GOD PUTS A LITTLE HEAVEN IN OUR HEARTS NOW TO WET OUR APPETITES

GOD PUTS A LITTLE HEAVEN IN OUR HEARTS NOW TO WET OUR APPETITES

2 Corinthians 5:1,4-5 NIV
[1] For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. [4] For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. [5] Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

Paul wrote as he did because the church in Corinth was surrounded by Greek culture, and many believers had difficulty with the concept of bodily resurrection. Greeks did not believe in a bodily resurrection. Most saw the afterlife as something that happened only to the soul, with the real person imprisoned in a physical body in this present life. They believed that at death the soul was released—there was no immortality for the body, and the soul entered an eternal state. But the Bible teaches that the body and soul are not permanently separated.

Paul describes our resurrected bodies in more detail in 1 Corinthians 15:46-58. We will still have personalities and recognizable characteristics in our resurrected bodies, but through Christ’s work, our bodies will be better than we can imagine.
God “has also set eternity in the human heart” (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

Human beings have an innate sense of transcendence and longing for ultimate reality experienced only in the eternal presence of God. This spiritual desire is addressed by every world religion and cult and (at least secretly) desired by every person. A baby’s birth, a parent’s death, or the death of a dream all can be a springboard for sharing the hope you have in Jesus Christ with those on a search for spiritual truth. Jesus said that there is only one way to obtain the dream of eternal life (John 14:6). Our privilege and responsibility is to tell others about this way.

The Holy Spirit is God’s guarantee of what will come. His work in our lives today assures us that the transformation process for our new bodies will be thoroughly completed when we see Christ face-to-face. Each time the Holy Spirit reminds you of Scripture, convicts you of sin, restrains you from selfish behavior or prompts you to love, you are experiencing his presence. The Spirit within you is overseeing the transformation process. Whether you deal with aches and pains or even disabling limitations, trust God that he is in the process of renovating your body and soul for his future and eternal kingdom.

YOU CAN’T RECEIVE A GIFT UNLESS YOU RECEIVE FROM THE GIVER.

Acts 2:36-39 NIV
[36] “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” [37] When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” [38] Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. [39] The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

From an unworthy servant,
Chris Chloupek
Lead Evangelist