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The Kingdom of Heaven
The Bible speaks often of heaven - the first verse of Genesis (Genesis 1:1) announces the creation of the earth and heavens and the final book of Revelation describes 'the New Jerusalem' - the new heaven and earth existing when the old (current) order has passed away (Revelation 21:1).
"it shone with the glory of God, and it's brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel"......(Revelation 21 9-27)
In the gospels ~ Jesus describes heaven as 'my father's house' and having gone there to prepare a place for all who believe and trust in Him (John 14:2). Jesus speaks of our ability to store up treasure for ourselves in heaven (Matthew 6 19-20) and the need to fix our eyes on that which is unseen - that which is eternal (2Corinthians 4 7-18).
There will be 'signs of the end of the age' (Mark 13 6-8) ~ warnings described as birth pains; rumours, wars, cold love, deception, false prophets, earthquakes ~ that Jesus is coming and that He will judge the living and the dead (Revelation 20). The whole world must first hear the good news and those who are found in the book of life - sins forgiven and therefore blameless - will live and reign with him and receive what has been promised - inheritance as an heir of Christ (Romans 8:17) and reward for faithful service (Matthew 25 14-28). There will be no more death, mourning, crying or pain (Revelation 21:4)...Those whose names are not found in the book of life will perish (Revelation 21 6-8).
Jesus expects us to live according to this truth (Matthew 25 31-46) - sharing the good news - mindful that He will return - and preparing our hearts for His wedding feast - the banquet of the lamb - (Revelation 19:9) individually and together we belong to Christ and form 'His Bride' (Ephesians 5:23) for whom He is waiting and with whom we will celebrate in the days to come!
Consider how you live your life ~ are you waiting for Christ to come? Are you ready? (Matthew 25 1-13) God has put eternity in the hearts of all men (Ecclesiastes 3:11) - pray He will help you to live in the light of heaven daily.
'Jubilee' ~ a specific time ordained by God characterised by freedom, restoration and hope. It is a time of expectation and simplicity, putting into practice that which has been gained and trusting in God to provide.
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