The Hope of Heaven

We’re still talking about the Urgency of the Gospel. Last week we discussed hell, and what a great motivator it is to tell people the Good News. But there is a positive side to this. We want people to enjoy eternal life forever...we want people to enjoy everlasting bliss in heaven...so it is an urgent matter that you share the gospel with lost people.

Some believe that thinking about heaven is to have your head in the clouds. “So heavenly minded you’re no earthly good.” But I believe most people don’t think enough about heaven. We’re so earthly minded that we’re no heavenly good! Christians need to have a clear idea of what we’re living for. An eternal perspective! We don’t live for this world, but the world to come!

My hope is that, upon hearing about heaven, you will 1) be filled with joy & 2) be motivated to share the good news with the walking damned.

Heaven is different from “the heavens.”Heaven is God’s base of operations.

We can’t say “where God is located” because that really isn’t accurate ().

Heaven is “God’s throne” (; ).

The kingdom of God is in heaven ().

God spoke from Heaven at Jesus’ baptism ().

God kicked or will kick Satan out of heaven ().

Heaven is where Jesus is.

Jesus was in Heaven before He took on flesh (, ).

Jesus ascended back into Heaven after His resurrection ().

Jesus will return from Heaven ().

Heaven is a place of holiness (, ).

Heaven is a place of eternal joy ().

Sin and all its effects will be gone forever.

The presence & power of sin will be denied.

The payment for sin will be eradicated. No more disease, destruction, or death.

Illustration: Imagine the joy of a child on Christmas morning that gets bigger and better every day.

Billy Graham: There will not be in heaven a one-time momentary display of God’s goodness, but an everlasting, ever-increasing infusion and impartation of His kindness that intensifies with every passing moment. Like waves crashing on the shore, one upon another, so the ages of eternity will, in endless succession, echo the celebration of sinners saved by grace, all to the glory of God.

Heaven is what we hope for ().

Not what we hope in.

Matt Papa, The Ocean: These are scattered beams, you are the bright sun These are shallow streams you are the ocean These are just shadows, and you are the substance We are thirsty, we are dry, only you can satisfy You are the ocean.

So what?

Unsaved: be converted today!

Saved:

Rejoice!

Take someone with you.