Heaven of Heavens (EN TOIS EPOURANIOIS)Written by Paul Griffitts
This is not any attempt to show off some knowledge of Greek or to be superior in any way. But above expression is found only 5 times in Bible, and all five are found in Ephesians. And since Ephesians opens up a great mystery or secret, we look at every new thing that comes up in order to find light on hope and calling of today.Four times it is translated, In heavenly places, and once high places. This realm is mentioned in other parts of Bible, but under different names. Here are a few of them; 1. Heaven of heavens. Deuteronomy 10:14. 2. Far above all. Ephesians 4:10. 3. Holies, Holiest of all. Ephesians 2:19. 4. Glory. Colossians 3:4. By using a concordance, one can find other occurrences of these terms. This place is not third heaven of 2 Corinthians 12:2 for that heaven does not now exist. It is new heaven of Revelation 21. As you find in Peter's writings, there was a heaven and earth that then were (Genesis 1:1), heavens and earth that are now (Genesis 1:6), and heavens and earth to come, new ones. So John was caught up to see something that does not yet exist. We know little about heavens above us now, and much less about those that then were. But our subject is heaven of heavens. As far as we know, no one has ever traveled from earth into that sphere, except Lord Himself. He ascended far above all heavens. There is no description to be found anywhere of this realm. It is far beyond stars. That would put it many billions of miles away. It would take some time to make trip in earthly physical bodies. The citizenship of church which is body of Christ is there. Philippians 3:20. And from that homeland, or commonwealth we are to look for Savior, when He appears or shines forth. That is hope of members of church which is His body. See Colossians 3:4. Note also Titus 2:13. It is not hard to discern things that differ, and here is a case that needs that discernment, if one is to rightly divide Word of truth. The millennial kingdom here on earth is not to be compared with this glorious abode of God and of Christ, future home of church. There is no possible way that great sermon on mount (Matthew 5-7) could have any relationship with this place far beyond stars. Also, one soon notes that things connected with this hope and sphere have no relationship with things on earth, or any kingdom on earth. You might do well to study these things and then make up your mind which would be preferred as a future hope and abode. Do this in light of Colossians 3:1-4. Set your affection on things above, in en tois epouraniois.
| | The Christian Community Tries To Take Back What Belongs To Them!Written by Regina Sawyer
"See I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in desert and streams in wasteland." Is. 43:19Until now, plagued by scandals, and unscrupulous business practices, Network marketing industry was being frowned upon by Christian community. Many Christians, who once believe that involvement in this industry is an illegitimate way to earn a living, now see it as an alternative to help alleviate financial and funding pressure. For those who have become weary of ever-increasing benefit cutbacks and lay-offs in corporate America, network marketing and affiliate programs has become alternative for their survival. Before dawn of Internet, very few people really understood network marketing, and many got taken advantage of, due to ignorance. There are still many more, who continue to struggle to accept its legitimacy because they do not understand complex nature of industry. Network marketing is nothing short of word-of-mouth advertising. Word-of-mouth is most cost effective form of advertising, and many companies would rather pass their advertising savings to individuals willing to promote their goods or services. The industry is being closely monitored and regulated to protect consumer. Because of this tightened security, Christian community has now step up to plate, using this once dreaded medium, to alleviate constant funding pressure, on Christian families, churches and ministries.
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