Does God grade on the curve?

How good do you think you have to be in order to go to heaven? You may have wondered about this from time to time. Thinking about things of eternity is healthy. It’s heavy, too. We’re so often caught up in just getting through the day that we hardly have time to think deeply. We’re so ingrained in our culture toward the 20-second sound bites, reading headlines, scanning Facebook posts or 140-characters or less tweets, that’s it’s becoming increasingly difficult to keep our minds engaged in weighty matters without getting easily distracted. But heaven is a topic worth contemplating long and hard.

So, how good do you think one has to be? Does God grade on the curve? Everyone knows that no one is perfect, so do you just have to be better than most? Or, as long as you’re good most of the time, isn’t that good enough? If you’re a faithful spouse, a loving parent, a productive employee or a model citizen, is that good enough to go to heaven? Or does it take all that plus volunteering at the blood drive, working at the food pantry, coaching your kid’s soccer team, helping with 4-H and giving money to charity?

How good is good enough for God? Is regular church attendance good enough? What about serving on the missions committee or teaching a Sunday School class? What about ministering at the nursing home or chaperoning the next youth group outing? Now that ought to earn you a special seat in heaven if anything will, right?!

It’s impossible to be perfectly good, but surely, at least if you don’t do anything terrible like killing someone or abusing children or robbing a bank that ought to score some points you can cash in for eternal rewards. Won’t there be some kind of heavenly scales with all your good deeds going on one side and your bad deeds on the other, and whichever outweighs the other will determine whether you go to heaven or not?

Somebody once jokingly said, “My greatest fear is standing behind Mother Theresa in the Final Judgment line and hearing God say to her, ‘You know, you really should have done more.’” 

Friend, let me tell you what the Bible says: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). God says that because we have all sinned, we all fall short of His glory. That is to say, that no one can be good enough to go to heaven. You can list every good work on your resume and hand it to God at the gate, but it won’t be enough. God is perfectly holy and righteous, and we’re not. There is no amount of good things we can do to earn a seat in heaven. In fact, because of our sin, what we really deserve is death, eternal separation from God in hell.

But here’s the good news: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16)! Whosoever! That’s you! That’s me! In His great love and mercy and grace, God has made a way possible for us to be saved from death and hell and saved to eternal life in heaven. That way is by believing in Jesus as Savior and Lord of your life. That means repenting of your sins and trusting in the forgiveness Jesus offers to you by His death in your place on the cross and in His triumphant victory over the grave.

The unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Cor. 6:9), but no matter what your past has been like or what your present condition, you can be made righteous in God’s eyes through faith in Jesus and through Him only. And no, even Mother Theresa won’t get in based on what she’s done. Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). Neither you nor I can be good enough to go heaven, but we can receive by faith the “gift of God which is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). Why not come to Jesus today?

Back to Church

If you haven’t been to church lately, why not come this Sunday? Whether that’s the First Baptist Church, or the one you belong to but, you know, it’s been awhile since you’ve been there, matters not, as long as they worship Jesus as Lord and Savior, teach truth from the Bible and don’t serve lethal doses of red Kool-aide.

What are you doing this Sunday anyway that’s more important than encountering Almighty God in worship? Oh, you have a good excuse for not going to church? I totally get where you’re coming from. Here’s why I stopped going to ballgames:

1)      Whenever I go to a game, they ask for money.

2)      The other fans don’t seem to care about me.

3)      The seats are too hard.

4)      The weather is too cold/hot/rainy/windy.

5)      The coach never visits me.

6)      The referee makes calls I don’t agree with.

7) Some of the games go into overtime and make me late for dinner.

8)      The band plays songs I don’t know.

9)      My parents took me to too many games when I was growing up.

10)  I know more than the coaches do anyway.

11)  I can be just as good a fan at the lake.

[* For the record: This list is not my own. It's out there in many variations in various places. I would cite the original source if I knew it.]

Okay, you’re right. I haven’t stopped going to ballgames. It would make me a hypocrite to say one thing and do another, and I don’t really want to give you any more ammunition to skip church because of all the hypocrites there.

I’ve read of motivational speaker Zig Ziglar inviting a friend to go to church with him. The man answered, “Well, I’d like to go, but the church is so full of hypocrites.” Ziglar responded, “That’s okay. There’s always room for one more.”

