When John Eldredge’s daughter-in-law had an exciting trip cancelled because she became ill, she said, “It’s okay — I’ll have it all and more at the renewal of all things.” Jesus calls it the “Palingenesia,” meaning, “the renewal of all things,” or, literally, “Again Genesis.” Again Eden — only better! So believers do not need a bucket list, at least not a bucket list the way the world describes it. (I do have a desire, now that I see time is running out, to redeem that slliver of time glorifying Him!)
This is where we finally are in Revelation — and it is SO EXCITING. God never made anything that was not good, so He doesn’t have to make something brand new, He is going to take what He originally made, restore it, and make it unimaginably better! He did that with Jesus’ body, He will do with ours, and He will do it with this fallen world. Much of Revelation 21 comes from Isaiah 65, where there is a new heaven and a new earth where people love, laugh, and learn in a family setting. But what is truly different is that there is no more sin, sorrow, or saying good-bye. We will be with Jesus and our loves ones in Him forever. We can believe His promise:
Here is how John Eldredge describes it:
Sunday:
- What stands out to you from the above, including the John Eldredge video?
- Have your ideas about “heaven” changed as you have studied the Word? If so, how?
Monday: Isaiah Saw It First
Actually, Job, who lived in the time of Genesis, glimpsed it first when he said, “I know my Redeemer lives and he will stand on the earth.” He knew he would have a new body and see Jesus face to face, right here, on a new earth. But Isaiah saw much more, for God gave him the same vision that God is now giving John at the close of Revelation. Let’s start here.
3. Read Isaiah 51:1-11
A. What promise of the “Palingenesia” do you see in Isaiah 51:3?
B. What do you see in Isaiah 51:6-8?
C. The tumultuous sea in Revelation is identified as a place of evil, where the sea monster, representing Satan, threatens God’s people just as he did when they had to face crossing the Red Sea with the Egyptians chasing them. (Rahab, Alec Motyer explains, is a code name for Egypt.) What are we to remember when life on this earth feels like a tumultuous sea, according to Isaiah 51:9-11?
D. How is the rejoicing of the Israelites after they escaped the Egyptians a foreshadowing of the new heaven and new earth?
E. When we are told in Revelation that there will be “no more sea,” in the new heaven and new earth, how does this context show you this may be symbolic rather than literal?
4. New garments
A. In Isaiah 53:1-3, what is God’s bride, the new Jerusalem, called to do?
B. Describe how God sees us, and will see us according to Isaiah 63:4-5?
5. Read Isaiah 65:17-25 and describe the “Palingenesia.”
Tuesday: A New Heaven and New Earth
6. Read Revelation 21:1-2.
A. List everything you learn about the new heaven and new earth.
B. Tim Keller says it is such a mixed metaphor to see heaven as a city dressed like a bride. How do you explain this? Who is the New Jerusalem? Why is she dressed as a bride?
7. In Mystery Explained, Part 10, read the two paragraphs under THE HOLY CITY COMES DOWN…and share what stands out to you.
8. Read Revelation 21:3-6a
A. What do you learn about the new heaven and new earth here?
B. Praise God here for how this comforts you.
9. Read the section in Mystery Explained under ALL THINGS MADE NEW and share what stands out to you and why.
Wednesday: Reward and Punishment
10. Read Revelation 21:6b-8
A. What will God give to the faithful according to 6a– and what do you think this means?
B. What will He give to the faithful according to verse 7 — what does this mean to you?
11. In Mystery Explained, under REWARD AND PUNISHMENT, how does Campbell define:
A. Cowardly
B. Sexually immoral
C. Liars
12. What will happen to the above?
Thursday/Friday Optional Sermon from West End Church
It’s great — but neither do I want to overwhelm you, so optional.
