We are privileged to live in the land of the free. We acknowledge that many have given their lives to purchase this gift of liberty that we enjoy. American citizenship is a precious thing. Jesus and the Apostles lived in the time of the Roman Empire. Their experience of civil government was far different than ours. Even so the Apostle Paul at times took advantage of his Roman citizenship in Philippi and later in Jerusalem. Paul was eventually imprisoned in Caesarea for two years. When he stood before the judgment seat he appealed to Caesar as was his right as a Roman citizen. God used Paul’s citizenship to bring him to Rome to preach the Gospel. As Americans we have freedom of speech and freedom of religion.

Is there hope for America?

Heaven is referred to in scripture more than 500 times. This morning we are first considering the reality of heaven and then the relevance of heaven.

The reality of heaven

John 14:2-3, “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. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”

Jesus taught that heaven is a real place.

Daren Ritchey

What we know about hell primarily comes from the lips of Jesus Himself.

Matthew 5:22, “But whoever says, 'You fool!' shall be in danger of hell fire.” Jesus began His preaching ministry with the Sermon on the Mount making reference to hell. Jesus spoke on hell more than anyone else. Jesus taught more on hell than He did about heaven. The term “hell” needs some clarification. Twelve times in the New Testament Jesus uses the word “Gehenna” translated “hell.” Gehenna comes from the Valley of Hinnom which was a deep ravine south of Jerusalem where Israelites would sacrifice children. It became a garbage dump that burned continually. Jesus used it as illustration of the real hell. Jesus also used the term “Hades..” Matthew 16:18, “...I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.”

Healthy Church - Titus 2:1-10 - part 4 by Grace Bible Church - Hollidaysburg

On July 19, 2015, we dedicated our Vision 24:47 expansion project. That title comes from Luke 24:47. Because the mission of our church is missions namely the Great Commission. For the past seven years we have been able to expand our ministry in multiple ways with these facilities. This morning we are celebrating the fact that Vision 24:47 loan has been paid in full. We are actually celebrating God’s faithfulness in enabling us to do this. God is the source, but He uses His people as the resource. God has truly done great things for us. God did great things for David and for Israel. Our passage this morning reveals timeless truths.

God accomplishes His work through His people.

As David approached the end of his life, he had a desire to build the Temple in Jerusalem. God forbid David to do this (28:2-3). God ordained that Solomon would be the one to build the Temple (28:6). God did allow David to contribute and gather major portions of the materials to be used