It is becoming more and more evident that this world is pushing to its end and towards the coming of Christ. We feel out of place with the norms that are taking its place in society around us and you can see that they are fast approaching and encroaching on the church. The very things of the end times are starting to happen around us. There is a defined contrast between the world and the child of God. There is zero appreciation for God or His Word anymore. Even in the church world at large things have seemed to encroach upon. But as the world glories in their shame our life and conversation is still in heaven. We must focus on those things that are precious!

Contrast: The world is different from us and we are distinct from them and easily marked. Not from an outward way as we are like the world outwardly, but spiritually we are not of this world as our conversation and/or citizenship is not of the world or in this world ultimately. We are called strangers and pilgrims in scripture! Our customs, our values are much different than the world and they can and will mark them. "Their god is their belly" and they are enamored with the things here below. It drives them to murder, abortion the murdering of babies, and such things and they even glory in these things and in their shame and the lie without even blushing. They are the enemies of God and His church and the cross if you want the truth. But we rejoice in the cross! We will NOT run with them and will speak a completely different language in regards to our eternal city with completely different values and treasures as we press the Kingdom and God's glory to our bosoms!

Anticipation: We have a heavenly citizenship and our kingdom is spiritual with God Almighty as the King! Where we are from, destined, and where we long to be! Those who see us can see the joy on our faces as we live as we are principally already in glory like we are! (Though not fully realized as He works all things to that end.) The church of God are "the called out ones..." unto God Himself! We are set free from the bondage...the very bondage this world is in! That's how we speak, act, and we live is it not?! We have a treasure that is far greater and so glorious we cannot see it or even imagine and it belongs to US! Citizens of heaven where God will never deny our passport and we will never turn it in! We have son ship and an inheritance and will live with Him in glory! Aged saints speak of it while younger saints speak of it less often for obvious reasons, yet we will sing "how long oh Lord?!" Scripture speaks and focus' our attention on when Christ comes again and where there is a NEW heavens and a NEW earth and all things are made new again! We look for His coming with patience realizing that He exercises Himself in His perfect council in regards to the world and His church. We preach His Gospel as we understand He continues His work!

Fulfillment: By His Word and Spirit every last saint is gathered in...until the day Christ comes again. What a day that will be! No one knows the day though we are given hints and clues but every man will see Him and oh what a day! You think the cemeteries look amazing on Memorial day?...just wait till Christ comes again! The hell the world denies will be theirs and we will be taken to glory and our vile bodies will be raised and perfected and Christ will usher in a new heavens and new earth and we will live with Him into all eternity.....