Where in the Bible? Heaven

Posted on 05/23/2013 by jhamilton

Most people would say that they have heard of Heaven. Whether Christian or not, they want to believe in a perfect place of eternal rest. However, many individuals have an erroneous conception of Heaven. Still others have unanswered questions about how to get there, where it is, and what it will be like. The answers to those questions are all available in the Bible.

Heaven is a Place

Jesus himself assures us that heaven is not a figment of imagination or unanchored desire. As he was preparing his disciples for his crucifixion, burial, resurrection, and ascension back to Heaven, he promised them that they would meet again. As part of their anticipation of that meeting, he drew an abbreviated, but vivid word picture for them of that magnificent place (John 14:1-3). This description wasn’t as striking as the apostle John would later offer in Revelation 21-22, but the take-away was that Jesus was speaking about reality, an actual place.

When he told them, “I go to prepare a place for you,” Jesus used the Greek word topos for place. It has come over to us in English as topography. A topographical description of a location addresses hills, valleys, rivers – things that actually exist. Taken at face value, Heaven had substance and was tangible to Jesus.

Heaven has People

In some ways, life in heaven will parallel life on earth, but heightened and enhanced to a degree that we can only imagine. Just as a highlight of holidays is being able to see family and friends we haven’t connected with for some time, so we will have that ongoing experience in heaven. The promise of several New Testament passages is that we will once again join with those we have shared a common faith in Christ and a personal relationship with on the earth. 1 Corinthians 13:12 seems to indicate we will be recognizable to each other, even as Christ’s disciples recognized him when he joined them after his resurrection. And there won’t be anyone there we don’t like to be around because we will all be perfect!

Heaven will have Jesus

Even the incomplete descriptions we have in the Bible of heaven still help us anticipate keenly the wonder of its gates, its buildings, the river, and it bordering fruit trees. However, all of those are peripheral to the central reason for Heaven’s perfection. None of those things would have any meaning if Jesus wasn’t there. Christ has made it possible for those who will be there to enter. He is currently preparing the setting we will enjoy when we arrive.

When Jesus reassured his disciples concerning his imminent absence from them in John 14:1-4, their reunion was central to his description of heaven. “Where I am, there you will be also.” The surroundings will be unsurpassed, but it is Jesus who will make heaven all that it will be.

Many people want to know: How do I get to Heaven? When Jesus Christ died on the cross, he paid the penalty necessary to purchase your invitation into Heaven. Just as anyone would value highly an engraved dinner invitation from the White House, so should anyone personally value the invitation Jesus gave to his disciples and extended to anyone who will accept. Is yours unopened? Did you notice the return address? If opened, have you sent in your R.S.V.P.?

Pastor Jerry Hamilton

Pastor Hamilton joined the pastoral staff in 2001 after retiring from a career in law enforcement.  He, along with wife Karen, and his family began attending Red Rocks Baptist Church in 1966. He has degrees from Baptist Bible College in Clark’s Summit, Pennsylvania and Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina. His responsibilities include ministry to the seniors, teaching a Sunday Adult Bible Study class and hospital visitation. He also serves as the elementary school chaplain at Silver State Christian School. His hobbies include reading, motorcycling, and fly-fishing.
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A Theology of Suffering and Disability: Part 3 – Sermon Recap – Pastor Les Heinze

Posted on 05/20/2013 by Les Heinze

What is the first thought that jumps into your mind when you think of the “heavy hitters” in the Old Testament? Whether it is Abraham, David, or Deborah, your mind undoubtedly migrates quickly toward their positive accomplishments and significant contributions. However, a more careful consideration of the totality of their circumstances will lead in a different direction, especially as we consider why and how God used them. Interestingly, we will invariably discover the prominence of their weaknesses, inabilities, and brokenness to magnify God’s glory and grace. Consider just two of numerous examples.

Jacob’s Limp

Genesis 32 relates the story of Jacob’s return home after many years of absence. The passage of so much time had not diminished the fear he had experienced for Esau, his brother, whom he had mistreated. On the journey home God confronts Jacob in the form of a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ. That encounter left him with a physical reminder of his spiritual brokenness and absolute dependence upon God. In Jacob, God shows that he uses people, not in spite of their weaknesses, but because of their weaknesses. In weakness, we become dependent.

If Jacob had won the wrestling match, he would have undoubtedly met Esau in self-confidence and suffered defeat. His ‘triumph’ at a peaceful, joy-filled reunion was directly related to the divinely induced ‘limp’ in his self-sufficiency and admitted need. His God-caused disability led to his God-enabled ability.

Mephibosheth’s Crippling

The story of Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel 9 is one of the most poignant accounts in Scripture showing God’s involvement in suffering and disability. At the height of his power, King David shows a heart of compassion for someone far below him on the socially desirable scale. He inquires about anyone remaining of the descendants of Saul, his long-avowed enemy. Mephibosheth, Saul’s grandson, is mentioned. When Mephibosheth hears about it, he is understandably apprehensive. But David had only pure and altruistic motives, even as expressed in his initial inquiry.

When severely crippled Mephibosheth was brought into the palace, he wasn’t placed in some back hallway room. He was given the best of rooms and ate regularly at the king’s table. The man whose self-sufficiency didn’t exist and whose self-image could go no lower was elevated to a place of honor and had complete provision for every need. From a dead dog (his own words) to a delighted diner, he had experienced compassion and grace in a significant way. David’s example is a model of the love of Christ demonstrated toward broken and suffering people.

God’s Perspective

Although our culture usually sees ‘broken’ as negative, it seems to be God’s prerequisite for doing a lasting work in and through a person. There is no biblical record of Jesus Christ helping anyone who didn’t recognize and admit their own brokenness, and God still operates that way. The Scripture repeatedly affirms that all of us, in one way or another, are broken. When we stop avoiding the truth and accept God’s offer of help, only then will he work in us and through us to help others in a similar condition.

Pastor Les Heinze

Pastor Les Heinze has served as the senior pastor of Red Rocks Baptist Church for over 25 years. His ministry includes regular preaching, shepherding, and oversight of both the church and Silver State Christian School. He holds a doctoral degree in Divinity, and enjoys preaching and ministering to God’s people both in the U.S. and on mission fields around the world. Pastor’s sermons are widely popular on SermonAudio.com, where more than 75,000 have been downloaded worldwide. He is also online on Twitter, LinkedIn and 

This sermon was preached at Red Rocks Baptist Church (14711 W. Morrison Rd. Morrison, CO 80465) by . These notes are provided as a recap and for further study into the message from God’s Word.

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Where in the Bible? Devotions

Posted on 05/16/2013 by jhamilton

Any growing, flourishing relationship requires constant sustenance and nurture. Whether it is a business or a marriage, a ‘hands off’ approach will not work, and it will most surely lead to deterioration and disaster. Communication must be frequent, mutual, and meaningful for long-term relationship success, and our relationship with God is no exception.

Christian Devotions

When we speak of Christian devotions, there should be thoughtful consideration given to what that means and what is involved. Although the Bible does not use the terms devotions or a quiet time to describe the maintenance of our relationship with God, the idea is found throughout Scripture, beginning as early as Genesis 3:8. God sought Adam and Eve in order to communicate with them, even if it was to rebuke them for disobedience. God was not content to let the relationship fall apart, so he took the initiative.

Devotional Time

While there are a number of activities that enhance our relationship with God, there are two on which we should concentrate the majority of our devotional time. Bible reading is God’s communication to us, while prayer is our communication with God. Thus, these two spiritual disciplines naturally draw us closer to our Lord.

A systematic plan is an essential aspect of Bible reading. As you would in a restaurant, you first read the menu to see what is available. The Bible has a wide variety of literature types that may be more meaningful at a particular juncture in life. We must ask ourselves, “What do I need (want) in my spiritual diet right now?” All Scripture was written for us, but not all of it was written to us for right now. For example, if you are struggling with an ongoing temptation or sinful habit, the book of Proverbs will be more helpful than Psalms.

Once the food is brought to your table, you eat and enjoy. Jeremiah 15:16 describes it this way: “Your words were found, and I ate them and your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart.” Soul- feeding and soul-satisfaction have happened because the right menu selection was made.

Prayerful Response

Once God has communicated with me, I should respond in kind. Prayer is vital to a well balanced spiritual diet. Just as a Bible reading plan is helpful, so is a prayer list. Random, haphazard praying as people or personal needs come to mind will soon lead to distraction and lack of focus. It will seldom cover all the areas we need to seek God in prayer for.

If you are not sure how to begin praying, remember this acronym – CATS. Confession begins your prayer time. A clean heart will lead to a worshipful heart. Adoration is next. Thank God for his glorious and magnificent person. Remember the qualities and uniqueness that make him God. This moves us to Thanksgiving. That shouldn’t be difficult because “every good and perfect gift comes down from above…” (James 5:17) Finish with Supplication, asking for your own needs as well as those of others you are aware of.

