The Best Is Yet to Come | Sunday Message

Everybody Greg Laurie here. You're listening to the Grigori podcast and my objective is to deliver hopefully compelling practical insights and faith culture and current events. From a biblical perspective to find out more about our ministry. Just go to our website harvest.org so thanks for joining me for this podcast. This is my final message in our series in the book of Revelation in the title of my messages. The best is yet to come. Heard a story about a very wealthy man, who is near death, and he just wanted to take some of his possessions to heaven.

So he asked God, could you make an exception. I know we can take it with this, but could you make an exception and allow me to take one suitcase with me to heaven filled with whatever I want to take the Lord said, all right, I'll make an exception for use so shortly after that the man died in arrived at the pearly gates and he was met by Peter. Peter knew of the arrangement this minute already made with God and Peterson could check to see what you brought in your suitcase and the wealthy man said sure and Peter looked inside them and closed it up little bit later someone came up to Peter and said I have to ask you, we heard about this guy who brothers suitcase to heaven.

Tell us what was in the suitcase. Peter said it's the funniest thing this guy brought a suitcase filled with asphalt. You get what I'm saying right because the Bible says the streets of heaven are paved with gold. So were talking together about heaven, which is a real place waiting for us to suck some mysterious atmospheric realm of smoke and mirrors know it's a real place for real people to do real things. This is the place Abraham was searching for and it's really the place were all searching for and longing for in Hebrews 11 eight it says that when he greets the land God promised them. Abraham lived there by faith like a foreigner living in a 10 Abraham did this because he was constantly looking forward to a city with eternal foundations designed and built by God.

That's whatever this it's a city design and build by God. Abraham understood he was like a foreigner just what you and I are like foreigners to were passing through this world as the old song says this world is not my home, I'm a just a passing through.

My treasures are laid up way beyond the blue and we are like someone in a different country. Sometimes I travel internationally. Haven't done that for a while because of a covert but I look forward to traveling perhaps overseas again but I member when I was in Italy forcibly don't understand their language, there's aspects of their culture.

I don't understand and definitely I don't understand their driving okay so they have a different way of moving to traffic in Italy so I thought it would be fun to rent a Best Buy and I said to my wife Kathy come with me. Well, it's different over there because the folks on the little scooters a lot of people ride vespers another scooters there in Italy there like swarms of diesel come to a life and go around other cars and in between lanes and at first it was kind of terrifying and after about 20 minutes at that. Okay I got the rhythm of this I'm kinda like it. It was like a different set of rules and then inexplicably despite these rather unusual traffic rules. I managed to get a ticket. I found out later because three months or so afterwards I get a ticket from Italy because I actually pulled into the bus lane. It just looked like an open lane to me but I was in the wrong lane but I was a foreigner who did not understand what was going on around me and were that way in this world there are things in this world that don't make sense to us, but were longing were looking forward to another world. And that is the hope of heaven, and the final two chapters of Revelation, John uses the word city 11 times in specific reference to heaven.

Again heaven is a real place for real people. Everything were going through right now is preparing us for that day. Don't forget Jesus said to his disciples. I go to prepare a place for you. By the way, the night that our Lord delivered those words was a night like no other. All the disciples could see that Jesus was heavy of heart. Then he dropped the bombshell that one of them was going to betray him, and he identifies Judas Iscariot as the betrayer and says to do this. Whatever you do, do it right now. So Judas leaves the room and Jesus says to the others. In John chapter 13 the time is come for me, the Son of Man, to enter into my glory, and God will receive glory because of all that happens to me and God will bring me into his glory very soon, but you cannot come or I am going Peter protest what is going on here. He looks it would. Judas just that. He said listen, Lord, though all of these disciples deny you. I will never deny Jesus as well since you brought it up. Not only will you deny me you'll do so three times over the rooster as crowed twice.

So everything is unraveling before the eyes of the disciples, Judas is betrayed, our Lord. Peter's going to deny our Lord. That thinking what is going on and it's against the backdrop of that alarm and panic that Jesus then says these familiar words recorded in John 14 let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. You believe in God believe also in me. In my father's house are many mansions there were not so I would've told you.

