The Church Faithful on Earth and in Heaven

Editorial
May/June, 1999
Volume 34, Number 3

Several years ago we published an article entitled, “Whatever Happened to Hell?” The current issue will focus on the theme, “What Will Heaven Be Like?” Craig Alan Myers speaks about the faithful church here in this world, and then about rewards in the world to come.

People sometimes joke about the eternal world. A British actor who died in 1992 requested that his credit cards be buried with him–because he might have perpetual needs in the eternal world. Another dying individual wanted a fire extinguisher buried with him, “in case he doesn’t get justice in the future world.” Dave Wilcox asked that a pair of earplugs be placed in the casket alongside him, “in case the heavenly choirs are not in tune.” But life is not a joke here in this world nor in the future world.

Our knowledge of Heaven is limited to what God has revealed to us in the’ Scriptures. But the Bible is clear in stating that somewhere beyond the limits of our visible creation there is a place called “Heaven.” Heaven is a real place, not a mere idea. Jesus promised, “I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2). After the final judgment, those who have been saved by the blood of Jesus, will enter the full enjoyment of life in the presence of God forever. Jesus will say to His loyal followers, “Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matthew 25:34). Among the last words uttered by Stephen (deacon in the New Testament church), are these: “But (Stephen), being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and said ‘Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God’” (Acts 7:55-56).

Heaven is described as a “city” (Hebrews 11:10), a “homeland” (Hebrews 11:14), and an “inheritance” (1 Peter 1:4). Revelation 21:2-3 describes Heaven as “the holy city” called the “New Jerusalem” which is the tabernacle of God, a prepared place that becomes the final abode of the saints.

Heaven will be a place of worship (Revelation 19:1) and a place of service (Revelation 22:3). Those who have “washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb” will “serve Him day and night in His temple” (Revelation 7:14-15). Some will sit on thrones (Matthew 19:28); some will have authority over ten cities (Luke 19:17); some will judge angels (1 Corinthians 6:3). Heaven is not going to be a great big eternal holiday with nothing to do. There will be labor and excitement and adventure. The elements of toil and frustration will be gone.

Heaven will be a place of unspeakable grandeur. It is described as a place of extraordinary beauty. The last two chapters of the Bible describe heaven by speaking of gates of pearl, streets of gold, and walls of jasper. The description may be only symbolic but the saints can be assured that the reality will defy all description, Heaven will be beautiful beyond words. No wonder Jesus said to His disciples, “rejoice because your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:20). And no wonder that the Apostle Paul says that our present sufferings “are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18).

Heaven will be a place of rest from sin and labor and pain and suffering. God will “wipe away every tear from their eyes, there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying, and there shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4). Anyone who has sat by the bedside of those who have had lingering illnesses, or anyone who has walked up and down the corridors of our hospitals–must marvel exceedingly at the extent of that promise.

Heaven will be marked by the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. In Hebrews 9:24 we read that Jesus “entered…into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.” And when Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper He said that He would not eat and drink of the fruit of the vine again with His disciples, “until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom” (Matthew 26:29). Fanny Crosby was thinking of her friends over in Heaven when she wrote the words:

Oh the dear ones in glory,
How they beckon me to come,
And their parting at the river I recall;
To the sweet vales of Eden
They will sing my welcome home–
But I long to meet my Savior first of all.

For the Christian–the day of our death will be the day of our glorification. That is why, in some Christian settings, when one of their number dies, they never say, “Sister Sharon died last night.” Instead, they say, “Sister Sharon has been promoted to glory.”

For the genuine Christian who accepts the Bible as God’s revelation of truth, Heaven is a real place–with real people and a real Savior and a real God.

–Harold S. Martin

The Church Faithful on Earth and in Heaven

 

by Craig Alan Myers

Longing for Heaven, or desiring a better country, is a central theme in the Scriptures. We do not read or see much about Heaven anymore. We have it so good in this world, at least in the Western world, that we do not seem to need Heaven anymore. This is the way our secular society is thinking; many are satisfied to have a kind of “heaven on earth.” Most of us who live in the Western world have it pretty good, and so looking forward to Heaven is almost a foreign concept.

