To think often of our heavenly home is essential for a faithful Christian life. Scripture exhorts us, “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:2). When our minds are fixed on heaven, earthly trials lose their weight, temptations lose their power, and our priorities are rightly ordered. The hope of being with Christ purifies our hearts, as it is written, “Every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure” (1 John 3:3). Meditating on our eternal home strengthens perseverance, deepens our love for Christ, and reminds us that our present sufferings are but temporary, preparing us for everlasting glory.
The Christian life is a pilgrimage. We are journeying through a world that is not our final resting place. Scripture reminds us, “For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come” (Hebrews 13:14). The believer’s true home is not earthly, but heavenly.
Our Lord Jesus Christ gave this blessed assurance: “In my Father’s house are many mansions… I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2). Heaven is not a vague hope, but a prepared place for a prepared people. It is the dwelling of God, where Christ Himself will receive His own unto Himself.
This heavenly home is marked by glory beyond imagination. The apostle John writes, “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying” (Revelation 21:4). All the burdens of this present life—pain, loss, and struggle—shall be forever removed. Sin will no longer trouble us, for we shall be made perfect in holiness.
Moreover, heaven is a place of eternal fellowship. We shall behold the face of our Redeemer, for “we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2). The presence of Christ will be our greatest joy, surpassing all earthly comforts.
Therefore, let us live as those whose citizenship is above. Let us not set our affections on things of the earth, but on things above (Colossians 3:2). In trials, let this hope sustain us; in service, let it motivate us.
Our heavenly home is sure. Christ has prepared it, and He will come again. Until then, we press on with faith, longing for that glorious day when we shall dwell forever with the Lord. We are more certain of reaching heaven than of returning safely to our homes today, for Christ Himself has promised eternal life to all who trust in Him!
As a pilgrim I look for a better country
Which my LORD is preparing for me.
In that glory land where God is the builder,
He promised me a mansion in His house.
There’ll be glory for me at the end of this road;
There’ll be glory that outshines my troubles here.
So I patiently endure, as I forward go;
With a hope that is steadfast and sure.
Shillong, India
Dear Pastor, Elders, Deacons, and beloved brethren of Gethsemane B-P Church,
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I write this letter with a heart full of gratitude to express my sincere thanks for your love and acts of kindness towards my family and me. Your generosity, especially through the blessing we received from Sister Dorcas last week, deeply moved us and reminded us of the grace of God at work through His people.
As the apostle teaches in Galatians 6:10, “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” Truly, I have seen this lived out among you. Your love is not merely in word, but in deed and in truth (1 John 3:18), and through it we have been deeply strengthened and encouraged in the Lord.
Though I have nothing to offer in return, the one thing I continually do is to pray for each one of you. I earnestly and sincerely ask that the Lord Himself would richly reward your labour of love, “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister”(Hebrews 6:10). I pray that the Lord may prosper the work of your ministry. May He establish the work of your hands and make your service effective in the advancement of His kingdom.
I also pray that the Lord would bless each individual and every family among you, strengthening you with all power according to His glorious might (Colossians 1:11), supplying all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19), and causing ye to abound in every good work (2 Corinthians 9:8). May He keep you steadfast in the faith, growing in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). To Him be glory both now and forever.
Therefore, brethren, I thank God upon every remembrance of you, rejoicing in how He has used you as instruments of His grace in my life and family. In moments of need, you did not abandon us, but stood alongside me. Your care has been a blessing, and a means by which the Lord has upheld us in every circumstance, and we give Him all the glory.
May the Lord richly bless each one of you, and may He continue to use Gethsemane B-P Church as a shining testimony of His grace and a beacon of truth. We continually remember you in our prayers.
With heartfelt thanks and in the love of Christ,
Pastor Jied
Kamoi, Kenya
Thanks for the prayers and support from you and all at Gethsemane B-P Church. Your support over the years has helped me continue in my preaching ministry and care for Gideon, my son, who is unwell.
Recently, I have been troubled by high blood pressure and blood sugar. Praise the Lord, they have come down. Continue to pray for me to be well.
My sincere greetings to the Gethsemanean brethren. God bless.
Rev. Joseph Kendagor
Mumbai, India
Pastor Klepa had sustained deep cuts in his mouth and lower lip when he fell during a church game event. Praise God for the medical care and the quick recovery that allowed him to return to his preaching and pastoral work. The following message from Pastor Klepa was received on last Sunday night.
Dear Pastor,
Last week, I landed up in the operating theatre of the hospital, and went through a difficult time as I needed 20 stitches for cuts sustained during a fall. But by the grace of God, today I am able to stand and preach His Word. My heart is filled with deep gratitude to the Lord. Just a week ago, when I fell, I could not even imagine that I would be able to preach again so soon, but God, in His mercy, has granted me healing and strength.
I truly thank the Lord for the healing, strength and opportunity to be used for His Kingdom in proclaiming His Word. I was eagerly waiting for this moment, and today I stood to preach the Word only because of His grace.
I sincerely thank each one of you for your prayers, concern, and support during this time. Please continue to remember me in your prayers, as I am still in the recovery phase. The internal stitches are healing, and the external stitches will be removed on 16th April.
My grateful prayer is that I will not take God’s grace for granted and waste the opportunities to preach His Word. May God help me to use it fully for His glory.
All glory be to God!
Pastor Klepa
