Preparing for Heaven

Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the son of man also confess before the angels of God. Luke 12: 8. 

The thought that God can take a poor, sinful, sorrowful human being, and so transform him by grace that he may become an heir of God and joint heir with Jesus, is almost too great for our comprehension. . . . Christ takes upon Him the sins of the transgressor, and imputes to him His righteousness, and by His transforming grace makes him capable of associating with angels and communing with God. 

The refining influence of the grace of God changes the natural disposition of man. Heaven would not be desirable to the carnal- minded; their natural, unsanctified hearts would feel no attraction toward that pure and holy place, and if it were possible for them to enter, they would find there nothing congenial. The propensities that control the natural heart must be subdued by the grace of Christ before fallen man is fitted to enter heaven and enjoy the society of the pure, holy angels. When man dies to sin and is quickened to new life in Christ, divine love fills his heart; his understanding is sanctified; he drinks from an inexhaustible fountain of joy and knowledge, and the light of an eternal day shines upon his path, for with him continually is the Light of life. 

God desires that heaven's plan shall be carried out, and heaven's divine order and harmony prevail, in every family, in every church, in every institution. Did this love leaven society, we should see the outworking of noble principles in Christian refinement and courtesy, and in Christian charity toward the purchase of the blood of Christ. Spiritual transformation would be seen in all our families, in our institutions, in our churches. When this transformation takes place, these agencies will become instrumentalities by which God will impart heaven's light to the world and thus, through divine discipline and training, fit men and women for the society of heaven. 

Jesus has gone to prepare mansions for those who are preparing themselves through His love and grace, for the abodes of bliss.

Witness with Joy & Caring

Scripture: "Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world." (1 Peter 2:12).

An older woman was in the hospital, recovering from an accident. Her nurse noticed that her family came to visit every day, and that all of them, including the patient, were full of joy, in spite of her condition. 

One day, one of these visitors gathered the group for prayer, and asked the nurse to join them as well.

No one had ever offered to pray with the nurse, and, having no religious beliefs, she felt very awkward. Yet, she felt compelled to stay, and she closed her eyes with the others.

The man started by praising the God they were talking to, then requested healing for the patient. He prayed in simple, everyday language, like a child sharing his needs with a loving father. She became so immersed in the atmosphere that she almost missed it when he paused. She looked up and realized that he was asking her name. He shut his eyes to continue the prayer, asking God to bless and guide her! As the prayer came to an end, she was overcome with emotion as she realized that this stranger cared for her!

Through her tears, she explained that she knew something was missing from her life -- was prayer the secret to their joy? They explained that it wasn't the prayer, but Whom they prayed to, that brought them joy. And it wasn't secret or mysterious; they willingly told her how she could come to know God through His Son, Jesus Christ. The man who had prayed gave her his contact information so she could learn more. It turned out he was not a family member, but the pastor of their church.

The family rejoiced with the nurse as she placed her faith in Jesus. Their joyful, loving attitudes had made a huge impression on her, and now she too knew the source of their peace and joy.

Do people turn to God because of how they see you living?

Egypt on the edge again

Much of the world's attention has been riveted on Egypt the past few weeks. First, millions of Egyptians rose up to protest the direction the government of Mohamed Morsi was headed -- directly toward Sharia law and the establishment of an Islamic state. Not to mention the fact that his one-year-old incompetent presidency had also allowed the bottom to drop out of Egypt's economy with no reasonable hope of recovery.

Then, the military stepped in. Many thought Egypt's armed forces, long the stabilizing force in the country, had been neutered by Morsi's removal of senior officers loyal to Hosni Mubarak and their replacement with Islamic loyalist officers. Led by General Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, though, it removed Morsi from office and has since arrested almost all of the senior political and spiritual leadership of the Muslim Brotherhood.

Enraged by the turn of events, pro-Morsi, pro-Brotherhood, and pro-Sharia protesters have staged massive rallies that have been violently disrupted by the military. More than a thousand have died in the confrontations. In the chaos, Muslim mobs have torched scores of Christian churches and businesses throughout Egypt. Many Coptic Christians have been injured and several have died.

