Embracing the Reality and Hope of Heaven
Summary
Heaven is not a distant, abstract concept, but a real and tangible place that God has prepared for His people. Too often, our understanding of heaven is shaped by pop culture—cartoons, movies, and vague ideas of clouds and harps—rather than by the truth of Scripture. Yet, God, the Creator of heaven, invites us to set our minds on things above, not on earthly distractions. This is not a casual suggestion, but a command: to intentionally focus our hearts and thoughts on the reality of heaven, which transforms how we live here and now.
The heroes of faith, as described in Hebrews, lived as foreigners and nomads on earth, longing for a better country—a heavenly homeland. Their anticipation was not for a formless existence, but for a city, a place prepared by God. Heaven is described as a home, a place where Jesus Himself dwells and where we, as His followers, are promised to be with Him. The glimpses of beauty, joy, and community we experience on earth are but shadows of the fullness that awaits us.
Heaven is not merely an endless worship service in the way we might imagine. While worship is central, it encompasses all of life—work, creativity, relationships, and delight in God’s presence. In heaven, we will experience the joy of doing what we were created to do, free from the burdens of comparison, insecurity, and brokenness. The new heaven and new earth will be filled with gardens, rivers, nations living in peace, and even animals, reflecting the restoration of all things.
What will be absent from heaven is just as significant: there will be no more death, sorrow, pain, or tears. The brokenness and decay of this world will be gone forever. For those who belong to Christ, death is not an end but an immediate transition into the presence of God. Assurance of this hope is not based on our goodness, but on receiving the free gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. We can live with confidence, knowing that our future is secure, and let that hope shape our lives with purpose, gratitude, and anticipation.
Key Takeaways
- Setting our minds on heaven is a spiritual discipline that reorients our priorities and affections. When we intentionally focus on the reality of heaven, we become less tethered to the temporary things of earth and more attuned to God’s eternal purposes. This shift brings clarity, hope, and a deeper sense of belonging to God’s kingdom. [04:27]
- The biblical vision of heaven is not an abstract or ethereal state, but a real, physical place—a city, a home, a restored creation. Our deepest longings for beauty, community, and purpose are fulfilled in the new heaven and new earth, where God dwells with His people and all things are made new. This hope invites us to imagine and anticipate a future far greater than anything we have experienced. [09:00]
- The joys and wonders of earth—moments of laughter, breathtaking landscapes, loving relationships—are mere foretastes of the glory to come. Rather than fearing that we will miss earth, we are invited to see these experiences as glimpses of heaven’s fullness. Our imaginations must be stretched to grasp that the best of earth is only a shadow of what God has prepared for those who love Him. [18:31]
- Worship in heaven is not limited to singing or formal gatherings; it is the holistic expression of delight in God through all that we do. In the new creation, work, creativity, leadership, and even recreation become acts of worship, free from the distortions of sin and self. This vision redeems our understanding of purpose and vocation, both now and in eternity. [21:48]
- Assurance of eternal life is not based on our moral performance, but on receiving the free gift of God through faith in Jesus Christ. We do not have to live with uncertainty or fear about our future; we can know with confidence that we belong to God and will be with Him forever. This assurance frees us to live boldly, love deeply, and serve faithfully, anchored in the hope of heaven. [35:00]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:03] - Childhood Views of Heaven
[02:08] - Pop Culture vs. Biblical Heaven
[03:43] - Paul’s Command: Think About Heaven
[05:33] - Dying to Self and Real Life in Christ
[07:54] - Heroes of Faith and the Heavenly City
[09:00] - Heaven Is a Real Place, Not Just Clouds
[10:15] - Recommended Resources on Heaven
[13:07] - Who Is in Heaven Now?
[14:16] - Will We Miss Earth?
[16:56] - Genesis, Revelation, and the Restoration of Creation
[18:31] - Glimpses of Heaven on Earth
[20:45] - What Will We Do in Heaven?
[21:48] - Worship, Work, and Creativity in Heaven
[29:16] - What Won’t Be in Heaven
[35:00] - Assurance of Eternal Life
[42:02] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Heaven Matters
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### Bible Reading
- Colossians 3:1-4
"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."
- Hebrews 11:13-16
"All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them."
- Revelation 21:3-4
"And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.'"
