A Place Called Heaven

Requests for fire and brimstone Why not more “heavenly glory” sermons? Charles Spurgeon said, “When you preach on heaven, have a face that reflects the sweetness of God; when you preach on hell, your normal face will do quite well.”

Jesus combined the two thoughts… Matthew 3:2 – Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.

The Glorious Expectation of Heaven 1 Corinthians 13:12 -- Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 1 Corinthians 2: However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"— but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.

2 Corinthians 3:17-18 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. Have you known “heavenly” people – so much like Jesus you can’t wait for heaven just because of knowing them?

Heaven NOW! Ephesians 1:3 -- Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. Do we live as though we understand that we have heaven now?

Matthew 6:19-20 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.

Colossians 3:2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. We can set our minds on things above. The expectation of heaven now results in changes in our life while we are on this earth.

Hebrews 12:18a, You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire…. But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.

2 Peter 3:13 -- But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. The best is still to come!

The Awesome Abode of God Isaiah 63:15 -- Look down from heaven and see from your lofty throne, holy and glorious…. God’s throne is LOFTY, HOLY and GLORIOUS

Hebrew -- SHAMAYIM The Hebrew word translated “heaven” means “the heights”. Greek – OURANOS The Greek word translated “heaven means “that which is raised up.”

Insights from Revelation Heaven is a place of brilliant light from God and Christ It is beautiful beyond description – like crystalline gold. Heaven is described as an “adorned bride”. It is precious like expensive stones It has the water of life and the tree of life.

1 Peter 1:3-4 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you…. What do you have stored up in heaven?