Achieving Heaven: A Bright and Glorious Future

In the world of competing worldviews... the vision for the future of Christianity is breathtaking... for the others, theirs is pathetic. A New Heavens and a New Earth speaks to our deepest longings and is true!!

2 Peter 3:10-13
Romans 8:18-23,5:9-10
Revelation 21:1-8,22:3-5
Acts 3:19-21
Matthew 19:28,5:5,26:29
John 5:28-29
Isaiah 6:17,11:6-9

Are we to spend eternity somewhere off in space, wearing white robes, plucking harps, singing songs, and flitting from cloud to cloud while doing so? On the contrary, the Bible assures us that God will create a new earth on which we shall live to God's praise in glorified, resurrected bodies. On that new earth, therefore, we hope to spend eternity, enjoying its beauties, exploring its resources, and using its treasures to the glory of God. Since God will make the new earth his dwelling place, and since where God dwells there heaven is, we shall then continue to be in heaven while we are on the new earth. For heaven and earth will then no longer be separated, as they are now, but will be one (see Revelation 21:1-3). But to leave the new earth out of consideration when we think of the final state of believers is greatly to impoverish biblical teaching about the life to come. Anthony A. Hoekema The Bible and the Future

Sermon discussion questions for parents to use with their children:

• Why is the vision of the unbelievers worldview so sad and pathetic?
• What is the Bible's vision of the future?
• Why is the New Heavens and New Earth so exciting to us as humans?
• What are some of the things you look forward to?
• Why did the Pastor so emphasize to all of us to Get There?
• What is your hope that you will get there?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Achieving Heaven: Heaven is Being with Him

We will grow in our anticipation of Heaven as we grow in our love for Christ and long to see Him face to face.

Revelation 1:9-20,5:6
2 Corinthians 5:1-11
Philippians 1:21-23
1 Thessalonians 4:16-18
John 13:33-14:6,17:24
Romans 5:7

It is interesting that the New Testament nowhere speaks of believers going 'to heaven' when they die. Instead, they go to be with Christ. Edward Donnelly

John Bunyan's Mr. Standfast, just before he dies, rejoices that 'I am going now to see that Head that was crowned with thorns and that face that was spat upon for me. I have formerly lived by hearsay and faith, but now I go where I shall live by sight and shall be with Him in whose company I delight myself.' Edward Donnelly

Sooner could a worm aspire to be a brain surgeon that a sinner expect to work his own passage to glory. Edward Donnelly

So then let 'Deserved' be written on the floor of hell, but on the door of heaven and life 'The Free Gift'. Richard Baxter

If you are in Christ, do not be afraid of death. He who has conquered that 'last enemy' is waiting for you on the other side. As soon as our souls pass into glory we will see Jesus. He who has known and loved us from before the beginning of time will welcome us into His immediate presence. We will not feel strange or out of place, but profoundly and permanently at home. We will know that we are where we belong, and everlastingly secure. Edward Donnelly

The joy of heaven is communing with Christ. The joy of earth should be communing with Him as well. Edward Donnelly

Modern Christians are ready to busy themselves in almost any religious activity but that of quiet communion with their Lord, regarded more a duty than a delight. They hope to go to heaven, claim to be looking forward to it eagerly. Yet the essence of the heaven they profess to long for is that communion with Christ in which they show so little interest! Something profoundly troubling underlies this spiritual apathy. Edward Donnelly

If we do not get to heaven before we die, we shall never get there afterward. Charles Spurgeon

Sermon discussion questions for parents to use with their children:

• Why is being with a person so superior to Skype?
• How does this impact our view of Heaven?
• What are the aspects of seeing and being with Jesus in heaven that are so special?
• What are the possible problems if we do not find this aspect of heaven attractive?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Achieving Heaven: Are You Sure You Want to Go to Heaven?

Many people believe there is a third option to choosing between heaven and hell: living in the here and now as if it won't end. Let's hear from three persons who have experienced heaven and get their view on why we need to make heaven our life-long goal.

Revelation 4,2:7
2 Corinthians 12:1-6
Luke 23:43
Ezekiel 1:26-28
John 17:22-24,14:1-3,14:6

Sermon discussion questions for parents to use with their children:

• Why do people not want to go to heaven?
• Who told us what heaven is really like?
• When heaven is called paradise, what is that word supposed to bring to mind?
• What does it mean that God's presence dominates heaven?
• Explain how glory, love, and holy describe God and the atmosphere of heaven.
• Do you want to go to heaven?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA