We are a Independent Baptist Church, located in the heart of Sand mountain.

Saint Cloud Florida (FL)

St Cloud Florida (FL)

Coushatta Louisiana (LA)

Northland is a church that is committed to the Word of God - we believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God

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What The Bible Says - Good Samaritan's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice

What The Bible Says - Good Samaritan's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice

What The Bible Says Good Samaritan's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice

What The Bible Says Good Samaritan's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice

What The Bible Says Good Samaritan's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice

So that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of the LORD.

So that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of the LORD.

So that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of the LORD.

The cloud that led and sheltered the people of God through their wilderness journeys points to "The Guiding Ever-Abiding Presence of the Lord" today!

David W. Cloud is the founder and director of Way of Life. The goal of Way of Life Literature is to stand for the truth of God's Word without compromise, to ...

Authored by Paul Joseph Watson Via Modernity.news A secretive project conducted from the deck of an aircraft carrier in the San Francisco Bay will shoot...Secretive Experiment To Shoot Aerosols Into The Sky Over San Francisco To Increase Cloud Cover

? Temple Baptist Church - 3-31-2024Luke 24:1-12? Introduction:? ? A.? Resurrection Sunday.? A day set apart to celebrate our Risen Lord.? ? Matthew 28:6? He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.? B. Once again, we come to the Garden Tomb and find it, as always, still empty!? The “Stone” which the builders rejected became the “Chief Corner Stone” and, ultimately, the “Capstone of Christianity.”? ? C. There are many “Cardinal Doctrines” in the Bible:? Fundamental, Key, Basic, Central, Principal.? When I use the term “Cardinal Doctrine”, I want you to understand that all doctrine is of major importance, but without the doctrine of the Resurrection, all others would be in vain.? ? D. The resurrection of Jesus Christ was both the end and the beginning.? The finishing of the Gospel, a completed work.? The Beginning of a new life in Christ Jesus for the believer.? 1.? The resurrection was the finishing of the Gospel.? In our text for this morning, we find the Gospel.? ? a)? The death of Christ -? Luke 24:7? Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.? b)? The burial of Christ - Luke 24:1? Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.? c)? The resurrection of Christ - Luke 24:6? He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,? d)? 1 Corinthians, chapter 15, speaks of the magnitude of the resurrection.? In 1 Corinthians, chapter 15:1-4, we find the Gospel is perfectly defined.? 1 Corinthians 15:1-4? Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;? (2)? By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.? (3)? For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;? (4)? And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:? 1)? Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures.? The Son of God died once for all.? Sin's payment was made in full.? The Father looked upon the travail of His Son and was satisfied.? John 19:30? When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.? Romans 5:8? But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.? 1 Timothy 2:4? Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.? 2)? Christ was buried.? Placed in a Garden Tomb for 3 days and 3 nights.? There is no Good Friday found in the Bible!? Christ died on Wednesday.? Matthew 12:40? For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.? 3)? Christ rose again the third day according to the scriptures.? The Father's Acceptance of the price paid.? Romans 1:4? And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:? Matthew 28:6? He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.? Mark 16:1-6? And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.? (2)? And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.? 4)? There is the presentation of the Blood of Christ.? ? John 20:17? Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.? Hebrews 9:11-12? But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;? (12)? Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.? 2.? The resurrection was the beginning of a new life in Christ.? ? a.? The Resurrection gives the believer hope in eternity.? I thank God that there's a better day coming!? ? 1)? Without the Resurrection of Christ, Calvary would have been in vain; we would still be in our sins; and there would be no hope of life after death!? 2) Without the Resurrection of Christ, there would be no finishing!? No finishing of the Cross.? I am glad this morning that it is finished for time and eternity. Sin paid for in full and redemption purchased.? Hallelujah, what a Saviour!? 3) Without the Resurrection of Christ, there would be no faithfulness to the Scriptures!? This Bible that I hold in my hands would be just another fiction book.? 1 Corinthians 15:19-22? If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.? (20)? But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.? (21)? For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.? (22)? For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.? 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18? But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.? (14)? For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.? (15)? For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.? (16)? For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:? (17)? Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.? (18)? Wherefore comfort one another with these words.? Titus 2:11-14? For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,? (12)? Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;? (13)? Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;? (14)? Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.? b.? The Resurrection gives the believer confidence in life.? Everything is going to be alright!? Philippians 1:20-24? According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.? (21)? For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.? (22)? But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.? (23)? For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:? (24)? Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.? c.? The Resurrection gives the believer peace in death.? Death is the “door” through which we enter into the eternal presence of the Lord!? Psalms 23:4? Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.? John 11:25? Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:? Revelation 14:13? And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.? d.? The Resurrection gives the believer boldness in witness.? The Gospel is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth!? Romans 1:16? For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.? 2 Timothy 1:12? For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.? Conclusion:? The Gospel is now finished as Christ has died for the sins of the world, was buried, and rose again for our Justification.? ? Let's stand and sing together: “Because He Lives.”? “Because He lives, I can face tomorrow; because He lives, all fear is gone; because I know I know He holds my future; life is worth the living just because He lives!? And then one day, I'll cross that river; I'll fight life's final war with pain; and then as death gives place to victory; I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He lives.”

