April 27, 2025

HEAVEN MATTERS: PART 1 - BASIC QUESTIONS

Colossians 3:2-4, “Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. 3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.” (NLT)

Hebrews 11:13-16, “All these people died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it. They agreed that they were foreigners and nomads here on earth. 14 Obviously people who say such things are looking forward to a country they can call their own. 15 If they had longed for the country they came from, they could have gone back. 16 But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.” (NLT)

Let’s answer some basic questions about Heaven…

1. Is Heaven just___________________and __________________?

John 14:1-3, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. 2 There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? 3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.” (NLT)

2. Will I________________earth?

Romans 8:19-21, “For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who

his children really are. 20 Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope, 21 the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay.” (NLT)

Several writers of Scripture include the following in their descriptions of Heaven: gardens, rivers, and trees, nations existing together in peace, time spent with God, and people we love

3. What will we actually_______________in ______________________?

Revelations 21:24b-26, “…The kings of the world will enter the city in all their glory. 25 Its gates will never be closed at the end of day because there is no night there. 26 And all the nations will bring their glory and honor into the city.” (NLT)

Heaven will include meaningful work and rulership. We will be productive. We will learn, work, and create, Songs will be written, art, music, and culture will be created.

4. What___________________be in ___________________________?

Revelation 21:3-4, “I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” (NLT)

Philippians 1:21-24, “For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. 22 But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. 23 I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. 24 But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live.” (NLT)