Hungry Pursuit

How hungry and thirsty are you? Matthew 5:6 assures us that “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.” How often should you participate in devotions? Well, how often do you need physical food? Both King David (Psalm 55:7) and the prophet Daniel (Daniel 6:10) had several times of prayer during their day. The Apostle Paul also believed in and practiced the daily maintenance of important relationships (2 Corinthians 11:28). How frequently you participate in your all-important relationship with God will be an indicator of how vital it is to you. Why would you spurn an audience with the King, particularly one who is the benevolent provider of all you have and need? Carefully consider your answer.

Pastor Jerry Hamilton

Pastor Hamilton joined the pastoral staff in 2001 after retiring from a career in law enforcement.  He, along with wife Karen, and his family began attending Red Rocks Baptist Church in 1966. He has degrees from Baptist Bible College in Clark’s Summit, Pennsylvania and Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina. His responsibilities include ministry to the seniors, teaching a Sunday Adult Bible Study class and hospital visitation. He also serves as the elementary school chaplain at Silver State Christian School. His hobbies include reading, motorcycling, and fly-fishing.
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A Theology of Suffering and Disability: Part 2 – Sermon Recap – Pastor Les Heinze

Posted on 05/13/2013 by Les Heinze

The first article in this three-part series considered biblical passages that gave us an overview of disabilities from God’s perspective. God goes far beyond only being aware of them, he actually ordains them. This idea is understandably difficult for many. However, the Scripture affirms that one of the reasons God does so is to show his power over those very disabilities (John 9:1-3). That is not to say that God will always heal, because He does not. He has, however, promised his grace to the individual affected as well as to others who are impacted.

The Church and Disability

This is where the church should enter the picture. While we are not necessarily dispensers of God’s grace, we are his hands and feet. Even though there are numerous government programs and other humanitarian organizations that provide assistance, there is a dimension that the church brings which is unique in the lives of people with special needs.

Consider the following statements and Scriptures as at least an introduction to the part a church can have in fleshing out a ministry directed toward this unique and valuable group.

1. God himself cares for the needy and desires that we emulate him.

The Lord executes righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed
- Psalm 103:6

In this Psalm, David applauded God for his concern and care demonstrated for a variety of people. Sinners, physically infirmed, financially needy – all were objects of God’s mercy. And so were the oppressed. The meaning of this word can be understood in other contexts where it is used to include those who were ill-treated because they were part of a disadvantaged group. God assures them that he will be their protector and provider (Psalm 12:5).

David took to heart God’s words when he asked about any remaining members of Saul’s household. When told that a crippled grandson, Mephibosheth, was still alive, David sent for him. He restored land once owned by the family and made life-long provision for Mephibosheth. In a similar way, as God’s representatives in our era and area, we should function as his arm to help those who can’t help themselves.

2. God gives no qualifiers when he commands us to love other people.

Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’
- Matthew 22:37-39

Jesus was saying that when we love, we should do so thoroughly and totally. The command to love a neighbor as oneself appears six times in the New Testament as a quote from Leviticus 19:18. The reasoning behind the statement should be clear. When we have a deficiency that cannot be remedied on our own, we seek for help. We should be willing, therefore, to help others who have such a need. Your neighbor, then, is anyone who has a need.

3. God warns against mistreating people with disabilities.

The extended paragraph in James 2:1-10 provides a clear warning about actions toward people on the basis of any kind of external, superficial evaluation. While specifically mentioning perceived economic status as a measurement, the inclusion of the ‘love your neighbor’ command broadens it considerably. My treatment of others should always be an extension of how God would treat them. Because of these considerations, it is the desire of Red Rocks Baptist Church to be an instrument in God’s hands to extend his love to our community. Specifically we want to:

  • Share the Gospel with people with disabilities, as well as their family members.
  • Integrate people with disabilities, and their family members, into the life of the church and support them as they take on active roles in serving God.
  • Enable Red Rocks Baptist Church to serve as a model for the community by meeting the spiritual, physical, emotional, and social needs of people with disabilities, including their family members.
  • Ensure that every member of our congregation has a biblical, realistic understanding of disability and suffering so that we are equipped to promote a biblical worldview on this difficult topic.

Pastor Les Heinze

Pastor Les Heinze has served as the senior pastor of Red Rocks Baptist Church for over 25 years. His ministry includes regular preaching, shepherding, and oversight of both the church and Silver State Christian School. He holds a doctoral degree in Divinity, and enjoys preaching and ministering to God’s people both in the U.S. and on mission fields around the world. Pastor’s sermons are widely popular on SermonAudio.com, where more than 75,000 have been downloaded worldwide. He is also online on Twitter, LinkedIn and 

This sermon was preached at Red Rocks Baptist Church (14711 W. Morrison Rd. Morrison, CO 80465) by . These notes are provided as a recap and for further study into the message from God’s Word.


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