5 Things Jesus Would Say To The Gay Community

Posted on May 22, 2023 by Mark Cole

By Perry Noble & Robbie Green ~

There is a lot of noise on the news and in public forums about gay marriage and traditional values. Everyone has an opinion on what’s right and what’s wrong.

But what would Jesus say? How would Jesus address a gay man or a lesbian?

Looking through scripture, Jesus makes His thoughts fairly clear.

Five Things Jesus Says to the Gay Community:

What Would Jesus say

1. I love you.

Amidst the protest signs, yelling crowds and political referendums, the simple message of Jesus’ love for you is often drowned out. Never doubt that Jesus loves you more than you could ever know.

Jesus doesn’t just love a future version of you; He loves you exactly as you are right now. Jesus’ love for you has no prerequisites or requirements.

Even if you hate Him, Jesus loves you and wants what is best for you.

Love is at the core of everything Jesus taught. Unfortunately, His message of love has been conveniently left out by many who would rather make a point than make a difference  (John 3:16; 1 John 4:8-10; Romans 5:8; Psalm 86:15).

2. I understand rejection.

Jesus knows how it feels to be a social outcast.

You would think the religious leaders would have been His best friends, but they hated Him. They sought to kill Him and publicly shame Him any chance they had.

Eventually, the religious elite joined forces with local politicians and murdered Jesus in front of a cheering crowd.

Rejection hurts.

Jesus’ own family thought He was out of His mind; you probably understand how that feels. In Jesus’ greatest moment of need, His closest friends deserted Him.

You may feel rejected by society and the church right now, and that daily pressure takes a toll. Jesus understands.

His heart always breaks for the rejected and the outcast. Jesus wants to gather you in His arms and let you know that He loves you. You have a home with Jesus, you belong to Him and you are His child.

Don’t reject Him because He has not rejected you (Isaiah 53:3; Mark 3:20-21;Matthew 26:55-56; Matthew 27; Ezekiel 18:21-23).

3. I also was tempted.

Jesus was tempted in every way that we are tempted. He does not shame you or reject you because of your temptations and feelings.

He faced the same thing when He walked the earth. He never married, and faced daily pressure and temptation in every way imaginable.

Some like to pretend they are perfect and never face any struggles, but they’re lying. Jesus really was perfect and still faced temptation. He battled the desire to run away from His Father’s plan.

He understands what you are going through.

If you read about His life, you will see it was no cake walk, but if you will walk with Him and obey Him, you will find a greater reward than you could ever imagine (Hebrews 4:15-16; Hebrews 2:17-18; Hebrews 12:2-3, 7-11).

4. I want more for you.

God created marriage and sex for your enjoyment. Sex was created for one man and one woman within the covenant of marriage, and it has been that way from the beginning. Anything else is sin.

Sin is not a fun word or a comfortable topic, but Jesus will not stop bringing it to our attention because we will miss out on life with Him if sin is left unaddressed. You may think Jesus is trying to take the one thing you enjoy or spoil your fun, but that is not the case. The reason He clearly defined marriage and sex in the Bible is because He wants what is best for you.

Ignore the political arguments, the protestors and the yelling. Jesus wants you to trust Him.

Trust that He has good things in store for you. Trust that He wants what is best for you. Before you decide that what you feel is right, decide if you trust Him (Matthew 19:4-6; Ephesians 3:17-21; 1 Timothy 2:4).

5. I will be here for you.

You may disagree with Jesus’ thoughts on sex and marriage, but He will not turn away from you.

You may enjoy the life you live right now, even if it disagrees with the guidelines He laid out in scripture. Jesus understands your hesitation to make changes. He does not give up on us.

For a long time now, people have disagreed with Him, yelled at Him and run from Him, and He patiently waits. Jesus is patient with us because He wants you to know Him.

Jesus wants you to live the life He has planned for you. When you are worn out from doing things your way, He will be here. Turn to Him and ask for help, and He will be there before you can blink.

There is no permanent joy outside of Jesus.

Jesus wants what is best for you, and He wants you to experience a full life.

Jesus is not concerned with winning an argument or forcing you to do something you don’t want to do. Jesus wants you to know that your relationship with Him is better than anything else out there.

