Embracing Our Eternal Home: Hope in Heaven

 

Summary

Heaven is a topic that fills us with hope and anticipation. As we gather today, let's focus on the eternal home that awaits us. Our journey through life is temporary, and our true citizenship is in heaven. Colossians 3:1 reminds us to seek the things above, emphasizing that our lives should be oriented towards our heavenly destination. We are pilgrims and ambassadors on this earth, here for a short while to make an impact and bring life, love, and value to everyone we encounter.

When we breathe our last breath, we transition into a more vibrant existence. Death is not the end but a separation from our earthly bodies. We remain alive, conscious, and fully ourselves, with all our unique traits and personalities intact. Jesus assures us in John 11 that those who believe in Him will never truly die. Our last breath here is our first breath in eternity, a glorious beginning rather than an end.

There are two ways to leave this earth: through death or the rapture. While the rapture is not currently open, it is a future event that will transform believers in an instant, granting us glorified bodies. Until then, when we pass away, angels will escort us to heaven, where we will be reunited with loved ones and enter the presence of God.

Heaven is a place of no fear, no sin, and no curse. It is a realm where death is defeated, and we live free from the burdens of this world. Our work in heaven will be beyond our current understanding, as it will not be tainted by the fall. God promises to make all things new, offering us a life filled with new relationships, revelations, and experiences.

The greatest promise is that those who overcome will inherit all things and be called sons and daughters of God. If you haven't accepted Christ, I invite you to do so today. Confess with your mouth and believe in your heart, and you will be saved, securing your place in this eternal home.

Key Takeaways:

- Our focus should be on heaven, our true home, as we live as pilgrims and ambassadors on earth. This perspective helps us make a meaningful impact during our temporary stay. [07:08]

- Death is not the end but a transition to a more vibrant life. We remain fully ourselves, alive and conscious, as we step into eternity. [11:24]

- The rapture is a future event that will transform believers, granting us glorified bodies. Until then, angels escort us to heaven upon death, where we reunite with loved ones. [24:58]

- Heaven is free from fear, sin, and the curse. It is a place where death is defeated, and we live in the fullness of God's presence, experiencing newness in every aspect. [41:53]

- The promise of inheriting all things as God's children is the greatest assurance we have. Accepting Christ secures our place in this eternal home. [43:54]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:22] - Boudreaux and Thibodeau Joke
[04:44] - Heaven's Rules and Humor
[05:51] - God's Sense of Humor
[07:08] - Focus on Heaven
[11:24] - Life After Death
[12:44] - Being Fully Alive
[14:07] - Jesus, the Resurrection and Life
[15:55] - Death as Victory
[17:04] - Rapture and Departure
[20:23] - Understanding Soul Sleep
[23:05] - The Rapture Explained
[24:58] - Glorified Bodies
[25:53] - Rapture Practice
[30:32] - Angels Escort to Heaven
[32:56] - Heaven's Location
[35:23] - Entering God's Presence
[37:12] - The City of God
[38:45] - Heaven's Splendor
[40:12] - No Fear, Sin, or Curse
[41:53] - Living Free in Christ
[43:54] - Inheriting All Things
[45:00] - Invitation to Salvation

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Heaven, Our Eternal Home

Bible Reading:
1. Colossians 3:1 - "If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God."
2. John 11:25-26 - "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?'"
3. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 - "But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus."

Observation Questions:
1. According to Colossians 3:1, what are believers encouraged to seek, and why is this significant for our daily lives? [07:08]
2. In John 11:25-26, what promise does Jesus give to those who believe in Him, and how does this relate to the concept of eternal life? [14:07]
3. What does 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 say about the state of believers who have "fallen asleep," and how does this passage describe the rapture? [23:05]
4. How does the sermon describe the transition from earthly life to eternal life, and what assurance does it provide about our identity after death? [11:24]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the idea of being "pilgrims and ambassadors" on earth, as mentioned in the sermon, influence a believer's perspective on life and priorities? [07:08]
2. What does the sermon suggest about the nature of our existence after death, and how does this align with the biblical promise of eternal life? [11:24]
3. How does the concept of the rapture, as explained in the sermon, provide hope and anticipation for believers? [24:58]
4. In what ways does the sermon describe heaven as a place free from fear, sin, and the curse, and how does this vision of heaven impact a believer's current life? [41:53]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current focus in life. How can you shift your perspective to seek "things above" as encouraged in Colossians 3:1? What practical steps can you take this week to align your priorities with your heavenly citizenship? [07:08]
2. Consider the promise of eternal life in John 11:25-26. How does this assurance affect your view of death and the afterlife? How can you share this hope with someone who may be struggling with fear of death? [14:07]
3. The sermon mentions that our last breath here is our first breath in eternity. How does this perspective change the way you approach challenges and uncertainties in your life? [11:24]
4. How can the anticipation of the rapture and the promise of glorified bodies motivate you to live a life of faith and readiness? What changes might you need to make to live with this expectation? [24:58]
5. The sermon describes heaven as a place of new relationships, revelations, and experiences. How can you cultivate a sense of newness and renewal in your current relationships and spiritual journey? [43:54]
6. Reflect on the invitation to accept Christ and secure a place in heaven. If you have already accepted Christ, how can you help others understand and embrace this invitation? If you haven't, what questions or concerns do you have about taking this step? [43:54]
7. How does the vision of heaven as a place free from fear, sin, and the curse inspire you to live more fully in the freedom and joy of Christ today? What specific fears or burdens can you release to God this week? [41:53]

Devotional

Day 1: Our True Home is in Heaven
Our lives on earth are temporary, and our true citizenship is in heaven. As we navigate our earthly journey, we are called to live as pilgrims and ambassadors, making a meaningful impact on those around us. This perspective encourages us to focus on our eternal home, shaping our actions and decisions in a way that reflects our heavenly destination. By seeking the things above, as Colossians 3:1 instructs, we align our lives with God's purpose, bringing life, love, and value to everyone we encounter. [07:08]

Colossians 3:1-2 (ESV): "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."

