Practicing Heaven Now

Most of us think of heaven as only in the future. I wonder where we got that. I used to think that, but the longer I marinate in Scripture, and the more I see the power of the cross and God’s love for this broken world of his, the more I see that heaven starts now! Don’t get me wrong, while it does start now, it will not be fully realized until Jesus comes back when all sin is put down and all is shalom.

In fact, in this week's lesson Paul talks about how we practice heaven now. Seriously, we do. One of the great truths of the Bible is that the power of the cross is so pervasive that while it makes deep heaven and future glory a reality - it is not just pie in the sky by and by. So powerful is the cross that the power of heaven works backward into time and space so that right now we experience something of the words to come. Heaven is local.

The implications of this are enormous. For the next to weeks we will talk about how the whole life of heaven works in our imagination and works itself out in the mundane and common life.

Speaking of a common life, a little bit of heaven is on tap tonight for our men. I was with some guys early this morning preparing a whole hog. So, if you can’t camp out, do plan on at least coming out and feasting with the men and children of St. Patrick. Just put the Google Map pin (Click Here) in your phone and it will open up to where a whole hog is roasting even as we speak! Dinner is at about 6:30. If you want to camp bring your gear, we are on the head waters of the Wolf River in Fayette County and it is a little bit of heaven.

One other thing - if you are new to St. Patrick, we have lunch at church this Sunday after worship. Do hang around so we can get to know you better. The money raised goes to help our youth with summer ministry. It is good cause and a delightful time.

Anyway, hope to see many of you tonight. I have to head back out to Fayette County and check on that hog. If not tonight, see you on Sunday!

Blessings,

Jim