Chuck Bridges Blog

Isn’t it amazing how many options there are for boosting our ENERGY? I have to admit that I have tried several of them. Since they are relatively expensive I don’t take the plunge too often. When the afternoon, post-lunch drowsiness sets in and I still have much to do, the little 5 hour shot does it for me! (In case you were wondering)

I mentioned in my last post that we are beginning a New Series of Messages at Washington Avenue Church in Greenville, SC this coming Sunday (9:15 and 11:00am every week). The series is called “The Finish Line.” The thesis is simple: As Followers of Jesus Christ, we will not live at FULL CAPACITY unless we have our ‘eyes’ totally fixed on the “Finish Line” (i.e. That is Heaven!). So, we are going to take 6 weeks to talk about Heaven!

I have to admit that the more I study the more ENERGIZED I get just Imagining this awesome PLACE God has prepared for those who choose to receive His salvation. I am putting the finishing comments on my Sermon Notes for this Sunday and WOW! it is going to be incredible. Right now I am trying to figure out what NOT to say because of the time limitations! I am so glad that our “Connecting Points” (i.e. Home Groups) will be continuing the focus on Heaven from Sunday morning! (By the way, there is a group for everyone who desires relational, inspiring growth!)

There is one thing I want to say about living on earth with a longing for Heaven. Most people only think about Heaven when Death intrudes on our reality or when our life gets so painful here on earth that we just want to escape. For many Heaven has become like a ’sedative’ to ease the pain of losing a loved one due to death. It just helps us cope with the pain when we can imagine that they are in this PLACE that exceeds our Imagination. While this is certainly a vital ministry of a solid conviction that Heaven is real, it is only ONE of the many benefits of living on earth with “The Finish Line” in view!

C.S. Lewis observed: “If you read history, you will ifnd that the Christians who did most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next. The Apostles themselves, who set on foot the conversion of the Roman Empire, the great men who built up the Middle Ages, the English Evangelicals who abolished the Slave Trade, all left their mark on Earth, precisely because their minds were occupied with Heaven. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this. Aim at Heaven and you will get earth ‘thrown in’: aim at earth and you will get neither.”

Some people have the idea that if we are TOO Heavenly Minded then we are of no “Earthly good!” Because I agree with the statement from C.S. Lewis, I think just the opposite is true. With Heaven on our Hearts and Minds, we are emboldened to actually DO what God put us on this earth to do, no matter HOW difficult the road may be. Persecution for our faith, unfair criticism, and a whole host of “setback” circumstances will not deter us from our Creator’s Purpose for giving us life!

Meditate on these words: “Set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:1-2) If Every Christ-Follower would DO this, this world would not know what hit it!!!

Sorry, but I have to get back to my “Energy Supplement” (I mean Sermon Notes). I can’t wait for the next thing God is going to show me about my Heavenly Home! (By the way, I hope to see you there one day! If you’re not sure you are going, let’s talk)