Hope and Promise of the New Heaven
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound and awe-inspiring vision of the new heaven and new earth as described in Revelation 21 and 22. This vision is a promise of eternal life with God, free from pain, sorrow, and death. We delved into the imagery of the new Jerusalem, a city adorned with precious stones, pure gold, and gates made of pearls. This city is not just a place but a symbol of God's eternal presence with His people. The new heaven and new earth represent the culmination of God's redemptive plan, where He will dwell among us, and we will experience His glory in its fullness.
We also discussed the importance of living a life that reflects our hope in this eternal promise. The warnings in Revelation remind us that only those whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life will enter this new creation. This calls us to a life of repentance, faith, and obedience to Christ. The imagery of the river of life and the tree of life in the new Jerusalem serves as a reminder of the eternal sustenance and healing that God provides.
In our current lives, we get glimpses of heaven, moments that make us yearn for more. These tastes of heaven should inspire us to live faithfully, knowing that our ultimate home is with God. The message is clear: choose Christ, live in His light, and look forward to the eternal joy that awaits us.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Promise of a New Heaven and New Earth: Revelation 21 and 22 describe a new heaven and new earth where God will dwell among His people. This vision includes the new Jerusalem, a city of unimaginable beauty and purity, symbolizing God's eternal presence with us. This promise should fill us with hope and inspire us to live in anticipation of this eternal reality. [30:13]
2. The Importance of Repentance and Faith: Only those whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life will enter the new heaven and new earth. This calls us to a life of repentance, faith, and obedience to Christ. We must continually examine our lives, turn away from sin, and follow Jesus wholeheartedly. [35:51]
3. The Eternal Presence of God: In the new heaven and new earth, God will wipe away every tear, and there will be no more death, mourning, or pain. This eternal state of joy and peace is a stark contrast to the suffering and brokenness of our current world. It reminds us that our ultimate hope is in God's eternal presence. [34:14]
4. The River and Tree of Life: The imagery of the river of life and the tree of life in the new Jerusalem symbolizes eternal sustenance and healing. These elements remind us that in God's eternal kingdom, we will experience complete restoration and wholeness. This vision should encourage us to seek God's healing and sustenance in our lives today. [43:35]
5. Living in Anticipation of Eternity: The glimpses of heaven we experience in our current lives should make us yearn for more. These tastes of heaven inspire us to live faithfully, knowing that our ultimate home is with God. We must choose Christ, live in His light, and look forward to the eternal joy that awaits us. [48:04]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[16:50] - Announcements and Updates
[19:01] - Prayer Night and Yard Sale
[21:19] - Concert Series and Fundraiser
[22:21] - Offering and Prayer
[27:40] - Family Vacation and Reflection
[28:57] - Introduction to Heaven
[30:13] - The New Heaven and New Earth
[31:27] - Revelation 21:1-2
[32:59] - 2 Peter 3:10 and Interpretation
[34:14] - Revelation 21:3-4
[35:51] - Warning and Call to Repentance
[37:18] - Description of the New Jerusalem
[38:49] - The City of Pure Gold
[40:35] - Eternal Light and Open Gates
[42:13] - The Importance of Evangelism
[43:35] - The River and Tree of Life
[44:56] - Final Warnings and Encouragement
[46:27] - Life's Hardships and Eternal Hope
[48:04] - The Choice Between Heaven and Hell
[49:43] - Invitation to Accept Christ
[50:58] - Closing Prayer and Reflection
[52:32] - Final Song
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Revelation 21:1-4: "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. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 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.'"
2. Revelation 22:1-2: "Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations."
3. 2 Peter 3:10: "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare."
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the key features of the new heaven and new earth as described in Revelation 21:1-4?
2. According to Revelation 22:1-2, what is the significance of the river of life and the tree of life in the new Jerusalem?
3. How does 2 Peter 3:10 describe the transformation of the current heaven and earth? What imagery is used to convey this change?