? Temple Baptist Church - 3-27-2024John 14:28-31? Introduction:? ? A.? In verse 30, we find the prophecy of coming of the “accuser” to find fault in Christ Jesus.? Satan will find none!? After the crowd took Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane, He spoke very little to His disciples or in His defense.? This will be the fulfillment of? Isaiah 53:7, which reads:? “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.”? 1.? The “prince of this world” led Israel to its demise.? 2.? The “prince of this world” leads all who reject and accuse Christ Jesus to their demise.? B.? In the word “prince” we find Description.? Satan is called “the prince of this world.”? ? 1.? ? In the word “prince” we see? Power -? Luke 22:53? When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.? 2.? In the word “prince” we see Position -? 2 Corinthians 4:4? In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.3.? In the word “prince” we see Prominence - Ephesians 2:2? Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:? 4.? In the word “prince” we see Pleasure -? Matthew 4:8-9? Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;? (9)? And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.? C.? In the word “prince” we find Delusion:? 1.? He is “god” but only by permission -? Matthew 4:9-10? And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.? (10)? Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.? 2.? He has control, and he is not in control - John 12:31? Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.? 3.? He is powerful and yet he is not omnipotent - Jude 9? Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.? 4.? He is wealthy and yet he owns nothing - Matthew 4:8-9? Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; 9? And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.? Psalms 24:1? The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.? D.? How did the arch enemy of both God and man become the “god of this world?”? 1.? ? Because He? Is Worshiped -? 2 Corinthians 11:14? And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.? (This prince is transformed into an angel of light; a thing of great beauty.)? Isaiah 14:12-14? How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!? 13? For thou hast said in thine heart,? I will ascend? into heaven,? I will exalt? my throne above the stars of God:? I will sit? also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14? ? I will ascend? above the heights of the clouds;? I will be? like the most High.? ? 2.? Because He Is Adored -? Matthew 4:9? And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.? (The world loves their prince because they love their sin.)? 2 Corinthians 11:14? And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.? ? 3.? Because He Is Emulated - Ephesians 2:2? Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:? (The world conforms to image of their god just as we are to conform to the image of our God.)? John 8:44? Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.? 4.? Because He Is In Control - John 8:43-44? Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. 44? Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.? (As a father controls his children, this prince controls his.)? Conclusion:? The world is deceived by the “prince of this world” but the redeemed are looking for to their “Prince” who is coming soon.? Revelation 1:5-8? And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,? (6)? And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.? (7)? Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.? (8)? I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

Temple Baptist Church - 3-13-2024John 14:7-15? Introduction:? A.? I used the title “Passing The Torch” because of an example that many of us older folks possibly remember.? When the Summer Olympics was ready to start some years ago, I remember that the torch that was to light the Olympic Torch at the beginning of the games was carried by individual runners who passed a lite torch from one runner to another until the job was done.? B.? John, chapter 14 shows the same thing spiritually.? The hearts of the disciples are troubled about the absence of the Lord but now Jesus lets them know that the work is theirs to maintain.? C.? Lets look at the introductory verse of this chapter.? ? John 14:1? Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.? 1.? “Ye believe in God” speaks of God their belief in the Father.? God the Father did what He needed to do to redeem and restore mankind.? John 3:16-17? For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.? (17)? For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.? a.? The Father sent His Son, heaven's Glory, Jesus Christ who never knew sin to become sin for us.? The Way, the Truth, and the Life.? The Creator of all that is.? The almighty Jehovah God of the Old Testament.? ? b.? The Father place His divine approval upon Christ Jesus when He spoke these words: “And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Mark 1:11)? And again in Matthew 17:5, “While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.”? 2.? “Believe also in me” speaks of Jesus Christ, Israel's Messiah.? Jesus Christ went to the Jew first through the Gospel.? He never set foot outside of Israel!? The Father sent Jesus Christ to pay the price of sin in full.? Paid In Full is a term that we all know and revel in.? The “burning of the note!”? a.? Jesus Christ suffered everything that we suffer as He got hungry, tired, spit upon, scourged, shame, and would be nailed on the cross like the two thieves He died with.? b.? Jesus Christ, the sinless Son of God would become SIN for us that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.? Philippians 2:6-8? Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:? (7)? But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:? (8)? And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.? Hebrews 12:2? Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.? D.? Then, it was the disciples turn to “put their hand to the plough!”? ? John 14:12? Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do? shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.? 1.? God the Father loved the World and gave His Son.? 2.? Jesus Christ died for the sin of the World.? 3.? Now, the message of salvation needs to be spread to the World through the believers.? Matthew 28:16-20? Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.? (17)? And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.? (18)? And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.? (19)? Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:? (20)? Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.? These men turned the World upside down.? Acts 17:6? And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;? E.? Now, it is OUR turn.? 2 Corinthians 5:17-19? Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.? (18)? And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;? (19)? To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.? 1.? Our turn to show and present the Gospel.? a) As salt and light through our good works which they shall behold and glorify our Father which is in heaven.? b)? to plant and water the seed of the Gospel to everyone that we come into contact with.? Matthew 5:13-16? Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.? (14)? Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.? (15)? Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.? (16)? Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.? ? 2.? Our turn to send men of God to the world through raising, and commissioning those whom God calls.? (Acts 13)? ? The Lord's Prayer Request.? Matthew 9:35-38? And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.? (36)? But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.? (37)? Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;? (38)? ? Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.? 3.? Our turn to support through prayer and giving those who surrender to God's call and go.? 2 Corinthians 8:1-5? Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;? (2)? How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.? (3)? For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;? (4)? Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.? (5)? And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.? Philippians 4:14-19? Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.? (15)? Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.? (16)? For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.? (17)? Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.? (18)? But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.? (19)? But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

