Hope and Redemption: A Vision of New Creation
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we gather to worship and make much of Jesus, reflecting on the hope and promise of a new heaven and a new earth as described in Revelation 21. We began by reciting our church memory verse from Acts 2:42-47, encouraging everyone to memorize it and keep it close to their hearts. We also took time to pray for those in need within our community, lifting up the Bear family, Charlotte, Red, and others who are facing challenges.
Our main focus today was on Revelation 21, where we see a vision of a new creation where God will dwell with His people, wiping away every tear, and eliminating death, mourning, crying, and pain. This passage offers immense comfort and hope, reminding us that all the old, sinful things will pass away, and everything will be made new. This new creation is described as a bride beautifully adorned for her husband, symbolizing the intimate and joyous union between God and His people.
We also explored the parallels between the beginning of Genesis and the end of Revelation, noting how the story of creation, fall, and redemption comes full circle. In Genesis, we saw the entrance of sin and the separation between God and man. In Revelation, we see the end of sin and the restoration of perfect communion with God. This new Jerusalem is a place where God's presence is fully realized, and His people live in perfect peace and prosperity.
As we await this glorious future, we are reminded of our current state and the need for redemption. We are all sinful and fall short, but through Jesus, we have a path back to God. This hope should embolden us to live our lives today in light of God's promises for tomorrow. We are called to be a people who reflect the love and grace of God, living in a way that shows our desire for Him and our belief in His promises.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Promise of a New Creation: Revelation 21 offers a vision of a new heaven and a new earth where God will dwell with His people, eliminating all pain, sorrow, and death. This promise provides immense comfort and hope, reminding us that all the old, sinful things will pass away, and everything will be made new. [24:02]
2. The Full Circle of Redemption: The parallels between Genesis and Revelation highlight the full circle of God's redemptive plan. In Genesis, we saw the entrance of sin and separation from God. In Revelation, we see the end of sin and the restoration of perfect communion with God. This new Jerusalem is a place where God's presence is fully realized, and His people live in perfect peace and prosperity. [36:51]
3. Living in Light of God's Promises: As believers, we are called to live our lives today in light of God's promises for tomorrow. This means living in a way that reflects our desire for God and our belief in His promises. Our lives should demonstrate the fruits of the gospel, showing that we are a people who are set apart for God's purposes. [41:16]
4. The Assurance of Salvation: Understanding the gospel means recognizing that we have been sealed by God through the Holy Spirit. This seal is a guarantee of our inheritance in the new creation. Living in the hope of this new city means living in the assurance of our salvation today, knowing that we have been purchased by the blood of Christ and made new in the Spirit. [57:00]
5. The Call to Fight for Souls: The battle for souls is still waging, and we are called to fight. There are people around us who need to be redeemed, and we have been given the mission to share the gospel and advance God's kingdom. This requires us to be engaged in the mission of Christ in all areas of our lives, living in a way that shows our commitment to God's purposes. [01:14:24]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[12:59] - Worship and Offering
[23:21] - Prayers for the Community
[24:02] - Revelation 21: Comfort and Hope
[35:03] - Opening Prayer and Scripture Reading
[36:13] - Genesis and Revelation: Full Circle of Redemption
[41:16] - Living in Light of God's Promises
[49:33] - The New Creation: Out with the Old, In with the New
[57:00] - Assurance of Salvation
[01:14:24] - Call to Fight for Souls
[01:15:41] - Closing Worship and Invitation
Study 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. Genesis 3:22-24: "And the Lord God said, 'The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever.' So the Lord God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken. After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life."
3. Hebrews 11:9-10: "By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God."
### Observation Questions
1. What vision does John describe in Revelation 21:1-4 about the new heaven and new earth?
2. How does Genesis 3:22-24 describe the separation between God and man after the fall?
3. According to Hebrews 11:9-10, what was Abraham looking forward to, and how does it relate to the new Jerusalem described in Revelation 21?