I go to prepare a place for you and if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you on the myself there were.

I am you maybe also Thomas is not understanding what Jesus is talking about Jesus goes on to say and where I go you know in the way you know Thomas is actually we don't know what you're even talking about Jesus and of course says I am the way the truth and the life and no man comes of the father, but by me. The apostle John was there with the 11 that night. John would often right of how he would lean on the chest of Jesus, probably so we would not miss a single word. Now, as we look at John he is banished to the island of Patmos. Presumably he's there all by himself. Maybe he's thinking back to this night when the Lord gave those words 60 years have passed and now John is actually had a personal glimpse of this place that Jesus has talked of I go to prepare a place for you.

John is seen it. John is been catapulted into the future.

Any seen eternity he's seen heaven, he seen how he seen the tribulation.

The Antichrist, he sees angels he sees demons he sees everything and now, here are the closing words of the apostle John in Revelation 22. Look at verse one and he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb and in the middle of its street on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore 12 fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations in the be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and his servants shall serve again and they will see his face and his name will be on their foreheads and on the no night there. They'll need no lamp no light of the sun for the Lord God gives him like and they shall reign forever and ever powerful words so Revelation 21 gives us a glimpse from the new of the new Jerusalem from an outside perspective here in chapter 22 we go inside to see what's actually waiting for us at John's description of heaven is actually getting clear. He's described it as the kingdom. He's described it as a city. Now he describes it as a garden in the first chapters of the Bible we see paradise lost when Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden fruit. The final two chapters of the Bible describe the paradise that God is created for us in the haven't know if you're taking notes. Here's a few things we learn about heaven. From what we have read number one heaven and the new earth are a place of satisfaction heaven and the new earth are a place of satisfaction we will want for nothing. All of our needs will be met. Our thirst will be quenched, because verse 17 says like Kim, who thirst come whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.

Number two heaven and the new words are a place of sufficiency. Sufficiency look at Revelation 22, two in the middle of its street on either side of the river was a tree of life, which bore 12 fruits in each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations no remember because of the sin of that of Adam and Eve they and all of humanity was been from the tree of life because they ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

I wonderfully get there. We'll meet Adam and Eve and we could asking like a what's up why did you have to either that forbidden fruit you want with these fruits are in other certain fruits. I favor certain foods. I don't love kumquats don't get those don't like those oranges at take them or leave them apples. Kind of like, but I'll tell you I love peaches I love nectarines I love plums I love cherries I love berries I love bananas.

But unlike them to write when I see someone eating an overly ripe banana. It kinda grosses me out. I like them when they're not quite green but just starting to get yellow but we all of our favorite fruits and by the way is summer is approaching. I especially love the fruits of summer.

But here's what's interesting the leaves of this tree are there for the healing of the nations Greek word use there for healing as therapy up, you can probably imagine what English word we get from that therapy there is therapeutic value in these leaves out the will get sick in heaven but there is this life giving power in the trees that are there. Why is it that all the things that taste good are not good for you. Billy stays good to me. I've already told you, I love hamburgers. I love all Mexican food.

I love pasta, pizza, etc. those things that are good to each but you need to much of that food you can gain a lot of weight well, I think, and have been working to have tasting delicious food. I think I can say affordably. There will be no keel in heaven affected friend revealed to me, and that is the main food of hell on joking but working to have these trees that are there for the healing of the nations and the curse is gone. Verse three will be no more curse. The curse brought sickness. The curse brought aging and worst of all, the curse that came upon humanity after Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden fruit. The worst part was death itself. In this is something that affects everyone. As I've often said one out of every one person's will die three people die every second hundred and 80 people die every minute 11,000 people die every hour say that's like the most depressing statistic I've ever heard. I know, but it's true.

On any given day 250,000 people are entering in to eternity.

But now we read death is gone.