13. Share your notes and comments from the above.
Saturday:
14. What is your take-a-way and why?
37 comments
Just heading out the door to church this morning but Thank you, Thank you for sharing that wonderful video by John Eldridge. Having read the book a few years back I was reminded and greatly blessed by hearing the wonderful truth and God given hope we have of the renewal of all things. My heart is wonderfully encouraged already as I go to worship with my church family this morning.
Yes I’m still around and I will be back to interact with you again. Bev 😊
So glad, Bev — and so good to see you back!
Bev!!! It is so good to see you back! I have not read John E.’s book but I fast-forwarded and stopped and listened to the video until the end before I went to church and man, I was so joyfully tearful! I will sit down tonight when I get to my daughter’s and savor the message.
Welcome back, Bev!! It is such a wonderful video! I have not read his book.
1. What stands out to you from the above, including the John Eldredge video?
This is a wonderful and encouraging video! When Jesus returns, the world will be released into it’s full Glory. Heaven comes to earth.
a.) God created us in His image
b.) God gives us the earth( as a wedding gift); tells us to reign
c.) He endows every human with gifts to carry out that mission
d.) He hides treasures in the earth: Science, music, literature, so that we may have the joy of discovering them.
As human history unfolds, full of glory and tragedy, Jesus intervenes to rescue us and begin a restoration. There will be what is here, yet it will all be perfected and without evil, pain or sorrow.
2. Have your ideas about “heaven” changed as you have studied the Word? If so, how? I think I have always felt, and even more so now, that Heaven will be so Glorious that we cannot imagine the beauty of it with our earthly minds. But when Jesus returns, there will be only joy and glory. There will be no pain or loss~ nothing to torment our minds. I especially loved what John Eldredge said: For the Children of God, The Only Hope Brilliant enough, Powerful enough and Sure enough to overcome the heartache of this world. He ties in Isaiah 65, Isaiah 66: 1-2, and Mathew 19:28-30 with Rev 21. I love the way he wove these verses together.
Patti, thank you for the wonderful notes on the video! I cannot wait to live in our new earth. Mangoes come to mind and I cannot imagine how much more dee-licious they would be than the ones we have in the Philippines! And no more allergies especially since I am allergic to wine! Lol
Oh Bing!! Mangoes and I’ll include passion fruit!!
Patti, wonderful notes and what an exciting and wonderful hope we have in our Lord and Savior!
Oh, Bing and Sharon. Mangoes and passion fruit…guava too!! …like those in Hawaii I am imagining. Cannot find those here for sure!
Mangoes! Nothing like a perfect one.
I didn’t know you could be allergic to wine. I just never learned to like it.
Dee, I think mine is from its alcohol content. I had a serious skin reaction from it when I was about 10. My cousins and I took some from a cocktail punch at an adult party without them knowing. Served me right, hah! My cousins were okay.
Patti and Sharon, tropical fruit is the best. We have different kinds of guava in the Philippines.
Actually, Job, who lived in the time of Genesis, glimpsed it first when he said, “I know my Redeemer lives and he will stand on the earth.” He knew he would have a new body and see Jesus face to face, right here, on a new earth. But Isaiah saw much more, for God gave him the same vision that God is now giving John at the close of Revelation. Let’s start here.
3. Read Isaiah 51:1-11
A. What promise of the “Palingenesia” do you see in Isaiah 51:3?
The Lord will make the barren wilderness, lush and beautiful like Eden; her desert like the garden of the Lord. Joy will be found in her, Thanksgiving and sound of a melody.
B. What do you see in Isaiah 51:6-8?
The sky will vanish like smoke, And the earth will wear out like a garment. Its inhabitants will die in like manner. Those who know the righteousness of the Lord and in whose heart is His law; His promise says “Do not fear the reproach of man, My Salvation will be forever, My Righteousness will be forever and My salvation to all generations.”