? Temple Baptist Church - 2-28-2024John 14:1-4Introduction:? A.? Last week, we dissected the first part of verse 1: “Let not your heart be troubled.”? The Lord is leaving, and the apostles are going to have to “step up” and take on the work of the ministry.? Introduction over!? B.? We find several things in the verses that will help us in the last perilous times.? I want to look at these 4 verses tonight so as to encourage our people during these discouraging days.? Six things I want to look at tonight to encourage your hearts.? 1.? A Fear to Overcome.? “Let not you heart be troubled.”? a.? We live in the worst spiritual time in history.? There is so much sin and confusion today that many if not most have troubled hearts.? ? b.? Disappointing times, discouraging times, deluding times, defiling times.? ? c.? Sin is rampant and accepted as the norm; confusion comes at us from every side; voices of every kind to hear.? It is of no wonder that the believers is exhorted to assemble “so much the more” as we see the world set up for both the realization of Antichrist and the acceptance of his philosophy which is totally anti-God.? d.? The “falling away” is in its last stages.? There have always been good men of God and good churches in which to find the preaching, exhorting, and help that we need.? Now, they are about as scarce as “hens' teeth!”? Another young pastor resigned his church this week to go into evangelism.? Another church will be trying to find someone willing to come pastor the flock and hopefully stay!? e.? We find few believers who will buck the status quo and live in such a way to make a difference.? Most are too worldly minded to be of any heavenly good.? f.? Today, we find rejection by the masses, spiritual defeats, and multiple failures that all of us have experienced.? These inward, negative feelings can destroy us.? g.? It is here that we must be very careful! Often the most painful wounds are not the scars that are outwardly seen, but the hidden wounds deep in the heart. Being hidden, they are often the most dangerous.? g.? These things cause spiritual discouragement and troubled hearts.? When our faith is weakened, we tend to stop pressing toward the mark and finishing our race for Christ.? 2.? A Faith to Believe.? “Ye believe in God, believe also in me!”? a.? These disciples had no problem believing in the Jehovah God of the Old Testament but needed to have that same faith in Christ Jesus.? b.? Christ had always provided their every need from the physical to the spiritual.? They had been eye witness to all His miracles but these physical miracles were not enough to inspire them to trust Him wholly.? Matthew 8:26-27? And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.? (27)? But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!? “What manner of man is this” was not the faith needed to calm the heart.? c.? ? Notice that Jesus said, “Believe also in me!”? Here we find the faith that will cure the troubled heart.? 1 John 5:4-5? For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.? (5)? Who is he that overcometh the world,? but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?? ? 3.? A Future that is Secure.? “In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you!”? a.? Our future is secured through the promises of God.? Our heavenly homes are await us and they are not “rooms” or “little cabins over in the corner of Glory Land.”? They are beyond our comprehension, and they are there!? “Are”? b.? They are not being built as we speak, they are already there and have been from eternity past.? c.? We are not “sending up timbers” because they are “ivory palaces.”? “Home sweet home!”? Psalms 45:8? All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad.? Revelation 21:1-4? And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.? (2)? And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.? (3)? And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.? (4)? And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.? 4.? A Foundation to Stand Upon.? “And if I go and prepare a place for you.”? The Blood of Christ!? The blood to be applied to the Mercy Seat in heaven. There were two Ascensions of Christ back to heaven.? This was accomplished in two parts:? a.? The First Ascension as High Priest with His Own Blood –? John 20:17? Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.? Hebrews 9:11-14? But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;? (12)? Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.? (13)? For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:? (14)? How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?? b.? The Second Ascension - Acts 1:9-11? And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.? (10)? And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;? (11)? Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.? 5.? A Fellowship that Awaits.? “I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am,? there? ye may be also.? a.? We will be with Him.? 1 Thessalonians 4:17? Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.? b.? We will be like Him.? ? 1 John 3:2? Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.? 6.? A Fight to Finish.? ? John 13:36-37a? ? Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards.? (37a)? Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now?? a.? There is a work to be done.? ? Matthew 9:36-38? But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.? (37)? Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;? (38)? Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.? b.? There is a race to be run.? ? Hebrews 12:1-2? Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,? (2)? Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.