Reflection: How can you live today as an ambassador of heaven, bringing love and value to those you encounter?


Day 2: Death is a Transition to Eternal Life
Death is not the end but a transition into a more vibrant existence. When we breathe our last breath on earth, we step into eternity, remaining fully alive and conscious. Our unique traits and personalities are preserved, and we continue to exist in a glorious new beginning. Jesus assures us in John 11 that those who believe in Him will never truly die, offering us hope and assurance of eternal life. Our last breath here is our first breath in eternity, a continuation of our journey with God. [11:24]

John 11:25-26 (ESV): "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?'"

Reflection: In what ways can you find comfort and hope in the promise of eternal life today?


Day 3: The Rapture and Our Glorified Bodies
The rapture is a future event that will transform believers, granting us glorified bodies. Until that time, when we pass away, angels escort us to heaven, where we are reunited with loved ones and enter the presence of God. This transformation is a promise of a future where we will be free from the limitations of our earthly bodies, experiencing the fullness of life in God's presence. The anticipation of this event encourages us to live with hope and expectation, knowing that our future is secure in Christ. [24:58]

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (ESV): "For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord."

Reflection: How does the promise of a glorified body and eternal life with God influence your perspective on your current struggles and limitations?


Day 4: Heaven is Free from Fear, Sin, and the Curse
Heaven is a place where fear, sin, and the curse are no more. It is a realm where death is defeated, and we live in the fullness of God's presence, experiencing newness in every aspect of life. In heaven, our work and relationships will be free from the burdens of this world, allowing us to experience life as God intended. This promise of a future without fear or sin encourages us to live with hope and joy, knowing that God is making all things new. [41:53]

Revelation 21:4-5 (ESV): "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. And he who was seated on the throne said, 'Behold, I am making all things new.'"

Reflection: What burdens or fears can you release to God today, trusting in His promise of a future free from fear and sin?


Day 5: Inheriting All Things as God's Children
The greatest promise we have is that those who overcome will inherit all things and be called sons and daughters of God. Accepting Christ secures our place in this eternal home, where we will experience the fullness of God's love and blessings. This assurance of our identity as God's children gives us confidence and hope, motivating us to live faithfully and victoriously. As we embrace this promise, we are empowered to overcome the challenges of this world, knowing that our inheritance is secure in Christ. [43:54]

Revelation 21:7 (ESV): "The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son."

Reflection: How can you live today with the confidence and assurance of your identity as a child of God, knowing that you will inherit all things?

Quotes



We're all just passing through, praise God. We're all just passing through. The Bible calls us pilgrims. The Bible says that we're ambassadors of the kingdom. The bottom line is you were never to make this place your home forever, all right? You're here for a temporary stay, and then you're headed to home. So in that, you should always focus on where you're headed, not so much as to where you're at right now. [00:08:27] (22 seconds)


The only thing that's, quote, dying or being separated is you from the body you lived in, all right? Your body is going to the earth, but you are still alive, all right? Get this. You are conscious. You can feel. You can think. You can speak. You can remember. If you study any of, like, I told you guys about this book. If you haven't read it, you should read it. You know, when you die, you're going to be amazed at how alive, you are. [00:10:55] (30 seconds)


He who believes in me, though he may die, he shall live. Watch this. And whoever lives and believes in me, help me out, shall never die, never die. Never, ever, ever die. See, the truth is the moment you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you jumped over death and you're in eternal life. When your body expires and you lay it down, you're simply going to a different location, but you are alive, and then whenever you die, you're gonna be more alive, praise God. [00:14:20] (37 seconds)


There are two ways that people leave this planet, or I would say it this way, two exit doors at this present time, okay? Now, one of those doors is closed, okay? One of them is open. Right now, you're only leaving this planet either by death or by rapture. And the truth of the matter is, rapture at this point in time is closed. Closed. But I can tell you right now, it can come any day. [00:17:04] (26 seconds)


In heaven, there is no fear of death. No death at all. Death has been swallowed up. Listen to what the Bible says. Inasmuch as then we are children and partakers of flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared in the same that through death he might destroy him who had the power of death. Had someone in the last service come up afterwards and they said, Pastor Charlie, I see death as a friend. I go, no, no, no. Don't ever confuse what I said. Death is not the friend of God. Death is an enemy that God destroys. [00:41:53] (28 seconds)


In heaven, sin is completely defeated, y 'all. And listen, I could give you verses, but you get the idea. In heaven, you do not have to deal with the constant badgering of your flesh and Satan constantly attacking you, the constant doubt. Listen, I'm here to tell you, fear, doubt, confusion, depression, anxiety, worry, all those things are earthly terms. Those are not heavenly terms. Nobody in heaven is going, oh, no, what are we going to do? [00:43:14] (30 seconds)


In heaven, there's no curse, no curse, nothing dies. Listen to this. And there shall be no more curse there, but the throne of God and the Lamb of God shall be in it, and his servants shall serve him. Praise God. Amen. People have asked me, but Pastor Charlie, whenever we get to heaven, won't it be boring? It's going to be like a long church service. Oh, no, it ain't going to be like that. [00:43:54] (21 seconds)


He who overcomes shall inherit all things and I will be his God and he shall be my son and daughter. He will inherit all things come on if we overcome and remember we overcome by the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony amen so I'm gonna close it out with this if you've not accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior I want to give you an opportunity I would hate to preach on heaven and not give you give you give you a way to get there. [00:46:40] (28 seconds)


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Transcript
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