Restoration: The Overlap of Heaven and Earth
Summary
In the beginning, God’s space and humanity’s space were one and the same—a place of perfect provision, purpose, and, most importantly, God’s presence. Humanity, however, was given a choice: to trust God’s way or to seek their own version of good and evil. Influenced by the serpent, humanity chose separation, and ever since, God’s space and our space have been divided. Yet, from the very start, God promised restoration—a new Adam, Jesus, who would overcome evil and reunite heaven and earth. This is the grand narrative of Scripture: not a story about us, but a story that graciously includes us.
Jesus, the Messiah, is the center of this story. Through his life, death, and resurrection, he brings the possibility of new creation, offering us a taste of the kingdom of heaven even now. The kingdom is not some distant, ethereal place, but the overlap of God’s reality with ours—where healing, peace, and joy break into our world. The ultimate hope is not escape, but reunion: God’s space and our space fully united, as in Eden, where God is with his people and all things are made new.
God reveals himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. As Father, he desires relationship, flourishing, and joy for his children, willing to give everything—even his own life—to make that possible. As Son, Jesus is the Messiah, the Tree of Life, and the true Temple—the place where God and humanity meet. As Holy Spirit, God dwells within us, guiding, empowering, and transforming us into the new humanity Jesus modeled.
Hell, in contrast, is not a place God delights in or created for revenge. Rather, it is the tragic result of persistent separation from God—a place where people choose their own way over God’s, even in the face of suffering. The worst part of hell is not fire or torment, but the absence of God’s presence and love.
The good news is that we are invited into this story. We can choose to be part of God’s kingdom, to become new humans who carry his presence and extend his kingdom into the world. This invitation requires a real response: repentance—a turning from our own way to God’s way—and belief, a trust that leads to action. In this overlap of heaven and earth, we are called to be agents of God’s love, peace, and transformation, both experiencing and sharing the kingdom until the day all things are made new.
Key Takeaways
- God’s deepest desire is relationship with us, not because of our performance, but because of his love and the potential he sees in us. Like a good father, he longs for us to flourish, to love one another, and to be with him, even to the point of giving everything for our sake. This is the heart behind all of God’s actions throughout history. [39:23]
- The kingdom of heaven is not merely a future hope or a distant place, but a present reality breaking into our world. We live in the “overlap,” experiencing glimpses of God’s reign—healing, peace, joy, and purpose—while still longing for the full restoration to come. Our calling is to stretch this overlap, bringing more of God’s kingdom into the here and now. [47:13]
- Hell is not God’s revenge, but the honoring of human choice to reject his presence and ways. The agony of hell is not primarily about fire or torment, but about eternal separation from the source of love, joy, and life. God’s heart breaks over this separation, but he will not force anyone into relationship; hell is, as C.S. Lewis said, “locked from the inside.” [54:52]
- The invitation to God’s kingdom is not passive; it requires repentance and belief. Repentance is more than feeling sorry—it is a change of mind and direction, a turning from our own way to God’s. Belief is not mere agreement, but trust that leads to action, stepping out in faith to follow Jesus and live in his way. [01:06:30]
- As followers of Jesus, we are not just recipients of the kingdom, but participants in its coming. We become the new temple, the body of Christ, carrying God’s presence into the world and offering “kingdom samples” of love, healing, and transformation. Our lives are meant to be a foretaste of the world to come, inviting others into the story and expanding the overlap of heaven and earth. [01:02:20]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Opening Prayer and Series Review
[03:10] - The Circles: God’s Space and Man’s Space
[07:30] - Humanity’s Choice and Separation
[10:55] - God’s Promise of Restoration
[13:40] - Living in the Overlap
[16:20] - The Gospel: Good News for Us
[19:00] - The Four Gospels and Jesus’ Mission
[22:15] - Jesus’ Baptism and New Creation
[27:00] - God Revealed: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
[34:25] - Jesus as Messiah, Tree of Life, and Temple
[41:00] - The Kingdom of Heaven: Present and Future
[46:26] - Misconceptions About Heaven
[50:31] - The Reality and Trajectory of Hell
[54:09] - Why God Allows Hell
[57:49] - The Parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man
[59:28] - The Invitation: Repent and Believe
[01:03:31] - Living as the New Temple
[01:06:30] - What It Means to Repent and Believe
[01:11:12] - GROW Initiative and Generosity
[01:14:04] - Closing Blessing and Invitation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
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### Bible Reading
1. Mark 1:14-15
“After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. ‘The time has come,’ he said. ‘The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!’”
