Basilea Schlink teaches that the kingdom of heaven is a present reality that believers can experience through faith, thanksgiving, and embracing suffering as a path to eternal joy.
This sermon emphasizes the presence of God's kingdom of heaven among us today, calling for a joyful reality in our lives. It highlights the importance of gratitude even in the darkest times, as Jesus brought heaven to earth. The eternal joy of heaven is contrasted with temporary suffering, encouraging a focus on heavenly promises and the eternal home awaiting believers.
Full Transcript
God lives and works today. His kingdom is the kingdom of heaven, which, as Jesus said, is already in our midst today. Therefore, the kingdom of heaven ought to be a joyful reality in our lives.
But what does this mean in practical terms? Listen to today's meditation by Basilia Schlink called Already Heaven. On the darkest, most difficult days of our lives, it is especially important for us to give thanks. Yes, we should be thankful that our Lord Jesus came to bring heaven to earth.
What amazing grace! Whoever lives in heaven here on earth will also live in heaven after he dies. Whoever knows the joy of heaven here will be able to join in the rejoicing in the city of God. And whoever begins to sing of heaven today will be surrounded by heaven in the coming days, the most difficult time the world has ever known.
Don't let anything rob you of your faith in heaven. It's not even worth comparing with the glory of heaven, which, as the Apostle Paul writes in Romans 8, verse 18, will be revealed for all eternity. When you hear the word heaven, you may know for certain that the joy which will come is an eternal joy and that the suffering of the moment will come to an end.
Therefore, concern yourself more with heaven. It's worth it. Heaven is your eternal home.
And if you can't relate to heaven, if it doesn't seem real to you and doesn't mean blessedness and joy, then you can ask the Lord until he makes it real for you. If you recognize that you're a poor sinner, then you will be able to hear the sound of angels as they sing about you, how there is joy in heaven over one sinner who repents. You will actually be drawn into the joy of heaven.
There is still another way to find entrance to heaven here on earth. It's the way of suffering. Suffering opens the gates of heaven.
For as the Bible says, this momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison. Second Corinthians 4, verse 17. In the measure that we must suffer, in the same measure will we experience the joy of heaven.
And all the promises about eternity begin on earth. Even Jesus' words, blessed are you that weep now, for you shall laugh. Yes, heavenly joy begins already on earth.
Therefore, if you would like to taste a bit of heaven, commit yourself to your suffering now. Each heart the dream fulfilling, O that we were there, O that we were there. We'll pay this time to pleasure, O who such bliss can measure.
O that we were there, O that we were there. You have been listening to a program written by Basile Schlenk of the Little Land of Canaan. To learn more about how God lives and works today, visit us at our website, www.canaan.org. That's K-A-N-A-A-N.org. If you contact us, we would be happy to send you a free inspirational booklet.
If you do not have access to the web, please contact this radio station for our postal address. God bless you.
Sermon Outline
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I. The Present Reality of Heaven
- God’s kingdom is already among us as Jesus declared
- Heaven should be a joyful reality in believers’ lives
- Faith in heaven sustains us even in difficult times
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II. The Role of Thanksgiving
- Giving thanks is vital on dark and difficult days
- Thankfulness acknowledges Jesus bringing heaven to earth
- Joy of heaven begins with gratitude here and now
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III. Suffering as a Gateway to Heaven
- Suffering prepares us for eternal glory beyond comparison
- The measure of suffering corresponds to the measure of heavenly joy
- Blessed are those who weep now, for they shall laugh
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IV. Practical Invitation
- Commit to embracing suffering to taste heaven on earth
- Ask the Lord to make heaven real if it feels distant
- Heavenly joy begins now and continues eternally
Key Quotes
“Whoever lives in heaven here on earth will also live in heaven after he dies.” — Basilea Schlink
“Suffering opens the gates of heaven.” — Basilea Schlink
“Blessed are you that weep now, for you shall laugh.” — Basilea Schlink
Application Points
- Practice gratitude daily, especially during difficult times, to experience the joy of heaven now.
- Embrace suffering as a means God uses to prepare you for eternal glory and deepen your faith.
- Persistently seek the Lord to make the reality of heaven tangible in your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that heaven is 'already' here?
Basilea Schlink explains that the kingdom of heaven is a present reality believers can experience through faith and the work of Jesus in their lives.
How does suffering relate to experiencing heaven?
Suffering is described as a pathway that opens the gates of heaven, preparing believers for eternal glory and increasing their heavenly joy.
Why is thanksgiving important in difficult times?
Thanksgiving helps believers focus on the grace of Jesus bringing heaven to earth, sustaining faith and joy even amid trials.
What should I do if I don’t feel the reality of heaven?
The sermon encourages believers to ask the Lord persistently until the joy and reality of heaven become real to them.
What biblical promises support this message?
References like Romans 8:18 and 2 Corinthians 4:17 affirm that present suffering is temporary and prepares us for eternal glory.