The notorious Muslim Brotherhood is one of the world's premier terrorist organizations and the sire of other groups such as Al-Qaeda and Hamas. It was the organization that benefited most from Mubarak's overthrow in 2011. Though long outlawed by the government, it was the best-organized political group at the time of the first elections in the post-Mubarak era. Even though the Brotherhood initially promised not to field a presidential candidate, it reneged and did so, and won. So not only did the Muslim Brotherhood -- which was responsible for the assassination of Anwar Sadat in 1981 -- hold the presidency of Egypt, it controlled the parliament as well.

This military "non-coup" (the U.S. declines to acknowledge it as a coup for legal reasons) has presented a problem for the administration of Barack Obama. He chose to help push Mubarak out of office in February, 2011, in favor of the only viable alternative at the time -- the Muslim Brotherhood. Various administration officials insisted that the Brotherhood was not politically strong enough to take over Egypt. When it did, they denied that the Brotherhood was a dangerous organization, despite its history of terrorism and mayhem. They also tried to deny the Brotherhood's Islamic connection. Remember when James Clapper, Obama's National Intelligence Director, called the Brotherhood "largely secular?" Even the western media gagged on that one!

So now the U.S. strategy is to find "moderate" Muslim Brotherhood members that it can force the Egyptian military to bring back into the government. Apparently, the administration doesn't realize that in Islam, "moderate" equates to "hypocrite." And the Koran insists that devout Muslims "Strive against the disbelievers (that's all non-Muslims) and the hypocrites (that's "moderate" Muslims). Be harsh with them!" (Quran 9:73)

Either the administration doesn't get it -- which is frightening -- or they do get it and don't care -- which is even more frightening!

Speaking of frightening, the level of paranoia across the Middle East is frightening. (However, it's nothing compared to the insane paranoia produced by "political correctness" in America today, which goes beyond frightening to terrifying. But that's been my focus the last few weeks and I'll not revisit it here.) Turkish officials recently detained a bird and accused it of spying for Israel. Seriously.

Villagers found a kestrel -- which is a type of falcon -- with a Tel Aviv University tag attached (no doubt for tracking the bird's migration). Turkish officials identified the bird as an Israeli spy. As funny as that sounds, it's not so unusual. The Times of Israel reports that Israel previously has been accused of using bee-eaters and eagles as spies. An Egyptian official once insisted that "Israel-controlled sharks could be involved in a number of attacks on tourists in the Red Sea."

By the way, x-rays revealed that the kestrel carried no surveillance equipment. Apparently, the charges were dropped and it was eventually released into the wild.

However, it all goes to illustrate the heightened state of uneasiness felt across the world these days. Even though throughout his campaign in 2012, President Obama insisted that he had al-Qaeda "on the run," we seem to be the ones doing the running. From massive university campuses evacuated because of telephoned bomb threats to 19 American embassies and consulates closed across the Middle East because of threatening "chatter," the terrorists seem to be getting exactly what they want: a population on edge and the world's only superpower in retreat -- without a shot being fired.

Not surprisingly, the mainstream media here in the U.S. largely chose to ignore three recent major prison breaks in the Middle East. In Pakistan, Libya, and Iraq, almost 2,000 extremely dangerous imprisoned terrorists escaped. Al-Qaeda apparently stopped running long enough to promise that more prison breakouts are coming and Interpol agrees. In fact, the international police organization has issued an official alert to the entire world.

In Israel, the first 26 of more than 100 prisoners are also on the loose now. This wasn't a breakout, however. It was what I would describe as an "extorted release." You see, the United States is once again pressuring Israel to engage in the laughable facade it chooses to call the "Israeli-Palestinian peace talks."

It's been three years since the sides actually sat down to discuss the "two-state solution." Since John Kerry became Secretary of State earlier this year, he has obsessed over reviving the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. Of course, Israel has been willing to resume the talks at any time, and has often publicly stated as much. The Palestinians, however, have been the reluctant participants.

Relenting under the Secretary's pressure, the Palestinian Authority demanded that Israel release 104 Palestinians currently held in Israeli prisons before it will even come to the table.

Also relenting under the Secretary's pressure, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed to the release.

So now the Palestinians and the Israelis have met twice. The first time to discuss the size and shape of the table. The second time, presumably, to start talking about the issues.

Folks, a dark force menaces the world today and the nations don't know how to handle it. As Christians, we look at these bewildering events and understand that there are powerful supernatural forces at work. The ancient prophets described these days with astonishing accuracy. But God would not have us be afraid. In fact, through his prophet Isaiah He comforted us: "Fear not, for I am with you. Be not dismayed for I am your God. I will uphold you with the right hand of My righteousness." (Isaiah 4:10)

It's time to build up and begin to exercise our "combat faith" by standing firm on the immutable promises of God. He will then help you to enter His peace and rest in the midst of the most violent storms.

