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Labor Day 2026 When we look at the setup of what was the temple of God in Jerusalem we see a pattern of the heavenly places; and of course it was supposed to be a place of prayer for all nations. God will fulfill His promises in His timing; not that of unregenerate men. The church should interpret Scripture in regard to the format of church in a like manner-namely a representation of heavenly places exemplified by leadership; communion and baptism. Going from death to life is therefore displayed in a given church building in as much as the congregation is truly worshipping the Lord. If He chooses to remove a candlestick; then people are doing more harm than good assembling in the first place as His Name is in reality being mocked. Clearly; the Spirit is at work in an outdoor setting; a cave; or a hidden inner room in a house as much as in a fancy building; if not more so. Too often we have a model of a church state mentality; in our case in the US too often more of a political showpiece regarding American values on the right; or else the "liberal" attitudes of the denominations long since removed from their forefathers approving of and even led by those in "alternative lifestyles". Order is necessary to establish things as God intended; but isn't supposed to be the "end all". Such concepts lead to sermons almost religiously ended before the top of the hour; or prayer meetings; etc. Let's be honest; a lot of times this is done to cater to those who are in a rush to watch some football game or some other thing to do. The church I now attend has meals either in house or at people's homes after a service so that Sunday encompasses basically a full day of worship and fellowship. The surrounding local churches and their own children's retreats; local and international short term missions supporting long term ones on the field; as well as schools are things people are always involved with. Not everyone can do this; and the fact that women basically are housewives and marry young certainly is something there you don't see in other denominations. We are all strangers and pilgrims on this earth (1 Peter 211 and 2 other verses I quoted in earlier posts from Hebrews and Chronicles). In my post the other day I discussed the rejection of hell. Here I am considering heaven and that what makes it special ultimately isn't streets of gold or pearly gates but God's Holiness alog with the glory of His redeemed ones which He purchased from among men to rule and reign with Him. The mek will inherit the earth; we don't need to seek control ofthis world now; and indeed are foolish to do so. The Lord has given us many blessings in this country but we should prepare ourselves for our heavenly dwellings by loosening our grip here. Tough times are rapidly coming as a tidal wave. Let us stand on His promises and remember that great cloud of witnesses ahead of us (Heb. 11). RP