So, what’s your best excuse for not going to church? Any of the above sound familiar? Or, do you have a real, valid reason, like, “Someone in the church offended me”? Here’s my tender, kind-hearted, pastoral response to such an excuse: “Get over it.”

Seriously. Get over it. Forgive them and go on with life. Don’t let one person keep you from a right relationship with God. “But I love God,” you say. “It’s just that I can’t stand to be around His children.” And if that’s your attitude, then let me ask you how many friends you have who can’t stand your own children? I didn’t think so.

The Bible commands us to forgive one another. That’s not optional, nor conditional. I’m not saying your hurt isn’t real or that the wound is not deep. But your love for the Lord is revealed in your obedience to His commands, and your disobedience to the Lord reveals your lack of love. Regardless of whether the other person has admitted wrong or apologized, your job is to obey, “forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32). Nobody said following Jesus would be easy.

Let me challenge you to stop making excuses and come back to church. If you’re a professing Christian, you do need to be part of the fellowship of God’s people. You need the church body and the body needs you! (See 1 Corinthians 12 for details.)

Here’s what will happen. You will be welcomed with love and joy, not loathing and judgment. Whether you’ve been away for years or have never set foot inside the doors of the church for fear the walls will cave in, go to church this Sunday.

To be upfront, it’s not merely church attendance we want for you. We want you to know and love Jesus, love His people and get in on His mission to reach others with the gospel. That happens in the context of church. Come, encounter God in worship!

What's your story?

Well, it’s only taken two years, but I finally got a tire swing hung up for Toby over the weekend. I should have done it two years ago. That was one of his favorite things to do at our previous house, and he was disappointed to not have a place for one here. So after lopping off a few low hanging branches, we found a place for it. I don’t like to get in a big hurry about things.

Two years, though, is how long we’ve been in Petersburg now. Some days it seems we just unpacked yesterday, and other days it feels like we’ve been here for years. Maybe I’m remembering wrong, but didn’t I have a full head of hair when we arrived?

Seriously, it does take some time to adjust to a new environment, but the church has received us as family in the Lord, and the community has welcomed us well. We’ve made an effort to get involved in some community events, and certainly our children’s school activities have given us many opportunities to get to know people.

If I haven’t yet met you, I’m sorry. Juggling church-related ministry, home life and all the extra-curriculars proves to be challenging and time-consuming. Feel free to come up and introduce yourself, though, if you see me out and about. I’d love to chat with you and hear your story.

Everyone has a story. Your upbringing, your circumstances, your experiences, your passions, your decisions, your attitudes, your worldview, your investments, your family, your friends, your work, and more, all weave together in creating the narrative of your life. Each story is unique. Some are pleasant, some are painful. Some are inspiring, some are tiring. Some are full of light and truth, some are full of darkness and deception.  

What’s your story like? How have you arrived at the place where you are today? Are you happy with what’s been written so far? Grateful? Angry? Encouraged? Disappointed?

Think about what’s already happened. You can’t change the past nor can you relive it. Maybe you’d like to, but what’s been done can’t be undone or duplicated. The next chapter starts with a blank page, just waiting to be written. What will it say? How will your choices and reactions and attitudes contribute to what the future holds?

Listen, I don’t know your past. I probably don’t know much about your present, and I certainly don’t know what’s in your immediate future. But I do know your eternal destiny will come down to this: Those who repent from sin, embrace Jesus as the Son of God and follow Him as Lord and Savior will be forever with Him in heaven, while those who reject Jesus are condemned already because of their unbelief.

The final outcome of your story does not have to be dictated by your past. If you’ve not yet come to a point of turning away from sin and believing in the good news that Jesus Christ came from heaven to earth, died on the cross for the forgiveness of your sins and rose to everlasting life, then let me urge you run to Him in faith today.

No matter what your life’s been like so far, we are all sinners in need of a Savior. Jesus is the Savior we need and for which our souls long to embrace. Jesus is the light of the world, and whoever follows Him will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life (John 8:12).

Why not start that next chapter with an opening line something like this: “And then Jesus came to my rescue.” Then see how the light starts shattering the darkness.

That’s my story. And if I can help you along the way, please let me know. That’s what we’re here for as a church. Don’t waste another day. Do what you should have done two years ago, or more. Some things are worth getting in a hurry about.

Been awhile...

I see that I haven't posted anything here for over two months! Not that I've been flooded with e-mail from loyal readers wondering what's going on. But for those interested, I'll try to get back on track.

