Living for Eternity: Embracing Our Heavenly Future
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to celebrate Father's Day and to delve deeper into our ongoing series about heaven. We began by acknowledging the generosity of our congregation and offering a barbecue lunch for everyone. We also highlighted the importance of Randy Alcorn's book, "Heaven," which answers many questions about the afterlife. Our focus today was on living in the present in a way that impacts our eternity. We discussed the inevitability of death and the importance of living a life that prepares us for eternity.
We explored the concept of living for the "dot" versus living for the "line." The "dot" represents our current life, while the "line" symbolizes eternity. How we live in the "dot" affects our eternal life. We discussed what happens when a believer dies, including the immediate presence of the soul with the Lord and the eventual resurrection of the body. We also touched on the rewards and responsibilities that await us in the new heaven and new earth.
We emphasized the importance of leveraging our lives, gifts, and resources for God's glory. We are called to live wisely, righteously, and devotedly, storing up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. We also discussed the importance of sharing our faith and rescuing others from the flames of judgment. Finally, we encouraged everyone to refocus their energies on living a life that pleases God and to reach out to others with the love of Christ.
### Key Takeaways
1. Living for the Line, Not the Dot: Our current life is just a small "dot" compared to the eternal "line" that stretches into infinity. How we live in this dot determines our eternity. It's crucial to live in a way that prepares us for eternal life with God. This perspective helps us prioritize what truly matters and live with an eternal mindset. [35:22]
2. Immediate Presence with the Lord: The moment a believer dies, their soul is immediately ushered into the presence of the Lord. This assurance should bring comfort and hope, knowing that death is not the end but a transition into eternal life with God. This truth encourages us to live confidently and faithfully, knowing our ultimate destination. [38:10]
3. Heavenly Rewards and Responsibilities: Not everyone will receive the same rewards in heaven. Our faithfulness and service in this life will determine our responsibilities and rewards in the next. This understanding motivates us to use our gifts and talents for God's glory, knowing that our efforts have eternal significance. [49:17]
4. The New Heaven and New Earth: The new heaven and new earth will be a place of unimaginable beauty and joy. It will be a place where we will live, work, and worship in perfect harmony with God and each other. This vision of our future home should inspire us to live holy and dedicated lives now, as we look forward to this glorious reality. [44:25]
5. Rescuing Others from Judgment: We are called to show mercy and rescue others from the flames of judgment. This involves sharing our faith and living out the love of Christ in practical ways. Our actions and words can have eternal consequences, and we should be intentional about reaching out to those who are lost. [01:02:52]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[29:02] - Introduction to Heaven Series
[30:26] - Prayer and Dedication
[31:56] - Conversations About Heaven
[33:43] - Eternity Past and Present
[35:22] - Living for the Line, Not the Dot
[36:47] - What Happens When a Believer Dies
[38:10] - Immediate Presence with the Lord
[39:41] - Worship and Reunion in Heaven
[42:45] - Rapture, Rewards, and Resurrection
[44:25] - The New Heaven and New Earth
[46:09] - Description of the New Jerusalem
[49:17] - Heavenly Rewards and Responsibilities
[50:19] - Misconceptions About Heaven
[52:38] - Early Church's Focus on Heaven
[55:55] - What You Won't Find in Heaven
[57:43] - Leveraging Life for God's Glory
[59:22] - Random Acts of Kindness
[01:01:01] - Sharing Your Faith
[01:02:52] - Rescuing Others from Judgment
[01:04:45] - Living a Pure and Blameless Life
[01:05:52] - Florence Chadwick's Story
[01:07:48] - Final Prayer and Dedication
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 2 Corinthians 5:6-8 (NIV): "Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. For we live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord."
2. Revelation 21:1-4 (NIV): "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.'"
3. Matthew 6:19-20 (NIV): "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal."
### Observation Questions
1. According to 2 Corinthians 5:6-8, what is the relationship between being "at home in the body" and being "away from the Lord"?
