Experiencing Heaven on Earth: Living in Divine Promise

 

Summary

In this sermon, the focus is on the profound connection between our earthly journey and the heavenly promise. The imagery of crossing the Jordan River into Canaan is used to illustrate the transition from earthly life to eternal life, emphasizing that the greatest barrier—sin—has already been overcome through faith in Jesus Christ. The sermon challenges the notion that believers must endure a purgatory-like existence on earth before entering heaven, asserting instead that heaven must be within us before we can be in heaven. This is a call to live in the fullness of our spiritual privileges, experiencing the divine life now, as a foretaste of the eternal glory to come.

The sermon further explores the idea that the life of a believer is already a reflection of the heavenly state. It emphasizes that believers are already justified, forgiven, and accepted in Christ, possessing eternal life now. The presence of the Holy Spirit within us is a guarantee of our inheritance, and we are encouraged to live in the light of this truth, experiencing peace, victory, and joy in our daily lives. The sermon paints a vivid picture of heaven as a place where every need is met, every desire is fulfilled, and every ill is removed. It is a place of perfect satisfaction and joy, where the Lamb of God personally shepherds and leads us to living fountains of water.

The sermon concludes by drawing a parallel between the heavenly state and the believer's life on earth. It asserts that the same promises of provision, protection, and guidance that apply to the heavenly state are available to us now. We are encouraged to live in close communion with God, experiencing His presence and guidance in our daily lives. The sermon calls us to drink deeply from the spiritual springs available to us, living not on past experiences or second-hand knowledge, but on the direct and personal relationship with God. This is the essence of heaven on earth, a life fully satisfied in God, anticipating the eternal joy to come.

Key Takeaways:

1. Heaven Within Us: Heaven must be within us before we can be in heaven. Our spiritual journey is not about enduring earthly purgatory but living in the fullness of our spiritual privileges now. This means experiencing the divine life and the joy of our eternal inheritance in the present moment. [02:04]

2. Eternal Life Now: Believers possess eternal life now, being justified, forgiven, and accepted in Christ. The presence of the Holy Spirit within us is a guarantee of our inheritance, and we are called to live in the light of this truth, experiencing peace, victory, and joy in our daily lives. [05:27]

3. Heavenly Satisfaction: Heaven is a place of perfect satisfaction and joy, where every need is met, every desire is fulfilled, and every ill is removed. This heavenly satisfaction is available to us now as we live in close communion with God, experiencing His presence and guidance. [12:11]

4. Living on God: We are encouraged to live not on past experiences or second-hand knowledge, but on a direct and personal relationship with God. This means drinking deeply from the spiritual springs available to us, living in the present enjoyment of God, and experiencing heaven on earth. [23:31]

5. Guided by Mercy: The Lord, who continually has mercy on us, leads us in our earthly journey. This guidance is a source of joy and security, as we follow the path He sets before us, trusting in His providence and care. [34:44]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - The Promise of No Hunger or Thirst
- [00:42] - Crossing the Jordan
- [01:12] - The Red Sea of Sin
- [01:47] - Heaven Within Us
- [02:36] - Living Above Our Privileges
- [03:24] - Eternal Life Now
- [04:53] - Justified and Forgiven
- [06:15] - The Inheritance Today
- [07:28] - The Riches of God's Presence
- [09:06] - Grace and Glory
- [10:27] - The Heavenly State
- [12:11] - Perfect Satisfaction
- [15:34] - The Lamb's Leading
- [19:46] - Living Fountains of Water
- [26:36] - Heaven on Earth
- [34:11] - Guided by Mercy
- [39:14] - Drinking from the Springs

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Revelation 7:16-17
2. Isaiah 49:10
3. John 10:10

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#### Observation Questions
1. What imagery is used in the sermon to describe the transition from earthly life to eternal life? ([00:42])
2. According to the sermon, what is the greatest barrier between believers and heaven, and how has it been overcome? ([01:12])
3. How does the sermon describe the current state of believers in relation to their eternal inheritance? ([05:27])
4. What role does the Holy Spirit play in the life of a believer, as mentioned in the sermon? ([08:50])