Most of what I do post comes directly from what I submit to the Petersburg Observer, our weekly newspaper, which they are kind enough to publish. So if you do not receive that paper, or just prefer reading online anyway, then here you go.

And, yes, feel free to respond with comments. I'd love to hear from either one of my readers.

VBS is coming soon!

And finally, to whichever little guy left the Block Party without his size 6 Garanimals sandals, we found them and would be happy to return them to you.

Did you know that our Vacation Bible School is coming July 21-25? That’s less than four weeks away! Good thing they don’t give me much to do. Just show up, hang out, smile and look pretty. I think I can get three out of those four things done anyway. 

Let me encourage you to plan on bringing your K-6^th grade children for a terrific week of VBS. We might do it a little differently than when you were a kid, but there’s still upbeat music, tasty snacks, fun crafts, crazy rec games and solid Bible stories. 

Here are two things I can guarantee will happen.

One, we will show the love of Christ to your children. We’ll show it by words and actions of kindness and respect toward your children. We’ll reflect it in the way we enjoy the time getting to know them. We’ll display it in our attitudes of servant leadership. We’ll do it by providing a safe environment with proper behavioral boundaries. We’ll do it by praying for your children and by sharing the good news of salvation with them. We’ll model it in the 1 Corinthians 13 style of biblical, Christ-like love.

No, we’re not perfect, and we won’t love perfectly. Honestly, it’s not even in our human nature to love others like Jesus. But we have been given a new nature in Christ, and in the power of His Spirit abiding in our hearts we let Him live in us and do the loving through us. So we can’t even take the credit if we get this right. If we love well, then to God be the glory, and that’s our number one desire anyway!

Two, your children will come home and drive you crazy with continual singing of the songs they’ll be learning. Not that driving you crazy is our goal, you understand. Just saying you may have to raise your own crazy bar higher to allow your children to sing at home, in the car, at the grocery store, in the doctor’s office or wherever else they may be when the urge to unloosen the tongue hits.

Remember, while such singing may start pushing the needle on the crazy-meter into the yellow (I’m a parent, too, and I have my limits, as well), these songs are rich with the truths of God’s Word that you want them to hold in their hearts. Think about it. You may not have a single verse in the Bible memorized, but you can probably sing “Jesus Loves Me” and “Amazing Grace” and others word for word. Music drives the message home and helps it stick. Praise God for what our children will be learning through those songs that may drive you and me crazy!

So, if I haven’t deterred you from bringing your children or grandchildren or nieces or nephews or stray neighborhood kids you happen to find along the way, we’d love to invite you to come to Vacation Bible School! The dates again are July 21-25, Sunday through Thursday, from 6:00-9:00 each night. The last night will include a Family Night opportunity for you to come and see what the kids have been doing all week. It will be held at the First Baptist Church, 103 W. Sangamon Ave., just one block west of the only stop light in town.

Speaking of VBS, many of our former VBS children are now in our youth group and are continuing to learn and grow in the faith and serve others for the sake of Christ. This Sunday, June 30, why not come and hear from many of them about their recent mission trip? Some of them will also be leading in music. We are blessed with leaders who invest in our young people for the advancement of the kingdom of God, and youth who have a heart to follow after Jesus. Join us in worship this Sunday at 10:45 a.m. for a special time of encouragement in the Lord!

Block Party thank you's and Father's Day encouragement to Dads

To everyone who attended our Block Party last Friday night: Thank you for coming, and I hope you enjoyed the event! We were delighted to welcome you. The Lord blessed us with terrific weather, a great turn-out, an outstanding group of servant volunteers and lots of donated cakes. If you left without getting a cake, I’m sorry, but hope you were able to make up for it with some Sno-Cones or cotton candy.

To the New Jerusalem Singers: Thank you for doing an awesome job! You all played some great old gospel songs, were flexible with the schedule and conveyed a joyful, Christ-like spirit in your music. Thanks for letting me sing along on the last one, too! When you make it to Nashville, don’t forget us little people.

To Bob Swaar: Thank you for bringing your train ride over to Petersburg! You were a hit! It looked like every ride was packed. The kids (and adults) loved it, and it seemed to me that you were having the time of your life, as well.