C. The tumultuous sea in Revelation is identified as a place of evil, where the sea monster, representing Satan, threatens God’s people just as he did when they had to face crossing the Red Sea with the Egyptians chasing them. (Rahab, Alec Motyer explains, is a code name for Egypt.) What are we to remember when life on this earth feels like a tumultuous sea, according to Isaiah 51:9-11? Remember the generations of long ago: The power of the Lord pierced the evil dragon; dried up the sea waters for the redeemed to cross to the promise land. In the blue letter Bible, Rehab refers to Satan and to “pride”….I thought that was interesting.
D. How is the rejoicing of the Israelites after they escaped the Egyptians a foreshadowing of the new heaven and new earth? We will be rejoicing with joyful shouts and everlasting joy when the Lord returns for us. Sorrow and sighing will be no more.
E. When we are told in Revelation that there will be “no more sea,” in the new heaven and new earth, how does this context show you this may be symbolic rather than literal? I love this! It seems to be referring to the Red Sea that kept God’s people captive. We will have no longer be captives of the evil one or his ways.
Love how you brought out the terror of the Red Sea.
1. What stands out to you from the above, including the John Eldredge video?
I can’t remember why, but something bothered me about John Eldredge the first time I read part of a book of his. It might have been the book called Epic. I just don’t remember. I think I thought he was one of the progressive Christians at the time.
I’m not sure I’m convinced that heaven will be a place where we do our work and live in houses and such. I thought we had no need for the things of Earth? I do believe God will keep the animals though 😉.
2. Have your ideas about “heaven” changed as you have studied the Word? If so, how?
I haven’t really spent a lot of time thinking of heaven. I have formed somewhat of an opinion though after the studies we have done on the blog for the past few years.
I never knew that heaven would be on Earth. I like what Eldredge said about the second garden. It’s like we get a second chance to obey and get it right this time!
You often make me smile. I remember one old preacher, but can’t remember his name said there would be no cats. 🙂 God’s going to have to figure out or change our preferences!
I heard a pastor say there will be animals in heaven, not because we need them but because they’re part of His creation…I liked that!
Oh, I love that, Sharon! Of course, I will probably be hanging out with the Shepherds! 🙂
Animals can be comforting. Since Covid started, our middle daughter has started massaging and caring for injured horses. It has been a life changing experience for her. It has helped her see God’s creations in a new way. My pups give me a great deal of comfort (and sometimes chaos). Animals can sense our moods: joy, sorrow, pain and illness.
Read Isaiah 51:1-11
A. What promise of the “Palingenesia” do you see in Isaiah 51:3?
The Lord will bless Israel. The ruins will be replaced with a new land with gardens and song.
B. What do you see in Isaiah 51:6-8?
Verse 6 tells us how the heavens will come to earth. It tells of unbelievers dying.
Verses 7 and 8 explains our persecution and how God will protect us.
C. The tumultuous sea in Revelation is identified as a place of evil, where the sea monster, representing Satan, threatens God’s people just as he did when they had to face crossing the Red Sea with the Egyptians chasing them. (Rahab, Alec Motyer explains, is a code name for Egypt.) What are we to remember when life on this earth feels like a tumultuous sea, according to Isaiah 51:9-11?
This is a call for God to ransom His people; for Him to open the gates for the people to pass through, just like the Red Sea was parted for escape from the Israelites. It is a call to slay the dragon as He did in the OT to Egypt.
Verse 11 speaks to the saints and how they will be crowned with everlasting joy as they enter Jerusalem. They will be singing. No more sorrow!
D. How is the rejoicing of the Israelites after they escaped the Egyptians a foreshadowing of the new heaven and new earth?
The Lord saved His people then and He will again save His people from death.
E. When we are told in Revelation that there will be “no more sea,” in the new heaven and new earth, how does this context show you this may be symbolic rather than literal?
It is talking about God making a path for His people. (?)
Campbell said the sea represents sea monsters too — where the dragon abides. Gone!