2. In Revelation 21:1-4, what are some of the characteristics of the new heaven and new earth?
3. What does Matthew 6:19-20 say about where we should store our treasures and why?
4. In the sermon, what analogy is used to describe our current life compared to eternity? ([35:22])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the assurance of being "at home with the Lord" (2 Corinthians 5:6-8) influence a believer's perspective on death and life?
2. What does the vision of the new heaven and new earth in Revelation 21:1-4 reveal about God's ultimate plan for humanity?
3. How does the concept of storing treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-20) challenge our daily priorities and actions?
4. The sermon discusses the importance of living for the "line" rather than the "dot." How does this perspective affect the way we use our time and resources? ([35:22])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily life. Are there specific areas where you are more focused on the "dot" rather than the "line"? How can you shift your focus to have an eternal perspective? ([35:22])
2. The sermon mentioned the immediate presence of the soul with the Lord upon death. How does this assurance affect your approach to life's challenges and uncertainties? ([38:10])
3. Considering the rewards and responsibilities in heaven, how can you use your gifts and talents more effectively for God's glory in your current life? ([49:17])
4. The vision of the new heaven and new earth is one of beauty and joy. How can this vision inspire you to live a holy and dedicated life now? ([44:25])
5. The sermon emphasized rescuing others from judgment by sharing our faith. Identify one person in your life who needs to hear about Jesus. What practical steps can you take this week to share your faith with them? ([01:02:52])
6. Reflect on your current use of resources. Are there ways you can better leverage your finances, time, and talents for God's kingdom? ([57:43])
7. The sermon encouraged living a life that pleases God. What specific changes can you make in your daily routine to ensure you are living in a way that honors Him? ([01:04:45])
Devotional
### Day 1: Living for Eternity
Description:
Our current life is just a small "dot" compared to the eternal "line" that stretches into infinity. How we live in this dot determines our eternity. It's crucial to live in a way that prepares us for eternal life with God. This perspective helps us prioritize what truly matters and live with an eternal mindset. [35:22]
Living for the "line" means focusing on eternal values rather than temporary pleasures. It involves making decisions that reflect our faith and commitment to God, knowing that our actions have eternal consequences. This mindset encourages us to invest our time, talents, and resources in ways that honor God and advance His kingdom.
Bible Passage:
"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." (2 Corinthians 4:17-18, ESV)
Reflection:
What is one area of your life where you can shift your focus from temporary concerns to eternal values? How can you start making decisions today that reflect an eternal perspective?
### Day 2: Assurance of Immediate Presence with the Lord
Description:
The moment a believer dies, their soul is immediately ushered into the presence of the Lord. This assurance should bring comfort and hope, knowing that death is not the end but a transition into eternal life with God. This truth encourages us to live confidently and faithfully, knowing our ultimate destination. [38:10]
Understanding that we will be in the immediate presence of the Lord upon death provides a profound sense of peace and purpose. It reassures us that our faith in Christ secures our place in heaven, and it motivates us to live a life that reflects our gratitude and devotion to Him.
Bible Passage:
"So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord." (2 Corinthians 5:6-8, ESV)
Reflection:
How does the assurance of being in the immediate presence of the Lord upon death change the way you live your life today? What steps can you take to live more confidently and faithfully?
### Day 3: Rewards and Responsibilities in Heaven
Description:
Not everyone will receive the same rewards in heaven. Our faithfulness and service in this life will determine our responsibilities and rewards in the next. This understanding motivates us to use our gifts and talents for God's glory, knowing that our efforts have eternal significance. [49:17]
The concept of heavenly rewards and responsibilities encourages us to be diligent and faithful stewards of what God has entrusted to us. It reminds us that our actions, no matter how small, are seen by God and will be rewarded accordingly. This perspective helps us to serve with joy and dedication, knowing that our labor is not in vain.