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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the sermon challenge the traditional notion of purgatory-like existence on earth for believers? What implications does this have for how believers live their lives? ([01:47])
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that believers can experience "heaven on earth"? How does this align with the biblical passages referenced? ([26:36])
3. What does the sermon mean by stating that "Heaven must be within us before we can be in heaven"? How does this concept affect a believer's daily walk with God? ([02:04])
4. How does the sermon describe the satisfaction and joy found in heaven, and how can believers experience this in their current lives? ([12:11])

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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the idea that "Heaven must be within us before we can be in heaven." How can you cultivate a sense of heaven in your daily life? ([02:04])
2. The sermon emphasizes living in the fullness of our spiritual privileges. What are some spiritual privileges you might be neglecting, and how can you begin to embrace them more fully? ([02:36])
3. Consider the statement that believers possess eternal life now. How does this truth impact your perspective on challenges you face in life? ([05:27])
4. The sermon calls for a direct and personal relationship with God. What steps can you take this week to deepen your personal relationship with God, beyond past experiences or second-hand knowledge? ([23:31])
5. How can you be more aware of the Holy Spirit's presence and guidance in your life, as described in the sermon? What practical changes can you make to be more attuned to His leading? ([08:50])
6. The sermon describes heaven as a place of perfect satisfaction and joy. What areas of your life are you seeking satisfaction from other sources, and how can you redirect that desire towards God? ([12:11])
7. Reflect on the concept of being "guided by mercy" in your earthly journey. How can you trust more in God's providence and care in your current circumstances? ([34:44])

Devotional

Day 1: Heaven Within Us
The concept of heaven within us challenges the traditional view that believers must endure a purgatory-like existence on earth before entering heaven. Instead, it emphasizes that our spiritual journey is about living in the fullness of our spiritual privileges now. This means experiencing the divine life and the joy of our eternal inheritance in the present moment. By embracing this truth, believers can live with a sense of peace and fulfillment, knowing that the greatest barrier—sin—has already been overcome through faith in Jesus Christ. The call is to live in the light of this victory, allowing the presence of heaven to transform our earthly experience. [02:04]

"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." (Romans 14:17, ESV)

Reflection: How can you cultivate an awareness of heaven within you today, allowing it to influence your thoughts, actions, and interactions with others?


Day 2: Eternal Life Now
Believers are encouraged to recognize that they possess eternal life now, being justified, forgiven, and accepted in Christ. The presence of the Holy Spirit within us serves as a guarantee of our inheritance, calling us to live in the light of this truth. This means experiencing peace, victory, and joy in our daily lives, as we are already reflections of the heavenly state. By embracing this reality, believers can live with confidence and assurance, knowing that their eternal destiny is secure. The challenge is to live in a way that reflects this truth, allowing the presence of the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us. [05:27]

"And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life." (1 John 5:11-12, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you actively live out the reality of your eternal life today, allowing it to shape your decisions and interactions?


Day 3: Heavenly Satisfaction
Heaven is described as a place of perfect satisfaction and joy, where every need is met, every desire is fulfilled, and every ill is removed. This heavenly satisfaction is available to us now as we live in close communion with God, experiencing His presence and guidance. By embracing this truth, believers can live with a sense of contentment and fulfillment, knowing that their deepest needs and desires are met in God. The call is to live in a way that reflects this reality, allowing the presence of God to satisfy and fulfill us in every aspect of our lives. [12:11]

"You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." (Psalm 16:11, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are seeking satisfaction outside of God? How can you turn to Him to meet that need today?


