Comments on: Heaven on Earth?! http://www.beenthinking.org/2009/06/08/heaven-on-earth/ with Mart De Haan and Friends Sat, 21 Nov 2009 02:00:49 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 hourly 1 By: DavidG http://www.beenthinking.org/2009/06/08/heaven-on-earth/#comment-8474 DavidG Fri, 12 Jun 2009 19:17:46 +0000 http://www.beenthinking.org/?p=5773#comment-8474 This is my first post here. I am a regular listener of your (Mart Dehan's) radio program ("Discover the Word"), and enjoy it quite a bit. This is an interesting subject. As pegramsdell noted, the Lord's prayer expresses yearning that "your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth - as it is in heaven.". This theme seems solidly based on the original promisses to Abraham - a good foundation. Abraham was shown, and promissed, all the land of Canaan - both for himself and for his "seed". The New Testament also says that if we believe in Christ, we also become identified as "Abraham's seed". We, as Christians, would then expect to inherit that which was promissed to Abraham - the land. Galatians 3:7-9 shows this very well. "Understand then, that those that believe are children of Abraham. The scripture foresaw that God would justify the gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel, in advance to Abraham : 'All nations will be blessed through you.' So, those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith". Other texts, fill-in some more blanks - - Christians will rule on the earth (Rev 5:10) - and will inherit the earth ("blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth") This is my first post here. I am a regular listener of your (Mart Dehan’s) radio program (”Discover the Word”), and enjoy it quite a bit.

This is an interesting subject.

As pegramsdell noted, the Lord’s prayer expresses yearning that “your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth – as it is in heaven.”.

This theme seems solidly based on the original promisses to Abraham – a good foundation. Abraham was shown, and promissed, all the land of Canaan – both for himself and for his “seed”. The New Testament also says that if we believe in Christ, we also become identified as “Abraham’s seed”. We, as Christians, would then expect to inherit that which was promissed to Abraham – the land. Galatians 3:7-9 shows this very well.
“Understand then, that those that believe are
children of Abraham. The scripture foresaw that
God would justify the gentiles by faith, and
announced the gospel, in advance to Abraham :
‘All nations will be blessed through you.’ So,
those who have faith are blessed along with
Abraham, the man of faith”.

Other texts, fill-in some more blanks -
– Christians will rule on the earth (Rev 5:10)
– and will inherit the earth (”blessed are the
meek for they will inherit the earth”)

]]> By: tandgmartin http://www.beenthinking.org/2009/06/08/heaven-on-earth/#comment-8457 tandgmartin Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:22:07 +0000 http://www.beenthinking.org/?p=5773#comment-8457 Further to the ideas proposed by C.S. Lewis regarding Heaven: in The Last Battle, those leaving the old world entered through the tent opening into a completely new Narnia, restored. The call was to go "farther up and farther in.." We can all only imagine in this life what Heaven will be, but whatever it is, we'll be at peace. In another of Lewis's Chronicles, The Silver Chair, Puddleglum eloquently diffuses the green witch's deception of "no Narnia" with the reply that even an imagined Narnia beat the sox off of her dark underworld, and for his part, he'd continue in his search even if he never found it. Such is the power and comfort that hope plays in our lives as well as faith. Further to the ideas proposed by C.S. Lewis regarding Heaven: in The Last Battle, those leaving the old world entered through the tent opening into a completely new Narnia, restored. The call was to go “farther up and farther in..” We can all only imagine in this life what Heaven will be, but whatever it is, we’ll be at peace. In another of Lewis’s Chronicles, The Silver Chair, Puddleglum eloquently diffuses the green witch’s deception of “no Narnia” with the reply that even an imagined Narnia beat the sox off of her dark underworld, and for his part, he’d continue in his search even if he never found it. Such is the power and comfort that hope plays in our lives as well as faith.

]]> By: Rick123 http://www.beenthinking.org/2009/06/08/heaven-on-earth/#comment-8444 Rick123 Wed, 10 Jun 2009 19:41:08 +0000 http://www.beenthinking.org/?p=5773#comment-8444 We already have heaven in our hearts, it is Jesus, who dwells in our heart by faith. The more self dies, the more heaven is manifested in us. Jesus already came, we are his mouth, feet, and hands. To do his works, yes, the works of heaven on earth. And when the Father orders his Son Jesus to return to our world, heaven on earth will be restored. That is the "desire" of all nations, to live in the abundance of heaven, which is Jesus on planet earth, the beauty of holiness. Setting all things in their rightful divine order, according to the will of the Father, who is in heaven. We already have heaven in our hearts, it is Jesus, who dwells in our heart by faith. The more self dies, the more heaven is manifested in us. Jesus already came, we are his mouth, feet, and hands. To do his works, yes, the works of heaven on earth. And when the Father orders his Son Jesus to return to our world, heaven on earth will be restored. That is the “desire” of all nations, to live in the abundance of heaven, which is Jesus on planet earth, the beauty of holiness. Setting all things in their rightful divine order, according to the will of the Father, who is in heaven.