Until you reach that point, He will be here patiently drawing you to Himself (Romans 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9; 1 Peter 5:7; Hosea 14).

Article courtesy of NewSpring Church

The original post is here

Posted in Church, God, Jesus | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Top 10 Healing Do’s and Don’ts

Posted on May 15, 2023 by Mark Cole

By Adrian Warnock –

I offer these 10 tips, each with a do and a don’t, for the Christian who is sick and seeking healing. This comes from personal experience, and from being around charismatic churches who believe in spiritual healing my whole life. I hope the do’s and don’ts are full of faith and hope, but also a healthy dose of common sense and reality (which are sometimes sorely lacking in Christian circles). I hope these may be of some help to you, and if you have more suggestions do share with us all, as we are all learning together.

  1. When you are sick, do give yourself the grace you need and be gentle on yourself. Let yourself be sick, take the time you need to get better.
    • But don’t allow your sickness to dominate your personality, and define your existence. If you are in a chronic illness or prolonged recovery, learn how hard to push yourself so that you don’t get into a downward spiral of doing less and less, and hence getting worse, but equally don’t push yourself too hard. Nobody can tell you how hard that is: only trial and error will tell you.
  2. Do trust in the sovereignty of God, and that He is at work in your circumstances for your good, and that you might learn to be more like Him. 
    • But don’t let that trust turn into a stoic acceptance of sickness, which is never God’s ultimate best for you. We live in a fallen world and sickness is an alien invader we are to resist, not passively welcome.
  3. Do allow your sickness to prompt you to think about your own vulnerability, frailty and mortality.
    • But don’t let yourself become morbid and pre-occupied with fear of death. Remember there is always someone worse off than you, and always something to be grateful for. Find things to thank God for and do so!
  4. Do take the opportunity to approach sickness with hope, joy and to be a good witness of the work of God in you to others.
    • But don’t think you must always keep your ‘game face’ on. It’s OK to be weak, vulnerable and to accept the support of others. Jesus is not glorified when you fake it. Your light will shine through your weakness, not by trying to hide it.
  5. When people ask you how you are doing, try to be as positive as it is real to be: Not everyone wants a blow by blow account of your symptoms.
    • But don’t lie and pretend things are better than they are. Find some people you can be totally open with. You will know who your real friends are at a time like this: They are the people that turn up at your hospital bed, or you wish would be there, but for whatever reason can’t be.
  6. Do turn to God in prayer when you are sick.
    • But don’t let that stop you visiting doctors, and taking medicine: Take God’s healing whichever way He wants to give it to you! Medicine is as much a gift of God as a miraculous healing. After all, God gave doctors their skills so they can do His work of healing.
  7. Do keep on asking for prayer: Persistence in prayer is commended in Scripture.
    • But don’t feel obligated to receive prayer at every opportunity; sometimes well-meaning Christians may urge you to be prayed for and it just won’t feel right. You are not your illness.
  8. Do seek to grow your faith through this experience of suffering.
    • But don’t let yourself believe the lie that if you are not healed it is because you do not have enough faith!
  9. Do study the Scriptural promises that audaciously say God will heal you, and dare to believe them.
    • But don’t be disappointed or disillusioned if your healing is delayed by weeks, months, years or even decades.
  10. Do dare to believe that God wants to, can and WILL heal you.
    • But don’t forget that for the Christian, our real hope of healing goes beyond the grave to the great and glorious day when there will be no more sickness.

This article originally appeared here.

Adrian Warnock – adrianwarnock.com

Adrian Warnock is part of the leadership team of Jubilee Church, a growing multicultural church in London where he has preached regularly for more than ten years. His book, Raised With Christ – How The Resurrection Changes Everything was published by Crossway in 2010. A medical doctor by training, Warnock runs a popular Christian blog at adrianwarnock.com.

Posted in Church, God, Healing, Jesus, Wisdom | Leave a comment

Music Lessons: Do They Make You Smarter?

Posted on May 15, 2023 by Mark Cole

By Ford Barker –

Do music lessons make you smarter? This question is misleading. It is easier to address this question by rephrasing it. Do music lessons improve cognition? The answer is a resounding yes!