Sunday:
1. What stands out to you from the above, including the John Eldredge video? Eden again and so much better! Genesis 1 and 2 is a feast to the eye of those of us who are visually gifted when reading the descriptions of when God created the earth and heaven and made the first man and first woman in His image. To some of us, the memory of our favorite food is enough to cause our salivary glands to increase its production when we read of “trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds! Above all, (from John Eldredge’s video, Jesus is our sustaining hope to overcome the heartache of this world. Earth will be back to its glory. God will fill the earth again with His creation. Think about how it would be like to not have to live with pain or brokenness nor watch our loved ones fighting their battles. I really love the idea of us using what we have been gifted with to work alongside one another and enjoying the fruits of our labor which would not be considered labor at all!
2. Have your ideas about “heaven” changed as you have studied the Word? If so, how?
Heaven will come down to earth. Our final home is on earth renewed to its utmost! Having lived so far away from my family for a long time, I envision distance to be a skip and a jump and I will be my loved one’s side. No more pining for what could be. Contentment would be the byword.
No more pining for what could be!
What a joy to have no more pining and to be in total contentment. Amen, Bing!
5. Read Isaiah 65:17-25 and describe the “Palingenesia.”
There will be a new heaven and a new earth. We will not remember the former things. We will be rejoicing; no sadness. We will be building and planting. We will be blessed by the Lord. The animals will do no evil or harm in all God’s Holy Mountain. I am not sure about the meaning verses: 20-23 and the aging process. “As the lifetime of a tree, so will be the days of my people.”
Tuesday: A New Heaven and New Earth
6. Read Revelation 21:1-2.
A. List everything you learn about the new heaven and new earth.
1. The first earth passed away 2.There is no longer any sea 3. The holy city and new Jerusalem is coming down out of heaven, adorned like a bride (my Bible footnote mentions that the city combines the elements of Jerusalem, the temple and the Garden of Eden).
B. Tim Keller says it is such a mixed metaphor to see heaven as a city dressed like a bride. How do you explain this? Who is the New Jerusalem? Why is she dressed as a bride? The New Jerusalem is the church. She is beautiful and perfect as she meets her bridegroom: The Lord.
7. In Mystery Explained, Part 10, read the two paragraphs under THE HOLY CITY COMES DOWN…and share what stands out to you.
Jerusalem will be restored in new heavens and a new earth. The sea, that represents a dwelling place of evil, of Babylon and of the unsaved dead will be no more. Red Sea represents the barrier to freedom place in the way of the children of Israel. The Lord, the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, His church. The new garments represent a return to freedom for the church (Israel) as the Lord restores her. In Christ, God initiated the true beginning of the end of death and mourning.
I like that Campbell says it suggest the possibility that it is more of a transformation that an obliterations, and compares it to the renewing and resurrection of the body.
8. Read Revelation 21:3-6a
A. What do you learn about the new heaven and new earth here?
God will dwell among His people. There will be no tears, no death, no mourning or pain. He will make all things new. He tells John,, “Write, for these words are faithful and true. It is done, I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.”
B. Praise God here for how this comforts you.
Praise you Lord that you are faithful with your Word. Praise you Heavenly Father that your Word is true; that you are the Beginning and the End; that you will dwell with your people. Praise you God Almighty for your creation. Praise you Lord that you are in control. John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
4. New garments
A. In Isaiah 53:1-3, what is God’s bride, the new Jerusalem, called to do?
Trust the message of salvation. Have faith.
B. Describe how God sees us, and will see us according to Isaiah 63:4-5?
God is appalled that no one would help Him in His day of vengeance.
He sees us as needing help and protecting us. He will do this.
5. Read Isaiah 65:17-25 and describe the “Palingenesia.”
A new heaven and earth will be formed. We will not long for the old.
Jerusalem will be a place of happiness.
The people will be joyful.
No weeping and crying.
No babies will die when they are just a few days old.
Adults will have a full life.
One hundred years old will be young.
The people will live as long as trees.
The chosen will not work in vain.
