to live in another, but it also can be motivating to do so.

MAKING THE MOST OF ONE’S ‘TIME’
I heard this saying once, “Life is like a dollar. You can spend it anywhere you want, but you can only spend it once.” The Apostle Paul would agree with tax sentiment, and admonishes the believer to live wisely by “making the most of our time.” That phrase means to “buy up” the time. In other words, invest in life and take hold of it—carpe diem—seize the day. “Live life, then, with a due sense of responsibility, not as men who do not know the meaning and purpose of life but as those who do. Make the best use of your time, despite all the difficulties of these days. Don’t be vague but firmly grasp what you know to be the will of God”
[ Ephesians 5:15-17 ].

EARTHLY ‘WORKS’
Many Christians are confused about the importance of good ‘works’ in this life. They claim that “My good works are worthless to God.” Now, while it is true that we are saved by God’s grace apart from our works, God DOES reward the believer based on their works, and they are ‘INTEGRAL’ to determining one’s ‘experience’ in Heaven!

The Apostle Paul might help out here as he drew a distinction between works ‘before’ salvation and works ‘after’ salvation. This is what he said about our works before salvation: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works so that no one can boast” [ Ephesians 2:8-9 ]. Then, this is what he said about works after salvation: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” [ Ephesians 2:10 ].

So, before someone becomes a believer, their works are only sufficient to ‘CONDEMN’ them before God. HOWEVER, once they have become a believer, their works will be sufficient to ‘COMMEND’ them to God!

HEAVENLY ‘REWARDS’
Rewards are a part of life. From our earliest years, we get gold stars on our homework from our teachers for a job well done, blue ribbons at the county fair, and trophies for winning in sports. As we grow older, the rewards get more expensive and more difficult to earn, and if we are honest, we all have appreciated being recognized and rewarded for a job well done.

Well, as was mentioned previously, this IS true—God DID put this kind of desire ‘inside’ the human, and He did so much that He COULD reward His ‘children’ when they do something He approves of. God really WANTS to reward His ‘children’!

Now, some might say that promising rewards for behavior lead to a ‘slavish’ spirit. Well, in anticipating this objection, 17th-century theologian John Owen said, “They do respect God’s promises, and threatening is a principal part of our liberty.” He argued that in the New Covenant, the hope of reward is a liberating motive for ‘increased’ holiness!

‘DELAYED’ REWARDS
Now, all of us want to enjoy the rewards of God in our present lives on earth—not everyone is willing to deny immediate gratification. However, it seems that sometimes God’s greatest rewards are usually ‘delayed’ and given to the believer in Heaven.

Jesus is going to put forth the teaching that it can be ‘dangerous’ to live for earthly repayment (Luke 6:24), but to meet the needs of the ‘lowly’:
[ more… ]

THE ‘JUDGMENT’
Now, every believer will give an ‘account’ for EVERYTHING they did on earth—good or bad—and they will receive compensation from God based on their works: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad” [ 2 Corinthians 5:10 ]. (Note: When he says “things done in the body,” he is restricting the reward to things you did while you were alive on earth.)

The believer’s ‘beliefs’ or eternal ‘destination’ will not being tested here. It is all about their ‘WORKS’! What they did with their life will endure like gold, silver, and precious stones in a fire, or, it will be burned up like straw without a trace to remain, no matter how sensible, enjoyable, or even how religious’ the activities might have seemed while you were doing them on earth.

REWARDS ‘ON EARTH’
Now, God rewards the believer here on earth as a ‘foretaste’ of His plan to bless them for all eternity. One reward the believer receives here on earth—as a result of their obedience—is an increased ‘presence’ of God’s love. It has three ‘components’:
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STORING UP ‘TREASURES’
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus exhorted His listeners to labor toward things of eternal value, not the temporal, to hold loosely to the things of this world because they are passing away, and to choose what/whom they will serve. When believers seek the kind of treasure that endures into eternity, they hold loosely to the things of this world and serve the one true and living God with an undivided heart. God IS worthy of undivided worship and full devotion.

Believers must audit their ‘storehouses’ and examine whether or not they have been thoroughly accurate in their accounting. They need to ask themselves some questions: “Does their life and what they are laboring toward really matter?” and “Does it have eternal value?”
[ more… ]

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE
In the movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” George Bailey’s life from childhood to adulthood was being watched from heaven. When George was a boy, he saved his brother Harry from drowning. Harry later became a war hero. After George grew up, he encountered a series of misfortunes in his business and personal life. Thinking that he had no reason to live, he decided to end his life by jumping off a bridge.

An angel named Clarence dressed inconspicuously as an elderly gentleman, stopping him from taking his life. The angel tried to tell him how valuable his life was, but George refuse to believe him. In an effort to convince George of his importance, Clarence showed him what the world would have been like if he had never been born. Earth’s history was altered to exclude the life of George Bailey.
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USE IT OR LOSE IT
One of the parables that Jesus told his followers—an earthly story with a heavenly meaning—is often called “The Parable of the Minas” (Luke 19:11-27). It is a ‘wake-up call’ that every person will face a day of reckoning—the final test—when all of their actions and interactions will be ‘weighed’. The main point of this parable is simple yet striking: Because we will all be called to account someday when Jesus returns, we must faithfully invest what he has given enough to maximize the return.

In this parable, Jesus proclaims the solemn truth that in the future, there are three groups of people who will be called to account. There will be rewards for the faithful, rejection for the false, and retribution for the foes.

These are the only three groups. That’s it. There are no other categories. This embraces all of humanity. Every person falls into one of these three groups. So, what ‘group’ are you in?

This parable also teaches that while we are waiting for the end time, we must be investing our lives in the meantime—and we are surrounded by ‘investment’ opportunities every day!

So, what are you doing with what you have? Are you expanding your efforts on the things that will last? Is what you are doing with your time, money, and talents going to have eternal significance? What are you doing with your ‘mina’? The lesson is simple: If one serves faithfully here, they will rule prodigiously there!
———
The final hour may be upon us. I, and many others believe—because of “convergence”—Jesus is coming soon! So it should behoove EVERY believer to invest and grow their ‘mina’ faithfully such that either they are taken by the Rapture or pass away, when they meet Him, they will hear those wonderful words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant!”

HEAVEN WILL BE ‘ON’ THE EARTH ONE DAY!
The Bible tells us that the eternal dwelling place of believers WILL BE on earth!

The current heavens and earth have long been subject to God’s curse because of mankind’s sin. All creation “has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth” (Romans 8:22) as it awaits the fulfillment of God’s plan and “the children of God to be revealed” (Romans 8:19). Heaven and earth will pass away (Mark 13:31), and they will be replaced by the New Heavens and the New Earth. At that time, God says, “I am making everything new!” (Revelation 21:5), and in the new creation, sin will be totally eradicated, and “there shall be no more curse” (Revelation 22:3).

The New Earth will be free from sin, evil, sickness, suffering, and death. It will be similar to our current earth but without the curse of sin. It will be earth as God ORIGINALLY ‘INTENDED’ it to be. Eden will be restored!

A major feature of the new earth will be the New Jerusalem. John calls it “the Holy City coming down out of Heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband” [ Revelation 21:2 ]. This glorious city, with its streets of gold and pearly gates, is situated on a new, glorious earth. The Tree of Life will be there (Revelation 22:2). This city represents the final state of redeemed mankind, forever in fellowship with God: “God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God… His servants will serve Him. They will see his face” [ Revelation 21:3; 22:3-4 ].

In the new heavens and new earth, Scripture says, there are seven things notable for their absence—seven things that are “no more”: Sea; Death; Mourning; Weeping; Pain; Sin’s Curse; and Night (Revelation 21:1, 4, 22:3, 5).

SO, Heaven on Earth WILL EXIST SOMEDAY, and it will be ‘WAY’ MORE than anyone could EVEN ‘IMAGINE’! (Ephesians 3:20).

The “sixty-four dollar question” (from the 1948 CBS radio quiz show “Take It Or Leave It”) for you is: Are ‘YOU’ SURE that you are going to ‘live’ in the New Heaven and on the New Earth?

If not, you need to MAKE ‘SURE’… NOW!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbHf1Q7_tro
[ VIDEO: “How Can I Know FOR SURE That I Will Go To Heaven” ]

[ NOTE: Next month’s post will go into all the details about the New Heaven and the New Earth. ]

<<< END OF SUMMARY >>>

<<< ALL THE DETAILS >>>

The following is a comprehensive presentation of the topic that follows the ‘headings’ laid out in the Summary.

Now, I LOVE to travel! From my past ‘adventures’—for over 40 years—I have over 20,000 slides (primarily from the 1980s-90s), probably another 10,000 printed photos [both of which are stored in a fire-proof safe], and easily 100,000 digital pics (saved on MULTIPLE hard drives). However, because of time constraints—and running a marketing company for the past 33 years—I now mostly ’travel’ by getting daily travel blogs and having “beautiful places” Facebook Pages in my ‘feed’. Then, after ‘dreaming’ about one day visiting the place, I ‘file’ the photos on my computer so I can ‘visit’ places around the world when I feel I need a ‘fix’.

So, to help narrow these locations down, there are many ‘bucket lists’ out there that have gathered the most stunning places on earth that could be mistaken for heaven. Ethereal yet all-natural, these destinations around the world are the peak of all the captivating marvels on this little planet we call earth.

‘PLACES’ YOU CAN VISIT TODAY
So, to determine what destinations were described as “paradise,” “heaven on earth,” “most beautiful places on earth,” or “the must-see destinations before you die,” I scoured the Internet for some “Top” lists. I came up with 67 (my age) locations that were mentioned time and time again. [ Note: My entire list is the first entry in the “Articles” section below ]. Then, I went through that list and created my “Top 10” list, and they are listed alphabetically below.

– ANTELOPE CANYON [ Page, Arizona ]

– BORA BORA ISLAND [ French Polynesia ]

– CANO CRISTALES RIVER [ Meta, Columbia ]

– ENGELBERG [ Switzerland ]

– GRAND CANYON [ Arizona ]

– GREAT BARRIER REEF [ Australia ]

– “HISPANIOLA” [ Dominican Republic and Haiti ]

– IGUAZU FALLS [ Argentina-Brazil ]

– KASHMIR [ India ]

– SEYCHELLES ISLAND [ Indian Ocean, East Africa ]

[ NOTE: I collected A LOT of pics for each one of my selected 67 locations. Contact me if you would like me to send you them for the locations you would like (mbesh@comcast.net). ]

[ FYI: The origination of the term “utopia” was by Sir Thomas More in his book of the same name (in 1516) where he described an imaginary perfect world. More details about it are in the “Articles” section below ].

The legend of this lost valley is one of the most ancient Tibetan myths, and one of the most striking myths of a sacred landscape, a landscape that inspires stories itself. Traditionally, Shambala is located in the Himalayas, in the remotest part of Tibet, on a high plateau, surrounded by a ring of mountain peaks.

The myth of a lost Tibetan paradise came to the notice of Europeans in the 1580s when travelers to the court of the Moghul Emperor Akbar heard strange and wondrous tales of a remote Himalayan world. The tale is that there is a land behind the Himalayas full of peace and harmony where isolated people live by Buddhist precepts preparing for the day when the world will be ready to live in peace. The kingdom is in the shadow of a white crystal mountain, approachable only through a ring of peaks. Next to the mountain are a lake and a palace. Here the wisdom of humanity is conserved, ready to save the world when needed.

The present Dalai Lama says this about Shambala:

“Nowadays, no one knows where Shambala is. Although it is said to exist, people cannot see it, or communicate with it ordinarily. Some people say it is located in another world, others that it is an ideal land, a place of the imagination. Some say it was a real place, which cannot now be found. Some believe there are openings into that world that may be accessed from this. Whatever the truth of that, the search for Shambala traditionally begins as an outer journey that becomes a journey of inner exploration and discovery.”

There has been an extensive debate—but no consensus—on the location of Hilton’s inspiration for Shangri-La. However, the Chinese province of Yunnan, which borders Tibet on the southeast, has long been a focus of speculation. Zhongdian, a city in that province, was renamed Shangri-La City in 2001 to attract tourists by capitalizing on the allure of the “lost paradise” concept. Ganden Sumtseling Gompa, a Tibetan monastery more than 300 years old, is located near the city.

Today, Shangri-La is seen both as a place and as an era of enlightened consciousness. The Tibetans say that the need to find paradise elsewhere is what keeps us from having it. Wherever Shangri-La is, the search for it continues.

[ Note: The 1973 hit song, “Shambala,” by the Three Dog Night talked about this land. (Their video of the song is in the “Songs” section below) ].

Nirvana can be partially achieved in this life. When enlightenment is attained and all attachments have been eliminated, the Buddhist experiences a ‘state’ of nirvana. Such people are known as “Arhats.”

Then, when one achieves Nirvana, they stop accumulating bad karma because they have transcended it. They then achieve “Parinirvana”—final Nirvana—in the afterlife. The Buddha taught that Parinirvana “is the realm of the Eternal, Bliss, the Self, and the Pure.”

The Pure Land of Amida Buddha (or Amitabha Buddha)—one of the most venerated buddhas in the Mahayana tradition—is called “Sukhavati,” which is translated as the “blissful land.” It is a “domain” where all wishes are fulfilled. It is not necessarily a “reward paradise,” but rather a ‘place’ where the practitioner experiences life more intensely within the Buddha’s ‘field of influence’. Pure Land can, therefore, be a kind of ‘last stop’ before enlightenment, a ‘realm’ where enlightenment comes swiftly. [ Amida Buddha lived many lives as a “Bodhisattva” and earned enough merit to create a land where those who call on his name can be reborn. “Bodhisattvas” are those, out of compassion, that reenter the cycle of reincarnation so that they can continue to help others toward enlightenment. ]

Since Pure Land Buddhists believe in rebirth, they want to be reborn somewhere good in their next life and believe Sukhavati is the best possible place to be reborn into. Furthermore, Amida Buddha has promised to admit anyone to this ‘land’ who sincerely turns toward him and longs to be born there.

Thus, it is said that those who have faith in the Pure Land way have been “seized by Amida never to be forsaken.” Even while still in this life, they have crossed a threshold such that they will inevitably proceed to Nirvana without falling back, even while remaining, as yet, deluded mortals with all the faults and failings that flesh is heir to.

Those who manage to be reborn into the Pure Land are not liberated from the cycle of rebirth, but they are much more likely to reach enlightenment than one who is reborn into life on earth as it is much easier to work toward enlightenment and liberation while in the Pure Land. As such, those who practice Pure Land Buddhism believe that being reborn into the Pure Land is the next step on the path to enlightenment.

“PARADISE”
Colorful travel brochures make tempting offers for us to fly away to some distant “paradise” to relax and forget all our worries and troubles—and it works! The fascination with ‘paradise’ is powerful. We cannot help but wonder, is “paradise” nothing more than a pleasant fantasy or a future reality?

Some explorers claimed to have located a lost paradise. For example, Charles Gordon, a British army general, on visiting Seychelles in 1881, was so impressed by the luxuriant beauty of the Vallée de Mai, that he declared it to be the “Garden of Eden.” In the 15th century, Christopher Columbus wondered if he was close to rediscovering the Edenic garden when he landed on the island of Hispaniola, now the Dominican Republic and Haiti.

A modern history book, “Mapping Paradise,” contains details of more than 190 ancient maps, many showing Adam and Eve in Eden. Among them is an unusual map from a 13th-century copy of the “Beatus of Liébana” manuscript. At its top is a small rectangle with paradise in the center. From there flow four rivers—labeled “Tigris,” “Euphrates,” “Pison,” and “Geon”—which supposedly represent the spread of Christianity to the four corners of the earth. Such depictions show that, although the location of the original Paradise was unknown, memories of it remained as attractive as ever.

John Milton, a 17th-century English poet, is known for his poem “Paradise Lost,” based on the Genesis account of Adam’s sin and expulsion from Eden. In it he highlighted the promised restoration of everlasting life on earth for humans, declaring: “For then the earth shall all be paradise.” Subsequently, Milton wrote a sequel entitled “Paradise Regained.” [ Note: More details about each one of Milton’s poems are in the “Resources” and “Articles” sections below ].

Clearly, over the centuries, people have been intrigued by the idea of paradise—a ‘golden thread’ running through human history.

Well, for most ‘religious’ people, the term “Paradise” is a place of timeless harmony, exceptional happiness, and delight, and where all want to end up someday after they die.

The word paradise develops in Western languages from the Greek word “paradeisos,” the old Persian word “pairidaeza,” and the modern Arabic and Persian word “firdaus,” all of which originally described a “walled garden.”

In the arid environment of the Near East, a garden must be carefully and laboriously constructed with watercourses for irrigation, and its precious flowers and fruits protected from theft by a surrounding wall. The conflation of this term for a type of garden built and cultivated in the Near East with religious imagery of heaven, especially in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, has given the term a far more complex set of meanings, which create a metaphoric bridge between the ‘divine’ paradise and an earthly paradise.

In Near East cultures, the concept of paradise developed in two ‘levels’. The first was scriptural and thus a part of religious belief: paradise is either a place for life after death—often serving as a more tangible and concrete substitute for the vaguer term “heaven”—or the setting for an idealized ‘epoch’ in human history: the “Garden of Eden.”

Then in Sura 56:10-25, it says: “They will be attended by youths perpetually young, carrying chalices and ewers and cups filled from a flowing spring, neither giving a headache nor intoxication, and such fruits as they wish and the meat of birds as they wish. They will have as companions beautiful black-eyed maidens, pure as well-guarded pearls, a recompense for their righteousness. There will not be heard any vain or profane words, but only: “peace, peace, peace.”

Although the concept of paradise as a religious afterlife is primarily found in the three monotheistic religions originating in the Near East, the association of a garden with religious repose is also found in Buddhism, where it ultimately influenced secular garden culture in China and Japan. For those of a secular persuasion, the metaphor of a heavenly garden may ultimately derive from the ancient use of a garden as a place of earthly pleasure, rest, or contemplation, but in the world of metaphor the heavenly garden precedes and influences its earthly counterpart.

The classical Arcadia is a land of shepherds and idyllic peace that returns again and again in the poetry, prose, and painting of the West, given perhaps its most characteristic form in the paintings of Claude Lorrain and Nicolas Poussin in 17th-century France.

In Western art of the Christian tradition—where the illustration of religious texts is encouraged rather than actively discouraged as in Judaism and Islam—depictions of paradise are likely to recall the ‘innocence’ of Eden as they are the ‘reward’ awaiting Christians in the afterlife. The Western art tradition does not, however, possess the embedded cultural tradition of the walled garden, and so, to paraphrase Freud in Western art, “a flower is often simply a flower.”

In Islamic culture, there is likewise a literary tradition of the direct depiction of paradise, most typically represented by Mir Haydar’s Miraj-nama (Book of the ascension), a fourteenth-century poetic description of the Prophet’s mystical journey to heaven and hell, which takes much of its imagery of paradise directly from highly descriptive scriptural passages of the Koran. The most famous illustrated manuscript of the poem, created for the Timurid ruler Shah Rukh in Herat in about 1435, depicts a paradise with triple gates, four flowing rivers of water, milk, wine, and honey, and flowering trees, among which the houris engage in games and provide refreshments. In a fal-nama or “book of divination” manuscript created in Istanbul around 1600, a famous miniature depicts Adam and Eve expelled from paradise along with the serpent, as an astonished angel and a peacock look on.

Many of the most famous Islamic carpets created under the Safavid dynasty in Iran in the sixteenth century are in the form of what one scholar has termed a “paradise park” format, in which an outer border symbolic of the surrounding wall encloses a lush vision of paradise that often includes depictions of the drinking of wine, the royal sport of hunting (itself often a metaphor of the soul’s search for paradise), and lovers enjoying the floral ambiance of the garden. Other Islamic carpet forms, such as the Sajjadah or prayer rug, often depict a gateway to a tree-and flower-filled paradise, while one carpet form, the garden carpet, actually depicts a traditional Islamic garden with its cruciform axial watercourses (often filled with fish) and rectangular plantings, in a woven form that conveniently remains in bloom throughout the year.

While the concept of an earthly paradise as a reflection of a heavenly paradise permeates much art in cultures under the influence of Christianity and Islam, a somewhat similar concept of a heavenly presence on earth—not specifically derived from the West Asian “Firdaus”—can also be seen in other cultures, notably those influenced directly or indirectly by Buddhism. An example of a ‘paradise’ on earth may be seen in the succession of Chinese capital cities and royal palaces built in Beijing by the Jin, Yuan (Mongol), Ming, and Qing dynasties. The elevation of the emperor in China to semi-divine status encouraged the creation of a quasi-celestial abode for the emperor on earth. The hierarchical organization of the Forbidden City, with its succession of courts and gateways, each leading to a more rarified and exclusive precinct, also represents an attempt to create a heavenly city on earth, if not embodying direct metaphors for a scriptural paradise such as those found in the Christian and Islamic West. This in turn led to reflections of an earthly paradise in the palace architecture (and, in Japan especially, in the construction of palace gardens as places of aesthetic as well as religious contemplation) in other cultures of East Asia.

RELIGIOUS ‘BELIEFS’ ABOUT PARADISE
The following is a bit more detailed overview of what each of the ‘major’ religions believes about “paradise.” [ Source: The “DABRAN” think-tank ]

HINDUISM (“Moksha”)
Eastern religions don’t have notions of heaven like those in the West. Instead, they usually offer some kind of release from illusion and suffering in the present world. The Hindu Upanishads are philosophical portions of the Vedas, Hinduism’s oldest sacred text, and in them, the notions of the self and afterlife are developed.

According to the Upanishads, our actions connect us to this world of appearances, which is illusory. What is real is Brahman, the ultimate reality that transcends our sensory experiences. Unfortunately, we live in ignorance of Brahman and act according to our illusions. This action (karma) causes us to participate in the cycle of death and rebirth (Samsara) from which it’s difficult to escape. Thus, if you can escape your ignorance and realize that ultimately you are not you but Brahman itself, then you can achieve release from the cycle of death and rebirth. This release is called Moksha.

BUDDHISM (“Nirvana”)
One of the four noble truths of the Buddha is that suffering is caused by desire, the desire to have but also the desire to be. Desire is tanha or burning that keeps us caught in the web of illusion that is our ego. The Buddha taught that desire is a flame that burns us, causes suffering, and keeps us tied to the cycle of death and rebirth because the flame continues burning into the next life. What we hope for is Nirvana, or the extinguishing of that flame, which is also the end of suffering.

ANCIENT GREEK (“Elysium”)
Elysium, also called Elysian Fields or Elysian Plain, in Greek mythology, was originally the paradise to which heroes on whom the gods conferred immortality were sent. It probably was retained from the Minoan religion. In Homer’s writings, the Elysian Plain was a land of perfect happiness at the end of the Earth, on the banks of the Oceanus. A similar description was given by Hesiod of the Isles of the Blessed. In the earlier authors, only those specially favored by the gods entered Elysium and were made immortal. By the time of Hesiod, however, Elysium was a place for the blessed dead, and, from Pindar on, the entrance was gained by a righteous life.

To gain access to Elysium the souls of the dead first had to cross the River Styx ferried by Charon the boatman. The River Styx was the principal river of the underworld and had to be crossed to pass to the regions of the dead. The mortal life of the dead soul was judged in Hades by the gods and judges of the Underworld. The judges of the underworld of Hades were Minos for the regions of Erebus, Rhadamanthus for Tartarus, Aeacus for Elysium, and Pluto and Proserpina as sovereigns over the whole of the Underworld of Hades. The gods and judges would decide which part of Hades the dead soul would go to. Hades consisted of five different regions one of which was the district of joy and bliss which was called Elysium.

ANCIENT EGYPT (“Aaru”)
Arw meaning “reeds”; altn. Yaaru, Iaru, Aalu), known also as Sekhet-Aaru or the Egyptian reed fields, are the heavenly paradise, where Osiris ruled since he became part of the Egyptian pantheon and displaced Anubis in the Ogdoad tradition. It has been described as the ka (a part of the soul) of the Nile Delta.

The ancient Egyptians believed that the soul resides in the heart; and so, according to their mythology, upon death, in the mythical realm of the dead known as Duat, each human heart is weighed on a giant scale against a feather, representing the concept of Ma’at. Those souls which balance the scales are allowed to start a long and perilous journey to Aaru, where they will exist in pleasure for all eternity. Hearts heavy with evil tips fall into the crocodilian jaws of the demon Ammit. After this “second death”, the soul is doomed to restlessness in Duat.

The souls who qualify undergo a long journey and face many perils before reaching Aaru. Once they arrive, they enter through a series of gates. The exact number of gates varies according to sources, some say 15, and some 21. They are uniformly described as guarded by evil demons armed with knives. Aaru is also known as the home of Osiris.

Aaru usually was placed in the east, where the Sun rises, and described as boundless reed fields, like those of the earthly Nile Delta. This ideal hunting and farming ground allowed the souls here to live for eternity. More precisely, Aaru was envisaged as a series of islands, covered in “fields of rushes” (Sekhet Aaru), Aaru being the Egyptian word for rushes. The part where Osiris later dwelt is sometimes known as the “field of offerings”, Sekhet Hetepet in Egyptian.

ZOROASTRIANISM (“Pairidaeza”)
It was the ancient Persians who gave us the word paradise, which means a walled garden or park, and Zoroastrianism in particular gave us notions of the afterlife that were adopted and/or adapted by the Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Zoroastrianism is also interesting because, unlike other religions, it claims that everyone will eventually get into heaven, though it might take a while. The paradise of Zoroastrianism is attained on the fourth day after death by crossing the Bridge of the Separator, which widens when the righteous approach it. The righteous soul crosses the bridge and is met by a beautiful maiden who is the physical and feminine embodiment of all his good works on earth. He is then escorted into the House of Song to await the Last Day. On this day, everyone will be purified and live in a new world absent of evil and full of youthful rejoicing.

ISLAM (“Jannah”/“Firdaws”)
The Islamic version of heaven is a paradise for those whose good works have outweighed the bad as determined by the straight path laid out in the Quran. Heaven is a garden where the faithful lie upon couches in a climate-controlled environment surrounded by “bashful, dark-eyed virgins, chaste as the sheltered eggs of ostriches.” They will drink from crystal goblets and silver vessels as “immortal youths” hover about them looking like “scattered pearls.” The believers will be clothed in green silk and brocade and will wear silver bracelets, and they will “drink a pure draught” drawn from Allah’s source as a reward for their striving and patience.

JUDAISM (“Shamayim”/“Heaven”)
As one of the oldest and most influential religions in existence, Judaism might be expected to be the source of our most profound notions of heaven, but it isn’t. There is no clear indication of a heaven or afterlife in the Jewish scriptures at all, which leads to a lot of debate on the subject. Two typical positions are those of the Pharisees, who believed that there was an implied notion of an afterlife, and the Sadducees, who pointed out that there was no biblical evidence of such. Over the millennia, Jews have come to believe in various versions of heaven, some of which occur after the Messiah comes and involve the righteous dead coming back to life. Still, overall, Judaism is more concerned with life in the here and now.

CHRISTIANITY (“Paradise”/“Heaven”)
The Christian notion of heaven is one of singing and rejoicing before God in a “new heaven and a new earth.” It also reflects Christianity’s roots in Judaism because this new heaven contains a city called New Jerusalem. There are elaborate descriptions of the city in the Book of Revelation. New Jerusalem has a wall and 12 gates, and on each gate is the name of one of the tribes of Israel along with an angel. There are also 12 foundations, 1 each for the 12 apostles. We even know the size of the New Jerusalem: 1400 miles square with a 200-foot wall. The structure itself is made of all kinds of precious stones, some of which have not yet been identified on this earth. There is a river of “the water of life,” which flows from God’s throne, and trees of life line the banks of the river and produce fruit every month. Believers will have God’s name written on their foreheads, and all pain, tears, and death will disappear forever.

The wisdom of the world tells us that if we make pleasure the main aim of life it would bring us heavenly joy. Yet people who are given a life of fun, excitement, and pleasure have always, in the end, been disappointed that they do not get the lasting happiness they crave. The seeming happiness of hedonists is like a flash of lightning—it is gone in a moment. Such people pander to every whim of their hearts, yet never get satisfaction from them. They hanker after every luxury under the sky. Many wear themselves out in a selfish and often ruthless pursuit of wealth and power that would afford them a life of ease. Sadly, they often lose their peace and become miserable even amid plenty. They fret over the slightest of difficulties and get embittered by commonplace misfortunes. Such a shallow philosophy of life does not provide anyone with the inner resources to deal with the troubles and sorrows of earthly life. They become disillusioned with life in general, and it seems hollow and meaningless.

An old song, by Jim Reeves, says, “This world is not my home; I’m just a passing through,” and a few lines later, “If Heaven’s not my home, then, Lord, what will I do?” Well, indeed, this world is not a believer’s ‘home’, and their ‘job description’ is to prepare themselves and prepare others for getting there!

[ See last month’s post for more details about ‘home’:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/theres-no-place-like-home-v288/ ].

The Bible describes believers as “strangers and pilgrims” in this world (1 Peter 2:11; Hebrews 11:13). As you may know, my favorite book—besides the Bible—is “The Pilgrim’s Progress” by John Bunyan, and it describes a person’s ‘journey’ to the “celestial City” (Heaven).

[ FYI: For a summary of both ‘parts’ (1 and 2) of “The Pilgrim’s Progress” books, view this previous “Life’s Deep Thoughts” post:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/leaving-a-legacy-v242/ ].

In Part 2, Mr. Valiant-for-Truth gives his testimony. [ Earlier, Valiant had introduced himself to Mr. Great-heart and his companions with the words, “I am a Pilgrim, and am going to the Celestial City.” ] In it, he says:

“Hobgoblin, nor foul fiend,
Can daunt his spirit;
He knows he at the end
Shall life inherit.
Then fancies fly away,
He’ll fear not what men say,
He’ll labour night and day
To be a pilgrim.”

[ FYI: British composer Ralph Vaughan Williams, used a melody taken from the traditional song “Our Captain Cried All Hands” and created a hymn. It is in =the “Songs” section below. ]

Mr. Valiant-for-Truth is saying that, since he is a believer, he is ‘confident’ at he will, one day, be in Heaven. He is also saying that he will labor day and night to ‘be’ a pilgrim, which includes what is called the “Great Commission.” Just before Jesus ascended into Heaven, He gave His disciples some ‘marching orders’:

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you”
[ Matthew 28:19-20a ].

A believer’s ‘pilgrimage’ evokes a ‘tension’ between the “now and the “not yet” (Philippians 3:20). The lay theologian C. S. Lewis, in his book Mere Christianity, said that “If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.”

Lewis also said that “If you read history, you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next. The Apostles themselves, who set on foot the conversion of the Roman Empire, the great men who built up the Middle Ages, the English Evangelicals who abolished the Slave Trade, all left their mark on Earth, precisely because their minds were occupied with Heaven.”

The believer doesn’t go directly to Heaven when they are “saved” since they have been left on earth as ambassadors of God’s Kingdom, to encourage others to begin their ‘pilgrimage’ to the “Celestial City.”

All believers are pilgrims heading to the Celestial City. Bunyan was simply affirming that they are on kind of a ‘road trip’ of the most exhilarating kind, predetermined for another location. [ Early Christians were referred to as the followers of “the Way,” a reflection that they seemed determined to follow a different path (Acts 9:2; 24:14) ].

In the beginning, God put humans in the perfect home. God Himself “walked” with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, but then they rebelled and God sent them out of the Garden—and humans have been desiring that ‘environment’ ever since!

[ Note: The “New Heavens and the New Earth” will be the theme for next month’s post (April 2023). ]

So, as long as God has the believer here on earth, they CAN experience times that are a ‘prelude’ to what Heaven will be like.

The “cover and the title page” refer to C.S. Lewis’s “Chronicles of Narnia” series, where four children explore another world, ruled by Aslan the Lion. In the first six books, Aslan sends them back to their home in England after each adventure. However, as the final book draws to its close, the children find themselves in a brilliantly enhanced Narnia, and they don’t want to leave. Their world seems pale by comparison. But, Aslan has a surprise. He reveals that the railway accident that brought them to Narnia this time was a real accident, and they have, in earthly terms, died and left their everyday world for the last time. “The term is over,” Aslan says. “The holidays have begun. The dream is ended. This is the morning.”

Great Lion (depicting Jesus) then begins to transform into something that is—like the adventures facing the children—two wonderful to write about. Their lives on earth and in the old Narnia were only “the cover and the title page,” and now they are truly beginning the first chapter of their real ‘story’. It is a story that, “No one on earth has read—which goes on forever—in which every chapter is better than the one before.”

[ VIDEO: “The Life and Death of Lucy Pevensie” ]

Beyond satisfying our natural curiosity about what awaits us beyond the grave, contemplating the next life can result in ‘TANGIBLE’ BENEFITS in THIS LIFE: Reminds one of the ‘brevity’ of life; Prepares one for the certainty of ‘judgment’; Motivates one to live ‘pure’ lives; and puts ‘suffering’ into perspective.

