WHAT IS JESUS DOING IN
HEAVEN TODAY?
Frank Rowley
There is more of heaven in the Bible
than anywhere else on earth – its golden light is focused on and fills the
pages of scripture.
551 flashing references to heaven.
We believe in a place called heaven.
I am so glad that we are a bible
believing church and have been for over a hundred years. The gospel has been
proclaimed from this pulpit many thousands of times through the generations. As
it has been so it is today.
We carry forward a life saving
gospel history. May we be always faithful.
JESUS
HAS RETURNED TO HIS RIGHTFUL PLACE
Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast
received gifts for men; Psalm 68:18
Mark16:19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up
into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
Luke 24:51 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up
into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
ACTS 1:9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken
up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.
“When he had spoken these things” The words had been spoken, the truth
had been revealed and shown to all people. I am the way the truth and the life.
The talking had now ceased – the work of the cross of Calvary now completed.
Sacrifice had been made and his blood had been poured out. The way of salvation
established - it is the only way, there is no other way. It is finished - it is
complete – it is perfect – it is available for all who will simply believe
repent and accept the Lord Jesus Christ as sovereign Lord and Saviour.
JESUS
TODAY OCCUPIES HIS POSITION OF POWER.
1 Peter 3:22 Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels
and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.
“After his resurrection, Jesus was given by God the Father far greater
authority over the church and over the universe. God raised him up and made him
sit at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority
and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age
but also in that which is to come; and he has put all things under his feet and
has made him the head over all things for the church”
Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at
his own right hand in the heavenly places,
Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every
name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all
things to the church, Ephesians 1: 20-22
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in
heaven and in earth. Matthew 28:18
For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. 1 Cor. 15:25
JESUS
PERSONALLY LINKED TO HIS PEOPLE ON EARTH
The Lord of Glory has, from the beginning been linked to his people.
Deuteronomy 14:2 thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD
hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations
that are upon the earth.
Israel, at that time in history.
The church today, in a unity of Jew and Gentile believer of every colour,
class, tribe and nation. Jesus
constantly prays for his people today.
John 1:12-13. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become
the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of
blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the
Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as
of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
JESUS
IS TO BE EVEN MORE RECOGNISED ON EARTH
Jesus now recognised today and he will be recognised and acknowledged
tomorrow.
That authority over the church and over the
universe will be more fully recognised by people when Jesus returns to earth in
power and great glory to reign.
(We reaffirm today our belief in the literal
second coming of Jesus – perhaps sooner rather than later).
On that day he will be acknowledged as the ‘King
of kings and Lord of lords.
And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse;
and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he
doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were
many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he
was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of
God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed
in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that
with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron:
and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And
he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD
OF LORDS.
JESUS
TODAY is ABOVE AND BEYOND Time Space Boundaries
Today, he is ‘up’ - he is ‘beyond’ -he is ‘above’ -he is
‘ascended’- he is in ‘heaven itself’ He is our prophet our priest and
our king
Hebrews 9:24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands,
which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the
presence of God for us:
He is in a place where he is most able to bless and guide every member of his
trusting believing Christian family in every location on earth.
Saviour long the saints have waited
Centuries have passed away
Since the promise first was given
Of the glorious Second Advent day
Grey and old the world is growing
Loud the scoffers boast is heard
But our hearts are peaceful, knowing
That we rest upon Your Word
Christ will come and will not tarry
Nothing can our hope destroy.
(Adapted from 764 redemption Hymnal)