Some notes from Sunday's service. (Thanks, Jean)
Something to Think About - Dr. Barclay:
Theme- Christ is the best teacher about Heaven
BIBLE-Basic instruction before leaving earth.
Christ is the only one who came back to life with a resurrected body. Unlike Lazarus who came back to earth in his earthly body.
The Bible gives us subtle glimpses of Heaven. There is no darkness in Heaven it is all light.
John 8:12
12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
Jesus came back in the resurrected body to show us a glimpse of what Heaven is like. To get to Heaven there is a small price to pay, which is to accept Jesus and do the will of the Father. The price is worth it, all the way,
Revelation 12:10-11
10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
1 Corinthians 2:9
But as it is written, Eye hath not seen,
With medical advancements and the use of resuscitation many people have had near death experiences and say they saw Christ and moments of Heaven. We do know from scripture that Heaven is real, yet it is a choice we make to get there. We need to overcome the troubles and hardships of this life and not give up, so that we will make it to heaven and worship God for all eternity.
Pastor Caroline Barclay:
Theme- Follow Christ’s example and live a life of service for others.
God does not want us to sit still, we have to keep moving and serving others.
John 15:13
13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Jesus truly lived out this scripture verse. As the Son of God he could have avoided the torture and cruelty of the cross. Yet he willingly laid down his life for us.
Jesus did not want, and does not want us to perish.
John 3:16-17
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved
John 14:1-6
14 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Christ invites us to come close to him and know that he is the way. When we understand Christ’s work on the cross we will live our lives completely different.
John 14:25-27
25 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.
26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
The Holy Spirit gives us the peace that passes all understanding. Jesus is interceding for all of us to the Father; covering us with his love and protection. In the cross there is beauty, pain and eternal hope. It is hard for us to understand the suffering Jesus bore. “Because he lives” as the song says, we can accept the risen Savior in our hearts and lives.
Because He Lives
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