Freedom from death and decay...

*Because this subject matters so much to me and to every believer in Christ, I am re-posting seven posts I originally wrote in 2013, with a few minor edits. Then I will post a book review of John Eldredge's All Things New next Friday.

(From John Eldredge's Hope in the Coming Kingdom CDs:)

"Do you realize that when the Kingdom comes, nothing that was precious to you in this life is lost?  No memory, no event, none of your story or theirs.  Nothing is lost.  How could it be lost?  It's in the heart of the infinite God who encompasses all things.
.....I'm sitting there in this moment where all the data is very convincing that life is just lost.  But it's really this internal shift -- if you will accept that nothing is lost, then your heart is going to take a pretty deep breath."

"Creation looks forward to the day when it will join God's children in glorious freedom from death and decay." ~Romans 8:21

"In order for the coming of the Kingdom, you've got to deal with evil, and God is going to!  The evil one finally gets what he deserves.  It's really good for the soul to realize what it will be like not to be assaulted anymore... free from accusation, physical affliction, the torment, the abuse, the evil in this world.  Can you imagine the joy we will experience when we get to watch the evil one thrown down for good?"

[He talks about a couple movie scenes where the villain is finally destroyed in the end - I can think of several more that I love - The Patriot, Gladiator, Shawshank Redemption, Lord of the Rings, Narnia, and so many more!]  

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What is the evil that you will no longer have to face??  
What is the evil that you long to see destroyed on behalf of others??

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"The renewal of all things includes YOUR renewal.  Just think of what you're not going to have to wrestle with anymore - whether it's your health, internal issues, fear, anger, compulsions, battles with resentment - think of what you are not going to wrestle with anymore...  None of it!  You get to be YOU... free, alive, whole, young, gorgeous, valiant!!"

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What will you no longer wrestle with when all your brokenness is finally and completely healed?  And what about that for your loved ones as well - what will they no longer wrestle with?  What do they finally get to be??

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"For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their Shepherd.  He will lead them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.  There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.  He who is seated on the throne said, 'I am making everything NEW!  No more tears, no more pain, no more death, no more mourning.  At the renewal of all things, our hearts are going to be FREE FROM GRIEF!"

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Who do you look forward to seeing  - both those you love and those you long to meet for the first time!?

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"And did you think about this?  You will see Jesus, face to face.  And not only see Him, but you will share life with Him!"
(All non-Scripture quotes are John Eldredge.)

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What are you looking forward to with Jesus.....
What would you love to say to Him?
What do you hope He says to you?
What are you looking forward to doing with Jesus - together??