.____________________________________________>

The dot represents our years on earth, while the line represents eternity. Right now, all of us are living inside the dot. Yet, very few believers think beyond the dot to the line—to the eternity that awaits them. How foolish it is to live for the dot that is only a ‘blip’ in their eternal existence. However, ‘what’ happens inside the dot ‘determines’ everything that happens on the line!

Yet, the dot and the line are connected to one another. As brief as our existence in this life is, it is very much connected to our eternal existence. There is no break between the dot and the line. Bruce Wilkenson said it brilliantly: “Everything you do today matters forever.”

So, while we live ‘in’ the dot, we should never live ‘for’ the dot. We must live for the ‘line’—eternity! Question: Would you say you have been living for the dot or the line?

To find that “way,” a person must do a spiritual ‘U-turn’—which is the meaning of the biblical term “repent.” In the Greek, it is “metanoia,” which means “to change one’s mind.” A simple definition of repentance is “a change of mind that leads to a change of direction.” Only when a person admits that they are on the wrong road can they discover the right road. Jesus was clear that He is the only “Way” that leads to eternal life: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me” [ John 14:6 ].

Notice that Jesus said that at the end of the road to hell and the road to heaven is a “gate”—one gate opening to eternal damnation in the other gate opening to eternal salvation. In each case, the gate is called “judgment.” The writer to the Hebrews declared a succinct but sober truth: “It is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment” [ Hebrews 9:27 ].

[ VIDEO: “Pilgrim’s Progress: Journey To Heaven” – Christian Decides to Find the Small Gate ]

The “gate” or judgment for the non-believer is often called the “Great White Throne Judgment,” and results in eternal death (Revelation 20:11-15). Now, contrary to what many believe, believers are not exempt from God’s judgment. At the end of every believer’s life, they will also face a “judgment,” but is VERY different from the one the non-believer will face. It is more of an ‘evaluation’ of their deeds: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil” [ 2 Corinthians 5:10 ].

Again, note that this is NOT a judgment of condemnation leading to Hell—like the great white throne judgment—instead, this is an evaluation leading to commendation by God and rewards that will greatly impact the kind of Heaven the believer will experience!

Reflecting upon the reality of Heaven reminds the believer of the reality of God’s judgment at the end of their life, and serves as an ‘incentive’ to make certain that they do good works while here on earth that result in God’s rewards rather than His condemnation.

Moses understood that the pleasures and the treasures of this world last only for a moment. In due time, they will be consumed, along with all creation—just as the Apostle Peter said:

“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed… waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn!”
[ 2 Peter 3:10, 12 ].

Peter then asked, “Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness?” (v. 11). The answer is simple: We ought to beef “holy conduct and godliness.”

Author Randy Alcorn illustrates why focusing on Heaven can be a strong motivation for pursuing purity in this life:

“If my wedding date is on the calendar, and I’m thinking of the person I’m going to marry, I shouldn’t be an easy target for seduction. Likewise, when I’m meditating on heaven, sin is unappealing. It’s when my mind drifts from heaven that sin seems attractive. Thinking of having leads inevitably to pursuing holiness. Our high tolerance for sin testifies of our failure to prepare for Heaven.”

PUTS ‘SUFFERING’ INTO PERSPECTIVE
The Apostle Paul, who was well acquainted with suffering, wrote confidently:

Even though Paul had been shipwrecked, imprisoned, and beaten within an ‘inch’ of his life on five different occasions, he described those horrific experiences as “momentary” and “light.” How could Paul say such a thing? Was the apostle suffering from amnesia? Well, no, his suffering could only be considered “momentary” and “light” when compared to the “eternal weight” of the future God had planned for him!

Our afflictions—however unbearable they may seem now—should be considered “light” when compared to the “weight” of Heaven. Think of it this way: Would you describe a 1,000-pound block of concrete as “light” or “heavy”? Well, compared to a feather, it would certainly be heavy. However, compared to a fully fueled jetliner, the concrete block is REALLY light!

Similarly, the most horrendous difficulties you experience in this life are light compared to the indescribable future God has prepared for the believer in that place called heaven. Focusing on the hope of heaven doesn’t eliminate the suffering in this world, but it does help the person put their suffering into perspective.

Heaven is the promise that God will eventually make all things right and that He will, one day, fulfill our deepest longings. Although God’s promise is yet in the future, it should make a tremendous difference in the believer’s life today! As Randy Alcorn explained: “If we grasp it, [Heaven] will shift our center of gravity and radically change our perspective on life.”

So, how one ‘waits’ for Heaven—whether with anticipation or anxiety and whether focused or unfocused on ‘pure’ living—matters for now and for the future. For what we do on earth today will affect our experience in Heaven forever!

‘FORETASTE’ OF HEAVEN
So much of our focus these days is upon how we can use the principles of God to make this temporal existence as comfortable and pleasant as possible.

– By getting our hearts and minds so ‘set’ on Jesus and so deeply in fellowship with Him that absolutely nothing on earth can disturb our peace
– By ‘dying’ so completely to the world that nothing in it can hurt us
– By ‘giving’ ourselves over so totally to Jesus that the believer can say, “for me to live is Christ and to die is gain!”

C. S. Lewis, in his book “Letters to Malcolm: Chiefly on Prayer,” discussed the interplay between the adoration of God and one’s daily pleasures:

“I was learning the far more secret doctrine that pleasures are shafts of the glory as it strikes our sensibility… Gratitude exclaims, very properly: ‘How good of God to give me this.’ Adoration says: ‘What must be the quality of that Being whose far-off and momentary coruscations are like this!’ One’s mind runs back up the sunbeam to the sun… Any patch of sunlight in a wood will show you something about the sun which you could never get from reading books on astronomy. These pure and spontaneous pleasures are ‘patches of Godlight’ in the woods of our experience.”

So, what does “sacramental mean? Well, Webster’s suggests that “sacrament” derives from the Latin verb “scare,” meaning “to consecrate,” and the non-form suggests something that is a sign or symbol of a spiritual reality. It also is close I can to the Old Testament idea of “holy,” which means to be “set apart” or “consecrated.”

Well, a sacramental view of life is suggested by the Apostle Paul when he encourages the Corinthian believers: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” [ 1 Corinthians 10:31 ]. So, from a Christian perspective, even the most mundane activities, when done with excellence, are tokens of gratitude and acts of worship to God. God is pleased when the believer enjoys their family in the home, obtains significance from their work, and has joy in their leisure. They call to carry the ‘scent’ of Heaven.

One’s ‘heart’ tells them that our lives have meaning and purpose, and this in part is because God has put eternity into their hearts (Ecclesiastes 3:11). They are creatures being prepared for eternity. Consequently, there is a divine discontent built into the very fabric of their lives, that this world cannot make them happy. They were made for another world—Heaven.

C. S. Lewis said this:

“If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world. If none of my earthy pleasures satisfy it, that does not prove that the universe is a fraud. Probably earthly pleasures were never meant to satisfy it, but only to arouse it, to suggest the real thing. … I must keep alive in myself the desire for my true country, which I shall not find till after death; I must never let it get snowed under or turned aside; I must make it the main object of life to press on to that other country and help others to do the same.”

Now, primarily, God ‘smiles’ when His ‘children’ cheerfully do what He says to do. It might be sweeping the floors or preaching to multitudes. It might be changing diapers or working a part-time job. Or it might be writing blog posts ;^D It just depends on what God wants YOU to do at that time. (That’s why the believer needs to be ‘in’ their Bible daily!). Solomon wrote, “I have seen the task which God has given the sons of men with which to occupy themselves. He has made everything appropriate in its time” [ Ecclesiastes 3:10-11 ].

In the first century, the Apostle Paul informed slaves that their jobs were important and that their lives could account for eternity. He said, “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for man, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ who you serve” [ Colossians 3:23-24 ].

The thing is, your life CAN also count for eternity! Don’t you think that there is more to this life than to bring home a paycheck and find ‘things’ to do in your spare time? Two-hundred years from now the things that currently charm you will mean absolutely nothing! So, could there be a divine purpose for your life beyond this earthly existence? Well, I believe there is!

If you want to make sense of this life on earth, you must understand that God has a ‘plan’ for your life—a life is worth living because God has ‘designed’ it ESPECIALLY FOR YOU! It began in eternity past, is unfolding on planet earth as we ‘speak’, and will continue into eternity future—forever!

God created this temporary place called earth, then placed people on it to populate it, subdue it, and live a short time on it. Then, during their earthly lives, people decide if they want to spend eternity with Him. Those who reject His companionship will spend eternity ‘away’ from Him (He is a ‘Gentleman’ that will not force anyone against their free will), however, for those who love Him, He has made a never-ending Kingdom for them to enjoy—forever! Planet earth is just a place of ‘training’ to prepare God’s ‘children’ for their eternal home.

[ See last month’s post for more details about ‘home’:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/theres-no-place-like-home-v288/ ].

[ FYI: For more details on how to become one of God’s ‘children’, view this previous “Life’s Deep thoughts” post:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/developing-ones-character-v283/ ].

EXPECTATIONS
So, what can one expect from a ‘relationship’ with God? Well, developing a relationship based on ‘reasonable’ expectations will definitely help one’s faith to ‘FLOURISH’.

Sometimes, however, one creates expectations that are ‘unreasonable’, demanding or rash. They begin to think that the other person might ‘owe’ them more or hope that they will give them more than they can. When the person doesn’t fulfill these desires, one might feel frustrated, angry, or disappointed. In turn, it can make the person feel less-than, inadequate, and frustrated as well. So, as was said, adjusting one’s expectations to be realistic is important in keeping relationships healthy and thriving.

So then, when one decides to build a relationship with God, they might do so with a ‘list’ of expectations. Some of their expectations may be unrealistic, which causes a ‘breakdown’ in their relationship with Him. Instead, by adjusting what one expects out of the relationship, they are allowed to grow in their faith, build trust with Him, and reap the benefits of living a Christian life.

[ FYI: For more details about having ‘proper’ expectations, view this previous “Life’s Deep Thoughts” post:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/realistic-expectations-v281/ ].

– Seeking Him through spiritual acts of fasting and prayer (Matthew 6:6; Hebrews 11:6)
– Submitting to your employer (Colossians 3:22-24)
– Self-denial ( Matthew 16:24-27)
– Serving people in need (Mark 9:41)
– Suffering for His name (Matthew 5:11-12; Luke 6:22-23)
– Sacrificing for Him (Matthew 19:29; Luke 6:35)
– Sharing your time, talent, and treasure (1 Timothy 6:18-19)

Pastor Mark Hitchcock has identified 14 specific ‘actions’ that God has promised to reward in the future. These are what He will be looking for when the believer ‘stands’ before Him someday. These are the test ‘questions’:

– How did we treat other believers?
– How generous were we with our money?
– How did we support others in ministry?
– How well did we accept mistreatment and injustice?
– How well did we endure when suffering in trials?
– How did we spend our ‘free’ time?
– How did we run the ‘race’ He gave us?
– How effectively did we ‘control’ our body?
– How many souls did we witness and ‘win’ for the Kingdom?
– How faithfully did we look for Jesus’ Second Coming (Rapture)?
– How passionately did we pray?
– How hospitable were we to strangers?
– How faithful were we in our vocation?
– How humble were we?

Granted, there are others, but these questions are probably going to be near the top of His ‘list’. What you need to be concerned with is that the final ‘exam’ IS COMING and you will not be able to ‘call in sick’ and there is no ‘make up’ test! Note also that there is no grading on the ‘curve and you only get ONE ’SHOT’ at this—so start ‘PREPARING’ NOW!

So, commit to doing all you can every day to ‘ace’ the test—to get an “A+”—and so you can hear Jesus say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

The master did not distribute to them equally, but unequally, according to their abilities (Matthew 25:14-21). He gave one slave five talents ($7M), another two talents ($2.8M), and the third only one talent ($1.4M).

The master entrusted the most money to the slave with the greatest aptitude and the smallest amount to the one with the least ability. By aligning his money according to their abilities, he assigned their responsibilities equitably. While the master was away on his journey, each slave had to manage the money he had been given. When the master returned, each would have to give an account of how they handled the money.

The parable of the talents accentuates the ‘abilities’ of the slaves. Although the five-talent slave and the two-talent slave had unequal abilities, they both were equally pleasing to their master.

So then, how does this truth apply to us today? Well, no matter what your level of ability, we all have the same ‘potential’ to make God ‘smile’ at us.

Pastor Charles Spurgeon wrote: “The talents are anything and everything that our Lord has given to us for use here as His stewards.” Now, just like the slaves in the parable, the believer must also manage their talents until Jesus returns. They all have different abilities and responsibilities in life, and one day they will give an account of how ‘faithful’ they were with their talents (Romans 14:12).

The thing is, God will not evaluate the believer according to how ‘many’ talents they have but how they ‘faithfully’ they used them to fulfill their responsibilities. The believer needs to just concentrate on making better use of their God-given talents!

[ Note: The one-talent person that dug a hole and buried his talent is a glaring reminder of a negative attitude that ‘shirks’ their responsibilities—does nothing with them—and WILL ‘LOSE’ their rewards! ]

To emphasize that ‘what’ the believer does on earth DOES matter for eternity, Jesus told another parable about “Minas.” A mina was a bag of coins, usually silver, that weighed approximately 1 pound (100 Greek Drachmae in the first century). [ About 30% of the annual wages of an agricultural worker back then; about $20,000 today. ]

“He said therefore, ‘A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a Kingdom and then return. Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten Minas, and said to them, ‘Engage in business until I come.’”

[ Note: 10 minas would be worth about $200,000 today! ]

The nobleman told his slaves to do business while he was away. Although the slaves had identical resources, they produced different amounts. One slave gained a profit of 10 more minas, while another slave made ‘only’ five.

Now, when the noblemen returned after receiving his Kingdom, he rewarded the slave who made the 10 minas by giving him authority over 10 cities (Luke 19:17). He put the slave who produced the five minas in charge of five cities. Their rewards were directly proportional to their productivity. The minas were simply a ‘test’ to prepare them for much greater assignments. [ Many biblical scholars believe of the main reason for the believer’s earthly existence is to get them ready for the next world. ]

The thing is, if the believer is faithful in managing their responsibilities here on earth, God will entrust them with His eternal treasures in Heaven. Jesus said, “So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?” [ Luke 16:11 ]. These true riches are the believers ‘rewards’ and their eternal assignments. So, before they can manage to riches, they must be faithful to the ‘minas’ they are handling in this life.

So, the believer’s earthly responsibilities prepare them believer for their eternal responsibilities in Heaven. Whoever makes full and faithful use of the opportunities given them for His service here on earth will be blessed more richly in eternity! [ Note: Whereas the parable of the minas highlights the ‘faithfulness’ of the slave, the parable of the talents highlights the ‘abilities’ of the slave. ]

Author and educator Elsa Raud summarize these two parables well by saying:

“The only time God has to prepare his rulers is this brief life on earth. Our training is made up of continual test of obedience, some of them weighty, some of them apparently trivial, but how important they really are. We are being trained to do as the Lord commands, no matter what it costs us. Rulers in the eternal Kingdom will be examples of prompts, wholehearted obedience.”

The believer only has a very small ‘window’ of time to change their eternity! God wants to place them in charge of many things in the next life, but they have to be faithful to their talents and endeavor to increase their abilities while they are on earth. So, they need not don’t waste their opportunities!

So, since the believer will live forever, this fact should ‘impact’ their DAILY decisions and attitudes here on earth. Below is a list of what the Apostle Peter claims is the believer’s when they focus upon their inheritance (1 Peter 1:13-21):

– A irrepressible joy over their salvation
– A lively hope for what is to come
– Purpose and faith through trials
– A mental resolve to live for God
– A self-control over worldly excesses
– An expectancy of Jesus’s return
– Power to forsake the former sins
– A desire for holy living
– A reverent fear of God
– A sincere love for others

When we take our eyes off of this world and set them upon the world to come, we experienced the FULLEST ‘MEASURE’ of life in this world. C. S. Lewis wrote:

“If you read history you will find that the Christians begin the most for the present world are just the ones that thought the most of the next. The Apostles themselves, who set on foot. in the conversion of the Roman Empire, the great men who built up the Middle Ages, the English Evangelicals who abolished the Slave Trade, all left their mark on Earth, precisely because their minds were occupied with Heaven. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this. And that Heaven and you’ll get the earth ‘thrown in’: aim at earth and you’ll get neither.”

When we are unencumbered by our earthly things, our lives produce ‘fruit’, and it is the fruit that endures (John 15:16). A fruitful life is rich in good works. A fruitful life impacts others’ lives for eternal purposes. A fruitful life relies upon the power of the Holy Spirit and it is much more productive than one consumed with worldly cares and worries. Jesus said that “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it’” [ Matthew 16:24-25 ].

When the believer decides to live for Jesus instead of for themselves, they ‘lose’ their lives. They find life again ‘in’ Jesus, not only in eternal life but also in the truest meaning of this life. When they become wholly His, they become more themselves than ever before. Their distinctiveness is not lost. On the contrary, their personality shines the brightest when selfish aims dim. As they commit to living as the Word instructs them to do, they discover paradoxical truths: It is more blessed to give than to receive; To serve than to be served; and to be rich in deeds rather than rich in possessions. The key to victorious living is in successful ‘dying’ to self! In closing, the believer wins!

So then, how does one decide to lose their life? Well, it is really easy to say one must “die to self,” but it is very hard to do. Fortunately, Jesus points the way:

“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done”
[ Matthew 16:26-27 ].

If the believer makes it their aim to ‘sacrifice’ their lives, they can easily become self-imposed ‘martyrs’, sacrificing the joy and pleasure of life that God desires for them. They can come to possess a “grin and bear it” type of Christianity that does not honor God. So, instead of focusing on what they will ‘give up’, Jesus tells them to rejoice in what they will ‘find’. Then comes a surprising result: The lives they ‘lose’ become fruitful, abundant, purposeful, and of much of earthly good. The thing is, the only time God asks the believer to give something up is to make ‘room’ for something better that He is ‘prepping’ them for. As they pour their lives out for God, He pours His life into them—and creates an amazing life!

Edwards looked to Hebrews 11:13-14 as his text. In this famous chapter, we find the hard-won stories of those who have made their pilgrim journey before us, and their testimonies have been left as ‘markers’ to the faithfulness of God and the perseverance of His ‘saints’.

God called them citizens of Heaven (‘faithful pilgrims’) and sojourners on earth, who lived a life in between the promise and its fulfillment—and they are our example.

As Edwards unpacks this passage, he reminds us that this life is “a journey or pilgrimage towards Heaven” and that we should travel ‘light’’. Sure, we are to possess and enjoy all of the wonderful things that God provides for us, however, with open hands, the believer needs to be ready to leave them behind—to travel light.

With this perspective in mind, Edwards offers some ‘traveling’ tips:

– One should set their hearts on Heaven
– One should seek Heaven by taking the proper ‘route’: Holiness
– One must be ready for hard times and persecution
– One must persevere
– One should be making continual progress
– One needs to keep their eyes fixed on Heaven

[ FYI: For more details about being an “ambassador” for God, view this previous “Life’s Deep Thoughts” post:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/Kingdoms-past-present-and-future-v262/ ].

As believers, they have God-given assignments to complete during their brief stay on earth, even though they will soon be departing for their eternal home. Yet, while they temporarily reside in this world, they are to take care of becoming ‘entangled’ in it. Instead, they are to live as “strangers and exiles on the Earth” [ Hebrews 11:13 ], as they “set their minds on the things above” [ Colossians 3:2 ].

The great Puritan preacher Jonathan Edwards lived his life with an eternal rather than temporal perspective. Since his childhood, Edwards was taught “to think of his death, or to live as though he had only an hour left before his death or before he should hear the last trump.” Heaven was so real to him that he wrote:

“To go to heaven, fully to enjoy God, is infinitely better than the most pleasant accommodations here… Therefore, it becomes us to spend this life only as a journey toward heaven… To which we should subordinate all of your concerns of life. Why should we labor for or set our hearts on anything else, but that which is our proper end and true happiness?”

Because Edwards chose to live with eternity in mind, when he was only 19 years old, he set forth 70 Resolutions that guided his life as he prepared for Heaven. He prefaced his 70 Resolutions with these words:

“Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God’s help, I do humbly entreat him by his grace to enable me to keep these resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to his will, for Christ’s sake.”

The following are a few of them:

– “Resolved, to endeavor to obtain for myself as much happiness, in the other world, as I possibly can.”

– “Resolved, then I will live so as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.”

– “Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to ask is I think I should do if I had already seen the happiness of heaven and the torments of hell.”

– “Resolved, never to do anything I should be afraid of doing if it were the last hour of my life.”

[ NOTE: Click the following link for the entire list of Jonathan Edwards’ 70 Resolutions:
https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/the-resolutions-of-jonathan-edwards ].

As I mentioned previously, the more seriously one considers Heaven, the more seriously one will consider earth. Life is very short, and you do not know when it will be your last day. To be a “heavenly-minded” believer means to live every day as if it were going to be the last day before God calls you home—because someday it will be that last day!

MAKING THE MOST OF ONE’S ‘TIME’
Moses beat today’s average lifespan by 40 to 50 years—dying at 120 years old—so his admonition about the value and brevity of life is worth heeding:

“The years of our life are seventy, or even because of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away… So, teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom”
[ Psalm 90:10,12 ].

Apostle Paul picked up and expanded on Moses’ idea of numbering our days and suggest that one should also do so: “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil” [ Ephesians 5:15-16 ].

I heard this saying once, “Life is like a dollar. You can spend it anywhere you want, but you can only spend it once.” The Apostle Paul would agree with tax sentiment, and admonishes the believer to live wisely by “making the most of our time.” That phrase means to “buy up” the time. In other words, invest in life and take hold of it—carpe diem—seize the day.

Essayist and philosopher Henry David Thoreau feared that when his death date came, he would “discover that he had not lived.” So, he wrote, “I did not wish to live what was not life, living is so dear; nor did I wish to practise resignation, unless it was quite necessary. I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life, to live so sturdily and Spartan-like as to put to rout all that was not life, to cut a broad swath and shave close, to drive life into a corner, and reduce it to its lowest terms.” Simply put: don’t waste time, life is too short and precious for that!

Spending hours watching television, playing video games, or scrolling through your Facebook and Twitter feeds would have been unthinkable to Edwards, Thoreau, and the Apostle Paul. For all these men, life was too valuable a ‘commodity’ to waste. Thoreau believed this so much that he secluded himself in the woods, “to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach.”

The Apostle Paul had a different motivation for “making the most of the time.” He saw “the days as evil.” Make no mistake about it, Satan will do whatever it takes to prevent the believer from living a purposeful and God-honoring life. Satan will entice one to squander their time—and therefore their life—on worthless pursuits rather than their God-given priorities. The J. B. Phillips paraphrase captures this well:

“Live life, then, with a due sense of responsibility, not as men who do not know the meaning and purpose of life but as those who do. Make the best use of your time, despite all the difficulties of these days. Don’t be vague but firmly grasp what you know to be the will of God”
[ Ephesians 5:15-17 ].

GOD-WORTHY ‘MOTIVATIONS’
So then, what should the believer’s motivations be? Well, the Bible gives us many motivating factors to serve God. So, here are 10 of the most mentioned desires:

– To Love God
Jesus said, “If you love Me, you will keep My Commandments” [ John 14:15 ]. Then, in verse 22, He said, “And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.”

– To Avoid God’s Discipline
Sometimes referred to as serving with “the fear of the Lord.” Acts 9:31 notes that, “So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.”

– To Have A Clear Conscience
The Apostle Paul said, “The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith” [ 1 Timothy 1:5 ]. The Apostle Peter admonished, “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame” [ 1 Peter 3:15-16 ].

– To Be Useful
So, what is the point of being a ‘vessel’ for Jesus (Romans 9:21) if one is not ‘fit’ to be used? The Apostle Paul’s words ring with clarity here: “Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work” [ 2 Timothy 2:21-22 ].

– Wanting Friends And Family To Be Saved
The chief motivating factor for one’s acceptable service to God is to see the lost be born again by God’s grace. The Apostle Peter’s words reflect this motivation: “Likewise, wives, be subject to your husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives when they see your respectful and pure conduct.” [ 1 Peter 3:1-2 ].

– A Deeper ‘Walk’ With God
Pleasing God will bring more motivation to serving Him than rewards ever will. Our service to God is out of a desire to walk so closely behind Him that even our ‘gait’ resembles His. “As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God” [ Psalm 42:1-2 ].

– Do The Right Thing
The believer does not do God’s will merely for reward—they do it because it is right and it is His will. God wants the believer’s mind to be focused on those things that are consistent with His will. The Apostle Paul said, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” [ Philippians 4:8 ].

– To Have Personal Peace
The writer to the Hebrews seems to be alluding to the desire for peace and joy as a result of serving God acceptably: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder, and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” [ Hebrews 12:1-2 ].

– Have Present Blessings
To obtain a blessing, we must first ‘be’ a blessing. The Apostle Peter understood this: “Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. For ‘Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil’” [ 1 Peter 3:9-12 ].

– Eternal Reward
I think Jesus said it best when He said, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” [ Matthew 6:19-21 ].

Each believer must constantly examine their motives in their service to God. The believer will not be rewarded for that which does not meet the criterion of ‘pure’ motive—to glorify Him. That which is self-motivated will be unmerited, and that which is motivated by a love for Jesus will be rewarded. Success has little to do with awarding praise at the Judgment Seat of Christ. Motive has everything to do with it. So, what motivates you to serve God?

– Crown of Life (James 1:12; Revelation 2:10)
– Incorruptible Crown (1 Corinthians 9:24-25)
– Crown of Righteousness (2 Timothy 4:7-8)
– Crown of Glory (1 Peter 5:4)
– Crown of Rejoicing (For the work of evangelism)

So, what will these “crowns” actually mean to the believer in Heaven? Well, some believe these rewards are ‘literal’ crowns that the believer will wear throughout eternity. Others, however, believe that, although they may be physical crowns, they also represent tangible and eternal benefits given to those who have been rewarded by Jesus at His judgment seat. These benefits include:

– Special Privileges (Luke 12:37; 2 Peter 1:11; Revelation 2:7)
– Special Positions (Matthew 25:21)
– Special Praise (Matthew 25:21)

Some believers will stand before Jesus full of confidence, while others will stand before Him full of shame. This is why John warned: “And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at His coming” [ 1 John 2:28 ].

Those who will ‘blush’, hang their hands, and kick the dirt while standing before the judgment seat of Christ, will lose what they could have received, which is why John also warned, “Watch yourselves, that you do not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward” [ 2 John 8 ].

As mentioned previously, not everyone will experience the same degree of joy and satisfaction in Heaven. Those who have built their lives around themselves instead of Jesus will experience real, measurable loss.: “If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss” [ 1 Corinthians 3:15 ]. Though their salvation will be secure, the loss of heavenly rewards will result in GENUINE ‘REGRET’.

So, the believer does not lose any rewards, they must make faithfulness to God in this life of utmost importance! The goal is to run the race God has set before them, to handle their trust with care, and to build their lives with actions and motives that have eternal value.

If are you serving the Lord, ‘why’ are you doing it? Is it out of obligation? Has someone pressured you to do it? Is it because you will feel guilty if you don’t do it? Do you want others to see you do it so they will admire you?

All of these motives are wrong. God wants the believer to serve him out of a heart that burns with love for him. When they desire to make God smile, their motives will always be right.

Pastor Warren Wiersbe aptly said that “For the Christian, heaven isn’t simply a destination; it’s a motivation.”

Most people’s instinct is to give to those who will give them something in return and not to give to those who cannot give back. However, Jesus appealed not only to one’s compassion but also to their self-interest, since He said that if one does a compassionate act that goes on rewarded by others in this life, God WILL reward them in the next life! “Love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be the sons of the most high” [ Luke 6:35 ]. Believers are to expect nothing in return from people, knowing they will receive a far greater reward from God’s gracious ‘hand’ in Heaven.

Hopefully, this will give the believer an extra incentive to help the helpless. Not only do they need their help, not only does it please God, but God is eager to reward them for it! A ‘Win, Win, Win’!

They say, “But God doesn’t owe me anything. He has the right to expect us to work for Him with no thought of reward.” Well, this is definitely true. We should be willing and happy to serve God, even if there is no payoff. Jesus even addressed this when He said, “So you also when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty’” [ Luke 17:10 ].

HOWEVER, the ‘incredible’ thing that turns the entire debate on its head, is that rewards were not the human’s idea—they were GOD’S IDEA! He designed us to require incentives to motivate us to do our jobs and to do them well.

Make no mistake about it: regardless of what you and I think about it, that is exactly what He is going to do. “For the son of man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done” [ Matthew 16:27 ]. At least for me, that is FANTASTIC ‘news’!

‘TEMPTATIONS’ OR MOTIVATIONS?
Grasping the ‘law’ of rewards requires one to think often and accurately about Heaven. Pastor Richard Baxter—writing in 1649—asked a probing question:

“If there be so certain and glorious a rest for the saints, why is there no more industrious seeking after it? One would think, if a man did once hear of such unspeakable glory to be obtained, and believed what he heard to be true, he should be transported with the vehemence of his desire after it, and should almost forget to eat and drink, and should care for nothing else, and speak of and inquire after nothing else, but how to get this treasure. And yet people who hear of it daily, and profess to believe it as a fundamental article of their faith, do as little mind it, or labor for it, as if they had never heard of any such thing, or did not believe one word they hear.”

So, may the believer live today as people who know that God is watching and inviting them to invest all that they are and all that they have into His coming Kingdom. May they live with the motivation that God is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6)!

Gabriel shrugged his shoulders and replied, “I am sorry you don’t like it, but we did the best we could with the materials you sent us.”

Now, this story bears little resemblance to good theology, since rewards are not given at death, and angels, even the stature of Gabriel, do not officiate at the rewarding of believers. However, there is one major point where this doctrinally deficient story accurately reflects the Scriptures. It is true and accurate that what we ‘DO’ NOW does determine the ‘quality’ of our REWARDS in Heaven. If the believer serves poorly on earth, it will become evident at the Judgment Seat of Christ.

The thing is, there are ‘criteria’ that need to be met if a believer is to be rewarded. Probably the ‘primary’ one is how closely the believer’s life was aligned with the Word of God. Then, the Apostle Paul gives the believer other criteria: How faithful the believer was with what was given to them (time, talents, and treasures), and what their ‘motives’ were in living and serving Jesus (1 Corinthians 4:1-5).

Now, as has been said, entrance ‘into’ Heaven is by faith in Jesus alone, but a ‘rich’ and ‘abundant’ entrance is something else. The Apostle Peter clearly states more than simply entering into the eternal Kingdom, but something ‘special’ beyond just that. This is not something all believers receive but only those who have labored to produce godly virtues in their lives to ensure a ‘rich’ entrance into the Kingdom.

Peter forcefully states that what he is telling believers to do requires a significant effort on their part:

“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love”
[ 2 Peter 1:5-7 ].

The Apostle Peter’s directive that believers live a life of diligence means that they are not to be passive or sluggish but to be energetic and zealous. They are to be proactive in the way that they seek to obey and serve the Lord. Intense effort—“with all diligence”—is the emphasis. The Christian life cannot be lived halfheartedly or selectively if they want to have an “abundant entrance” into Heaven.

Peter then informs them that “applying all diligence” is the ‘starting point’. He is calling believers to a ‘decisive’ way of thinking and living that is all-inclusive. The believer must come to the place where they decide that life is about living for Jesus—anything, anytime, and anywhere! The whole issue is not making a decision, but it is the essential starting point. Without this decision to live life fully for Jesus, there is little chance that the believer will overcome the world, the flesh, and the Devil, and be able to add the important virtues to their faith that Peter cites.

The virtues Peter gives require a real effort on the believer’s part if any ‘good fruit’ is to be produced. Peter also talks about increasing one’s fruit to bring forth abundance. If such is produced, then the believer is assured by Peter that their lives here on earth will be of great value. If it should be that their lives lack these virtues, then Peter states that they will be “useless” and “unfruitful” (2 Peter 1:8). Ouch!

It is probably worth noting here that Jesus spoke of being unfruitful in His parable of the “Sower and the Seed.” In that story, He gave three things that cause unfruitfulness in life: worries, riches, and pleasures (Luke 8:14).

Peter then reveals another even greater issue connected with producing these virtues in life. While the diligent believer will have a productive and valuable life now, the greater significance is the eternal. This kind of believer will have a rich and abundant entrance into the eternal Kingdom (2 Peter 1:11).

Those believers who “apply all diligence” and have “supplied” the seven virtues—goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love—to their God-given faith, will find that Jesus will “supply” an abundant reward for them (2 Peter 1:5, 11). Now, at least for me, these should be refreshing and encouraging words to all weary ‘pilgrims’!

