For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. (Hebrews 13:14-17)
Today's Morsel: I think that we can all agree that those who say that they are Christians are looking for that continuing city. But sad to say, many start out looking for it but they soon go back. They are, as Peter said, "But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire" (2 Peter 2:22). If you've ever read the book, "Pilgrim's Progress", then you know that the main character is a man by the name of Christian. The story centers itself on Christian's journey from his hometown, the "City of Destruction" (this world), to the "Celestial City" (that which is to come), Heaven. Christian is weighed down by a great burden, the knowledge of his sin, which he learns from his reading the book in his hand, the Bible. This burden, which would cause him to sink into hell, is so unbearable that Christian must seek deliverance. He meets Evangelist as he is walking out in the fields, who directs him to the "Wicket Gate" for deliverance. Since Christian cannot see the "Wicket Gate" in the distance, Evangelist directs him to go to a "Shining Light," which Christian thinks he sees. I won't tell you all the story in case you would choose to read the book. I think it's a good book for young and old alike to read. Every church's goal should be to direct people who enter it's doors to that continuing city. From day one of the inception of the New Testament Church, the apostles of Jesus Christ began to direct people toward that continuing city. When Peter was asked what they must do to be saved, "Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call" (Acts 2:38-39). You see Peter, knew what Jesus had told Nicodemus that a man must be born again of the water and the spirit to enter the Kingdom of Heaven (John 3:3-5). He was giving them the directions of how to get to that continuing city. The church's main goal isn't to see how many members they can get, it's to put people on the road to that continuing city, where John said, "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." (Revelation 21:4). I don't know about you, but this world is not my home. I'm like Abraham, I'm looking for a city whose builder and maker is God (Hebrews 11:10).
Sing: I'm going to a city, there'll be no more night, I'm going to a city, where Jesus is the light; the trumpet's going to sound, and I'll be called away, I'm going to a city someday.
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