To elaborate, there are four basic components of cognition which are: attention, memory, perception, and cognitive flexibly. Music lessons improve each one of these components. The finding that “elementary school students in higher quality music education programs demonstrate a 20% improvement in standardized tests of English and math” provides an excellent illustration of this enhancement and a powerful endorsement for music education.

“Neuroscientists have demonstrated that learning to play a musical instrument or singing leads to changes in a child’s brain that make it more likely that they will reach their full cognitive and academic potential.” With this in mind, it is important to consider the following facts. Firstly, passively listening to music will not work, this requires active engagement in music making. Secondly, these benefits occur at any age, however, the younger the start the greater the effect.

It is interesting to note that a rather high percentage of professionals, such as medical doctors and lawyers, play a musical instrument. Perhaps their enhanced cognitive abilities acquired through the discipline of learning a musical instrument have facilitated their professional development?

“The theory of relativity occurred to me by intuition, and music is the driving force behind this intuition. My parents had me study violin from the time I was six. My new discovery is the result of musical perception” – Albert Einstein

Related Post: Playing for Time: Trending of Adult Piano Lessons

Posted in Entertainment, Exercise, Music, Wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

What Does The Bible Say About A Pure Heart?

Posted on May 14, 2023 by Mark Cole

The Bible places a significant emphasis on having a clean and pure heart. In both the Old and New Testaments, God calls on His people to keep their hearts pure and free from sin.

For instance, in Psalm 51:10, King David prays to God, saying, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” This verse highlights the importance of asking God to purify our hearts, which can only be done through His divine power.

In the New Testament, Jesus also emphasizes the importance of having a pure heart. In Matthew 5:8, He says, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” This verse suggests that only those who have a pure heart will be able to have a genuine relationship with God.

The Apostle Paul, a key figure in the New Testament, also speaks about the importance of having a clean heart. One example of this can be found in 2 Timothy 2:22, where Paul encourages Timothy to “flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.” Here, Paul is urging Timothy to avoid sinful desires and to strive for purity of heart along with other believers.

Additionally, in James 4:8, it says, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” This verse highlights the fact that having a pure heart is essential for having a close relationship with God.

Overall, the Bible teaches that having a clean and pure heart is vital for a fulfilling relationship with God and living a righteous life.

Posted in God, Healing, Jesus | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

7 Tips On Becoming A Good Acoustic Guitar Player

Posted on May 8, 2023 by Mark Cole

Becoming a good acoustic guitar player on a worship team takes time, dedication, and practice. Here are some tips to help you improve:

1. Buy a good acoustic guitar: (new or used) Having a solid instrument that plugs into your church sound system is a must. I rented a number of different guitars to find one that sounded great in our front of house sound and in our in-ears system. My personal choice is a Taylor 214CE. Also buy a great tuner. Some guitars come with tuners but for my Taylor I ended up buying the D’Addario Soundhole Tuner.

2. Practice regularly: Dedicate time each day to practice playing the acoustic guitar. Start with learning all the basic chords in the keys of G (G, C, D, Em7, Am7) and D (D, Em, G, A, Bm) then move on to practicing fingerpicking and strumming patterns. Learn the importance of strumming lightly. I usually try to memorize the music that we are doing that week so I can worship and sing while I play.

Below is a guitar chord chart with some great ways to play all the main chords in the keys of G and D.

My goal is to show up to music rehearsals with my part already perfected. This often includes putting the songs into a capo friendly key (i.e. if the song is in F, I’ll put the capo on fret 3 and play the song in D or Capo to fret 1 and play it in E).

It is also important to learn to use a capo so you can play in the most guitar friendly keys. (Keys of C, D, E, G & A). Below is a capo position chart to help understand where to put your capo. On the left is the key you play in. On the right is where to put the capo so it sounds in the correct key.

3. Listen to music: Listen to worship music and other genres that feature acoustic guitar. Pay attention to the way the guitar is played and the different techniques and strumming patterns used.

There are great how-to YouTube.com videos for specific worship songs. If your team uses Multitracks.com you can also solo the specific acoustic parts and listen and practice with them.

