Join us as we uncover spiritual insights and guidance from the Bible on how to claim our ticket to eternal life. The ‘Traveler’s Guide to Heaven’ offers a rich exploration of scriptural truths, telling us about the necessary preparations, the offerings already made by Jesus, and the ultimate destination waiting for those who diligently seek God. Tune in to be enriched and encouraged to deepen your faith journey.
You know, friends, we appreciate maps, directions, GPSs that guide us and help us. But you know, in the long ago, God provided for us the Traveler’s Guide to Heaven. So let’s see the guidance today that’s available from His Word. That’s from the International Gospel Hour. Please stay with us.
SPEAKER 03 :
Hi, this is Jay Webb for International Gospel Hour.
SPEAKER 02 :
Welcome to our broadcast today. For over 90 years, Churches of Christ have proclaimed God’s Word through our broadcasts. Just ahead is another Bible-based lesson with Jeff Archie of International Gospel Hour. Let’s begin.
SPEAKER 01 :
Well, thank you always to our J-Web, and greetings to all of you. Thank you for being with us always. You know, in Hebrews 11, 6, the Bible says, But without faith it is impossible to please him, for he who comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him. Friends, may we seek God through our study of His Word on this day. Thank you again for being with us. A number of years ago, a kind soul who has since passed on granted me an article that appealed to her called A Traveler’s Guide to Heaven. It’s penned by Ed Sturkey, a wonderful writer in Churches of Christ. Looking through some files recently, I came across that article and remembered Cheryl, and I knew that it would be worthy for our studies here on the International Gospel Hour. Now, with that said, here’s a little bit of a disclaimer, if you will. You know, it is a joy to use material for a number of places and different resources. I’ve shared with you outlines of past preachers from Churches of Christ, various articles that are written, our friend Mark Posey in his Pulpit Preview periodical, and these are just a few to mention for example. Now, please know, friends, I will do my very best to give credit to the author, give you material for your studies, and over and above to give glory to God. I’m very careful in acknowledging credit to the author, and I want you to have some good study material, but we’ll give God the glory in all that we do. I appreciate so many who will allow us permission to use their material, and of course, many that do not because I don’t know where they are, or many of them have passed on, but I will acknowledge them the very best that I know how. Now, speaking of what we do here at International Gospel Hour, let me defer to our Jay Webb, who will share with you some things about our work that will be of help to you, and then we come back to consider a traveler’s guide to heaven.
SPEAKER 02 :
Our website is internationalgospelhour.com. That’s internationalgospelhour.com. Check out our website and see all that’s available. We have a number of biblical resources. You can also listen to our other broadcasts, view our TV program, request our newsletter, and ask for our Bible study by mail, and so much more. And get this, it’s all free at internationalgospelhour.com.
SPEAKER 01 :
And now, friends, a traveler’s guide to heaven. Let’s notice the accommodations that are there. Now, there must be arrangements for accommodations, and they must be made in advance. Jesus said in John 14, verse 2, In my Father’s house are many mansions. If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. Now, we must consider the passport. And persons seeking entry will not be permitted past the gates without having proper credentials and having their names registered with the ruling authority. Revelation 21, 27 says, But there shall by no means enter in it anything that defiles or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life. Friends, that’s the passport in the traveler’s guide to heaven. Well, how about a ticket? You know, everybody needs a ticket in order to travel. Well, our ticket was purchased by a friend named Jesus, but it should be claimed, and its promise is to be kept firmly in hand. In John 5, 24, Jesus said, Most assuredly I say to you, He who hears my word and believes in him who sent me has everlasting life and shall not come into judgment but has passed from death into life. Hebrews 5 and verse 8 says, Though he was a son, yet he learned obedience by the things which he suffered. And verse 9 affirms, And having been perfected, he became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey him. So we must make certain we have claimed our ticket that Jesus has purchased and we have it in hand. Well, accommodations are ahead. Passports are of necessity. The Lamb’s Book of Life. We must be there. Our ticket in hand. What about vaccinations? I mean, you know, a lot of times we travel. We need to make certain we have the right shot or inoculation available. You know, friends, injections are not needed as there are no illnesses or diseases in heaven. Revelation 21 verse 4 says, And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away. Let’s talk about immigration. Well, you know, friends, all passengers are classified as immigrants today. Since we are taking up permanent residence in a new country. And the quota is unlimited. Hebrews 11 and verse 16 reminds us, or rather verse 6, says, Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. And those with an obedient faith are like those in Hebrews 11 and verse 16, those of faith who desire a better country that is unheavenly, Wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he hath prepared for them a city. Let’s talk about luggage. Well, friends, here’s the beauty. No luggage whatsoever can be taken. 