What is a "Left Hand Page?"
When my dad was pastoring, each week the church had a paper (yes paper!) bulletin, which included things like announcements, church information, etc. And included in this when you opened the folded bulletin and looked to the left, there was a short essay written by him which might be an encouragment, a prayer request, a short teaching, a comment on what was going on in the world (think 9/11 or a natural disaster, not politics!) - whatever the Lord put on his heart for the week.
We have archives of these writings, so we thought it might be meaningful to some of you out there to post a new "Left Hand Page" weekly here in this space, just like he did at the church so many years ago.
Please let us know if these are meaningful to you - we pray they are a blessing!
Ron Jr
Left Hand Page #1:
HEAVEN
"The subject of Heaven is so often avoided, mainly because of the tremendous confusion and differing conceptions that so many raise. Some believers see it as a kind of strumming on a harp, pie in the sky, hot fudge sundaes, and "Won't this be fun?" kind of place. Unbelievers often use it as a crutch of comfort to be used in the face of death.
The Bible is clear we're not dealing with a fantasy or dream, but a real place (John 14: 1-3); not with a philosophical view, but a living reality. Heaven has certain unchangeable features:
1) Unchangeable in its Access - I John 3: 1-2
Entrance into Heaven is based on committed relationship with Jesus, the Lamb. John 1:29 leaves no doubt as to who the Lamb of God is: Jesus, who died for our sins (Revelation 5: 8-13).
2) Unchangeable in its Characteristics - Revelation 21: 2-5, 22: 1-5
a. No sickness or affliction - 22: 2
b. No curse - 21: 4
c. No tears - 21: 4
d. No death - 21: 4
e. No night - 22: 5
3) Unchangeable in its Experience - Revelation 22: 4
'And they shall see His face,' speaks of our exposure to and communion with Jesus, the Lord of our Salvation. The presence of the Lord is the one thing that makes Heaven so glorious.
We know that John was having a tough time putting into words the wonder, splendor, and magnitude of what he saw. With a city whose dimensions are 1500 miles square, it's an awesome place. There are physical dimensions, but I'm thrilled at the timeless supply of love and grace, and the eternal qualities of it all move me.
I don't have an escapist mentality, but between you and me, I'm glad He's prepared a home for us that's available and won't be eroded by economic declines or governmental decisions. Heaven is built on something far more stable... it's called the Word of God.
Hoping for hot fudge too,
Ron Mehl"