4. Learn new chords and techniques: Continuously expand your chord vocabulary and learn new techniques to improve your playing. After learning the major and minor chords in the keys of G and D, I suggest learning to play in C, E and A. This will help you add variety to your playing and make your contributions to the worship team more interesting.

Here’s a great chart with the usual chords that go with each key.

5. Play with others: Practice playing with other musicians, both in informal settings and with the worship team. This will help you develop your timing, listening skills, and ability to play as part of a group.

6. Be a team player: As a member of the worship team, your job is to support the other musicians and the overall sound of the band. Pay attention to the needs of the song and avoid overplaying or distracting from the vocals or other instruments. Learn to worship while you are playing your instrument.

7. Attend workshops and lessons: Consider taking guitar lessons or attending workshops to learn from experienced players. This can provide you with new techniques and insights that you can use to improve your playing.

Remember, becoming a great acoustic guitar player takes time and practice. Be patient with yourself, stay committed to improving, and enjoy the process of making music with your worship team. Remember, it’s a privilege to lead your church in worship.

Posted in Church, Music, Worship | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

7 Tips To Become A Great Back-up Singer On Your Worship Team

Posted on May 8, 2023 by Mark Cole

Becoming a great backup singer in a church worship team requires dedication, practice, and a few key skills. Here are some tips to help you achieve this goal:

  1. Develop your singing skills: Take vocal lessons if possible, practice singing regularly, and work on your pitch, tone, and breathing. Learn to blend your voice with others, harmonize, and adjust your volume to fit the dynamics of the song.
  2. Learn the songs: Familiarize yourself with the worship songs your church sings regularly. Listen to recordings and practice singing along with them. Pay attention to the melody, lyrics, and rhythm. Memorize the songs.
  3. Focus on supporting the lead singer: As a backup singer, your primary role is to support the lead singer. Listen closely to the lead vocalist and adjust your singing accordingly. Be mindful of the tempo, phrasing, and dynamics.
  4. Develop good stage presence: A great backup singer knows how to engage the audience and convey the emotion of the song through their facial expressions and body language. Be confident, but not overly showy. Remember that you are there to support the worship experience, not to draw attention to yourself.
  5. Build good relationships with other members of the worship team: Collaborate with the other members of the worship team and seek feedback from your peers. Be open to constructive criticism and use it to improve your skills.
  6. Attend rehearsals and be prepared: Attend all rehearsals and come prepared. Know your parts well and be ready to make adjustments if needed. Show up on time and be respectful of others’ time and efforts.
  7. Stay humble and have a heart of worship: Remember that your role as a backup singer is to support the worship experience and glorify God. Stay humble and have a heart of worship in everything you do.
Posted in Church, God, Jesus, Leadership, Music, Worship | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

How To Use An iPad For Leading Worship

Posted on May 5, 2023 by Mark Cole

One of the biggest changes that I’ve made onstage is using my iPad for carrying and reading all my charts. I love that it holds hundreds of songs, has great lighting for the stage, is small and portable, has a great built-in metronome, has a smaller footprint onstage and that I can use a hands-free foot-switch to turn my pages. Here is how to make it work for you:

1. Buy an iPad

There are numerous tablets on the market but the iPad is still #1.  And because of it’s market dominance it get’s the best support for products and apps. 

If a new one is out of your price range… pick up a used one on Kijiji. But make sure you buy an iPad 6th generation or newer. I run two iPad’s on stage, an iPad Air for tracks, clicks and pads and iPad (6th generation) for charts.

2. Convert all your documents (music, notes, etc) into .pdf documents

This is quite simple: When you’re printing your documents from your Apple computer, simply choose the PDF option in the lower right corner of your print page.

For multiple options on the platform your using, check out this WikiHow article: 5 Ways To Create PDF Documents

3. Get a free Dropbox account and load all your .pdf documents into it

Dropbox is free and is becoming one of the best ways to store your documents in the ‘Cloud’. Check out this article: How To Start Using Dropbox 

You can also transfer pdf files many other ways from your phone or laptop. Check out this youtube video.