The Wonder of Praying

Scripture: "So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of His will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding." (Colossians 1:9).

Every now and then, a person in the news will capture my attention. When this happens, I try to pray for them. People pay attention to celebrities; they have a lot of power to influence others -- for good or for evil. I pray that those famous people will come to know the Lord and respect His ways, so they themselves can receive God's blessing, and because of their influence, share it with others.

Please the Lord

I sometimes think about what it would be like to be a celebrity who influences others. The truth is, we don't need to be famous to affect others. When the Apostle Paul prayed for his friends in Colossi, he hoped that "the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better” (Colossians 1:10). Living humble, Spirit-filled lives, we can trust God that others will notice and, we hope, follow the example God lets us provide.

Endure and Be Patient

When you pray for your friends and family, and strive to live a godly life before them, some will accept God's salvation, but others will not. This can be frustrating, but St. Paul continued in his prayer, "that you will be strengthened with all His glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father” (Colossians 1:11-12a). You might not see the results of your prayers, but God knows your efforts; and your influence is valuable to those around you.

Share the Inheritance

God has given us an amazing gift, one that cannot run out nor be "used up." We are blessed to be able to share His love and the message of His salvation. St. Paul wrote, "He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to His people, who live in the light" (Colossians 1:12b). When it comes down to it, one of the best ways to influence people is to love God, live for Him, and help lead others to His eternal life.

Your Friends and Family are Special to God

Scripture: "The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9).

A friend of mine just told me about a television show she likes. She said, "When I find something really good, I get excited, and I want to tell my friends about it." What about you? is there anything you think is really wonderful, which you want to tell people about?

Amazing Things

One day, in the course of His travels, Jesus stopped at a well in a Samaritan village. He met a woman there and told her amazing things, revealing, "I AM the Messiah!" (John 4:26). She was so excited that she "left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone" (John 4:28). Have you ever learned something so amazing that you can’t wait to tell everyone about it?

His Message

On the morning of Jesus' resurrection, His followers found His tomb empty, but "they still hadn’t understood the Scriptures that said Jesus must rise from the dead" (John 20:9). Mary Magdalene stayed behind, weeping. But Jesus appeared to her, proving His triumph over death. He instructed her to tell the others about the miracle, and she obeyed: "Mary Magdalene found the Disciples and told them, 'I have seen the Lord!' Then she gave them His message" (John 20:18). When the Lord instructs you to share His words, how do you respond?

Good News

When the Samaritan woman told her people about Jesus, "many Samaritans from the village believed in Jesus because [of what] the woman had said" (John 4:39). But when Mary Magdalene "told [the Disciples] that Jesus was alive and she had seen Him, they didn’t believe her" (Mark 16:11) until He appeared to them Himself.

Jesus told His followers, "Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone" (Mark 16:15). Today, His followers carry on with the task. As in Jesus’ day, some will believe; but other times, even our dearest friends or family members will refuse God’s truth. When the Lord asks you to tell others the Good News, will you run to do it, like the Samaritan woman and Mary Magdalene?

Ever- Widening Influence

In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech, that cannot be condemned. Titus 2: 7, 8. 

The life of Christ was an ever- widening, shoreless influence, an influence that bound Him to God and to the whole human family. Through Christ, God has invested man with an influence that makes it impossible for him to live to himself. Individually we are connected with our fellow men, a part of God's great whole, and we stand under mutual obligations. No man can be independent of his fellow men; for the well- being of each affects others. It is God's purpose that each shall feel himself necessary to others' welfare, and seek to promote their happiness. . . . 

By the atmosphere surrounding us, every person with whom we come in contact is consciously or unconsciously affected. . . . 

Our words, our acts, our dress, our deportment, even the expression of the countenance, has an influence. . . . If by our example we aid others in the development of good principles, we give them power to do good. In their turn they exert the same influence upon others, and they upon still others. Thus by our unconscious influence thousands may be blessed. . .

Character is power. The silent witness of a true, unselfish, godly life carries an almost irresistible influence. By revealing in our own life the character of Christ we co- operate with Him in the work of saving souls. It is only by revealing in our life His character that we can co- operate with Him. And the wider the sphere of our influence, the more good we may do. When those who profess to serve God follow Christ's example, practicing the principles of the law in their daily life; when every act bears witness that they love God supremely and their neighbor as themselves, then will the church have power to move the world. 

But never should it be forgotten that influence is no less a power of evil. To lose one's own soul is a terrible thing; but to cause the loss of other souls is still more terrible. . . . It is only through the grace of God that we can make a right use of this endowment.

Perfection Now?

Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. Matt. 5: 48. 

When God gave His Son to the world, He made it possible for men and women to be perfect by the use of every capability of their beings to the glory of God. In Christ He gave to them the riches of His grace, and a knowledge of His will. As they would empty themselves of self, and learn to walk in humility, leaning on God for guidance, men would be enabled to fulfill God's high purpose for them. 

Perfection of character is based upon that which Christ is to us. If we have constant dependence on the merits of our Saviour, and walk in His footsteps, we shall be like Him, pure and undefiled. 

Our Saviour does not require impossibilities of any soul. He expects nothing of His disciples that He is not willing to give them grace and strength to perform. He would not call upon them to be perfect if He had not at His command every perfection of grace to bestow on the ones upon whom He would confer so high and holy a privilege. . . . 

Our work is to strive to attain in our sphere of action the perfection that Christ in His life on the earth attained in every phase of character. He is our example. In all things we are to strive to honor God in character. . . . We are to be wholly dependent on the power that He has promised to give us. 

Jesus revealed no qualities, and exercised no powers, that men may not have through faith in Him. His perfect humanity is that which all His followers may possess, if they will be in subjection to God as He was. 

Our Saviour is a Saviour for the perfection of the whole man. He is not the God of part of the being only. The grace of Christ works to the disciplining of the whole human fabric. He made all. He has redeemed all. He has made the mind, the strength, the body as well as the soul, partaker of the divine nature, and all is His purchased possession. He must be served with the whole mind, heart, soul, and strength. Then the Lord will be glorified in His saints in even the common, temporal things with which they are connected. "Holiness unto the Lord" will be in the inscription placed upon them.

Reveals God's Character

The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, long suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth. Ex. 34: 6. 

All the light of the past, all the light which shines in the present and reaches forth into the future, as revealed in the Word of God, is for every soul who will receive it. The glory of this light, which is the very glory of the character of Christ, is to be manifested in the individual Christian, in the family, in the church, in the ministry of the Word, and in every institution established by God's people. All these the Lord designs shall be symbols of what can be done for the world. They are to be types of the saving power of the truths of the gospel. . . . 

By beholding the goodness, the mercy, the justice, and the love of God revealed in the church, the world is to have a representation of His character. . . . 

In order to manifest the character of God . . . we must become personally acquainted with God. If we have fellowship with God, we are His ministers, though we may never preach to a congregation. We are workers together with God in presenting the perfection of His character in humanity. 

God has enjoined the duty upon His human agents to communicate the character of God, testifying to His grace, His wisdom, and His benevolence, by manifesting His refined, tender, merciful love. . . . 

Our work is to restore the moral image of God in man through the abundant grace given us of God by Jesus Christ. . . . Oh, how much we need to know Jesus and our heavenly Father that we may represent Him in character! 

The soul that is transformed by the grace of Christ will admire His divine character. . . . The less we see to esteem in ourselves, the more we shall see to esteem in the infinite purity and loveliness of our Saviour. A view of our sinfulness drives us to Him who can pardon; and when the soul, realizing its helplessness, reaches out after Christ, He will reveal Himself in power. The more our sense of need drives us to Him and to the Word of God, the more exalted views we shall have of His character, and the more fully we shall reflect His image.

We Work with the Holy Spirit

Scripture: "It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements." - The Apostles and Elders in (Acts 15:28). "Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives." (Galatians 5:25).

Jesus promised His Holy Spirit during His earthly ministry. After He died and then rose from the dead, He appeared to His friends, Disciples, and "more than 500 of his followers at one time" (1 Corinthians 15:6). He instructed, "Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift He promised... In just a few days, you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit" (Acts 1:4-5).

