Make your path straight, straight to heaven!

Chuck Obremski 7/3/05

Notes from Chuck Obremski’s sermon 7/3/05 – (Revelation 21:1-22:5)

There will be a new heaven and a new earth. A new Jerusalem. Man will have a new nature, one without sin. God will be the focal point this new universe. Heaven is more real than anything we are convinced exists today.

In the King James translation Heaven is found 551 times. Kingdom of Heaven – 41 times. Kingdom of God – 92 times.

In 2 Corinthians Paul talks about being caught up into the third heaven. The first heaven is our earth’s atmosphere. The second heaven is stellar space…sun, moon, planets and other universes. (2 Cor 12:4 – 4 Paul was caught up to paradise. He heard inexpressible things, things that man is not permitted to tell.)

(see Genesis 1:14-18 and Psalm 19)

Psalm 19:1-2
1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they display knowledge.

Heaven…Paradise…the place where God dwells. (Psalm 115:3, Psalm 14:2, Psalm 103:19, Revelation 12, Rev 19:1)

1. Heaven is a city built by God Himself and the place where God the Father dwells. (Rev 21:2, 10)

City built by God. Place where God the Father dwells. God is preparing a place for us…for you and me. It’s comforting to know that God is not subcontracting this out. (Heb 11:16, John 14:2)

2. Heaven is a city of enormous size and beauty. (Rev21:11)

Enormous size and dimension.

Dimensions (Rev 21:16-17) – 1500 miles wide, high and tall. (Aren’t you glad you won’t have to wait for an elevator in heaven. Just imagine if some gets on and pushes all the buttons.)

Will be able to accommodate everyone. You will be able to come and go as you please. We’ll be able to see what we can’t see from an earthbound perspective.

Description (Rev 21:18, 23 and Rev 22:5) – Pure gold…like pure glass. Twelve foundations made of precious gem stones. Twelve gates…each one gigantic pearl.

Sometimes people get hung up on the details like this…asking how big of an oyster would it take to make a pearl as big as a gate. God doesn’t need an oyster to create a pearl.

3. Heaven is the place from which the Messiah came into the world, the place to where He ascended and the place from which He shall return. (John 3:13, 31; John 6:33, 38, & 51; Acts 1:9-11, 7:55-56, 1 Thes 4)

Don’t you want to get directions from someone who has been there and done that?

4. Heaven is the place where rewards will be distributed to faithful believers. (Matt 5:10-12 and 2 Cor 5:10)

The place where rewards will be given for the believers. The place where we’ll have to give an answer for the work that we’ve done after receiving Christ.

5. Heaven is a city for believers only. (Rev 21:6-8 and 22:14-15)

Heaven is a place exclusive to the people of God. That is why the problems of this world will not be seen, felt or touched in heaven. We won’t have to worry about the things we do here on earth.

Heaven is for believers only. More than just those who profess belief. (Matt 5:20, Matt 7:13-14) Enter through the narrow gate. Be humble before God and repent of your sins.
Confess your sins…contrite. Jesus paid the fee…only way to inherit admittance. Born again. Nicodemus came at night and asked. Must be born again. Confess your sins before God. Washed with the water and the Spirit. By the will of God, not by human effort.

Jesus the Son of God was sent to save us, not condemn us. The world was already condemned.
If you die today, will you be in heaven? Or will you be condemned to hell for eternity? Understand the importance of making the right decision.

Make your path straight, straight to heaven!

Chuck & Linda Obremski 7/3/05

Immeasurable Beauty

My beloved Pastor
Washed in the Blood of the Lamb
Powerfully transformed
A walking, living, breathing sermon

Firsthand knowledge of the Power of God
The Word of God
The enabling power of the Holy Spirit dwelling within

Powerful love for his Lord and Savior
For his congregation
For a lost and dying world

Grateful for each day
Using the gifts from God
Selfless, Giving and Caring

Courageous sacrifice
Radically committed
Poured out like a drink offering

Outward beauty and strength that is fading away
Inward beauty, character and strength
Growing stronger and deeper day by day

Straight shooter
Steady aim
Sharp unwavering focus

Focused on his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the eternal rewards to come
Looking forward to hearing those words, “Well done good and faithful servant.”