4. Download a great music reading app

My favourite music reading app is ‘forScore’.  Here is a link to an article of the top music reader apps. The reason I prefer forScore over other apps (and I’ve tried numerous other ones) is:

  • It links easily with Dropbox
  • It has great user-friendly features
  • It has a versatile metronome built-in with great sounds and great program features: I can tell it how many beats to play and then have it turn off automatically so it ends before a ritard ending
  • The metronome instantly changes when the next song comes up
  • You control the metronome with a footswitch
  • You can add metronome controls on to any page of the music.
  • You can easily write notes on your iPad music screen.

Metronome for forScore

I also want to give honorable mention to the OnSong app. It has a solid metronome, great editing and transposing features, the ability to sync tracks and also download charts from Dropbox and convert files from CCLI’s Songselect.

Screen Shot 2014-11-20 at 12.13.21 PM

5. Buy a stand for your iPad

Here is the current foldable stand I am using from Liugast. It’s available on Amazon and holds my iPad and iPhone. It’s also very reasonable priced.

6. Buy a Bluetooth Foot-switch for your iPad

I recently upgraded my foot-switch to an iRig Blueboard. This pedal has 4 foot-switches so I can easily turn pages (forwards and backwards) and also turn the metronome off hands free. (this video is in French but it will give you the idea)

Airturn has also just come out with a new bluetooth foot-switch for only $69. This will enable you to turn pages and other functions. It is great to be hands free! Check this great Youtube video on the how-to-use-it with OnSong!

If you have an older iPad you can use the Airturn BT-105 (which I was using before I upgraded my iPad).

7.  Practice and use the iPad for live music ~ here’s how:

  • I make all my music into .pdf’s and then I download all of them onto my Dropbox account.
  • I put them into a set list.
  • I set-up the metronome settings for each song.
  • I link my iRig Blueboard foot-switch to my iPad and practise using it to turn the pages backwards and forwards and turning the click on and off.
  • I send the metronome click to the band for their in-ear monitors… Recently I have been using a 2nd iPad to run Multitracks app ‘Playback’ to run tracks, clicks and pads.
  • I also put a special programmable transparent button on each page to quickly turn the metronome on/off in emergencies. (see set-up for buttons on forScore)
  • I practice using this set-up so that it works seamlessly in live performances.
  • I memorize my music and currently I only use it in rehearsals.

Question: What are you using on stage for your music? What app are you currently using? Do you memorize your music?

Check out my new book.. “Leading Worship ~ Notes from a Grand Adventure’ available in Kindle or Soft Cover Editions.  This is a great gift for the musician or worshipper in your life.

This blog is part of my vision to train over 100,000 worship leaders around the world. If you would like to support this vision you can help by giving any amount through this PayPal account.

Posted in Music, Worship | Tagged , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

10 Great Reasons To Read The Bible Daily

Posted on May 3, 2023 by Mark Cole

The Bible is the primary source of spiritual nourishment for believers. It contains the wisdom, guidance, and insights necessary for spiritual growth and transformation. Here are 10 reasons why believers should read the Bible daily:

  1. To Grow Spiritually: “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation” (1 Peter 2:2). The Bible is like spiritual milk that helps believers to grow and mature in their faith.
  2. To Know God: “This is eternal life: that they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent” (John 17:3). The Bible reveals God’s character, nature, and attributes, allowing believers to know God more intimately and develop a deeper relationship with Him.
  3. To Learn from Examples: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). The Bible is filled with stories of ordinary people who overcame difficult circumstances and challenges through faith and obedience. These examples can inspire and motivate believers to persevere through their own trials and tribulations.
  4. To Gain Wisdom: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts have good understanding” (Psalm 111:10). The Bible is full of practical wisdom that can be applied to everyday life. It teaches believers how to make wise decisions, avoid pitfalls, and live a fulfilling life.
  5. To Find Comfort: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). The Bible offers comfort and hope to those who are struggling with grief, anxiety, or other emotional challenges. Its promises and assurances can provide a sense of peace and comfort in times of difficulty.
  6. To Understand God’s Plan: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). The Bible provides insight into God’s plan for humanity and the world. It reveals His purposes and intentions, and helps believers to understand the bigger picture of their lives and the world around them.
  7. To Build Faith: “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ” (Romans 10:17). Reading the Bible regularly can help believers to develop a strong and unwavering faith in God. It strengthens their trust in His promises and provides reassurance of His love and faithfulness.
  8. To Gain Insight: “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). The Bible offers insight into human nature and the complexities of the human condition. It helps believers to understand their own struggles and challenges, and provides guidance for navigating life’s difficult situations.
  9. To Renew the Mind: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2). The Bible has the power to transform the way believers think and perceive the world
  10. To Obey God’s Word: “Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (James 1:22). The Bible contains God’s instructions for how believers should live their lives. Reading and studying it regularly can help believers to understand God’s expectations and follow His commandments. It can also help believers to develop a greater sense of accountability and responsibility in their actions and decisions.