The Working

The Spirit of God began working miracles through these simple people. Peter, who had been so frightened by the events surrounding the death of Jesus that he denied ever having known and been friends with Jesus, was suddenly bold enough to address a large crowd. He told them, "God raised Jesus from the dead, and we are all witnesses of this. Now He is exalted to the place of highest honor in heaven, at God’s right hand. And the Father, as He had promised, gave Him the Holy Spirit to pour out upon us, just as you see and hear today" (Acts 2:32-33).

Because of the powerful witness, "those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day — about 3,000 in all" (Acts 2:41). Three-thousand new Believers of Jesus in one day -- what a testament to the power of the Spirit!

The Leading

God's provision of the Spirit was not just for those first followers. When someone accepts God's gift of forgiveness of sin and salvation through Jesus Christ, they "will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38). The Holy Spirit aids us in turning our lives toward God: "those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit... letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace" (Romans 8:5-6).

As Jesus's followers, we are instructed to take God's message of forgiveness and salvation "to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). Like the Apostles, we are not expected to do God's work by ourselves. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit "will guide you into all truth" (John 16:13). So we know we can depend on the Lord to lead us in His work.

Are You Angry with God?

Scripture: "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." (Romans 8:28).

Why do bad things happen to good people? Why is there so much injustice in the world?

Life Is Unfair

Sin in our world makes it difficult to understand the world as God wants it to be. Bad things happen to "good people," and "good people" sometimes let - or even make - bad things happen. "Everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard" (Romans 3:23). It is so easy to want to sin. Why is life not easier? You might wonder, Why would God make a world where horrible things can happen? You might even be furious with Him. But injustice exists because of sin; God created people "for [His] glory" (Isaiah 43:10).

God Is Just

The Lord said, "I love justice" (Isaiah 61:8), but He hates sin. We cannot hope to understand Him nor our place in the world if we cannot understand that He is righteous, holy, and loving. Bad things happen; however "God does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent" (2 Peter 3:9). The Creator's "purpose was for the nations to seek after God" (Acts 17:27). After sin entered the world, He revealed part of His plan, teaching us to obey: "[The Law] was given alongside the promise to show people their sins" (Galatians 3:19). People could not be justified by the Law alone, but by faith: the Law "protected us until we could be made right with God through faith" (Galatians 3:24).

Trust in Him, Not the World

God sent us Jesus to restore the balance between justice and love. The unfair death of righteous Jesus Christ paid the penalty for the sins of us unrighteous people. "God will also count us as righteous if we believe in Him, the One Who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead" (Romans 4:24). That is why we trust in the Lord as our Saviour -- He paid the price; we accept that gift in faith. The world tells us that we should be angry with a Creator Who allows bad things to happen, but God gave everything (in the death of His Son, Jesus) to show us His love and justice.

Amazing Transformations

For we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men. 1 Cor. 4: 9. 

The Lord Jesus is making experiments on human hearts through the exhibition of His mercy and abundant grace. He is effecting transformations so amazing that Satan, with all his triumphant boasting, with all his confederacy of evil united against God and the laws of His government, stands viewing them as a fortress impregnable to his sophistries and delusions. They are to him an incomprehensible mystery. The angels of God, seraphim and cherubim, the powers commissioned to cooperate with human agencies, look on with astonishment and joy, that fallen men, once children of wrath, are through the training of Christ developing characters after the divine similitude, to be sons and daughters of God, to act an important part in the occupations and pleasure of heaven. 

To His church, Christ has given ample facilities, that He may receive a large revenue of glory from His redeemed, purchased possession. The church, being endowed with the righteousness of Christ, is His depository, in which the wealth of His mercy, His love, His grace, is to appear in full and final display. The declaration in His intercessory prayer, that the Father's love is as great toward us as toward Himself, the only- begotten Son, and that we shall be with Him where He is, forever one with Christ and the Father, is a marvel to the heavenly host, and it is their great joy. The gift of His Holy Spirit, rich, full, and abundant, is to be to His church as an encompassing wall of fire, which the powers of hell shall not prevail against. In their untainted purity and spotless perfection, Christ looks upon His people as the reward of all His suffering, His humiliation, and His love, and the supplement of His glory-- Christ, the great center from which radiates all glory. 

All heaven is watching those agencies that are as the hand to work out the purpose of God in the earth, thus doing the will of God in heaven. Such co- operation accomplishes a work that brings honor and glory and majesty to God. Oh, if all would love as Christ has loved, that perishing men might be saved from ruin, what a change would come to our world!