For Heaven's Sake

Good morning,

A couple of Sundays ago I mentioned that I don’t talk about hell a whole lot because I’m not interested in scaring people into heaven.  Of course, I am VERY interested in proclaiming how people can get there – by God’s grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone! 

We talk about heaven often in our church circles, but there are a few common questions about heaven that often go unanswered.  I’ll being addressing some of those questions in the weeks to come.  The first question is this:

Can people in heaven see what’s going on here on earth?

It is certainly a pleasant thought to think of our parents, grandparents and other loved ones looking down upon us.  We often think of them doing so during the big moments of our life.  Perhaps you’ve been to such an occasion and heard someone say something like “I know my mom is looking down at us and smiling.”

As I said, it’s a comforting thought, one that I have had myself on many occasions.  But what does the Bible have to say about it?

It’s important to note that the Bible never directly addresses the issue of whether or not those saints in heaven are aware of what is happening on earth.  I can’t point you to a chapter and verse that says “yes” or “no.”  However, there are several passages of Scripture that hint that saints in heaven have at least some knowledge of what is going on.

In the Parable of the Lost Sheep in Luke 15:7 Jesus says this:

I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

We assume that Jesus is referring to both the angels and saints in this verse.  The inhabitants of heaven are aware of people being saved.  In a similar way Revelation 19:1-6 speaks of a great multitude (a “hallelujah chorus” if you will) praising God for the events of the end times that are unfolding on earth.

We also have 1 Samuel 28:16-18, where Saul asks a witch to summon Samuel.  When Samuel appears to Saul, he is aware of what has been happening in Saul’s life.  Again, passage only hints that the saints in heaven are aware of the events on earth.

So, in my admittedly limited understanding, I like to think that my great-grandfather Abram Aukamp is aware that he has great-great grandchildren on the earth and that one of them is named after him (Trent’s middle name is Abram).  And I like to think that Pap rejoiced when each of his great-great grandchildren accepted Jesus.  BUT, I think it is worth remembering that even if the saints in heaven are aware of what is happening on the earth, they definitely aren’t preoccupied with it.  The primary activities in heaven involve worshipping and serving God and fellowshipping with other saints.

When we all get to heaven, we probably won’t be as interested in what is happening on the earth as we may think.  We’ll be engrossed and fascinated with our new home and with being in the presence of our Savior and being overwhelmed with the glory of God!

Here’s what’s happening:

1.  SUNDAY – Sunday School returns with classes for all ages.

2. SUNDAY - The annual church Corn Roast is after the service at Lloyd and Mary Lois Kreider’s home.  Lunch will be served at 12:15.  Corn on the cob, hot dogs, drinks and paper supplies will be provided.  Please bring a large picnic food dish to share (finger food works best).  Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on.  Parking in available in front of the barn or over at Kreider’s Market.  Please see myself or the Kreiders if you need directions.  A golf cart is available for those who might need it.

3.  9/9 – Congregational Meeting at 7 pm at the church.  We will be presenting a potential building expansion plan.

4.  9/14 – There will be a brief youth parent meeting after the worship service.

5.  9/14 – Double Nickels luncheon after the worship service.

6.  Save The Date: 10/12 – Communion Sunday

7.  Save The Date: 10/18 – Men’s Breakfast and Chainsaw Party at the church. (Bucking up and splitting firewood to donate to the Lighthouse Youth Ministry Auction)

8.  Save The Date: 11/1 – Harvest Party

9.  Save The Date: 11:23 – Thanksgiving Fellowship Meal

We begin to wind down our summer sermon series this week as we begin to look at the life of the undisputed leader of the disciples - Simon Peter.  Join us on Sunday at 10 am as we look at the disciple who earned himself more than one rebuke from Jesus and discuss how each of us might have a little "Simon" in our character!