Bible Passage:
"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil." (2 Corinthians 5:10, ESV)
Reflection:
What gifts and talents has God given you, and how can you use them more effectively for His glory? What specific actions can you take this week to serve others and store up treasures in heaven?
### Day 4: The New Heaven and New Earth
Description:
The new heaven and new earth will be a place of unimaginable beauty and joy. It will be a place where we will live, work, and worship in perfect harmony with God and each other. This vision of our future home should inspire us to live holy and dedicated lives now, as we look forward to this glorious reality. [44:25]
The promise of a new heaven and new earth gives us hope and a future to look forward to. It reminds us that our current struggles and sufferings are temporary and that a glorious, eternal home awaits us. This vision encourages us to live in a way that reflects our anticipation of this future reality, striving for holiness and dedication in our daily lives.
Bible Passage:
"But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells." (2 Peter 3:13, ESV)
Reflection:
How does the promise of a new heaven and new earth influence your daily life and decisions? What changes can you make to live more in alignment with this future hope?
### Day 5: Rescuing Others from Judgment
Description:
We are called to show mercy and rescue others from the flames of judgment. This involves sharing our faith and living out the love of Christ in practical ways. Our actions and words can have eternal consequences, and we should be intentional about reaching out to those who are lost. [01:02:52]
Rescuing others from judgment is a call to evangelism and compassionate living. It means being proactive in sharing the gospel and demonstrating Christ's love through our actions. This responsibility reminds us that our lives can have a profound impact on others' eternal destinies, and it challenges us to be bold and loving in our witness.
Bible Passage:
"And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh." (Jude 1:22-23, ESV)
Reflection:
Who in your life needs to hear the message of Christ's love and salvation? How can you reach out to them this week with both words and actions to share the hope of the gospel?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "There's one thing that we do know. We're all going to die. That's the encouragement today. All right. For whatever you're facing, you're going to die. But the important thing is that we live in such a way that our life changes our eternity." (21 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When I die, my soul, the real me immediately is in the presence of the Lord, in the presence of the Lord. And another thing we're going to do is participate in an awesome worship service." (15 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Heaven is real. Jesus said, I go to prepare a place for you. I mean, it's a real place. It's a right place. No pollution, no slow drivers in the left lane, no terrorism." (15 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I want to do everything short of sin to win as many people as I can to heaven. Jude, only one chapter in Jude verses 22 and 23 says, and you must, show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others, say rescue. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment." (24 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So listen, when we walk out of here today and we get that great barbecue lunch that's provided for us out there, we get in our car and we drive home, let's remember how I live this week in the dot is going to determine how I spend eternity." (27 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "So my goal today is to simply say, yeah, we may be living right now in the dot, but let's remember how I live in this dot prepares of how that I'll live for eternity. I mean, it's not enough that I just said yes to Jesus. Yes to Jesus means that, yeah, forever I'm going to spend ever and ever and ever with him. But if I said no to Jesus, that means that I'd spend eternity in hell, lake of fire and brimstone separated from God." (32 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And then there'll be the rapture, the rewards, and the resurrection. Remember, I die. My soul goes to be with the Lord. I'm there in the intermediate heaven for how long that is. But then at the end of time, when Jesus, the trumpet sounds, He comes back to this earth to resurrect those who are believers that have died." (24 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So you see when this new heaven, this new earth comes the way God really created it to be work is not a chore. Work is what you were created for of what you made. And you're going to be coming in and out of the city and all around the world, the new world, however God creates that new." (16 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So in light of that, I want to refocus on how I'm living now. And here's what I want to do. I want to reach out. I want to do everything short of sin to win as many people as I can to heaven." (24 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So in this dot, I want to make a decision that I spend eternity with him. And in this dot, I want to live forever and ever. I want to live in such a way that I please him in all that I do. And in this dot, I want to win my friends and my loved ones to Jesus. Because eternity matters." (22 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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