The thing is, as one thinks seriously about the Apostle Peter’s words, they might find themselves becoming a little overwhelmed with all that is set before them. So much is involved with these seven virtues, and the believer can become “weary in well doing.” So, this is why Jesus encourages us to live one day at a time and then He promises to supply the believer with all they need to fulfill His will for them for THAT day—frequently supplying the encouragement through other believers. (This is one reason why other godly believers play such a significant role in the believer’s life.)

In addition to this, the believer must never forget that the Holy Spirit was sent by Jesus to come alongside to give needed strength and wisdom. So, when it is all said and done, they will have more than adequate resources to richly produce these virtues in their lives.

The believer may find they have, on occasion, been somewhat negligent in tending their ‘garden’ and have allowed some weeds to get started, or have failed to water or fertilize properly. They then need to begin to “apply all diligence.” If they do, undoubtedly, they will see some really beautiful virtues growing in their lives through the power of the Holy Spirit. Since the seven virtues link so closely to the believer’s future rewards, they would be wise to carefully evaluate them in their individual lives.

Now, believers don’t feel overly concerned about not having all of these virtues at this point. These virtues take time to develop. One only needs to sit quietly and meditate prayerfully to allow the Holy Spirit to illuminate one’s mind regarding these truths. Then, as one starts to see these virtues in their life, it will produce real thanksgiving!

To those who do not give serious thought to the significance of the eternal Kingdom, these probably seem too demanding, so that is why the Apostle Paul, like Peter, exhorted believers regularly about this (1 Thessalonians 5:6)—not to be “dull” and “indifferent” to spiritual realities, but to be “alert” and “vigilant.”

It is hard to escape the Apostle Paul’s point that the life of a believer, properly lived, is both serious and difficult. Yet, he continued to encourage the believer with the availability of power to those who ‘truly’ believe (Ephesians 1:18-20; 3:16-20).

Each believer must come to that point where they decide that all of this is important enough to live their lives completely and diligently for Jesus. Peter told his readers that those who do not live with such diligence are “blind” and “shortsighted” since they have failed to abundantly produce the virtues that he had listed for them (2 Peter 1:9)—that the Holy Spirit ‘inspired’ him to write.

EARTHLY ‘LIFESTYLE’
The Apostle Paul, speaking to the Corinthians, talks about the proper ‘foundation’ that they need to build their lives upon:

“For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw—each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire”
[ 1 Corinthians 3:11-15 ].

Notice that the ‘materials’ that Apostle Paul mentioned in this passage are combustible in increasing amounts of temperature. The hair and straw are the most compatible, then comes the wood. However, precious metals and stones are not combustible.

It also seems clear that some of the materials are useful for building while others are not. If you construct a house made of hay or straw, it surely will not stand for a long time—and it can burn to the ground very easily. However, a house constructed with solid materials, such as stones and metals, will stand against storms and last a long time.

So then, what do these building materials represent? Well, gold, silver, and costly stones refer to the ‘fruit of the Spirit’ in the believer’s life. They refer to Christ-honoring motives, godly obedience, and transparent integrity. Wood, hay, and straw are perishable things—the ‘carnal’ attitudes, sinful motives, pride-filled actions, and selfish ambition of a person.

In the Scriptures, fire often symbolizes the holiness of God (Hebrews 12:29). God will then examine the believer’s works, and be tested against the ‘fire’ of His Holiness. If their works are built with good materials—like precious metals and stones—their works will ‘pass’ inspection. However, if their works are built with less valuable materials—wood, hay, or straw—they will burn up and be worthless.

Perhaps the figure is intended to communicate that those works performed with an intent to glorify God are the works that will ‘pass muster’. However, those works performed with a view to glorifying self—performed in the ‘flesh’—are those that will be consumed.

Some believers will suffer such loss at the Judgment Seat of Christ that practically all—if not all—of their works will be ‘discarded’. The Apostle Paul describes this person as being saved, “but only as one escaping through the flames” (1 Corinthians 3:15).

Theologian Merrill F. Unger explained it this way:

“Imagine yourself waking out of sleep to find your house ablaze. You have no time to save a thing. You flee with only the night clothes on your back. Even these are singed away by the flames that engulf you. You escape with literally nothing but your life… In this fashion believers who have lived carnally and carelessly or who have worked for self and self-interest instead of for the Lord will find that all their works have been burned up. They shall have no reward. No trophies to lay at Jesus’ feet! No crowns to rejoice in that day of judgment!”

No, while this verse may seem alarming, it is the perpetually carnal and backslidden believer who is in danger of suffering such a total loss of rewards. Generally, believers who are committed enough to read Christian books (and posts) to understand more—like you are doing at this present moment—are generally not the kind of believers who will suffer such a total loss. (So, for you who relate to this, calm down and take a deep breath!)

Consider the words of Paul as more of a ‘challenge’ than a ‘threat’. More specifically, consider it a challenge to joyfully live for Jesus, seek to obey Him, and then you will gain those rewards.

Then, don’t go about living with the constant, oppressive mentality that God is like some kind of cosmic ‘Scrooge’ carefully eyeballing your every move to “get even” with you at the Judgment Seat of Christ. Never forget that God absolutely loves the believer and passionately wants them to be rewarded! He would be brokenhearted to be put in a position of having to withhold rewards from a believer. SO, don’t do anything so God would even have to think about doing such a thing!

Later in his letter to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul has some further instructions:

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I should be disqualified”
[ 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 ].

This reference to being disqualified refers not to salvation but to rewards. Theologian John Walvoord said of this: “It is a picture of an athlete who buy, breaking the rules, is disqualified from winning the race. The figure makes plane that a Christian should bend all his efforts to living in such a way that he will not be ashamed when his life is reviewed at the judgment seat of Christ.” So, like Paul, the believer should make every effort to avoid being disqualified!

Now, to be ‘specific’, the following are some of the ‘major’ attributes God is looking for in the believer’s life:

– Joyful Acceptance Of Injustice
Jesus was straightforward about the reward connected with bearing insults for his sake. At the end of “The Beatitudes,” Jesus said: “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and under all things of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in Heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you” [ Matthew 5:11-12 ].

If you were ostracized in the workplace, pasted up for a promotion, or even fired at your job because of your faith in Jesus, then rejoice, for your reward in Heaven is great!

The author to the Hebrews said, “Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great were bored” [ Hebrews 10:35 ]. The knowledge of a “great reward” would give a person the motivation they needed to continue.

So, accept such trouble in the name of Jesus, since God is watching.

– Financial Generosity
Jesus repeatedly spoke about money as being a test of the believer’s loyalties. He said that if they cannot be trusted with the mammon of unrighteousness, they should not think that they will be given more important spiritual responsibilities in Heaven. He chided the Pharisees for their love of money and then said, “For that which is highly esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God” [ Luke 16:15 ].

Here is Jesus’ familiar promise: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where moths and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” [ Matthew 6:19-21 ].

Never forget that all of our money belongs to God. This means that whatever we spend to live on, whatever we invest in or inherit, we shall be accountable for all of it!

– Hospitality
Indeed, someday Jesus will invite people into His Kingdom and say, “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked in you clothe me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me” [ Matthew 25:35-36 ].

The thing is, when believers are startled because they do not remember having personally done this, Jesus responds, “Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of mine, even the least of them, you did it to me” [ Matthew 25:40 ].

So, one’s reward will depend on, of course, on the ‘attitude’ with which they exercised their hospitality.

– Spiritual Disciplines
Jesus taught that it is possible to succeed in the eyes of the world in fail in the eyes of God. If one serves to be seen by ‘man’, they will “have their reward in full” and they will NOT be rewarded twice! If one gets all of their ‘strokes’ in this life, they should expect no repayment in the life to come. They will be rewarded by the ‘person’ whose praise they seek.

When one is overlooked or taken for granted, and the credit for what they did goes to someone else, they can rejoice, for God will give them a greater reward in the afterlife!

Of course, one will be judged not only by whether they practiced the disciplines of the Christian life but for how they lived the ‘whole’ of life.

– Vocational Faithfulness
Ironically, if you want to have the possibility of ruling at Jesus’ right hand, don’t seek it by trying to find a lofty position here on earth and use it as a ‘stepping-stone’ to something greater. It is much better to “Humble yourself, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you” [ 1 Peter 5:6 ].

Servanthood is the ‘stepping stone’ to greatness!

– Loving The Unlovable
Jesus said, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who abuse you” [ Luke 6:27-28 ]. He continued, “But love your enemies, and do good, and land, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great” [ Luke 6:35 ]. So, just do what He wants and your reward will be great!

– Doctrinal Integrity
Believers are to watch out for the disastrous spiritual effects that might result from any compromise with Biblical doctrines (1 Corinthians 6:18, 15:3-6; Colossians 2:8; 2 Timothy 4:2; Romans 14:5; Hebrews 10:24-25; Galatians 6:1-5).

Those who refuse to guard the doctrine of the faith are liable to discipline and loss of reward!

– Invest In People
Only people will make it to Heaven, and God’s ‘children’ are His most highly prized ‘possession’. To love those who are His and to invest in their spiritual well-being is to attract special consideration from God. Exercising one’s gifts for the benefit of the body of Christ will merit one special eternal reward.

One’s investment in the lives of others varies by their gifts and opportunities. Some will ‘sow’, others will ‘water’, and still others will ‘reap’—yet, each shall be properly rewarded.

There is a special connection between the opportunities the believer accepts and the rewards that they will receive.

– Watching For Jesus’ Return
Jesus has always insisted that wise servants look out for His coming arrival. He said:

“Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the middle of the night or toward daybreak”
[ Luke 12:35-38 ].

To love the appearing of Jesus is to receive a special welcome in Heaven.

– Acceptance Of Suffering
Trials are given to the believer so that they might be able to develop a faith that is precious to Jesus. This faith, although a gift of God to them, nevertheless, will be found in the praise and honor of Jesus.

The thing is, the believer will never know everything they would like to know about rewards. They simply do not understand how Jesus will balance their good deeds with those that are worthless. They must just be content to know that Jesus will be fair and generous when judging them. Whatever He does will be acceptable, and no one will question His judgment. He will meticulously separate the perishable from the imperishable.

So, if the believer could catch a glimpse of Heaven, they would strain to make the best use of the opportunities presented to them. Their lives, said James, are “a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes” [ James 4:14 ]. There is MUCH that awaits the believer in Heaven! SO, be faithful in using your gifts and abilities to the UTMOST while you can!

THE ‘BEATITUDES’
Jesus’ opening words in the “Sermon on the Mount” (in Matthew 5:3-12)—most commonly referred to as “The Beatitudes”—are navigational ‘beacons’ that tell the believer how to experience the ‘good life’, because they tell us what God is looking for in a believer. These ‘attitudes’, when desired to be a part of the believer’s life, become potential heavenly realities that can be experienced here on earth as sort of a ‘precursor’ of Heaven. So, you might even say, experiencing “heaven on earth.”

The Beatitudes are not descriptions for us to follow to gain divine favor from God so that He blesses our ambitions and plans. They are descriptions of the ‘kind’ of person God will bless, and what a difference God’s Kingdom ‘breaking’ into this world makes—godly attitudes that ‘mark’ the true believer and ensure their true happiness. The Greek word “Makarios” is translated as “blessed,” and speaks of happiness and contentment. Each Beatitude then discusses the ‘lifestyle’ that produces one’s blessedness.

Jesus taught that happiness is much more than favorable circumstances and pleasant emotions. In fact, it doesn’t depend on circumstances at all. It is ‘built’ upon the indwelling character of God Himself—specifically the Holy Spirit. As one’s life manifests the virtues of the Beatitudes, they will experience happiness that even severe persecution (the last Beatitude) cannot destroy!

The Kingdom of Heaven makes a difference for the poor in spirit, for those who mourn, for the meek, for those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for the merciful, for the pure in heart, for the peacemakers, and for those who are persecuted and insulted because of their righteousness.

So, if one follows Jesus’ progression of thought, true happiness begins with being “poor in spirit.” That means you have the right attitude toward sin, which leads one to “mourn” over it. Mourning over sin produces a “meekness” that leads to “hungering and thirsting for righteousness,” which results in “mercy,” “purity of heart,” and a “peaceable spirit”—attitudes that bring ‘true’ happiness!

Now, when one displays these attitudes, they can expect to be “insulted”, “persecuted,” and “unjustly accused,” because their life will be an irritating rebuke to ‘worldly’ people. However, despite the persecution, one can “rejoice and be glad for their reward is great in Heaven.”

To enhance your understanding of these concepts, I am going to introduce you to a website I developed that focuses on The Beatitudes in a unique way—it ‘pairs’ the nine Beatitudes with the nine “fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-23) to try to enhance—and hopefully ‘extend’—one’s understanding of ‘both’ of these teachings.

It seems that if a believer is honestly trying to achieve the character quality that Jesus is stating in the Beatitudes, then there might be something more that we can expect to be blessed with than just what is mentioned in that particular Beatitude (i.e. If one “mourns” then they will be “comforted.”)

The “Beatitudes” have to do with the ‘qualities’ of one’s heart, whereas the “fruit of the Spirit” deals with the ‘actions’ one does when they are guided by the Holy Spirit. In a different context, Jesus mentions that “from out of the heart of men (Beatitudes), proceeds thoughts” (fruit of the Spirit) [ Mathew 7:21-23 ].

In addition to this, I am proposing a reciprocal relationship between them (i.e., When one emphasizes a Beatitude, does that affect the ‘fruit’ they produce, and when one increases their focus on one of the fruits of the Spirit, does that affect their inner attitude of the Beatitude associated with that ‘fruit’?)

The website is called “Fruits of the Beatitudes” (FOTB), and it is intended to help one develop the ‘ATTITUDES’ of Jesus (“Beatitudes”) and produce the ‘CHARACTER’ of Jesus (“fruit of the Spirit”) in them.

[ Link: https://fruitsofthebeatitudes.org/ ]

The following are the ‘associations’ (pairings) that connect the particular “fruit of the Spirit” that most closely relates to the intent of each “Beatitude”:

THE BEATITUDES FRUIT OF SPIRIT
(Attitudes) (Character)
PURE IN HEART………… LOVE
POOR IN SPIRIT………… JOY
MOURNING………………. PEACE
PERSECUTED…………… PATIENCE
MERCIFUL……………….. KINDNESS
RIGHTEOUSNESS……… GOODNESS
PEACEMAKER………….. FAITHFULNESS
MEEKNESS……………… GENTLENESS
INSULTED……………….. SELF-CONTROL

The “Sermon on the Mount”—of which the “Beatitudes” is the introduction—has been said, by most, to be the “most important sermon” that Jesus ever preached, and that the “fruit of the Spirit” are the most important traits that a Christian can demonstrate in their lives.

These associations intend to help you focus on becoming more like Jesus—and become the kind of person that God will BLESS!

The following listing is presented in the proper order (the verses) that The Beatitudes appear in the Sermon on the Mount:

FOR THE POOR IN SPIRIT
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven”
[ Matthew 5:3 ].

When Jesus says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven,” His words irrupt out of a vivid context and experience of Him transforming lives. He has not given a prescription for how one should live to “get blessed,” but declaring the way things can be in light of the Kingdom of Heaven that is ‘breaking forth’ on the earth. He is recognizing the ones to whom the Kingdom of Heaven belongs—it is for the “poor in spirit.”

Therefore, it is the poor in spirit who are “blessed” because the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to them. The reigning, ruling, saving, and delivering power of God is breaking into the world—not against them, but for them! Through Jesus, God has come to help those who cannot help themselves—who are ‘broken’ beyond their ability and resources to repair their lives. The good news is that the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to the poor in spirit, and the sobering news is that is what all of us are!

Now, Jesus doesn’t see the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who “realize” that they are poor in spirit. He says it belongs to “THE” poor in spirit—a promise for all of us. However, it only makes a difference for those who have been awakened to the reality of their poverty of spirit in the wonder of the Kingdom promised. Tasting a bit of Heaven on earth is possible because of the gracious initiative of God through Jesus.

The blessedness of experiencing God’s action of deliverance, though, is not exclusively reserved for those on the receiving end of it. There is a blessing this to be experienced on the part of those who are ‘channels’ for the delivering activity of the Kingdom of Heaven. The grace of the Kingdom is experienced not only in receiving but in giving. “It is more blessed to give than to receive” [ Acts 20:35 ].

The believer ascends the ‘mountain’ with Jesus to take on His perspective, values, mind, and agenda, such that the believer might become more like Him. As God transforms the life of the believer, they become ‘conduits’ of His saving, delivering power to make a difference in the lives of others. In following God, they find their true selves—what they were created to be all along—and, in their end, experience blessedness… the “good life.”

So, the believer begins to live in the light of Jesus opening the attitude. They begin by coming to the end of themselves—by acknowledging and confessing that they are “in deep and over their heads” in brokenness when it comes to their standing before God and their resources to put themselves and their world back together.

In the wake of such a confession, we experience the reality of God’s grace and power amid their brokenness—grace, and power that is not intended to stop with them, but to flow through them to others. Through coming to the end of themselves, they are liberated into a life of moving beyond themselves through service to others as they have been served by others.

Jesus would tell His disciples later, “Freely you have received; freely give” [ Matthew 10:8 ]. What is received is meant to be given, and it is in the giving that one will find themselves receiving all the more!

[ FYI: The fruit of the Spirit ‘pairing’ for the “Poor in Spirit” is “Joy”:
https://fruitsofthebeatitudes.org/poor-in-spirit-joy/ ].

FOR THOSE WHO MOURN
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted”
[ Matthew 5:4 ].

Jesus’ life was about bringing Heaven to earth, and helping humanity realize the good life, the God life, in the “here and now,” not simply in the “then and there.”

When Jesus stands up and says, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted,” He is further investing in teaching what He has just done—how He has brought Heaven’s future to earth’s present. He does not simply talk about salvation, He embodies it.

Scholars remind us that the word for mourning in this passage means to be deeply moved to the point of action. Mourning does not simply mean “sad” or “depressed.” No, those are real human emotions one needs to pay attention to. Mourning rather means being moved deeply in one’s got to see the world, through your tears, in a new way, longing for things to be different.

Mourning is a pure vision of the large gulf between how things could be versus how things are.

Mourning also means being moved in such a way that you intend to do something about it. It means summoning the courage to visit an assisted living facility even if it freaks you out. Mourning doesn’t mean you are overly emotional, a ‘crybaby’, or soft. Mourning means you have a deep awareness of just how messed up things are from the way things should be. In the mourning, you are as close to God as you will ever be. One prominent theologian—who lost his son in a horrible hiking accident—said that mourners are “aching visionaries.”

So, with so much pain, and so much awareness of how unlike Heaven and earth are, we need answers to the question “How then shall we live?”

[ Note: Francis Schaeffer wrote a great book on this topic entitled, “How Should We Then Live?” that is featured in the “Resources” section below. ]

When all of humanity experiences the final blessing Jesus promised so long ago, the world will be ‘well’ because the world will be as it was meant to be.

So, grieve deeply, grieve boldly, and suffer well. When you do, it means you understand how broken the world is and how beautiful it WILL one day become. Mourning is the acute awareness that although God made the world, the world is no longer the same world God originally made. Disappointment, hardship, pain, suffering, and absence are part of the ache reminding us that a different day and a new future are being foreshadowed in the life of Jesus. “Grieve, mourn, and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up” [ James 4:9-10 ].

Earth has not become Heaven yet. That is why we mourn. However, one day it will be.

The believer grieves and mourns not as those who do so without hope, because God weeps with them now so that He can laugh with them later.

[ FYI: The fruit of the Spirit ‘pairing’ for the “Mourning” is “Peace”:
https://fruitsofthebeatitudes.org/mourning-peace/ ].

FOR THE MEEK
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth”
[ Matthew 5:5 ].

Heaven on earth comes to us in small doses, tiny hints, and small fragments. God’s heart beats for the poor, the broken, the desperate—and the Kingdom belongs to them. God’s promise to the broken is a future of restoration.

In Jesus’ third statement about blessings, He presents one of the most straightforward messages—“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” One biblical scholar, Glenn Stassen, translates this verse: “Joyful are those whose wills are surrendered to God, for they will inherit the earth.”

The word for meek in the Greek is “praus,” which is often translated as gentle or humble. However, this does not quite capture the deeper meaning of the word. “Totally surrendered” is probably closer, and when one is so to God it means we understand who we are in proximity to God. That is, one understands one’s inherited ‘smallness’ in the light of God’s inherit ‘largeness’.

To be meek is to be small. It does not mean false humility or low self-esteem. It means deferential to God and all the people God has placed around you.

It is about proximity, seeing yourself as small in the grand scheme of God. However, not so small you deem your life insignificant.

Abba Macarius, a fourth-century monk in Egypt, met up with the Devil one day while walking down the road. The Devil repeatedly attacked the monk to no avail. The monk wanted to know the secret of his apparent success in fending off the Devil. The Devil responded, “Your humility. Because of that, I can do nothing against you.”

The thing is a dozen of ‘weak’ disciples, following a ‘weak’ Rabbi, have changed the course of human history like no other movement. Blessed are the meek. The earth belongs to them.

[ FYI: The fruit of the Spirit ‘pairing’ for the “Meekness” is “Gentleness”:
https://fruitsofthebeatitudes.org/meekness-gentleness/ ].

FOR THOSE WHO DESIRE RIGHTEOUSNESS
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied”
[ Matthew 5:6 ].

The word righteousness conjures meanings around personal piety, religious devotion, or consistent discipline. In other circles, the word is about what God has done for the individual. Righteousness is not so much about virtue as it is God’s purpose for the world.

In the Hebrew scriptures, a consistent theme emerges concerning God’s thirst for justice. Righteousness in the Old Testament means “restorative justice.” That is, righteousness and justice are aimed at the broken pieces of a community’s life being put back together.

Righteousness and justice are about families and societies being put back together, and being made whole.

In that sense, righteousness and justice take on a robust identity: poverty, homelessness, AIDS, orphan care, caring for the elderly, suicide prevention, and addiction counseling are all righteous and justice issues. For every way society is broken—drowning in the power of sin’s ‘force’—that is how many people God raises to participate in his Restoration Project. In that sense, every ministry is a righteousness and justice ministry because both are ultimately about restoration.

Righteousness is about one’s role—prompted by grace and power—in repairing God’s world. The person in the public cannot be separated if one’s ethics is based upon the life of Jesus.

Now, justice does not always have to do with punishing a wrongdoer, but it also has to do with helping to right a situation in someone’s life. Biblically speaking, justice or righteousness can be related to caring for the elderly, helping someone find freedom from addiction, attempting to save a marriage, or helping a family experience reconciliation. In other words, when Jesus called for justice and righteousness, He was calling for any action that attempted to make things right in the world.

Now, Jesus was using hungry and thirst for righteousness as a way of getting the believer to see the brokenness of the world and the possibilities of making things right. When a vision for God’s future infuses its way into a believer’s imagination—what Jesus called your heart, soul, strength, and mind—it is only then that the believer will crave God’s future. “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God” [ Psalm 42:1 ].

[ FYI: The fruit of the Spirit ‘pairing’ for the “Righteousness” is “Goodness”:
https://fruitsofthebeatitudes.org/righteousness-goodness/ ].

FOR THE MERCIFUL
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy”
[ Matthew 5:7 ].

Jesus’ proclamation concerning mercy follows on the heels of his proclamation concerning hungering and thirsting for things in our world that need to be made right. Through acts of mercy, God’s Kingdom is administered and His desire for the world will be realized.

Jesus makes clear that not only does God show mercy, but God is looking after the lives of those who are showing mercy. This is how God runs his Kingdom. Those who are merciful are not nearly as at risk as people think they are because God is watching over them.

God likes to show mercy. The theme of mercy is woven throughout the rest of the Sermon on the Mount when it comes to what Jesus has to say about those who do the believer wrong, how the believer should treat their enemies, and how they should respond to people in need. Jesus’ instruction for how the believer handles every one of those situations is ‘grounded’ in mercy.

The word mercy begins with the believer becoming merciful after they have been awakened to their own need for mercy. They need to be made right before they can make the world right.

Mercy is an action more than an attitude. Romantically speaking, mercy is a verb. The Greek word for merciful (in Matthew 5:7) is “eleemones.” It primarily means “generous in deeds of deliverance.”

Mercy is often associated with forgiveness, and rightfully so, but mercy’s expression is not limited to forgiveness. Mercy makes a difference for those with needs of various kinds—be they physical, mental, spiritual, or material.

Later, Jesus speaks of giving to the needy. The word “give” in the Greek is “eleemosyen.” Notice the similarity of this word to merciful (“eleemones”). The word “forgive” is from the same root word as the word for mercy. So, giving mercy could, in one sense, be considered redundant. Mercy is as mercy does.

Perhaps no story more succinctly and beautifully expresses mercy in action is the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). A man is overtaken by robbers while traveling along a road, beaten, and left for dead in a ditch. A priest and a Levite see him, crosses over to the other side of the road, and passes by him. Both of them recognized symbols of religious piety. However, of all things, Samaritan, a “lowlife” in the Jewish eyes, saw the man and took action to help him—fixing his wounds, getting him a place to stay and heal, and paying for it all. Mercy is like faith—without works, it is ‘dead’.

It could very well be that the opportunities for the believer to extend mercy in the world are not just Invitations for them to help. They could also be invitations for ‘their’ healing as well. God delights in mercy. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

[ FYI: The fruit of the Spirit ‘pairing’ for the “Merciful” is “Kindness”:
https://fruitsofthebeatitudes.org/merciful-kindness/ ].

FOR THE PURE IN HEART
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God”
[ Matthew 5:8 ].

For the earth to become Heaven, for life to truly be good, Jesus says that one must tend to the deep places of the ‘heart’.

The ‘heart’ is the center of all life, physical and spiritual. As is the physical heart to the human body, the spiritual heart is to the life of following God.

Methodist Pastor James Howell wrote:

“For Jesus, as for all people in Bible times, the ‘heart’ was not a pulsating organ inside your chest to be strengthened by exercise and a good diet or cured by the cardiologist’s tool kit. The heart is your true self. The heart is the part of you that feels, delights, grieves, desires. The heart is the imagination, the place inside where we conceive, where we make connections, where we dream. The heart is the place where you exercise your freedom, where you decide, the mechanism that chooses what you do this evening, whom you will marry, whether to lie or not, how to respond to a crisis. The heart is the sphere where we meet God, or avoid meeting God.”

The heart is the spiritual ‘center’ of a person’s being. It is neither inherently good nor bad. Rather, the heart is the ‘battlefield’ for the grace of God in the lives of believers, and a ‘place’ for Satan to wage war for our affection and allegiance. The heart is the measure of divinity and sin.

Purity of heart is to will the love of God into one’s life. It is to love God with an undiluted, unadulterated, uncompromising passion above all other things.

[ FYI: The fruit of the Spirit ‘pairing’ for the “Pure in Heart” is “Love”:
https://fruitsofthebeatitudes.org/pure-in-heart-love/ ].

FOR THE PEACEMAKERS
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God”
[ Matthew 5:9 ].

Peacemaking is the intentional decision to participate with God in the present. Peacemaking often shows up in counterintuitive ways. Peacemaking is radical trust in the ‘absurdity’ of God on the Cross over the certainty of power, violence, and revenge.

Theologian Cornelius Plantinga describes the shalom of God as:

“The webbing together of God, humans, and all creation injustice, fulfillment, and the light is what the Hebrew profits call shalom. We call it peace, but it means far more than mere peace of mind or a cease-fire between enemies. In the Bible, shalom means universal flourishing, wholeness and the light—a rich state of affairs in which National needs are satisfied and natural gift fruitfully employed, a state of affairs that inspires joyful wonder as its creator and Savior opens doors and welcome to the creatures in whom he delights. Shalom, in other words, is the way things are to be.”

Shalom and peace mean to make amends, to make good, to make peace, to restore, completeness, wholeness, prosperity, and wellness.

Many of us think peace is no more than an absence of conflict. However, in Jewish teaching, shalom is much bigger. It is an imaginative exercise of epic proportion (Isaiah 65:17-25). Peacemaking was at the heart of all that Jesus was attempting to set into motion when He was on earth.

[ FYI: For more details about being a peacemaker, view this previous “Life’s Deep Thoughts” post:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/be-a-peacemaker-v202/ ].

Jesus’ Kingdom ‘project’ was an extension of the peace project of the Torah and the prophets. This is why peace is such a prominent word and concept in the New Testament. Peacemaking is central to almost every single narrative in Scripture.

Jesus became what we are so we could become what He is. Jesus wanted the believer to live as peacemakers.

[ FYI: The fruit of the Spirit ‘pairing’ for the “Peacemaker” is “Faithfulness”:
https://fruitsofthebeatitudes.org/peacemaker-faithfulness/ ].

FOR THOSE WHO ARE PERSECUTED
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven”
[ Matthew 5:10 ].

Many believers throughout the world are under fire for their faith, and there is much to be said about the importance of praying for the persecuted global church. The writer to the Hebrews urges, “To continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison and those who are mistreated as if you yourself were suffering” [ Hebrews 13:3 ].

While losing one’s life or being threatened with the loss of life because of one’s faith is the greatest form of persecution, it is not the only form. Words can be powerful Jesus acknowledges that the tongue can be a powerful instrument of persecution. Whether the ‘swords’ of persecution are literal or lingual, any disciple needs to be prepared to face resistance along the way. (Jesus said the believer would experience persecution since He did.)

If we were to think of the Beatitudes as rungs on a ladder, then the eighth Beatitude reminds us that the ladder leans against the Cross. Living in the light of the realities that Jesus articulates in the previous seven Beatitudes, will most surely guarantee a personal experience with the eighth Beatitude!

Now, Jesus is NOT saying that a believer should ‘seek’ persecution since persecution will ‘find’ them. Neither is Jesus sanctifying or glorifying all persecution. Sometimes, believers are persecuted not because of something having to do with Kingdom-righteousness, but instead because of their self-righteousness, rudeness, or pettiness. The apostle Peter wrote:

“If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name”
[ 1 Peter 4:15-16 ].

Also, not all persecution is related to the righteousness of the Kingdom, but the righteousness of the Kingdom WILL invite persecution. Toward the end of his life, the Apostle Paul affirmed to his protégé Timothy, “Everyone who wants to live a godly life… will be persecuted (2 Timothy 3:12). Persecution faced as a result of embodying the values of the Kingdom of Heaven is one of a believer’s certificates of authenticity—a sign that the Kingdom of Heaven is “settling in” upon the believer.

Persecution is an acknowledgment that a ‘difference-maker’ (a ‘serious’ believer) is on the scene and must be dealt with if people don’t want anything to be different.

Sooner or later, ambassadors of the Kingdom of Heaven will have the opportunity to suffer on behalf of the King whom Himself suffered on behalf of everyone.

[ FYI: The fruit of the Spirit ‘pairing’ for the “Persecuted” is “Patience”:
https://fruitsofthebeatitudes.org/persecuted-patience/ ].

FOR THOSE WHO ARE INSULTED
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in Heaven, for, in the same way, they persecuted the prophets who were before you”
[ Matthew 5:11 ].

Jesus extends His commentary on one being persecuted mentioning that eternal realities will lay ahead. Even though the Beatitudes have much to say about the realities and implications of the Kingdom of Heaven on this side of the grave, they are not void of addressing the Kingdom’s realities in implications on the other side of the grave, too.

It is worth noting that Jesus Himself “walked His talk” when it came to His persecution. The writer to the Hebrews said that it was “For the joy set before Him He endured the Cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” [ Hebrews 12:2 ].

Jesus would later say:

“‘Truly I tell you,’ Jesus replied, ‘no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—along with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life’”
[ Mark 10:29-30 ].

The Apostle Paul also reflected upon his own experience with persecution:

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal”
[ 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 ].

Focusing on eternal realities has everything to do with being faithful amid persecution because a believer who is unattached to the temporary can be hard to intimidate. However, if they are too attached to their own body, their possessions, their reputation, their own money, their career, or their agenda, the margin is wide for them to be intimidated by persecution when it threatens to impact any of those things. The most ‘dangerous’ believer in the world to the Kingdom of darkness is the ones who live as though they have NOTHING TO LOSE!

One has to wonder if some of the greatest movements of righteousness on this earth have occurred in seasons of tremendous opposition and persecution. Amid such adversity and persecution, the participants in the righteousness of the Kingdom are brought to the ‘end’ of themselves into a radical reliance upon God for everything.

Those who follow in the footsteps of Jesus WILL be persecuted because of righteousness—and there will be ‘real’ life beyond the ‘wounds’ of persecution—Heaven!

[ FYI: The fruit of the Spirit ‘pairing’ for the “Insulted” is “Self-control”:
https://fruitsofthebeatitudes.org/insulted-self-control/ ].

So, as the believer aligns their lives with the reality that is mentioned in the Beatitudes, they are only “salt and light” to the degree that they align their lives with such realities—the degree that they reflect the nature of Jesus and the Kingdom as described in the Beatitudes.

In calling His followers the salt of the earth, Jesus is, in essence, calling them the “life-preservers” and “decay-preventers” of the world. As one comforts the mourning, hungers, and thirst for things to be made right, shows mercy or participates in peacemaking, they are being “salt” to the world.