Hebrews 11 can be somewhat discouraging. While it is the “faith chapter” and is inspiring, this chapter points out that Abel died, Noah died, Abraham died, and Sarah died. They died (verse 13). If the Lord should tarry, we will die, too! But, did the patriarchs die in failure? No! They died in faith, trusting the promises of God, but not receiving the fulfillment of those promises while yet on this earth. So, what does our desire for Heaven do for our Christian witness and faithfulness on earth?

EMBRACING THE PROMISES OF GOD

Those who long for Heaven are faithful to embrace the promises of God (verse 13). Think of the politicians’ promises which we embrace. Some promise a tax cut while ensuring more benefits. We know that many of those promises will be broken! We have an attitude that many promises will be broken. But, the Bible says, “Let God be true and every man a liar” (Romans 3:4). God can be trusted.

When I am apart from my wife and children, I miss them greatly. When I return home from a trip or meeting, I will want to embrace them. Simply seeing them is not enough. We carry photographs in our wallets, but that it not enough, as there is the desire to hold them close. So it is with the promises of God.

Embracing the promises–as Abraham and Sarah did–means implicit trust in and obedience to what God says in His Word with childlike faith–as opposed to those “scholars” who claim the name “Christian” but then want to hack and cut the Word into unrecognizable gibberish [as does the infamous Jesus Seminar, which says that the Gospel of John was not written by the beloved Apostle nor does it contain the words of Jesus], or pick and choose what they want to follow and believe, so that in the end there are no promises to believe [common to both liberal and evangelical camps in the church]. There is often a lack of integrity in handling the Word of God–as it is.

The promises of God for redemption were still promises when all these faithful ones died, and still they believed the promises because they believed the God Who made the promises. They looked for redemption; they looked for atonement for their sins; they knew they were sinners in need of a Saviour; they looked for the fulfillment of the promises.

The promises were viewed with the eyes of faith. They were on the horizon, but not quite yet here. The promises were welcomed with fervent awaiting, as if one was on a ship and eagerly saw friends waiting on the shore for his arrival.

So much embraced by the professing Church today is not the core of our concern. Our real concern–the things of God, their teaching and proclamation–is often left wanting for time, money, and prayer support.

CONFESSING OUR STATUS AS EXILES

Those who long for Heaven are faithful to confess pilgrimhood (verses 13-14). We are strangers and exiles, as we do not belong in this world; we have been forced out of our natural home and we are on our way to our supernatural home. We do not set down roots here in this world.

We are here only for a short time, according to Psalm 103:15, “As for man, his days are like grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourishes.” We are looking for our homeland or fatherland. “They were looking forward to their real home in Heaven” (TLB). We use different means in our walk and living. Our Anabaptist “two kingdoms” view says that we “live in the world, but not of it.” There is a godly kingdom and an ungodly kingdom. Our views, attitudes, and actions are those of aliens. “My kingdom is not of this world,” Jesus said (John 18:36). The Apostle Paul wrote, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal” (2 Corinthians 10:4), but our resources are spiritual weapons. We have, in place of lobbying and power politics– which seems to be all the rage–the weapons of prayer and trusting God. Because we believe in a sovereign God, these weapons are enough!

Does this mean that Christians have absolutely no interest in the events and needs of this present world? No. We have heard the statement that “some folks are so heavenly minded that they are no earthly good.” I have not met many of those folks lately. Many Christians now are so earthly minded that they are no heavenly good!

C.S. Lewis wrote, “If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world, that they have become so ineffective in this one” (Mere Christianity, p. 118).

We ought to recognize that the church has a threefold mission:
–to worship God rightly;
–to build up believers in Christ; and
–to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all who will listen.

The church loses its effectiveness whenever it strays from this threefold mission, or whenever one part of the mission overshadows the other parts. It is hard to see where the Church has any special knowledge or expertise when it comes to global warming, affirmative action, or campaign finance reform. There may be general principles of stewardship, behavior, and ethics which are drawn from the Bible. But it is a great leap to then advocate certain policy positions which essentially are outside of the church’s mandate or understanding, and say, “These are the Christian positions.”

