Heaven a Better Country
Notes
Transcript
Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.
1. THE “COUNTRY” CALLED “HEAVEN”
“A better country, that is, heavenly.” Sometimes heaven is described as a city—a kingdom—a temple—an inheritance. In the text it is called a country, doubtless in allusion to the country of Canaan, which was a striking type of the heavenly rest. This heavenly country is only partially revealed to us. Perhaps at present we are not capable of knowing much of its nature, etc. In the text it is, however, stated to be “a better country,” better, infinitely better, than the present world.
Jack realized that this world was not his home and that is why at 12 years old at Pilgrim’s Holiness Church in Pond Cree, OK, he accepted Jesus into his heart as his Savior. He had a Christian mother and father that fostered and developed his relationship with God. That nurturing help him grow in his faith and share it with others.
1) It is a more exalted country. The most glorious part of the creation. Where the God of hosts has His palace—throne—court, etc. The heaven of heavens. Full of the the divine glory.
2) It is a more holy country. Not polluted. No sin within its happy lands.
3) It is a more healthy country. Sin is the cause of disease; therefore, as there is no sin, there is no curse. No bodily, no mental, no spiritual afflictions are there.
Jack had a very healthy life. He realized that in order for him to be the best in all areas of his life, he had to take care of himself. His relationship with God shows what the Lord can do through someone who is available to do His will. He was a star basketball player at NWOSU. Starting the women’s basketball team and men’s golf team at East Texas Baptist College tells you of his love for people and sports. What an amazing accomplishment! Why would he work so hard to do these things? He had such joy in God and through these experiences, he was going to share this joy with other young people. He played tennis until he was 85 years old and as I had a nice conversation last Friday night on the phone with Barbara, it shocked me and wore me out just thinking of it.
4) It is a more happy country. Sources of grief and pain, are not feared and unknown. No seeds of bitterness—no crosses—open foes—false friends—imperfect brethren—no poverty—nor sorrows—nor toil—no fears—no temptation—no death. No funeral homes, no hospitals, no medication, no disabilities. It will all be a thing of our distant past. Love conquered it all!
Jack experienced happiness in this world that cannot be measured. Happiness that overflowed as a blessing from God. His wife Ruth Ann was an amazing joy in his life. A sincere and Christian wife and helpmate, they journeyed through life hand in hand. As her health declined, he took care of her until he could no longer do so. THATS LOVE! THATS HAPPINESS! It’s happiness and joy in the midst of trials. It is happiness just to be with each other for another day. And that happiness brought them through 64 years of marriage! What an accomplishment! What a beautiful story and blessing they left as a legacy of what God can do when He is the center of a home.
Barbara. David. Your dad loved you so much! You both are his greatest joy, pride and happiness for him and your mother. You are a special blessing from God that he treasured each day.
He also treasured and loved his 6 brother and sister in laws that were wonderful to share life’s journey with. There also were many friends and other relatives that were a source, strength, and comfort as they shared life’s journey together.
5) It is a more abiding country. Not to be visitors but residents. Not visitors for a season, but inhabitants forever. That inheritance is incorruptible—that crown does not fade—that kingdom is an everlasting kingdom.
6) It is a better country, as it is the place of perfection and absolute glory. Perfect capacities—perfect enjoyment—perfect security—perfect employment—perfect day. Unclouded light. The height of glory. Bliss unchanging and unchangeable.
2. THE COUNTRY ALL BELIEVERS DESIRE
1) We have secured a title to it. By faith in Christ Jesus we are accepted of God, are His children, and, if children, then heirs, etc. “Begotten again to a lively hope,” etc. Names written in heaven.
2) We are longing to enjoy it. That better country is a heavenly one. It is necessary, therefore, that we be heavenly. Born from above. Heavenly nature. Heavenly dispositions. Heavenly conversation, etc.
3) We labor and pray for it. We express our desires to God. Seek grace to enable us to travel onward until we appear perfect before the God of gods in Zion.
4) We talk of it, and live in the hope of its eternal enjoyment. We seek the company of heaven-bound travelers. Speak of the glories of that kingdom. And our souls glow with the hope of dwelling in it forever and ever.
But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as indeed the rest of mankind do, who have no hope.
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose from the dead, so also God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep through Jesus.
In the wishes for his service that he left, he wanted you to know that he had a firm faith in the promises of God. These promises will join us together again with Jack one day and we will never be separated again. We will spend all eternity together with our Heavenly Father and all His children. What a comfort on a day such as this.
We mourn his loss and we recognize that there is something much greater than this earth can offer. His yearning is now reality as he is at home with Jesus. May we follow his legacy of faith and develop and foster that same yearning for home. For something so much better. For a better country.
Barry L. Davis, 52 Funeral Sermons, Pulpit Outlines Series (Barry Davis, 2013), 46–47.