A person who belongs to heaven (Acts 26:19-29)

Acts 26:19-29   A person who belongs to heaven

Someone said, “A person who believes in Jesus is from a different world.” In other words, although we live in the same world, we live differently as we live for different purpose and live in a different level. That is so true. The Christians see things that the worldly people can’t see and also we hear God’s holy voice that the worldly people can’t hear. We believe in God while the other people believe God doesn’t exist.  Also, we call heaven that we can’t see our home and we wait patiently. We believe that this universe was created by God. Although this is an absurd world since God is alive, we trust that He controls the history and leads us to the way of salvation. Also, even though the worldly people are sad that the life ends in the grave, we hope for the day of Jesus’ second coming because we believe that Jesus had resurrected. Therefore, we are different from the people in this world. We have different purpose and the way we live our lives are different. We take a different route and the final destination is different, too. Although we live in this world, we belong to a different world and we are the citizens of God’s kingdom. Therefore, I would like us to receive grace with a sermon titled, “A person who belongs to heaven.”  I pray that God’s grace fill your spirit.

First of all, a person who belongs in heaven lives a holy life with a divine dignity. Just as the worldly people live in this world thinking that they are superior to others, as the believers of Jesus Christ, we should have dignity of eternal life. No matter what happens, we shouldn’t be let down. In any kind of tribulation, we shouldn’t be discouraged. The believers who lived this way are called, “The great Christians.” Take a look at Apostle Paul in today’s text. When Paul was witnessing to Festus, Festus interrupted Paul and said, “You are out of your mind, Paul!” He shouted. “Your great learning is driving you insane.” “I am not insane, most excellent Festus,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and reasonable. The king is familiar with these things and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner.”  Paul boldly witnessed Jesus Christ to Festus and the King. Instead of being discouraged, he was audacious. In the bible, the ancestors of faith were the people who lived with dignity of faith. To mention some of them, Joseph was one of them. Moses was one of them. Even though Joseph was sold to Egypt, he didn’t despair; he lived courageously in God. The bible tells us that Moses refused to enjoy the pleasures of sin in the palace but he paid close attention to God’s voice. However, on the other hand, we can see some people who belonged to heaven but didn’t have a beautiful faith. How about Samson, Barak and Prophet Jonah? These people followed the wealth, statues and idleness and eventually, they were mocked by Satan and rebuked by Satan. But most of all, they were rebuked by God. Therefore, dear saints, we belong to heaven. We should live with the dignity as we are God’s citizens. Then, I believe even in tribulation we’ll be happy and give praises to God. I believe in any circumstances we should be thankful for what we have and live as God’s children.

Secondly, a person who belongs to heaven possesses the true happiness. We weren’t happy before but through Jesus Christ, we became possessor of happiness. 1 Peter 2:9-10 says, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” The verse 10 says,  “Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” Now that we belong to Jesus Christ, we belong to heaven. Also, since we belong to heaven, even if we are poor, naked, hungry and mistreated, we are happy people. Therefore, Apostle Paul confessed about his happiness in Jesus. 2 Corinthians 6:9-10, “Known, yet regarded as unknown; dying and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.” That is so true. We are happy because the King of Kings Jesus Christ is in our heart. A person who believes in Jesus is happy and at the same time belongs to heaven. Even if the people who live with true happiness are persecuted by this world, the world is not worthy of them. Let’s read Hebrew 11:36-38 together.”Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground.” Why weren’t they afraid even when they were persecuted and got killed with knives? That is because it can’t be compared to the glory that we’ll receive in the future. A person who is truly happy in Jesus Christ is bold in front of death. For example, all the prophets mentioned in Hebrew 11 were this way and Stephen was this way, too.  Also, if we read about the history of Christianity, many people were happy even when they were persecuted.  A person who belongs to heaven belongs to the Lord whether he lives or dies. Dear saints, is it hard living in this world? I ask you to look onto God. The happiness of a person who belongs in heaven is totally different from a person who belongs to this world.  The happiness of a worldly person depends on worldly things. Therefore, he laughs or cries about trivial things. But, a person who belongs to heaven is happy as long as he walks with Jesus Christ.

Thirdly, God protects and stays with the person who belongs to heaven even on this earth. Isaiah 43:2 says, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” God watches over His children who belong to heaven. He protects us. God doesn’t leave us or fall asleep; he guards His people. When Jesus resurrected and ascended, he promised something-Matthew 28:20, “And teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” He is not with us only when we’re doing well. Even when we are in hardship or tribulation, he is with us and He protects us. To believe this is faith. The person who understands this belongs to heaven. For example, in Matthew 14, we can read about Jesus walking on lake. Peter said, “Lord, if it’s you tell me to come to you on the water.” Jesus said, “Come.” Then, Peter got down out of the boat, walked on water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and beginning to sink.” What does this mean? This story gives us a great lesson as we lead a faithful life. In this weary world, sometimes we meet a storm. At a time like this, instead of looking at the situation, we should look at Jesus who controls it. Then, Jesus will hold us with his powerful hands and protect us. For example, take a look at surfers. They are never afraid of the waves. Rather, they love the big waves. Why is that? That is because they enjoy riding the waves. Likewise, the people who belong to God are not afraid of the big waves which are like trials. That is because they know that it would be a good opportunity to experience God’s ability. I believe God is with us and he commands, “Waves and wind, be calm.” Since we belong to heaven, we’ll never perish.

By, Rev. Samuel Choi