Have
we missed something big about heaven?
If
we focus too much on heaven as a place for us to go in
the future, then we might miss that heaven is special because it is
full of God's presence. If we focus too much on heaven as a place for
us to go in the future, then we might miss that God's
presence can be found among us even today (we get a glimpse of heaven
on earth).
We
sometimes get the idea that we will one day leave this cursed earth
to go to the wonderful place called heaven. Notice some of the
Scriptures we looked at within the last 2 weeks and what they focus
on... Revelation 21:1-5, 10, 22-24; 2 Peter 3:10-13
I
believe the key can be found the Lord's model prayer – Matthew 6:9-13
Daniel2 – prophecy about God's kingdom spreading over EARTH! (see v.35 &
v.44)
“Repent,
for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” (Matthew 3:2, 4:17, 10:7)
Matthew 13 parables
-
sower (3-9, 18-23): the entire parable takes place here on earth!
(v.23)
-
wheat & weeds (24-30, 37-43): “the field is the world...”
(v.38)
-
mustard seed (31-32): seed growth – takes place here on earth or in
heaven?
-
leaven/yeast (33): spread of the kingdom – does it happen on earth
or in heaven?
-
hidden treasure (44): Where was this treasure found? - heaven or
earth?
-
pearl of great price (45-46): Do we go to heaven before we find this
pearl?
-
dragnet (47-50): Where are the fish caught – on earth or in heaven?
* Sometimes,
when we focus the most on heaven is when we turn our attention to the
earth! At least that's what ALL those parables indicate.
The
Temple: God Among His People
God
was working in the early church
Is
God working among the church today? Is His presence here among us /
within us?
If
the answer is yes → why can't we enjoy this NOW & look
forward to future
If the answer is no → what are we going to do to change it & what do we look
forward to?