By Susan Bunts – July 3, 2005

This poem is my attempt to capture, to put into words, what it’s been like over the past few years…and each week to witness my beloved Pastor, Chuck Obremski as he is fully trusting in God and obedient to Him while immersed in desperate circumstances. My heart breaks as I see Chuck’s physical health continue to decline. To a world focused solely on the outward appearance…they will not see the immeasurable beauty that I see as I behold Chuck. While his outward beauty fades, it is being replaced with inner beauty of his soul that can never be taken away. I covet your continued prayers for Chuck and Linda.

A Proverbs 31 Woman – Linda Obremski
Linda is a living example of the woman in Proverbs 31…she is a genuine treasure indeed.

The Wife of Noble Character
10 A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.

11 Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.

12 She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.

13 She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.

14 She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.

15 She gets up while it is still dark;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her servant girls.

16 She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

17 She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.

18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.

19 In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

20 She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.

21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

22 She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.

25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.

26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.

28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:

29 “Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”

30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

31 Give her the reward she has earned,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Steven Curtis Chapman

Big thumbs up for Steven Curtis Chapman’s recent release of “Abbey Road Sessions – The Walk”. Some of Steven’s best songs re-recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London England. He’s never sounded better. Additionally you get The Walk DVD…highlighting Steven’s work over the past 10 years.

Christians are most blessed to have the encouraging and faith building music of Steven Curtis Chapman.

After attending the funeral of my friend Hugo…I am reminded that believers who remain here on earth…have not yet reached their destination…and are not home yet.

Hugo…may your homecoming be a blessed one.

To all the travelers
Pilgrims longing or a home
From one who walks with you
On this journey called life’s road
It is a long and winding road

From one who’s seen the view
And dreamt of staying on the mountains high
And one who’s cried like you
Wanting so much just to lay down and die
I offer this, we must remember this

We are not home yet
We are not home yet
Keep on looking ahead
Let your heart not forget
We are not home yet
Not home yet

So close your eyes with me
And hear the Father saying, welcome home
Let us find the strength
In all His promises to carry on
He said, I go prepare a place for you
So let us not forget

We are not home yet
We are not home yet
Keep on looking ahead
Let your heart not forget
We are not home yet
We are not home yet
Keep on looking ahead
Let your heart not forget
We are not home yet

I know there’ll be a moment
I know there’ll be a place
Where we will see our Savior
And fall in His embrace
So let us not grow weary
Or too content to stay
‘Cause we are not home yet
We are not home yet
Not home yet
So let us journey on

We are not home yet
We are not home yet
keep on looking ahead
Let your heart not for get
We are not home yet
Not home yet

Happy 229th Birtthday Amercia! 

Psalm 33:12-22

12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,
the people he chose for his inheritance.

13 From heaven the LORD looks down
and sees all mankind;

14 from his dwelling place he watches
all who live on earth-

15 he who forms the hearts of all,
who considers everything they do.

16 No king is saved by the size of his army;
no warrior escapes by his great strength.

17 A horse is a vain hope for deliverance;
despite all its great strength it cannot save.

18 But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him,
on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,

19 to deliver them from death
and keep them alive in famine.

20 We wait in hope for the LORD;
he is our help and our shield.

21 In him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in his holy name.

22 May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD,
even as we put our hope in you

We frequently hear the phrase “God Bless America”. And indeed I do hope and pray that my great God and Savior Jesus Christ will bless my beloved country.

I also ask my fellow countrymen do you bless God?

I am most fortunate and blessed by God to be an citizen of the United States of America. I believe that I have been chosen by God twice. Once to be His child and saved by His loving grace. Secondly I feel I have been blessed to be an American. Thank you God…for my beloved country.

I wish the United States of America…and my fellow citizens a Happy Birthday…as we celebrate our 229th Independence Day!

“America Bless God!”

