Good morning church family! You know those deep questions people ask me after service? "What about my grandmother who never really heard the gospel? What about good people who aren't Christians? What really happens in the end times?" I think God wants us to understand His plan more clearly than we sometimes do.
Let me start with this beautiful truth that's revolutionized my understanding - Jesus Christ is literally "the light which is in all things, which giveth life to all things, which is the law by which all things are governed." When you see the sunrise, you're witnessing Christ's power. The stars, the moon - that's His glory manifest. He's not just our personal Savior; He's the sustaining force behind all creation. No wonder Paul said "in him we live, and move, and have our being."
And here's something that should liberate every student and parent - God doesn't want us choosing between intellectual growth and spiritual growth. "Seek learning, even by study and also by faith." The same God who inspired scripture created the natural laws scientists discover. So encourage education, read good books, ask hard questions - God inspired your curiosity!
Now about those end times. We usually think rapture, tribulation, millennium, judgment - four big events. But what if God's plan is much more detailed and fair? What if there are actually several resurrections, each perfectly timed for different groups? When Jesus comes, faithful saints get resurrected first. But then there's provision for people who never had a real chance to hear the gospel - children, those in places where Christianity was corrupted, even those who rejected it initially but later accept it in the spirit world.
And instead of just heaven and hell, what if God has prepared different kingdoms of glory based on what each person is willing to receive? The most faithful dwell in God's presence forever. Good people who couldn't accept the fullness still get a beautiful kingdom where Christ ministers to them. Even selfish but not evil people get a kingdom with the Holy Spirit's light. It's not punishment - it's God giving everyone the best they're willing to accept.
Here's something amazing - the earth itself gets glorified, not destroyed. Scripture says "the earth abideth the law of a celestial kingdom, for it filleth the measure of its creation." Think about it - everything in nature obeys God perfectly except us humans! After the millennium, this earth becomes our celestial, eternal home where God Himself dwells.
What does this mean for us? First, rest in God's perfect justice - every person gets exactly what they need. Second, share the gospel with more hope because we know our loved ones won't fall through the cracks. Third, live with purpose because we're being prepared for something magnificent. The promise is clear: "Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you" and "the days will come that you shall see him."
While we wait, we're called to practical love - "learn to impart one to another as the gospel requires." Look around your neighborhood this week. Who needs help? And yes, even our daily routines matter to God - proper sleep, early rising, taking care of our bodies and minds.
Friends, God's plan is beautiful, fair, and comprehensive. Everyone gets the best deal they're willing to accept. The earth gets redeemed. Truth wins completely. The same power that lights the sun wants to fill your heart. The same love that died for you wants to live through you.
Let's go forward this week with hope, purpose, and deep gratitude that we serve a God whose plans are always better than we could imagine. Can I get an amen?