]]> By: Joanne http://www.beenthinking.org/2009/06/08/heaven-on-earth/#comment-8431 Joanne Wed, 10 Jun 2009 10:29:22 +0000 http://www.beenthinking.org/?p=5773#comment-8431 Hi Mart, As a family member has recently passed on to heaven (as we think of it), I have thought much about it lately. What is that moment like when the spirit actually leaves the body? Where does it really go? Is it "asleep", waiting the resurrection? Or alive in heaven, interacting with others who are already there?Did he see Jesus face to face? Was there an immediate review of his life and how God viewed it? A sense of forgiveness for bitterness he had harbored, for pain he had caused? Did he see and recognize other family members who have "gone on before"? Yes, death brings up many questions about heaven. For sure, there is much mystery in that passing from life in time to life in eternity. Thanks for giving me more possible ways to think of it. I agree with Rev Ron - where Jesus is, whether on earth, another planet, or this ethereal place we call heaven, is where I want to be and will be for eternity. Hi Mart, As a family member has recently passed on to heaven (as we think of it), I have thought much about it lately. What is that moment like when the spirit actually leaves the body? Where does it really go? Is it “asleep”, waiting the resurrection? Or alive in heaven, interacting with others who are already there?Did he see Jesus face to face? Was there an immediate review of his life and how God viewed it? A sense of forgiveness for bitterness he had harbored, for pain he had caused? Did he see and recognize other family members who have “gone on before”? Yes, death brings up many questions about heaven. For sure, there is much mystery in that passing from life in time to life in eternity. Thanks for giving me more possible ways to think of it. I agree with Rev Ron – where Jesus is, whether on earth, another planet, or this ethereal place we call heaven, is where I want to be and will be for eternity.

]]> By: HEY REV http://www.beenthinking.org/2009/06/08/heaven-on-earth/#comment-8430 HEY REV Wed, 10 Jun 2009 04:54:15 +0000 http://www.beenthinking.org/?p=5773#comment-8430 Well here you go again Mart. Things to think and share that lets us know we all believe in the same God but put into words as best as we can. It was good to hear about those who play musical instruments and sing in choirs Praising our Lord. I sing in a mens BarberShop music chapter. Love to go out and bless people singing good/clean older style songs, but get more pleasure singing the Hymns. I believe there will be that type of singing up there the only difference is we will all sing in perfect pitch because I want to Praise my Lord in words and song. My understanding of I COR 2:9 "NO EYE HAS SEEN, NO EAR HAS HEARD, AND NO MIND HAS CONCEIVED WHAT GOD HAS PERPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM" In my years of walking with my Savior He has added more and more of what to believe for. No matter which way and God does it I know I will be totally satisfied. I would like to be quoted like my Brother Paul: I would rather be at this time with Christ, because for me to live is Christ and to die is gain (PHIL 1:21-25) I again don't know how God has all of this worked out (we may be very, very surprised) but I can't wait. The concept of "Heaven here on earth" does not sit with me. Yes we're IN IT but are not supposed to be WITH IT. I try not to love the world. Unfortunately I did that in my B.C. DAYS. Hey Pegramsdell I too love Jazz music. Always did and still do. But I love the Spiritual more now than the jazz. Bottom line for me is Ron: I GO TO PREPARE A PLACE FOR YOU AND WHERE I AM THERE YOU WILL BE WITH ME, BECAUSE YOU KNOW THE PLACE WHERE I'M GOING. (John 14:1-4) God bless all Rev Ron Well here you go again Mart. Things to think and share that lets us know we all believe in the same God but put into words as best as we can.
It was good to hear about those who play musical instruments and sing in choirs Praising our Lord. I sing in a mens BarberShop music chapter. Love to go out and bless people singing good/clean older style songs, but get more pleasure singing the Hymns. I believe there will be that type of singing up there the only difference is we will all sing in perfect pitch because I want to Praise my Lord in words and song.
My understanding of I COR 2:9 “NO EYE HAS SEEN, NO EAR HAS HEARD, AND NO MIND HAS CONCEIVED WHAT GOD HAS PERPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM”
In my years of walking with my Savior He has added more and more of what to believe for. No matter which way and God does it I know I will be totally satisfied.
I would like to be quoted like my Brother Paul: I would rather be at this time with Christ, because for me to live is Christ and to die is gain (PHIL 1:21-25)
I again don’t know how God has all of this worked out (we may be very, very surprised)
but I can’t wait. The concept of “Heaven here on earth” does not sit with me. Yes we’re IN IT but are not supposed to be WITH IT. I try not to love the world. Unfortunately I did that in my B.C. DAYS.
Hey Pegramsdell I too love Jazz music. Always did and still do. But I love the Spiritual more now than the jazz.
Bottom line for me is Ron: I GO TO PREPARE A PLACE FOR YOU AND WHERE I AM THERE YOU WILL BE WITH ME, BECAUSE YOU KNOW THE PLACE WHERE I’M GOING. (John 14:1-4)
God bless all
Rev Ron