With the recent death of my friend Hugo…and seeing my beloved Pastor, Chuck Obremski in his ongoing battle with cancer…I’m more cognizant that each day that we are given, is a gift from God.

Not too along ago when Chuck began his recent series “Living Life in the Light of Eternity” we prayed that God would grant Chuck the time to preach the message which God had laid upon his heart. God has been faithful and merciful and answered our prayers abundantly. He has given him the strength each week…to preach a powerful message from His Word. Chuck in turn has been obedient to God and faithful to use the gifts God has given him.

Each day is gift from God. None of us is granted another hour…much less another day. We should examine ourselves and ask, what am I doing with the gifts that God has given me? Am I faithful and obedient to do that which He has asked me to do? Do I seek His will and plan for my life? Am I doing that which is pleasing to God?

While none of us is guaranteed another day here on earth, each one us can receive that guarantee of an eternal future secure in heaven…with God our Father…His Blessed Son and the Holy Spirit dwelling within us.

As you lay your head on your pillow tonight…ask yourself if your eternal future is secure? If not…remedy that right now…and receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. The Lover of your soul…has gift waiting just for you.

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see.

’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;’
Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me,
His Word my hope secures;
He will my Shield and Portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, Who called me here below,
Shall be forever mine.

When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we’d first begun.

Today I received sad news that my friend Hugo passed away this weekend. It followed Hugo’s heroic struggle to live..and much prayer uttered on his behalf. It was on the heals of some promising news that Hugo had been approved for a lung transplant. With the focus on a transplant…the news of Hugo’s death was sudden.

Just last week I was talking with Dan…about Hugo’s amazing will to live. I found it to be somewhat of a mystery and a great testament to life and love. Hugo endured so much suffering during the course of this illness. Many would have given up and died long ago. But Hugo sought life…and remained hopeful that God’s healing hand might rest upon him. I am certain that Hugo’s passion and hope for life was motivated by the love for his wife and family.

I do remember the first time I met Hugo…almost a year ago. While Hugo had worked for our company for many, many years…I had never met him. His name was well known as was his reputation…but this was my first time meeting him. Hugo was amazingly open about what he was going through…and as such invited me to share and speak freely with him. Even while so gravely ill…Hugo was caring and encouraging to everyone he encountered. He was disarmingly honest and would freely speak his mind.

Because of his openness I was able to share what had helped me during some difficult times especially with my mom’s Alzheimer’s…and that was the Word of God. Specifically my Pastor, Chuck Obremski’s straightforward, no nonsense preaching. Hugo willingly accepted some CD’s and…his hunger for the Word of God grew…and his love for God increased daily. He received a peace that passes all understanding…and knew with certainty that when that day came…and Jesus called him home…he would be there with his Lord and Savior.

So while I grieve at Hugo’s loss especially for his wife, family and friends…I am greatly comforted to know that he is home…and eternally secure. I am comforted and relieved to know that he is no longer suffering.

I guess in some respects…I was very aware that Hugo might die before he received the transplant…or even during surgery or recovery. So to that degree…I wasn’t shocked and overwhelmed. At the same…while aware of the risks Hugo was facing…I was grateful to God that he did answer our prayers and allow Hugo to be accepted in the transplant program. In some way…I think it was an affirming outward sign that God loved Hugo.

While the world seems a little bit colder these days…heaven seems more and more inviting. As people whom I love proceed me to heaven…I look forward to a reunion one day. That day, in which we will see clearly what God’s plans were for our lives and why sometimes he says “No”.

Hugo…I look forward to that day in which I will see you again. Be well my friend…and enjoy some time with Jesus.

Please click on the above link…and see this new posting from David Fisher. This one touched me in particular. When I find it hard to pray…one thing that helps me to focus is to think upon/dwell on the attributes of God…or his different names or titles. It quiets my mind…and help me to better focus. From there it’s easy to offer praise and thankgiving to my great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Satan is on a mission, looking for people weak in their faith, not in the Word of God or praying. We need to be immersed in the Word of God so we can be better prepared for the days we will be attacked. How much time do you spend in the Word of God? Studying, memorizing it, meditating on it?