Even though there have been so many ways that the ‘salt’ of the Kingdom of Heaven has been making a difference in our world, there remain all kinds of ways our world is still suffering from not enough salt—or ‘light’ for that matter.

In referring to His followers as the “light of the world,” Jesus was making a profound affirmation of the significance of their lives, particularly when their lives are distinguished by the kinds of values and deeds consistent with Jesus’s declarations in the Beatitudes.

When the Beatitudes are fleshed out in the real life of the believers amid the world, their lives will shine the ‘light’ for many amid the darkness. Followers of Jesus need to live the good life envisioned within the Beatitudes so they can be effective when they overcome the ‘darkness’ of this world with their ‘light’.

The ‘good life’ happens when the believer allows Jesus to have a ‘monopoly’ on them, and the Beatitudes teach the believer to see the world for what it will one day become—the “New Heaven and the New Earth” (Revelation 21).

MINIMIZE ‘REGRETS’
Nothing will steal your joy faster or more completely than ‘regrets’. Poet John Greenleaf Whittier captured this mournful emotion with these lines:

“For all sad words of tongue or pen,
The saddest are these: ‘It might have been.’”

Palliative nurse Bronnie Ware wrote a blog post entitled, “The Top Five Regrets of the Dying—A Life Transformed by the Dearly Departing.” She said that there were five ‘points’—from deathbed confessions—that the patients all agreed upon:

– I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me
– I wish I hadn’t worked so hard
– I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings
– I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends
– I wish I had let myself be happier

Regrets are like cancer. They eat away at your soul, consume your peace of mind, and are no way to spend your days preparing for Heaven!

So, as you prepare for your journey to Heaven, one of the best resolutions you can make is to rid your life of any unnecessary regrets. One way to do this is to honestly ‘evaluate’ your life. Take a sheet of paper divided into five columns: God, Family, Friends, Career, and Finances. Under each column write three goals you would like to achieve in each of these areas of life before you die.

[ FYI: Motivation speaker Zig Ziglar developed a “Wheel of Life” that looks at seven key areas of life: Physical, Family, Mental, Financial, Spiritual, Career, and Personal:
https://check-up.ziglarfamily.com/ ]

As noted previously, you may also consider using Jonathan Edwards’ list of his “Resolutions” (the link to them is above) for a ‘template’ to create your own. For example, here are a few:

– Resolved: I will glorify God so that I might hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

– Resolved: I will appreciate, enjoy, in value the spouse God has given me.

– Resolved: I will endeavor to point my children to Jesus, earn their respect, and celebrate their uniqueness.

– Resolved: I will treasure my friendships by praying for and spending time with those who enrich my life.

– Resolved: I will choose a life work that utilizes my giftedness and passions and will strive to provide a stable financial foundation for my family, both now and in the future.

– Resolved: I will make sure that my finances are in order and my family is provided for after I die.

– Resolved: I will ask forgiveness from anyone I have wronged so that when I am gone, they will always remember I tried to make things right.

If you honestly evaluate your life, maybe you feel bad about mistakes you have made, opportunities you have squandered, or people you have hurt. The truth is, all of us have done these things—to a greater or lesser degree. The thing is, it is impossible to erase the past., and life doesn’t have a ‘rewind’ button. However, with God’s help, you can make some changes in your life, right now, that will reshape your tomorrow and your eternity. If you don’t believe that, consider the story of one Swedish philanthropist.

Alfred Nobel was a 19th-century chemist who made his reputation and fortune by stabilizing nitroglycerine. By adding a specific compound to the highly volatile liquid, Nobel was able to turn it into a paste, which he called “dynamite.” Intended for commercial construction—blasting mines, drilling tunnels, and building canals—dynamite was, however, quickly adapted by the government as an instrument of war.

So, during his lifetime, Nobel was known for the death and destruction that dynamite caused. When his brother Ludvig died in 1888, French newspapers confused him for his brother Alfred, and reported that “The merchant of death is dead.” This mistake meant that Alfred Nobel had the opportunity to read his obituary in the newspaper.

Realizing that when he died, he would only be remembered for enabling the killing of untold millions of people, Nobel decided right then and there to make a significant change in his life. He determined to dedicate the remainder of his life to scientific, artistic, and peaceful endeavors that celebrated humanity. He set aside a sizable sum of his vast wealth to do these things, as well as establish the “Nobel Prize” that we are all familiar with today.

Few of us will ever achieve the fame and fortune of Alfred Nobel, but all of us CAN ‘redirect’ our time, our money, and our energy to things that will allow us to live and die without regrets!

SO, are you ready for your ‘journey’ to Heaven yet? If you are a believer, you need not fear the journey, especially since you know ‘where’ you are going! HOWEVER, if you are NOT a believer, let me STRONGLY SUGGEST you sincerely investigate what is ‘required’ to become a “born again” believer ASAP!

[ The following are a few previous posts about becoming “born again” that may help you with your investigation:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/mayday-mayday-mayday-v218/
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/saved-from-death-v219/
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/missing-the-mark-v222/
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/developing-ones-character-v283/
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/knowing-assurance-v243/
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/preparing-for-the-future-v286/ ]

Heaven is the destination that awaits all those who love Jesus and is more ‘glorious’ than words I can use to describe it (or the beautiful pictures I showed above of the top places in the world that people identify as “heaven on earth”). It is a place more magnificent than you can ever imagine. A place where every ‘tear’ will be erased and every dream will be fulfilled. The thing is, it is a place that is ONLY ‘reserved’ for those who have received God’s forgiveness through repentance and faith in Jesus!

So, BE ‘SURE’ you have been ‘forgiven’ by God—through Jesus—and you are living ‘for’ Jesus here on earth to gain your eternal ‘rewards’!

Another good source is the “Heidelberg Catechism, which defines good works as, “Only those which are done out of true faith, conform to God’s law, and are done for gods glory; and not those based on our own opinion or human tradition” (91).

Now, even though these sources are good to refer to, only God alone determines what constitutes a good work. Very simply, for believers, the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) provide a very good ‘guide’ for what constitutes a good work.

In addition to this, a person must be a believer for God to accept any of their works. Jesus said explicitly: “The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good” [ Matthew 12:35 ]. Believers, on the other hand, by their ‘union’ with Jesus, are considered as pure in heart, righteous, and good—in God’s ‘eyes’. Jesus said that “a tree is known by its fruit” (Matthew 12:35-37).

A good work must also be done in faith and with a love for God and Jesus present. For example, a woman poured expensive ointment over Jesus’ head in the presence of others, who became indignant. However, Jesus responded to her loving act by describing it as “a beautiful thing” that “will also be told, in memory of her” (Mark 14:6, 9).

She put Jesus before her wealth and comfort. For that reason, Jesus rewards her by ‘etching’ her into the Scriptures and church history. Her actions were born out of faith and love for Jesus.

So, essentially, a good work is the desire to glorify God arising from one’s love for Him (1 Corinthians 10:31). Otherwise, we may be pursuing our own or someone else’s ‘glory’, which may be good in the ‘worlds’ eyes but may not be in God’s eyes.

Jesus understood this principle in His obedience to God the Father: “I glorify You on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave Me to do” [ John 17:4 ].

So, the reason believers can even do good works is who they are ‘in’ Jesus. God has changed the believer’s nature, produced faith in them, and enabled them to express their love for Him through good works—which He is appreciative of, and will reward the believer for doing so. Then, on the Day of Judgment, God will separate a believer’s good and bad works to determine their reward.

“Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw—each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward”
[ 1 Corinthians 3:12-14 ].

As was mentioned previously, the ‘materials’ of one’s deeds fall into two categories. The gold, silver, and precious stones are those activities that demonstrated one’s authentic ‘love’ for God, and these will be rewarded throughout eternity. However, the wood, hay, and straw are most likely ‘selfish’ deeds and attitudes that will not be rewarded, and could even cost a loss of rewards!

For those who have served in Jesus faithfully, the Judgment Seat of Christ will be a time of commendation and celebration. God will also reward the believer for deeds that no one else even noticed!

James continues relating deeds and the good life with wisdom: “Who it is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom” [ James 3:13 ].

Again, where one spends eternity—whether in Heaven or Hell—depends solely upon one’s faith in Jesus. HOWEVER, their’ experience’—in either place—will be determined by their works on earth.

Author of “The Pilgrim’s Progress” John Bunyan said about this: “Consider, to provoke you to good works, bet you shall have from God, when you come to glory, a reward for everything you do for him on earth.”

So then, what you do with your God-given resources in this life—including money and possessions—is your ‘autobiography’. The ‘book’ you have written with the ‘pen’ of faith and the ‘ink’ of good works will go into eternity unedited, to be seen and read by all, but most importantly by God Himself.

So, when one views the “vapor” of this life in light of the eternal tomorrow, the little choices made today become ‘TREMENDOUSLY’ IMPORTANT! Whatever one ‘DOES’ in this life has eternal consequences—not only for other souls but for theirs, too!

Author Randy Alcorn says that “At death we put the signature to our life’s portrait. The paint dries. The portrait’s done. Ready or not.”

This life is our ‘opportunity’. The Bible does not teach what most of us seem to assume—that Heaven will transform each of us into equal beings with equal possessions and equal responsibilities and equal capacities. The thing is, it DOES NOT say our previous lives will be of no eternal significance. It says exactly the opposite! Theologian Norm Geisler said, “Everyone in heaven will be fully blessed, but not everyone will be equally blessed. Every believer’s cup will be full in running over, but not everyone’s cup will be the same size.”

Jesus is going to put forth the teaching that it can be ‘dangerous’ to live for earthly repayment (Luke 6:24), but to meet the needs of the ‘lowly’:

“But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous”
[ Luke 14:14 ]

Now, in this instance, Jesus said that the believer will be blessed in Heaven for good deeds done for those who cannot repay them—delayed gratification. However, that’s not all Jesus was talking about. God will repay you for MANY good works that you did that may not have even been ‘noticed’ by the people around you when you did it.

Certainly, God blesses the believer here on earth out of his unmerited grace and goodness. God may also get the believer temporal rewards for the right choices or for faithful service to Him in the here now. However, the rewards Jesus reveals in this story—and the ones He talks about the most—are different. They are God’s guaranteed response to a specific action on the believer’s part that will continue to affect their lives—and others—far into eternity. These rewards come not from asking, but by doing—and not now, but in the hereafter.

Miss these differences and you set yourself up for disappointment. You will find yourself asking questions like: “I serve God in every way I know how, so why is our family struggling so much financially? Doesn’t God notice or care?”

Well, God DOES notice and DOES care! However, He does not promise that work for Him now will always result in gain from Him now.

The rewards Jesus wanted you to know about ‘MOST’, DO NOT come now. He said it in His Sermon on the Mount, and He said it again to a room full of religious know-it-alls at dinner. Some eternal rewards come later, and they began with something you do today.

Interestingly, the Bible uses two different words to describe Jesus’ rewards. The Greek word used in Jesus’s teachings in Luke 6 is “misthos.” It means “wages” (Luke 6:23). [ Jesus used this word again in Matthew 20:8, and Paul used it in 1 Timothy 5:18 ].

The second word used for reward in Heaven appears in our dinner story. here Jesus used a compound word, “apodidomai.” “Apo” means “back,” and “didomai” means to “give.” Combined, it means to “give back in return,” or simply to “repay.”

Jesus uses this term in his well-known story about the good Samaritan, who stopped to help a traveler that had been beaten and robbed by bandits. When the Samaritan took the injured man to a nearby in for care, he told the innkeeper, “Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you (Luke 10:35).

The word “apodidomai” takes the idea of wages to an even more surprising ‘level’. Jesus says that when you receive His apodidomai, you are being reimbursed in ‘full measure’ for what you did on his behalf.

So, no deed forgotten will pass by overlooked or unreported. Not one cup of water, or one prayer in the middle of the night.

The Bible speaks a great deal about helping people in need. True generosity often involves helping those who are unable to help you. Much of the believer’s help towards others can be very ‘strategic’ in the sense that they know that they can give something in return. However, to help those who can give you very little in return, except perhaps a “thank you” is a sign of whether the believer has a generous spirit or not. This seems to be one of the main points of the parable of the great banquet:

“He said also to the man who had invited him, ‘When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just’”
[ Luke 14:12-14 ].

Of course, the believer’s help extends to those outside the church: “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith” [ Galatians 6:10 ]. So, the believer should especially take care of their brothers and sisters in Christ, but not only them. They also need to let their lights shine before men since when the believer does good to others, there is a possibility that God will use their works to bring about salvation for them: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” [ Matthew 5:16 ].

What an incredible reward to know that the believer was an ‘instrument’ used by God to bring about the salvation of the sinner once destined for eternal damnation!

I think British missionary to China, India, and Africa C.T. Studd said it well in a poem he wrote, “Only One Life, Twill Soon Be Past”:

“Two little lines I heard one day,
Traveling along life’s busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart,
And from my mind would not depart;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, yes only one,
Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet,
And stand before His Judgement seat;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, the still small voice,
Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave,

And to God’s holy will to cleave;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, a few brief years,
Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its clays I must fulfill.
living for self or in His will;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
When this bright world would tempt me sore,
When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way,
Then help me Lord with joy to say;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Give me Father, a purpose deep,
In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e’er the strife,
Pleasing Thee in my daily life;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Oh let my love with fervor burn,
And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone,
Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, yes only one,
Now let me say, “Thy will be done”;
And when at last I’ll hear the call,
I know I’ll say “twas worth it all”;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

— extra stanza —

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
And when I am dying, how happy I’ll be,
If the lamp of my life has been burned out for Thee.”

– An Olympic Medal
– A Super Bowl Ring
– The Pulitzer Prize
– The Nobel Peace Prize
– An Oscar
– Academy Award
– A Purple Heart
– The Congressional Medal of Honor
– Yellow Jersey at the Tour de France
– The Green Jacket for Winning the Masters Golf Tournament

There is a concept called the “Reward Principle” that is utilized by many successful corporations, primarily in the sales and marketing departments. It essentially states that offering rewards encourages employees to act in ways that gain the reward.

In the video gaming industry, to keep the player playing, the game rewards them for playing the game with skill, passion, and taking some risks, which then ‘entices’ the player to complete goals set by the game (levels). This, in turn, further motivates the player to continue playing the game. For ‘engaging’ games, this cycle continues for many hours and even days for some players.

ESL professor and author of “teaching principles” books, H. Douglas Brown, summarized this well when he said, “Human beings are universally driven to act or ‘behave’ by the anticipation of some sort of reward—tangible or intangible, short-term or long-term—that will ensue as a result of the behavior.”

The same thing goes for the parent of young children, experiencing this same principle in practice: Promising them a reward for a certain kind of behavior to motivate them to do as they ask. Rewards seem to be ‘ingrained’ in us.

One day, what we do in this life, will be rewarded by God—and our life and eternity will be dramatically affected by what we ‘DO’ in this life. (You might call this a heavenly “Reward Principle.”) The life you live today will determine the ‘quality’ of your life in eternity. How you do your job, love your spouse, raise your children, serve those in need, share your financial resources, love others, and overcome temptation, will set the course for your existence in the endless ages to come!

I’m thinking that most of us have probably wondered, at times, if our life is amounting to anything. We recognize, all too well, how weak in feeble our best efforts are. We ask ourselves questions like, “Does what I do every day with my life matter? Much of it seems so mundane, routine, and even inconsequential.” Or, we secretly wonder, “Will God remember what I do here on earth? Will all the sacrifices I made for Him and others bring any reward in Heaven?”

Or, you might even wonder if the idea of rewards is that big of a deal. When the topic of future rewards comes up, it is not uncommon to hear a believer say, “Just being in Heaven will be enough. That is all the reward I need. Seeing God and spending eternity with Him is reward enough. I don’t care if I get anything above that or have a front-row seat. Being in the ‘back row’ will be just fine for me as long as I am there.”

This kind of response can sound humble and pious, and being in Heaven will indeed be infinitely better than being in Hell—who could dispute that? However, while this is true, there is also a serious shortcoming in this kind of thinking. Receiving rewards will be a sign of God’s pleasure and approval of our lives here on earth. Now, yes, we should seek His approval before we do something, but if there is not a ‘course correct’, you’re probably good to go.

President and Bible teacher for the “Back to the Bible” ministry Woodrow Kroll explained this well when he said:

“Rewards are God’s doing. They were His idea, not ours. God is the one who developed the rewards, determined the criteria for awarding them, and demonstrated His grace by providing them for faithful service. Rewards arise from the heart of God… Don’t rob God of the joy of being a rewarding heavenly father because you tell Him you don’t care. You should care. It’s okay to think about your heavenly reward. God does.”

According to the Bible, the all-knowing, all-seeing God is keeping track of how you are living and what you are doing for Him every day, and you have more to gain by living for Him than you can ever imagine! Rewards for serving Jesus faithfully are beyond our wildest imagination! Rewards are tangible evidence that we pleased God with our life. For that reason, they should be important to us now, because this is the only ‘season’ during which we can earn them. In addition to that, one should do their best on earth since, just like in the corporate sales department and the video game, there will be ‘levels’ in Heaven depending on the ‘degree’ of one’s faithfulness and sacrifice for Jesus on earth.

“The Lord rewards every man for his righteousness and his faithfulness”
[ 1 Samuel 26:23 ]

“You reward everyone according to what they have done.”
[ Psalm 62:12 ]

“A wicked person earns deceptive wages, but the one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.”
[ Proverbs 11:18 ]

“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.”
[ Proverbs 19:17 ]

“Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in Heaven.”
[ Matthew 5:12a ]

“But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
[ Matthew 6:3-4 ]

“But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
[ Matthew 6:6 ]

“And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward”
[ Matthew 10:42 ]

“For indeed your reward is great in Heaven.”
[ Matthew 6:21 ]

“For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done.”
[ Matthew 16:27 ]

“And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.”
[ Matthew 19:29 ]

“But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.”
[ Luke 6:35 ]

“God will repay each person according to what they have done.”
[ Romans 2:6 ]

“The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor”
[ 1 Corinthians 3:8 ]

“If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward.”
[ 1 Corinthians 3:12-14 ]

“Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does”
[ Ephesians 6:7-8 ]

“They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life”
[ 1 Timothy 6:18-19 ]

“Do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the wheel of God, you will receive what he has promised”
[ Hebrews 10:35-36 ]

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”
[ James 1:12 ]

“Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully.”
[ 2 John 8 ]

“Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.”
[ Revelation 2:10b ]

“I will repay each of you according to your deeds.”
[ Revelation 2:23c ]

“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.”
[ Revelation 22:12 ]

I hope you can see that the promise of heavenly rewards is like a golden ‘thread’ that runs throughout the ENTIRE Bible.

The implications of these passages are enormous. For one thing, they suggest that God is keeping track of what you do for Him every day. Another is that you have more to gain by serving Him than you can ever imagine!

God certainly WANTS to reward His ‘children’ for works done with a ‘pure’ heart! (The seventh Beatitude!)

In Bruce Wilkinson’s book, “Secrets of the Vine,” he notes a few things that God rewards based on the teachings of Jesus:

– God will reward you for seeking him through spiritual acts such as fasting and praying (Matthew 6:6; Hebrews 11:6)
– God will reward you for submitting to your employer as a faithful steward (Matthew 24:45-47; Ephesians 6:8; Colossians 3:22-24)
– God will reward you for self-denial in his service (Matthew 16:24-27)
– God will reward you for serving those in need in his name (Mark 9:41)
– God will reward you for suffering for his name and reputation (Luke 6:22-23)
– God will reward you for sacrifices you make for him (Luke 6:35; Matthew 19:29)
– God will reward you for sharing your time, talent, and treasure to further his Kingdom (Matthew 6:3-4; 1 Timothy 6:18-19)

So, as you read this list, have you already made a priority of doing what God promises to reward or, are you feeling a bit discouraged? Well, let me assure you that every believer, regardless of circumstance or ability, has an equal opportunity to please God and receive his condemnation: “Well done, good and faithful servant” [ Matthew 25:21a ].

To expand on the previous mention of the word “rewarder,” in the Greek you will be amazed by what you discover. In Hebrews 11:6 the word used here is neither “misthos” (wages) nor “apodidomai” (reimbursement), but an unusual combination of them both, and is the only verse in the Bible where you will find it used to describe a person. God is the “misthos-apodidomai”—the Rewarder who reimburses your wages, in keeping with His own ‘values’!

So, as you can see, God chooses to reward because it is an expression of His own generous ‘nature’. Like His provision to save, it is a display of His amazing grace!

REWARDS ARE BY BELIEF AND BEHAVIOR
Works are wonderful as long as you keep them in the right place regarding salvation: the biblical formula of salvation is: Faith = Salvation + Works

Outside the registrar’s office in the Dallas Theological Seminary is a sign that reads: Salvation is by grace… Graduation is by works.” ;^D

Now, good works will inevitably follow a true work of God in the heart of a believer (James 2:12-26). Works do not bring salvation, but they confirm and validate that one’s faith is real and vital. As James reminded us, “Faith without works is dead” [James 2:26].

As author Randy Alcorn says, “We’ve been deceived into thinking that works is a dirty word. God condemns works done to earn salvation and works done to impress others. But our Lord enthusiastically commends works done for the right reasons. God has a lifetime of good works for each of us to do… He will reward us according to whether we do them or not.”

Pastor Mark Hitchcock said that “Our eternal destination (‘where’ we will be) is determined by our ‘BELIEF’. Our eternal compensation (‘what’ we will have) is determined by our ‘BEHAVIOR’. Reduction is provided by Jesus’ work for us. Rewards are procured by our works for Jesus.

So, in the same way, we serve God in sacrifice for Him because we love Him and others. We do not serve for the reward; we serve for the Lord. “Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him” [2 Corinthians 5:9]. Like a soldier receiving a medal, eternal rewards are simply God’s way of showing the believer that He is pleased with their service.

The Bible is clear that what we do now, here on earth every day, will affect our existence in the life to come—both in the coming Millennium and ultimately in the New Heaven and New Earth (Something I will write about in the April 2023 post).

What you do in this life now will have tremendous repercussions that roll on forever throughout eternity!

– Special access to the tree of life (2:7)
– Protection from the second death (2:10-11)
– Provision of the hidden manna and a white stone with the name known only to the recipient (2:17)
– The morning star (2:28)
– Being closed in white garments and confessing before the father in the Angels (3:5)
– Becoming a color in the temple of God and having the name of God in the heavenly city written upon us (3:12)
– Sitting with Christ on his throne in the messianic Kingdom (3:21)

Referring to the overcomers in Revelation 2-3, pastor John MacArthur says, “The term does not refer to those who have attained to a higher level of the Christian life, but identifies all Christians. The apostle John defines it that way in his first epistle… All true believers are overcomers, who have by God’s grace and power overcome the damning power of the evil world system.”

Now, technically, all believers are “overcomers,” however, there will be a special “crown” given—the “Crown of Life”—that will be given to those who were “faithful until death” (Revelation 2:10). [ Crowns will be discussed below ]. This is a reward for those who persevere in testing.

The root Greek word for tested is “peirazo” which means to “try” and “prove” and describes the testing of the believer’s loyalty, strength, opinions, disposition, condition, faith, and patience of character.

Perseverance is also related to endurance, which the Apostle Paul had much experience with (beatings, shipwrecks, prison, hunger, etc. – 2 Corinthians 11:25-30). James also tells us that a person will be blessed—receive the Crown of Life—if they persevere under trial (James 1:12).

Jesus told His disciples that someday all the hardship will be WELL worth it (even He endured the Cross “for the joy set before Him” – Hebrews 12:2).

Believers are running a ‘race’, the writer of Hebrews says, and we are running for a prize that will not disappoint! (Hebrews 12:1c)

Oddly, the believer resists being motivated by God’s prizes’. We certainly respond to worldly ones! We covet the Nobel Peace Prize, the Pulitzer Prize, and others. We build halls of fame for every imaginable occupation. We compete for a year-end bonuses and job promotions. (I’m sure you can think of a lot more things.)

So, pursuing God’s rewards is a ‘natural’ thing (and He even encourages the believer to do so!) Then, when the believer begins living out the Beatitudes—becoming more like Jesus—every reward gives rise to a more abundant, joyful life. Every reward aid in sustaining, strengthening, and reassuring the believer in times of stress and sacrifice.

Oh, would the believer just submit and totally trust! All of life—the ordinary, the sorrowful, and the plentiful—will provide opportunities for God to bless the believer in what He has promised!

In addition to all this, the believer has received an “inheritance in Christ,” the sum total of all God has promised the believer in salvation (Colossians 3:24; Hebrews 9:14)—and it will “never perish, spoil or fade” (1 Peter 1:4). Peter goes on to say that the believer’s inheritance is imperishable, unspoiled, unfading, and reserved. What a FANTASTIC reward!

As God’s children that are “adopted” into His family, believers are co-heirs with Christ that will “share in His glory” (Romans 8:17). This heavenly heritage is God’s purpose and will for the believer (Ephesians 1:11) and one day, they will take possession of their portion, heritage, and full inheritance.

Reformer and theologian John Calvin wrote:

“We do not have the full enjoyment of it at present… We walk… in hope, and we do not see the thing as if it were present, but we see it by faith… Although, then, the world gives itself liberty to trample us under foot, as they say; although our Lord keeps us tried with many temptations; although he humbles us in such a way that it may seem we are as sheep appointed to the slaughter, so that we are continually at death’s door, yet we are not destitute of a good remedy. And why Seeing that the Holy Spirit reigns in our hearts, we have something for which to give praise even in the midst of all our temptations.. [Therefore,] we should rejoice, mourn, grieve, give thanks, be content, wait.”

When the believer understands and values the glory that awaits them, they are better able to endure whatever comes their way in this life. They can give God praise even during trials because they have His guarantee that they will receive all He has promised: “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” [ 2 Corinthians 4:17 ].

The Book of Revelation gives us a brief but fantastic description of the believer’s inheritance:

“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 21:4 ]. God and man will dwell together. Everything will be made new. The bejeweled city, the New Jerusalem, will be their ‘residence’. The river of life will flow from God’s throne. The healing tree of life—with twelve kinds of fruit—will grow there, too. There will be no night there because the eternal light of Jesus will shine upon all the heirs of God. Are you kidding me?! Can’t wait!

[ FYI: The “New Jerusalem” will be discussed in next month’s post. ]

Another ‘feature’ of this inheritance is the incredible truth that those who persevere in faith are truly united to Christ and will RULE and REIGN with Him forever (2 Timothy 2:11-13). WOW!

Way back in the beginning, God made humans to have dominion over creation, to rule it for His glory (Genesis 1:26-31). However, we forfeited our ability to fulfill this with the ‘fall’ of Adam and Eve, but Jesus has succeeded in reigning over creation as the “last Adam.” In Him, believers are now able once more to achieve their original purpose as righteous rulers of the world (Romans 5:12-21; Ephesians 2:1-7). This reigning also will involve the believer judging even the angels (1 Corinthians 6:3)!

The truth that believers are ‘kings’ and ‘queens’ in Christ is not some idea conjured up to boost our self-esteem, but a present reality that they will enjoy in Heaven. At that point, they will sit on ‘thrones’ alongside Jesus and enjoy, by ‘grace’, what is His by ‘right’. However, until then, they are to reign over their sinful passions, bringing their minds, wills, and affections into submission to Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit through His Word, the Bible.

[ FYI: For more details about becoming “born again,” view this previous “Life’s Deep Thoughts” post:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/developing-ones-character-v283/ ].

Now, many believers say they will be happy just to make it to Heaven, that just being there will be enough for them. Well, I would like to tell them that they need to rethink that since their ‘experience’ in Heaven will be ‘PROFOUNDLY’ IMPACTED by not having a different mindset—one of service and sacrifice—while they are on earth.

The thing is, God ‘expects’ the believer to desire the priceless treasures that He wants to graciously give to a believer for their sacrifice and faithfulness on earth. Remember, rewards are God’s idea!

SO, to ‘receive’ blessings here on earth and ‘store up’ for themselves infinitely greater eternal rewards in the life to come, the believer needs to be concerned with ‘WHAT’ THEY DO and ‘HOW’ THEY LIVE… NOW!

He stood before a magistrate named Gallio, while his enemies argued for his punishment. However, Paul defended himself and Gallio decided that no crime had occurred—so Paul went free.

So, the first purpose of the Bema is to ’SHOW’ or give an account of one’s works.

The second purpose of the judgment at the Bema is to ‘TEST’ one’s works:

“Their work will be shown for what it is because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames”
[ 1 Corinthians 3:13-15 ].

Notice that your ‘beliefs’ or eternal ‘destination’ are not being tested here. It is all about the believer’s ‘WORKS’! What they did with their life will endure like gold, silver, and precious stones in a fire, or, it will be burned up like straw without a trace to remain, no matter how sensible, enjoyable, or even how religious’ the activities might have seemed while you were doing them on earth.

By now, you might be wondering what would cause a work to either burn like straw or endure like gold. Well, the ‘fire’ would need to test not only what we did, but also ‘how’ and ‘why’ we did it (our motives). The thing is, a very sobering thought is that the believer may suffer ‘loss’! [ It IS possible that a ‘true’ follower of Christ—even though their salvation is not at risk—could step into eternity with only a ‘few’ good works to show for their lifetime on earth! What a startling thought! ] No wonder the Apostle John warned, “Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully” [ 2 John 8 ].

Now, no reward on earth will compare to the pleasure of seeing the unclouded joy on the face of Jesus as He reviews the work of our lives, then leans forward to favor us with ‘THE’ reward He wants to give the believer—ETERNAL LIFE!

So, if you are thinking that as wonderful as rewards might be, you can’t imagine needing and wanting more reward than Heaven itself, you are in for a BIG surprise! The rewards you receive in Heaven—from ‘what’ you did on earth—will determine a lot about what you will actually ‘DO’ THERE!

Again and again, Jesus told parables about servants commissioned to take care of valuable assets that belong to a master (for example, the “minas,” the talents,” the “field,” and the “vineyard”). The word used to describe this role was “steward.”

So then, what distinguishes a steward from a servant? Well, both a steward and servant serve someone, both have a responsibility, and both work for a wage. However, the difference is that a steward has been charged with ‘MANAGING’ his master’s assets.

As a believer, you have been commissioned to manage an ‘asset’ for Jesus. Your asset is your ‘life’—the sum of your talents, strength, personality, and interests. The opportunity given to you on earth is to manage your life in such a way that you greatly increase God’s Kingdom on earth.

– Jesus will judge our deeds, our words, our thoughts, and our motives
(Romans 2:5b-6; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Matthew 12:36-37; Luke 12:3; Hebrew 4:12-13; 1 Corinthians 4:2-5; Romans 12:9-11; Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Thessalonians 5:18)

– Only what Christ, through the Holy Spirit, produces in our lives has any value at the Bema (John 15:5; Galatians 2:20)

– Jesus will reward us according to our persevering faith in God and His promises
(Hebrews 3:7-4:11; 6:12; 6:15; 11:8; 11:40; 11:9; 12:7; 11:16; 12:2)

– Jesus will reward us in proportion to our faithful and wise stewardship (Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 19:11-17)

– At the Bema, Jesus will take into account how we responded to the word of God (Psalm 19)

– At the Bema, Jesus will be concerned with the purity of our lives (1 Corinthians 9:27; 2 Timothy 2:15-23; 1 John 2:27-3:3)

– At the Bema, Jesus will take into account how long we have been saved (Matthew 21:33-41)

– Jesus will reward us according to our secondary involvement in the ministry of others (Matthew 10:40-42)

– If we judged others, Jesus will apply our standard when He judges us (1 Thessalonians 2:19)

– Teachers will receive a stricter judgment (James 3:1)

– Not only production but a contribution to production will receive a reward (1 Corinthians 3:6-8)

Pastor and missionary to Burma Adoniram Judson understood the importance of investing wisely for eternity. He wrote (in the 1840s):

“Of how much real happiness we cheat our souls—by preferring a trifle to God! We have a general intention of living a consecrated life—but we intend to begin tomorrow or next year. For the present moment, we prefer living for our trinkets, and say, “A little more sleep, a little more slumber.” Well, a little more sleep — and we shall sleep in the grave! A few more days—and our work will be done. And when it is once done, it is done to all eternity.

A life once spent, is irrevocable. It will remain to be contemplated through eternity.
If it is marked with sins—the marks will be indelible.
If it has been a useless life—it can never be improved.
Such it will stand forever and ever.

The same may be said of each day. When it is once past, it is gone forever. All the marks which we put upon it—it will exhibit forever. It will always remain true—that such a day was spent in such a manner. Each day will not only be a witness of our conduct, but will affect our everlasting destiny. No day will lose its share of influence in determining where our place shall be in Heaven.

How shall we then wish to see each day marked with usefulness! It will then be too late to mend its appearance.

It is too late to mend the days that are past. The future is in our power. Let us, then, each morning, resolve to send the day into eternity in such a garb as we shall wish it to wear forever. And at night let us reflect that one more day is irrevocably gone, indelibly marked.”