2. 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.”
3. Luke 16:19-31 (Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus)
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Mark 1:15, what two actions does Jesus call people to in response to the good news?
(Repent and believe)
2. In Revelation 21:1-4, what is the most important feature of the new heaven and new earth?
(God’s presence with his people, wiping away every tear, no more death or pain)
3. In the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31), what is the main difference between the experiences of Lazarus and the rich man after death?
(Lazarus is comforted with Abraham; the rich man is in torment and separated)
4. The sermon described the “overlap” of God’s space and our space. What are some examples given of what this overlap looks like in our lives today?
(Healing, community, peace, joy, purpose, and experiencing God’s presence) [16:20]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon says the kingdom of heaven is not just a future hope, but a present reality breaking into our world. What does it mean to “live in the overlap” of God’s kingdom and our world? How might this change the way someone views their daily life? [16:20]
2. The pastor described hell as “the tragic result of persistent separation from God” and not God’s revenge. How does this understanding of hell affect the way someone might view God’s character and the choices people make? [54:52]
3. The invitation to God’s kingdom requires repentance and belief. How does the sermon define repentance and belief, and how is this different from just feeling sorry or agreeing with facts? [01:06:30]
4. The sermon says that as followers of Jesus, we become the new temple, carrying God’s presence into the world. What does it mean for ordinary people to be “kingdom samples” or agents of God’s love and transformation? [01:02:20]
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### Application Questions
1. The pastor said God’s deepest desire is relationship with us, not because of our performance, but because of his love and the potential he sees in us. How does this truth challenge the way you see yourself or others, especially when you feel like you don’t measure up? [39:23]
2. The “overlap” of heaven and earth means we can experience glimpses of God’s kingdom now. Can you think of a recent moment when you sensed God’s presence, peace, or joy in your life? What was happening, and how did it affect you? [16:20]
3. The sermon described repentance as a real change of direction, not just feeling sorry. Is there an area in your life where you sense God inviting you to turn from your own way to his way? What would a first step look like for you? [01:06:30]
4. Belief, according to the sermon, is trust that leads to action. Is there something you believe about Jesus or his kingdom that you haven’t yet acted on? What’s holding you back, and what’s one small step you could take this week? [01:06:30]
5. The pastor said we are called to “stretch the overlap” and bring more of God’s kingdom into the here and now. Who is someone in your life who needs a “kingdom sample”—a taste of God’s love, peace, or healing? How could you practically offer that this week? [01:02:20]
6. The sermon described hell as “locked from the inside”—the result of people choosing separation from God. How does this perspective affect the way you pray for or interact with people who seem far from God? [54:52]
7. The pastor said our lives are meant to be a foretaste of the world to come, inviting others into the story. What is one way you can make your home, workplace, or friendships a place where God’s presence is felt more clearly? [01:02:20]
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Devotional
Day 1: God’s Desire to Be With Us
God’s greatest longing is to be in relationship with us, to love us, and to see us flourish in joy, purpose, and peace. Like a loving father who wants nothing more than to be with his children, God’s heart is for us to experience the fullness of life in His presence, not because of our performance, but because of His deep love and the potential He sees in us. No matter your relationship with your earthly father, know that your heavenly Father wants you to thrive, to love others, and to be with Him, even to the point of giving up everything for you. [39:23]
Matthew 7:9-11 (ESV)
Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust that God truly wants what’s best for you, and how can you open yourself to His loving presence today?
Day 2: The Kingdom of Heaven—God With His People
The defining characteristic of the kingdom of heaven is not just the absence of pain or sorrow, but the reality that God is fully with His people. From Eden to the new Jerusalem, God’s ultimate plan is to bring His space and our space together, so that we can live in the fullness of His presence, provision, and love. The kingdom is not a distant, ethereal place, but the glorious reality of God dwelling with us, making all things new, and inviting us into a life where His love rules over everything. [49:29]
Revelation 21:1-4 (ESV)
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. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 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: Where have you experienced a “sample” of God’s kingdom—His presence, peace, or joy—in your life recently, and how can you share that with someone else today?
Day 3: Hell—Separation from God by Our Own Choice
Hell is not a place God created out of revenge, but the tragic result of choosing separation from Him. It is the ultimate honoring of a person’s wish to live apart from God’s love, purpose, and presence. The worst part of hell is not fire or torment, but the absence of God and His goodness. God’s heart breaks over this separation, but He will not force anyone into relationship; hell is locked from the inside by those who persistently reject Him. [54:52]
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: Is there an area in your life where you are resisting God’s way and choosing your own? What would it look like to surrender that to Him today?
