DISCIPLESHIP POINT 4: HEADING TOWARD THE CELESTIAL CITY!

“Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." Matthew 4:19.

Hello Friends:

     Welcome to the Soulwinnersr.us website. Last time was my third Discipleship series post entitled “Discipleship Point 3: Don’t Go Ridin’ on That Long Black Train!” We went from the “who” of discipleship two posts ago, to the first “why” of discipleship the last time. I didn’t want to end the “why” of discipleship on a negative note. I want it to end on a resoundingly positive note. So, I entitled this week’s post “Discipleship Point 4: Heading Toward the Celestial City!” It’s about sharing the wonderful happiness with those we disciple that we can have on earth now, and especially the almost beyond explanation, wonderful happiness in what John Bunyan’s “Pilgrim’s Progress” labels “The Celestial City”. The celestial city is a term Bunyan used for the New Jerusalem found in Revelation 21.
     I’m very interested in evangelism and discipleship because I believe very strongly in what the Bible says about the stakes involved. Last year a missionary-minded man on Facebook came against my Facebook posts on a very regular basis. He opposed my assertion of the importance of Christians sharing their faith verbally. He claimed that living a godly life was much more important than verbal sharing.
     I questioned him on his assertions based on what Jesus said in the Great Commission about going and making disciples, not just setting a good example. And the fact that according to Jesus, the final destination of either heaven or hell is on the line.
     The man said, and I’m paraphrasing, “What you see on earth is what you get.” In other words, he was saying I was too heavenly minded to be any earthly good. I admit that I am very heavenly-minded, and I don’t apologize for being so.
     You see, I want to see the Celestial City or New Jerusalem if you will, with its streets and walls of gold clear as glass. I want to walk down the main street with the River of Life flowing down the middle of it. I want to partake of the Tree of Life on each side of the river that brings healing to the nations. I want to live in a place where there is no more death, fighting, or wars. And I desperately want to share the gospel openly, and disciple others so that they can experience the Celestial City with me in the next life.
     A verse I read this morning firmed my conviction about the open verbal sharing of the gospel, and discipleship of others that will guide them toward heaven. In 1 Corinthians 15:19 Paul wrote, “If we have put our hope in Christ for this life only, we should be pitied more than anyone.” In other words, Paul was saying living for Christ in this life is important, but the end goal is heading toward, and leading others to . . . The Celestial City!

So, until I see you next time, keep sharing the wonderful love of Jesus,
Arlen

Is God/Jesus Too Judgmental?

Dear Readers,

I have struggled from time to time with parts of the Bible where God takes vengeance on people. Like the time that God destroyed all the people, save Noah and his family, in the flood. Or the times that David and Joshua, at God’s command, killed everyone of the enemy force, sometimes even women and children.

And Jesus, although thought of as the bearer of a new, more peaceful approach, talked a number of times about people being sent to hell. In Revelation 21:8 John had a vision of Jesus saying, “But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshipers, and all liars—their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur.”

There’s a lot of talk these days about sexual orientation, atheism, abortion, and the origin of the universe, and people with religious beliefs being bullies or haters if they do not go along with certain standards. There is much pressure put to bear on people to conform, in the name of civil rights.

But I think there is a much deeper issue in play here. It is where people end up. If the Bible is true there is no amount of campaigning to make people conform to a certain standard that will thwart it.

My goal with this blog post is not to condemn anyone, and it’s my sincere desire to love everyone, as Jesus commanded. My conformation to a standard set by a group of people is not the main issue at stake here. Rather it is where people go at the end of their lives...not to mention what they experience here on earth. (“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:10)

We can argue until the cows come home about whose standards are right, and what is God’s will. I only know that I have seen a fairly large number of family members and friends die in my sixty year lifespan, and it is hugely evident that life on this earth is finite.

This finiteness leads me to trying, to the best of my ability, to encourage as many family members and friends as possible, regardless of the orientation or cause they might have, to end up in an eternity with a God that loves them infinitely more than I ever will.

See you next time,
 
Arlen

Reunion Time is Coming!

 

Dear Readers,

I think one of the most touching scenes in the thirteen book Left Behind series came in “Kingdom Come”, the final book. It came after the scene of judgment of those who had rejected Jesus, which was very sobering and sad. The ground literally opened up and swallowed them. Then Jesus recognized and rewarded the Old Testament saints with wonderful rejoicing. The martyrs during the tribulation were next with Jesus placing crowns on their heads for their perseverance and suffering. They literally surrounded Him for a time of worship and praise.

But for me the most touching time was at the end where Jesus brought together the saints and their loved ones in a great reunion. It’s hard to explain the emotion I felt. I am somewhat a softie when I watch movies with happy endings, although I try to hide my tears. But this happy ending went much deeper.

Many of my family members and friends have died. They’re a part of my story, but they are no longer a part of my life, except in memories. Do they just stop existing? Or do they go somewhere? Are they in a state of limbo, or are they in a state of anticipation of a happy ending, just like me?

I’ll come right out and say it. I don’t need to hide it any longer. I bawled like a baby! Lord willing I have a long time on this earth to make an impact for Christ and to be a part of many others coming to know Him. But I know reunion time is coming!

See you next time,
Arlen