4. In the sermon, what are some of the old things that will pass away in the new creation? [24:02]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the promise of a new heaven and a new earth in Revelation 21:1-4 provide comfort and hope for believers today? [24:02]
2. What are the parallels between the beginning of Genesis and the end of Revelation, and how do they highlight the full circle of God's redemptive plan? [36:51]
3. How does understanding the assurance of salvation through the Holy Spirit impact a believer's daily life and hope for the future? [57:00]
4. What does it mean to live in light of God's promises for tomorrow, and how should this influence our actions and decisions today? [41:16]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced pain, sorrow, or loss. How does the promise in Revelation 21:4 that God will wipe away every tear and eliminate death and pain give you hope? [24:02]
2. The sermon mentioned the full circle of redemption from Genesis to Revelation. How does this understanding of God's redemptive plan change your perspective on your own life's journey and struggles? [36:51]
3. In what ways can you live your life today in light of God's promises for tomorrow? Identify one specific area where you can demonstrate your belief in God's promises through your actions. [41:16]
4. The assurance of salvation is a key takeaway from the sermon. How can you remind yourself daily of this assurance, and how might it change the way you approach challenges and opportunities? [57:00]
5. The sermon emphasized the call to fight for souls and share the gospel. Who in your life needs to hear the message of redemption, and what steps can you take this week to share God's love with them? [01:14:24]
6. Consider the parallels between the old and new creation. How does this understanding motivate you to let go of worldly attachments and focus on your relationship with God? [49:33]
7. The pastor shared personal convictions about living a life that reflects the fruits of the gospel. What specific changes can you make in your daily routine to better reflect your desire for God and belief in His promises? [01:12:40]
Devotional
Day 1: The Promise of a New Creation
In Revelation 21, we are given a vision of a new heaven and a new earth where God will dwell with His people. This new creation is a place where all pain, sorrow, and death are eliminated. The old, sinful things will pass away, and everything will be made new. This promise provides immense comfort and hope, reminding us that our current sufferings are temporary and that a glorious future awaits us. As we reflect on this promise, we are encouraged to hold on to the hope that God has given us and to live our lives in anticipation of this new creation. [24:02]
Revelation 21:4-5 (ESV): "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.'"
Reflection: Think about a current struggle or pain you are experiencing. How does the promise of a new creation give you hope and comfort in this situation?
Day 2: The Full Circle of Redemption
The Bible begins with the story of creation in Genesis and ends with the vision of a new creation in Revelation. In Genesis, we see the entrance of sin and the separation between God and man. In Revelation, we see the end of sin and the restoration of perfect communion with God. This full circle of redemption highlights God's redemptive plan for humanity. The new Jerusalem is a place where God's presence is fully realized, and His people live in perfect peace and prosperity. This vision reminds us of God's ultimate plan to restore what was lost and to bring us into a perfect relationship with Him. [36:51]
Genesis 3:23-24 (ESV): "Therefore the Lord God sent him out from the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he was taken. He drove out the man, and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life."
Reflection: Reflect on the journey from Genesis to Revelation. How does understanding the full circle of redemption impact your view of God's plan for your life?
Day 3: Living in Light of God's Promises
As believers, we are called to live our lives today in light of God's promises for tomorrow. This means living in a way that reflects our desire for God and our belief in His promises. Our lives should demonstrate the fruits of the gospel, showing that we are a people who are set apart for God's purposes. This involves making daily choices that align with God's will and living in a way that honors Him. By doing so, we become a testimony to others of the hope and transformation that comes from knowing Christ. [41:16]
2 Peter 3:11-12 (ESV): "Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn!"
Reflection: Consider one area of your life where you can better reflect God's promises. What practical steps can you take today to live in a way that honors Him?
Day 4: The Assurance of Salvation
Understanding the gospel means recognizing that we have been sealed by God through the Holy Spirit. This seal is a guarantee of our inheritance in the new creation. Living in the hope of this new city means living in the assurance of our salvation today, knowing that we have been purchased by the blood of Christ and made new in the Spirit. This assurance gives us confidence and peace, knowing that our future is secure in God's hands. It also motivates us to live faithfully and to share this hope with others. [57:00]
Ephesians 1:13-14 (ESV): "In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory."
Reflection: Reflect on the assurance of your salvation. How does this assurance impact your daily life and your interactions with others?
Day 5: The Call to Fight for Souls
The battle for souls is still waging, and we are called to fight. There are people around us who need to be redeemed, and we have been given the mission to share the gospel and advance God's kingdom. This requires us to be engaged in the mission of Christ in all areas of our lives, living in a way that shows our commitment to God's purposes. We are called to be proactive in sharing our faith and to be intentional in our relationships, seeking opportunities to point others to Christ. [01:14:24]