There children will not be doomed to misfortune.
They are blessed. Their children are blessed.
God will answer the chosen’ prayers.
No one will be hurt.
Great list, Laura!
6. Read Revelation 21:1-2.
A. List everything you learn about the new heaven and new earth.
The old heaven and earth was gone, even the sea. A new heaven and earth (Jerusalem) came down from God dressed like a bride, beautiful.
B. Tim Keller says it is such a mixed metaphor to see heaven as a city dressed like a bride. How do you explain this? Who is the New Jerusalem? Why is she dressed as a bride?
I think of the bright lights of a big city; lit up like a Christmas tree. It’s beautiful from a distance.
The new Jerusalem is all the believers; His church. The ones who have left first (?). She is waiting for Him to make the covenant with Him; the ones here on earth (those who have not yet died). They will join Him, along with the saints (under the alter), and we will finally be with Him in heaven.
Monday: Isaiah Saw It First
Actually, Job, who lived in the time of Genesis, glimpsed it first when he said, “I know my Redeemer lives and he will stand on the earth.” He knew he would have a new body and see Jesus face to face, right here, on a new earth. But Isaiah saw much more, for God gave him the same vision that God is now giving John at the close of Revelation. Let’s start here.
3. Read Isaiah 51:1-11 A. What promise of the “Palingenesia” do you see in Isaiah 51:3? Deserts made into Eden; wastelands like the garden of the Lord. presence of joy and gladness instead of sorrow. B. What do you see in Isaiah 51:6-8? The old heaven and earth will pass away; its inhabitants will die. All created things in Genesis 1 and 2 are going to die and everything will be made new. And since righteousness and salvation will last forever, those whom He has saved will also live with Him forever just as He promised. Hello, to a new heaven and a new earth! Hello, God’s people and other creatures!
C. The tumultuous sea in Revelation is identified as a place of evil, where the sea monster, representing Satan, threatens God’s people just as he did when they had to face crossing the Red Sea with the Egyptians chasing them. (Rahab, Alec Motyer explains, is a code name for Egypt.) What are we to remember when life on this earth feels like a tumultuous sea, according to Isaiah 51:9-11? We need to remember that God will make a way for us and that He is with us when we go through a tumultuous sea. He also promises joy and gladness to those whom He has rescued.
D. How is the rejoicing of the Israelites after they escaped the Egyptians a foreshadowing of the new heaven and new earth? Just as the Israelites rejoiced having escaped the Egyptians and entered the promised land so would we who have escaped the evil Read Sea ( Satan and his cohorts) and we will enter our eternal promised land, the new heaven, and new earth.
E. When we are told in Revelation that there will be “no more sea,” in the new heaven and new earth, how does this context show you this may be symbolic rather than literal? Sea is representative of evil (the Red Sea is anything that prevents us from being with God) and there will no more evil in the new heaven and new earth.
5. Read Isaiah 65:17-25 and describe the “Palingenesia.”
A few verses before has brought me such joy: “my servants will eat,…will drink…will rejoice, will sing out of the joy of their hearts (no off keys!-and what is off-key anyway?)…to his servants another name!…for the past troubles will be forgotten and hidden from my eyes.” Vs. 13-16 Former things no more to be remembered or brought to mind, Jerusalem will be a delight and its people a joy, no more crying nor weeping, age will not matter (oh, boy!), work will not be cursed anymore but something to be enjoyed.
Love your joy, Bing!
Tuesday: A New Heaven and New Earth
6. Read Revelation 21:1-2.
A. List everything you learn about the new heaven and new earth.
Jerusalem, as it is now, will be no more; the new one will come directly from God. Would it be a physical place or the called-out ones (the ones who died before and any of us who are still here) metaphorically?
No more sea.
B. Tim Keller says it is such a mixed metaphor to see heaven as a city dressed like a bride. How do you explain this? Who is the New Jerusalem? Why is she dressed as a bride?
