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It’s so easy for us to take what we know here in this present life, and think that what’s in Heaven will be a copy or derivative of our present experience. But it’s more accurate to view things like marriage now as a shadow of the true reality.

Back in 2009, I was asked to be on a panel on Heaven and Hell at a book conference. When I asked who else would be on the panel, they mentioned J. I. Packer, and my response was, “I will do it as long as I can sit next to Dr. Packer.” (The organizers kindly accommodated my request!)

How much “time” elapses or how the dead experience any delays while waiting in the current, temporary Heaven is anybody’s guess. Scripture tells us everything we need to know for now and God will reveal as much more as He cares to when the right time comes.

In my last blog, I shared six false expectations that can diminish our happiness. So what truths should raise our expectations of happiness? Here are seven worth focusing on.

Most people intuitively know that our expectations profoundly affect our life experiences. Yet even as believers, we simultaneously expect too much and too little. We need to discover what we should expect less of and what merits higher expectations.

I think He will always intercede for us because He loves us, and because even though we will not always be sinners, we will always be His finite creatures. To be finite is to be needy, even if one is morally perfect.

One day all Heaven will attend the ultimate wedding, and we will be Christ's bride (see Revelation 19:7-9). However, I do envision that people who’ve had important roles in each other’s lives will continue to be friends—and that would include a lot of people who’ve been married.

I can see what you’re saying about that almost sounding creepy. But that certainly isn’t what Randy is conveying. Here is what else he has written that I hope might help.

When I was answering a question about animals and the New Earth, a comment was said about cats. I have to shake my head at this often-repeated joke, because I’ve been in three different churches where the pastor said from the pulpit that he thinks all dogs go to Heaven, but not cats. It’s good for laughs, but not funny to people who love their cats.

I came across this photo last week and was reminded of the great time Nanci and I had back in 2007 at the Desiring God National Conference in Minneapolis. With John MacArthur’s recent passing, most of the people in this picture are now in Christ’s presence.

My goal is not to be a consistent Calvinist but a consistent interpreter of Scripture. The Bible is my authority, not any church leader or theologian.

Sometimes we have an anti-works mentality, which is unfortunate since immediately after saying we are not saved by our works, God tells us “we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works” (Ephesians 2:8-10). 

If your mom loved Jesus, she is with Him right now and if you love Jesus, the two (three counting your Father) will be together again when all His followers are united once and for all on the New Earth. Be patient; spend time thanking God for the years you had with your mom, and for the opportunities to serve Him by serving her. 

In February, I attended the Kingdom Advisors annual conference, which gathered 2,500 Christian financial professionals who influence their clients to give generously to God’s kingdom. This is a picture of Ron Blue, the founder of Kingdom Advisors, and I being interviewed by Sharon Epps, who’s their president. We have a lot of fun together!