Knowing Each Other in Heaven (Part 1)

The question is often asked, "Will we know each other in heaven?" There is universal interest in this subject because we would like to think that we don't lose all memory of our loved ones after death. We want to pick up in heaven without loved ones where we left off here on earth.

The New Testament gives us an idea of what to expect in heaven. At least as far as it can describe it for us. Paul said, "For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of the Lord at His coming? For you are our glory and joy." (I Thessalonians 2:19-20.) The Thessalonians were going to be a joy for Paul when he saw them at the coming of the Lord. How could that be if he couldn't recognize them? In another passage, Paul said, "knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you" (II Corinthians 4:14.) Again, what joy would there be if there were no eternal recognition. Paul knew the saints he worked with in this life and looked forward to being with them in heaven. He certainly thought he would know them there.

I Thessalonians 4:13-18 is a wonderful passage. The Thessalonians were afraid their dead brethren would miss the coming of Christ but Paul assured them the dead in Christ will rise first. Then those alive on earth would be caught up together with them to be with the Lord forever. Notice verse 18, "Therefore, comfort one another with these words." Here Paul portrayed the return of Jesus and the reunion that would follow and this would provide comfort to them. But what comfort there be if everyone was a stranger at that great reunion?

Luke's account of the transfiguration yields some information as well (Luke 9:28-36.) Moses and Elijah appeared as men but in glory and could be recognized. Will we know each other in heaven? Yes! How? By the power of God. But there is more to consider on this. Keep reading!

Our Story

OUR PAST
(Isaiah 59:1-2; Ephesians 2:1-3)

Without Christ we were dead in sin. Sin is a terrible thing as it separates us from the God who loves us. Ultimately it brings eternal separation from God.

The devil convinced us that the pursuit of our own desires would bring fulfillment and happiness. We then became consumed by a multitude of sins. Some were full of envy, hatred, and jealousy. Others may have lied and cheated somehow. Whatever the sin, the result was the same. We were lost and dead in sin. Our lives were empty for we had bought into the devil's deception.

But God still loved us. God sent His son to offer His own perfect, sinless life as a sacrifice for us. What love!

JESUS, THE LOVING SAVIOR
(Isaiah 53; John 3:16; Hebrews 2:14-17)

We read verses like "he was led as a lamb to the slaughter" and "by His stripes we are healed" and we see that great love he has for us. What horrible suffering he endured for the sins of the world as He died alone on the old rugged cross.

But Jesus also raised from the dead and demonstrated His power over death to take the power of the devil away.

We believe that Jesus is alive for evermore. The story of the Lord's death, burial , and resurrection is the gospel of Christ - the good news of salvation and hope of eternal life. It is there for anyone who will come to Jesus
( Heb. 5:8-9).

WHO WE ARE NOW
(Romans 6:3-6; Ephesians 2:4-10)

It's not about us any more.

Through God's love and mercy we have been made alive in Christ. We have become disciples of Jesus Christ now desiring only to follow and serve Him. We have had our sins removed by being baptized into Jesus' death and now we have been raised from baptism to a new life.

We are God's chosen people, a holy nation, and His own children. We have been created in Christ for good works and to give God glory, praise, and honor.

We are far from perfect as we still war against sin. But, we do our best, realizing that God does not allow us to be tempted above what we can bear.

We believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God and it is the sole basis for our beliefs. It lights the pathway before us and we delight in its meditations always.

We know you will be blessed in so doing.

Reprinted from brochure written by :
Wayde Miller, Evangelist

Edited by:
a member of the congregation