Some Thoughts About Heaven
Notes
Transcript
Intro: Opening Comments -
I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who came out today to pay their respects. You being here today means more to this family than you can possibly know, and on their behalf, I thank you.
To the family I want to say, that while I did not personally know Hal, I knew his reputation in this town. I know that he had a generous heart, he was a selfless person putting everyone before himself, that he was dearly loved and will be greatly missed. I want to encourage you in these next few weeks to lean on each other, to remember the good times to share laughs and tears as they come.
When you watch the next NASCAR race, think of Hal. When you are going through a difficult time, think of your dad’s strength. Wen you’re given a chance to help someone, ask yourself, “What would dad do?” Today we’re not here to mourn his passing, but to memorialized his legacy and the impact he made on this community.
I’m told that Hall was a community man, that is something that is unique to Ramseur. There is a lot of pride in this town and the backbone of this place are the local business owners like Hal. They pour into this town everything they have to make it a better place.
Hal wasn’t just a community man but a family man. He loved his wife, loved his children, and loved his Grandchildren. I know this is difficult, I know this hurts, but as you go through the next few days and weeks, remember how much he loved you, and then take that same fierce love and give it back to one another. That is my encouragement to you today. Let’s pray…Song - Go Rest High
In light of the passing of Mr. Hal Leonard, I want to take a few moments to shares some thoughts about heaven. There is...
A Place of Blessing Beyond Anything Imagined
A Place of Blessing Beyond Anything Imagined
What an encouragement this is, given the struggles which Hal faced in the last days of his life. What a blessing to know that in haven...
There’s no sorrow or suffering
Revelation 21:4 “4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”
There will be no funerals in heaven, no hospitals, no doctors, no pain, and no tears.
There’s no saying goodbye over there
There’s no sin to cause heartache over there.
It is an unfortunate fact f life that the wages or result of sin, is death. Sickness, disease, these are not our enemies, sin is. I'm thankful that, not only is there a place of blessing, but there’s...
A Person Who Made a Way For Us to Go There
A Person Who Made a Way For Us to Go There
God loved us enough to send His Son Jesus, and...
Jesus Loved Us enough to Die for us
John 3:16 “16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
The word “world” just means you.
Jesus paid the penalty for our sins
Hebrews 10:12 “12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;”
What we deserve because of our sin is death, what God offers us through Jesus is life.
He died just so that we could live. That is how He made the way for us to go to heaven. How can we go? Because there’s...
A Plan That We Can Follow to be Sure of Heaven
A Plan That We Can Follow to be Sure of Heaven
To go to heaven...
We Must Believe the Gospel - John 3:36 “36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”
We must come to repentance - Luke 13:3 “3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.”
We must receive Jesus by an act of faith - John 1:12 “12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:”
Believe, repent, receive. What happens when you believe in Jesus? There's...
A Possession Which is Given to All Who Believe and Receive Jesus as Savior
A Possession Which is Given to All Who Believe and Receive Jesus as Savior
Everyone who believes in Jesus ...
Are given eternal life John 3:36 “36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”
Are guaranteed an inheritance in glory 1 Peter 1:3–5 “3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”
In short, for those who place their faith in Jesus, Heaven awaits on the other side of this life.
Conclusion: For a moment I want you ask yourself, “What if this was my memorial service? What if it were me? Where would I spend eternity?”
Friends, I can’t answer that for you, only you can. All I can tell you is that today, before you leave this place, you can know for certain you have a home in heaven. You say, “How can I know for sure that I have a home in heaven?” Simple. By understanding right now that you do not deseve a home in heaven. Why not? Romans 3:23
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Once you realize that you are a sinner and cannot go to heaven, you must believe what the Bible says is true about Jesus, that He loved you and died for you so that you could be with Him
8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
He died for you. That is personal. He died for you, so that you could believe in Him.
30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Let’s bow our heads for prayer.
In a few moments we’ll have one more song, and then I’ll close in prayer, but before we do I wonder if there is anyone here that would be honest right now. No one is looking, and I certainly won’t embarrass you, but I wonder if maybe today God has spoken to your heart about your soul’s destiny. Would you be honest with yourself today? If you are here and you’re not sure if today was your last day that you’d go to heaven, would you just raise your hand? I just want to pray for you, and maybe talk with you if you want to. Anyone like that?