Today’s sermon message by our guest pastor, Rev. Phil Taylen at the Madison Valley Presbyterian Church in Ennis, Montana, focused on the theological basis for our assurance of Eternity in Heaven.
It was timely, especially given the fact that this is the week my only sibling, my sister Sally, went to her eternal home.
If you die today, do you know where you’re going from here?
Is it Hell or a Black Hole?
My guess is that the choice is pretty clear. I was looking for a picture of a black hole… because some people believe this is it! We’re here and then we’re nowhere. A black hole… that’s where they think they’re going. They don’t believe there is a place called Hell where they will burn in the fires of an afterlife separated from God.
Or is it Heaven?
Rev. Phil Taylen’s sermon was titled, “Soaring with Eagles.” He began with that question, “Where Will You Spend Eternity?” His answer was part of a movement he called “The Evangelism Explosion.” Even though he grew up in the Presbyterian Church, he was ordained by an Evangelical Ministry – and his sermon lecture today definitely got down to the basics!
The Bible
B asic
I nstructions
B efore
L eaving
E arth
Heaven by Grace
G od’s
R iches
A t
C hrist’s
E xpense
Grace is God’s Unmerited Favor poured out on us.
Grace can’t be earned or deserved.
Heaven is a free gift.
He cited Ephesians 2: 8-9 as further proof of the point he was teaching and preaching:
“For by grace are ye saved through faith;
and that not of yourselves:
it is the gift of God:
Not of works,
lest any man should boast.”
Not By Man
Good works are important, but they will not save us.
I am a sinner.
I can’t save myself.
He cited John 8:24 to prove his message that man cannot save himself:
“Unless you believe that
I am who I claim to be,
you will die in your sins.”
Only God
God gave us basic instructions to live by before leaving earth.
God is Love.
God is just and righteous.
In the Bible, our instruction book, God told us:
Psalm 46:10
Be still, and know that I am God. …
Heaven Through Christ
The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.
Jesus Christ is God.
Faith is Belief
Faith is the Connector.
Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
I don’t see the whole staircase. I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s Only Begotten Son, but I do not believe God will send all the Jews or Muslims or Hindus or Buddhists to Hell because they do not share my belief in Jesus as a part of the Trinity.
I believe God is bigger than religion. I believe God is omnipotent. I believe God knows all people – and He sees them through His eyes, not mine. That may make me a non-believer in some evangelical eyes. But I believe God is more inclusive than we can fathom.
I find enormous comfort in my faith – my belief in our Lord Jesus Christ – and I want to share that comfort and love with all I meet. I believe 2 Cor. 1:3-5 as quoted below:
Do you believe in Christ?
Thanks for visiting today.
Have a Blessed Sunday.
See ya tomorrow.
Love,
JanBeek
Comments on: "Where Will You Spend Eternity?" (19)
“IS IT HELL OR A BLACK HOLE?”
As a teenager I ended up in hell from suicide and Jesus returned me from hell back to earth after dying for one hour it is certainly not a black hole it it is fiery darkened chamber of fire
Wow!! What a powerful testimony! I am sure your new life changed dramatically. You have a lot to tell! I need to check out your blog. Do you write about that experience there, Mike?
Hello Jane Beek, I have shared my testimony in a video format on the Soulja of Hope, platform I do speak about the devil and his demons in the aspect of being against the pits of hades (hell) the S.o.H platform is been going through seasons since the platform started on January 1st 2020 as of right now for the past week I started writing daily prayers for this what the Holy Spirit requested of me.
The video is 45 mins long but gives account to the power of Jesus Christ’s power to save and Yahweh’s agape love towards mankind.
Here is the link to the video testimony on the Soulja of Hope platform. https://souljaofhope.com/2020/07/17/welcome-to-the-new-subscribers/
Thank you for this link. I look forward to checking it out. <3
You’re most Welcome! ☺
Oh, I forgot to mention I refer to myself as my middle name in the video I recently started going by my first name Mikel,
Do you pronounce it Mee-kell?
Yes, Correct! Thank you for asking.
Thank you for sharing. I am so very sorry for your loss. My condolences.
Thank you so much! <3
Jesus says, “No one comes to the Father but by Me. “ More to ponder.
Yes, I have pondered it long and hard – and ponder it still. <3
Enjoy this post, I am spending eternity with my Lord and Savior, as I continue to Praise Him <3
I’m so glad! I’ll ask St. Peter to introduce us when we get there. <3
Agree 🙂
It is so nourishing to have this faith
Yes, it is. God bless you, {{{Derrick}}} <3
Amen! Mankind can spend a lifetime gathering up treasure, but it is totally worthless in the end of our earthly lives. Believing in our Triune God continues to carry me over the bumpy road called life.
May your belief always carry you high! <3