If you are not happy with God’s plan and timing…get use to it. We have to adjust to God’s way of thinking and God’s timing. He is God…and we are not.

How long will it be when looking at the books of your deeds before you say, “Guilty as charged.”?

Flee to the Grace of God. The Bible warns us of the terrible judgment to come. Now is the time for some self evaluation. Are you ready for that day?

On Earth as it is in Heaven
Revelation 20:1-15

Notes from Chuck Obremski’s Sermon 6-26-05

The millennium is 1,000 years in length. Jesus will establish his kingdom. It’s a literal 1,000 year period…mentioned 6 times in Rev 20:1-6.

1. The Binding of Satan (vs. 1-3)

It’s wonderful and even comforting to know that there will come a day when Satan will not be able kill, devour and destroy. 1 Peter 5:8 – 8Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

Satan is on a mission, looking for people weak in their faith, not in the Word of God or praying. We need to be immersed in the Word of God so we can be better prepared for the days we will be attacked. How much time do you spend in the Word of God? Studying, memorizing it, meditating on it? Only one way to discern it…know God’s Word.

1 Cor 4:3-4 3 – And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

Satan seeks to blind unbelievers…he deceives them. They are blinded by our enemy. Satan does not want people to hear the gospel message, to repent, receive Jesus Christ, or worship and praise God the Father. We should be in prayer for unbelieving family and friends. That God would remove the blinders and put a hedge of protection around them. We are engaged in a spiritual battle and Satan will not give up.

2 Cor 11:13-15 – 13For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. 14And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 15It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.

Those who reject Christ will be judged according to their deeds.

Satan…the slander, accusing us before God. During the 1,000 year reign Satan will be bound, thrown into the abyss. He will be shut up in the pit…no one will be able to hear what he has to say. Why will God do this, so Satan will not be able to deceive the nations during this time. God is in total control. Satan will then be released for a short period of time. Yet…God is still in total control. It must happen this way…for it is according to the scriptures. This will happen until God is through using him for his purposes.

Nothing can happen to God’s people without God being absolutely involved. It is comforting to know that nothing can happen in our lives without it being used for God’s purpose and glory.

If you are not happy with God’s plan and timing…get use to it. Make the best use of the time. We have to adjust to God’s way of thinking and God’s timing. He is God and we are not. If you approach it this way…you will have a peace you never thought possible. Just chill out and relax. Trust in God.

2. Blessings that believers will experience. (vs. 4-6)

When we see thrones mentioned…the thrones represent those responsible for judgment. Thrones = Judgment.

This is relevant for how we live our lives today. What we do today, will determine what we will be doing during the 1,000 reign. Those who die for their faith during the tribulation they will be raised and reign with Christ during that 1,000 year reign. Believers will be resurrected…we’ll be alive during the 1,000 year reign…ruling and reigning with Christ.

Luke 19:11-27 – parable about the 10 minas and the three servants. Jesus tells this parable about the kingdom of heaven. Rewards…obedience is what leads to rewards.

Are you faithful to use what God has given you? What will you be doing during the 1,000 year reign? What we do today…will determine what we will do then. It’s easy for us to get bogged down when we loose the eternal perspective.

The servant who had one mina and hide it was disobedient to what God had given him. Now is the time to think and ask yourself…will you be disappointed because of what you failed to invest and use faithfully…that which God has gifted you with?

There is a difference between the servant with the one mina who is like a believer who does not submit to Jesus ruling in his life and an unbeliever who rejects Jesus altogether.

What will you be doing during the 1,000 year reign? It will be based on what you are doing today. How is that day that stacking up for you now? Obedience now will determine what happens then.

3. The battle that reveals the hard heart of man. (vs. 7-10)

When Satan is released following the 1,000 years…he will be allowed to go to the four corners of the earth and deceive people once again. This will show the depth of depravity of man. For 1,000 years man has lived under the rule of God in a perfect world…with everything that is needed. Yet these people will still reject Christ after those 1,000 years. Man has a heart that is deceitfully wicked above all things.

