Month: February 2022

What will we be like in Heaven?

On February 25, 2022

When we die we will (obviously) give up our mortal bodies, but what will we receive in return? The Bible tells us that we will be changed, but what exactly will we be changed into? In this article I want to briefly cover what we know (from God’s Word) about this subject. I will be using the ESV for this article, as it provides somewhat easier reading.

We will be changed.
We will receive another (better) body.
We will become like Jesus (spiritual and eternal instead of earthly and mortal).
We can’t know everything about what we will become (but it will be far superior to what we have here).

First, let’s look at number one, we will be changed:

1Co 15:52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.

Second, that we will receive another (better) spiritual body:

1Co 15:40 There are heavenly bodies and earthly bodies, but the glory of the heavenly is of one kind, and the glory of the earthly is of another.

1Co 15:42 So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable.

Third, we will become as Jesus is now – not as he was when he died (perishable) on the cross:

Php 3:21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

Finally, we are incapable of knowing exactly what glory awaits us, but we are assured that it is far superior to what we have here on earth. In fact, I would venture to say that what we have here in this material world is a mere echo of what awaits us in the heavenly realm:

1Jn 3:2 Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.

How to Start Studying the Bible

By Jay

On February 18, 2022

In Bible & Doctrine, Christian Productivity

There can be no better habit to establish than that of daily Bible reading. Fortunately, with just a few changes to your existing lifestyle you can easily fit this daily reading into your schedule. Remember, even a small amount of reading accomplished daily will really add up over time (and pay huge dividends).

I think any Christian would agree, studying the Bible is one of the most important things a human being can do. Prayer is our way to talking to God and the Word of God is the Lord’s way of talking to us. We need this two way communication in order to live our lives to the fullest and reach eternal life.

Heb 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

2Ti 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

So, we know Bible study is important, but in today’s busy world we often have limited time to get things (like Bible study) accomplished. In addition, our minds have been corrupted by the modern “productivity” culture and its demand that we work for hours and hours every day. Many of the productivity guru’s today recommend that we should work as many hours a day as we possibly can. This, they say, is being “productive” and will lead to maximal gains in whatever endeavor we are pursuing.

I think that this is a foolish way to look at a challenging goal. For example, most walking apps recommend that you start out with 10,000 steps a day, which, in my opinion is way overboard. It would be much better to start with 3,000 steps a day, then slowly work your way to 5,000 steps over the course of a few weeks. Within a few months you could be at 10,000 steps a day, your ultimate goal.

In regard to Bible study, I believe that starting small is key. I think that if you are looking to start reading the Bible daily you should start with one chapter deeply read (for maximum understanding). Take it slow and really absorb the content. It is better to read one chapter well than five chapters quickly (and without comprehension). An interesting fact:

If you read one chapter of the New Testament a day it will take you nine months to complete it.
If you read one chapter a day right from the beginning of the Bible (Genesis) it will take you 3 years and 3 months to complete it.
Typical chapters take 5-10 minutes to read.

After you establish a solid habit you can then add another chapter (giving you a total of two). However, don’t start the two chapter a day regimen until you have gone a month or two consistently accomplishing your one chapter a day goal. At this point I would recommend one chapter of the New Testament and one of the Old Testament. Then, when you finish the New Testament (and are still working through the longer Old Testament) you can just restart the New Testament.

Reading the Bible gives you a great sense of accomplishment. Regardless of what happens during your day (for good or ill), if you do your daily reading you will know that your Bible study goal was accomplished. As time passes you will begin to cherish your daily opportunity to let God speak to you. Happy reading!

A World of Sugar-Stick Candy

By Jay

On February 2, 2022

In Bible & Doctrine

Scrolling through YouTube and social media will quickly show you that this world is thrives on extremes. On the one hand, we have news media streaming out TONS of negative news stories (because it has been proven that negative news stories deliver better ratings than positive ones). On the other hand, we have people on YouTube and social media promising amazing physical, mental, and emotional “transformations” with just a few lifestyle changes.

All of it boils down to this: nearly all of the popular content today promises that with just a few simple changes to the politics of the country, or to your diet, or to your workflow, you can have the body, life, and country of your dreams. This promise is the sugar-stick candy of the world – it tells you that you can diet, work, or vote your way to a perfect life and a perfect world. The problem here is that that isn’t what the Bible tells us about the world:

1Jn 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

1Jn 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

1Jn 2:17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

If we believe Christ then there is no mystery about the state of the world we live in. It is a sinful place that (generally) does not welcome those who follow Christ. So, the next time things aren’t going quite right for you in this world, remember, they aren’t really supposed to! Our job (as Christians) is to prepare for eternity, our job is not to be a successful in this current world.

Joh 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

Now that is a strong statement by Jesus! We are not a few “changes” away from a perfect life and country, unless the change you are considering is the path of Christ. By following the plan of salvation you can truly have the fruitful (and eternal) change that the world falsely promises. Build your hope on things eternal – build your hope on Christ.

2Co 4:16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

2Co 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

2Co 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.