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| Hurrying Toward Heaven |
| [21:42] <footwasher> Each day we go about our routine, never knowing what is ahead. But each of us who is a Christian is hurrying toward Heaven. [21:42] <footwasher> Time waits for none of us. [21:42] <footwasher> At any moment, Jesus could return, or He could take us home to be with Him. [21:42] <footwasher> Time waits for none of us. [21:42] <footwasher> At any moment, Jesus could return, or He could take us home to be with Him. [21:43] <footwasher> In the passage we will study tonight, John gives this message [21:43] <footwasher> the Christians of Asia Minor in the year 95 were suffering greatly under the pagan hand of Emperor Domitian. Persecution–even death was the fate of many Believers. [21:43] <footwasher> Revelation 7:13 -- And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? [21:43] <footwasher> Revelation 7:14 -- And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. [21:43] <footwasher> Revelation 7:15 -- Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. [21:44] <footwasher> Revelation 7:16 -- They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. [21:44] <footwasher> Revelation 7:17 -- For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. [21:44] <footwasher> In his revelation, John saw these and other saints coming out of their great tribulation on earth into a blissful rest of the heavenly home. Some have already arrived [21:44] <footwasher> some are still arriving. [21:44] <footwasher> Even as John watched, he saw persecuted, dying believers hurrying toward Heaven. They were arriving home. [21:44] <footwasher> As we consider the sobering fact that with every heartbeat, we too are hurrying toward heaven, there are things we must bear in mind. [21:45] <footwasher> First, we must make preparation. [21:45] 6* @Bride 1|14NASB1|4 Revelation 7:14 I said to him, "My lord, you know." And he said to me, "These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. [21:46] <footwasher> Preparation is first personal.. Preparing our hearts for Gods will. And being ready in each instant to do as He leads. In each instant, ready to go home. [21:46] <footwasher> Our walk here on earth must be such that we will not be ashamed to face the Lord, when the time comes. [21:46] <footwasher> We must daily grow and come to know Him more. Our experience here on earth will enhance our experience in Heaven. [21:46] <footwasher> We have eternity to know Him, and we need to start now. [21:46] <footwasher> We must remember that the things we do are by the blood. We do nothing by our own might. We must submit all to Him. [21:46] <footwasher> Second, we must remember the participation we will share [21:46] 6* @Bride 2^1Nasb2^3 Revelation 7:15 "For this reason, they are before the throne of God; and they serve Him day and night in His temple; and He who sits on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them. [21:47] <footwasher> We will be with the Father. We will know Him in all His glory, more than we possibly could here on earth. We will be one with Him even moreso in glory. [21:47] <footwasher> We will serve the Father. We will worship and adore Him. [21:47] <footwasher> And we will fellowship with the saints. We will [21:47] <footwasher> We have much to look forward to. [21:47] <footwasher> But we must be ready. [21:47] <footwasher> Third, we will enjoy much provision [21:47] 6* @Bride 13[7nasb13]:1 Revelation 7:16 "They will hunger no longer, nor thirst anymore; nor will the sun beat down on them, nor any heat; [21:47] 6* @Bride 13[7nasb13]:1 Revelation 7:17 for the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and will guide them to springs of the water of life; and God will wipe every tear from their eyes." [21:48] <footwasher> All of our needs will be met. Jesus Himself will supply them. [21:48] <footwasher> We shall want for nothing. All of the unexplained will be explained. [21:48] <footwasher> all will be perfected. [21:49] <footwasher> As you go through the trials of life and the joys, remember that You are hurrying toward Heaven and consider the value of each instant here on earth [21:50] <footwasher> lets pray [21:50]6<@Duff>1 Dear Lord... [21:50]6<@Duff>1 Please guide us in all the things we do... [21:51]6<@Duff>1 help us to understand your Word as it speaks to us each day. [21:51]6<@Duff>1 In Jesus name we pray... [21:51]6<@Duff>1 Amen [21:51]6<@Bride>1 Amen [21:51]6<@Shield>1 amen! [21:52] <footwasher> amen |