We won't even talk about it anymore. Heard a story about a mom and her little boy who were walking along the beach they came upon a Dead Sea goal line in the sand a little boy said mommy what happened to the Siegel wanting to protect him from the harsh realities that that she said well honey, the little Siegel was sick and so God took him to heaven, and the little boys to looking at the bird lying on the sand said will then why did God throw him back to the earth well. Jeff will be gone. The curse of death will be gone. Here's a surprising thing number three heaven and the new words are a place of service heaven and the new earth are a place of service.

Look at verse three is servants will serve him. Yes, heaven is a place of rest, but I can only rest for so long. Pretty much every day. Take a short nap. I probably shouldn't admit this, but usually after lunch maybe fall asleep for 12 minutes and then I'm revived. Now I'm ready to get back out and do things and so there's going to be opportunities in heaven and the new earth. There's going to be things to do. You artists get ready because you utilize your creative abilities. You people more mechanical still be a place for you as well you singers and vocalists and instrumentalists get ready because God's get to use all of your skills in the afterlife and it's going to be a fantastic time and you wonder if we might be able to finish some of the tasks that remained uncompleted on earth, in heaven you wonder of dreams that were shattered here will be ultimately fulfilled their point number four. Heaven is a place or tragedy turns to trials.

It's a place where tragedy turns to triumph. Sadness turns to joy.

Disability turns to ability handicaps will be gone mental and physical disability is banished in the be joy. Heaven is a happy place. Heaven is a hop in place. Heaven is a joyful place.

The psalmist says in your presence there is fullness of joy and on your right hand there are pleasures forever more. CS Lewis said and I quote joy.

Is this serious business of heaven." I cannot agree more with the end of this you're going to laugh and haven't. Do you like to laugh. I love the laugh actually like to make people laugh as well and so were going to be laughing in heaven. Luke 621 says God blesses you were hungry. Now, for you will be satisfied. God blesses you who weep now because the time will come when you will laugh with joy the book of Revelation reminds us we win in the end of the other day. I did a post on all my social media accounts. I'm on Instagram Facebook, twitter, gotta follow me and I asked this question of the folks out there. I said what are you looking forward to the most when you get to heaven. Here's some of their responses amending Joey wrote me and said in some of these are pretty sad.

I have to warn you, but also mixed with confidence and trust in God. Joey writes I'm looking forward to dancing with my 11-year-old daughter. She left this earth so unexpectedly. I miss everything about her. Her smile or laugh her kind spirit her joy. The way she would call me Papa. I can't wait to see your sweet face again. I promise when I get to heaven.

I won't let her out of my arms Jayda.

He says to his daughter that he loves you so much will dance will sing will play hide and seek. You'll be daddy's little girl yes will be reunited with his daughter in heaven. Kimberly writes what I look forward to most in heaven is seen my grandparents again and thanking them for praying for me and meeting my son Jacob, who died when I was 4 1/2 months along in my pregnancy. I'm sure they already all played and laughed until they cried together.

Mike writes these words in heaven.

I'm looking forward to a new body. I know that sounds selfish but I been paralyzed for 35 years. My health is been declining in the last four years.

I'm ready to be whole and complete where the Lord Mike you'll get that new body. The God's promise to send the writes these words. This is a surprising one.

I'm looking forward to meeting my baby that I aborted at the age of 17. I hope you quote this in your sermon because I think it's something a lot of women need to hear.

I love to share my story.

The story of Cain and deep remorse, but ultimately a story of the forgiveness and healing that only God can give. Can I say a word about that. Are you woman who is pregnant and you're contemplating an abortion. Can I just save you do not do that, you're taking the innocent life of an unborn child civil Greg the child was conceived out of wedlock. Guess what I was conceived out of wedlock. I'm thankful my mother carried me to determine that child deserves to live in if you can raise that child then put the little one up for adoption. There's plenty of families out there that would love to adopt a child with this girls being very honest and she's saying it's a story of pain and deep remorse. But let me say this. If you are a woman who is gotten abortion asked God to forgive you of that. And rest assured in this truth that Sandy is brought to our attention, you'll be reunited with your child again if you put your trust in Christ. Bob writes I'm 83 years old and the thing I'm looking the most forward to in heaven is being with the sun that I lost just before his seventh birthday.

