Have you ever wondered what you’ll be like once you arrive in heaven? Physically we shall be made perfect; any flaws, disabilities, deformities, unsightly disfigurements will be removed and we’ll inherit beauty and grace unequalled by any and all of the most attractive people of this world.
Mentally, there will be no more deficiencies in our intellect, and in all of our cognitive skills – we’ll have minds that would put Einstein and Hawking to shame!
Remember, Scripture says that Christ is vastly superior to and above the angels (HEB 1:4), and we will be like Christ. As His bride, we shall rule and reign with Him (REV 2:26-27; even judging angels! 1 COR 6:3).
We’ll have abilities and powers that would stagger our imagination if we caught a glimpse of them in the here and now! Review 1 CORINTHIANS 15 for some subtle hints!
Consider the following article by pastor Shane Idleman: In Case of National Emergency, Read This…
It’s been the observation of many Christians throughout the millennia that where GOD works, Satan is sure to show up, interfere with and corrupt in any way possible. We see it in church history, especially in our modern day churches, as well as revivals such as the one that occurred at Asbury University, KY.
I believe such is also in evidence at the founding of our nation; while there were many godly men such as Patrick Henry, James Madison and Alexander Hamilton, there were also those involved in Free Masonry such as George Washington, who was a third degree Mason (“Master Mason”). However Free Masonry in those days didn’t have the 33 degrees that came to be, later in the 19th century. The Luciferian Rite of the 32nd and 33rd degrees did not yet exist.
Likewise Benjamin Franklin belonged to the Hell Fire Club which certainly had a very dark essence. Thomas Jefferson lived and died as a Theist, though he didn’t quite conform to all the tenets of Theism, or Christianity, but a subtle blending of both (while also denying the Deity of Christ and other essential doctrines of the faith).
I used to work at Pizza Hut as a shift manager. Whenever we got a phone call from another store, telling us that a regional or district manager is “in the area” we would all hustle and make sure everything was up to specs; counters, floors, walls were clean; our double boilers, ovens as well as salad bars, coolers and freezers temperatures were on target. Our service and production people were following all company procedures and policies.
And sometimes we didn’t get a visit – but that didn’t stop us from being ready “just in case”.
In 1 JOHN 3 it speaks of the LORD’s arrival to take His bride away:
Considering our heritage and vision that was America, we should carefully examine why this dream of self-government came into being. Practically everyone who lived in the colonies either came from Europe, or their parents or grandparents did.
Life in Europe for millennia was governed by Kings – some noble, many despotic, all of them ruling more or less with autonomy with no government office or official to balance their power.
Life in Europe was very much a class system consisting of nobles (including the royals like kings, queens, dukes, etc.), the clergy, merchants, serfs and peasants (the feudal system). The idea of a self-governing nation was a totally unknown concept from medieval days into the 18th century.
Our founding fathers wanted to distance themselves from power mongering systems and those ambitious men dwelling in them:
The following is a series of short exhortations, brief commentary, and writings to convey thoughtful meditation on God's Word. I have chosen the Gospel of John as the subject. I pray that these will be a blessing and an edification for the saints.
JOHN 7:18
"He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him.
Authority is established in this world, coming in many varieties and degrees. There is political authority, economic, academic and many other manifestations. Ultimately however all (true) authority comes from GOD (PSA 62:11; REV 19:1).
Because of this, embassies are not subject to the laws or political and social parameters of the foreign country. They operate independently and in accord to the host nation.
2 CORINTHIANS 5:18-20
18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. (We are to be peacemakers between GOD and this planet in rebellion against Him! MATT 5:9).
There are Christians who denounce such patriotism as being a form of idolatry, and they believe it’s something we as Christians should actively reject and avoid.
Then there are other Christians who dovetail the American ideal in with Christianity, and in the extreme there is a form of “Christian Nationalism”. They want to bring America back to being “a Christian nation” and deem non-Christians, (even non-whites!) as virtual “second class citizens”. It must be stated that not all “Christian Nationalism” adheres to such prejudices!
As is so often the case, the truth lies somewhere between the two extremes, and I will share my perspective on all of this, and (hopefully) it will help those Christians who are confused about this issue and not sure what to think about it all.
