Eternal Perspectives: Embracing the New Heaven and Earth

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing an Eternal Perspective

Our current world is temporary, and everything we know will eventually pass away. As believers, we are called to set our eyes on eternity and the new heaven and new earth that God will create. This perspective frees us from the fear and manipulation of worldly possessions. By focusing on the eternal, we can live with a sense of peace and purpose, knowing that our true home is with God. This understanding encourages us to invest in what is lasting and to hold loosely to the things of this world. [01:02:12]

2 Corinthians 4:18 (ESV): "As we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."

Reflection: What is one material possession or worldly concern that you can release to God today, trusting in His eternal promises?

Day 2: Understanding the Three Heavens

The Bible describes three heavens: the atmosphere surrounding our planet, outer space, and God's dwelling place. The first heaven is the realm of air, the second is the vast expanse of space, and the third is the eternal home of God. Understanding these distinctions helps us grasp the transition from the old to the new creation. Each heaven reflects God's creative power and purpose, yet they are all temporary except for the third heaven, which is eternal. This knowledge invites us to marvel at God's design and anticipate the new creation He has promised. [08:33]

Psalm 19:1 (ESV): "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork."

Reflection: How does understanding the three heavens change your perspective on God's creation and your place within it?

Day 3: Witnessing God's Creative Power

The vastness and complexity of the second heaven, with its innumerable stars and galaxies, testify to God's creative power. Despite its immensity, this realm will one day pass away, as God has promised a new creation. The second heaven serves as a reminder of God's majesty and the temporary nature of the current universe. As we gaze upon the stars, we are invited to worship the Creator and anticipate the new heavens and earth where righteousness dwells. [45:18]

Isaiah 40:26 (ESV): "Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these? He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name; by the greatness of his might, and because he is strong in power, not one is missing."

Reflection: When you look at the night sky, how can you use that moment to worship God and reflect on His promise of a new creation?

Day 4: Anticipating the New Heaven and Earth

The promise of a new heaven and new earth is a central theme in both the Old and New Testaments. This new creation will be so glorious that the former things will not be remembered. It is a place where righteousness dwells, and it is our ultimate destination. This promise gives us hope and encourages us to live with purpose and holiness, knowing that our future is secure in God's hands. [56:06]

2 Peter 3:13 (ESV): "But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells."

Reflection: How does the promise of a new heaven and new earth influence the way you live your life today?

Day 5: Living with Purpose and Holiness

Knowing that everything in this world will be dissolved, we are called to live with purpose and holiness. Our lives should reflect the reality of the coming new creation, as we look forward to the day of the Lord and the fulfillment of His promises. This call to holiness is not about perfection but about aligning our lives with God's will and living in a way that honors Him. By doing so, we become a testimony to the world of God's transformative power and the hope we have in Him. [01:03:34]

1 Peter 1:15-16 (ESV): "But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'"

Reflection: What is one specific area of your life where you can pursue greater holiness and purpose this week?

Sermon Summary

In this message, we explore the profound truths found in Revelation 21:1, which speaks of a new heaven and a new earth. This is part seven of our series, and it delves into the concept of the three heavens as described in the Bible. The focus is on understanding the transition from the old to the new, emphasizing the impermanence of our current world and the eternal nature of God's promises.

The first heaven is the atmosphere surrounding our planet, the realm of air where weather occurs. It is a remarkable creation, designed by God to sustain life on Earth. This atmosphere acts as a protective buffer, maintaining temperatures and providing the air we breathe. Despite being part of a fallen world, it still bears the fingerprints of God's design.

The second heaven refers to outer space, the vast expanse containing the sun, moon, stars, and galaxies. It is a testament to God's creative power, with its immense size and complexity. The Bible speaks of the innumerable stars, a fact that modern science has only recently confirmed. This realm, too, will one day pass away, as God has promised a new creation.

The third heaven is God's dwelling place, the eternal and holy realm where He resides. It is distinct from the created heavens and is not subject to decay or destruction. This is the ultimate destination for believers, a place of eternal reward and glory.

The message emphasizes the importance of setting our eyes on eternity, recognizing that everything we know will eventually pass away. We are encouraged to live with an eternal perspective, understanding that our true citizenship is in the new heaven and new earth that God will create. This vision should free us from the fear and manipulation of worldly possessions, as we look forward to the fulfillment of God's promises.

