Hope and Perseverance: The Promise of New Jerusalem
Summary
In the midst of life's distractions and discouragements, it's crucial to remember our ultimate destination and the promises of God. Revelation 21 paints a vivid picture of the New Jerusalem, a place where sorrow, pain, and death are no more. This vision serves as a reminder of the joy and hope that await us, encouraging us to persevere despite the challenges we face. When we first come to faith, we are filled with zeal and passion, eager to share the gospel. However, life's trials can dim that initial fire. The enemy seeks to discourage us, but we must hold onto the promise that joy comes in the morning.
John's vision of the New Jerusalem is a promise for all believers. One day, the sky will roll back, and we will see the Son of Man coming in glory. This is our end goal, a future without death, sorrow, or pain. We are more than conquerors in Christ, and the battle has already been won. Jesus has prepared a place for us, and He is coming back to receive us. This truth should fill us with hope and motivate us to live faithfully.
In these prophetic times, as we witness the fulfillment of scripture, we must remain steadfast. The world is in turmoil, but Christ is our rock. We are called to be a light in the darkness, to continue witnessing and supporting one another. Our identity in Christ makes us significant, regardless of our earthly status. We are children of God, and our names are written in heaven. This assurance should encourage us to press on, knowing that our future is secure in Him.
Key Takeaways:
- Perseverance in Faith: Life's challenges can dim our spiritual zeal, but we must remember that joy comes in the morning. The enemy seeks to discourage us, but our focus should remain on the promises of God and the joy that awaits us in the New Jerusalem. [07:14]
- The Promise of New Jerusalem: Revelation 21 offers a vision of a future without pain, sorrow, or death. This promise is for all believers, reminding us that we are more than conquerors in Christ. Our ultimate destination is a place of eternal joy and peace. [14:50]
- Living in Prophetic Times: As we witness the fulfillment of biblical prophecy, we must remain steadfast in our faith. The world may be in turmoil, but Christ is our rock, and we are called to be a light in the darkness, continuing to witness and support one another. [23:06]
- Our Identity in Christ: Regardless of our earthly status, we are significant in Christ. We are children of God, and our names are written in heaven. This assurance should encourage us to press on, knowing that our future is secure in Him. [14:50]
- Urgency of Salvation: Today is the day of salvation. We must ensure that we are right with God, ready for His return. Our sins are between us and God, and we should seek a fresh anointing and restoration of joy in our lives. [23:06]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[0:30] - Introduction to Revelation 21
[1:15] - The Challenge of Discouragement
[2:45] - Remembering Our First Zeal
[4:00] - The Enemy's Distractions
[5:30] - Joy Comes in the Morning
[7:14] - The Vision of New Jerusalem
[9:00] - No More Pain or Sorrow
[10:30] - Our Identity as Conquerors
[12:00] - Living in Prophetic Times
[14:50] - Our Significance in Christ
[16:30] - The Urgency of Salvation
[18:00] - Encouragement to Persevere
[20:00] - Closing and Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Revelation 21:1-4
- Romans 8:37
- John 14:2-3
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Revelation 21:1-4 describe about the New Jerusalem and its significance for believers? How does this vision serve as a source of hope? [07:14]
2. According to the sermon, what are some of the challenges that can dim our spiritual zeal over time? [07:14]
3. How does the pastor describe the role of the enemy in discouraging believers, and what is the ultimate promise that counters this discouragement? [07:14]
4. What does the pastor say about our identity in Christ and its importance regardless of our earthly status? [14:50]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the promise of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21:1-4 encourage believers to persevere through life's challenges? [07:14]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that believers can maintain their spiritual zeal despite life's distractions and discouragements? [07:14]
3. How does the pastor interpret the phrase "we are more than conquerors in Christ" from Romans 8:37 in the context of the sermon? [14:50]
4. What does the pastor mean when he says that our names are written in heaven, and how should this assurance impact our daily lives? [14:50]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when life's challenges dimmed your spiritual zeal. What steps can you take to reignite your passion for sharing the gospel? [07:14]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of focusing on the promises of God. What specific promise from scripture can you hold onto this week to combat discouragement? [07:14]
