Inviting Others to the Eternal Family Reunion
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound invitation we have received to the ultimate family reunion—a reunion unlike any other, where there will be no conflicts, no pain, and no sorrow. This event is not just about being in a magnificent place or enjoying a sumptuous feast; it is about being in the presence of the one who has always been there for us, the one who has never failed us—God Himself. This invitation is not just for us to cherish but to share with others, as we are called to invite others to join in this eternal celebration.
We delved into Revelation 21, where John describes a vision of a new heaven and a new earth, a place where God will dwell with His people, wiping away every tear and eradicating death and pain. This vision is a reminder of the hope and future that awaits all who believe in the gospel. It is a call to live with an eternal perspective, to focus not on the temporary but on the everlasting.
We also addressed the reasons why many Christians hesitate to share the gospel: fear, ignorance, and short-sightedness. By understanding the power and truth of the gospel, we can overcome these barriers and become bold in our witness. The gospel is not a powerless message; it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. It is a message that promises eternal life and a future in the presence of God.
As we anticipate this glorious future, we are reminded of the urgency to share this hope with others. There are countless people who have not yet received this invitation, and it is our responsibility to extend it to them. We must live in light of eternity, inviting others to come and drink from the well of salvation, to believe in the gospel, and to be saved.
Key Takeaways:
- The invitation to the ultimate family reunion is a call to eternal joy and fellowship with God. This event is not just about a place or a feast but about being in the presence of God, who has always been faithful to us. We are called to share this invitation with others, inviting them to experience this eternal joy. [32:15]
- Revelation 21 paints a picture of a new creation where God will dwell with His people, eradicating all pain and sorrow. This vision is a reminder of the hope and future that awaits believers, encouraging us to live with an eternal perspective. [39:28]
- Overcoming fear, ignorance, and short-sightedness is essential for sharing the gospel. By understanding the power and truth of the gospel, we can become bold in our witness, knowing that it is the power of God for salvation. [36:47]
- The urgency to share the gospel stems from the reality that many have not yet received the invitation to eternal life. We must live in light of eternity, inviting others to come and drink from the well of salvation. [01:02:49]
- The greatest reward of heaven is not the place or the people but the eternal presence of God. Believers will enjoy eternal fellowship with God, worshiping and serving Him forever. This is the inheritance that awaits all who believe the gospel. [01:01:24]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[32:15] - The Ultimate Invitation
[34:37] - Barriers to Sharing the Gospel
[36:47] - The Power of the Gospel
[39:28] - Vision of the New Creation
[41:33] - Living in Light of Eternity
[47:43] - The Thirsty and the Conquerors
[50:07] - Overcomers and Their Inheritance
[53:24] - The New Heaven and New Earth
[56:32] - Absence of Evil and Sin
[58:37] - Eternal Presence of God
[01:01:24] - Trustworthy and True Promises
[01:02:49] - Urgency to Invite Others
[01:05:21] - Consequences of Unbelief
[01:07:46] - Living Like Jesus is Coming
[01:12:09] - Invitation to Come and Drink
[01:14:10] - Closing Prayer and Baptism Celebration
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Revelation 21:1-8
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Revelation 21:1-8 describe about the new heaven and new earth? How is this vision different from the current world we live in? [39:28]
2. According to the sermon, what are the three main reasons Christians hesitate to share the gospel? [34:37]
3. How does the sermon describe the "thirsty" and the "conquerors" mentioned in Revelation 21? What do these terms signify? [47:43]
4. What is the ultimate reward for believers as described in the sermon, and how does it relate to the presence of God? [58:37]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the vision of a new creation in Revelation 21 encourage believers to live with an eternal perspective? What impact does this have on daily life? [41:33]
2. In what ways does understanding the power and truth of the gospel help overcome fear and ignorance in sharing it with others? [36:47]
3. The sermon emphasizes the urgency of sharing the gospel. How does the reality of the new creation and the lake of fire influence this urgency? [01:02:49]