Key Takeaways

1. Eternal Perspective: Our current world is temporary, and everything we know will eventually pass away. As believers, we are called to set our eyes on eternity and the new heaven and new earth that God will create. This perspective frees us from the fear and manipulation of worldly possessions. [62:12]
2. The Three Heavens: Understanding the three heavens—our atmosphere, outer space, and God's dwelling place—helps us grasp the transition from the old to the new. The first heaven is the realm of air, the second is the vast expanse of space, and the third is the eternal home of God. [08:33]
3. God's Creative Power: The vastness and complexity of the second heaven, with its innumerable stars and galaxies, testify to God's creative power. Despite its immensity, this realm will one day pass away, as God has promised a new creation. [45:18]
4. The New Heaven and Earth: The promise of a new heaven and new earth is a central theme in both the Old and New Testaments. This new creation will be so glorious that the former things will not be remembered. It is a place where righteousness dwells, and it is our ultimate destination. [56:06]
5. Living with Purpose: Knowing that everything in this world will be dissolved, we are called to live with purpose and holiness. Our lives should reflect the reality of the coming new creation, as we look forward to the day of the Lord and the fulfillment of His promises. [01:03:34]
** [63:34]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:09] - Introduction to the Series
[00:55] - Setting Our Eyes on Eternity
[02:34] - Understanding the Three Heavens
[03:28] - The Vision of the New Jerusalem
[04:33] - The Old and New Heavens
[06:20] - Paul's Experience of the Third Heaven
[08:33] - Defining the Three Heavens
[11:16] - The First Heaven: Earth's Atmosphere
[17:04] - The First Heaven in Scripture
[27:21] - The Second Heaven: Outer Space
[37:27] - The Second Heaven in Scripture
[50:13] - The Third Heaven: God's Dwelling Place
[55:14] - The Promise of a New Heaven and Earth
[63:34] - Living with an Eternal Perspective

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

Revelation 21:1 - "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea."
2 Peter 3:10-13 - Discusses the day of the Lord and the promise of a new heaven and a new earth.
Isaiah 65:17 - "See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind."

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Observation Questions:

According to Revelation 21:1, what significant change is described regarding heaven and earth? How does this relate to the concept of the three heavens discussed in the sermon? [04:54]
In 2 Peter 3:10-13, what events are associated with the "day of the Lord"? How does this passage describe the fate of the current heavens and earth? [01:00:37]
How does the sermon describe the role and significance of the first heaven, and what are some of its characteristics? [23:22]
What does the sermon say about the third heaven, and how is it distinct from the first and second heavens? [50:13]

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Interpretation Questions:

What does the promise of a new heaven and a new earth in Revelation 21:1 and Isaiah 65:17 suggest about God's plan for creation? How does this promise impact the way believers should view their current world? [55:14]
How does the sermon explain the significance of living with an eternal perspective, and what practical implications does this have for believers today? [01:02:12]
In what ways does the sermon suggest that understanding the three heavens can help believers grasp the transition from the old to the new creation? [08:33]
How does the sermon describe the creative power of God as seen in the second heaven, and what does this reveal about God's nature? [45:18]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on your current perspective on worldly possessions. How can the promise of a new heaven and a new earth help you to hold these possessions more loosely? [01:02:12]
The sermon encourages believers to live with purpose and holiness in light of the coming new creation. What specific changes can you make in your daily life to align more closely with this calling? [01:03:34]
How can understanding the concept of the three heavens deepen your appreciation for God's creative power and His promises for the future? [08:33]
Consider the idea of setting your eyes on eternity. What practical steps can you take to shift your focus from temporary concerns to eternal values? [01:02:12]
The sermon mentions the importance of not being manipulated by possessions. What are some ways you can ensure that your identity and security are rooted in Christ rather than material things? [02:21]
How does the vision of a new heaven and a new earth influence your understanding of God's ultimate plan for humanity? How can this vision inspire hope and motivation in your spiritual journey? [55:14]
In what ways can you actively participate in God's redemptive work on earth as you anticipate the fulfillment of His promises for a new creation? [01:04:19]

Sermon Clips

"Why is it that God has showing us the Frailty of this world and of this life setting our eyes on eternity on a city that's not of this world that no man can touch, nothing of this world can affect and that if you're a citizen of that City if that's your destiny if you're looking for that City what what is there men can take away from you in this lifetime in this world?" [00:01:12]

"Everything you know is going to pass away the Sun as you know it the Earth as you know it the moon as you know it the oceans as you know it all that you know of as creation created by God what does the Bible say there's a Time coming there's a point in time when all of this has passed away it's no more you can't find it you won't find the ocean you won't find the old Earth you won't find the Sun or the moon you won't find any of this and what you're going to find is there's a new Heaven and a new Earth." [00:05:09]

"Paul the Apostle somehow whether in body or in spirit was caught up into the third heaven and as we looked at it just says two vers later he calls it Paradise Paradise that is the name of it Paradise is also Abraham's bosom Paradise is in heaven or is heaven it's a place of reward and Glory so Paul was caught up to this third heaven and that gives me the message title for tonight three Heavens." [00:07:18]

