The Church Of Jesus Christ....An Earthly Expression Of Heaven!

When the Lord taught Christ followers to pray with the words, "Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10), what realm is that most likely to take place? In the White House? Not likely! In the U.S. Senate? Not likely! How about the Supreme Court? No! In colleges and universities? I don't think so! Maybe City Hall? Don't count on it! So, the question becomes, "Where is the will of God done on earth as it is in heaven?" The answer is, only in one place, and that place is the church! What are some of the things taking place in heaven? In other words, if every activity of heaven were to be brought to earth, what things would predominate? How about worship of God? In the biblical descriptions of those who were blessed to have had visions of heaven, there's one activity that stands out, and it's called worship! The people in heaven are constantly giving praise, worship and adoration to God. Worship is also one of the primary functions of the church! Another activity that takes place in heaven is the lifting up of the Lord Jesus Christ! The Father God Himself has lifted up Jesus Christ, and given Him a name which is above EVERY name (Phil. 2:9)! As Christ followers, throughout all eternity, we'll be occupied with lifting up the name of Jesus (Rev. 5:11-14)! But, in the meantime, the church is the one place on earth where the name of Jesus is truly lifted up! Another activity that happens in heaven is the preservation of holiness! We all know that heaven is a holy place! It's where God dwells. In the same fashion, the Lord Jesus has charged the church with the responsibility and the authority to preserve holiness within its midst. The Word of God teaches a process of discipline that's designed to help keep the church growing in godliness. The passage I'm referring to is found in Matthew 18:15-20. In our culture, there's a lot of discussion about "user-friendly" churches. I have yet to find that in the Bible! So called "church growth" experts advise church leaders to try to provide an atmosphere that will make "unchurched" people feel comfortable and at home. Where's that found in the Bible? "Unchurched" people who come into the fellowship of Christ followers should leave saying to themselves, "Boy, I have never seen anything like this on earth!" They should not go away thinking, "That experience was very familiar, something I'm comfortable with." Why? Because the church should be like a preview or an earthly expression of heaven! Your move. Be encouraged!