4. How does the promise of eternal fellowship with God in Revelation 21 shape a believer's understanding of heaven? [58:37]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you have been hesitant to share the gospel due to fear or ignorance? What steps can you take to overcome these barriers? [34:37]
2. The sermon calls for living with an eternal perspective. What practical changes can you make in your daily routine to focus more on eternal matters rather than temporary ones? [41:33]
3. Think of someone in your life who has not yet received the invitation to eternal life. How can you intentionally share the gospel with them this week? [01:02:49]
4. The sermon describes the greatest reward of heaven as the eternal presence of God. How can you cultivate a deeper longing for God's presence in your life now? [58:37]
5. Consider the urgency of the gospel message. What specific actions can you take to ensure you are living in light of eternity and inviting others to join in this eternal celebration? [01:07:46]
6. How can you ensure that your life reflects the hope and joy of the new creation promised in Revelation 21? What changes might be necessary to align your life with this vision? [39:28]
7. The sermon mentions the importance of living holy lives as we await Jesus' return. What specific areas of your life need to be aligned with this call to holiness? [01:10:01]
Devotional
Day 1: The Invitation to Eternal Joy
The invitation to the ultimate family reunion is a profound call to eternal joy and fellowship with God. This event transcends the idea of a physical place or a lavish feast; it is about being in the presence of God, who has been eternally faithful. This invitation is not just for personal enjoyment but is meant to be shared with others, inviting them to experience this eternal joy. The anticipation of this reunion should inspire believers to live with an eternal perspective, focusing on the everlasting rather than the temporary. As we embrace this invitation, we are reminded of the importance of extending it to others, ensuring that they too can partake in this divine celebration. [32:15]
Revelation 22:17 (ESV): "The Spirit and the Bride say, 'Come.' And let the one who hears say, 'Come.' And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear about the invitation to eternal joy? How can you share this invitation with them today?
Day 2: Living with an Eternal Perspective
Revelation 21 offers a vision of a new creation where God will dwell with His people, eradicating all pain and sorrow. This vision serves as a powerful reminder of the hope and future that awaits believers, encouraging them to live with an eternal perspective. By focusing on the everlasting promises of God, believers can navigate the challenges of life with hope and assurance. This eternal perspective shifts the focus from temporary struggles to the glorious future that God has prepared for His people. It is a call to prioritize what truly matters and to live in a way that reflects the reality of God's eternal kingdom. [39:28]
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: What temporary concerns are distracting you from living with an eternal perspective? How can you refocus your priorities to align with God's eternal promises?
Day 3: Overcoming Barriers to Sharing the Gospel
Many Christians hesitate to share the gospel due to fear, ignorance, and short-sightedness. However, understanding the power and truth of the gospel can help believers overcome these barriers and become bold in their witness. The gospel is not a powerless message; it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. By embracing this truth, believers can confidently share the message of salvation, knowing that it has the power to transform lives. This boldness in witnessing is essential for fulfilling the call to invite others to experience the eternal joy and fellowship with God. [36:47]
Acts 4:29-31 (ESV): "And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus."
Reflection: What fears or misconceptions are holding you back from sharing the gospel? How can you seek God's help to overcome these barriers and become a bold witness for Him?
Day 4: The Urgency of Sharing the Gospel
The urgency to share the gospel stems from the reality that many have not yet received the invitation to eternal life. As believers, it is our responsibility to extend this invitation to others, inviting them to come and drink from the well of salvation. Living in light of eternity means recognizing the importance of sharing the hope of the gospel with those who have not yet heard. This urgency is driven by the understanding that the time is short, and the opportunity to share the message of salvation is now. By embracing this urgency, believers can actively participate in God's mission to bring others into His eternal kingdom. [01:02:49]
2 Peter 3:9 (ESV): "The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance."
Reflection: Who in your life has not yet received the invitation to eternal life? What steps can you take today to share the gospel with them?