"Do you see how often it is mention in our Bible I can't even hardly condense it tonight but we're going to look at these things what does the word heaven or Heavens mean in the Greek language and in the Hebrew it means the heights are that which is up above that's what heaven means the entire word whether used of the first second or third heavens there's not seven okay don't believe the Muslims and don't believe the Vikings there's no seventh heaven there's only three there's only a third heaven but the word means that which is above." [00:10:07]

"Do you know a snippet of information marked me as a child maybe that's why I'm a stickler for the scripture a teacher of the word of God maybe the devil meant that for evil but it's made me careful about the scripture understand that even a child can misunderstand the word of God I want to be understood church I want you to be clear in Doctrine and so that little boy heard that and it began to affect his thinking of going is everything going to perish is God's heaven going to perish well of course not of course not God's angels aren't going to perish they're Eternal God's heaven is not going to perish it is eternal." [00:14:17]

"Everything you see everything you know will have an end in Genesis 1 we have them created you go right over to the end of Revelation you have them destroyed and dismantled and recreated once again this is an entire beautiful book with all of this information and listen if you believe Genesis 1 and verse 1 in the beginning God created if you believe that then it's not difficult to believe the rest of scripture if in the beginning the very first thing of God God created everything everything the Earth the moon the stars the planets Earth itself the Seas the ocean all of the animals everything you don't have a problem with any of this book." [00:15:42]

"Do you see how God's created the Earth that that it's only the sphere as soon as you get to H mountains your heart can be affected your breathing can be affected it can affect your body you can get really really sick at those times so God has sustained a very TIN Tiny area barely 10 kilometers the you can function in and live in and breathe in this is Design This is Perfect Design you see God has created all these things for our enjoyment." [00:29:00]

"Do you see how the psalmist and Isaiah the prophet they all knew there's the old Earth there Earth but there's coming A New Earth all of this Earth that we know now the creation the planets the Sun the moon the stars the Earth the ocean all of it's going to pass away these men of God in the Old Testament knew it says in Isaiah 66:22 for as the new heavens and the new Earth which I will make shall remain before me sayith the Lord shall sorry yeah shall remain before me sayith the Lord so shall your seed and your name remain T to God's people you want to know if you're a real child of God you're going to remain what did he just say Isaiah you're going to remain if you're a child of God you're going to remain like the new Heaven and new earth it's never going to come to an end." [00:59:56]

"Are you living for this life this world the things of this world it's all going to burn up what is your life are you building for another world are you thinking only for this life what you get what you do here it's all going to burn it's all going to perish everything is coming to an end why don't you look for another city like Abraham did then it goes further see then that all these things shall be dissolved and the word dissolved means loosed untied released can you imagine God for 6,000 years has held it all together remember what it says in Hebrews 1:3 that God himself upholds All Things by the word of his power." [01:02:01]

"Looking for and Hasting unto the coming of the day of the Lord are you looking for the coming of the Lord are you longing for it are you Desiring it you see if all these things are going to perish you ought to be looking for the day of the Lord the day of God we're in the heaven being on fire shall be dissolved and the elements shall melt with fervent heat everything is going to burn up the first time it was a flood the Earth will never be destroyed by a flood again second time it's going to be fire everything is going to burn and he says in the light of this you ought to be looking looking for something else looking for the day of the Lord you ought to be longing for that day." [01:03:34]

"Nevertheless we according to his promise look listen this for new Heaven and a new Earth where IND dwelleth righteousness can I ask you a question are you looking are you Desiring are you passionate for the new Heaven and new earth the Bible says you ought to be all of this is going to burn and are you looking for a new Heaven and a new Earth and then Peter finishes ye therefore beloved Brethren seeing you know all these things before they happen beware here's a personal warning for you right now beware lest ye also being led away with the heir of the wicked fall from your own steadfastness you that are walking with God Don't Fall Away don't get LED away with temptation don't be deceived but grow in Grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ to him be glory both now and forever amen." [01:04:59]

"Father we thank you for the word of God we want to be looking like Abraham for a city that has Foundation we want to be like Peter looking for a new Heaven and Earth knowing that all of these things are going to be burnt up father we're asking of you in the mighty name of Jesus that you would work mightily by your holy spirit let this teaching affect how we live our life in this world let the knowledge that this Earth is going to perish in fire all of creation is going to be consumed Lord God on that day when you release it and dissolve it and move your hand and remove the power of your word that holds it all together Lord God on that day we want to have our eyes upon the Lord Jesus Christ amen." [01:05:41]

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Eternal Perspectives: Embracing the New Heaven and Earth

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing an Eternal Perspective

Day 2: Understanding the Three Heavens

Day 3: Witnessing God's Creative Power

Day 4: Anticipating the New Heaven and Earth

Day 5: Living with Purpose and Holiness

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Eternal Perspectives: Embracing the New Heaven and Earth

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