Pastor John Piper shared an illustration that I think makes clear how works will function in the final judgment. He invited people to remember the story of how two harlots brought a baby to King Solomon, each claiming that the baby was hers (1 Kings 3:16-27). They asked King Solomon to act as a judge between them. He said that a sword should be brought and that the baby should be divided and a half was given to one and a half to the other. The ‘true’ mother cried out, “O, my lord, give her the child and by no means kill it.” Solomon said, give this woman the child, for she is its mother.

So, what was Solomon looking for? He was not looking for a work that would ‘earn’ the child, but for a work that would prove that the child was already ‘possessed’ by the birthing mother.

That is the way God looks at our works. He is not looking for works that ‘purchase’ our pardon in His judgment hall. He is looking for works that prove that the believer is already enjoying their pardon. The purchase of their pardon was the blood of Jesus, sufficient once for all to cover all their sins, and how they ‘own’ it is their faith—faith alone in Jesus.

English pastor and revivalist Leonard Ravenhill put it this way about giving an account at the Judgment Seat of Christ:

“But you know if God should stamp eternity or even judgment on our eyeballs, or if you’d like on the fleshy table of our hearts I am quite convinced we’d be a very, very different tribe of people, God’s people, in the world today. We live too much in time, we’re too earth bound. We see as other men see, we think as other men think. We invest our time as the world invests it. We’re supposed to be a different breed of people. I believe that the church of Jesus Christ needs a new revelation of the majesty of God. We’re all going to stand one day, can you imagine it—at the judgment seat of Christ to give an account for the deeds done in the body. This is what—this is the King of kings, and He’s the Judge of judges, and it’s the Tribunal of tribunals, and there’s no court of appeal after it. The verdict is final.”

That final day is going to be ‘concerning’ for some and ‘awesome’ for others. The believer will stand there alone on that day and be judged for every aspect of their lives—for their talking, their thinking, their praying, their giving, and their doing—and there will be no possibility of any ‘rehearsal’ or a ‘do over’, since it is the “final” judgment.

I’m thinking that the believer ought to live their lives constantly conscious of eternity—ready to ‘arrive’ there at any moment. Question: “If you were to ‘stand’ before Jesus at this very moment, would you like your life story read by all the millions in eternity?” Do you think you might shrink back a bit?

Well, if a believer is love controlled, love motivated, and love energized, they have nothing to worry about, since that is the essence of obedience and submissiveness to the total will of God. They need to say, “Oh God, I want my life to glorify You such that when I stand in Your awesome presence, I will not be ashamed at Your appearing” (1 John 2:28).

I think Scottish Baptist minister Alexander Maclaren sums it up with his poem “His Plan for Me”:

“When I stand at the Judgment Seat of Christ
And He shows me His plan for me,
The plan of my life as it might have been,
Had He had His way; and I see

How I blocked Him here, and I checked Him there
And I would not yield my will,
Will there be grief in my Saviour’s eyes,
Grief though He loves me still?

He would have me rich, and I stand here poor,
Stripped of all but His grace,
While memory runs like a hunted thing
Down the paths, I cannot retrace.

Then my desolate heart will well nigh break
With tears that I cannot shed;
I shall cover my face with my empty hands;
I shall bow my uncrowned head.

Lord of the years that are left to me,
I give them to Thy hand;
Take me and break me, mold me to
The pattern Thou hast planned.”

REWARDS ‘ON EARTH’
Now, God rewards the believer here on earth as a ‘foretaste’ of His plan to bless them for all eternity.

One reward the believer receives here on earth—as a result of their obedience—is an increased ‘presence’ of God’s love. It has three ‘components’:

– Benevolence: Whereby he elects one in Jesus and predestines them to eternal life
– Beneficence: Where bye he will all things in time to bring about the salvation of the elect
– Delight (friendship): Also understood historically as complacency, whereby he rewards people according to their holiness

Theologian Melchior Leydekker distinguishes between God’s ‘benevolent’ love and His ‘complacent’ love in the following manner:

“God’s love is either of benevolence or of complacency. The first is the love by which God shall do well to the elect, before there is anything in them that could give Him complacency, John 3:16, Romans 5:8. And therefore, it can be regarded either as predetermining in God’s decrees, or as actually effecting in time. The second, the love of complacency, is the case where God approves the good which is in the elect, especially as being commanded by him and caused, Hebrews 11:5-6; John 14:21; 16:26-27.”

As Leydekker makes clear, God’s ‘benevolent’ love happens logically before His ‘complacent’ love. It has to be this way since God’s love of benevolence is the ‘core’ of all blessings the believer receives. God’s love of complacency, on the other hand, delights in the good present in the believer, which exists only because of His benevolent love.

The Puritan theologian, Steven Charnock, also refers to this distinction in God’s love:

“The more likeness we have to [God], the more love we shall have from him… If God loves holiness in a lower measure, much more will he love it in a higher degree, because then his image is more illustrious and beautiful, and comes nearer to the lively lineaments of his own infinite purity…. (John 14:21)… he loves a holy man for some resemblance to him in his nature; but when there is an abounding in sanctified dispositions suitable to it, there is an increase of favor; the more we resemble the original, the more shall we enjoy the blessedness of that original: as any partake more of the Divine likeness, they partake more of the Divine happiness.”

Obedience to the Commandments brings a great reward, too: It shows the increased manifestation of God’s presence in the believer’s life. They can have confidence that His love of benevolence is unconditional and that they will always be one of His ‘children’. So that’s why the believer should strive to enjoy more of the manifestation of God’s love in their life.

Here, Paul seems to be saying that when the believer gives money, God sometimes then increases their ‘seed’ (money) for additional sowing. Now, to be clear, when the believer does give money, God does NOT promise to make them financially ‘rich’, however, He will ‘enable’ them to give more. So, that is a reward in this life that has Kingdom values guiding the believers’ actions and works.

Secondly, giving “increases the harvest of their righteousness.” This means that God rewards giving from a “pure heart” (sixth Beatitude) as a good motive and He rewards them by increasing their righteousness. (Giving out of faith to the Lord’s work allows growth in grace, too.) So, by being generous, the believer ‘becomes’ even more generous.

Thirdly, a believer’s generosity should incentivize others to rejoice with them with thanksgiving to God. In other words, their good works encourage other Christians to do the same.

So much of the Apostle Paul’s encouragement to give to the work of the Kingdom focuses on rewards received in this lifetime. God is no ‘miser’ who says the believer needs to “wait for it all in Heaven.” He graciously gives rewards and blessings now because He cannot help but reward His children for their sincere obedience and faithfulness.

God is SO gracious that even though He ‘commands’ that the believer do good works, He prepared, in advance, for them to do these good works! “ For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” [ Ephesians 2:10 ]. That’s just amazing! Then, He provides them with the strength to do the work He commanded! (Deuteronomy 20:4, 31:6; Psalm 18:1-2, 22:19, 28:7-8, 29:11, 46:1; Isaiah 40:29, 40:31, 41:10; Philippians 4:13).

The thing is, these good works do not even need to be ‘perfect’, and God rewards the believer for their works with rewards far beyond what the works could ever be worth! This then motivated the believer constantly to do good to be rewarded! Win-win!

STORING UP ‘TREASURES’
Perhaps Jesus is most familiar teaching on treasure is found in the Sermon on the Mount:

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”
[ Matthew 6:19-21 ].

So, in the first half of Matthew 6, Jesus described the believer’s private life (giving, praying, and fasting), whereas here in the second half, He was concerned with their public life (questions of money, possessions, food, drink, clothing, and ambition). Jesus made it clear that you cannot serve God and anything else—one has to evaluate the use of their time, and talent, and determine what will be their ‘focus’. It all has to do with the believer’s ‘heart’.

Jesus exhorted His listeners to labor toward things of eternal value, not the temporal, to hold loosely to the things of this world because they are passing away, and to choose what/whom they will serve. When believers seek the kind of treasure that endures into eternity, they hold loosely to the things of this world and serve the one true and living God with an undivided heart. God IS worthy of undivided worship and full devotion.

Later, Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money” [ Luke 16:13 ]. The treasure He asks you to serve Him with is the very ‘force’ in your life that threatens your loyalties to Him!

First off, when a believer is using money, it REALLY is God’s money He is allowing them to ‘steward’ for Him. So, when a believer serves God, they are using His money to accomplish ‘His’ wishes. However, when they serve money, they are using God’s money to accomplish ‘their’ wishes. So then, if they do that, they will inevitably follow their human instincts to try to keep ‘their’ money here on earth for ‘their’ purposes!

Christians labor for that which God determines to be valuable, not what the world pursues. They can discover what God finds valuable and how they are to go about storing those things up by diligently searching the Scriptures. The good works that they are called to do are plainly laid out in God’s Word. An excellent place to start is by looking at the commands and commissions of Christ. Jesus told His followers to give (Matthew 23:23-24), love God and neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40), and teach others to obey the words of Jesus (Matthew 28:19-20)—to name a few.

So, let me ask you, where is your heart right now? Are you storing up treasure for Heaven or earthly treasure? If you are not purposely and generously investing your treasure in God’s Kingdom, I promise you it is because your heart isn’t there! ;^(

‘PRIMARY’ TREASURES
The PRIMARY ‘treasures’ that believers will send to Heaven will be BELIEVERS—people that they have helped to find God’s forgiveness through His Son Jesus.

A “disciple” is someone who receives instruction from another person. A disciple of Jesus is a bit different in that they ‘imitate’ Jesus’ example, possess the Holy Spirit, spread the Gospel, and train people to follow and obey Jesus.

One of the unique ‘features’ of this discipleship is that the believer has an ‘expert’ in the faith—the Holy Spirit lives ‘inside’ them to be their Counselor and give them ‘power’ to accomplish the assignment.

Throughout the Book of Acts, we see how the apostles began to fulfill the Great Commission (Acts 1:8). First, to Jerusalem, then throughout Judea and Samaria, and finally, to “the ends of the earth” (Acts 13-28). Today, believers continue to act as ‘ambassadors’ for Jesus, and they plead, on His behalf, for people to be “reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20).

Jesus’ words in the Great Commission reveal the heart of God, who desires “all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). Like the servants in Jesus’ parable, believers are to be about the business of the Kingdom, making disciples of all nations: “So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. ‘Put this money to work,’ he said, ‘until I come back’” [ Luke 19:13 ].

For the believer, it is going to be a ‘joyous’ reward to have eternal friendships that were begun on earth through various God-appointed means! Their union with each other can be very close on earth, but I’ve got to believe that they will be MUCH MORE ‘intimate’ in Heaven since sin will be absent and everyone will be ‘filled’ with the Holy Spirit!

In addition to true riches, those who serve humbly during their earthly life will be ‘exalted’ in eternity. Nice guys may finish last here on earth, but godly slaves will finish first in Heaven! Even though the believer is saved for all eternity, God will also give them amazing opportunities—again, depending on their earthly works—to attain even greater ‘positions’ in His Kingdom.

So, for all those interested in planning for these opportunities, the following are four characteristics of a godly slave here on earth:

– Not Picky About Their Jobs
Godly slaves do not care much about receiving recognition, but only about pleasing God. They have no qualms about any job that they are asked to do.

– Always Do Their Best
In the parable of the talents, the slave master was gone for a long time on a journey. When the master returned, he examined his slaves working and said, “Well done, good and faithful slave” [ Matthew 25:21 ]. The slave did his best work even though his master was not there to observe him. A godly slave can be counted on to do their best, even when no one but God is watching.

– Serves Joyfully
A godly slave always serves cheerfully. “Serve the Lord with gladness” [ Psalm 100:2 ]. Moses told Israel, “Because you did not serve the Lord your God with joy and a glad heart, for the abundance of all things; therefore you shall serve your enemies whom the Lord shall send against you” [ Deuteronomy 28:477-48 ]. One’s attitude DOES make a difference!

– Serves Everyone
Sometimes it is fun to be a servant to a hero, celebrity, or ‘important’ person. But, what about serving the lowly and the ‘misfits? What about those who do not appreciate what we do for them? How about that intolerable boss, should we serve him, too? Yes, to all the above and more that I didn’t mention!

When Jesus told the believer to be a slave of all, He met ALL! a godly slave is not selective about whom they will serve.

Now, remember, in God’s Kingdom, everything is ‘upside-down’. The greatest in the next life is the slave in this life. The ones now on the bottom Will end up on the top in Heaven—so, start working your way ‘down’ the ladder! One day, perhaps a million years from now, you will be glad you did!

Through mismanagement of their finances, the believer can lose credibility with people, as well as God’s willingness to entrust them with more. Having been faithful in handling their resources in this life, the believer will be granted ‘leadership’ of others in the next life (Luke 19:17, 19).

Jesus continued: “And if you have not been faithful in that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own?” [ Luke 16:12 ]. This passage implies that though the believer is currently a ‘steward’, they will someday be property ‘owners’ if they are faithful to their resources on earth. Again, Jesus confirmed this when He spoke of storing up for themselves treasures in Heaven (Matthew 6:19-21). They will have ownership of treasures in Heaven that God allowed them to send on ahead so that they will be waiting for them there in Heaven.

Author Randy Alcorn tells a story about a field trip to a junkyard. He suggests that the parents need to gather their family to go look at all the piles of “treasures” that were formerly highly desired gifts. He mentions that you should point out that people worked long hours and were paid hundreds of dollars to buy these items. He also mentioned that, sadly, children lost friendships over them, honesty was sacrificed, and marriages broke up over them. He then said to consider how these items lie useless after their brief lifespan. So, remind yourself that most of what you own will one day end up in a ‘junkyard’!

Now, ask yourself these questions: “At the end of your life—when all that I own lies abandoned, broken, useless, and forgotten—did you do anything with your life that will last for eternity?” Then, “Will there be anyone who will welcome you into their eternal ‘dwelling place’ because you helped them become “born again”?” (Consider taking a bit of time right now to contemplate deeply these questions.)

As a reminder, several different crowns symbolize the various achievements and rewards in the Christian life:

It is highly revealing that in Heaven the elders are “casting their crowns before the throne of God” in an act of worship and adoration. This teaches the believer something very important. Clearly, the crowns are bestowed upon them, not for their glory, but ultimately for the glory of God.

It is also mentioned elsewhere in Scripture that believers are redeemed to bring glory to God (1 Corinthians 6). It would seem that the active placing of their crowns before the throne of God is an illustration of this.

Now, here is something else to think about: The greater reward or crown one has received, the greater capacity one has to bring glory to God. (Of course, the lesser reward or crown one has received, the lesser their capacity to bring glory to God.) So, because of the different rewards handed out at the Judgment Seat of Christ, believers will have differing capacities to bring glory to God. According to Pastor Mark Hitchcock, “Some of us will be twenty-watt bulbs, some sixty, some seventy-five, and some one-hundred. We will all shine, but some more than others.”

Perhaps it will be on a matter of differing ‘capacities’. Two jars can both be full, but the one with greater capacity contains more. Likewise, all the believers will be full of joy in Heaven, but some may have more joy because their capacity for joy will be larger, having been stressed through trusting God on earth.

Pastor and author John Bunyan put it this way:

“And why shall he that doth most for God in this world, enjoy most of him in that which is to come? But because by doing and acting, the heart, and every faculty of the soul is enlarged, and more capacitated, whereby more room is made for glory… but always he that is best bred, and that is most in the bosom of God, and that so acts for him here; he is the man that will be best able to enjoy most of God in the Kingdom of heaven.”

Now, believers should not take this to mean that they will have a ‘sense of loss’ throughout eternity. After all, each believer will be glorifying God to the fullness of their ‘capacity’ in the next life. Each one of them will be able to “declare the praises of Him who called us out of darkness to His wonderful light” [ 1 Peter 2:9 ].

So, be encouraged! God loves the believer and their spiritual successes. He yearns to reward them one day. Therefore, the believer needs to resolve to serve Him with joy and full conviction that He always seeks their highest good—both here on earth and in our future in Heaven!

ULTIMATE ‘PAYDAY’
Jesus told a fascinating parable about the coming ‘payday’ for God’s children in Matthew 19. The passage gives us the principles of God’s reward program:

“And behold, a man came up to Him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” And He said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in Heaven; and come, follow Me.” When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

“And Jesus said to His disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Then Peter said in reply, “See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?” Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for My name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”

Now, first off, this parable tells of what it takes to obtain eternal life: One must choose between their possessions and Jesus, and one must have the willingness to abandon ‘everything’ to obtain salvation—a ‘cost’ some are not willing to pay. The thing is, Jesus said that, depending on how one served Him on this earth, their reward would be 100 times as much!

In addition to this, the passage notes eight key principles about future rewards:

– Length of service does not determine the degree of reward
– Position does not determine the degree of reward
– God is sovereign and about giving rewards
– God is generous in giving rewards
– Beware of watching other workers
– Beware of overconfidence
– There will be many surprises in Heaven when the Lord gives out his rewards
– Beware of making bargains with God

Now, don’t miss the point. There is a ‘vineyard’ out there, and God is saying, “It is my vineyard; I own it. Go work on it. Don’t bargain and haggle, don’t worry about the pay, and don’t compare yourself to others. Instead, trust Me. I will reward you beyond your wildest imagination! I will always give you much more than you have produced! (Matthew 20:1-16).

Another parable Jesus told is about a shrewd manager, often called the “unrighteous steward.” It is a powerful revelation about the eternal consequences of what we do with our money now on earth.

The parable concerns a wealthy owner who fires his business manager for wasting his assets (Luke 16:1-13). During the brief period before his termination is effective, the steward goes to his master debtors and reduces their debt, thereby engendering their friendship and hopefully gaining their future hospitality.

Despite the ethical issues, Jesus says, “The master commended the dishonest manager because he acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are shrewder in dealing with their kind than are the people of the light” [ Luke 16:8 ]. Jesus then makes this profound comment: “I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourself so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings” [ Luke 16:9 ].

Now, Jesus does not endorse the man’s ethics. Rather, He encourages the believer to follow the steward’s ‘example’ of using all available resources to PLAN ‘WISELY’ for their future.

All of us will be ‘terminated’ from this life just as the shrewd stored was terminated from his job, and likely just as unexpectedly. Just as his master appointed a date for his service to end, everyone’s day for our ‘end’ has also been chosen—then we will need to give an account for our stewardship.

So, worldly wealth will soon be gone. Before then, everyone should do exactly what this manager did—used wisely what little remaining time, influence, and financial resources they have before their terms of stewardship are over.

Another thing, Jesus is not telling the believer to stay away from the management of unrighteousness or “worldly wealth.” However, He does say that they should use it to “gain friends for yourself so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings” (Luke 16:9). Money is just a ‘tool’ for eternity, but it must be used that way now. There is no second chance to use the money for eternity after one passes away.

After the steward’s termination was effective, he would have no more leverage. So, he used his final days of service to win friends who could take him into their dwellings when his work was done.

In the same way, after we die, Jesus is telling us, when our present assets of money, possessions, time, and life are gone, we will be welcomed by friends into their eternal dwellings!

So, who are these friends? Well, apparently, people in Heaven whom we touched in a significant way through the use of material assets on earth. Consequently, they will open to us their own “eternal dwelling places.”

Now, none of us gets to Heaven because we use money wisely here on earth. However, we do gain ‘access’ to other people’s residences in Heaven because of the way we used money on earth.

The thing is, believers will have a wonderful place to live in Heaven even without visiting others’ dwellings, however, just like the shrewd steward, the believer will be welcomed into others’ homes because they have used money and other resources to reach and serve them here on earth. Those whom the believer has influenced for Jesus—directly or indirectly—will very much appreciate them and desire their fellowship in Heaven. What I thought!

Ray Boltz’s song “Thank You” paints a picture of meeting people in Heaven who explained how the believer’s giving touched their lives. As the song says, they will say, “Thank you for giving to the Lord; I am so glad you gave.” This is more than just a nice sentiment. It is something that will happen. Every time you gave to your church, to world missions, to friends, family, and acquaintances (and other Kingdom causes), you can be assured that one day you will meet these people in Heaven, that you never knew ‘intimately’, because you helped them on earth, in some way, become saved and “born again”!

[ VIDEO: “Thank You” – Ray Boltz ]

Immediately after the parable of the shrewd manager, Jesus then said, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much” [ Luke 16:10 ]. As was mentioned previously, God continually tests the believer in the little things to see if they can be trusted with bigger things in Heaven!

This raises a sobering question for the believer to ask themselves: “What opportunities are we currently missing because we have failed to use our money and our time wisely in light of eternity?”

Here’s an old poem I found titled, “Who does God’s work will get God’s pay,” which does a good job of summarizing all this. Meditate on these words and let them motivate you to sacrifice in light of the coming day when you will stand before God:

“Who does God’s work will get God’s pay,
However long may be the day.
He does not pay as others pay,
In gold, or land, or raiment gay,
In goods that perish or decay;
But God’s high wisdom knows the way,
And this is sure, let come what may —
Who does God’s work will get God’s pay.”
[ Author unknown ]

Author of the book “Heaven,” Randy Alcorn, puts all this into perspective with this sentiment:

Are you being a good ’steward’ of your time, ‘talents’, and treasures here on earth that you will receive ‘crowns’ for doing so in Heaven?

Clearly, over the centuries, people have been intrigued by the idea of paradise—a ‘golden thread’ running through human history.

Well, for most ‘religious’ people, the term “Paradise” is a place of timeless harmony, exceptional happiness, and delight, and a place where all want to end up someday after they die.

Some religions associate heaven on earth with “paradise,” and define it as “a place of exceptional happiness and delight.” The term paradise is often used as a synonym for the Garden of Eden before the expulsion of Adam and Eve.

An earthly paradise is often conceived of as existing in a time when Heaven and earth were very close together or actually ‘touching’, and when humans and gods had a free and happy association. Many religions also include the notion of a fuller life beyond the grave, a land in which there will be an absence of suffering and a complete satisfaction of bodily desires.

Accounts of a primordial earthly paradise in the ‘higher’ religions range from that of a garden of life (Judaism, Christianity, Islam) to that of a golden age of human society at the beginning of each cycle of human existence (Buddhism, Hinduism). A final state of bliss is variously conceived of as a heavenly afterlife (Islam, Christianity), union with the divine (Hinduism), or an eternal condition of peace and changelessness (Buddhism).

In Islam, paradise is a pleasure garden in which the blessed experience the greatest sensual and spiritual happiness.

In Christianity, paradise is pictured as a place of rest and refreshment in which the righteous dead enjoy the glorious presence of God.

Now, when people are asked what “heaven on earth” means to them, they respond with a ‘place’ that is beautiful, visually striking, calming, and peaceful. When asked what places they think actually ‘fulfill’ those descriptions, there are many suggestions. Most of the places mentioned were not ‘man-made’ places (though there were some mentioned). These places are the most beautiful ‘natural’ places on earth—and they will astound you. [ The entire list of 66 locations is in the “Articles” section below. ]

So, to determine what destinations were described as “paradise,” “heaven on earth,” “most beautiful places on earth,” or “the must-see destinations before you die,” I scoured the Internet for some “Top” lists. I came up with 67 (my age) locations that were mentioned time andr time again. [ Note: My entire list is the first entry in the “Articles” section below ]. Then, I went through that list and created my “Top 10” list, and they are listed alphabetically below.

[ This was ‘EXCRUCIATING’ for me, since I loved them all (and many others, too! Then, there was NO WAY I was going to try to put them in order of importance. (If you do, please send them to me and I will share them. ]

So, since I love to travel and have a bit more time in my ‘waning’ years, evidently, I now have my travel ‘bucket list’! ;^D

In the 1970s, some people hoped to build a little piece of heaven in the Arizona desert. They built a brand-new city in the middle of nowhere called “Arcosanti.” Dreamed up by an Italian architect, Paolo Soleri, this paradise offered 5,000 people the simple life. They would share modern-looking apartment buildings, grow their food, and pay for the whole thing by selling wind chimes. Fifty-plus years later, it is only five percent finished and only 50 people live there. Not as successful as they had planned.

So, for now, it doesn’t seem like there is a ‘physical’ location on earth that fulfills all of the ‘requirements’ of being “heaven on earth.” However, some say that one can achieve an ‘emotional’ heaven on earth.

Buddhists believe that one can attain an “earthly paradise” by realizing “Nirvana”—an ‘awareness’ of bliss, peace, and perfection. However, practitioners say that it is a “state of being” that few people know about and even fewer have experienced.

Nirvana means “quenching” or “blowing out”—‘extinguishing’ greed, hatred, and delusion—which then leads to ‘rebirth’. The whole goal of Buddhism is to obtain Nirvana by letting go of all attachments. Nirvana is the destination of a journey. It is a departure from the mundane world and aims to leave bitterness behind. The Buddha acts as a guide in the journey to Nirvana. Then, when one achieves Nirvana, they stop accumulating bad karma because they have transcended it. They then achieve “Parinirvana”—final Nirvana—in the afterlife. The Buddha taught that Parinirvana “is the realm of the Eternal, Bliss, the Self, and the Pure.”

I’m thinking that everyone would love to have that heavenly joy even while still living in this world. Indeed, most people wish for a ‘paradise’ here on earth but do not know where to find it.

[ See last month’s post for more details about ‘home’:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/theres-no-place-like-home-v288/ ].

The thing is, God has promised that He WILL create “heaven on earth” one day when He will recreate a “New Heaven and a New Earth” (Revelation 21-22)—that seem to indicate Eden-like conditions and where God will actually ‘reside’. However, some ‘mopping up’ is needed before then, and a few other things—like the Rapture, Jesus’ Second Coming, and the Millennium—need to happen on God’s ‘timeline’ before then.

[ Note: The “New Heavens and the New Earth” will be the theme for next month’s post (April 2023). ]

So, as long as God has the believer here on earth, they CAN experience times that are a ‘prelude’ to what Heaven will be like.

When one loves God and others, one will automatically fulfill everything God wants them to do. However, the moment one stops loving God and starts loving themselves, all the buttons get messed up.

Jesus helped everyone with some ‘guidelines’ for achieving a fulfilling life in His first ‘sermon’, called the “Sermon on the Mount.” He starts it off with those guidelines that have been called “The Beatitudes,” and the ‘essence’ of all of them is love—all the characteristics of a contented, satisfied, and ‘happy’ life ‘grow’ out of an attitude of love.

[ FYI: I created a website called “Fruits of the Beatitudes” (FOTB), which is intended to help one develop the ‘ATTITUDES’ of Jesus (“Beatitudes”) and produce the ‘CHARACTER’ of Jesus (“fruit of the Spirit”) in them.
Link: https://fruitsofthebeatitudes.org/ ]

[ FYI: For more details about being an “ambassador” for God, view this previous “Life’s Deep Thoughts” post:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/Kingdoms-past-present-and-future-v262/ ].

Jesus is going to put forth the teaching that it can be ‘dangerous’ to live for earthly repayment (Luke 6:24), but to meet the needs of the ‘lowly’:

The thing is, the PRIMARY ‘treasures’ that believers will send to Heaven will be BELIEVERS—people that they have helped to find God’s forgiveness through His Son Jesus.

When George finally realizes his existence’s significance, God allowed him to return to his earthly life. Although his problems remain the same, his perspective had changed. The circumstances that previously depressed them now didn’t bother him at all. George decided to view his earthly existence as a privilege instead of a problem, and he discovered that life was truly wonderful.

You, too, can have a wonderful life. If need be, you can be given a chance to start life over again with a new perspective. Just as George Bailey discovered, God has placed you on this planet for a reason. He is giving you the opportunity to participate in His plan for the ages.

Seeing the big picture will help you understand how the little pieces of the puzzle fit into God’s plan. The problems that you face every day are merely tests to prepare you for your eternal destiny. View in this way, life takes on a whole new meaning. “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him” [ 1 Corinthians 2:9 ].

So, what then should you do with the rest of your life? Wow, setting new priorities is a good place to start. (Remember, this life is the ONLY ‘CHANCE’ you have to affect your eternity!)

These are the only three groups. That’s it. There are no other categories. This embraces all of humanity. Every person falls into one of these three groups. So, what ‘group’ are you in?

This parable also teaches that while we are waiting for the end time, we must be investing our lives in the meantime—and we are surrounded by ‘investment’ opportunities every day!

Jesus expects a spiritual return on His ‘investment’—the believer—when He returns. So, He expects the believer to invest, manage, improve, and maximize their talents and ‘works’.

Pastor John MacArthur emphasizes the believer’s ‘job’ here on earth while they are preparing to be taken to Heaven:

“Christ, the Master is coming soon. Opportunity slips away with each passing minute. When He returns, it will be too late to recover the lost opportunity. Everything we have belongs to Him. Faithfulness with the gifts and opportunities He has entrusted to us will bring staggering rewards. Precious opportunities slip away with each passing moment. When Jesus comes it will be too late to recover lost opportunity… now is our only time to prepare. Today is the only opportunity we are guaranteed.”

We are surrounded today by wonderful opportunities each and every day. So, invest your minor and maximize your returns. Pastor Dr. S. Lewis Johnson said it well:

“Trading with the riches of Jesus Christ is the highest and noblest enterprise in which a man could be involved. And each one of us has been given something by God with which we are to trade. Are you trading? Are you doing business for the Lord with the gifts that he has given you? Are you actively seeking to honor and glorify him in what you are doing? The time is coming when you shall stand before him as judge, and you shall hear either, well done thou good and faithful servant, or some lesser accolade, or the opposite of wicked and slothful servant.”

The final hour may be upon us. I, and many others believe—because of “convergence”—Jesus is coming soon! So it should behoove EVERY believer to invest and grow their ‘mina’ faithfully such that either they are taken by the Rapture or pass away, when they meet Him, they will hear those wonderful words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant!”

HEAVEN WILL BE ‘ON’ THE EARTH ONE DAY!
The Bible tells us that the eternal dwelling place of believers WILL BE on earth!

SO, Heaven on Earth WILL EXIST SOMEDAY, and it will be ‘WAY’ MORE than anyone could EVEN ‘IMAGINE’! (Ephesians 3:20).

If not, you need to MAKE ‘SURE’… NOW!!!

[ VIDEO: “How Can I Know FOR SURE That I Will Go To Heaven” ]

[ NOTE: Next month’s post will go into all the details about the New Heaven and the New Earth. ]

[ Excerpts by: Xiuping Gao; Chun Lan; Damien Keown; Navya Riju; Fritz Chery; Wikipedia; David Splane; Encyclopedia dot com; Shelby Wyzykowski; Mark Ellison; Kathleen Mulhern; Got Questions; PBS; Encyclopedia Britannica; Tricycle; Chudi Nicholas Adilieje; Steven Nichols; Jonathan Parnell; Leonard Ravenhill; Bruce Wilkinson; Mark Hitchcock ]

RELATED POSTS:

“There’s No Place Like ‘Home’”:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/theres-no-place-like-home-v288/

“Greatest ‘Fear’”:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/greatest-fear-v287/

“Preparing For The ‘Future’”:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/preparing-for-the-future-v286/

“‘WHEN’ Will Something Important Happen”:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/when-will-something-important-happen-v274/

“‘WHERE You Return To”:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/where-you-return-to-v273/

“A Sense Of ‘Urgency’”:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/a-sense-of-urgency-v269/

“A ‘Place’ To Retire”:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/a-place-to-retire-v221/

‘PRAYER’ OF REPENTANCE
In the Bible, there is a parable that Jesus told about a Pharisee and a tax collector praying the Temple. He notes that the tax collector didn’t even dare to lift his eyes toward Heaven as he prayed. Instead he “beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner’”—and Jesus said that the tax collector “went home justified,” he had been “born again” and ‘reconciled’ by God. (Luke 18:9-14).

If you are ‘sensing’ something like that right now, let me strongly encourage you to HUMBLE YOURSELF, CRY OUT to God, and PLEAD for Him to mercifully ‘SAVE’ YOU! None of us have a ‘claim’ on our salvation, nor do we have any ‘works’ that would cause us to deserve it or earn it—it is purely a gift of Divine grace—and all any of us can do is ask. So, CONFESS YOUR SINS and acknowledge to God that you have no hope for Heaven apart from what He provides through Jesus. [ See Psalm 51 ].

There is no ‘formula’ or certain words for this. So just talk to God, in your own words—He knows your ‘heart’. If you are genuinely sincere, and God does respond to your plea, one will usually have a sense of joy and peace.

Jesus said, “He that comes to Me, I will not cast out” [ John 6:37 ].

[ FYI: This is a great sermon on the “Call to Repentance” by John MacArthur from his book “The Gospel According to Jesus”: https://www.gty.org/library/sermons-library/90-22/the-call-to-repentance (Transcript: http://www.spiritedesign.com/TheCallToRepentance-JohnMacArthur(Jul-27-2019).pdf) ].

[ NOTE: If you have ‘tasted the kindness of the Lord’, please e-mail me—I would love to CELEBRATE with you, and help you get started on your ‘journey’ with Jesus! ].