Day 5: The Greatest Reward of Heaven
The greatest reward of heaven is not the place or the people but the eternal presence of God. Believers will enjoy eternal fellowship with God, worshiping and serving Him forever. This is the inheritance that awaits all who believe the gospel. The promise of God's eternal presence is a source of hope and encouragement for believers, reminding them of the ultimate goal of their faith. As they anticipate this glorious future, they are called to live in a way that reflects their devotion to God and their desire to be in His presence. This eternal perspective shapes their priorities and influences their daily lives, as they seek to honor God in all they do. [01:01:24]
Psalm 16:11 (ESV): "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
Reflection: How does the promise of God's eternal presence influence your daily life? What changes can you make to live in a way that reflects your anticipation of this glorious future?
Quotes
"We received an invitation to the most incredible event of your life. Let's say that event was a family reunion. And now before you go, no, I've been to some of those. I don't want to go to that. This is a really good one. This is one you want to go to. This is one that's going to be like no other family reunion you've ever been to. Unlike other family reunions, this one will have no conflicts, no misunderstandings, no arguments, no discussions about getting old and falling apart, no one telling you about their bunions, no discussion about surgeries, or any discussions about past family member failures." [00:30:06] (43 seconds)
"And as if that was not enough, there's more. There's something even better than that. The head of the family, someone you have long admired and longed to be with, someone who always has been there for you, has never failed you, has given you everything, he's going to be there. Actually, he's the host of this supper. He's the one who built this amazing place that you get to enjoy. And he's going to be present with you forever. You got an invitation to this event." [00:31:22] (33 seconds)
"But then you begin to notice each day as those calendar days count down, people around you, family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, other people that you care about. And you start to realize that you don't see an excitement in them. And you begin to understand it's because they've not been invited to this reunion. They're not going to get to enjoy this place. They're not going to get to enjoy the presence of the greatest person ever." [00:32:15] (30 seconds)
"Last Sunday, I shared with you three reasons Christians do not share the gospel with lost people. By a show of hands, how many of you remember at least one of those three reasons? Randall, what was one of them? We've been scared. All right, fear. Yeah, yeah, we don't share the gospel with people because we're afraid or we're ashamed. All right, good, what was another one? Let's see a hand. All right, wait, wait, where was it? Ignorance. Ignorance, okay, remember, we didn't call you ignorant." [00:34:24] (33 seconds)
"The gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. I preached that message, hopefully dealing with what Randall brought to our attention a moment ago. Fear. We're ashamed. We're afraid to share the good news. I'm hoping if you were here last week, that reminder, something that God used to remove that fear and replace it with an unashamed, eager desire to preach the gospel. We are not preaching a powerless, counterfeit message that comes from man." [00:36:47] (33 seconds)
"Apostle John writes this. 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. I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 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." [00:39:17] (33 seconds)
"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'm making all things new. Also, he said, Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true. He said to me, It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end." [00:39:50] (33 seconds)
"To the thirsty, I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. The one who conquers will have this heritage. I will be his God, he will be my son. But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death." [00:40:22] (35 seconds)
"One day, all who believe the gospel will eternally enjoy the new creation with the creator. That's the greatest benefit. That's the greatest reward of heaven. Not the place, not the people, but the fellowship this people eternally enjoy with God. I love that one pastor described it this way. He said, we will enjoy eternal fellowship with God. We'll see God as he is. We'll worship God. We'll serve God." [01:00:28] (28 seconds)
"John reminds us, you know, all who believe the gospel are going to internally enjoy the new creation in the presence of God, but all who do not believe the gospel are going to eternally endure their portion in the lake of fire away from the presence of God. For the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, for murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death." [01:03:28] (29 seconds)
"Throughout this message, you have been asked, have you through faith drank from the well of salvation? Have you believed the gospel and been saved? You have heard of the inheritance that belongs to those who believe the gospel. You have heard of the horrific heritage that belongs to those who reject it. Revelation 21 is coming. The countdown has begun. I hope before the end comes, you will come to Jesus and drink. And I hope today is that day." [01:13:04] (34 seconds)
"Father, thank you for the hope that we have through faith in your son and what he has done. God, remind us daily we were not saved to keep this message to ourselves. The gospel was always meant to spread through us. God, let us have glasses like Revelation 21, one through eight glasses that we wear daily, that we look through the lens of at this world. Let us long to see others join us at this great reunion." [01:15:14] (56 seconds)
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