4. In the sermon, what does the pastor say about the eternal state of joy and peace in the new heaven and new earth? ([34:14])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the promise of a new heaven and new earth reveal about God's ultimate plan for humanity? How does this vision impact our understanding of God's redemptive work? ([30:13])
2. How does the imagery of the new Jerusalem as a bride adorned for her husband enhance our understanding of the relationship between God and His people? ([31:52])
3. What is the significance of the river of life and the tree of life providing eternal sustenance and healing in the new Jerusalem? How does this imagery relate to our current spiritual needs? ([43:35])
4. How does the pastor's description of the eternal presence of God, where there will be no more death, mourning, or pain, contrast with our current experiences of suffering and brokenness? ([34:14])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the promise of a new heaven and new earth. How does this vision of eternal life with God influence your daily life and decisions? ([30:13])
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of repentance and faith. What steps can you take to ensure your name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life? ([35:51])
3. In what ways can you seek God's healing and sustenance in your life today, inspired by the imagery of the river of life and the tree of life? ([43:35])
4. How can you live in anticipation of eternity, making choices that reflect your hope in the eternal joy that awaits us? ([48:04])
5. The pastor mentioned that glimpses of heaven in our current lives should inspire us to live faithfully. Can you identify a recent moment that felt like a glimpse of heaven? How did it impact your faith? ([30:28])
6. Considering the eternal presence of God where there will be no more suffering, how can you find comfort and hope in this promise during times of personal hardship? ([34:14])
7. How can you share the hope of the new heaven and new earth with others, especially those who may not yet know Christ? What practical steps can you take to evangelize and encourage others in their faith journey? ([42:00])
Devotional
Day 1: The Promise of a New Heaven and New Earth
The vision of a new heaven and new earth as described in Revelation 21 and 22 is a profound promise of eternal life with God. This new creation is depicted as a place of unimaginable beauty and purity, symbolized by the new Jerusalem, a city adorned with precious stones, pure gold, and gates made of pearls. This city is not just a physical place but a representation of God's eternal presence with His people. The new heaven and new earth signify the culmination of God's redemptive plan, where He will dwell among us, and we will experience His glory in its fullness. This promise should fill us with hope and inspire us to live in anticipation of this eternal reality. [30:13]
Isaiah 65:17-18 (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."
Reflection: How does the promise of a new heaven and new earth change the way you view your current struggles and challenges? Can you find hope in this vision and let it inspire your daily life?
Day 2: The Importance of Repentance and Faith
The vision of the new heaven and new earth comes with a solemn warning: only those whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life will enter this new creation. This calls us to a life of repentance, faith, and obedience to Christ. We must continually examine our lives, turn away from sin, and follow Jesus wholeheartedly. The call to repentance is not just a one-time event but a daily practice of turning our hearts towards God and seeking His forgiveness and guidance. This reminder should prompt us to live a life that reflects our hope in the eternal promise of God. [35:51]
2 Corinthians 7:10 (ESV): "For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death."
Reflection: Is there a specific area in your life where you need to repent and seek God's forgiveness? How can you make repentance a daily practice in your walk with Christ?
Day 3: The Eternal Presence of God
In the new heaven and new earth, God will wipe away every tear, and there will be no more death, mourning, or pain. This eternal state of joy and peace is a stark contrast to the suffering and brokenness of our current world. It reminds us that our ultimate hope is in God's eternal presence. The promise of God's eternal presence should comfort us in times of sorrow and pain, knowing that a day is coming when all suffering will cease, and we will experience the fullness of His joy and peace. [34:14]
Revelation 21:3-4 (ESV): "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.'"
Reflection: How can the promise of God's eternal presence bring you comfort in your current struggles? Can you find ways to remind yourself of this promise daily?
