Heaven

Heaven: Eden Restored 

By Millie H.

If you’re anything like me you’ve probably, at one point of your life, wondered what Heaven must be like. I have yet to visit, but I certainly without a doubt can tell you that heaven looks more beautiful than any place you have ever seen in your entire life. FYI- sorry to disappoint you but there won’t be any tiny chubby cherub angels playing on harps! 

                               What Heaven Looks Like 

This city is made of pure gold and all kinds of precious stones. There are twelve gates that lead into the city and the Bible says that each gate is “of one pearl”. There will be twelve angels at the gates and on the gates are written the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. Three gates will be on the east, three on the west, three in the north and three on the south. Imagine having no sun or moon because this place shines only with the glory of God. John describes it’s brilliance to a very precious jewel, like a jasper and clear as crystal. There is a pure, crystal clear river of the water of life that flows from the throne of God and Jesus Christ. On each side of the river there will be a tree of life, yielding twelve kinds of fruits every month. The foundation of the city walls will be of great height and embellished with every kind of jewel you could possible think of and more.  In Heaven pain, sickness, sadness, death, mourning or crying will be nonexistent because God will personally wipe away each tear from our eyes.  

We will see and recognize loved ones that accepted and believed in Christ before they died and best of all we will see our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ the Creator of this masterpiece. In Heaven everyone will be one mind regardless of race, gender, age weight, height etc.… all differences will be ignored and everyone will be focused on worshiping and praising the Lord Jesus. There will be Holy angels that continually chant Holy, holy, holy over the throne of God. The Mercy seat where God sits is enclosed by majestic angels that proclaim and bless God’s holy name without fail.  

Next month we will discuss where Heaven is. Until then I will leave you with this powerful closing passage. 

“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him.  They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.  There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.” Revelation 22:1-5 NIV 

6 Facts on who God Is

6 Facts on who God Is

By Millie H.

In all honesty I think anyone reading this article would admit that God is many amazing things. Given that I don't have all the time in the world I am unable to list them all. But here are a few facts about God that stuck out to me this week.  

Fact #1  God is a living person.   God is not a "force" or just some higher power  

Fact #2  There is Only one God.   Isaiah 45:5 clearly states "I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me..." as well as Isaiah 46:9 "I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like Me". 

Fact #3  God is a spirit.   This statement is in no way a contradiction to the previous statement I made above. Although God is a living person he doesn't have a physical body like we have since God is all spirit this is why we cannot see him nor are we allowed to make images after him.  We are also told in scripture that this is why we must worship Him in spirit. John 24:4 "God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth". 

 Fact #4  God is glorious.   The glory of God is so bright we could not bear to look at Him, just like we cannot bear to look at the sun because of its fierce brightness so imagine how God must look and He is much brighter than the sun.  But He (God) said, "You cannot see My face, for no man can see Me and live!" Exodus 33:20. Habakkuk 3:4 states "His brightness was like the light; rays flashed from his hand; and there he veiled his power." and Ezekiel 10:4 says "Then the glory of the LORD went up from the cherub, and stood over the threshold of the house; and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was full of the brightness of the LORD'S glory."  

Fact #5  God is light.  

 God is pure, perfect and without any sin. 1 John 1:5 states "...God is light, and in him is no darkness at all." God always does what is good and right. 

 Fact #6  God is love.    1 Corinthians 13 is the ultimate guide to what love really is. God is a perfect example of all of the characteristics described in one. 

The Christian's 4th of July

The Christian's 4th of July 

 By Millie H.

For many citizens state-wide the 4th of July, also known as Independence day, is a holiday reminding Americans of the day their country received independence from Great Britain. While this is the primary reason why people celebrate I believe that Christians should look at this day as a reminder of the freedom we've received from sin through Jesus Christ Our Lord and Savior. And guess what you don't have to wait to the 4th day of any month to celebrate this special "holiday". So why don't you start right now! Below I will list a few verses that discuss our God-given freedom just to get you on the right track. 

John 8:36”So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free." 

Galatians 5:1 "So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law." 

Galatians 5:13”For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love." 

2 Corinthians 3:17”For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love." 

Romans 6:22 "But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life." 

Romans 8:1-2 "So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death." 

I pray these verses pierce your spirit as sharply as it pierced mine.