Living with an Eternal Perspective: The New Jerusalem

In today's exploration of Revelation 21, we delved into the profound vision of the New Jerusalem, a city that embodies the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises. This city, descending from heaven, is not just a future hope but a present reality that shapes our lives today. It is a city with foundations laid by God, a place where His glory dwells, and where the redeemed of the Lord will reside eternally. The New Jerusalem is described as having 12 foundations, each inscribed with the names of the 12 Apostles of the Lamb, symbolizing the unity of God's people across the ages.

Abraham's journey of faith serves as a powerful example for us. He lived as a sojourner, looking for a city with eternal foundations, a city whose builder and maker is God. His life was not defined by what he possessed in the present but by the promise of what was to come. This vision of the city influenced every decision he made, demonstrating that true faith transcends the temporal and embraces the eternal.

The New Jerusalem is a city of immense glory and beauty, with walls of jasper, streets of pure gold, and gates of pearl. It is a city where God's presence is the light, eliminating the need for the sun or moon. This city is not just a place but a people—the bride of Christ, adorned and prepared for her husband. It is a city built on redemption, where the names of flawed yet redeemed individuals are inscribed on its foundations, reminding us of the transformative power of God's grace.

As we reflect on this vision, we are challenged to live with an eternal perspective, to hold loosely to the things of this world, and to invest in the kingdom that is to come. Our lives should be marked by a pursuit of this city, allowing its reality to shape our values, priorities, and actions. In doing so, we align ourselves with the saints of old, who lived by faith, looking forward to the fulfillment of God's promises.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Eternal Perspective: Abraham's life teaches us to live with an eternal perspective, valuing the promises of God over present possessions. His faith was not in what he could see but in the unseen city of God, which shaped his entire life. This challenges us to prioritize eternal realities over temporal gains. [11:26]
• 2. The Glory of God: The New Jerusalem is filled with the glory of God, representing His character and presence. This glory is not a mere spectacle but the knowledge of God saturating the city. Our lives should reflect this glory, seeking to know God intimately and manifest His character in the world. [32:28]
• 3. Unity of God's People: The city’s foundations bear the names of the 12 Apostles, symbolizing the unity of the church and Israel. This unity is a testament to God's redemptive work across history, calling us to embrace our identity as part of this eternal community. [54:16]
• 4. Redemption and Grace: The names on the foundations remind us of the grace that transforms flawed individuals into pillars of God's eternal city. This encourages us to trust in God's redemptive power, knowing that our weaknesses do not disqualify us from His purposes. [55:24]
• 5. Living for the City to Come: Our lives should be oriented towards the New Jerusalem, influencing our decisions and actions. This vision calls us to live with purpose, investing in the kingdom of God and holding loosely to the things of this world. [19:28]
  ** [19:28]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:10] - Introduction to the Series
• [01:32] - The Glory of the New Jerusalem
• [02:13] - A New Heaven and a New Earth
• [03:49] - The Bride and the Lamb
• [04:24] - The City’s Foundations
• [05:33] - The Precious Stones
• [06:17] - The Light of the City
• [07:12] - The Lamb’s Book of Life
• [09:43] - Abraham’s Vision of the City
• [12:02] - Living by Faith
• [16:30] - The Eternal City
• [19:28] - Seeking the City to Come
• [23:55] - The Reality of the New Jerusalem
• [29:55] - The Foundations of the City
• [39:20] - The Bride of Christ
• [49:20] - The Names on the Foundations
• [55:24] - Redemption and Grace
• [73:20] - Conclusion and Prayer

1. Revelation 21:1-14
2. Hebrews 11:9-10
3. Hebrews 13:14

1. What are the key features of the New Jerusalem as described in Revelation 21? Consider its physical attributes and symbolic meanings. [01:52]
2. How does the sermon describe Abraham's journey of faith, and what was he ultimately seeking? [09:43]
3. What is the significance of the 12 foundations of the New Jerusalem, and whose names are inscribed on them? [04:43]
4. According to the sermon, what role does the glory of God play in the New Jerusalem? [30:29]

1. How does Abraham's faith journey, as described in Hebrews 11, challenge contemporary believers to live with an eternal perspective? [11:26]
2. In what ways does the unity of God's people, symbolized by the names on the foundations, reflect God's redemptive work throughout history? [54:16]
3. How does the sermon suggest that the glory of God in the New Jerusalem should influence the lives of believers today? [32:28]
4. What does the sermon imply about the transformative power of God's grace, as seen in the lives of the Apostles whose names are on the foundations? [55:24]

1. Reflect on Abraham's example of living with an eternal perspective. What are some practical ways you can prioritize eternal realities over temporal gains in your daily life? [11:26]
2. The New Jerusalem is described as a city filled with God's glory. How can you seek to know God more intimately and manifest His character in your interactions with others this week? [32:28]
3. The unity of God's people is a testament to His redemptive work. How can you actively contribute to the unity of your church community, embracing your identity as part of this eternal community? [54:16]
4. Consider the names on the foundations of the New Jerusalem, which remind us of God's grace. How can you trust in God's redemptive power in your own life, especially in areas where you feel weak or flawed? [55:24]
5. The sermon challenges us to live for the city to come. What specific steps can you take to align your values, priorities, and actions with the vision of the New Jerusalem? [19:28]
6. How does the concept of the New Jerusalem as the bride of Christ influence your understanding of your relationship with God? What changes might you make in your spiritual life to reflect this relationship more deeply? [36:37]
7. The sermon mentions the importance of having a name written in the Lamb's Book of Life. How does this assurance impact your daily walk with God, and how can you share this hope with others? [11:36]