From Here to Eternity

This series of sermons is dealing with Biblical insights related to from here to eternity.

Life After our Journey here on earth according to the Biblical Christian view. Hell, Heaven, and Destiny, What does it all mean?

Interpretation of Eternal things based on the true Biblical Christian Foundation. We see the unseen through our faith vision.

Application and Transformation of this now moments based on our view of the eternal. How does it matter? What changes are expected in the now?

Life After our Journey here on earth according to the Biblical Christian view. Hell, Heaven, and Destiny, What does it all mean?

Someone made a statement that there is no life after death. They said, “When you die you just turn back to dust.” They went on to describe the process as the worms eat your flesh and you are gone. That is it. Life is over.

Well, of course, that is not the Biblical Christian world view. That person had no acceptance of the Christian view, teaching, or vision of God related to life after death. Their view of here to eternity was really cut off.

When I accepted the call and became a minister at a youth age, I remember visiting my grandparents regularly. They were all Christians, church members, and leaders in their country church. Knowing that I was a student of the Bible, they would ask questions. One was, “Danny, what do you believe heaven will be like?” They never asked, “Do you believe there is life after death?” That was already affirmed in their lives and taught to their children. So we discussed the Biblical and Christ’s teaching about heaven. The discussion would usually go for a while and conclude with , “You know I love the thought that if we were to visit there it would be so wonderful that we would not want to come back to earth even with the joy of being with family and friends here. As the Apostle Paul said, “Eye has not seen, neither ear heard the things God has prepared for those who love Him.”

Recently, I had someone to ask, “Do you believe in hell?” My response was I believe in Jesus Christ as presented in the Bible as God’s Word. He spoke about hell and used illustrations related to it. Obvious, hell may not be actually what has been traditionally defined and viewed at various times in history or as artist have pictured in many paintings or radical presentations. However, if Jesus spoke of it, it must be a real place after life on earth. God is a Holy and just God. He does not want people to be separated from Him or the heavenly Father forever. He does not want grief or pain. Besides the teachings of Jesus, we understand in the Christian world view that, just as there is a gift of heaven through God’s grace, there must be a true form of hell that existed beyond this life that declares righteousness and justice. That is part of God’s Holiness, justice, mercy, and grace. He is in charge.

The pastor I grew up under was a very dedicated man of God his entire life. He baptized me and ordained me in the ministry before his retirement. I remember he used to say,

“ You know if I find out that much of the Christian way is not as I have interpreted it during the years of my walk and service I will not regret my decisions to follow Jesus Christ and serve Him through the years.”

Now, when I first heard him say this I thought is he express doubt or uncertainty. Then I realized that He was saying, I know that for the past, present, and future I will never regret trusting and following the Lord. The peace, joy, and hope involved in trusting Him will never be disappointing no matter what He reveals.

This is Danny Morris with Bible Insight Part one of “From Here to Eternity.” We live by faith and know God is taking care of us. Trust Him and join us for part two of “From Here to Eternity.”

Interpretation of Eternal things based on the true Biblical Christian Foundation.

We see the unseen through our and more God’s revealed faith vision. So how do you what the future especially the things after this life from here to eternity. Obviously, for us as Christians it has to be based on the Bible as God’s wonderful and Holy Word. When the Apostle Paul was writing to young Timothy counseling him as a young Christian leader. He gave us 2 Timothy 3:16-17

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

The scripture is filled with content about life from here to eternity. As you study it you will discover the beauty and wonder of the life to come. Heaven is real and a place Jesus has gone to prepare for you as you trust him and give him your life. Jesus warns there is a penalty for sin

It is most important that we provide the correct teaching of God’s Word. Understanding comes from serious study, guidance from the Holy Spirit, and connections with true believers today and historically. It is with that foundation that I affirm my beliefs and understanding about the eternal things or the hereafter. Obviously, in so many ways as stated in Hebrews we only see through the glass faintly when it comes to these future events. However, we want to make sure that we following the true spiritual insights and not be misguided or misguide others.

We are living in a time when inventions and discoveries are made all most every day that helps in our understandings and decision making. However, often times they can be very misguiding. That may guide us in our interpretation of Old Testament or New Testament writings. Here are a couple of thoughts that helps me as I read and apply the Bible. First, If I am reading the Old Testament I always want to look in the New Testament to see what Jesus says about the specific scripture. Since He is the son of God it is very important to consider His revelation of the Word. Second, if there is some new scientific or archeological discovery that indicates to me that the way I have been interpreting the Old or New Testament writings is different than I have been understanding, I do not want to ignore it. However, I am going to continue my traditional view until and unless it is an obvious misinterpretation. Then I, as always, seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance to the true interpretation.

This is the case with the interpretation with the life after this one. Our best understanding is the revelations given in the Bible especially from the word and teaching of Jesus. He taught that we do not really die if we trust in Him and that we have abundant and eternal life. He taught that He had overcome the world even death. His resurrection and affirmation that we will be with Him affirms His victory from here to eternality.

Join us next time for Bible Insights Part 3 from Here to Eternity

This is Danny Morris with 3Streams. Today

Application and Transformation of this now moments based on our view of the eternal. How does it matter? What changes are expected in the now?

A. God is a Holy and Just God

Throughout Biblical History we learn that God is a Holy and a just God. That coupled with the foundation truth that God is love perpetuates our understanding of who God is and what He is like. The Spirit of God teaches us through out the Old Testament the value of His commandments, His providential hand, prophetic of the coming events, protection from the enemies weather they be spiritual or physical, and the patience and grace of our Lord.

The New Testament reveals the new covenant God has made with us through the Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. As the Revelations 22: 12 -13 declares: “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.”

Therefore, from here to creation and from here to eternity, Jesus is in it with the one God who is describes as Father, son, and Holy Spirit. His Word and His Truth endures:

Beyond the now is Heaven and the rewards of grace for those who affirm relations with Jesus

Beyond the now is Hell as a lost relationship and a justice for those separated from the Lord

Then is the now is the abundant life with hope and victory the eternal God provides through His son and his Spirit with each of us trusting in Jesus. He lives in our lives. He empowers us and guides us daily. He prays for us every moment. He will never leave us or forsake us. Just as He walked upon this earth He will come again to receive us unto Himself so that where He is we can be also. We have an awesome God.

The New King James Version. (1982). (Re 22:12–13). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

The New King James Version Chapter 22

12 “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.”

The New International Version Chapter 18

Luke 18:8

8 I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”

All of this affirms our God is a victorious from here to eternity.

B. He is reveals His love and grace for you and me

C. Our response of faith and trust is expressed in our works and action plans. . .

If we love Him we seek to keep His commandment

If we love Him and are thankful we are to be witnesses

If we love Him and trust Him we care for others.

Each day I get an email sharing who my neighbors are that remind me to pray for them.

from Bless Every home

Everyday Jesus is praying for us.

Thanks for joining at 3Streams.Today. Connect with us often for Bible Insights and Inspirations to encourage, increase faith, and prayer.

October 6, 2020