Heaven

A Brand New Series

/ Mike Farley / Leave a comment

Today I am starting a new series called what does the Bible says about it. I cannot say how frequently I will add to this series because some questions require more research, but I will do my best. If you like what you are reading and would like to donate to the cause and help me continue to publish articles like these and others you can by clicking here.

The idea behind this series of articles is simple and started with a question. The question was do I believe that when we die, we go straight to heaven because that is what I have read in the Bible or because that is what people say? It is a simple enough question, and it is also the first one we will look at but the idea behind the question is larger.

Do we believe certain things because it is what the Bible says and teaches or because we have been told that is what the answer is? In all things we need to go back and see what the Bible actually says and means in its message, language, and context. Yes, context is important. Context is important because words only have meaning in context. For example, if I say I am so hungry I could eat a horse do I mean I could eat a literal horse or a large amount? Or am I talking about the size of my hunger and not the size of the meal I intend to eat? When we look at the attire in a church should women still have their head covered or was that a cultural thing and we need to understand the culture behind it?

First a disclaimer I do not live in a mental, emotional, or cultural vacuum. I do have preconceptions and they will bleed through. I am going to do my best to just present the facts as I see them but as best as I can tell pure objectivity does not exist. Some questions are simpler than others and some are more complexed and nuanced. That does not mean that there is no truth. I am not a relativist I believe that there is absolute truth for important topics, but some things are simply preference. For example, what ice cream is best? The answer is it totally depends on your tastebuds, history, family, mood, etc. But a question like did Jesus rise from the grave? Yeah, I see no option but yes based on history and the facts of the early church (yeah, I went there).

So, soon we will have our first post looking to answer the question “when we die do, we go straight to heaven?” This should be fun. Also you can submit your own questions and so we can play along together.

Just a thought,

Mike

There’s a Party

/ Mike Farley / Leave a comment

You are cordially invited to a wedding banquet. This promises to be the celebration to end all celebrations. There has never been nor will there ever be another event like this one. The best food will be served, the best wine (maybe juice) will flow, the best music will be heard, the best scenery will be seen. The band has been practicing for what seems like an eternity. Our gracious and loving Host has spared no expense for this party and it will be spoken about for an eternity. Only family is invited to attend this spectacular celebration and you are fortunate enough to be invited. This is not a party you want to miss because even those on the outside will hear the joy from within.

That is at least how Jesus described heaven. In many places, He said it was going to be a party and Matthew 22 is one of them. Not only is there a party but you are invited! You get to attend this amazing wedding celebration that is going to happen. Can you imagine what this is going to be like? No of course not because we cannot dream up the awesome splendor of God. We cannot fathom His goodness, love, and glory. We cannot comprehend the richness and depth of His great love. His ways are so beyond ours that at best we can tell there will be an awe-inspiring event, but we cannot possibly know how awesome. It is going to be epic in the truest sense of the word.

Every tribe tongue, nation, and people will be there. Old, young, white, black, those born today, and those born a thousand years before we know will all be there in attendance. Some will speak Chinese, some French, some English, some Celtic, some will speak languages long lost, and some not yet known. There will be people telling stories about how they got invited and tears of joy will flow as lost loved ones are reunited. People will tell of how one action led to another and then their entire village became invited. Some will find out they helped invite without knowing if they would come and they will sing for joy when they see them there. Oh, it is going to be glorious.

When I think about heaven like this it is no wonder that I have no choice but to tell everyone. How could I possibly keep silent about this wedding we are invited to? How can I possibly not devote my life to telling everyone? How could I not with joy and love ask you to partner too?

Oh, and I forgot one important detail… you’re in the wedding! Not as some oddly dressed bridesmaid wearing a weird floral pattern and side bow either. No, you are the bride. You as part of the church that has been built through the ages are the bride and your Groom cannot wait to bring you home.

So, what do you say? You wanna go to a party with me?

 

Just a thought,

Mike