Worship brings us to an understanding of our final destiny
Through our troubles, if we allow God to guide us, we have hope.
Although our heart and flesh will fail, God is the strength of our soul and chief over seer.
Moses, Paul, Samson,
What happens during suffering?
Acutely aware of both the suffering and hope for the future. Most of the pain I experience are the result of my own decisions and regret from making them, as well as the consequences. In times of worship, there is peace and an understanding of the transcendence of God's presence and power.
God and eternity should impact my decision making more than it does. To broaden my perspective and becoming more aware of eternity in decision making means taking more time to make decisions, regardless of the time allotted. How will this benefit the kingdom, ministry opportunities and my relationships?
Acts 2:28
Romans 8:18-19
Matthew 5:3 - make this more and more of a reality, Lord.
Heaven occurs in its singular and plural form over 600 times in the Bible.
1. Habitation of God
Isaiah 57:15
1 Kings 8:30
Psalm 103:19
Daniel 4:37
God hears prayers and accepts praise. All activity worthwhile centers around His throne.
2. Home of departed Saints
In Christ's Presence Luke 23:42-43
Philippians 1:21-23
2 Corinthians 5:6-8
The Holy City
2 Peter 3:10 Home transformed
Revelation 21:1-2
The new Jerusalem and heavenly Jerusalem are the same city but seen at different stages of redemptive history.
Three Aspects of the Heavenly Home
1. Present Location (Hebrews 12:22) Possibly near the North Star? Psalm 75:6 and no stars have been found around the North Star.
2. Place in the Millennial Kingdom - above the earth as a satellite city?
The residence of the saints in heaven while ruling on earth is much less of a problem than that of a businessman whose office is in a city while his residence is in the suburbs.Will the heavenly Jerusalem be visible to earth dwellers? Revelation 13:6 and 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17. City was already in existence before it made it descent to earth.
Revelation 21:1-3
Revelation 21:15-16
1500 miles long and wide, which means at its ground it covers more area than India and if placed in the United States, it would reach from tip of Maine to tip of Florida and from the Atlantic Ocean to Denver.
3. Home of Beauty
Revelation 20:11
2 Peter 3:10
Jasper Wall - translucent so light can pass through. Wall is 216 feet high
Jeweled Foundations - 12 layers of different stones stretching all around the city.
Pearly Gates - Revelation 21:12, 21)
Beauty Within - Golden streets (purity), Crystal River, Tree of Life
Two responses
Renewed determination to place top priority on the eternal rather than temporary
Renew our hope when becoming discontented with life and discouraged about the future.
The Effects of Sin Removed Revelation 21:4
- No Tears
- No Death
- No Sorrow
- No Pain
- No Night (Revelation 21:23-25)
- No Defilement (Revelation 21:27)
- No Curse (Revelation 22:3)
Man's Destiny Fulfilled
We will know God perfectly
We will worship and serve God
We will reign with Him
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