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### Observation Questions
1. In Colossians 3:1-4, what does Paul command believers to do with their hearts and minds? What reason does he give for this command? [04:27]
2. According to Hebrews 11:13-16, how did the heroes of faith view their life on earth, and what were they looking forward to? [07:54]
3. In Revelation 21:3-4, what are some of the things that will be present in heaven, and what things will be absent? [29:16]
4. The sermon described heaven as a real, tangible place rather than just clouds and harps. What words did Jesus use in John 14 to describe heaven? [10:15]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Paul makes it a command (not just a suggestion) to set our minds on things above? How might this affect a believer’s daily life? [04:27]
2. The heroes of faith saw themselves as “foreigners and nomads” on earth. What does it mean to live with that kind of perspective today? [07:54]
3. The sermon said that the best moments on earth—beauty, joy, community—are just glimpses of what’s to come. How does this change the way we view both the good and hard things in our lives? [18:31]
4. The message emphasized that assurance of eternal life is a free gift through Jesus, not something we earn. Why is this distinction important for how we live and relate to God? [35:00]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenged us to intentionally set our minds on heaven, not just earthly things. What are some specific distractions in your life that make it hard to focus on heaven? What is one practical step you could take this week to shift your focus? [04:27]
2. The heroes of faith longed for a “better country”—a heavenly home. Do you ever feel like a “foreigner” in this world? How does that feeling impact your priorities and decisions? [07:54]
3. The message described heaven as a place where we will do what we were created to do—work, create, enjoy relationships, and worship God in everything. What is something you love doing now that you imagine could be part of your worship in heaven? How can you start seeing it as worship today? [21:48]
4. The sermon said that in heaven there will be no more death, sorrow, pain, or tears. Is there a specific area of brokenness or pain in your life that you long to see made new? How does the hope of heaven encourage you in that area? [29:16]
5. The pastor shared that assurance of heaven is not about being “good enough,” but about receiving God’s free gift through Jesus. Have you ever struggled with doubts about your salvation? What would it look like to rest in the confidence that comes from God’s promise? [35:00]
6. The message encouraged us to let the hope of heaven shape our lives with purpose, gratitude, and anticipation. What is one way you can live with more purpose or gratitude this week because of your hope in heaven? [09:00]
7. The sermon mentioned that the joys of earth are just “foretastes” of heaven. Think of a recent moment of beauty, joy, or community you experienced. How can you use that memory to fuel your anticipation for what God has prepared? [18:31]
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Devotional
Day 1: Fixing Our Hearts on Eternal Realities
Setting our minds on heaven is more than hopeful thinking; it is a deliberate spiritual discipline that reshapes our priorities and affections. When you intentionally focus on the reality of heaven, you begin to loosen the grip that temporary earthly things have on your heart. This reorientation brings clarity to your daily decisions, helping you to live with a perspective anchored in God’s eternal purposes rather than fleeting pleasures or anxieties.
This shift also cultivates a deeper sense of belonging to God’s kingdom, reminding you that your true home is not here but with Him. By practicing this discipline, you invite hope to flourish in your soul, even amid trials, because your eyes are set on the unshakable promises of heaven. Let this intentional focus transform how you live today, shaping your desires and actions toward what truly lasts. [04:27]
Colossians 3:1-4 (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. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Reflection:
What is one habitual distraction or worry that keeps you from setting your mind on things above? How can you practically redirect your thoughts toward heaven the next time it arises today?
Day 2: Heaven as a Tangible, Restored Home
Heaven is not a vague or ethereal concept but a real, physical place—a city prepared by God where His people will dwell with Him. This biblical vision fulfills our deepest longings for beauty, community, and purpose. The heroes of faith in Scripture lived as strangers on earth, yearning for this heavenly homeland, a place where all things are made new and God’s presence is fully experienced.
Understanding heaven as a tangible home invites you to imagine a future far beyond anything you have known, where restoration is complete and God’s kingdom is fully realized. This hope encourages you to live with anticipation and trust, knowing that the new heaven and new earth will satisfy every longing of your soul. [09:00]
Isaiah 65:17-19 (ESV)
“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create; for behold, I create Jerusalem to be a joy, and her people to be a gladness. I will rejoice in Jerusalem and be glad in my people; no more shall be heard in it the sound of weeping and the cry of distress.”
Reflection:
How does the reality of a restored, physical heaven change the way you view your current struggles or longings? Can you describe one way this hope might influence your daily attitude or relationships?
Day 3: Earthly Joys as Foretastes of Heaven’s Glory
The laughter, beauty, and love experienced on earth are not ends in themselves but glimpses of the greater joy that awaits in heaven. These moments serve as shadows pointing toward the fullness of God’s eternal kingdom. Rather than fearing loss or feeling disconnected from earthly pleasures, you are invited to see them as previews of the perfect delight and community that will never fade.
This perspective stretches your imagination and faith, helping you to trust that the best is yet to come. It also encourages gratitude for the present, knowing that these joys are God’s gifts to prepare your heart for the eternal joy that will surpass all understanding. [18:31]
Psalm 16:11 (ESV)
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Reflection:
Recall a recent moment of joy or beauty in your life. How can you use that memory to fuel your hope in the greater joy promised in heaven?
Day 4: Worship and Work United in Eternal Delight
Worship in heaven transcends singing or formal gatherings; it is the holistic expression of delight in God through every aspect of life. In the new creation, work, creativity, leadership, and recreation become acts of worship, free from sin’s distortions. This vision redeems how you understand your purpose and vocation, both now and in eternity.
