J. I. Packer says in his book Hot Tub Religion "...we have recast Christianity into a mold that stresses happiness above holiness, blessings here above blessedness hereafter, health and wealth as God's best gifts..." The problem with riches is that we have a cheap view of them. We tend to think if we win the lottery our troubles are over, he who dies with the most toys wins and our greatest need is a big treasure chest for our security and comfort.

The Trump Tower I hear is a nice place. Pictures of the interior show elaborate design with extravagant gold decorations. But, I compared the dimensions to the New Jerusalem and if the two were side by side you almost could not see Trumps place. It would be the Tiny Tower.

When you look at the glory of the New Jerusalem, which I like to call the Golden City, it is priceless because it represents the glory and value of heaven. It is where all true believers will one day go and be in the presence of Christ as we saw last week (Rev. 21:9-27). What could be of more value to invest in?

Jesus said, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Mat. 6:19-21).

Christ spoke often about laying up treasures. But God does not need our money because He owns it all anyway. All we have is His. The reason we have been given anything is to use it for His glory. Jokes abound about the more you give the larger your mansion will be there. But that is self-serving and narcissistic. Actually, we will all be on the same street there. The only difference will be what we did that truly glorified Christ. Was it given or done in a spirit of worship and for His glory. Was it sacrificial or just a token. Remember all believers will be in the Golden City soon to meet our King. Are you ready?

-Pastor Mark

I have a shiny golden city the size of a tennis ball on my desk that the Cudney's gave me recently. It is unique because it is a replica of a sculpture done by Israeli-born artist, Sam Philipe, who does Biblical sculptures in Israel. His work brings the Bible to life. This one was done for city's 3,000th anniversary since King David set up his kingdom. The original is pure silver with 24k gold roofs. It is in the shape of globe to emphasize Jerusalem as the center of the world. Truly no other city has had the importance Jerusalem has had. It is a kind of symbol of heaven.

Replica of a sculpture of ancient Jerusalem.

In Scripture Jerusalem is God's city where the Temple was and considered a most holy place where millions still make pilgrimages to. It is also a place of much strife, sin and confusion. But, it is still the city that stands for good and God while Babylon stands for evil and that which opposes God.

Jerusalem today has been embattled, divided and is imperfect. But God does promise a New Jerusalem that will be perfect in every respect both physically and spiritually. All who are genuine followers of Christ will one day go there. Revelation 21 describes it as beautiful and massive, being about the size of our moon. It is the place where both Jew, Gentile and the church, the bride of Christ, all come together around Christ our Savior. Here true fellowship will be enjoyed. It marks the beginning of the eternal kingdom of Christ. It is heaven. Want to go there? This Lord's Day we will visit it briefly.

Want to see more of Sam's sculptures? They are on display in Jerusalem or just go to samphilipe.com.

Here is a song about the New Jerusalem that Nancy and I like. It is called The Golden City. Take a listen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9iyMjeVoP8s

Anyone still wanting to “Read the Bible through in 2017” with Jerry Cudney and others should Register by Friday by email (cudneyjj@comcast.net), so they will not get too far behind.

-Pastor Mark

TREASURE IN A GOLDEN CITY

GOLDEN CITY

Pastor Mark's Blog