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Men of Integrity, Jan/Feb 2001
No One Preaches About Heaven
This Week's Theme: Motivation—2 Corinthians 1-5
Thursday, February 1
Key Bible Verse: So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen (2 Corinthians 4:18a).
Bonus Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:16b-5:10
For his first sermon in an elementary preaching class, Lawrence, an African student, chose a text describing the joys we'll share when Christ returns and ushers us to our heavenly home. "I've been in the United States for several months now," he began. "I've seen the great wealth that is here—the fine homes and cars and clothes. I've listened to many sermons in churches here, too. But I've yet to hear one sermon about heaven. Because everyone has so much in this country, no one preaches about heaven. People here don't seem to need it. In my country most people have very little, so we preach on heaven all the time. We know how much we need it."
Lawrence words have haunted me. We don't talk about heaven very much here—almost as though we're ashamed of it. The details seem too problematic. The subject is too removed for the young—too near for the old.
We've impoverished our faith. For when heaven's riches fade into the background of our spiritual vision, then earthly concerns that should be dim to our eyes shine too brightly. Vision too nearsighted to see heaven deprives faith of the spiritual wealth needed to do God's business here.
—Bryan Chapell in The Wonder of It All
Respond:
How comfortable are you in this life? Consider whether you need to cultivate a deeper longing for your future home.
Thought to Apply:
Once you get a taste of where you want to go, motivation takes care of itself.
—Chuck Daly (basketball coach)
Adapted from The Wonder of It All (Crossway, 1999).
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Prayer for the Week |
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Oh, God, show me your thoughts and your ways. Lead me into your goodness and mercy.
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