Reading the Bible daily offers so many great benefits for believers. It provides spiritual nourishment, wisdom, comfort, and insight into God’s character and plan. It also helps believers to develop a deeper relationship with God, build their faith, and understand His expectations for their lives.

By regularly engaging with the Bible, believers can grow and mature in their faith, and gain a greater sense of purpose and direction. As the psalmist wrote, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (Psalm 119:105).

Posted in Church, God, Healing, Jesus, Wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

What does the New Testament teach about giving?

Posted on May 3, 2023 by Mark Cole

Here are some of the main points the New Testament teaches followers of Jesus about giving:

  1. Give generously: The New Testament encourages believers to give generously to others. In 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, it says, “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
  2. Give sacrificially: Jesus praised the poor widow who gave two small coins as an offering, saying that she had given more than all the wealthy people who gave large sums because she gave out of her poverty (Mark 12:41-44). The idea is that giving sacrificially, even if it is a small amount, is more valuable than giving a large sum without personal sacrifice.
  3. Give with a joyful heart: The New Testament emphasizes that giving should be done with joy and a willing heart, not out of obligation or duty. In 2 Corinthians 9:7, it says, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
  4. Give to those in need: The New Testament teaches that giving should be directed towards those in need. In Galatians 6:10, it says, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
  5. Give as an act of worship: The New Testament teaches that giving is an act of worship and an expression of faith. In Philippians 4:18-19, it says, “I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”

The New Testament teaches that giving should be done generously, sacrificially, joyfully, and directed towards those in need, especially those who belong to the family of believers. Giving is considered an act of worship and an expression of faith. Believers should give what they have decided in their hearts to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, as God loves a cheerful giver.

Posted in Church, Family, God, Wisdom, Worship | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

What Is Heaven Like?

Posted on April 29, 2023 by Mark Cole

The Bible gives us glimpses and descriptions of heaven, but it is important to note that our human language and understanding cannot fully capture the reality of heaven. Here are some of the descriptions of heaven found in the Bible:

  1. A place of God’s presence: Heaven is described as the dwelling place of God. In Revelation 21:3, it says, “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God.'”
  2. A place of eternal life: In heaven, believers will experience eternal life with God. In John 3:16, it says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
  3. A place of joy and peace: Heaven is described as a place of joy and peace, where there will be no more pain, sorrow, or death. In Revelation 21:4, it says, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
  4. A place of rewards: Heaven is also described as a place where believers will receive rewards for their faithfulness and obedience to God. In Matthew 6:20, Jesus says, “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” In Revelation 22:12, Jesus says – “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with Me, to repay each one for what he has done.”
  5. A place of worship: Heaven is a place where believers will worship God forever. In Revelation 4:8, it says, “Day and night they never stop saying: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.'”

In Revelation 7:9-10, John sees a great multitude of people standing before the throne of God and the Lamb, clothed in white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. The passage says:

“After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: ‘Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.'”

This passage is a vision of the heavenly worship that takes place before the throne of God. The great multitude represents the countless believers from every nation and language who have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, and they are united in worship and adoration of God. The white robes symbolize the righteousness of Christ that believers have received through faith, and the palm branches are a symbol of victory and triumph.

The scene is a powerful depiction of the unity and diversity of the church, and the glory and majesty of God’s throne. It shows us that in heaven, believers from all walks of life and every corner of the world will come together to worship and praise God, and that salvation belongs to Him alone.

While we cannot fully comprehend the glory and beauty of heaven, the Bible gives us hope and assurance that it is a real place where believers will spend eternity with God.

Posted in Church, Family, God, Jesus, Worship | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment