The Glory of Heaven

Devotional

Day 1: Heaven is Real, Glorious, and Only Through Jesus

Heaven is not a vague or boring afterlife, but a real, glorious place prepared by Jesus Himself for those who trust in Him. Jesus assures us that He is the only way to the Father, and that He is preparing a place for us in His Father's house, where we will be with Him forever. This promise gives us confidence and hope, knowing that our eternal destiny is secure not because of our good deeds, but because of our faith in Christ. The roadmap is clear: Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, and no one comes to the Father except through Him. [08:43]

John 14:1-6 (ESV)
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Reflection: If you were to meet Jesus face to face today, would you be confident that He knows you and has prepared a place for you? What step do you need to take to be sure of your eternal home?

Day 2: Heaven is the Absence of Evil and the Presence of God

Heaven is not a place of boredom or monotony, but the complete absence of pain, sorrow, and evil, and the overwhelming presence of God’s glory, beauty, and love. In heaven, every tear will be wiped away, death and mourning will be no more, and all things will be made new. The deepest joys and beauties we experience on earth are only glimpses of the unimaginable glory that awaits us. In God’s presence, we will be fully known, fully loved, and experience perfect peace and joy forever. [09:44]

Revelation 21:1-7 (ESV)
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 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.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son.”

Reflection: What is one pain, sorrow, or struggle you long to see gone forever? How does the promise of God’s presence and restoration in heaven give you hope today?

Day 3: Our True Home is Not This World

We are not citizens of this world, but of heaven, and our lives should reflect an eternal perspective rather than being consumed by temporary pursuits and possessions. The world tells us to focus on accumulating more, but Scripture reminds us that our true treasure is in heaven, and what we do for Christ is what lasts forever. We are called to invest in eternal things—loving others, sharing Jesus, and living with our hearts set on our forever home. This mindset frees us from the endless cycle of chasing after stuff and helps us live with purpose and hope. [28:47]

Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV)
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Reflection: What is one way you can shift your focus from temporary things to investing in eternity today—whether in your family, your work, or your community?

Day 4: Heaven Brings Complete Transformation—Perfect Bodies and Perfect Joy

In heaven, we will be transformed—our perishable, broken bodies will become imperishable and glorious, free from sickness, pain, and limitation. All the aches, disabilities, and struggles of this life will be gone, replaced by perfect health and joy. We will see Jesus face to face, and finally understand what it truly means to be alive, fully known, and fully loved. The hope of resurrection and transformation gives us strength to endure today, knowing that the best is yet to come. [21:08]

1 Corinthians 15:51-57 (ESV)
Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Reflection: What is one area of brokenness or limitation in your life that you can entrust to God today, knowing He promises complete restoration in eternity?

Day 5: Living with an Eternal Perspective Changes Everything

When we live with heaven in mind, our priorities, relationships, and daily choices are transformed—we see people as image bearers, invest in what matters, and lead our families and communities toward Jesus. An eternal perspective helps us stand firm against the temptations and distractions of this world, and motivates us to love, serve, and share Christ boldly. Every act done for the Lord is not in vain, and our hope in heaven empowers us to live with purpose and joy today. [38:17]

1 Corinthians 15:58 (ESV)
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

Reflection: Who is one person you can intentionally encourage or point toward Jesus today, knowing that every act of love and faithfulness has eternal significance?

Sermon Summary

What we believe about heaven shapes how we live every day. If we’re honest, most of us don’t like surprises when it comes to our eternal destiny—we want to know where we’re headed. The world offers all kinds of ideas about what happens after we die: some say we just cease to exist, others believe in reincarnation, and many think being “good” is enough to get to heaven. But Scripture is clear: we are eternal beings, made in God’s image, and we will spend eternity somewhere—either with God or separated from Him.

Heaven is not a boring, ethereal place where we float on clouds and play harps. That’s a lie from the enemy, meant to distract us from the true glory God has prepared. Heaven is the absence of all evil and the presence of God Himself. Everything we love and enjoy here—beauty, laughter, relationships, creativity—will be there, but without the stain of sin or pain. We will be fully known, fully loved, and united with those who have gone before us in Christ. The beauty of heaven is beyond anything we can imagine: new colors, new tastes, new experiences, and the joy of seeing Jesus face to face.

Our bodies will be made new—no more sickness, pain, or limitations. We’ll have purpose and meaningful work, not endless leisure or boredom. The gifts and passions God gave us here will find their fullest expression there. Heaven is the fulfillment of every longing, the answer to every ache, and the restoration of all that’s broken.

But we must remember: this world is not our home. The temptation is to invest everything in the here and now, to chase after stuff that won’t last. Yet, nothing we accumulate here will go with us. What matters is what we do for Christ and for others—those are the treasures that last. Our citizenship is in heaven, and we’re called to live with eternity in mind, leading our families, loving our neighbors, and sharing the hope we have.

Entrance into heaven isn’t about being “good enough.” It’s about being forgiven—trusting in Jesus, who is the way, the truth, and the life. The work is finished; our part is to receive the gift. We can live with confidence, knowing our names are written in the Lamb’s book of life, and let that assurance shape every moment we have on earth.

Key Takeaways

1. Heaven is the fulfillment of every good longing, not a place of boredom or monotony. The enemy wants us to believe heaven is dull so we’ll focus on the temporary pleasures of this world, but in reality, heaven is the absence of evil and the presence of God, where every joy is magnified and every pain is gone. [13:51]
2. Our deepest desire to be fully known and loved will be realized in heaven. Here, we often feel unseen or misunderstood, but in God’s presence, we will know and be known perfectly, experiencing relationships as they were meant to be—without fear, shame, or distance. [15:15]
3. The beauty and creativity we glimpse on earth are only shadows of what awaits us. Every good thing—laughter, art, music, nature, even the simple joys of life—will be experienced in their purest form, unmarred by sin or decay. Heaven is a place of unimaginable beauty and endless discovery. [16:03]
4. Our time on earth is not about accumulating stuff or chasing after fleeting pleasures. The world tells us to live for the weekend, to gather as much as we can, but none of it lasts. What matters is investing in eternal things—loving people, serving God, and living with an eternal perspective that shapes our priorities and relationships. [28:47]
5. Entrance into heaven is not earned by good deeds but received by faith in Jesus. The narrow way is not about striving or religious performance, but about trusting in the finished work of Christ. This assurance frees us from fear and empowers us to live boldly, knowing our future is secure and our labor for the Lord is never in vain. [36:42]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:49] - What Happens After We Die?
[01:48] - The Bathroom Surprise Story
[04:10] - Common Beliefs About the Afterlife
[06:24] - The Bible’s View: Eternity and Choice
[08:06] - Jesus’ Promise of Heaven
[09:00] - Revelation’s Vision of Heaven
[10:32] - Misconceptions: Is Heaven Boring?
[13:08] - The Enemy’s Lies About Heaven and Hell
[14:49] - What Will We Experience in Heaven?
[16:03] - Heaven’s Beauty and Relationships
[18:27] - Seeing Jesus Face to Face
[20:30] - New Bodies, No More Pain
[22:25] - The Presence of God and the Book of Life
[23:39] - Purpose and Work in Heaven
[27:12] - Misconception: The World Is Your Home
[28:47] - Investing in Eternal Things
[31:29] - Leading Our Families with Eternity in Mind
[33:04] - Stories of Dying with Hope
[35:44] - Who Goes to Heaven?
[36:42] - The Only Way: Faith in Jesus
[38:00] - Living with Eternal Perspective
[39:34] - Closing Prayer and Invitation

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

John 14:1-6 (ESV) — > “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Revelation 21:1-5 (ESV) — > Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 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.”

1 Corinthians 15:51-57 (ESV) — > Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Observation Questions

According to John 14, what does Jesus say about preparing a place for us, and how does He describe the way to get there? [08:06]
In Revelation 21, what are some of the specific things that will be absent from heaven, and what will be present instead? [09:15]
What does 1 Corinthians 15 say will happen to our bodies when we are raised, and how does this connect to the idea of victory over death? [20:50]
The sermon mentions common misconceptions about heaven and hell. What are some of the false ideas people have about what happens after we die? [05:35]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus emphasizes that He is “the way, the truth, and the life” and that no one comes to the Father except through Him? How does this challenge the idea that being “good enough” is the way to heaven? [08:43]
The sermon describes heaven as the fulfillment of every longing and the absence of all evil. How does this vision of heaven compare to the way people often imagine it? [13:51]
The pastor says, “Our citizenship is in heaven,” and warns against investing everything in the here and now. What does it look like to live with an eternal perspective in practical terms? [28:22]
The message says that in heaven, we will be “fully known and fully loved.” Why is this significant, and how does it address the deep desires people have in this life? [15:15]