3. How can you actively remind yourself of your identity in Christ when faced with feelings of insignificance or inadequacy? [14:50]
4. The pastor speaks about living in prophetic times. How can you be a light in the darkness in your community or workplace this week? [23:06]
5. Consider the urgency of salvation mentioned in the sermon. Is there someone in your life who needs to hear about the hope of the New Jerusalem? How can you share this message with them? [23:06]
6. The sermon encourages believers to support one another. What is one practical way you can support a fellow believer who may be struggling with discouragement? [23:06]
7. Reflect on the idea that joy comes in the morning. How can you cultivate a mindset of hope and perseverance in your daily routine? [07:14]
Devotional
Day 1: Perseverance Through Life's Trials
In the journey of faith, life's challenges can often dim our spiritual zeal. When we first come to faith, we are filled with enthusiasm and passion, eager to share the gospel with others. However, as time goes on, the trials and distractions of life can cause that initial fire to wane. The enemy seeks to discourage us, but we must hold onto the promise that joy comes in the morning. This assurance is rooted in the vision of the New Jerusalem, a place where sorrow, pain, and death are no more. By focusing on this promise, we can find the strength to persevere through life's difficulties, knowing that our ultimate destination is one of eternal joy and peace. [07:14]
Psalm 30:5 (ESV): "For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning."
Reflection: Think of a recent challenge that has dimmed your spiritual zeal. How can you refocus on God's promises to reignite your passion for faith today?
Day 2: The Promise of a Pain-Free Future
Revelation 21 offers a powerful vision of the New Jerusalem, a future where pain, sorrow, and death are no more. This promise is not just a distant hope but a reality for all believers. It reminds us that we are more than conquerors in Christ, and our ultimate destination is a place of eternal joy and peace. This vision should fill us with hope and motivate us to live faithfully, knowing that the struggles of this world are temporary. As we hold onto this promise, we can find comfort and strength to face the challenges of today, knowing that a glorious future awaits us. [14:50]
Isaiah 25:8 (ESV): "He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken."
Reflection: How does the promise of a future without pain or sorrow change the way you view your current struggles? What steps can you take to live with this hope in mind?
Day 3: Steadfastness in Prophetic Times
As we witness the fulfillment of biblical prophecy, it is crucial to remain steadfast in our faith. The world may be in turmoil, but Christ is our rock, and we are called to be a light in the darkness. This means continuing to witness and support one another, even when the world around us seems chaotic. Our identity in Christ gives us significance, regardless of our earthly status, and our names are written in heaven. This assurance should encourage us to press on, knowing that our future is secure in Him. By remaining steadfast, we can be a beacon of hope and encouragement to those around us. [23:06]
1 Peter 5:9-10 (ESV): "Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you."
Reflection: In what ways can you be a light in the darkness for someone in your life today? How can you support and encourage them in their faith journey?
Day 4: Our Identity and Significance in Christ
Regardless of our earthly status, we are significant in Christ. We are children of God, and our names are written in heaven. This assurance should encourage us to press on, knowing that our future is secure in Him. Our identity in Christ gives us a sense of purpose and belonging that transcends the circumstances of this world. It reminds us that we are part of a larger story, one that is filled with hope and promise. By embracing our identity in Christ, we can live with confidence and courage, knowing that we are loved and valued by our Creator. [14:50]
Ephesians 2:19-20 (ESV): "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone."
Reflection: How does knowing your identity in Christ change the way you view yourself and your purpose in life? What steps can you take to live more fully in this identity today?
Day 5: The Urgency of Salvation
Today is the day of salvation, and we must ensure that we are right with God, ready for His return. Our sins are between us and God, and we should seek a fresh anointing and restoration of joy in our lives. This urgency is not just about our own salvation but also about sharing the message of hope with others. As we live in these prophetic times, we are called to be a light in the darkness, witnessing to the truth of the gospel. By embracing the urgency of salvation, we can live with purpose and passion, knowing that our future is secure in Christ. [23:06]
2 Corinthians 6:2 (ESV): "For he says, 'In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.' Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation."
