Heaven is a Mystery Will we know each other in heaven? We will not understand…
Category: Eternity
God confers a heavenly citizenship when we become Christian. Our new citizenship may demand difficult…
Peter was the first apostle to confess his belief in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus blesses Peter and declares “the gates of Hades shall not prevail” against His church. Like Jesus, Hades cannot hold His church. Jesus has the keys of Hades and His church will gain victory over Death and Hades in the resurrection. Contrary to what some may think, the Bible does not teach purgatory. After we draw our last breath, our destiny is fixed and our only hope is in Jesus Christ.
The Preacher writes in Ecclesiastes 8:11, “Because the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.” If a criminal successfully eludes being caught, he is certainly going to be more willing to commit the crime again. Unfortunately, man has this same outlook on their spiritual life. Because God does not come quickly, man is inclined to commit evil. Man says, God has not come yet, so I’m safe to continue in sin.
In Ecclesiastes 3:1, Solomon writes: “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven”.
In the seven verses that follow, Solomon goes on to provide a handful of examples that cover the broad spectrum of the human experience; from birth, gain, love, peace and laughter to death, loss, hate, war and mourning. A sampling of both things we spend great amounts of time, energy and resources trying to fill our short lives with, coupled with those we go to equally great lengths trying to avoid altogether. Nonetheless, the wise and inspired writer tells us that each has its rightful place in our lives and that God has made them all beautiful in their time (Ecclesiastes 3:11).
“The boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.’ And Peter answered Him and said, ‘Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.’ So He said, ‘Come.’ And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, ‘Lord, save me!’ And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’ And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.” (Matthew 14:24-32)
This singular event in the lives of the disciples teaches us some important lessons about serving the Lord. Lessons for Christians, and otherwise.
“The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in the Prophets: “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.” “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight (Mark 1:1-3 KNJV).’”” Before the arrival of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, God sent a messenger, John the Baptist. His purpose was to prepare the hearts and minds of the Israelites for the coming of their King.
After death man has no more portion of the things done on this earth. No more will the dead receive the rewards of the living. No more will they know or feel the emotions of man. Ecclesiastes 5:15 (also see Job 1:21) tells us, “As he came forth of his mother’s womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand.” Man came with nothing. Man shall leave with nothing this world provides him.