Application Questions

The sermon says, “What we believe about heaven determines how we live today.” How has your view of heaven shaped your daily choices, priorities, or attitudes? Is there a specific area where you need to adjust your focus? [01:11]
The world often tells us to “live for the weekend” or chase after more stuff. Are there ways you’ve been tempted to invest in things that won’t last? What is one practical step you can take this week to invest in something eternal instead? [28:47]
The pastor shared that heaven is not about being “good enough” but about being forgiven through faith in Jesus. Do you struggle with feeling like you have to earn your way to God? How can you remind yourself of the finished work of Christ? [36:42]
The message describes heaven as a place where our gifts and passions will find their fullest expression. What is one gift or passion God has given you that you would like to use more for His glory, both now and in eternity? [23:39]
The sermon says we will be “fully known and fully loved” in heaven, without fear, shame, or distance. Is there a relationship in your life where you long for this kind of connection? How can you take a step toward deeper authenticity or reconciliation this week? [15:15]
The pastor encourages leading our families and loving our neighbors with eternity in mind. What is one way you can intentionally point your family or friends toward Jesus this week? [31:29]
The message ends with the assurance that our names can be written in the Lamb’s book of life. Do you have this assurance? If not, what is holding you back from trusting Jesus fully? If you do, how can you share this hope with someone else? [22:58]

Sermon Clips

Heaven is a place where we get to experience beauty, joy, taste, sights, without the burden of sin, without any corruption. Everything that we enjoy on earth, we're gonna get to enjoy in heaven times infinity. [00:14:20] (17 seconds) #InfiniteJoyNoSin

When we enter into heaven, we are gonna know fully how God has designed us to be. Right now, we get a glimpse of that. But it's tainted by sin. When we cross over into that land, that paradise, we're gonna get a full picture of how he's designed us, how he's wired us. [00:15:20] (18 seconds) #DesignedForHeavenlyGlory

At that moment, friends, we will have finally come to realize what it means to be alive when we see him face to face. Right now we look through a glass that's dim, that's clouded, that's dirty, but then we get to see with all clarity Jesus, the creator of everything. [00:19:07] (21 seconds) #FaceToFaceWithJesus

One day we're going to meet the creator of everything who spoke the world ex nihilo out of nothing and created everything. We get to meet him face to face. [00:20:05] (18 seconds) #MeetingTheCreator

There's only a single step you've got to make to receive the gift, the inheritance of glorious eternity with him. That's it. [00:23:15] (15 seconds) #StepIntoEternalGift

Why would a creator God, a creative God, give us opportunities that we have in this life to create, to build, to craft, to garden, to do awesome stuff, and then remove that once we get to spend eternity with him, and all of a sudden we're chubby cherubs playing harps on clouds? It makes no sense. [00:23:36] (21 seconds) #EternalCreativityContinues

No more death, pain, sorrow, sickness, fear, stress, anxiety, depression, sleepless nights. As a counselor, I'm not really sure what I'm going to be doing in heaven. I'm not going to be a therapist, that's for sure. There's not going to be any need for that because all this stuff is gone. [00:24:42] (18 seconds) #NoMorePainNoMoreSorrow

I've never once at a grave site seen a U-Haul. Not one time. There was a bumper sticker an old neighbor had when we were living in New York. He had all the big trucks and all the toys, motorcycles, all this stuff. He was always investing in something new and would tell me, I've got this new thing, that new thing, whatever. He had a bumper sticker that said, The one who dies with the most toys wins. I was like, I think, nope, still die. Not taking your toys with you. Wherever you're going, those things aren't going to matter at all. [00:29:56] (35 seconds) #ToysDontFollowUs

We never meet a mere mortal. Men, I want to speak to you a moment. Because I'm a man and I know what it's like to be a man. I counsel mostly with marriages. And spouses, wives ask me over and over. They say to me over and over, I just want my husband to lead. I want him to step up and lead. Lead me in prayer. Lead me in devotions. Lead and teach our kids. Can you do something about that? There's nothing I can do about that. Men, I want to encourage you. If you've got a wife, you've got babies, grandkids, family, lead. If you're not married yet, young men in the room, begin working, taking care of your heart right now. So that when God, if he does give you that opportunity to be a husband, to be a daddy, that you lead well. Guiding and directing your kids. To the heart of Jesus. That's my responsibility, my job. [00:31:27] (59 seconds) #MenLeadWithFaith

Friends, the way is easy because the work has been done. We don't have to do anything to get into heaven. We don't have to stand on the side of the road and wave to people or to be nice to people to get to heaven. We just have to trust in Jesus for the salvation of our soul. Then our name is written in the Lamb's book of life. [00:37:01] (22 seconds) #TrustJesusForSalvation

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