Being a pilgrim or exile is essentially a minority status. Pilgrims are rarely popular, seldom powerful, and hardly accepted. This leads to the next point which is…

REPUDIATING THE VAIN WORLD SYSTEM

Those who long for Heaven are faithful to repudiate the present world (verse 15). Back in the 1960’s some church leaders were saying, “Let the world set the agenda for the church.” There’s a saying, “You can’t go home again.” This place we call Earth is not home for the believer in Jesus Christ. It grows, or ought to grow, more uncomfortable to us each passing day. We are becoming more and more restless as time passes, or we ought to be.

The saints in Hebrews 11 may be contrasted with the Israelites on the way out of Egypt during their wandering in the Wilderness. The children of Israel complained, “We remember the fish which we ate freely in Egypt, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic; but now our whole being is dried up; there is nothing at all except this manna before our eyes!” (Numbers 11:5-6) .

God provided for every physical need they had, and they were free, but the Israelites still protested and longed for the past in the land of bondage. “And all the children of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron, and the whole congregation said to them, “If only we had died in the land of Egypt! Or if only we had died in this wilderness! Why has the LORD brought us to this land to fall by the sword, that our wives and children should become victims? Would it not be better for us to return to Egypt?’ So they said to one another, “Let us select a leader and return to Egypt” (Numbers 14:2-4). But soon they found out they could not go back again.

Egypt is a picture of our old life in sin. The wilderness is a type of our present pilgrimage. So you want to go back to Egypt? You cannot go back, as it is not “home” anymore. The Apostle Paul reminds us: “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead” (Philippians 3:13).

The Apostle Paul realized that he could move only forward in his Christian life, if he was going to be faithful. Our right to the promises of God depends on our renunciation of our old ways. Faithful believers are not traitors to their trust in Christ. They have no desire to go back to their old sinful ways or to go back to their involvement with worldly pursuits. We turn our backs to this present world system. The Bible says, “For the grace of God … teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age” (Titus 2:11-12, NIV).

C.S. Lewis again wrote, “Aim at Heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at Earth and you will get neither.” There can be no compromise! This world concerns us less and less.

DESIRING OUR HOME IN HEAVEN

Those who long for Heaven are faithful to desire a prepared place (verse 16). When we yearn for something, that is our heart’s desire. Our greatest desire ought to be for Heaven. It is a better country. There is no comparison to this present world. In that place, gold serves as paving bricks for the streets!

Now–in this present world–we have problems. There–in Heaven–we will know perfection. Now we have pain. There, we will know rest. Now we are acquainted with evil. There, we will know only good.

The pilgrim’s way of life is one of desiring Heaven, and preparing as much as possible for Heaven. “For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from Heaven” (2 Corinthians 5:2), and “For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:7-8).

David expressed his ardent wish in Psalm 27:4, “One thing I have desired of the LORD, that will I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in His temple.” He spoke of yearning for Heaven.

In 1910, Henry Morrison was a missionary returning home to New York after forty years in Africa. On the same ship coming to America was Theodore Roosevelt, triumphantly returning after a long safari. Morrison saw the crowds and the enthusiasm for Roosevelt, then sadly reflected that no one was at the pier to greet and welcome him home. He grew somewhat despairing, and told the Lord so. Then the Lord gently reminded him, “But, Henry, you’re not home yet!”

The Bible says, “For the grace of God … teaches us … to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope–the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good” (Titus 2:11-14, NIV). We are looking for something that is better, more exciting, more glorious than anything this present world can offer.

We must not become comfortable with this old world. To do so is to forget what the glories of Heaven really are. We get excited to see a Fourth of July fireworks display. But it really does not compare with the glories of Christ. Yes, the Christian is one who keeps on waiting, working, and watching “for our redemption draws nigh.”