To those who filled out a prayer card: We are praying for you. Sometimes life gets messy, and maybe it’s not turned out at all like you hoped it would. Let me remind you that God is able to help you in your time of need. He is able strengthen you in your weakness, comfort you in sorrow and surprise you with peace and joy in the midst of life’s hardships. Keep calling upon His name, and we’ll be on our knees with you.

To the First Baptist Church: Thank you for investing your time and resources to make this a wonderful community outreach event! Yes, it was a lot of work, but I hope you saw the some of the fruit of your labor in the precious faces and bright smiles of the children and their families. Our mission continues to mean glorifying God by shining the light of Christ Jesus into our neighbor and throughout the nations. The fields are still white unto harvest, the laborers are few and the gospel is still the power of salvation to everyone who believes. Let’s keep going in the power of the Holy Spirit!

To those who may be looking for a church home: I hope you’ll join us in the journey. We’re not a perfect church. We’re made up of people who have walked the same path you’re on right now. We’ve got baggage, too. But we know that in Jesus we have been washed clean from our sins, are being made holy in the image of Christ and are looking forward to better things (heavenly things) yet to come. We’ve found that God is our Refuge and Strength, an ever-present help in trouble (Ps. 46:1). We know that He is our Good Shepherd, the One who is Faithful and True, whose love is unfailing with mercies unending and grace overflowing though we’re undeserving.

We’ve not “arrived” spiritually, but we’re growing and learning to trust and obey our Savior more and more each day. We’d love for you to experience what it means to have a saving relationship with Jesus, what it means to be a part of the family of God, and what it means to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Why not come and join us this coming Sunday at 9:30 for Sunday School, 10:40 for worship? I think you’ll be glad you did.

And finally, to all the Dads doing your best to raise your children right: Thanks for being there for your sons and daughters. You have an incredible responsibility, yet an awesome privilege. I know because when I look at my own two boys I am reminded of what a blessing this is, but also what an overwhelming task lies before me. There’s only so much time we have to shape and guide and train them in the way they should go, and I don’t know about you, but I want to honor the Lord in the way I raise my boys. Let’s set them a godly example by our own lives, men, and be intentional about investing in them, praying always for them, and instilling the truth of God’s Word and the way of righteousness into their hearts. It’s not always easy, but by God’s grace we can do this.

Free Block Party Time!

If you don’t already have plans for this Friday night (June 14), from 5-8, let me invite you to our Block Party. Bring the whole family, because there really is something for everyone. We’re at the corner of 7^th and Sangamon (Petersburg, IL), just one block west of the only stoplight in town. 

For the children there will be the big inflatable bounce house, which is really a great opportunity to bounce as high as you can and crash land into the walls and other small children while laughing and giggling all the way. With arms and legs flying all over the place, there’s a good reason why they make you take your shoes off before entering.

Another inflatable is the Bungee Run. That’s the one where you’re hooked on to a large bungee cord, you take off running and when you reach the end of the rope it jerks you back, you go tumbling and everyone has a good laugh at your expense. 

We’ll also have other games and prizes that the young ones enjoy, as well as do some face painting. Just don’t let your kids ask for a Cubs logo on their cheek because we’d rather keep the atmosphere positive. Oh, and Sno-Cones, popcorn and cotton candy. 

Personally, I’m not a big fan of cotton candy. What is cotton candy anyway? Sugar swirled on a stick? My stomach can’t take too much of that, nor do I really want to end up with sticky stuff all over my face and fingers. But if you don’t mind your kids bouncing off the walls on a sugar high and getting everything they touch sticky, then go for it. Mine will probably do the same. 

Back this year we’ve also invited Bob Swaar to come over with his train ride! Then there’s the dunk tank, the ever-popular cake walk (I bet County Market loves it when churches or other organizations have a cake walk), and free hot dogs and hamburgers and chips for everyone.

And for your musical enjoyment, do we have a variety of entertainment scheduled for you! From 5-6, Christian rap/hip hop artist Zach Ayappa will be on stage. Zach was here last year and got the crowd up on their feet when he broke it down and dropped the beat. If you want to see Zach and get your shirt signed, or your back as at least one young man did last year, then be there early and be ready to hip and hop.

The other end of that spectrum will feature The New Jerusalem Singers, a Southern Gospel group complete with cowboy hats, vests, bolo ties and at least one pink country guitar. If that’s a little more your style, then make sure you find your way over to the stage area around 6, and, yes, feel free to tap your toes, clap, raise your hands or even dance if you want to. 

