Inheritance Factor Pt 3 Series

“The Reward and Inheritance Factor” Pt 3

(The Fatherhood of God Message 17)

X. The Reward and Inheritance Factor

A. PRESET AND FUTURE REWARD

B. FUTURE INHERITANCE

1. The Father’s wealth

2. The only begotten Son’s Inheritance

3. The inheritance of the saints

Introduction

One of the significant contributions to the growth and development of children that a father can make is the provision of a home. Deeply ingrained in the makeup of every human being is a desire for home. We want a place that is familiar. We long for a safe place; a stable dependable place. We gravitate to a place where we can be ourselves. We seek a place where we can express our creativity, make our mark, find rest. This is true during are growing up years.

It is also true as we grow up.

House and wealth are an inheritance from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the LORD. Prov 19:14

Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz had it right. There's no place like home. No matter how much we may like to travel and see new things, there comes a point when the longing for home kicks in. The return to the familiar. Our own bed,Uninterrupted times of solitude and meditation

It’s time to go home. Just as deeply ingrained in every believer is a desire for an eternal home.

A safe place, a familiar place, an inviting place, a peaceful place, a place of encouragement and meaningful relationship.

Not only does our heavenly father promise that we will inherit all things and reward us according to our faithful service but He also promises us an eternal home. Although the Bible falls short of a full description of our heavenly home, there is sufficient description to grab our attention and to stir our longings. Don Wytzen penned a song that has become a Memorial service favorite. Perhaps not yet as common as "In the Garden" but gaining popularity.

But just think of stepping on shore and finding it heaven of touching a hand and finding it God's

of breathing new air and finding it celestial

of waking up in glory and finding it home. Finally home.

If many of us were to be honest, we would admit that the commonly held and taught image of heaven doesn't feel like home. It does not satisfy the deeply ingrained, and I believe God given, longings for home. Disembodied spirits floating around in some unfamiliar nonphysical celestial environment engaged in a perpetual church service does not seem all that attractive.

We generally envision white robes, halos and harps. We envision a day and night praise service prolonging for eternity. You will grow to appreciate the 15 minute overtime at Chico.

It is no wonder that, if we were honest, if you are really excited to leave this earth for heaven.

Is that common imagery of heaven the biblical one? Does the Bible paint a different or at least a broader picture of our heavenly home?

Satan does not want you to have a clear picture of your future.

He makes it his goal to slander God's person, God's people, and God’s place.

And he (the beast) opened his mouth in blasphemies against God, to blaspheme His name and His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven. Revelation 13:6

It is not only biblically accurate but spiritually healthy to meditate on our ultimate destiny. Job endured the horrendous horrors of his trial by meditating on a future of hope.

"As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, And at the last He will take His stand on the earth.

"Even after my skin is destroyed, yet from my flesh I shall see God;whom I myself shall behold, and whom my eyes will see and not another. My heart faints within me! Job 19:25-27

Jesus encouraged His despondent disciples by sharing the hope of a permanent home contracted by the Father and built by Jesus. God encourages us to think about our future hope. 1 Peter 1:13

Actually He commands us to think about heaven. Col 3:1-4

I believe God intended us to think about heaven not just philosophically tangibly.

You may have heard the statement that people can be so heavenly minded that they are no earthly good. It's more likely that we become so earthly minded that we become good for nothing.

CS Lewis wrote, "Those who did most for the present world were those who thought most of the next."

It is my desire to paint a biblical picture of heaven that captures not only our imagination but our heart. Actually I have four pictures for us to look at in order to fully visualize and appreciate our ultimate inheritance.

C. FUTURE ETERNAL HOME

1. The original creation

The Bible doesn't give us a whole lot of information concerning the original environment.