PERSEVERING IN TRUSTING GOD

Those who long for Heaven are faithful to persevere in trusting the promises God has made (verse 16). Our desire for the better country tells us that God is not ashamed of us, as He says, “Those who honor Me I will honor, and those who despise Me shall be lightly esteemed” (1 Samuel 2:30). We honor Him by a life of faith in His promises. We honor Him by believing His Word and acting on it in the power of the Holy Spirit.

He has prepared a place for us (John 14:1-3). We often say, “Heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people.” God is at work preparing each believer for his place in Heaven. This life is but the training ground for Heaven. We keep on keeping on because we long for Heaven.

Those who become citizens of any given country must declare allegiance to that country and promise to uphold its laws and ideals. One must also renounce his citizenship in his former country in most situations. Becoming a citizen of Heaven means that the citizen of this world must renounce that world, and declare his allegiance to the King of Heaven. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31).

The old Gospel song says,

This world is not my home, I’m just passing through.
My treasures are laid up, somewhere beyond the blue.
The angels beckon me from Heaven’s open door;
And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.

Longing for Heaven brings faithfulness on earth.

(This message was delivered at the Brethren Revival Fellowship Insight Session at the 1998 Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida.)

 

In 2023, Brethren Maine Missions (BMM) purchased the Building Materials Exchange.  The Last Sheaf Building Materials Exchange provides exposure and connection with the community of Lisbon while offering a variety of new, used, and salvaged building materials, tools, and supplies at greatly reduced prices.

Why “The Last Sheaf?”

The Last Sheaf is a reference from the Bible where God says:

When you reap your harvest in your field, and forget a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to get it; it shall be for the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.

Deuteronomy 24:19 (NKJV)

Links:

  • https://lastsheafbme.org/

Highlights:

   GOD is faithful! The sun shines and GOD is with us, the rain comes down and GOD is with us.

 

   Since we’ve taken ownership of the Last Sheaf BME, we’ve made roof repairs, insulated the ceiling, repaired walls, etc. There were times it felt like every step we took there was another thing to fix. 

 

   We have two people on staff (Craig Keeney and Peter Bucher) assisted by a tremendous team of volunteers. We work together to make repairs, do pricing and inventory work, assist customers and more.  Interacting with and helping customers is the highlight of our day. People come with material needs; they need product to build or repair their home. People come with spiritual and emotional needs, as well. We purpose to get to know the individuals who come through our doors in order to share hope, truth, and love.

 

   One individual who had visited the Last Sheaf a couple of times was loud, large, and in charge. He had a “Goliath” personality. He made me quake in my boots a little (maybe a lot). His language was at times not appropriate anywhere, but especially not in a public place. One day he was standing right beside me and was about to speak that which I did not want to hear.  In a very quiet voice, I called him by name and before I could say any more, he apologized and said, “You are right. I shouldn’t be talking like that.”  Then he launched into a spiritual conversation with me. I was totally taken off guard by the change. He has been a different person ever since. Now he is more like a “David” personality. I now look forward to opportunities to speak with him.

 

   Donations of products/materials as well as finances are always appreciated, but the prayers of the saints are as vital a need to the work at the Last Sheaf, as anything.

Just as in biblical times the last sheaves of grain from a harvest were to be left behind to benefit the needy, we are taking leftover building materials, tools, and supplies and making them available at greatly reduced prices to those in need.

Our Mission:

Our mission is to benefit low-income homeowners, and to reduce waste in the environment by repurposing surplus building materials, enabling low income homeowners to better maintain their homes.

Register Now

BBI Registration Now Open!

Come explore God’s Word with us!. “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. – Romans 10:17”
Sign up today!

INTRODUCTION TO THEOLOGY

Every Christian thinks about God, so every Christian is a theologian. Theology is the study of God. This course will encourage us to think about God in a biblical manner, from the information provided in the Scriptures. We will seek to further understand some major theological ideas from the Anabaptist-Pietist viewpoint and explain those ideas.

A STUDY OF ABRAHAM

Father of the faithful and a friend of God. His life serves as a profound study in covenant theology, testing the boundaries of faith, sacrifice, trust, and ultimate devotion to the One Creator. In this session we will study the character of Abraham, identify pictures of Jesus Christ, and apply truths and insights into our lives.