Did I mention that everything’s free? No tickets, no armbands, no cover charge. The First Baptist Church desires to glorify God by shining the light and love of Jesus into our community, and this is one way we do that. As much as we want you to enjoy the event and have fun, we also want you to see the joy of Christ in us, and ultimately to be drawn to Him by God’s grace through faith. We’re not in business to sell you anything. Our prayer is that you will receive “the free gift of God [which] is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). 

This year we are also making available a prayer station. If you have something going on in your life you just want someone from the church to pray about with you, we’d be glad to do so. We really do care about you, and this is another way to show it. 

So we hope to see you along with the whole family this Friday night! Maybe we’ll even provide a hand washing station for all those sticky fingers!

           

In awe of our Creator

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1).

That’s not complicated. I’m not saying I understand exactly how it all came together scientifically, but I have a feeling that any explanation would be way over my head anyway. I am good with knowing, “And God said, ‘Let there be light’” and land and sky and space and seas and plants and trees and sun and moon and stars and living creatures of every kind, including the ones He made in His very own image – mankind.

Not everyone believes this to be true. Some subscribe to the Big Bang Theory, a complicated theory of the universe’s origins which, for most, dismisses the role of a Creator. And some adhere to Darwin’s Theory of Evolution, another awkward, complicated attempt to describe the process by which the human race stepped out of the swamp and onto the scene. Again, most who endorse Darwinism exclude God from the picture.

The Bible does not endeavor to provide a defense of God as the Creator, nor does it seek to detail the scientific process by which God created all things. It simply says that He did create the heavens and the earth and all that is in them. It’s stated as a matter of fact, without apology, so that we might stand in awe of our Maker’s might and power and purposes and creativity and beauty and sovereignty and reign over the world; and ultimately, that we might trust in Jesus for our salvation from sin and death.

Not only in Genesis, but throughout Scripture this truth is affirmed. Here are just a few additional glimpses of God’s revelation as Creator given to us in His Word.

“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork” (Psalm 19:1).

“The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein, for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers” (Psalm 24:1-2).

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:13-14).

The psalmists praised the Lord God for the wonder of His creation, and we would do well to do likewise. Read more in Psalms 8, 50, 65, 97, 104 and 121 for starters.

The Lord also answered Job by speaking of His creation and sovereignty: “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements…Or who stretched the line upon it? On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy? Or who shut in the sea with doors when it burst out from the womb, when I made clouds it garment and thick darkness its swaddling band, and prescribed limits for it and set bars and doors, and said, ‘Thus far shall you come, and no farther, and here shall your proud waves be stayed’” (Job 38:4-11).

Take a few minutes and read the entirety of God’s conversation in Job 38-42, and see if your heart does not melt (like Job’s) in awe of God’s greatness and power.

And what does God tell us in Isaiah? “To whom then will you compare me, that I should be like him? Says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high and see. Who created all these? He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name, by the greatness of his might, and because he is strong in power not one is missing…Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth” (Isaiah 40:25-26, 28).

I could go on, but I think you know that the Bible does not stutter nor confuse the issue. Today, why not acknowledge our Creator and worship with the heavenly beings, saying, “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created” (Revelation 4:11).

Don't ignore this great salvation

Who’s ready for some summer?! With the weather finally warming up and school winding down, baseball season in full swing and hot dogs cooking on the grill, I say let the summer begin! Now, if someone would only come and clear out all the gnats and mosquitoes so that we could actually enjoy the outdoors, that would be great.

Congratulations, by the way, to all the PORTA High School graduates. I trust that even as you look forward to all that lies ahead, you will also look back with gratitude for those who have invested their lives in yours. Your parents and family, teachers, coaches and administrators, and many others have helped guide and shape your life. And I’m sure to see you walk across that stage will bring a wide smile to their face and fullness of a good kind of pride on the inside.

I was pleased to see quite a number of the graduates and their families attend Baccalaureate Sunday night. In addition to some excellent singing by several graduates, you heard a straight from the heart, straight from the Bible kind of message from Pastor James McMillion, and I hope you were paying attention. He spoke the truth, exposing the foolishness of living in sin and pointing the way to wisdom by living in Christ. I can only say “Amen,” and let you know that I’m praying for you to choose Jesus.

Seriously, choosing to follow the way of the Lord is a no-brainer. As the Bible says in Hebrews 2:3, “How shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation?” The answer to this rhetorical question is, “We won’t.”

