If people would grasp this truth, the world would truly change for the better!!

Chris,
People wont grasp this truth because they enjoy sin. Satan paints a very pretty picture of what he has to offer and people don't want to consider the long time view. It is like investing their money in a short term return, people want a quick thing. Satisfy me now, I dont care about tomorrow I want it now. Christ wants us to prepare for the life after this one but we cant see no further than the end of our nose. Of course when the world is constantly told there is no use in believing that this book is true how can we expect the people to act any other way. You in my opinion are very correct, our world would change for the better but then as the bible tells us this world is not going to get better, it will wax worse and worse. I know before anyone else says it, that is my opinion but then opinions are like arm pits, we all have them and most of the time they stink.

How do you invest in eternity? Good works (i thought those were dirty rags)? Tithing? Serving? I do support RFTH financially--though I probably should give more--does this count? A more direct explanation would be appreciated....

While scripture does say that our works are like dirty rags, it also says that works are a good thing, and are evidence of faith. So, works will not get you in to heaven, but they should be an outward evidence of those who are truly saved.

Isaiah is speaking of those in a sinful, and I believe unrepentant, state. He says in that same chapter, "You come to the help of those who gladly do right, who remember your ways. But when we continued to sin against them, you were angry. How then can we be saved?". In Chapter 53, he tells how that will eventually come about: "Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.... After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities.... For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors." Thank you, Jesus.

Kevin, You asked how do you invest in eternity. Personally, when I feel led to give to a cause I choose to give to a Christian organization because they not only help with physical needs but they also provide information about Jesus that can lead to eternal life. There are plenty of secular organizations that are helpful but they only help for a moment. Also, if people weigh their purchasing decisions they might meet their personal basic needs and not buy luxury in order to give to a cause that promotes eternal life through knowledge of Jesus. That to me would be investing in eternity rather than in earthly treasures.

I agree with Chris and Jerry. As Eckhart Tolle stated:"All form is temporary and will return to nothing (dust). If we focus totally on making money and obtaining possessions, we do not live in the presence or in the now and are unaware of God's presence. Money and possessions come and go, but your soul is destined for eternal existence. When you look around you, you will also find that those, who focus totally on making money at the expense of everything else never seem to have enough; they always want more. Perhaps there are some notable exeptions?