Reflection: Is there someone in your life who needs to hear the message of salvation? How can you share the hope of the gospel with them today?
Quotes
1) "In our lives, like I said earlier, it is easy for us to get discouraged. Amen. It's easy for us sometimes to lose sight of the goal. Now, when we first get saved, when we first repent, are water baptized, come to know the Lord, and we feel the Holy Ghost living inside of us, we're full of fire, right? We're full of zeal. Do you remember when you were first born? Again, do you remember the passion that you had? Amen. And you're full of that zeal, and you're full of that fire, and you're just ready to take the gospel unto every creature, unto every country, unto every nation, preach the word of God, and to see the lost saved. But over time, life happens. Amen. Over time, life's circumstances can sometimes be a hindrance." [00:55] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "Can you imagine life without death? We can't grasp that, can we? We can't grasp life without death today. There'll be no more funeral homes on the other side. Amen. There'll be no more graveside committals where the grave is as far as we can go with our loved ones on this side. Amen. We take them to the grave and we lower them down and that's as far as we can go with them. There'll be none of that on the other side. Amen. There'll be no graveyards once we cross the River Jordan. Amen. It'll all be over. It'll all be gone. That alone is worth going for. Amen. That alone is worth going for." [08:00] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "Pain is a hindrance. But on the other side, that's not going to be there either. Amen? You'll not wake up with a sore neck. You'll not wake up with an achy back. There'll be no more hip replacements. No more knee replacements. Amen? There'll be no more heart surgeries. There'll be no more of those things. There'll not be an insulin shot on the other side of glory. How many knows that today? That's where we're going. That's your future. That's what you've got today. Let's not lose sight of that. That should be encouraging. Amen? Oh, we're somebody today in Jesus Christ. We are somebody today." [10:00] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "It's exciting to think that there's a holy God in heaven that knows me that loves me that sees me through day to day and that one day is coming back to get me out of this awful world. That's our future today amen that's the future of the valley independent baptist church that's the future of each one of us in the pews if you're born again you won't make it unless you've been born again amen blood and water don't mix the scripture teaches you must be born again Nicodemus said Lord how is a man to be born again does he enter into the mother's womb a second time Jesus said no no you must be born of the water and of the spirit Amen." [17:00] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "You are somebody. How many knows that? You're a child of God, amen. A child of God. Oh, think about that. He said, and you shall be your God, you shall be my people. We are the people of the holy God in heaven. Whereby everything was created for. Whereby everything. We are the people of the holy God in heaven. was created for everything everything was created for him and by him the scripture says and that God that God knows you loves you and wants you to do more than scarcely make it amen I don't believe he wants you to hang on by the skin of your teeth I'm telling you this to tell you this it's such a dark time in this world today and in our walk with God sometimes it's troubled because of the things surrounding us I want you to go away encouraged today knowing that you are sufficient that you are able that you are somebody in the family of God." [14:50] (65 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "I want to encourage you, most importantly to encourage you today, to keep you pressing on, knowing that we don't have a lot of time. We don't have a lot of time left, amen. We don't have a lot of time left to tarry, and I believe that it's going to become increasingly more difficult than it is already for you and I to find joy in the world. The joy has almost departed this world. There's so much division. There's so much turmoil, so much heartache. Everybody's running to and fro, don't have a clue what's taking place, don't have a clue what's going on. But Christ is the rock. Amen. He is the rock." [20:00] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7) "You are somebody in Christ. You can be more than conquerors in Christ Jesus. If you're not not where you need today as a brother comes to get us a song of invitation, if you're not exactly where you need to be today, if you're not sure that if your time is up and that if the trumpet sounds today that you'll see Jesus and hear in or into the joys of the Lord, please talk it over with God. It's none of my business. Your sins are none of my business. My sins, my shortcomings are none of your business. That's all between each one of us and God. I ask you to talk it over with the Lord." [23:06] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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