1 Timothy 6 and verse 7 reminds us that we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we will carry nothing out. You don’t have to prepare with a bunch of luggage to take with you. We’re already making arrangements for heaven as we’ve seen. What about the currency? You know, a lot of countries we have to exchange our currency. But supplies of treasures may be forwarded to await the passenger’s arrival. And we make those deposits as large as possible. Matthew 6 and verse 20 reminds us to lay up for ourselves treasures in heaven where moth and rust does not corrupt, neither where thieves break through and steal. What about clothing? Well, we don’t need luggage, so we don’t need to take clothing because a complete and appropriate new wardrobe is provided for each traveler. Isaiah 61 in verse 10 reminds us of how God clothed us with the garments of salvation. He has covered me with the robe of righteousness. Well, friends, when we travel, we always have our departure time. But the exact date of departure has not been announced yet. And travelers are advised to be prepared to leave at short notice. Only God knows the return of Christ. In 1 Corinthians 15 and verse 52, it’s going to be in a moment in the twinkling of an eye at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound and the dead will be raised incorruptible and we shall be changed. As far as reservations, well, friends, booking is now open. And since departure time is unknown, you should apply at once. And if you wait, it may be too late. 2 Corinthians 6 and verse 2 reminds us that now is the appointed time. Behold, now is the day of salvation. And friends, to learn more about the Traveler’s Guide to Heaven, well, again, consult the real Traveler’s Guide, the Bible. That will instruct us to be prepared. Through our faith in God. Our repentance. Our confession of faith. And to be buried with him in baptism. And added to his church. Friends the accommodations await. The passport we must have. The ticket must be firmly in hand. Don’t worry about shots. Don’t worry about immigration. Don’t worry about the luggage. You can’t take any. Don’t worry about the money. Because those treasures are ahead. And. You don’t need to take clothing. God will provide those. The departure time, we must be ready. We must book our reservation. I love that article. It was one of my favorites. And when that dear, kind Cheryl handed that to me, I thought, this is great. I even did it in sermon form once. And I’m delighted to come across that. And I thought, I’ve got to share that here on International Gospel Hour. Or friend, we do want you to consult the Traveler’s Guide. We want everyone to be prepared to meet the Lord. Maybe there are things you need to study to consider things you must know for your soul. And we have our free Bible study course available that’s by mail. We have one available online. But our J-Web will tell you about the study course that’s available by mail that we hope will help you in your studies of the Word of God.
SPEAKER 02 :
Our long-time free Bible study course by mail is always available. Have you tried it yet? Just call us toll-free at 855-444-6988 and leave your name, address, and just say Home Study. That’s it. You may also go to our website at internationalgospelhour.com, click on the Contact tab, and leave us the same information, name, address, and type Home Study in the message box. Study the Bible at your own pace. Again, it’s free from your friends here at International Gospel Hour.
SPEAKER 01 :
Well, friends, again, we hope that this study of the Traveler’s Guide to Heaven has been profitable for you. We are thankful to offer our Bible study course by mail. Our God and Man study is also available. Two online studies are available through our friends at World Bible School and our friends at the World Video Bible School with Rob Whitaker and his study, Back to the Bible. We have a variety of materials we are willing to share with you, and if we can ever be of help to you, please reach out to us, 855-444-6988, Leave us your name and address and your request, and we’ll do our very best to address those things and to help you in your studies of the Word of God. The International Gospel Hour is under the oversight of the elders of the West Fayetteville, Tennessee Church of Christ. Our address is P.O. Box 118, Fayetteville, Tennessee 37334. If you’d like to write us, we’d love to hear from you. If you’d like to send us an email, you can go to our website at internationalgospelhour.com. Click on the contact tab. We’d love to hear from you. Friends, we’re going to continue our studies together at another time. Thank you always for joining me on our broadcast of the Bible from here at the International Gospel Hour. I’m Jeff Archie, and friends, keep listening.
SPEAKER 02 :
Thank you for listening to our broadcast today, and we hope you continue onward with your search and study of God’s Word. God be with you till we meet again.