Day 4: Living on God
Believers are encouraged to live not on past experiences or second-hand knowledge, but on a direct and personal relationship with God. This means drinking deeply from the spiritual springs available to us, living in the present enjoyment of God, and experiencing heaven on earth. By embracing this truth, believers can live with a sense of vitality and freshness, knowing that their relationship with God is dynamic and ever-growing. The challenge is to live in a way that reflects this reality, allowing the presence of God to renew and refresh us daily. [23:31]

"Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit." (Jeremiah 17:7-8, ESV)

Reflection: How can you deepen your personal relationship with God today, allowing His presence to refresh and renew you?


Day 5: Guided by Mercy
The Lord, who continually has mercy on us, leads us in our earthly journey. This guidance is a source of joy and security, as we follow the path He sets before us, trusting in His providence and care. By embracing this truth, believers can live with a sense of confidence and assurance, knowing that they are not alone in their journey. The call is to live in a way that reflects this reality, allowing the presence of God's mercy to guide and direct us in every aspect of our lives. [34:44]

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to keep your righteous rules." (Psalm 119:105-106, ESV)

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust God's guidance and mercy today? How can you actively seek His direction and follow His lead?

Quotes

Heaven Must Be in us before we can be in heaven and while we are yet in the wilderness we may spy out the land and may eat of the clusters of eshkol there is no such Gulf between Earth and Heaven as gloomy thoughts suggest our Dream should not be of an abyss but of a ladder whose foot is on the Earth but whose top is in glory. [00:02:00]

Think of what you are by grace and remember that what you will be in glory is already outlined and foreshadowed in your life in Christ being born from above you are the same men that will be in heaven you have within you the Divine Life the same life which is to enjoy Eternal immortality. [00:03:24]

Beloved now are we the sons of God he hath made us accepted in the Beloved today we have the spirit of adoption and enjoy access to the throne of the Heavenly Grace yay and today by faith we are raised up in Christ and made to sit in the heavenly in him we are now United to Christ now indwelt by the Holy Ghost. [00:05:13]

The Inheritance that is to be yours tomorrow is in very truth yours today for in Christ Jesus you have received the inheritance and you have the earnest of it in the present possession of the Holy Spirit who dwells in you it has been well said that all the streets of the New Jerusalem begin here. [00:06:02]

He that drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst be you sure then that from the golden cup of Glory we shall drink that which will quench all thirst forever there is not in all the golden streets of Heaven A single person who is Desiring what he may not have or wanting what he cannot obtain. [00:12:00]

The lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them and shall lead them it is heaven to be personally shepherded by him who is the great sacrifice in this present State we have Earthly Shepherds, and when God graciously feeds us by men after his own heart whom he himself instructs we prize them much. [00:15:44]

In heaven the happy ones live not on bread which is the staff of life but on God who is life itself the second cause is passed over and the first cause alone is seen in the Home Country Souls have no need of the means of Grace for they have reached the god of Grace. [00:21:13]

We want the present enjoyment of God we need still to go to the fountain for new supplies for water which standeth long in the piter loses its cool and refreshing Excellence happy is the man that is not living upon the memories of what he used to enjoy but is even now in the banqueting house. [00:23:10]

He that is Led of God he is the happy man he shall not H he shall be conducted providentially in a right way to the city of habitations commit your way unto the Lord trust also in him and he will bring it to pass it may be a rough way but it must be a right way if we follow the track of the Lord's feet. [00:35:02]

Beloved this is heaven below if you have ever tried it you know it is so if you have never fully tried tried it try it now and you will find a new joy in it Jesus says to you take my yoke upon you and learn of me and ye shall find rest unto your souls. [00:37:17]

Beloved in the Lord you can even now live upon God himself and there is no living comparable to it you can get beyond all the systens and come to the river of the water of life even as they do in heaven heaven to live by second causes is a very secondary Life to Live on the first cause is the first of living. [00:39:47]

Drink from Eternal Springs and if you do so your life will be more and more as the days of Heaven upon the Earth God grant us to get away from the deceitful Brooks to the Deep which lie Thunder and with joy may we draw water Christ's presence and Fountain drinking give me these two things and I ask no more. [00:45:06]

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Transcript
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