What Will the Future Bring?—
One of the things that continually pushes me to the streets is the thoughts of things that are to come. We, as Christians, should have a much different perspective on life than those around us. Most people in the world live as if this life is all there is. But we know and believe that something more is coming. Something infinitely better and lasting. This life is very short. It is but a vapor, the apostle James says, but the life that is to come is everlasting.
Many of us know that, but it doesn’t seem that many of us live in the light of it. Do we really believe that this world will soon be irrelevant? Or are we kicking our feet back as if there is abundant time to spare? It’s a question we all need to ask ourselves.
In my studies recently, I have stumbled across a doctrine (teaching) that has not been often spoken about. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone preach specifically about it before (at least as much as I can remember). I don’t even remember hearing about it in bible school.It’s the doctrine of the resurrection of the dead.
If you’ve been a Christian for any amount of time, you know about this. But what you may not know is that it was one of the main things that the disciples of Jesus preached about. And if you look in Hebrews chapter six, you’ll see that it is one of the basic, elementary doctrines of the faith.
I believe that it is vitally important for us to remind ourselves of this teaching. I think that many of us have forgotten that one day we will be given new, immortal bodies and that we will live and reign with Christ on this earth for 1000 years.
Can we put this truth into proper perspective? What’s 70 or 80 years compared to 1000? And what’s 1000 compared to all eternity in the new earth that is to come? I don’t think we take these truths seriously enough.
Some people wonder why there is so much corruption in even the church. Why are Christians getting divorced? Why are Christians caught up with making money? Why are churches plagued with scandals? It has a lot to do with the fact that our eyes are on the wrong place. Our eyes are on the temporary now rather than the permanent later.
Peter, commenting on this very truth, and on the revelation of the end of all the temporal things of this world, says this:
“Since all these things (the things of this world) will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” – 2 Peter 3:11
Notice that Peter exhorts us to be holy in connection with things to come. We need to be teaching the same to those within our influence. Those who are holiest are those who have their perspective aligned correctly.
I’ve written several times on this subject and recently preached about it at a local church. You can find a blog about it here and my sermon here.
Ministry on the Streets
Just a few days ago I preached for the first time in Baltimore, MD. I must say, it was one of the best outings I have had yet. I sensed the Spirit working and we were able to pray with several people. I was able to lead one lady in a prayer of salvation. She shed tears as we prayed together on the street. It was a beautiful experience.
I also continued to minister on the difficult ground of college campuses. Pray that the Lord would lead me as I consider preaching more in the cities. I tend to have better fruit there.
Will You Join Us?
Will you consider partnering with us in this new year? Your monthly support of any amount is a great blessing and helps us to continue forward in the ministry that God has called us to. To give, visit our giving page.
God bless you!
Hal Chaffee 