<<< RESOURCES >>>

“Life: Heaven on Earth: 100 Places to See in Your Lifetime”
By: Editors of Life

Gorgeous full-color photography, accompanied by detailed descriptions, captures some of the world’s most beautiful and intriguing travel destinations, ranging from Australia’s Great Barrier Reef or Africa’s Mount Kilimanjaro to the Grand Canyon and Nantucket Island. 25,000 first printing.

“Perfect Ending: Why Your Eternal Future Matters Today”
By: Dr. Robert Jeffress

As popular teacher Dr. Robert Jeffress shows in Perfect Ending, we may not know when Christ will return, but the Bible offers many details about what the end times look like. Strengthen your biblical knowledge and your spiritual life through this powerful look at the future God promises for every follower of Christ. As popular teacher Dr. Robert Jeffress shows in Perfect Ending, we may not know when Christ will return, but the Bible offers many details about what the end times look like. Strengthen your biblical knowledge and your spiritual life through this powerful look at the future God promises for every follower of Christ.

“Heaven Is a Place on Earth: Why Everything You Do Matters to God”
By: Michael E. Wittmer

“I don’t want to go to heaven. Not that I’m lobbying for the other place . . .” —Michael Wittmer

This planet is more than just a stopover on your way to heaven. It is your final destination.

God wants you to enjoy your earthly existence, and to think otherwise is to miss the life he intends for you. Exploring the book of Genesis, Heaven Is a Place on Earth gently but firmly strips away common misconceptions of Christianity and broadens your worldview to reveal the tremendous dignity and value of everyday life.

Taking you from creation, to the fall, to redemption, and to glimpses from the book of Revelation, Michael Wittmer opens your eyes to a faith that encompasses all of life–baseball games, stock reports, church activities, prayer, lovemaking, work, hobbies . . . everything that lies within the sphere of human activity.

To be fully Christian is to be fully human, says Wittmer, alive and responsive to the kingdom of God in all that you are and all that you do. Discover the freedom and impact God created you for. It starts with a truly Christian worldview. And its fruit is the undiluted gospel, powerful not only to save souls, but to restore them to a life that is truly worth living.

“Heaven on Earth: Realizing the Good Life Now”
By: Chris Seidman and Joshua Graves

So often, our view of the good life is the busy, exhausted, driven, and unhappy life. But what if there was a different way to live–now, not when we get to heaven, but now?

A short list of “blessings” called the Beatitudes is Jesus’ declaration of what “the good life” is, and an invitation to immerse ourselves in it.

If we understand the Beatitudes, we realize they are less about what we do and more about what God is doing–what God values, how He operates, and what He’s up to in our (actually His) world.

Authors Seidman and Graves offer a practical guide to changing our course to realize the good life now.

“Heaven on Earth: Experiencing the Kingdom of God in the Here and Now”
By: R. Alan Streett

The future hope of heaven is pulled into the here-and-now in this illuminating description of the kingdom of God.

Popular teacher and author R. Alan Streett exposes half-truths about the kingdom that many believers have unwittingly accepted. He contrasts these with the testimony of Scripture:

Jesus inaugurated the kingdom of God on the earth―it has already begun. As ambassadors of the kingdom, we are to fulfill our responsibilities and enjoy its benefits here and now.
Salvation does not culminate with the soul escaping the body and living forever in heaven. Our bodies will eventually be transformed, and we will live with God on a restored earth.
The church is like an embassy of heaven in a foreign country. In their life together, believers demonstrate kingdom realities to the world.
Readers will find hope and direction in this fresh presentation of the historic teaching on the kingdom.

“Searching for Heaven on Earth”
By: Dr David Jeremiah

The beautifully designed color interior and padded hardcover make this an attractive impulse item. A companion journal is available to help readers apply the important, revolutionary message of “Searching for Heaven on Earth” to their daily lives.

“Heaven on Earth: Capturing Jonathan Edwards’s Vision of Living in Between”
By: Stephen J. Nichols

Heaven isn’t only about the future. It has everything to do with life on earth-life “in between.” Jonathan Edwards understood this well. His writings are full of his thoughts on heaven and how those thoughts should make a difference in our lives.

This book focuses on key sermons by Edwards, showing readers how his insights can be applied to the challenges of living the Christian life in the twenty-first century. Edwards reminds us of our duty to live on earth in light of heaven and to endeavor to bring the realities and the beauty of heaven to earth-even if only in miniature. This book is for all believers wondering how to live on earth with a view of heaven, and those familiar with Edwards’s works will have a special appreciation for this study.

“The Law of Rewards: Giving what you can’t keep to gain what you can’t lose”
By: Randy Alcorn

Randy Alcorn, best-selling author of The Treasure Principle, makes a clear, compelling case for an underemphasized scriptural principle: that believers will receive differing rewards in heaven depending on their actions and choices here on earth. Taken mainly from excerpts of Money, Possessions, and Eternity, The Law of Rewards shows how our faith determines our eternal destination but our behavior determines our eternal rewards.

The Law of Rewards is published in association with Generous Giving, Inc., a ministry of The Maclellan Foundation, which offers practical tools and events designed to transform hearts and minds for revolutionary generosity.

“Jonathan Edwards and the Christian Pilgrim: Our Journey Towards Heaven”
By: Deborah Howard

Pre-order Price Guarantee. Details
Wisdom from Jonathan Edwards on the journey towards death, with application for modern life.

Death is inevitable. Whether we’re facing the death of a loved one, or our own passing from this world to the next, we cannot avoid it. Death is something we never get used to. But it is something that we can get ready for.

Deborah Howard has taken Jonathan Edwards’ intensely encouraging sermon on the Christian Pilgrim and, drawing on her own experiences as a hospice nurse, has written this book to encourage us to live with our final destination in mind.

Focussing on scripture truth, the reader is encouraged to think about the journey that leads us towards our final destination. How are we spending our lives, as we live in the light of eternity? This combination of classic sermon and modern application makes this book an essential addition to any Christian’s bookshelf.

“Heaven on Earth”
By: Thomas Brooks

The subject of assurance is one of the most important elements in Christian experience. Heaven on Earth exposes that there is no higher privilege than to be a child of God and to know it, for assurance brings joy to worship and prayer, and provides strength and boldness to our witness. Correspondingly, failure and weakness in all these areas can often be traced back to a lack of assurance, or even false assurance. Thomas Brooks’ teaching is: • Biblical and pastoral. This work of Brooks beautifully deals with all the aspects of assurance; as Charles Spurgeon wrote, ‘Brooks scatters stars with both his hands: he hath dust of gold; in his storehouse are all manner of precious stones.’ • Clear, thorough, and greatly needed. In Heaven on Earth, he explains what true assurance is and guides the reader in how it may be fully experienced.

“The Christian Pilgrim” or “The True Christian’s Life a Journey Toward Heaven”

by Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758)
Dated September, 1733

“And confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things, declare plainly that they seek a country.” — Hebrews 11:13, 14

Subject: This life ought so to be spent by us as to be only a journey towards heaven.

The apostle is here setting forth the excellencies of the grace of faith, by the glorious effects and happy issue of it in the saints of the Old Testament. He had spoken in the preceding part of the chapter particularly, of Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and Sarah, Isaac, and Jacob. Having enumerated those instances, he takes notice that “these all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers,” etc. — In these words the apostle seems to have a more particular respect to Abraham and Sarah, and their kindred, who came with them from Haran, and from Ur of the Chaldees, as appears by the 15th verse, where the apostle says, “and truly if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.” [ more… ]

[ Jonathan Edwards ]

ARTICLE: https://www.apuritansmind.com/puritan-favorites/jonathan-edwards/sermons/the-christian-pilgrim/

AUDIO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7DRSJny21s

“The One Year Heaven on Earth Devotional: 365 Daily Invitations to Experience God’s Kingdom Here and Now”
By: Chris Tiegreen

Discover the richness of living in the Kingdom of God―right here on earth.

Do you long for a deep, intimate connection with God? Are you hoping for a day when His Kingdom is realized here on earth? Do you wonder what the Bible has to say about bringing that Kingdom to your everyday life?

The Bible is filled with teachings about the Kingdom of God―it was one of the core messages Jesus proclaimed. The One Year Heaven on Earth Devotional, written by acclaimed author Chris Tiegreen, will take you on a journey through these teachings, exploring what it means to live as a Kingdom citizen right where you are. Enrich your life with God’s wisdom, power, and love as you examine the nature of the King and both the opportunities and responsibilities of being part of His Kingdom in the world today. The Kingdom of God is here among us―and you can be a part of bringing it to life in your family, in your community, in the world.

“How Should We Then Live?: The Rise and Decline of Western Thought and Culture”
By: Francis A. Schaeffer

As one of the foremost evangelical thinkers of the twentieth century, Francis Schaeffer long pondered the fate of declining Western culture. In this brilliant book he analyzed the reasons for modern society’s state of affairs and presented the only viable alternative: living by the Christian ethic, acceptance of God’s revelation, and total affirmation of the Bible’s morals, values, and meaning.

“How Now Shall We Live?”
By: Charles Colson and Nancy Pearcey

Christianity is more than a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It is also a worldview that not only answers life’s basic questions―Where did we come from, and who are we? What has gone wrong with the world? What can we do to fix it?―but also shows us how we should live as a result of those answers. How Now Shall We Live? gives Christians the understanding, the confidence, and the tools to confront the world’s bankrupt worldviews and to restore and redeem every aspect of contemporary culture: family, education, ethics, work, law, politics, science, art, music. This book will change every Christian who reads it. It will change the church in the new millennium.

“HOW SHOULD WE NOW LIVE?: FINDING OUR PERSONAL PATH IN THE SHADOW OF THE END TIMES”
By: Van B. Vradenburg

In light of the rising suspicions that world events are evidencing that we are getting close to the Biblical ‘End Times,’ we will examine how we should be living in these turbulent days. The various theories of exactly what will happen and when is not the only significant item we should be paying attention to. Though such studies are extremely important, here we will look at what we should ourselves be doing and focusing on in light of God’s Word and current events. Instead of fear, we might find hope.

“UTOPIA”
By: THOMAS MORE

INTRODUCTION
by Cristina Acuna and Reagan Bleasdell

Sir Thomas More was the first person to use the term “utopia,” describing an ideal, imaginary world in his most famous work of fiction. His book describes a complex community on an island, in which people share a common culture and way of life (“16th Century Dreams: Thomas More”). The term he coined derives from the Greek word ou-topos meaning “nowhere,” (“Utopia Summary”). Ironically, it is the opposite of the similar-sounding Greek word eu-topos meaning “a good place,” (“Utopia Summary”). At its heart, the book poses the question of whether there could ever be such a thing as a “perfect” world and served as a platform to highlight the chaos of European politics at the time.

The book, written in 1516, is More’s attempt to suggest ways to improve European society, using “Utopia” as an example. More was a major figure of the English Renaissance who cared deeply about the moral and political responsibilities of individuals. He eventually rose to one of the highest offices in the land, and, as chancellor of England in 1529, came up against his own king with disastrous consequences. More strongly opposed Henry VIII’s separation from the Catholic Church and refused to sign the Oath of Supremacy, which would give King Henry more power than the Pope. He was convicted of treason and was imprisoned in the Tower of London. They continued to urge him to sign the oath, but he refused. He was sentenced to be hanged, drawn, or quartered, the usual punishment for traitors, but the king commuted this to execution by decapitation. While on the scaffold, he declared that he died, “The king’s good servant, and God’s first” (qtd. in “Thomas Moore” Wikipedia).
[ more… ]

ENTIRE BOOK: https://pressbooks.pub/earlybritishlit/chapter/sir-thomas-more-utopia/

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

SPECIAL ‘GENERAL’ RESOURCE

“ApologetiX Songbook”
(An interactive PDF)

It features the lyrics to every song on every CD and every “download” from 1993-2020

Special features:

indexed by title, original song, original artist, subject, and Bible verse
each song’s page has icons showing what albums it appears on
each song’s page has a commentary from lyricist J. Jackson
each album’s page includes liner notes and track listing
print any pages you like or use for slides in church
photos from ApologetiX’s debut concert in 1992
discography of out-of-print cassettes
downloadable in PDF format

New features in this edition:

all song commentaries from J. Jackson updated and expanded
also indexed by year when original song spoofed was a hit
J.’s original handwritten rough lyrics to 40 ApX classics
scads of photos from ApX 25th-anniversary concerts
list of 40 ApX parodies most likely to be redone
over 200 new parodies and journal entries
list of the first ApX concerts in each state
six new full-length feature articles
DVD discography and synopses
never-before-seen rare photos
lyrics for over 700 parodies
over 1000 pages!

Interactive features:

click on any page number in indexes or TOC to go to that page
click on any album icon to go to its liner notes and track listings
click on any song title on an album page to go to that song

Note: This e-book is a download-only and doesn’t include sheet music.

The songbook is available for a donation of $50 or more. After we receive your donation, we’ll send you a follow-up email with the link.

Get the Songbook for a donation:
http://www.apologetix.com/store/store.php#songbook

Songbook Demo Video: https://rumble.com/vfazhl-apologetix-songbook-2020-demo.html

“THE SEARCH FOR MEANING” WEBSITE

This site presents discussions on the 12 most commonly asked questions about the Christian faith.

The 12 discussions are accessed by the “tabs” at the bottom of the page. The tabs are numbered 1-12. Roll your mouse over them and you will see the question displayed at the right. Click on the number to select that question.

Within each question (i.e. tabs 1-12), there are subtopics (or dialogues) to select that appear as smaller tabs underneath the numbered tabs. Roll your mouse over them and the title of these topics is also displayed to the right. Click on the open rectangle to select that dialogue.

For each question (1-12), a link to related resources and an optional flowchart is provided. To access this material, click on the respective words, “Related Resources” or “Options Flowchart.”

To play a more detailed discussion of the subject, between two people, select the desired dialogue and click on “Play Audio Dialogue.”

In the upper right-hand corner of the page, there is an icon that looks like binoculars looking at a question mark. Click on this icon to return to the homepage.

In the upper right-hand corner of a “Related Resources” page, there is an icon that looks like some books. Click on this icon to get to an “overview” page that has links to all of the resources for all of the questions. There also are additional “appendices” for most of the questions.

In the upper right-hand corner of a “Flowchart” page, there is an icon that looks like an Org chart. Click on this icon to get to an “overview” page that has links to all of the flowcharts.

http://4vis.com/sfm/sfm_pres/sp_q1_d1_1of10.html

[ Content by: Bill Kraftson and Lamar Smith; Website by Mark Besh ]

“FRUITS OF THE BEATITUDES” WEBSITE
(The ATTITUDES of Jesus that produce the CHARACTER of Jesus)

CLICK ON THE LINK to view:
http://fruitsofthebeatitudes.org/

FACEBOOK PAGE:
https://www.facebook.com/FruitsOfTheBeatitudes/

[ Mark Besh ]

[ P.S.: If you would like to investigate further about what is required to ‘qualify’ for heaven, visit the following link:
http://4vis.com/sfm/sfm_pres/sp_q9_d1_1of10.html ].

<<< ARTICLES >>>

This is my [ed. Mark Besh] entire Top 67 (my age) “heaven on earth” locations (which were ‘excruciating’ to select, since there were so many that were fantastic), culled from a dozen or so “Top” lists from the Internet, listed alphabetically.

[ There was NO WAY I was going to try to put these in order of importance! I would be here until my next birthday, and then I would have to add another one, which would then ’mess up’ the order! ;^D ]:

– ANTELOPE CANYON [ Page, Arizona ]
– BALI [ Indonesia ]
– BARBADOS ISLAND [ Bridgetown, Barbados ]
– BELIZE [ Central America ]
– BERMUDA ISLAND [ Horseshoe Bay, Bermuda ]
– BIOLUMINESCENT BAY [ Vieques, Puerto Rico ]
– BLUE CAVES [ Zakynthos Island, Greece ]
– BORA BORA ISLAND [ French Polynesia ]
– CANO CRISTALES RIVER [ Meta, Columbia ]
– CANOLA FLOWER FIELDS [ Luoping, China ]
– CATHEDRAL COVE [ New Zealand ]
– CAVE OF CRYSTALS [ Chihauhau, Mexico ]
– CRATER LAKE [ Oregon ]
– CYCLADES ISLANDS [ Greece ]
– DEAD SEA [ Israel ]
– ENGELBERG [ Switzerland ]
– GATE OF HEAVEN [ Lempuyang, Bali ]
– GEIRANGER FJORD [ Norway ]
– GRAND CANYON [ Arizona ]
– GRAND PRISMATIC SPRING [ Yellowstone Park ]
– GREAT BARRIER REEF [ Australia ]
– GREAT SMOKEY MOUNTAINS [ Tennessee/North Carolina ]
– HAWAII ISLANDS [ Secret Beach ]
– HA LONG BAY [ Vietnam ]
– “HISPANIOLA” [ Dominican Republic and Haiti ]
– HOH RAINFOREST [ Washington State, USA ]
– IGUAZU FALLS [ Argentina-Brazil ]
– ISLA DEL SOL [ Bolivia ]
– ISLE OF WIGHT [ England ]
– KASHMIR [ India ]
– KRABI [ Thailand ]
– KUANG SI FALLS [ Laos ]
– LAKE COMO [ Italy ]
– LAKE GENEVA [ Switzerland ]
– LAUCALA ISLAND [ Fiji ]
– LORD HOWE ISLAND [ Australia ]
– MADAGASCAR ISLAND [ Madagascar ]
– MARBLE CAVES [ Chile ]
– NORTHERN LIGHTS [ Iceland ]
– PATLIAN LAKE [ Pakistan ]
– PEYTO LAKE [ Banff, Alberta, Canada ]
– PHU QUOC ISLAND [ Vietnam ]
– PLAYA LAGUN [ Curacao Island ]
– PLITVICE LAKES [ Plitvička Jezera, Croatia ]
– PULPIT ROCK [ Preikestolen, Norway ]
– RAINBOW MOUNTAINS [ Zhangye National Geopark, China ]
– REFLECTION CANYON [ Kane County, Utah ]
– SALAR DE UYUNI SALT FLATS [ Bolivia ]
– SANTORINI ISLAND [ Greece ]
– SEA OF GALILEE [ Israel ]
– SEYCHELLES ISLAND [ Indian Ocean, East Africa ]
– TASMANIA [ Australia ]
– TIANMEN MOUNTAIN [ Hunan, China ]
– THERMAL POOLS [ Pamukkale, Turkey ]
– TORRES DEL PAINE [ Chile ]
– TUSCANY [ Italy ]
– UNDERWATER WATERFALL [ Mauritius ]
– VAADHOO ISLAND [ Maldives ]
– VICTORIA FALLS [ Zimbabwe, Africa ]
– WAITOMO GLOWWORM CAVES [ New Zealand ]
– WHISTLER [ British Columbia, Canada ]
– WHITSUNDAYS ISLANDS [ Australia ]
– WISTERIA FLOWER TUNNEL [ Kitakyushu, Japan ]
– WULINGYUAN SCENIC AREA [ China ]
– YAMDROK YUMTSO LAKE [ Tibet ]
– YELLOWSTONE PARK [ Wyoming ]
– YOSEMITE PARK [ California ]

[ NOTE: I collected A LOT of pics for each one of these locations. Contact me if you would like me to send you them for the locations you would like (mbesh@comcast.net). ]

[ Mark Besh ]

“10 Places On Earth That Look More Like Heaven Above Than The Planet Below”

It’s not hard to find beauty on this massive planet, yet there are times when natural beauty can seem even jarring. Almost incomprehensible, these magical destinations need to be seen to be believed. From the grand waterfalls of Africa to the otherworldly landscapes of China, there are countless locations that look much more like heaven than our home planet. With so many impressive wonders on Earth, it can be a challenge just to choose which destination to put next on the itinerary.

To help narrow down any bucket lists out there, we’ve gathered ten of the most shockingly stunning places on Earth that could be mistaken for the pearly gates of heaven. Ethereal yet all-natural, these destinations around the world are the peak of all the captivating marvels on this little planet we call Earth.

[ Elizabeth Rios ]

ARTICLE: https://www.thetravel.com/places-on-earth-that-look-like-heaven/

“10 Most Heavenly Places on Earth You Should Visit”

Have you ever thought of going out of your busy city life? Want to visit a place that gives you peace of mind and serenity? I got your back as I give you the 10 Most Heavenly Places on Earth that you should visit.

[ 10 Most Today ]

ARTICLE: https://10mosttoday.com/10-most-heavenly-places/

“9 Places That Are Like Heaven on Earth”

Maybe, there is no such thing as heaven or hell after all. Or, maybe there is. But our following list proves that god has gifted us with little pocket heaven right here on earth

[ Reshma Dewda ]

ARTICLE: https://www.triphobo.com/blog/places-that-look-like-heaven-on-earth

“23 Beautiful Places Like Heaven On Earth”

Heaven on earth places are natural places around the world that will astound you. They are not man-made places. These places are the most beautiful places on earth.

You need to travel to these places and create beautiful memories. You will get to know that the earth is such a beautiful home for us. After seeing these pictures below, you will daydream about those places.

Take a break from your work and travel around the world with your loved ones to see these places. They are really heaven on earth places. Here are 23 beautiful places like heaven on earth you should see.

[ Love Olatayo ]

ARTICLE: https://www.funlisthub.com/2020/10/Heaven-On-Earth-Places.html

“Heaven on Earth: 10 Most beautiful places on Earth You Must See!”

Want to see heaven on earth? then visit these places.

Earth is the most beautiful planet in the whole universe. There are so many places that you all must see at least once in your life time. If you are thinking to travel around the world then this list will help you. Heaven actually exists on earth and these places will make you believe that.

[ Amna Maqsood ]

ARTICLE: https://lhe.io/heaven-earth-10-beautiful-places-earth-must-see/

“LIFE’s Heaven on Earth: Must-see Destinations”

For a generation LIFE magazine dazzled America with its photos from around the country and abroad. Now LIFE Books brings you to far reaches of the U.S and the World in their travel-inspiring new coffee table book Heaven On Earth: The World’s Must-See Destinations.

[ LIFE Magazine ]

ARTICLE: https://www.gonomad.com/3331-lifes-heaven-on-earth-must-see-destinations

“The 50 Most Beautiful Places in the World”

Time to dust off your passport.

There are so many amazing places around the globe to see, we couldn’t possibly include them all in just one list. But, these breathtaking destinations are definitely worth bumping to the top of your travel bucket list–whether you’re looking to relax on a beach, get off the grid or explore a new international city—these are the most breathtaking locations to consider.

[ LYNDSEY MATTHEWS, LAUREN HUBBARD, TODD PLUMMER AND EMY RODRIGUEZ FLORES ]

ARTICLE: https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/travel-dining/g7171/most-beautiful-places-in-the-world/

“45 MOST STUNNING PARADISE LOCATIONS AROUND THE WORLD”

Ever wonder where the next paradise you should run off to is? These 45 travel bloggers have revealed their perfect paradise locations from all over the world.

From the beautiful Philippines to Middle Earth (New Zealand) there’s something for everybody in nearly every location around the world.

If you have an extreme case of wanderlust, look away now! But if you want to visit paradise, these hidden gems around the world are beyond stunning.

[ Anita Hendrieka ]

ARTICLE: https://www.anitahendrieka.com/45-of-the-most-stunning-paradises-around-the-world/

“The 50 Most Beautiful Places in the World for Ultimate Wanderlust”

Check out these global beauties.

It’s a big world out there, with lots of stunningly beautiful places to discover. Whether it be the towering Cliffs of Moher on the western coast of Ireland or the whitewashed villages of the Greek Islands, or maybe even a Bora Bora beach or a lush Caribbean mountain, these are the top Insta-worthy spots to add to your dream travel list. Without further ado, here are the most beautiful places in the world for your viewing pleasure.

[ Jill Fergus ]

ARTICLE: https://www.roadandtrack.com/offbeat/g42712062/most-beautiful-places-in-the-world/

“55 of the World’s Most Beautiful Destinations”

These are 55 of the most beautiful places in the world to visit.

What is the most beautiful place in the world? To compile the world’s most beautiful places is an inherently subjective and impossible task, but we’d like to think that this list at least scratches the surface of some of the extraordinary beauty the world has to offer. Focusing largely on national parks, mountains, beaches, deserts, and other natural wonders, our list is sure to inspire your next dream destination. Join us for a journey to some of the most beautiful places in the world, from temple ruins on the slopes of the Andes to mountains with dizzying colorful layers to glorious coral reefs.

[ Anne Olivia Bauso ]

ARTICLE: https://www.roadandtrack.com/offbeat/g42712062/most-beautiful-places-in-the-world/

“100 Most Beautiful Places on Earth 4K with Relaxation Music”

There are many beautiful places on Earth that you might have not know yet.
You can virtually travel to all beautiful places with location descriptions while you watch this.

So by watching this top 100 amazing places video, your next holidays destination can be coordinated.

[ Primal Earth ]

VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mUkVOjczBU

“100 Most Spectacular Places on Earth 4K with Relaxation Music”

There are many Spectacular places on Earth that you might have not know yet.

You can virtually travel to all beautiful places with location descriptions while you watch this.

So by watching this top 100 amazing places video, your next holidays destination can be coordinated.

[ Primal Earth ]

VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qcMI1EqgiQ

“30 of the Most Incredible Islands in the World to Visit Now”

Dig out that bucket list and add these to it!

We’re always daydreaming of our next trip, and looking at these unbelievable island escapes makes us want to pack our bags. Be careful when scrolling through — your out of office may be on by the end.

[ Kara Ladd ]

ARTICLE: https://www.roadandtrack.com/offbeat/g42155425/most-beautiful-islands-world/

“20 Most Beautiful Places On Planet Earth”

In this video, we’ll be showing you 20 of the Most Beautiful Places on Planet Earth.

Is it the world’s highest sky corridor waterfall walkway in China with impressive night lighting? Or the mesmerizing Ruyi Bridge? Maybe it will be the crater of fire dubbed the “Door to hell” that leaves your mouth ajar in disbelief? So why don’t you get your awesome-o-meters ready for these amazing places, and let’s dive into it?

[ 4 Ever Green ]

VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0q7c3Jac56A

“Top 10 Most Amazing Places on Earth Must See Once in Lifetime”

There’s no way you could ever visit all the amazing places on Earth, so what’s the point? Well, if you’re like most people, your travel bucket list is constantly growing. And if you’re on the lookout for amazing destinations that are off the beaten path, here are ten of the most amazing places you should definitely add to your list!

[ Mari John ]

ARTICLE: https://travelswl.com/most-amazing-places-on-earth/

“Ranked: The World’s 15 Most Beautiful Places (A Scientific Study)”

There are plenty of lists of the world’s most beautiful places—but they’re usually subjective. Britain-based travel company Kuoni recently put science to work to make an official ranking of the world’s most beautiful travel destinations. The company’s eye-tracking study analyzed the world’s most well-known natural wonders. The goal: to rank the locations that are most attractive to the human eye, thereby qualifying them as the most beautiful travel destinations in the world.

In the scientific study, participants viewed a series of images from 50 of the world’s most famous natural landmarks, from the Grand Canyon to the Maldives. The participants’ eye movements were tracked using AI technology, showing which images captured the eye the longest. This eye-catching data was then analyzed to reveal the world’s most beautiful places.

[ Laura Begley Bloom ]

ARTICLE: https://www.forbes.com/sites/laurabegleybloom/2021/12/29/ranked-the-worlds-15-most-beautiful-places-a-scientific-study/?sh=ddd1ab0d228f

“Top 50 Travel Destinations & Places To Visit In The World 2023”

Traveling can be a life-changing experience and travelers when getting a list of places to be viewed is like a precious gift. Trying to make this informative, we have compiled the list of 50 best places to visit in the world for travel enthusiasts. These are inspirations from various platforms and most of which are World Tourism Ranking while others for their scenic beauty that has been captured so well.

Traveling is like a therapy and for those who haven’t experienced the charm, this list would be very useful. A gradual beginning would lead you to ticking the last place on the list and you will be stimulated to look for another destination. That is the impact traveling has on the mind and the heart. Before we stream into the advantages of traveling, look at the list below and find out yourself:

[ Pursottam ]

ARTICLE: https://www.travelcharacter.com/top-50-travel-destination-in-the-world/

“Beautiful places in the world” (Facebook Page)

The most beautiful places in the world.

PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/people/Beautiful-places-in-the-world/100064591513384/

“10 Most Amazing Waterfalls In The World”

While this list of waterfalls is subjective, there’s no arguing that all the waterfalls in this list are incredible. You can add more waterfalls you think are amazing in the comments area

[ 10 Most Today ]

ARTICLE: https://10mosttoday.com/10-most-amazing-waterfalls-in-the-world/

“The Real-life Garden of Eden?”

The coco de mer has spawned so many legends that the tree is fabled and revered in lands far beyond the Seychelles.

In 1881, General Charles Gordon (later known as Gordon of Khartoum) embarked on a long voyage to an archipelago off East Africa. The Seychelles, a group of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, spent most of their existence completely uninhabited by humans. The British officer didn’t know what to expect – but no one was prepared for what he found.

Gordon, a religious man and a Christian cosmologist, recognized this land from descriptions in the Book of Genesis: it was the Garden of Eden.

The Vallée de Mai is one of the world’s smallest Unesco World Heritage sites (Credit: Alberto Pizzoli/Getty)
The Vallée de Mai is one of the world’s smallest Unesco World Heritage sites (Credit: Alberto Pizzoli/Getty)

Here, 135 years later, I stood in the same valley as Gordon on the island of Praslin, aware of what I had come to see but still equally entranced. Within the first few steps of entering the Vallée de Mai, I was enveloped in a world of intense greenery. Palm branches fanned out, weaving together to form a thick canopy that blocked out the sky. Everywhere I turned, a dense forest of enormous trees reached dizzying heights of 30m, their branches engulfing their surroundings with palm fronds 10m long and 4m wide.

It’s not just the paradise-like abundance that suggested Gordon’s theory. The Vallée de Mai is home to a particularly mysterious allusion to the birth of man and woman: the coco de mer, a rare type of palm tree known for its suggestive “male” and “female” seeds that bear an uncanny resemblance to human reproductive body parts. The seeds – the largest and heaviest in the plant kingdom – are even adult-sized, reaching weights of up to 30kg.

The coco de mer has spawned so many legends that the tree is fabled and revered in lands far beyond the Seychelles. When these oversized, suggestively shaped seeds washed up on the shores of the Arabian Peninsula hundreds of years ago, they quickly gathered a mythical momentum. They were seen as symbols and gifts of fertility; rumours swirled about their powerful aphrodisiac qualities. It was widely assumed the large seeds were coconuts that had floated away from undersea palm trees; Middle Eastern princes offered a fortune for these rare treasures, and people took to the treacherous oceans, searching erroneously for the underwater palm tree.

The sensitive tree is endemic to Praslin and the neighbouring island of Curieuse, but it truly thrives in the Vallee de Mai. It takes three months for a seed to germinate, and it must remain exactly where it fell, untouched, in order to grow. Legends of the coco de mer spread far and wide, but the truth was even stranger than fiction. Thanks to the trees’ staggered growth patterns, where palms growing the large “male” seeds exist next to ones that bear only “female” seeds, imaginations ran wild – particularly on windy nights, when the male and female parts intertwined.

The islands of the Seychelles are home to many mysteries. Only 12 of the archipelago’s 115 islands are inhabited. Praslin is one; like the other islands, its granite base is ringed with some of the world’s most beautiful white-sand beaches guarded by the towering boulders found everywhere across the Seychelles. Here, in the small Vallée de Mai, it’s hard to remember that the rest of the world exists only a few kilometres away.

For centuries, scholars have debated the original site of the Garden of Eden. Walking through the Vallée de Mai, with its larger-than-life nature and rare peculiarities, it’s easy to see why in this part of the world, there is little doubt.

[ Hillary Richard ]

“Thomas More’s ‘Utopia’”

Sir Thomas More (1477 – 1535) was the first person to write of a ‘utopia’, a word used to describe a perfect imaginary world. More’s book imagines a complex, self-contained community set on an island, in which people share a common culture and way of life. He coined the word ‘utopia’ from the Greek ou-topos meaning ‘no place’ or ‘nowhere’. It was a pun – the almost identical Greek word eu-topos means ‘a good place’. So at the very heart of the word is a vital question: can a perfect world ever be realised? It is unclear as to whether the book is a serious projection of a better way of life, or a satire that gave More a platform from which to discuss the chaos of European politics. More was an English lawyer, writer, and statesman. He was at one time, one of Henry VIII’s most trusted civil servants, becoming Chancellor of England in 1529

A work of fiction and socio-political satire by Thomas More (1478–1535), written in Latin and published in 1516. The book is a frame narrative primarily depicting a fictional island society and its religious, social and political customs. Many aspects of More’s description of Utopia are reminiscent of life in monasteries.[2]

Utopia is derived from the Greek prefix “ou-” (οὔ), meaning “not”, and topos (τόπος), “place”, with the suffix -iā (-ίᾱ) that is typical of toponyms; the name literally means “nowhere”, emphasizing its fictionality. In early modern English, Utopia was spelled “Utopie”, which is today rendered Utopy in some editions.[3]

In fact, More’s very first name for the island was Nusquama, the Latin equivalent of “no-place”, but he eventually opted for the Greek-influenced name.[4]

In English, Utopia is pronounced the same as Eutopia (the latter word, in Greek Εὐτοπία [Eutopiā], meaning “good place,” contains the prefix εὐ- [eu-], “good”, with which the οὔ of Utopia has come to be confused in the English pronunciation).[5] That is something that More himself addresses in an addendum to his book: Wherfore not Utopie, but rather rightely my name is Eutopie, a place of felicitie.[a][7]

[ Wikipedia ]

“Heaven On Earth NOW”

At Heaven on Earth NOW, our passion and our mission is to . . .