Inward faith and commitment is different than an outward submission in which we do what we are told to do. Do you have a heart for God? Without a heart transplant…you will never be right with God.

Vs. 9…God will destroy all. God will do what he says he will do. Following the 1,000 years…Satan, the beast and the false prophet will be thrown into the lake of fire will the will be tormented forever and ever…for eternity.

4. The books that judge the dead. (vs. 11-15)

Great White Throne Judgment. Judgment of all unbelievers. They will finally see Jesus for who he really is…holy and perfect…righteous, fair and just. It will be a just judgment. There will be no place to flee. Doesn’t matter what you’ve accomplished or who you are. Unbelievers will be judged.

How long will it be when looking at the books of your deeds before you say, “Guilty as charged.”?

Believers are judged for rewards…for works done after coming to Christ. Unbeliever are judged…their deeds determine the level of their punishment. Judged according to their deeds. Can’t escape the judgment. Life continues on after you die…what you believe now…determines where you will spend eternity.

If anyone’s name is not written in the Lamb’s Book of Life…they will be thrown into the lake of fire.

Flee to the Grace of God. The Bible warns us of the terrible judgment to come. Now is the time for some self evaluation. Have you committed yourself to Christ? Are you ready for that day?

Congratulation to Mr. and Mrs. Egan on their 50th wedding anniversary.

This weekend my friend Joe Egan’s parents are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.

That is truly amazing…and Congratulations seems wholly inadequate for such an accomplishment. They are parents to twelve children. Of whom I am privileged to know their son Joe. If Joe is any reflection on his parents…they are wonderful indeed.

This weekend Joe is back in Boston visiting his family and joining in the celebration. I love to hear Joe tell stories about his family, parents, sisters and brothers…and about past adventures.

One of Joe’s favorite treats are his Mom’s homemade biscuits. After a visit back home…he speaks fondly of his mom’s cooking. If fact the dear boy…has got me hooked on biscuits. I have no doubt that they pale in comparison to Mrs. Egan’s homemade version…but there’s nothing like a warm biscuit with a little butter and honey. In fact my two kitties, Nathan and Moss…like to partake as well.

I don’t get to see or talk to Joe too much these days…he’s one busy dude…and too far away in Boise. But I wish Joe a wonderful visit with his family…may they have a wonderful weekend celebrating their parent’s tremendous accomplishment of 50 years of wedded bliss.

Joe and Susan…Christmas Lucheon – 2003

Please check out my blogger buddy, David Fisher’s website Pilgrims Scribblings. He has some wonderful new posts there this week.

One is “Angel at the Wheel”…where David shares a story about God’s hand of protection upon him.

Also…David’s gone audio on us. He has a couple of audio clips…that are a true delight.

David’s website is one that I have flagged as a favorite…and visit each day. He has a real feel for encouraging, moving and touching writings and pictures.

As Christians we live in an amazing times. The Word of God is plentiful today…in many places…but especially around the world on the web. We get to share in many fellow Christian’s experiences. David has some wonderful links from his site that should be explored too.

Enjoy…as you drink from the Living Water.

I give praise and thanksgiving to my great God and Savior Jesus Christ…for the grace and mercy which he has extended to my friend Hugo. Hugo was hospitalized last weekend because his already weakened lungs were overwhelmed by pneumonia. While still in intensive care…Hugo has been stabilized and has shown some improvement. As soon as an opening becomes available at Cedars…they’ll be transferring Hugo there.

When a lung becomes available..Hugo will be able to have the much needed lung transplant that has been an answer to prayer.

I am grateful for your prayers on behalf Hugo and his wife Maria. I pray that God will comfort them and strengthen them each day. That His love will shine upon them and be witnessed by all. That God will go before them and work out the details for Hugo’s upcoming operation. That he will give great skills and ability to the doctors…and enable Hugo’s body to heal quickly. That He will uphold and sustain Maria and their family.

In the name of my Rock, my Good Shepherd, my Salvation…Jesus Christ my Lord…I humbly pray.

My beloved Pastor, Chuck Obremski…and his lovely wife Linda.