THE BOOK OF PSALMS

Within this collection of songs and prayers lie expressions of the deep passions of humanity. The psalmists cry out in despair, pour out his soul in confession, and express exuberant praise for his God. Through the peaks and valleys of human experience, the Psalms guide us to praise our loving Creator.

THE CULTS AND FALSE RELIGIONS

This study will look at the beliefs of a variety of cults and false religions that are prevalent in America today. These false beliefs will be contrasted with Biblical truth along with ways to respond when confronted by followers of these cults.

WOMEN IN THE EARLY CHURCH

You’ve heard about Paul and Silas, Peter and John. But, what about Priscillas? Chloe? Phoebe? and Lydia (a strong woman who “prevailed” on Paul, Silas and Luke in Philippi)? Because of its focus on the ones that others rejected, tax collectors, Samaritans and women, Jesus and later the early church attracted the outcasts into their followers. This class will focus on the women who influenced the early church and the role of women in the church today.

NEW TESTAMENT SURVEY

A general survey of the entire New Testament, which includes a panoramic view of all 27 books. Note will be made of leading characteristics, main ideas of thought, and summary outlines of each book. Each book will be related to the total message of the New Testament.

STUDIES IN JOHN’S LETTERS

A detailed look at epistles that emphasize the relationship of the Christian to the father through the Lord Jesus Christ. The themes of assurance, obedience, love and truth in the Christian life will be drawn from our study.

STATEMENT OF CONDUCT

The Brethren Bible Institute believes in the discipline of the whole person (spirit, soul, and body). We will aim to train students not only about how to study the Bible in a systematic way (2 Timothy 2:15), but also how to live soberly and righteously and godly in this present world (Titus 2:12). God calls Christians to the highest of character when He commands us to be holy (1 Peter 1:15), and holiness requires discipline.

Indulgence in the use of tobacco, alcoholic beverages, drugs, profanity, and gambling are forbidden at BBI. Objectionable literature will be prohibited. Students are asked not to use the college pool during the Institute. Each student must be thoughtful, and respect the rights of others at all times, especially during study and rest periods.

A friendly social group intermingling of students between class periods, and at general school activities is encouraged. Each student should enjoy the friendship of the entire group. At all times, highest standards of social conduct between men and women must be maintained. This means that all forms of unbecoming behavior and unseemly familiarities will be forbidden.

Personal appearance and grooming tell much about one's character. Students are expected to be dressed in good taste. In an attempt to maintain Scriptural expressions of simplicity, modesty, and nonconformity, the following regulations shall be observed while attending BBI.

MEN should be neatly attired and groomed at all times. Fashion extremes and the wearing of jewelry should be avoided on campus. The hair should not fall over the shirt-collar when standing, nor should it cover the ears.

WOMEN should wear skirts cut full enough and of sufficient length to at least come to the knees when standing and sitting. Form-fitting, transparent, low-neckline, or sleeveless clothing will not be acceptable. Slacks and culottes are permitted only for recreation and then only when worn under a skirt of sufficient length. Wearing jewelry should be avoided on campus. Long hair for women is encouraged and all Church of the Brethren girls (and others with like convictions) shall be veiled on campus.

The Institute reserves the right to dismiss any student whose attitude and behavior is not in harmony with the ideals of the School, or whose presence undermines the general welfare of the School, even if there is no specific breach of conduct.

The Brethren Bible Institute is intended to provide sound Bible teaching and wholesome Christian fellowship for all who desire it. The Bible School Committee worked hard and long at the task of arriving at standards, which will be pleasing to the Lord. It is not always easy to know just where the line should be drawn and we do not claim perfection. No doubt certain standards seem too strict for some and too loose for others. If you are one who does not share all these convictions, we hope you will agree to adjust to them for the School period, for the sake of those who do. We are confident that the blessings received will far outweigh any sacrifice you may have to make. If you have a special problem or question, please write to us about it. To be accepted as a student at BBI, you will need to sign a statement indicating that you will cooperate with the standards of the School.

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