Combat hunger with healthy food

Provide household essentials to people emerging from homelessness and crises

Promote health, financial literacy, and independent living with our expansive life skills education

Foster dignity and equity. Love people back to life.

How do we do this? Vibrant collaborations and partnerships as well as dedicated volunteers.

See the numbers of people we fed, launched, taught, and uplifted last year in our 2022 COMMUNITY IMPACT statement.

WEBSITE: https://www.heavenonearthnow.net/

“Heaven On Earth”

Heaven is mentioned 532 times in the Bible, and more than 10% of those mentions are in Revelation. When you put your faith in Christ, you begin to realize that you were made for another world, then you realize that heaven is beyond words.

[ Greg Laurie ]

SERMON: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmLC5lR6fLU

“Where to Find Heaven on Earth”

In the 1970s, some people hoped to build a little piece of heaven in the Arizona desert. They built a brand-new city in the middle of nowhere. Its name? Arcosanti. Dreamed up by an Italian architect, this paradise offered 5,000 people the simple life. They’d share modern-looking apartment buildings, grow their own food, and pay for the whole thing by selling wind chimes. Fifty years later, it’s only 5 percent finished and only 50 people live there. It didn’t work.

In the beginning, God put humans in the perfect home. God himself walked with Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden, but then they rebelled. So God sent them out of the garden, away from his presence. Since then, the Bible talks about God being “in heaven” (Gen. 21:17; 2 Chron. 20:6) and people being “on earth” (Eccl. 5:2; Ps. 115:16).

But beginning with the tabernacle in Exodus 26, we read about special places where God comes down to meet with his people. Tiny patches of heaven on earth.

Moses’s Tabernacle
God gave his people plans for a place where he’d meet with them: a special tent called the tabernacle (Ex. 26:1–37). God is everywhere, but he’d dwell in a special way with his people in the most secret room (“the Most Holy Place,” 26:33) in the middle of the tabernacle.

Beginning with the tabernacle, we read about special places where God comes down to meet with his people. Tiny patches of heaven on earth.

In this place, God remained close to, yet separate from, his people. He was so holy, so pure, that if he’d dwelled with people in the same way outside the tent, the people—who were all sinners—would have died. No one can see God as he truly is and live (33:20).

So the tabernacle was the place where God’s sinful people could approach him through offering animal sacrifices for sin (29:38–46). The tabernacle was used by God’s people for almost 500 years (from about 1446 to 960 BC).

Solomon’s Temple
Eventually, God allowed King Solomon to replace the tent with a building: the temple (1 Kings 6–8). As he did with the tabernacle, God caused his presence to dwell in the most hidden central room inside the temple (8:10–11). The most holy God continued to live amid his people.

Yet even with their God so close, his people (including Solomon) turned away from him (11:3; 12:25–33). They worshiped other gods. So God sent prophets to tell the people to turn back to him (e.g., 17–19). Sadly, most of his people refused to return to the God who had come to live with them (Ezek. 16).

As a result, in the time of Ezekiel, God removed his presence from the temple and removed his people from their homeland (10:18–19). What would God’s people do now?

Zerubbabel’s Temple
God’s presence had left the temple, but he hadn’t left his people. He went into a foreign land with them and took care of them (Ezek. 11:16). After 70 years of exile, God would gather his people once more and return them to their homeland (Ezek. 11:17; Jer. 25:11). By this time, Solomon’s magnificent temple had been destroyed. So a man named Zerubbabel led the effort to build another temple (Ezra 3:1–3).

This building wasn’t nearly as beautiful or as big as the one Solomon had built (Ezra 3:10–13). Many people wondered, Could this small and simple building possibly be the place where God would dwell with his people? Or should God’s people wait for some new temple?

Herod’s Temple
About 15 years before Jesus was born, King Herod started to build yet another temple for Israel (John 2:20). When finished, this one would look amazing—more like how you’d expect a temple to look. Yet in Herod’s time, God had come live with his people in a way no one expected.

God had another temple in mind—better than Herod’s temple, better than Zerubbabel’s, and even better than Solomon’s. This temple wouldn’t even be made of stone and wood. Instead, God would come to live among his people in a person (John 1:14; 2:21).

Jesus Christ said he was the new temple, the place where God’s people would meet God (John 2:18–22). Through the sacrifice of Jesus’s death, God’s people have now gained entrance into God’s special presence (Heb. 10:19–22). But since Jesus has returned to heaven, where does God meet his people today?

Christ’s Church
I live less than an hour from Philadelphia. What if I learned Jesus would be at the Eagles stadium in a few days? I’d rush to be there. Traffic would stretch for miles, and we’d all expect amazing reports of what our Lord would do.

God had another temple in mind. His temple wouldn’t even be made of stone and wood. Instead, God would come to live among his people in a person.

The New Testament tells us Jesus has promised to be with his people every time we gather as his church (Matt. 18:20). By “church,” the Bible doesn’t mean a building with rows of seats but the people who belong to Jesus through faith, whether they meet together in a church building or “from house to house.” (Acts 20:20–21, 28). The Bible teaches that God’s people form a “temple” (1 Cor. 3:16–17), and it tells us God is with his people in the Word, through the gifts, and at the table (1 Thess. 2:13; 1 Cor. 10:16; 12:7). What do you expect each week when you gather with God’s people? When his people gather, he’s uniquely there.

The present Lord intends for his church to be a taste—a sample and preview—of what’s to come. A bit of heaven on earth. One day, God will set everything right by bringing heaven down to earth (Rev. 21:2–3). The garden of Eden will be restored—and improved. God’s people will live with the Lord in perfect fellowship and joy forever and ever. Finally, all God’s people will enjoy heaven on earth.

[ Champ Thornton ]

“You Can See Heaven On Earth If You Know Where To Look”

Did you know that you can see heaven on earth?

No, I’ve never had a near-death experience. I’ve never seen a bright light at the end of a tunnel, never seen my body from above, and will never write a best-selling book about my experiences in heaven.

But I don’t need to go to heaven to have a clear idea of what it’s like.

I can already see heaven on earth, and you can too if you know where to look.

I realize this all sounds a bit weird and mystical. It sounds like I’ve been experimenting with odd psychological drugs.

But I haven’t. I’ve just been reading the Bible. And keeping my eyes open.

Randy Alcorn said:

In the truest sense, Christian pilgrims have the best of both worlds. We have joy whenever this world reminds us of the next, and we take solace whenever it does not.

Do you want the joy of being reminded of the heaven that is to come? Here are 4 simple, yet profound ways you can see heaven on earth…today.

Heaven On Earth Is Redeemed People
When a person is saved and places their faith in Christ, that is a taste of heaven on earth. We are getting a tiny glimpse, a small sample of God’s massive redemptive work that will be on full display in heaven.

Heaven will be a glorious, massive raucously joyful gathering of men and women who have been purchased by the blood of Christ.

In Revelation 5:9-10, the curtain of heaven is opened and we hear the song that will be sung for all eternity:

Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.

The redemptive work of Christ is so powerful, so glorious, so comprehensive, that people from every tribe, tongue, and language experience its blessings.

And, the redeemed people are priests to God and will reign when God creates a new heaven and earth.

When a person is rescued from their sins, we are getting a visual reminder that heaven will be a gathering of diverse redeemed people. There is no “color blindness” in heaven. The glory of the gospel is that it spans every culture throughout time.

Heaven on earth is seen in millions and millions of people being rescued from their sins through the single, final, sacrificial death of Christ.

Heaven On Earth Is The Gathered Saints
Every Sunday, we get a taste of heaven on earth. When we gather with God’s redeemed people to worship God and learn about his glory, we are being given a tiny taste, a sample spoon if you will, of the worship that’s coming.

When we join our voices in song, lifting our loud singing in praise of God and his glorious works on our behalf, we are hearing the distant strains of the beautiful, loud chorus that fills heaven.

When we take the Lord’s Supper, we are looking forward to the day when we will all eat the Feast of the Lamb with Christ.

When we fellowship together, we are reminded that a time is coming when sin will be destroyed and all our relationships will be whole.

Churches are like little outposts of the kingdom that’s to come. They are places where we see the kingdom of God breaking into the here and now, and they are reminders that we live in the already/not yet.

Heaven on earth is seen in the gathered saints.

Heaven On Earth Is Communion With God
Every day, I get to commune with God through his word, through prayer, and through the created world. I can bring my requests to my good Father. I can hear him speak to me through his sacred word. I experience fellowship with God as I behold his creation which boldly proclaims his glory.

This communion with God is heaven on earth. Right now my communion with God is limited. I am not in his presence in the same way as I will be in heaven and in the new heavens and earth.

Revelation 21:3 reminds us of how we will experience God when he creates a new heaven and earth:

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.

In Eden, God walked with his people. They had direct access to his manifest presence. Sin severed that.

Now, we do have access to God’s presence, but in some ways that presence is limited. We don’t have the full experience of God’s presence.

When Christ returns, everything changes. Eden will be restored and God will be amidst his people again.

Heaven on earth is communion with God.

Heaven On Earth Is Miracles
On occasion, we have the privilege of seeing God do miraculous things. My grandmother was miraculously healed of arthritis after 20 years. My friend’s wife was healed of stage 4 cancer. Another woman in my church was healed of cancer, which led to several of her children becoming believers.

These miracles are the life that is to come in the here and now. When Christ returns, there will be no more sickness, no more sorrow, no more grief, no more tears. Sin and its grievous effects will be banished, and life and light will reign.

When we see miracles, it’s a preview of what’s coming. It’s a preview of the restoration of all things and the reversal of the curse. It’s a preview of coming attractions.

Heaven on earth is the miraculous.

Heaven Is For Real
I don’t need a book to tell me that heaven is real. I don’t need a near-death experience or a bright white light.

I know heaven is real because the Bible tells me so.

[ Stephen Altrogge ]

“WHAT DOES HEAVEN ON EARTH LOOK LIKE? – 4 TRUTHS THAT HELP US TOWARD PERFECT LOVE”

“Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heave” (Matthew 6:10).

When you hear “heaven on earth,” what do you think of? Souls restored? Bodies healed? Wars and injustice cease?

Heaven on earth is all these and much more. But when I think of this powerful reality, I am drawn to one thing it is in particular. Heaven on earth looks like heaven’s relational culture being established among people.

The will of God is being done in heaven right now by the Persons of the Trinity. This holy community of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit has a way of behaving that manifests the truth we all know: God is love. Heaven coming to earth means that we are drawn into and learn to live in heaven’s culture of love. We can see degree to which His kingdom has come in and through our lives by how perfect our love is—that is, the degree to which we have become mature and complete in our ability to love like God does.

Let’s remember four things Scripture tells us about what perfect, mature love looks like and how the relational culture of heaven works:

1) THE FOUNDATION: I AM PERFECTLY LOVED
In two of the three passages in the New Testament that refer to perfect love, a common theme appears:

This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us . . . Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another . . . We love because he first loved us. (1 John 4:10-11, 19)

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved . . . (Colossians 3:12)

The foundation for growing up in love is experiencing and coming to live in the reality that we are deeply, perfectly loved by our Father. And if our love is lacking in some way, this is the place we come back to. If we want to live in heaven’s relational culture, then we must be seeking an ever-deepening revelation and conviction of the reality of how He loves us.

2) FEAR AND PUNISHMENT ARE OFF THE TABLE
It’s knowing that we know that we know that we’re unconditionally loved that kills the fear of punishment in our hearts:

This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. (1 John 4:17-18 NIV)

Many of us hear this verse all the time, but how many of us have experienced a relational culture that is truly free of fear and punishment? How many of us can imagine a life without anxiety, much less believe that this is the reality in which we are made and called to live?

If love and fear are enemies, how will love win the war in our hearts? John gives us a key: “In this world we are like Jesus.” There are many implications to this promise, but one thing it means is that we have the same standing and access before the Father that Jesus has. Jesus wants us, His brothers and sisters, to grow up by entering into what He experiences in His relational culture with the Father—to see ourselves the way He sees us, hear what He says about us, and learn what He dreams for our lives.

3) LOVE MOTIVATES EVERYTHING WE DO
In religious cultures, people are motivated to do good by pride and the fear of punishment. They love rules because they give them a sense of control over other people and even God. Forgiveness and reconciliation are difficult and rare in these cultures because people who fail are perceived as unworthy of these things.

But in heaven’s relational culture, being and doing good is driven completely by love. The reason we avoid sin is not because we’re scared of being punished, but because we love ourselves and one another like our Father does. Forgiveness and reconciliation are ongoing practices, because people are seen as worthy of love no matter what they do:

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. (Colossians 3:12-14 NIV)

4) LOVE STAYS ON NO MATTER WHAT
People who decide to turn their love off when they get scared aren’t necessarily evil, but they are immature. And the more they listen to fear, the more they will revert to the worst version of themselves.

Our Father wants us to be able to be the best version of ourselves no matter what. And Jesus clarified what that means:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:43-48 NIV)

Jesus didn’t mention it at the time, but as Paul clarified later, the truth was that every member of the human race was an enemy of God when He sent His Son to us on a mission of reconciliation. God has never turned His love off toward us, and if we want to grow up and live in His relational culture, then we to learn to do the same for everyone He loves.

Knowing about these truths about the perfect love of God isn’t enough. We were made to live in the relational culture of heaven. May we be passionate about bringing heaven to earth by learning to love like God does.

[ Danny Silk ]

“Robert Jeffress: Heaven and the End Times”

The pastor of First Baptist Dallas and author of “Perfect Ending” talks about Bible prophecy and how it’s relevant to us today.

[ LIFE Today – Randy Robison interviews Robert Jeffress ]

INTERVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnjqwNpCEqI

“What Happens When You Die? All Appear Before the Judgment Seat of Christ”

If you can make the leap of faith in the full-blown creed of evolution that grips the minds of many modern people, then you will believe that what happens to you when you die is no more significant than what happens to a tree when it dies. It’s over. You go out of existence. You feel nothing, know nothing, have no consciousness. Your opinion would be that this series is irrelevant. It has nothing to do with reality — what is really going to happen.

But if you find written on the tablet of your heart the truth that there is a Creator God, and that you are made to have a relationship with him, and that what separates you from whales and dolphins and chimpanzees is not mutations and chemicals, but personhood in the image of God, then you probably will lie awake at night and think about eternity — because, as Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, “God has put eternity in man’s heart.”

And if, like millions of others, you have met Jesus Christ in the pages of the Bible and have been persuaded that he is worthy of your trust, then you do not have to be unsure about what is coming when you die. He has told us many things, to encourage us and free us from the emptiness of evolutionary creeds and from the fear of death. [ more… ]

[ John Piper ]

ARTICLE: https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/what-happens-when-you-die-all-appear-before-the-judgment-seat-of-christ

“Standing at the Judgement Seat of Christ”

The Judgement Seat of Christ

[ Leornard Ravenhill ]

MOTIVATIONAL VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmSKpvsCWVg

“How to be 100% SURE You’re Going to Heaven and NOT be Surprised on Judgment Day!”

Do you have doubts about whether you’re going to heaven? Obviously it’s easy to say, “Just believe in Jesus.” But the Bible is clear that many people will claim that they did and be surprised on judgment day. So, how can we have assurance that we will be admitted into heaven’s doors on judgment day? Today’s parable gives us some keys.

[ Allen Parr ]

TEACHING: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IhHfc61aJk

“We Will All Stand Before the Judgment of God”

[ John Piper ]

SERMON: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUpWZ8JurNc

“WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO STORE TREASURES IN HEAVEN + 6 Things God Rewards”

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO STORE TREASURES IN HEAVEN? For us, it means a lifelong purpose that is steady and unchanging. Because we are using January to look at our New Year New Life in Christ, we’ve been talking about finding our God-given purpose. We can live for likes and shares and followers, or we can abide by the words of Jesus and live for an audience of One.

In this episode of Theological Thursday, you’ll learn about Jesus’ command in the Sermon on the Mount to ‘store up treasures in Heaven’ and how you can live a full and complete life by making that your purpose in life.

[ Lori B. Morrow ]

TEACHING: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6qRmkLHfec

“How Can We Store Up Treasures In Heaven?”

How to store up treasure in Heaven or riches in Heaven is no mystery. The Bible clearly tells us how to lay up treasures in Heaven. In this video, Pastor Nelson with Bible Munch answers the question, “How can we store up treasures in heaven?”

[ Got Questions }

TEACHING: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UrH_9ZM_io

“What are the five heavenly crowns that believers can receive in Heaven?”

What are the five heavenly crowns that believers can receive in Heaven? What is the purpose of heavenly rewards?

[ Got Questions ]

TEACHING: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHSW9P6zxDU

“Will We Have Regrets at the Judgment Seat of Christ?”

When Kirk Cousins, starting quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings, interviewed me, one of the great questions he asked was, “Will we have regret in Heaven when we finally see with an eternal perspective?”

I really appreciated Kirk’s question because of his Bible-based recognition of a truth many Christians don’t often contemplate, that “each of us will give an account of ourselves to God” (Romans 14:12). While many Bible verses teach this, most of us fail to live daily with the eternal perspective this truth should cultivate in us. I want to explore this further than I was able to do in that interview. [ more… ]

[ Randy Alcorn ]

ARTICLE: https://www.epm.org/blog/2022/Oct/31/regrets-judgment-seat

“Made for Another World – Remembering C.S. Lewis”

He went quietly. It was very British.

While the Americans rocked and reeled, and the world’s attention turned to Dallas and the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, one Clive Staples Lewis breathed his last in Oxford just a week shy of his 65th birthday. Strangely enough, science-fictionist Aldous Huxley passed the same day, and in one calendar square, three of the twentieth-century’s most influential figures were gone.

It was November 22, 1963.

C.S. Lewis is known best for his series of seven short fiction books, “The Chronicles of Narnia,” which have sold over 100 million copies in 40 languages. With three of the stories already becoming major motion pictures, and the fourth in the making, Lewis is as popular today as he’s ever been. But even before he published Narnia in the early 1950s, he distinguished himself as a professor at Oxford and Cambridge, the world’s foremost expert in Medieval and Renaissance English literature, and one of the great lay thinkers and writers in two millennia of the Christian church.

Discovering Truth and Joy
Lewis was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in 1898. He became an atheist in his teens, and stridently such in his twenties, before slowly warming to theism in his early thirties, and finally being fully converted to Christianity at age 33. And he would prove to be for many, as he was for his friend Owen Barfield, the “most thoroughly converted man I have ever known.”

What catches the eye about Lewis’s star in the constellation of Christian thinkers and writers is his utter commitment to the life of the mind and the life of the heart. He both thinks and feels with the best. Lewis insisted that rigorous thought and deep affections were not at odds, but mutually supportive. And as impressive as he was in arguing for it, he was even more convincing in his demonstration.

What eventually led Lewis to theism, and finally to Christianity, was Longing — an ache for Joy with a capital J. He had learned all too well that relentless rationality could not adequately explain the depth and complexity of human life, or the textures and hues of the world in which we find ourselves. From early on, an angst gnawed at him which one day he would express so memorably in his most well-known single book, Mere Christianity: “If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.”

This World and the Other
Such is the heart of his genius, his spiritual genius. So few treat the world in all its detail and contour like he does, and yet so few tirelessly point us beyond this world, with all its concreteness and color and taste, with the aggression and ardor of C.S. Lewis.

And so for many his impact has been so personal. For me, it was a six-word sentence in Lewis — “we are far too easily pleased” — that popped the hood on a massive remodeling of my soul.

If we consider the unblushing promises of reward and the staggering nature of the rewards promised in the Gospels, it would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.

Does Jesus really find our desires not too strong, but too weak? I had long professed Christianity, but this tasted so different than what I knew. It tasted good! This affirmation of happiness and pleasure and desire and delight was, to me, so new in the context of the Christian faith. And Lewis was the chef.

My notions about God and the Christian life were exposed as mere duty-driven, and my soul was thrilling at the possibility that Christianity might not mean muting my desires, but being encouraged (even commanded!) to turn them up — up to God.

Feel the Weight of Glory
As a layman, Lewis didn’t preach often, but occasionally had his chance at a pulpit. His most remembered sermon is one he preached under the title “The Weight of Glory.”

When he breathed his last and quietly slipped from this life more than fifty years ago now, he took one big step toward becoming the kind of glorious creature in the coming new creation he speaks about in that sermon.

It is a serious thing to live in a society of possible gods and goddesses, to remember that the dullest and most uninteresting person you can talk to may one day be a creature which, if you saw it now, you would be strongly tempted to worship, or else a horror and a corruption such as you now meet, if at all, only in a nightmare.

All day long we are, in some degree, helping each other to one or other of these destinations. It is in the light of these overwhelming possibilities, it is with the awe and the circumspection proper to them, that we should conduct all our dealings with one another, all friendships, all loves, all play, all politics.

There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. Nations, cultures, arts, civilisations — these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat. But it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub, and exploit — immortal horrors or everlasting splendours.

This does not mean that we are to be perpetually solemn. We must play. But our merriment must be of that kind (and it is, in fact, the merriest kind) which exists between people who have, from the outset, taken each other seriously.

For a growing number of us, Lewis occupies a class to himself. Few, if any, have taught us so much about this world, and the next, save the Scriptures. If you’d like to take him seriously, and with the smile and warmth he requests, start with his Mere Christianity, The Screwtape Letters, The Abolition of Man, “The Chronicles of Narnia,” or just about anything you can find with his name as author. His writings are pervasively thoughtful, engaging, provoking, and rewarding. He will not disappoint.

[ David Mathis ]

“The Christian Pilgrim” or “The True Christian’s Life a Journey Toward Heaven”

by Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758)
Dated September, 1733

“And confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things, declare plainly that they seek a country.” — Hebrews 11:13, 14

Subject: This life ought so to be spent by us as to be only a journey towards heaven.

[ Jonathan Edwards ]

ARTICLE: https://www.apuritansmind.com/puritan-favorites/jonathan-edwards/sermons/the-christian-pilgrim/

“Heaven, a World of Love”

“Charity never fails: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.” — 1 Corinthians 13:8-10

From the first of these verses, I have already drawn the doctrine, that that great fruit of the Spirit in which the Holy Ghost shall not only for a season, but everlastingly, be communicated to the church of Christ, is charity or divine love. And now I would consider the same verse in connection with the two that follow it, and upon the three verses would make two observations. [ more… ]

[ Jonathan Edwards ]

ARTICLE: https://www.biblebb.com/files/edwards/charity16.htm

“Heaven on Earth: A Serious Discourse Concerning a Well-Grounded Assurance”

What are the top Puritan works that every Christian should read? Iain Murray answers “Beginners should start with Brooks, Thomas Watson, or John Flavel. … Make sure to read …Heaven on Earth by Thomas Brooks (on assurance)…”

A serious discourse concerning a well-grounded assurance of men’s everlasting happiness and blessedness. Discovering the nature of assurance, the possibility of attaining it, the causes, springs, and degrees of it; with the resolution of several weighty questions.

“The greatest thing that we can desire—next to the glory of God—is our own salvation; and the sweetest thing we can desire, is the assurance of our salvation. In this life we cannot get higher, than to be assured of that which in the next life is to be enjoyed. All saints shall enjoy a heaven when they leave this earth; some saints enjoy a heaven while they are here on earth. That saints might enjoy two heavens, is the project of this book.” Joseph Caryl.

To be in a state of true grace, is to be miserable no more; it is to be happy forever. A soul in this state is a soul near and dear to God. It is a soul much beloved, and very highly valued by God. It is a soul housed in God. It is a soul safe in God’s everlasting arms. It is a soul fully and eminently interested in all the highest and noblest privileges. [Psalm 144:15; Mal 3:17; Rom 8:16-17; Deut 33:26-27; 1 Cor 3:22-23] The being in a state of grace makes a man’s condition happy, safe, and sure. But the seeing, the knowing of himself to be in such a state, is that which renders his life sweet and comfortable. The being in a state of grace will yield a man a heaven hereafter, but the seeing of himself in this state will yield him both a heaven here and a heaven hereafter; it will render him doubly blessed, blessed in heaven, and blessed in his own conscience.[ more… ]

[ Thomas Brooks ]

ARTICLE: https://www.monergism.com/reformation-theology/blog/heaven-earth-serious-discourse-concerning-well-grounded-assurance-ebook

“Heaven on Earth happens when we act on God’s will for our city. How often do we become God’s chosen agent?”

Heaven on Earth happens when we act on God’s will for our city.

Today’s verse is from the Gospel of Matthew 6:10. The passage is given from the three versions of the Bible.

Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. (version NIV)
Manifest your kingdom realm, and cause your every purpose to be fulfilled on earth, just as it is in heaven. (version TPT)
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. (version KJV)
May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. (version NLT)

This is the 1st part of the prayer Jesus taught His disciples. After addressing God the Lord’s prayer begins, “Our Father, who is in Heaven, Hallowed by His name.”, then comes this portion.

Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
We pray for God’s Kingdom realm to come here on earth. Heaven is the Kingdom of God. In Heaven, righteousness, peace and joy prevails.

Nearly all Christians are aware of the Lord’s prayer, but many consider this to be focused on daily bread and forgiveness. While it first states about bringing Heaven to Earth and God’s will to reign on Earth.

Unfortunately, many Christians don’t expect to experience heaven during their lifetime, considering it only as an experience after death. Since the Lord’s prayer is so familiar, people hardly know what it means. While they know the whole sequence by heart, they don’t know it’s rich, resplendent significance !

Heaven on Earth can happen in many ways. God can supernaturally intervene and provide manna and quails to hungry people, a fix of wisdom for students who are scared and anxious about an exam, supernatural healing for critically ill people. We know that God intervenes when a man, dependent on God, steps in faith. For the Israelites it was Moses. The Apostle Paul was for the Gentiles. Many great men of God, Christians without title, operate these days as channels of God’s will, ringing Heaven on Earth. They operate in signs, wonders and miracles, bringing glory and honour to God.

Miracles follow a step in faith. God delights when his children take the first step in faith.

We can decide to be channels of God’s goodness to the widow, the poor, the broken-hearted and the orphans. To start with we don’t need to go far to bring Heaven on Earth. Instead of supernatural signs, wonders and miracles, we can operate in the natural, but yet bring the Heaven on Earth experience.

We can be intentionally better with our colleagues at the office, especially those who do not have any authority or say over us. Even to our friends and family members, near and dear ones who are less fortunate than us. We have a nature in us where we want to be associated with successful and upwardly mobile people. The Bible says it’s important to invite people for supper who may not be able to invite us in return. Giving money and helping people who have no means of returning it.

When the Holy Spirit shows us people, we can be good towards them. We can be God’s channels of goodness in many ways. A sincere word of praise. A few minutes of focused conversation with the mobile phone kept out of the way. A generous tip, a word of prayer, sincere encouragement. Do what can be done now and desire to do more. In all these matters, the aim should be to a channel of God’s love. Seek not to complete a day without multiple acts of God’s goodness.

When we do so, we are literally being Heaven’s ambassadors on Earth. We can bring God’s will into the lives of people in our neighbourhood. When we do so in what can be done naturally, God may nudge us into the Supernatural realm of signs, wonders, healing and miracles. Here is a brief prayer.

Make me your chosen vessel O Lord Jesus, to bring your Kingdom here into our neighbourhoods and cities, and Your will into the lives of people whom we are connected with.

[ Francis Kalarickal ]

“Why is faith without works dead?”

Are faith and works inseparable? Can faith without works be genuine? What does James 2:26 mean, and does it contradict Romans 4:5? In this video, Pastor Nelson answers the question, “Why is faith without works dead”?

[ GotQuestions ]

TEACHING: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwRj5EgD5Ew

 ”How Can I Know If I’m Going To Heaven?”

Greg Laurie and Randy Alcorn discuss Heaven and how to be sure if you are going there. Taken from the message, “Big Life Issues” by Pastor Greg Laurie.

[ Greg Laurie ]

SERMON: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8d7HSci23k

“Are You Going to Heaven? | Preparing for Heaven”

How did you feel when you first realized you were spiritually lost? Before you obeyed the Gospel, did recognizing your lost condition create a heavy weight on your heart and mind? Did it keep you up at night? Join Don Blackwell as he discusses obeying the Gospel and making sure you are going to heaven.

[ Don Blackwell ]

TEACHING: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-mT-7Ja7VQ

“How Can You Be Sure You are Going to Heaven?”

In this session, Dr. Ankerberg and Randy Alcorn discuss what the Bible teaches about salvation as well as how to be saved and to know for certain where you will spend eternity. This confidence can help during even our weakest moments in this life as we look forward to eternity with Christ in the next life.

(Part 3 of Heaven: What Will It Be Like?)

[ John Ankerberg – Interviews Randy Alcorn ]

INTERVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yVTi0KLmrI

“Are you Sure You’re Going To Heaven?”

Do you ever feel lost? Do you ever feel empty – like something is missing? And no matter what you try to fill that empty space with, whether it’s friends, family, partying, relationships, money, etc… you still come up feeling empty? And you think to yourself, “If I could only fill that emptiness in my heart, I would be truly happy?”

There’s only one thing that can fill that space and make you whole.

Jesus. Period. He is the only One that can save you. He is the Ultimate Satisfaction. He is the Answer.

Take a moment to watch this video. Please message me if you have questions! I’d love to talk with you.

[ YouTube channel of “MJoftheday” ]

VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuadeVAg6Kk

“Thomas More’s Magnificent Utopia”

Its central idea, of a perfect but impossible place, has since become part of our mental furniture. But what does this very amusing (though also rather stern) book mean? It has sometimes been seen as a satire on the inevitable conformity of political equality but may rather offer a portrait of a magnificently just society. Utopias links both with London and with the civic culture of Renaissance Europe more generally will be explained. Focussing on its significance at the time when it was written, with reflections on its remarkably varied legacy. This is part of the Being Human festival and is complemented by an exhibition at the University of London’s Senate House which runs until December 2016, Utopia and Dystopia.

[ Dr Richard Serjeantson ]

TEACHING: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31n1qsMJGyM

“Utopia by Sir Thomas More | Main Ideas”

Sir Thomas More’s Utopia explained with chapter summaries in just a few minutes!

Course Hero Literature Instructor Russell Jaffe explains the main ideas in Sir Thomas More’s novel Utopia.

Download the free study guide and infographic for Utopia here: https://www.coursehero.com/lit/Utopia…

Sir Thomas More’s Utopia is a satirical novel that brought us today’s common word for a perfect society. More coined the word “utopia” from the Greek for “good place.”

The story is structured as a series of conversations between More and fictional traveler Raphael Hythloday, who has just returned from a journey during which he visited the titular island. This supposedly ideal civilization is governed by ideas that are by turns egalitarian and draconian—property and work are divided equally, but punishments for certain relatively minor offenses are severe.

The novel, interpreted as both a sly critique of European governance and of the notion that society can be perfected, remains influential in the creation of imaginary worlds.

Later authors built on the ideas laid out in Utopia to write utopian and dystopian books such as 1984, Brave New World, and Walden Two. The idea of utopia has also influenced the development of such political philosophies as communism and the cooperative and commune movements.

Sir Thomas More, one of the most famous men in European history, first published Utopia in Latin in 1516. He never describes a particular purpose in writing Utopia. However, scholars agree it is a combination of social satire and genuine philosophical thinking.

The book contains many powerful themes, such as property and wealth, the perfect place, and crime and punishment. Symbols include the island representing Utopia’s uniqueness and isolation from the world, and gold representing the futility of greed in a society where everyone’s needs are met.

[ Course Hero ]

ANALYSIS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2au0B5j6ji8

SUMMARY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEkbos8TMZw

MAIN IDEAS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bn9HsYt_FKk

“Paradise Lost”

Kristen Over, Associate Professor at Northeastern Illinois University, provides an in-depth summary and analysis of John Milton’s Paradise Lost.

Paradise Lost is a famous epic poem from 1667 that deals with the expulsion of the first humans, Adam and Eve, from the Garden of Eden after they commit the sin of eating from the forbidden Tree of Knowledge. We encounter God, Archangel Michael, Adam and Eve, Sin, and Death and Satan/Lucifer as well.

Paradise Lost is told by a third-person omniscient narrator, whom readers later learn is in fact the author, John Milton. Milton peppers his unrhymed, iambic pentameter with evocative symbolism, including the Scales of Justice, the Tree of Knowledge, and Adam’s Wreath for Eve.