Would it be a physical place or the called-out ones (the ones who died before and any of us who are still here) metaphorically? If the latter, the New Jerusalem is people from every tribe, nation, language, and race.
7. In Mystery Explained, Part 10, read the two paragraphs under THE HOLY CITY COMES DOWN…and share what stands out to you.
The dwelling place of evil, the sea, will be no more; the only sea is the lake of fire.
We will be transformed rather than totally obliterated. Hah, I would like to keep my Filipino skin. And who says that grey hair cannot be transformed?
8. Read Revelation 21:3-6a
A. What do you learn about the new heaven and new earth here?
No more of the old order-tears, mourning, death, pain. We will be with God.
B. Praise God here for how this comforts you.
I praise you God that my afflictions here on earth are temporary. There is/will be nothing that can separate me from you now and then.
9. Read the section in Mystery Explained under ALL THINGS MADE NEW and share what stands out to you and why.
The new creation is a spiritual territory in the eternal new Jerusalem.
“I am making all things new does not indicate that God is doing this right now. Rather it is a prophetic present tense where the future fulfillment is so certain it can be said as being already accomplished.”
Wednesday: Reward and Punishment
10. Read Revelation 21:6b-8
A. What will God give to the faithful according to 6a– and what do you think this means?
We will always have what we thirst for. And there is no need to work for it.
B. What will He give to the faithful according to verse 7 — what does this mean to you?
I am promised victory and all other promises as I am a child of God, and He is my Father.
11. In Mystery Explained, under REWARD AND PUNISHMENT, how does Campbell define:
A. Cowardly- professing but false believers within the church as well as outright pagans,
B. Sexually immoral- those who participate in, and profit from the ungodly cultures of the world
C. Liars-deception which is the main feature of the false religion inspired by the false prophet
12. What will happen to the above?
Everlasting separation from God and punishment
10. Read Revelation 21:6b-8
A. What will God give to the faithful according to 6a– and what do you think this means?
Reminds me of Jesus on the cross.
The faithful will receive the “springs of the water of life.” Living water forever. His living water. Water IS life. I tell my students this all the time. Without it we would not have our planet. It makes us unique. It amazes me. God made us and gave us a pencils place to live.
B. What will He give to the faithful according to verse 7 — what does this mean to you?
We will have a home with Him!
11. In Mystery Explained, under REWARD AND PUNISHMENT, how does Campbell define:
A. Cowardly
people who are unwilling to suffer for Christ or remain faithful under trial.
B. Sexually immoral
These are the people who profit from and participate in the ungodly cultures of the world.
C. Liars
These are people who are false believers.
12. What will happen to the above?
It will be banished from the new Jerusalem be put into everlasting punishment in the Lake of fire.
I am thankful for you who have hung on to the very end! I’m not sure I will ever attempt such a long study again — but I know I have personally learned so much and you have been iron sharpening iron.
I find myself amazed when I go to pickleball 3 times a week and are with so many who seem to not think about death at all — or are so confident they don’t need to think about it. Revelation certainly makes you aware that this life is such a short part of our life, and that trouble is to be expected and how we respond to it is so vital.
I am so thankful for each of you!
Dee, it has been a long study but oh, so worth it. I will never be the same again and have just fallen much more in love with Jesus. Another reminder song:
“His love has no limit, His grace has no measure, His power no boundary known unto men. For out of His infinite riches in Jesus, He giveth and He giveth and He giveth again.” Annie J. Flint
Thanks so much, Bing!
13. Share your notes and comments from the above.
To die physically but to be in the presence of God in the spirit-a temporary condition. He described Heaven as the eternal state when Jesus comes again- the dead will be raised to life. The reality behind our reality. There are rulers and forces, wars being made for our hearts and minds and for those whom we love. Jesus is coming back; not just putting the final touches but to usher in the next chapter; life begins when Jesus comes. Is heaven going to be fulfilling? To some, it is hard to be excited about heaven. Heaven is not an epilogue. We are going into a new beginning.
