Sermon on New Heavens & Earth from Rev

A visitor at our Church Coffee Shop ("Reflections"), remarked to me today how uplifting she had found David Finch's funeral service.  In fact, she stated, it had been such a blessing that she had decided to be buried at a Baptist Church and have a Baptist Preacher when she died!  

To me this goes to show what an impact a truly Christian funeral can have on people--one where we celebrate the life of the person who is now with God in glory, and celebrate the gospel of Jesus that got them there.

Below is the outline of the sermon that I preached on that occasion.  Several people have remarked that they found it helpful and inspiring, so I hope that the key points and references below will encourage you as you consider an oft neglected theme these days: the Wonder of Heaven.

1. Heaven is big enough for everyone. Rev 21:16
2. It’s a place of security.
1. Big Walls 21:12
2. Angels on the Gates 21:12
3. Gates never shut 21:25, 22:5
4. No sea 21:1
5. His name will be on them 22:4
3. It’s a place of restoration
1. No suffering, sickness or death 21:4b
2. Water of Life 22:1
3. Tree of life 22:2
4. Place of Community Healing, not just Individual
1. Healing for the nations 22:2
2. Guidance for the Nations 21:24
3. True Community 21:3
5. It’s Not Just a Place of Paradise, It’s Personal Relationship with God
1. Sons 21:7
2. Wipe every tear from their eye 21:4
3. See His face 22:4
6. It’s a Place You Only Get to Through Jesus                                                                         “Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life.” 21:27