Day 4: The Invitation—Repent and Believe the Good News
The good news is that God invites each of us to be part of His kingdom, to become new humans filled with His Spirit, and to join in His story of restoration. This invitation requires a real response: to repent, which means turning away from our own way and embracing God’s way, and to believe, which means trusting Jesus so fully that it changes how we live. It’s not about outward actions or rituals, but a genuine change of heart and direction, accepting Jesus’ offer to lead, empower, and transform us. [01:06:30]
Mark 1:14-15 (ESV)
Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”
Reflection: What is one specific step you can take today to turn from your own way and actively trust Jesus with your life?
Day 5: Becoming Agents of God’s Kingdom
As followers of Jesus, we are not only invited to live in God’s kingdom, but also to be agents of its coming—carrying His presence, love, and power into the world. Together, we become the body of Christ, the new temple where God and humanity meet, offering “kingdom samples” of peace, healing, forgiveness, and transformation to those around us. God calls and empowers us to stretch the overlap between heaven and earth, inviting others into His story and making His kingdom visible here and now. [01:03:31]
2 Corinthians 5:20 (ESV)
Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
Reflection: Who is one person you can intentionally show God’s love or invite into His story this week, and how will you do it?
Quotes
He's going to recreate, and he is once again going to bring order and beauty and light out of disorder and confusion and chaos and darkness, and he is going to reunify his space with our space. And once again, creation is coming through Jesus. A few weeks ago, we talked about John 1, 3 that says, in the beginning, God created everything through Jesus, and nothing was created except through Jesus. So Mark is saying, here it is, it's the good news, and it's all about Jesus, and it's all about what he has come to do. He's come to recreate the world. [00:34:32] (39 seconds)
He has come to bring us back to God where we can do what we were created to do, to live amazing, powerful, purposeful, joyful, eternal lives in this perfect place where there is no crying or sadness of fear. And best of all, best of all, in this life, God is going to be fully with us. And so this is God, like Mark, announcing the good news. And then a couple of verses later, in Mark 1, 14, Jesus goes into Galilee, and he preaches the good news. Look what he says, verse 15, the time promised by God has come at last. The kingdom of God is near. [00:35:14] (40 seconds)
Actually, much more than this, whatever, ethereal, cloudy, harpy home and where we fly away to be with the angels. Much more than that, the Bible talks about the kingdom heaven as coming down here to this world. [00:46:38] (21 seconds)
But again, the defining characteristic, the most important thing about the garden and these temples and any temple is that's a place where God's space and man's space are the same space, where God and man come together. And then like we said earlier, I mean, the ultimate temple, the ultimate coming together of God and man is Jesus. I mean, he is the place where God and man come together because he's a human body filled with the spirit of God. And so now we're reading about this new Jerusalem, the kingdom of heaven, and it's a temple. Oh, it's just like Eden. And in fact, verse one in Revelation 21 calls it the new heaven and new earth. [00:48:40] (46 seconds)
And he separated from them. Hell is God honoring the wishes of someone who refuses to trust him. It's God honoring the wishes of someone who refuses to believe that God knows what's best or that God is what's best or that God wants what's best. Hell is honoring the wish of someone who rejects God and rejects what he calls good and instead insists on finding their own version of good apart from God. C .S. Lewis wrote an amazing short story on this called The Great Divorce where these hell -bound people take like a bus tour to heaven and they have a chance on this tour to abandon the darkness and abandon death and accept God and his beautiful kingdom. But even though they can see heaven looks amazing and even though they know hell is awful, they won't get off the bus. [00:54:58] (63 seconds)
So, however literal these descriptions of heaven and hell are, gold streets, and pearly gates, and rubies, and diamonds, and burning sulfur, and being poked with a pitchfork. I don't know. What we know is, heaven is spending forever with God. And it's flourishing and thriving under his provision. [00:59:28] (24 seconds)
You're invited to be one of the new humans in this story. The story's continuing, right? And you're invited to be one of these new humans in the new Jerusalem, in the new Eden, in the new kingdom of heaven, where God protects and provides and leads and empowers and partners with us, and where love rules, because Jesus is king. And where there's no place, there's no room for death, or sorrow, or hate, or tears, or Satan. Where God's love is the boss of everything. [01:00:46] (37 seconds)
And we become the ones who carry on his work of announcing the coming kingdom and inviting other people to join us. We become the place where God and man come together because his spirit lives in us. [01:01:53] (15 seconds)
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