[ John Milton ]

PLAYLIST: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqgUsVoLbl4&list=PLz_ZtyOWL9BQ9kk43D7YlmIbq7SmRkcgD

“Paradise Regained”
(Background and Themes)

Despite the concerns of decades of recent scholarship, the identity of the Son of God is not the main subject matter of Paradise Regained. The subject matter is plainly stated to be the way in which through one man’s obedience the consequences “of man’s first disobedience” will be undone.

[ John Milton, ]

TEACHING: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoxN4mfkHq0

“Missions Moment #4: Give our All to Answer to His Call”

About C.T. Studd

[ Message Ministries ]

TEACHING: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-G8qtu7-MXA

<<< SONGS >>>

“Shambala”

Wash away my troubles
Wash away my pain
With the rain in Shambala
Wash away my sorrow
Wash away my shame
With the rain in Shambala

Ah ooh yeah
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah
Ah ooh yeah
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah

Everyone is helpful
Everyone is kind
On the road to Shambala
Everyone is lucky
Everyone is so kind
On the road to Shambala

Ah ooh yeah
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah
Ah ooh yeah
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah

How does your light shine
In the halls of Shambala
How does your light shine
In the halls of Shambala

I can tell my sister by the flowers in her eyes
On the road to Shambala
I can tell my brother by the flowers in his eyes
On the road to Shambala

Ah ooh yeah
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah
Ah ooh yeah
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah

How does your light shine
In the halls of Shambala
How does your light shine
In the halls of Shambala
Tell me how does your light shine
In the halls of Shambala
Tell me how does your light shine
In the halls of Shambala

Ah ooh yeah
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah
Ah ooh yeah
On the road to Shambala

Ah ooh yeah
To Shambala
Ah ooh yeah
On the road to Shambala

[ Three Dog Night – “Cyan” album ]

SONG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnyh6i9NvmE&t=28s

“Heaven on Earth”

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me
His anointing is empowering
The kingdom of the Lord is within me
And He’s calling me to the heavenlies

Be seated in heavenly places
Just like heaven, just like heaven on earth
To be walking in His favor and graces
Just like heaven, just like heaven on earth

Marching in the spirit of unity
To our community, show His ability
The will of the Lord for His children
Is to demonstrate, perpetuate

Be seated in heavenly places
Just like heaven, just like heaven on earth
To be walking in His favor and graces
Just like heaven, just like heaven on earth

Something’s moving, something’s changing
See His glory, feels like heaven on earth
Something’s moving, something’s changing
See His glory, feels like heaven on earth

There is lightning and thunder, miracles and wonders
The sound of many waters, heaven on earth
Lightning and thunder, miracles and wonders
The sound of many waters, heaven on earth

Heaven is calling for you to come higher
See everything from a new point of view
Be seated with Jesus in heavenly places
From His perspective everything is made new

There is lightning and thunder, miracles and wonders
The sound of many waters, heaven on earth
Lightning and thunder, miracles and wonders
The sound of many waters, heaven on earth

Be seated in heavenly places
Just like heaven, just like heaven on earth
To be walking in His favor and graces
Just like heaven, just like heaven on earth

[ Covenant Worship – “Standing” album ]

SONG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AN7jH2K6cE0

“Heaven On Earth”

[Verse 1]
How can we explain it
Where do we begin
Life is so amazing
Since we’ve been born again

[Verse 2]
Everything about us
Never been the same
The world is looking different
We all can feel the change

[Pre-Chorus]
‘Cause we are, we are
We are the believers
And Jesus, Jesus
He will never leave us

[Chorus]
Feels like heaven on earth, heaven on earth, heaven on earth
‘Cause He’s living in us, living in us, living in us

[Verse 3]
How can we contain it
This love that’s in our hearts
By faith we did obtain it
Now share it near and far

[Pre-Chorus]
‘Cause we are, we are
We are the believers
And Jesus, Jesus
He will never leave us

[Chorus]
Feels like heaven on earth, heaven on earth, heaven on earth
‘Cause He’s living in us, living in us, living in us
Feels like heaven on earth, heaven on earth, heaven on earth
‘Cause He’s living in us, living in us, living in us

[Instrumental]

[Bridge]
Makes me want to get up, get up and clap my hands
We don’t want to give up, give up the chance to dance
Makes me want to get up, get up and clap my hands
We don’t want to give up, give up the chance to dance
Makes me want to get up, get up and clap my hands
We don’t want to give up, give up the chance to dance
Makes me want to get up, get up and clap my hands
We don’t want to give up, give up the chance to dance
It’s heaven on earth, heaven on earth, heaven!

[Refrain]
Ever since I met Him
Life is so much better
Ever since I met Him
Life is so much better
Ever since I met Him
Life is so much better
Ever since I met Him
Life is so much better

[ Nashville Life Music – “Taylor House Sessions” album ]

SONG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QJFAV05-qU

“Heaven on Earth”

You are here
As we’re lifting up Your name
Lifting up Your name
You are here
As we’re giving You the praise
Giving You the praise

The Kingdom of God is released in this atmosphere
Where freedom and breakthrough, and victory are right here

‘Cause where You are is where I wanna be
In Your presence
There’s no place that I would rather be
‘Cause with You, Jesus
It’s Heaven on Earth
It’s Heaven on Earth
It’s Heaven on Earth
It’s Heaven on Earth

You are here
As we all agree
Your power is released
You are here
As Your Spirit falls
There are miracles

The Kingdom of God is released in this atmosphere
Where freedom and breakthrough, and victory are right here

Where You are is where I wanna be
In Your presence
There’s no place that I would rather be
‘Cause with You, Jesus
It’s Heaven on Earth
It’s Heaven on Earth
It’s Heaven on Earth
It’s Heaven on Earth

Wherever You are is freedom
I can feel it breaking out
The walls are coming down
Right now, Jesus
This is Heaven on Earth
Wherever You are is freedom
I can feel it breaking out
The walls are coming down
Right now, Jesus
This is Heaven on Earth

This is Heaven on Earth
This is Heaven on Earth
This is Heaven on Earth
This is Heaven on Earth

Where You are is where I wanna be
In Your presence
There’s no place that I would rather be
‘Cause with You, Jesus
It’s Heaven on Earth

[ Planetshakers – “Heaven on Earth” album ]

SONG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hGhjMAMcmM

“Heaven on Earth”

Heaven, heaven on earth!
Heaven!
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me
His anointing is empowering
The kingdom of the Lord is within me
And He’s calling me to the heavenlies

To be seated in heavenly places
Just like heaven…
Just like heaven on earth!
To be walking in His favor and grace
Just like heaven…
Just like heaven on earth!

Heaven, heaven on earth!

Heaven!
Marching in the Spirit of unity
To our community show His ability

The will of the Lord for His children
Is to demonstrate, perpetuate
To be seated in heavenly places
Just like Heaven…
Just like heaven on earth!
To be walking in His favor and grace

Just like heaven…

Just like heaven on earth!

Heaven, heaven on earth!

Heaven!
Something’s moving
Something’s changing
See His glory feels like heaven on earth
Something’s moving
Something’s changing
See His glory feels like heaven on earth

Something’s moving
Something’s changing
See His glory feels like heaven on earth

There is lightning and thunder
Miracles and wonders
Sound of many waters
Heaven on earth!
Lightning and thunder
Miracles and wonders
Sound of many waters
Heaven on earth!
Lightning and thunder
Miracles and wonders
Sound of many waters
Heaven on earth!
Lightning and thunder
Miracles and wonders
Sound of many waters
Heaven on earth!
Heaven, heaven on earth!
Heaven
Heaven

[ Micah Stampley – “Release Me” album ]

SONG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRlE6VFN4IY

“Little Taste of Heaven”

Oh taste, and see
That the Lord, is good
And blessed, is He
Who will trust, His Word

I′ve seen the wonder working power
I’ve seen the broken be restored
It′s like I’m walking on
The streets of gold
I’ve seen the prodigal return
I′ve seen addiction lose its place
When we′re breaking chains in Jesus’ name

It′s a little taste of Heaven
It’s a piece of what is coming
When I think of all You′ve done for me
It’s a little taste of Heaven

I′ve seen the devil run and hide
I’ve seen a sinner turn to saint
When we walk by faith in Jesus’ name

It′s a little taste of Heaven
It′s a piece of what is coming
When I think of all You’ve done for me
It′s a little taste of Heaven

Oh taste, and see
That the Lord, is good
And blessed, is He
Who will trust, His Word
Oh taste, and see
That the Lord, is good
And blessed, is He
Who will trust, His Word

It’s a little taste of Heaven
It′s a piece of what is coming
When I think of all You’ve done for me
It′s a little taste

It’s a little taste of Heaven
It’s a piece of what is coming
When I think of all You′ve done for me
It′s a little taste of Heaven
It’s a little taste of Heaven
It′s a little taste of Heaven

[ “Revivalist Worship” album ]

SONG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLEhfdW8g_U

“Heaven On Earth”

I’ve been asleep
Head in the sand
Watching the time just ticking
Clock runs around
Days in and out
Can’t really call it living

Somewhere I let light go dark
But here’s where my new story starts

Take my life and let it be
Set on fire for all to see
Break me down, build me up again
Don’t leave me the way I’ve been
Take my heart into Your hands
Come and finish what You began
‘Til I seek Your kingdom first
‘Til I shine, shine
Like Heaven on earth
Like Heaven on earth

I wanna wake, I wanna see
All of the ways You’re moving
Show me the need
‘Cause I wanna be a part of what You’re doing

In my heart, let Kingdom come
Not my will but Yours be done

Help me move when I should move
Help me rest when I should rest
Help me give what I should give
All of me, nothing less
Help me speak with grace and truth
Help me fight for those who can’t
Help me love the way You love
Never holding nothing back (yeah like Heaven on earth)

Like Heaven on earth
Like Heaven on earth
Like Heaven on earth

[ Stars Go Dim – “Heaven on Earth” album ]

SONG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhCzzQQNnLA

“This World Is Not My Home”

This world is not my home
I’m just a passn’ through
My treasures and my hope
Is placed beyond the blue
Many friends and kindred
Have gone on before
And I can’t feel at home
In this world anymore.

Refrain:
O Lord you know
I have no friend like you
If Heavens not my home
O lord what will I do
Angels beckon me
To Heavens open door
And I can’t feel at home
In this world anymore.

Over in gloryland
They’ll be no dyin’ there
The saints all shouting
Victory
And singing everywhere
I hear the voice of them
Who’ve gone on before
And I can’t feel at home
In this world anymore.

Heaven’s expecting me
That’s one thing I know
I fixed it up with Jesus
A long time ago
He will take me through
Though I am weak and poor
And I can’t feel at home
In this world anymore.

If you get there before me
I’ll be there just the same
You’ll hear me when I shout
O glory to his name!
I’ll fly away with Him
My savior I adore
And I can’t feel at home
In this world anymore.

[ Ricky Skaggs – “Ricky Skaggs Solo Songs My Dad Loved” album ]

SONG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdOOxuQii_s

“Vaughan Williams’ “Valiant-for-Truth”

From a live BBC radio broadcast, 23 May 1984, with the choir of St Albans Cathedral, directed by Stephen Darlington. Ralph Vaughan Williams wrote this anthem in 1940. The text, which is given below, is from John Bunyan’s “Pilgrim’s Progress”:

After this, it was noised abroad that Mr Valiant-for-Truth was taken with a summons and had this for a token that the summons was true: that his pitcher was broken at the fountain. When he understood it, he called for his friends, and told them of it.

Then said he, “I am going to my Father’s, and though with great difficulty I am got hither, yet now I do not repent me of all the trouble I have been at to arrive where I am at. My sword I give to him that shall succeed me in my pilgrimage, and my courage and skill to him that can get it. My marks and scars I carry with me to be a witness for me that I have fought his battles who now will be my rewarder.”

When the day that he must go hence was come, many accompanied him to the riverside, into which, as he went, he said, “Death, where is thy sting?” And as he went down deeper, he said, “Grave where is thy victory?”

So he passed over, and all the trumpets sounded for him on the other side.

[ St Albans Cathedral 1984 (Stephen Darlington) ]

SONG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_A3_aPwM3e4

“Who Would True Valour See”

Who would true valour see,
Let him come hither;
One here will constant be,
Come wind, come weather
There’s no discouragement
Shall make him once relent
His first avowed intent
To be a pilgrim.

Whoso beset him round
With dismal stories,
Do but themselves confound;
His strength the more is.
No lion can him fright,
He’ll with a giant fight,
But he will have a right
To be a pilgrim.

Hobgoblin, nor foul fiend,
Can daunt his spirit;
He knows he at the end
Shall life inherit.
Then fancies fly away,
He’ll fear not what men say,
He’ll labour night and day
To be a pilgrim.

Who would true valour see,
Let him come hither;
One here will constant be,
Come wind, come weather
There’s no discouragement
Shall make him once relent
His first avowed intent
To be a pilgrim.

[ John Bunyan – Artist: Andrew Watts ]

SONG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yHJMPw8RHU

<<< APOLOGETIX SONGS >>>

“More Than Works”
(Parody of “More than Words” by Extreme)

They might tell you theres lots of works God wants to see from you
Thats not the right attitude none are saved by things that man can do
But Jesus said the deed was done on Calvary
More than works cause all the good you do aint no big deal
And it couldn’t get you saved thats too costly — the Bible tells me so

What would you do if I quote Ephesians 2
No mans works can save his soul thats so nobody can boast
The Good Book says that its not by works but grace
And you couldn’t make things new without faith in our Lord too

More than works

Now they might try to talk to you and make you one of them
(But) all you have to do is hope in Christ and just be born again
And trust the Holy Ghost Hell never let you go
More than works is John 6:28 and now too sure
That the good work that you need is to believe cause Christ already rose

What would you do if your heart was born anew
Your good works could show your faith, but you must first take His grace
What do you say? If you trust His Word today
Then you could still make things new just by praying why don’t you?

[ ApologetiX – “Apol-acoustix” album ]

SONG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li_h3D7BJ0c&t=11s

“Want That Crown”
(Parody of “I Won’t Back Down” by Tom Petty)

Well, I want that crown
So I run track now
Using stamina and I’ll pace myself
So I don’t pass out

Well, I’ve planned my route
Won’t be runnin’ wild
And I’ll keep this world from flaggin’ me down
‘Cause I am God’s child
And I want that crown

(I want that crown)
Hey, baby, there ain’t no pleasin’ the crowd
(I want that crown)
Hey, I — will stay on my route
And I won’t crack now

Well, I focus my
Eyes on just one prize
And I will not keep on lookin’ all around
Till the finish line
Got a one-track mind

(My one-track mind)
Hey, baby, read First Corinthians 9
(My one-track mind)
Hey, yeah – it’s there you’ll find
(My one-track mind)
‘Bout a one-track mind
LEAD

(I want that crown)
Hey, baby, there ain’t no pleasin’ the crowd
(I want that crown)
Hey, I — want that crown
(I want that crown)
Hey, baby, there ain’t no pleasin’ the crowd
(I want that crown)
Hey, I – will stay on my route
(I want that crown)
Till I’ve won that crown
(I want that crown)
You know, I want that crown

[ ApologetiX – “Singles Group” album ]

SONG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T93OF7QGu48

“Heaven Isn’t Like That”
(Parody of “Shine” by Collective Soul)

Do your good works
And lead a good life
Always go to church
And try to be really nice —really nice
Say a couple prayers
And finally when you die
Go to Saint Peter
Tell him, “Let me come inside — I really tried”

Yeah? Yeah? Yeah?
No! Heaven isn’t like that, child!
No! Heaven isn’t like that, pal!
No! Heaven isn’t like that, now!
No! Heaven isn’t like that, child!

Learn to play the harp
You’ll need it while you’re there
Get yourself some wings
I’m sure you’ll get a lovely pair — a fluffy pair
Reach for a halo
Keep it in your hair
Lead a fairy tale
Eternally with nothing there — but puffy air

Yeah? Yeah? Yeah?

CHORUS

Rock and roll!
Get in God’s word
See what you find
Only place to look
To tell you how to get inside — to get inside
Let me tell you now:
You gotta go through Christ
Open up your heart
And tell Him He can dwell inside —dwell insi-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-ide now

Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!
Yo! Let Him in your life right now! (4X)

You know what Heaven’s like?
It hasn’t entered your mind
Heaven is the best place that’s ever been
You wanna get in? Let Him
Let Him in your life; that’s the only way
C’mon insiiiiide — come on i-i-in, i-i-in
C’mon insiiiiide! C’mon inside!

[ ApologetiX – “Ticked” album ]

SONG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udQjLApnlJw

“Going to Forget Our Bad Deeds”
(Parody of “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” performed by Simple Minds)

Hey, hey, hey, hey!
Oooh ooh ooh ooh ooh ohhhhh

Once you concede your bad deeds
How do you know there’s been atonement, baby?
Tell me, you struggle and doubt
Heaven could ever think you’re righteous now, yet
The Lord’s grace is real and it’s strong
He knows our tendencies that we are working on
No change can pull us from God
After Christ gets into your heart, baby

Don’t you — go fret about these
Don’t, don’t, don’t, don’t
He’s going to – forget our bad deeds

When you sin abruptly
Look God’s way – you’re never ugly
Grace keeps calling, grace keeps calling now, now, now
Will you recognize, please
Toddlers, they don’t walk upright
They keep falling, they keep falling down, down, down, down

Hey, hey, hey, hey!
Oooh ooh ooh ooh ooh ohhhhh

Don’t you try and pretend
It’s my opinion when it’s His command
I’ll quote — Hebrews
8:12 first and then 10:17 – it’s a surety – God’s
Going to forget our bad deeds
How will you know? Glance here in Romans 8, He
Told you straight from the start
God put His Spirit there in your heart, baby

Don’t you — go fret about these
Don’t, don’t, don’t, don’t
He’s going to – forget our bad deeds

‘Cause He washed them white
When you called Christ’s name
Yes, He washed them white
When you called Christ’s name
And they’re washed away

Forever washed away

Well, He washed them white
The moment you called Christ’s name
When you called Christ’s name

And said, “Lord, la-la-la-Lor-ord
La-la-la-Lor-ord
La-la-la, la-la-la la-la-la-Lord
La-la-la-Lor-ord
La-la-la-Lor-ord
La-la-la, la-la-la la-la-la-Lord
La-la-la-Lor-ord
La-la-la-Lor-ord
La-la-la, la-la-la la-la-la-Lord
Well, He washed them white
When you called Christ name
Yes, He washed them white

[ ApologetiX – “I Know You Are but What Am I?” album ]

SONG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tmSxCgAado

“If You Really Wanna Get to Heaven”
(Parody of “If You Wanna Get to Heaven” by The Ozark Mountain Daredevils)

I never read it in a book
I never thought it on my own
But I heard a man from Galilee
Loud and clear make it known

If you wanna please the Father
You’ve got to let His Son indwell
If you wanna get to Heaven
You’ve got to save yourself from Hell

I knew that fella’s name was Pete
I never dreamt he’d be so bold
But I heard him at the rally
Tryin’ to cleanse my rotten soul

If you wanna know a secret
He got me traumatized as well
If you wanna get to Heaven
You’ve got to save yourself from Hell

I never thought I’d preach ’bout Jesus
I never thought I’d be so blunt
But I turned to Him and now I know
He’s God’s begotten Son

If you wanna speak to strangers
You’ve got to find a tale to tell
If you wanna get to Heaven
You’ve got to save yourself from Hell

Do you wanna get to Heaven?
Do you wanna get to Heaven?
Do you wanna get to Heaven?
Do you wanna get to Heaven?

[ ApologetiX – “Come See, Come Saw” album ]

SONG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__d7TE7A6v0

“I Want in That Place”
(Parody of “I Want it That Way” by The Backstreet Boys)

You are much higher – I want inside there
Beneath heav’n I pray – I want in that place
But we are two worlds apart – You speak to my heart
Then You say, “I want in that place”
Tell me why – (You) came knockin’ on my heart today
Tell me why – I’m nothin’ but a disgrace
Tell me why – Why You’d ever come to me and say
I want in that place
Can I soar higher? I want inside there
Yes I know – it’s two-way
But I want in that place
Help me Christ – I’m nothin’ but I’m sorry
Help me Christ – I’m knockin’ but I need grace
Help me Christ – I’m never gonna get it straight
But I want in that place
Now I can see that we’ve fallen so short
From the way we’re supposed to be (Yeah)
No man in existence is righteous enough
I need You inside of me
You are Messiah – You want inside of
My heart – C’mon, c’mon, c’mon!
(C’mon I need you)
(You) came knockin’ on my heart today
Tell me why – I’m nothin’ but a disgrace
Tell me why – in Revelation 3 You say
I want in that place
Help me Christ – I’m nothin’ but I’m sorry
Help me Christ – I’m knockin’ but I need grace
Help me Christ – I hear Heaven’s gonna be great
I want in that place
REPEAT LAST CHORUS
And I want in that place

[ ApologetiX – “Spoofernatural” album ]

SONG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mh_4oaDezM

“Straight On Through”
(Parody of “Break On Through (To the Other Side)” by The Doors)

You know the day you come to Christ
Christ provides the way
Guides you from death to life
Straight on through to the other side
Straight on through to the other side
Straight on through to the other side, yeah

Forsake your pleasures here
Store up treasures there
Because He will recall the times we’re kind
They go through to the other side
Straight on through to the other side

Hey
Ah c’mon — heyy!

Everyone that — trusts my Savior
Never comes into — condemnation
Seek Him! Seek Him! Seek Him! Seek Him!
Heyy-eh yeah!

I’ve found if Christ lives in your heart
God redeems your life
All it takes is Christ inside
To bring us through to the other side
Straight on through to the other side
Straight on through oh
Oh yeah-eh-ehh!

It’s plain to see — we can be
Saved today — now’s the hour
Get His grace — seek and find
Streak on through to the other side
Straight on through to the other side

Straight on through, straight on through
Straight on through, straight on through
Straight! Straight! Straight! Straight!
Straight! Straight! Straight! Straight!
Yeah!

[ ApologetiX – “Braggadocious” album ]

SONG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9bDhhR2KXA

“Good News/Bad News”

This is a Gospel presentation and personal testimony of J. Jackson, lead vocalist of ApologetiX from their 20th anniversary concert. It is available on 20:20 Vision.

Video (audio only): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q21Jnaq-EL8

<<< DEEP THOUGHTS >>>

“On Earth, there is no heaven, but there are pieces of it.”
[ Jules Renard ]

“There are places on earth where we can catch a glimpse on heaven.”
[ Anthony D. Williams ]

“Comfort’s in Heaven, and we are on the Earth.”
[ William Shakespeare ]

“Leaders in touch with Heaven can move Earth.”
[ Reggie McNeal ]

“Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal.”
[ Thomas Moore ]

“Pennies do not come from Heaven. They have to be created here on Earth.”
[ Margaret Thatcher ]

“There’s a heaven on earth that so few ever find, though the map’s in your soul and the road’s in your mind.”
[ Dan Fogelberg ]

“If Heaven is a world of love, then the way to Heaven is the way of love.”
[ Jonathan Edwards ]

“And doubtless, that which is a part of the happiness of Heaven is pleasant and delightful here in this world.”
[ Jonathan Edwards ]

“Whatever good thing you do for Him, if done according to the Word, is laid out for you as treasure in chests and coffers, to be brought out to be rewarded before both men and angels, to your eternal comfort.”
[ John Bunyan ]

“He who provides for this life but takes not care for eternity is wise for a moment but a fool forever.”
[ John Tillotson ]

“When I go down to the grave I can say, like many others, ‘I have finished my day’s work!’ But I cannot say, ‘I have finished my life.’ My day’s work will begin again the next morning. The tomb is not a blind alley; it is a thoroughfare! It closes on the twilight, it opens on the dawn!”
[ Victor Hugo ]

“Either all of life is sacred, or none of it is sacred.”
[ Malcolm Muggeridge ]

“Do not forget that the value and interest of life is not so much to do conspicuous things… as to do ordinary things with the perception of their enormous value.”
[ Teilhard de Chardin ]

“Sing like no one is listening.
Love like you’ve never been hurt.
Dance like nobody’s watching,
and live like it’s heaven on earth.”
[ Susanna Clarke ]

“When we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that’s present … we experience heaven on earth.”
[ Sarah Ban Breathnach ]

“Bless be the ones who serve others. They are the ones who find heaven on earth.”
[ Harbhajan Singh Yogi ]

“A heaven on earth I have won by wooing Thee.”
[ William Shakespeare ]

“Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither.”
[ C. S. Lewis ]

“To know God’s love is indeed heaven on earth.”
[ J. I. Packer ]

“Something’s moving, something’s changing. See His glory feels like heaven on earth.”
[ Micah Stampley ]

“He is a fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”
[ Jim Elliot ]

“I have found Heaven on earth, since Heaven is God, and God is in my soul.”
[ Elizabeth of the Trinity ]

“Hearts on earth say in the course of a joyful experience, ‘I don’t want this ever too end.’ But it invariably does. The hearts of those in haven’t say, ‘I want this to go on forever.’ And it will. There can be no better news than this.”
[ J. I. Packer ]

“We shall have all eternity in which to celebrate our victories, but we have only one swift hour before the sunset in which to win them.”
[ Robert Moffatt ]

“The judgment seat is meant for us professing Christians, real and imperfect Christians; and it tells us that there are degrees in that future blessedness proportion to present faithfulness.”
[Alexander McLaren]

“The Bible describes the judgment seat of Christ for one main purpose: to affect the way we think and live—to motivate us to anticipate with joy his return and to live our lives to please him.”
[Joe Wall]

“The small will be great. The forgotten will be remembered. The unnoticed will be crowned, and the faithful will be honored… your day is coming. What the world has over luck, your Father has remembered, and sooner than you can imagine, you will be blessed by him.”
[ Max Lucado ]

“This is the law of rewards: While our faith determines our eternal destination, our behavior determines our eternal rewards.”
[ Randy Alcorn ]

“We provide tangible assets for ourselves in heaven by giving away tangible assets on earth.”
[ Randy Alcorn ]

“You can’t take it with you, but you can send it on ahead.”
[ Randy Alcorn ]

“The Single greatest contributor to our inability to see money and possessions in their true light is our persistent failure to see our present lives through the lens of eternity.”
[ Randy Alcorn ]

“We who have found Jesus and faith and love Him have found Heaven on Earth!
[ David Berg ]

“Reward Principle #1: Giving brings greater blessing that receiving.”
[ Randy Alcorn ]

“Reward Principle #2: When we invest money now in God’s kingdom, we will receive great rewards later in Heaven.”
[ Randy Alcorn ]

“Reward Principle #3: God offers us rewards that are eternal, personable, and inexhaustible.”
[ Randy Alcorn ]

“Reward Principle #4: When we see our lives through the lens of eternity, our attitudes toward wealth will change drastically.”
[ Randy Alcorn ]

“Reward Principle #5: Obeying God is not only right, it’s smart. It will always pay off in the end.”
[ Randy Alcorn ]

“Reward Principle #6: We Will have differing levels of reward in heaven, depending on our actions and choices on earth.”
[ Randy Alcorn ]

“Reward Principle #7: Desiring rewards is a proper motivation for serving Christ.”
[ Randy Alcorn ]

“Reward Principle #8: We are not to be motivated primarily by earthly power, possessions, and pleasures, yet we are offered all three in Heaven if we invest now in God’s kingdom.”
[ Randy Alcorn ]

“At death we put the signature on our life’s portrait. The paint dries, the portrait’s done. Ready or not.”
[ Randy Alcorn ]

“Our life is but a moment, a breath. It’s a tick of the clock. A blink of an eye. A click of the fingers. You get one life, one chance. And there’s no reply, no rewind. Don’t live for the moment. Live for eternity.”
[ Tim Chester ]

“Will reward the child who gave to the missions offering the money she’d saved up for a softball mitt. He’ll reward the teenager who kept himself pure despite all the temptations. He’ll reward the man who tenderly cared for his wife with Alzheimer’s, the mother who raised a child with cerebral palsy, the child who rejoice despite his handicap. He’ll reward the parent who modeled Christ to their children and the children who’ve followed him despite their parents’ bad example. He’ll reward those who suffered while trusting him, and those who hold the ones who were suffering. He’ll reward the couple who downsized, selling their large house to live in a small want to give all the money away to missions.”
[ Randy Alcorn ]

“Five minutes after we die every Christian will understand that Heaven is our home and earth was simply a temporary lodging on the homeward journey. Then we’ll know for certain what was important and what wasn’t. We will see with eternity’s clarity. We will know exactly how we should have lived.”
[ Randy Alcorn ]

“Life is eternity’s sunrise.”
[ Mark Besh ]

RELATED SCRIPTURE VERSES:

Heaven On Earth:
https://www.openbible.info/topics/heaven_on_earth

Paradise:
https://www.openbible.info/topics/paradise

Nirvana:
https://www.openbible.info/topics/nirvana

Regrets:
https://www.openbible.info/topics/regret

Earthly Works:
https://www.openbible.info/topics/earthly_works

Works:
https://www.openbible.info/topics/works

Rewards:
https://www.openbible.info/topics/rewards

Heavenly Rewards:
https://www.openbible.info/topics/heavenly_rewards

Judgment Seat of Christ:
https://www.openbible.info/topics/judgment_seat_of_christ

Rewards on Earth:
https://www.openbible.info/topics/rewards_on_earth

Treasures:
https://www.openbible.info/topics/treasures

Storing Up Treasures:
https://www.openbible.info/topics/storing_up_treasures

The New Heaven:
https://www.openbible.info/topics/the_new_heaven

“A quick summary of the Christian “Gospel”:
JESUS’ PROPITIATION made our SINS FORGIVEN and IMPUTED RIGHTEOUSNESS to us so that we have GOD’S ACCEPTANCE into His Heaven and receive ETERNAL LIFE.”
[ Mark Besh ]

Hope you enjoyed some of these insights—share them with your friends and colleagues—so we can have a larger ’pool’ to receive from, and more to share with! Also, remember to include your name as the “source,” if some of this wisdom is of your doing. I would like to give credit where credit is due!

<<< FOCUS VERSES >>>

“I have seen the task which God has given the sons of men with which to occupy themselves. He has made everything appropriate in its time.”
[ Ecclesiastes 3:10-11 ]

“All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way.”
[ Isaiah 53:6 ]

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
[ Matthew 5:3-12 ]

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
[ Matthew 5:16 ]

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
[ Matthew 6:19-21 ]

“But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
[ Matthew 6:33 ]

“The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good.”
[ Matthew 12:35 ]

“His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.[a] You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’”
[ Matthew 25:21 ]

“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked in you clothe me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.”
[ Matthew 25:35-36 ]

“Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of mine, even the least of them, you did it to me.”
[ Matthew 25:40 ]

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
[ Matthew 28:19-20a ]

“Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who abuse you.”
[ Luke 6:27-28 ]

“But love your enemies, and do good, and land, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great.”
[ Luke 6:35 ]

“The master commended the dishonest manager because he acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are shrewder in dealing with their kind than are the people of the light.”
[ Luke 16:8 ]

“I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourself so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.”
[ Luke 16:9 ]

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So, if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?”
[ Luke 16:10-12 ]

“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
[ Luke 16:13 ]

“So you also when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’”
[ Luke 17:10 ]

“So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. ‘Put this money to work,’ he said, ‘until I come back.’”
[ Luke 19:13 ]

“Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
[ Luke 23:43 ]

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
[ 1 Corinthians 10:31 ]

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.”
[ 2 Corinthians 5:10 ]

“Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.”
[ 2 Corinthians 9:6 ]

“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
[ 2 Corinthians 9:7 ]

“He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.”
[ 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 ]

“So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
[ Galatians 6:10 ]

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
[ Ephesians 2:10 ]

“Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does.”
[ Ephesians 6:7-8 ]

“set their minds on the things above.”
[ Colossians 3:2

“Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for man, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ who you serve.”
[ Colossians 3:23-24 ]

“The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.”
[ 1 Timothy 1:5 ]

“Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.”
[ 2 Timothy 2:21-22 ]

“It is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment.”
[ Hebrews 9:27 ]

“These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.”
[ Hebrews 11:13 ]

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”
[ James 1:17 ]

“Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
[ James 2:17b ]

“You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.”
[ James 2:22 ]

“As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.”
[ James 2:26 ]

“Who it is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.”
[ James 3:13 ]

“Humble yourself, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you.”
[ 1 Peter 5:6 ]

“The world is passing away… But the one who does the will of God lives forever.”
[ 1 John 2:17 ]

“Watch yourselves, that you do not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward.”
[ 2 John 8 ]

“And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!”
[ Revelation 14:13 ]

If you have a ‘neat’ story or some thoughts about an issue or current event that you would like me to try to respond to, I would be glad to give it a try…so, send them to me at: mbesh@comcast.net

Disclaimer: All the above jokes and inspirations are obtained from various sources and copyright is used when known. Other than our name and headers, we do not own the copyright to any of the materials sent to this list. We just want to spread the ministry of God’s love and cheerfulness throughout the world.

Mark

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LIFE'S DEEP THOUGHTS