Knowing that your daily labors and creative expressions can be worshipful invites you to approach them with renewed passion and joy. It also reassures you that in heaven, you will fully experience the delight of doing what you were created for, without insecurity or brokenness. This understanding can transform how you engage with your current responsibilities and gifts. [21:48]
Exodus 31:1-5 (ESV)
The Lord said to Moses, “See, I have called by name Bezalel... and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, to work in every craft.”
Reflection:
What is one way you can view your current work or creative efforts as an act of worship today? How might this change your attitude or approach?
Day 5: Confidence in Eternal Life Through Grace
The assurance of eternal life is not earned by moral performance but received as a free gift through faith in Jesus Christ. This truth frees you from uncertainty and fear about the future, allowing you to live boldly, love deeply, and serve faithfully. Knowing you belong to God and will be with Him forever anchors your life in hope.
This confidence invites you to embrace your identity as God’s beloved child, not based on your achievements but on His grace. It empowers you to face life’s challenges with courage and to invest in what truly matters, motivated by the certainty of heaven’s promise. [35:00]
2 Timothy 1:12 (ESV)
which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me.
Reflection:
Is there an area of your life where doubt or fear about your future with God lingers? How can you remind yourself today of the assurance found in Christ’s gift of eternal life?
Quotes
Heaven is a real tangible place. On the night of Jesus, he's sharing a last supper with his disciples. In a moment, he's going to be betrayed by Judas. He's giving them last minute instructions. And he says this in John chapter 14, he says, do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God and also trust in me. There is more than enough room in my father's, what's the word there? Home. In my father's home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I'm going to prepare a, what's the word there? Place. Home. Place. A place for you. When everything is ready, I will come and get you so that you may always be with me. What's the word? Where. You're like, that one I didn't get. You'll always be with me where I am. So Jesus is saying, hey, this is, is a place. You can think of it as home. You can think of it as a physical location. Heaven is not just clouds and harps. It is a real place. Jesus is real. [00:11:43] (62 seconds)
Wow, that's kind of interesting, right? Like, what would happen if there was a switch that would flip in my mind to recognize that my primary allegiance is to a kingdom that I cannot see, but it is more real than anything that I can touch. [00:07:54] (17 seconds)
And then here's the crazy thing. You go to the end of your Bible, to the last two chapters of the Bible, Revelation 21 and 22, and we see all that was in chapters one and two of Genesis restored in Revelation 21 and 22. In fact, your homework, if you're at all interested in this, this week, I would read Genesis one and two and then I would flip to the back of your Bible and read the last two chapters, Revelation 21 and 22, and your mind will be blown at the symmetry that there's in the, in the beginning, there's rivers and a tree. In the end, there's rivers and a tree. It's crazy what God is doing there. [00:17:19] (39 seconds)
Whereas instead of thinking that maybe the greatest glimpses that we've had and this life are just a taste of what heaven will actually be like. You know, think about those moments where maybe it's been sitting around a full table with family members and laughter and food, you know, all over the table, and you just have that moment where you go, I can't get any better than this. Or maybe, maybe you've been blessed to be able to see different parts of our world. Maybe you've been able to be in a place where there's snow -capped mountains and you breathe in that air that are so distinct and different, right? Or maybe you've been able to go and sit and bury your toes in the sand and see the ocean waves crashing and, or maybe, I don't know, these moments, maybe you've seen a sunrise or a sunset that's just caused you to hardly even be able to breathe. Like, these moments are just glimpses. They're just like a little, like, peephole into what heaven will actually be like. [00:19:48] (57 seconds)
okay some of you sooner than the others of us right again we don't we don't like to think about but this this is part of this broken world this creation that is groaning and longing for redemption but I love this promise listen I hope you understand this there will be no cemeteries in heaven there will be no funeral homes in heaven there will be no doctors offices in heaven there'll be no prescription drug stores in heaven and I kid you not there will be no more cancer centers in heaven there will be none of it [00:28:15] (46 seconds)
but man would i love to go be with jesus in heaven man i can't wait to get to heaven he's truly conflicted he understood that this life is not all that there is for a believer death is an immediate transition into the presence of god i can't wait so can i just ask you this question today do you know for sure that when you die you're going to heaven do you know for sure that when you die that you'll go to heaven it's one of the most important questions that that we need to settle that we need to wrestle with one of the most important questions and i i sit across the table from people i i kneel down on the floor next to hospital beds i i sit down next to people in hospice centers and and and this is a question we ask because it gets real when you're at the end of life but the truth of the matter is we're all getting near the end of life hi my name is ken and today i'm one day closer to dying than i was yesterday i'm now officially over the hill meaning there's fewer days in front of me than there were behind me it's just reality right [00:32:21] (77 seconds)
i think i've been a good enough person good enough based on whose standard your standard my standard somebody else's standard what about god's standard you see the bible this isn't going to sound like good news but the bible says we're all screwed [00:34:48] (19 seconds)
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