Finally...a Summary

For those that have looked at this blog only to find that I have not been here, I apologize.  But, I am back, so I will begin with a "summarized summary" of our last study.  Carol lead us in a real good discussion of heaven.  I will summarize by asking questions that came up, with some suggested answers.

Question:  Why do people typically want to go to heaven?

• to see loved ones
• for ease and peace
• because they think they deserve it
• because they think they will have everything they want

Question:  Why should we want to go to heaven?

• To be with our Lord!

Question:  Is it displaying contentment to long for heaven?

• One answer to this was that it depends on what triggers our longing for heaven that matters.  For example, if we just want to get out of a difficult situation, perhaps this reveals a lack of contentment.  However, if it is a longing based on our love for Christ and desire to be with Him, what could be wrong with that? 

Question:  Have we ever really known anyone who was so heavenly minded that he was no early good?

• Sometimes when ALL someone talks about is theology...or witnessing etc. we might feel that way.
• Scottish preacher, Eric Alexander said, "Never in all my years of ministry have I met a person who is 'too heavenly-minded.'"
• If anything, we are all too earthly minded.

Question:  Was there a time in our lives when the thought of heaven gave us peace and contentment?

• In church, while worshiping.
• during the election returns :)

Question:  How can we foster a heavenly-mindedness in our lives?

• do a study on it
• utilize the means of grace
• memorize scripture-if Christ quoted scripture on the cross, being Himself the Word, then how much more ought we cling to scripture
• talk to each other and remind each other ("Therefore encourage one another with these words." 1 Thes. 4:18)

Question:  Is it difficult to understand myself as a citizen of heaven? 

• When I am totally immersed in the world and its ways, yes.
• Someone recommended a book called Heaven and Hell by Donnelly for more on this topic
• or, a series on Heaven by Tom Lyon. Here is the link: http://www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?speakerWithinSource=&subsetCat=&subsetItem=&mediatype=&includekeywords=&exactverse=&keyword=Tom%5ELyon&keyworddesc=Tom+Lyon&currsection=sermonsspeaker&AudioOnly=false&SpeakerOnly=true&keywordwithin=heaven