]]> By: elizabeth villarreal http://www.beenthinking.org/2009/06/08/heaven-on-earth/#comment-8429 elizabeth villarreal Wed, 10 Jun 2009 01:42:17 +0000 http://www.beenthinking.org/?p=5773#comment-8429 Very interesting topic. I strongly believe, that we have had a taste of heaven on earth. If I'm correct, Christ was seated at the right hand of the Father in heaven, though He was rich He became poor so that through His poverty we might become rich! So if Christ was in heaven, came to the earth, He brought a piece of heaven with Him. So in that sense, I believe that we have had, heaven on earth! Food for thought. God bless you! Very interesting topic. I strongly believe, that we have had a taste of heaven on earth. If I’m correct, Christ was seated at the right hand of the Father in heaven, though He was rich He became poor so that through His poverty we might become rich! So if Christ was in heaven, came to the earth, He brought a piece of heaven with Him. So in that sense, I believe that we have had, heaven on earth! Food for thought. God bless you!

]]> By: kenduski http://www.beenthinking.org/2009/06/08/heaven-on-earth/#comment-8428 kenduski Wed, 10 Jun 2009 01:22:09 +0000 http://www.beenthinking.org/?p=5773#comment-8428 heaven on earth... in the beginning God created man (adam) and eve and walked with them in the garden until they sinned..they were cast out.. heaven moved somewhere else... in Revelations the New Jerusalem comes from the skies to move down to earth once more and then all the people of God live with Him on this planet as it started out meant to be, had it not been for that old apple tree. then heaven will be on earth, God will once again walk with His creation here, and we carry on from where the first Adam ended and the new Adam takes over... till then we wait kenduski heaven on earth… in the beginning God created man (adam) and eve and walked with them in the garden until they sinned..they were cast out.. heaven moved somewhere else… in Revelations the New Jerusalem comes from the skies to move down to earth once more and then all the people of God live with Him on this planet as it started out meant to be, had it not been for that old apple tree. then heaven will be on earth, God will once again walk with His creation here, and we carry on from where the first Adam ended and the new Adam takes over… till then we wait kenduski

]]> By: daisymarygoldr http://www.beenthinking.org/2009/06/08/heaven-on-earth/#comment-8427 daisymarygoldr Tue, 09 Jun 2009 23:16:14 +0000 http://www.beenthinking.org/?p=5773#comment-8427 You are right, “Being in the presence of “God with us” as he lives among his people on earth won’t be less than the best we have ever imagined…” Personally, for me Heaven is not about the place but about the Person and the people… This is what the Lord says in Isa 66:1 “Heaven is my throne, the earth is my footstool. Where is the house you could build for me? And where is the place of my rest?” So, where is the house/dwelling place of God? Heaven is the dwelling place of God. Where is the dwelling place of God’s Spirit here on Earth (Eph 2:22)? It is the city that has foundations… that is not made with hands …whose builder is God. Heaven is the dwelling place of Holy beings. Where is the dwelling place of God’s Holy people here on Earth (Heb.12:14)? It is a building made with living stones of Jews and Samaritans and Gentiles… those who are chosen out of the world and are sanctified by His blood and made Holy. So, on this earth… Where is God’s will being done as it is in Heaven? Where is God being honored? Where does one get to enjoy intimate fellowship with God and His children… serving and breaking bread to remind each other of His eternal love for them? Which is the place where God is being worshiped and praised… where if an unbeliever comes in … will be convinced by all that he is a sinner and will be judged by all and the secrets of his heart will be laid bare…So he will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, "God is really among you”? (1 Cor 14:24-26) What is the mystery and who is that body in whom the Lord delights… the consummation of God’s eternal purposes… the ones whom the prophets of old served and even “Angels would have given anything to be in on this!”? (1Pet 1:12 The Msg) Want to get a sneak preview of Heaven on Earth? Go to Church! Believe me… you will never be disappointed with the cool glimpse of our eternal future. I do just that and the foretaste of our Heavenly Canaan though imperfect is so sweet that it motivates me to keep pressing on regardless of the trials and struggles of the wilderness journey of life through this desert called Earth! You are right, “Being in the presence of “God with us” as he lives among his people on earth won’t be less than the best we have ever imagined…” Personally, for me Heaven is not about the place but about the Person and the people…

This is what the Lord says in Isa 66:1 “Heaven is my throne, the earth is my footstool. Where is the house you could build for me? And where is the place of my rest?” So, where is the house/dwelling place of God?

