PREPARING FOR TRAVEL TO THE CITY OF GOD!
My wife and I for over 44 years have traveled and ministered in over 125 countries doing Missionary Evangelism. During that time we have slept in over 4,000 beds. We slept with the night creatures and in waterbeds before they invented waterbeds. The reason they were waterbeds is that it rained and the roof leaked or the children did. We have eaten strange and wonderful foods, both clean and unclean. However, Marge and I have learned to get packed, ready and travel to the various mission fields. We have also traveled on everything from a mule to a dory boat on open seas to the QE1, buses of every sort, cars, carts, trains to almost every model and age of airplanes, some older than ourselves. However, traveling for Jesus makes it all worthwhile. This message deals with getting ready for that great and final trip we will all make some day.
I. We are always concerned with accommodations in the earthy realm. God has prepared the best accommodations for last.
(John 14:2 KJV) In my Fathers house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
II. We need passports to enter each country. You cannot enter with out it. Persons seeking entry into the New Jerusalem will not be permitted past the gates without having proper credentials and having their names already registered in the Book with the ruling authority.
(Rev 21:27 KJV) And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lambs book of life.
III. You will need tickets. Your ticket is a written pledge that guarantees your journey. It should be claimed and its promises kept firmly in hand.
(John 5:24 KJV) Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
IV. You have to be ready at departure time. The exact time has not bee announced for our departure for the New City. Travelers there are advised to be ready to leave on short notice.
(Mat 24:44 KJV) Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
V. We will be departing by air. Travelers going directly by air are advised to watch daily for indications of departure.
(1 Th 4:16 KJV) For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
(1 Th 4:17 KJV) Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
VI. Clothing is something my wife plans carefully, however, on this trip clothing with be provided.
(Rev 3:5 KJV) He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
VII. No luggage will be taken. One thing in travel I have never liked the carrying of luggage. I often accused my wife of packing rocks or bricks.
(Isa 61:10 KJV) I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.
VIII. Vaccination and inoculations I have never liked but they were for our own good. In the New City of God they are not needed, as sickness and death are unknown at this destination.
(Rev 21:4 KJV) And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
IX. Almost every country has its own currency. For many it can be confusing. We should send our treasures on ahead to await the passengers arrival.
(Mat 6:20 KJV) But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
X. The cost of travel can be expensive. We belong to almost every club and program that gets us award travel. Here is the good news. The trip to the City of God is FREE.
"It is the gift of God" Ephesians 2:8 and the price has be paid for you by Gods Son.
(John 3:16 KJV) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
X. Food. There will be nothing like you have ever had before (Rev 19:9 KJV) And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. (Rev 22:1 KJV) And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
XII. Make your reservation now. Apply at once! Now! Be sure you are ready to go. This journey will not be canceled for anyone. You will not be bumped.
(2 Cor 6:2 KJV) (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
XIII. This city has the best retirement plan.
(Psa 23:6 KJV) Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