Day 4: The River and Tree of Life
The imagery of the river of life and the tree of life in the new Jerusalem symbolizes eternal sustenance and healing. These elements remind us that in God's eternal kingdom, we will experience complete restoration and wholeness. The river of life flows from the throne of God, and the tree of life bears fruit for the healing of the nations. This vision should encourage us to seek God's healing and sustenance in our lives today, knowing that He provides for our every need and offers us eternal life through Christ. [43:35]
Ezekiel 47:12 (ESV): "And on the banks, on both sides of the river, there will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither, nor their fruit fail, but they will bear fresh fruit every month, because the water for them flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for healing."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need God's healing and sustenance? How can you seek His provision and restoration today?
Day 5: Living in Anticipation of Eternity
The glimpses of heaven we experience in our current lives should make us yearn for more. These tastes of heaven inspire us to live faithfully, knowing that our ultimate home is with God. We must choose Christ, live in His light, and look forward to the eternal joy that awaits us. The anticipation of eternity should shape our daily lives, guiding our actions, decisions, and relationships. By living in the light of eternity, we can find purpose and meaning in our present circumstances, knowing that our ultimate hope is in God's eternal kingdom. [48:04]
Colossians 3:1-2 (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."
Reflection: How can you live in anticipation of eternity in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to keep your focus on God's eternal kingdom?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "So, do you want to see the new heaven and the new earth? If you haven't yet, get your hearts right. Repent. Turn to faith. Follow Christ. You know, try not to deviate. We're going to sin. We have a sin nature, but you know, the idea is to let them grow us, let us break us up things. Maybe one by one, through our lives, tackle these things and just grow closer to him." [35:51](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We have two choices. We can take the judgment at the great white throne. I don't let alone a lake of fire forever, with no chance of getting out, no one around, God not there. I mean, I'm not going to even try to imagine it. I don't know that I could. It just sounds awful, or you can choose heaven. And I don't want to just sugarcoat this. It's our choice where we go, and hell is very real. Heaven is very real. And we choose hell by not choosing Jesus Christ as our savior." [48:04](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Just choose Jesus. Choose Jesus. And it's as simple as just repenting, turning away from everything bad you've ever done. Well, we try to do that, but that's the idea, right? Repent of these things turn to him, follow him, put all of that behind you. And when you fall, just go back to him, you know, try to get it right. Don't just do it over and over again." [49:43](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If you haven't accepted Christ and you want to, you know, it's as simple as just having a conversation with him of, you know, Lord, I repent of my sins, you know, maybe even something specific that's really weighing you down in life. You know, I want to follow you. I believe you've risen from the dead. I thank you for saving me on the cross and I'd like you to save me. I want to follow you for the rest of my life." [52:32](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "But heaven is kind of like that. We get this little glimpse. We get a pretty big picture of hell, right? I mean, we determined that last week. It's a lake of fire. There's sulfur. You can't breathe. It's dark. There's torment. You're not going to hang out with your buddies in a hot place. You're going away from God separated forever and darkness in torment. And that's awful. No one's going to want to crave that. We have the full picture. But heaven, we have a taste of it. Doesn't it just make you want more? Doesn't it just seem to draw you in there? I hope it does. It sure does for me." [30:13](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "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." [34:14](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So, John does a good job of describing from at least human eyes something that's awesome, and he's trying to relate things that maybe he doesn't quite understand, or can't even, I can't imagine seeing heaven being able to put it into words to be honest with you, and I don't think he could either. So, he talks about the most rare jewel, Jasper. Clear is crystal. A high wall with 12 gates made from just 12 pearls. Each pearl was a gate. Imagine a big pearl as your gate. I think that's pretty cool." [37:18](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God, the Almighty, and the Lamb, and the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb. By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it, and its gates will never be shut by day. Imagine that all the gates always open. Right now gates are there to hold out intruders, but there aren't any." [40:35](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "There's that forever and ever again. This is eternity. This is it. All this right now, this is all going to go away. James calls our life a vapor, a vapor. I can put a string from end to end here. I can put this little microscopic dot at the beginning and that's our life here. And the string really should just go on forever. I mean, isn't that going to be awesome?" [43:35](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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