2 Timothy 4:2 (ESV): "Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching."
Reflection: Identify one person in your life who needs to hear the gospel. How can you take a step today to share the love and message of Christ with them?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Listen, if you didn't grab a bulletin as you came in this morning, make sure you grab one of those. There's a ton of things going on this month as we get into the end of the month. It's already almost the end of June, which is crazy. But make sure you stop at the connections table. There's plenty of things to sign up for. We have women's events, men's events, youth events coming up. So make sure you check that out before you leave. Are you guys ready to worship? Amen." (21 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And so as we go to the Lord, whatever it is that is on your heart, whatever it is that you're walking through, cling to that passage that there will be a day where God will wipe all of our tears away. Amen. Amen. Amen. And all the bad stuff we experience will come to pass because all the old things will pass away." (18 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Lord, thank you for your Son. Thank you for giving us a path back to yourself through his blood. Thank you for providing salvation to us so that now not only can we have victory today as we've been talking about, but we get to look forward to the future that there will be a day where there will be no tears, there will be no death, there will be no sickness, there will be no pain, there will be no sorrow, there will be no consequences of sin." (25 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Listen, in our culture today, we read these stories, we watch these Disney movies, or these romances, and we have this, they lived happily ever after mentality. We think the story ends that way because there's nothing, there's nothing left interesting to say. There's no more drama. There's no more tension. There's no more threat. There's no more excitement. It's almost as if the two people get married in that story, that the pinnacle, that's the pinnacle of their life, right? Like that's the best day is when they are joined together and they live happily ever after." (36 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The wonder of the new heaven and the new earth, the wonder isn't that you're going to be linked up with someone you might have lost who's gone on before you. And listen, there will be a reunion of the people of God. I'm not saying that there won't, there certainly will, but the Bible, it actually doesn't speak much about that at all. Actually, it speaks more about the sheer God-centered, spectacular unimaginable glory that will be ours forever in an unceasing eternity as we contemplate God in all of His perfections." (30 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "It's almost as if everything that's happened since the fall of man, since Genesis chapter 3, it's all happened to bring us back to this moment where all things will be made new. Oftentimes, people ask, what's it going to be like in eternity, Pastor Steven? Well, read Genesis chapter 2. A lot of times, our minds, we go to this post-garden narrative, but all of history, it's been heading to a pre-garden narrative. That was the picture that God gave us. That's where everything's going. That's what we hope for. That's what we long for." (34 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The reality is, as you read the other parts of Scripture, you can't have godly peace and prosperity until all things old have passed away and all things are made new. Sinful flesh has to die. Sinful things have to be tossed in the lake of fire. And, guys, the other reality is that in Christ's glorified state, he can't physically come and reign in this world until all of that happens because he is holy. He can't be in the presence of sin. That's why I interpret Revelation 20 the way I do. He reigns from heaven, and until the establishment of this city that we're reading about today, I believe we reign with him after our first death." (37 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The significance of the 12,000, the 144 apocalyptic literature, I believe, as you go through other parts of the Bible, it's filled with symbolism and it's calling to mind the 12 apostles, the 12 tribes of Israel. It's a way of saying that all of the Old Covenant people, all of the New Covenant people together, they constitute this unified people, like the book of Ephesians talks about, one new humanity in Christ. Again, we're going to look different in every single way. A city built like a cube, which I believe is just another piece of symbolism here in the Old Testament." (33 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The wonder of the new heaven and the new earth, the wonder isn't that you're going to be linked up with someone you might have lost who's gone on before you. And listen, there will be a reunion of the people of God. I'm not saying that there won't, there certainly will, but the Bible, it actually doesn't speak much about that at all. Actually, it speaks more about the sheer God-centered, spectacular unimaginable glory that will be ours forever in an unceasing eternity as we contemplate God in all of His perfections. And guys, this new world, this city, will work it, will have perfect dominion over it, and our sole aim will bring glory to God which it says He shares with us as His people, will be captivated by it, will live in His grace constantly reminded of where we were and where we are now because of His great love and grace that He's shown us." (52 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Listen to those words, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and when you believed in Him because of that gospel message, it says you have been sealed, you were sealed by God Himself, which is a guarantee, it's proof that you will inherit this new city and everything that comes along with it, all the newness. Through faith, through grace, because of the blood of Christ, you have been purchased and you have been made new in the Spirit and yes, one day you'll receive a new body with a new mind, but guys, you have a new heart right now that's been sealed by the Holy Spirit, God Himself. And He did that so that you can be constantly reminded over and over and over again that this new city, it is yours, because of Christ Jesus. It's yours. To His glory and to His praise. It's all yours. Living in the hope of this new city, it's living in the assurance of your salvation today." (60 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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