Jesus has come to bring great salvation to “whosoever believeth in Him.” He lived the perfect, sinless life that neither you nor I could live. He died a sacrificial death on the cross, taking our place, bearing the righteous wrath of God for our sin and removing every trace of rebellion from our permanent record. He then defeated and defied death, flexing His muscle in victory over sin and the grave by rising on the third day and sitting even now in the seat of authority and power at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

Friend, I’m telling you, greater than the might of any earthly army, greater than the accomplishments of any Billboard artist or Nobel Prize recipient, greater than a blue ribbon at any music or athletic event or any county fair, Jesus has destroyed the one who holds the power of death and has delivered us from the wages of sin that we might rise with Him to everlasting life in heaven. “Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57).

Please don’t ignore this great salvation. If Storm Team 20 Chief Meteorologist Ric Kearbey says you’re in the path of a deadly tornado and you’d better take shelter immediately, how foolish it would be to neglect the warning, grab another bag of Doritos and switch to Cartoon Network like nothing’s happening.

I’m saying look out the window and check out the size of that funnel cloud! Hear the oncoming roar and know that you need to find a way of escape! The storm of God’s judgment against those who reject His great salvation is on the way, and there is no way out if you ignore the one and only One who is mighty to save – Jesus.

Sadly, many people choose to neglect this salvation to their own peril. If you don’t think God could possibly bring such judgment, read about what happened in Noah’s generation. Look at what happened to Sodom and Gomorrah. See what punishment God brought upon Israel when they refused to obey His commandments.

Friend, I’m urging you to turn to Jesus. He will rescue you out of the darkness of sin and deliver you into the kingdom of light, where life in Christ is abundant and where heaven will be eternal glory, free from tears, pain, death and mosquitoes forever.

Where the heart is

In a couple of weeks my family and I are planning to go “home.” We’ve had the joy of seeing e-mail, text and Facebook photos of our three little nieces who have all been born within the past three months, but we’re really looking forward to seeing them face to face. Pictures stir the heart, but seeing them and holding them completes the joy.

All three of my siblings and their families, as well as my parents, live in my hometown of Robinson, IL. It’s only a three and a half hour drive, but it sure is hard to find time to visit, especially when you “work weekends” and kids are in school and have all kinds of extra curricular activities going on. 

So even though I haven’t lived there for 24 years, it’s still home to me. I went to college at ISU in Normal (Amy’s hometown), got married and lived in Rockford for eight years, moved to Kansas City for three while going to seminary, was called to Ridgway (IL) in my first pastorate where we served for seven years, and have now been in Petersburg for nearly two. That’s probably more information than you wanted to know. 

But if you’re still reading, I’m giving you a little of my life story to say that “home” is a term I use loosely. Perhaps you’ve moved around the country so much you can’t even identify with the concept. If your parents are gone and siblings scattered, there may not be such a place you would even call home anymore. 

You’ve heard the expression, “Home is where the heart is.” I think somewhere deep inside we all have a longing for belonging. Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name, and they’re always glad you came (wish I would have thought that line up myself).

God has wired us in such a way that we want to share our heart with family and friends. We need each other to help bear the weight and carry the load. We need the encouragement and support, and sometimes the caring correction that comes in close relationships. We’re made to mourn with those who mourn and rejoice with those who rejoice. We want to love and be loved, to trust and be trusted, and know that at the end of the day, no matter what, somebody will be there for you.  

We want a place to call home. And while this life provides that in part, it’s kind of like seeing pictures of what’s yet to come. There’s joy in good relationships, but it’s not a complete or perfect joy. Friends can come and go. Family may even let you down. And death is a common enemy to all. 

Here’s the deal. Our heavenly Father has also wired us to long for something better, an eternal home, where our joy will be perfected, where “the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:3-4). 

So we live in this world as strangers and aliens, longing for a better country, looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. As believers in Christ Jesus our true citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await the return of our Savior to bring us to that dwelling place He’s gone to prepare for us. 

That’s where my heart is. And while my heart is stirred by going “home” to visit family, there’s a greater and more complete and perfect joy in knowing that someday I’ll see Jesus face to face. 

If your heart longs to find a heavenly home, come join us this Sunday in church and we’ll tell you about it. Or better yet, call me today. I’ll buy you a cup of coffee, open up the Bible and let Jesus speak truth to your heart.