But at this point an objection is frequently raised.
The "otherworldliness" of Christianity is objected to as a form of self-ishness.
The Christian, it is said, does what is right because of the hope of heaven, but
how much nobler is the man who because of duty walks boldy into the darkness of
annihilation! The objection would have some wight if heaven according to
Christian belif were mere enjoyment. But as a matter of fact heaven is
communion with God and with his Christ. it can be said reverently that the
Christian longs for heaven not only for his own sake, but also for the sake of
God. Our present love is so cold, our present service is so weak; and we would
one day love and serve Him as His love deserves.. it is perfecly true that the
chirstian is dissatisfied with the present world, but it is a holy
dissatisfaction; it is that hunger and thirst after rightousness which our
Savior blessed. We are separated from the Savior now by the veil of sense and
by the effects of sin, and it is not selfish to long to see Him face to face.

What I need first of all is not exhortation, but a gospel, not directions for saving myself but knowledge of how God has saved me. Have you any good news? That is the question that I ask of you. I know your exhortations will not help me. But if anything has been done to save me, will you not tell me the facts?

For Christians to influence the world with the truth of God's Word requires the recovery of the great Reformation doctrine of vocation. Christians are called to God's service not only in church professions but also in every secular calling. The task of restoring truth to the culture depends largely on our laypeople.

To bring back truth, on a practical level, the church must encourage Christians to be not merely consumers of culture but makers of culture. The church needs to cultivate Christian artists, musicians, novelists, filmmakers, journalists, attorneys, teachers, scientists, business executives, and the like, teaching its laypeople the sense in which every secular vocation-including, above all, the callings of husband, wife, and parent--is a sphere of Christian ministry, a way of serving God and neighbor that is grounded in God's truth. Christian laypeople must be encouraged to be leaders in their fields, rather than eager-to-please followers, working from the assumptions of their biblical worldview, not the vapid clichés of pop culture.

Let your days become a fragrant song where heaven and earth continually collide

Many people don't fear a hell after this life and that's because hell is on this earth, in this life. In this life there are many forms of hell that people walk through, sometimes for a day, sometimes for years, sometimes it doesn't end. The kind of hell that doesn't burn your skin; but burns your soul. The kind of hell that people can't see; but the flames lap at your spirit. Heaven is a place on earth, too! It's where you feel freedom, where you're not afraid. No more chains. And you hear your soul laughing.

If people elsewhere want to do everything possible to make it to America, people in America must do all things possible to make it to heaven!