John 14: 1-3 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
Revelation gives us a picture of heaven and Jesus will have a home, an actual real place for us. We are asked to LOOK and BEHOLD the images of the kingdom of God; to flood our hearts with the hope of Jesus Christ and to strengthen us to follow Him.
5 things to fill our minds:
1. A. verse 1 the new Heaven and the new earth is a physical one. It is not retirement, happily ever after; ride into the sunset; eternal spa type.
Creation was in the beginning (Genesis) and Creation will be in the end (Revelation). Jesus was not just spirit but physical. We will be resurrected just like Him. Flesh and bones. New physical bodies call for a new redeemed earth wherewith to live.
There will be mountains, jobs, physicality, infrastructures.
B. the sea is no more (disorder, chaos, evil) heaven is free of death. Physicality is not tied to brokenness. Everything is in perfect harmony. Nothing is out of place; no more corruption, evil, or death.
3. C. verse 2 Heaven is a city but not the city of man. Jesus is going to be bringing His city; He is an expert city planner. The population is defined by our God and not our nationality. We will share in the power and authority to build and create. We are not passive observers but citizens of God’s city. We are to be about our city-to do good for our city right now. We are where God wants us to be if our job is to do good. God is preparing us for His city that is coming. Our cities now need to know that the church loves them. Do not leave the city just for your comfort; Bear your cross and do good to your city.
4. D. verse 3 Heaven means no more separation between God and us. We will enjoy Him-no other company is comparable to God’s. We will be in the same physical location as God.
what are we to do then? Pursue God. There is no plan B.
5. E. Restoration of all things
Our whole world is looking for renewal and redemption. Verse 6 asks, “are you thirsty?”
If you are thirsty- consider Jesus. He offers living water. If you are a Christian, obey Him, abide in Him, enjoy, pursue Him, He is your life; enjoy your King. He is a fountain that wells up in you.
A great reminder here on v. 7 “I will be your father and you will be my son.”
Darrell Johnson said to the effect that ” My son” always refers to Jesus. We who believe in Jesus share the same status as Him, male and female both. And we should believe that were it not for the grace of God, we would have remained defined by these words: “cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters, and all liars…”
His question for us at the end of the sermon: What city have you come from? What city would you choose?
Saturday takeaway:
Revelation 21 makes me yearn for the coming of Jesus and the new heaven and the new earth. I am beginning to be homesick about it as well. Last Sunday, we were talking about Heaven in Sunday School class. I turned to a 90-year-old lady and asked, “I wonder if there would be any mosquitoes in Heaven? And I quipped, ” at least they would not be biting anymore!” And she responded, “You don’t have to worry about those things, Bing. Things will be perfect there!”
Meanwhile here on earth, we are called to be faithful and to persevere, and to have the confidence that God is ever-present with us.
13. The sermon was good. I have never heard what he is proposing; that we will have physical bodies here on the “new” Earth. Not sure that I really understand how he gets this, so I want to go to the scriptures he referenced.
Heaven is free of death. Immediately after Adam and Eve fell, He planned a Savior. When Jesus returns we will have more to live for; more life without crime, anger, and such. We need to be enjoying this thought right now.
Holiness brings joy which leads to hope.
Heaven will be a city. We are to love our city. We are to work for the good of our community. It’s how we show love to others. When we get there we will all be citizens of that city, one nation no separate tribes. All Christians.
Heaven is the home of God and man. We will see God face to face; we get God. Our souls will be satisfied. Pursue God above all else. Enjoy Him here and you will enjoy Him in eternity.
The restoration of all things. God is making all things new. It is finished. Reminds me of Jesus on the cross. No one can alter our inheritance.
Thirst for Him. He is the source of quenching for us. We will have the same status as Jesus has with God.
All the sins listed at the end represent all of us.