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"Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with Him" (Romans 6:8). "Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands" (2 Corinthians 5:1). "I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me" (2 Peter 1:13,14).

A friend and I walked through a huge mansion under construction here in the Lancaster area. I purposefully counted the bathrooms (at least seven) and I quipped to my friend as we drove off, "Do you think they'll be keeping the job "Johnnie" at the end of the driveway when the house is finished?" With a chuckle he responded, "Probably, just in case they can't make it into the house!" (As we get older we're more familiar with that and it might be a nice feature to have, though rather unsightly.)

One of the construction workers, seeing me walk around, asked if I was the owner! I told him I wasn't, but my mansion is under construction on the other side. I was alluding to the KJV translation of John 14:2 when Jesus said, "In my Father's house are many mansions".

Yesterday I taught in our Adult Bible Fellowship class (AKA Sunday School) from 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, often called the "Rapture passage". This week I expect to glean some messages from that study.

Early in the message I played a brief clip that features two twins in the womb discussing whether or not there would be life after delivery. It is really a parallel to discussion about life after death. (There is a link to the clip below.) Through and through the Bible teaches there is life after death!

In 2 Corinthians chapters 4 and 5 the Apostle Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, shares some incredible insights regarding the perspective we should have as we live out our life on this earth. Apart from a few select people throughout history (Enoch and Elijah), all have experienced the destruction of the earthly tent we live in. We call that death. There will also be a group who will be alive at the return of Christ. They too will experience a transition w/o death (see 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

Paul uses the phrase "earthly tent" to describe the temporary nature of our present dwelling. One commentary makes this observation: "The figure of a tent picturing the human body suggests impermanence and insecurity and is a common picture of earthly life and its setting in the body." *

Our future home is "a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands".  Wow, what a powerful description! Today may this encourage those with loved ones in heaven. May it also encourage those dealing with ongoing physical affliction or situations that seem so broken.

The ongoing challenge for us is not driving the stakes too deep in this present "tent". We must be very cautious about not getting too settled or comfortable.  That's particularly true for those who live in relative affluence, which can be such a seducing trap. One day we will be transferred to our permanent home, a home not built with human hands!

B e encouraged today! Hebrews 3:13