Heaven is the dwelling place of God. Where is the dwelling place of God’s Spirit here on Earth (Eph 2:22)? It is the city that has foundations… that is not made with hands …whose builder is God.

Heaven is the dwelling place of Holy beings. Where is the dwelling place of God’s Holy people here on Earth (Heb.12:14)? It is a building made with living stones of Jews and Samaritans and Gentiles… those who are chosen out of the world and are sanctified by His blood and made Holy.

So, on this earth… Where is God’s will being done as it is in Heaven? Where is God being honored? Where does one get to enjoy intimate fellowship with God and His children… serving and breaking bread to remind each other of His eternal love for them?

Which is the place where God is being worshiped and praised… where if an unbeliever comes in … will be convinced by all that he is a sinner and will be judged by all and the secrets of his heart will be laid bare…So he will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, “God is really among you”? (1 Cor 14:24-26)

What is the mystery and who is that body in whom the Lord delights… the consummation of God’s eternal purposes… the ones whom the prophets of old served and even “Angels would have given anything to be in on this!”? (1Pet 1:12 The Msg)

Want to get a sneak preview of Heaven on Earth? Go to Church! Believe me… you will never be disappointed with the cool glimpse of our eternal future. I do just that and the foretaste of our Heavenly Canaan though imperfect is so sweet that it motivates me to keep pressing on regardless of the trials and struggles of the wilderness journey of life through this desert called Earth!

]]> By: newbirthcup http://www.beenthinking.org/2009/06/08/heaven-on-earth/#comment-8426 newbirthcup Tue, 09 Jun 2009 21:22:37 +0000 http://www.beenthinking.org/?p=5773#comment-8426 Both Jesus and John the Baptist declared; "Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand" According to the Bible, it seems as if God would have us live a repented life in order to experience "heaven" or to "see" the Kingdom of God, that Jesus spoke of to Nicodemus when He spoke to him about the necessity to be born-again. Right living apart from the grace of God is somewhat useless, when you do not give God the credit for creating in you the person He intended for you to be. My pastor has said that " repentance is not an apology, but a turning from one kingdom to another, the problem is we are still in love with the world system that crucified our Lord." Both Jesus and John the Baptist declared;
“Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand”
According to the Bible, it seems as if God would have us live a repented life in order to experience “heaven”
or to “see” the Kingdom of God, that Jesus spoke of to Nicodemus when He spoke to him about the necessity to be born-again. Right living apart from the grace of God
is somewhat useless, when you do not give God the credit
for creating in you the person He intended for you to be. My pastor has said that ” repentance is not an apology, but a turning from one kingdom to another,
the problem is we are still in love with the world system that crucified our Lord.”

]]> By: queenquibbie http://www.beenthinking.org/2009/06/08/heaven-on-earth/#comment-8425 queenquibbie Tue, 09 Jun 2009 21:21:17 +0000 http://www.beenthinking.org/?p=5773#comment-8425 1 Corinthians 2:9 - 14 sums this up for me. I can only image for as much as my mind can comprehend and only receive what the Holy Spirit allows me to know. If there is so much astounding beauty that surrounds us on earth (What the Lord has created in nature - (THERE IS NO mother nature, only Father God). All that the Lord has so richly given us to enjoy in the natural. Creation is a little "taste" of heaven for we can truly taste and see that the Lord is good. What the Word of God reveals about heaven with it's multitude of Angels (Seraphim, Cherubims, Arch Angels,and Saints of every nation, tribe and tongue that no man can number. The 12 and 24 Elders, The train of God's robe, the rainbow about His throne and the smoke that rises, the angels around His throne crying Holy, holy, holy Lord God Almighty who was and is and is to come. All that the Word of God reveals... leaves me breathless, utterly hopeful, and makes me delight in the Lord and His goodness love and mercy towards me. His love is heaven on earth :) 1 Corinthians 2:9 – 14 sums this up for me. I can only image for as much as my mind can comprehend and only receive what the Holy Spirit allows me to know. If there is so much astounding beauty that surrounds us on earth (What the Lord has created in nature – (THERE IS NO mother nature, only Father God). All that the Lord has so richly given us to enjoy in the natural. Creation is a little “taste” of heaven for we can truly taste and see that the Lord is good. What the Word of God reveals about heaven with it’s multitude of Angels (Seraphim, Cherubims, Arch Angels,and Saints of every nation, tribe and tongue that no man can number. The 12 and 24 Elders, The train of God’s robe, the rainbow about His throne and the smoke that rises, the angels around His throne crying Holy, holy, holy Lord God Almighty who was and is and is to come. All that the Word of God reveals… leaves me breathless, utterly hopeful, and makes me delight in the Lord and His goodness love and mercy towards me. His love is heaven on earth :)

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