This literally killed me then. Then he says you're aware of the pain writing to me because our son went to be with the Lord. 13 years ago. He says, but the Lord gave me life again and a few years later I invited Jesus to take it over.

Bob also writes I'm an artist I'm looking forward to the beauty of heaven all Bob skin to be more beautiful than you can even imagine. Carly writes I'm looking forward to see my baby girl Emily in April 2020. I was 40 weeks pregnant. We found out sweet Emma no longer had a heartbeat due to her umbilical cord accident. I was induced and she was born.

The next morning we had to say hello and goodbye for now to our firstborn daughter that day. Heaven now feels so much closer. I can't wait to hear MSA mama for the first time. It's true when you have a love when that's close to you die.

Heaven is closer. Isn't it less writes my wife died 4 1/2 years ago and I miss her so much. We were married for 36 years and 11 months. We started going to your church in 1984 and I still go that's great, less when I get to heaven.

I want to meet Jesus first and then find my wife and take her hand and take a 100 year walk just talk, you'll see your wife again less and finally had the I savored them for last because I found what you said, a bit humorous.

I'm looking forward to heaven.

Writes Edna so I can wear one out for she doesn't like to change clothes apparently wearing one outfit.

Never crying again being reunited with my friends and family.

I dream of kneeling at the foot of Jesus lay my head in his lap and thanking him and rejoicing that the sorrows of this world are over all yes these are sad but hopeful, because are all putting their faith in Christ. Let's read Revelation 22 verse six and he said to me, these words are faithful and true, and the Lord God of the holy prophet sent his angel to show his servants, the things which must shortly take place. Behold I am coming quickly. Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book. Verse eight.

Now I John son heard these things, and when I heard and saw them I felt on the worship of the feet of the angel who showed me these things and he said see that you do not do that. I'm your fellow servant, and of your brothers the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book, worship God. And then he said to me do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book for the time is at hand. He was unjustly to be unjust still. He was guilty, let him be filthy still. He was right this letter to be righteous till he was holy B. Holy still.

Behold I am coming quickly and my reward is with me and I will give to everyone according to his work. Remember I pointed this out to many times as we have studied the book of Revelation together.

By the way, this is all archived on our website and harvest.org.

If you miss any of the messages try to go back and watch the whole series in its proper order, but there's a blessing promised in this book. This is the only book in the Bible that has an actual blessing attached to it and remember it says in Revelation 13 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep the things that are written in it for the time is there so if you want to receive the blessing. First, you have to read it. That's why like to just read Revelation out loud as we have already done this phrase read actually means to read out loud, but it doesn't stop there.

Secondly, you must hear the words of the prophecy is see if you just read the book of Revelation is a piece of literature or religious writing. You're not necessarily going to get much out of it. In fact, you'll probably be pretty confused, but of the Holy Spirit of God opened your spiritual eyes and ears to see and hear what God is saying in this book. It can make all the difference in the world because reading and understanding the book of Revelation will energize and excite you and remind you that God is in control of your life.

The events that are happening in our world right now are not random or haphazard.

Everything is going according to plan God's plan and we really will one day live happily ever after. And finally the blessing of Revelation is promised to those that keep the things that are written in it. Keep the things that other words applying these truths in your own lives. You know, it's worth noting that whenever you read what the Bible says about the future, there was always an exhortation to live a godly life. Let me say that again whenever you read what the Bible says about the future. There is always an exhortation to live a godly life. Second Peter 311 says since everything around us is going to be destroyed. We should live holy and godly lives. Listen to this. The reason we learn about the future so we can live right in the present. But why should I keep these words verse six because there faithful and true. We've all had promises broken to us about husbands and wives make vows to each other to be faithful to each other in those valves are violated.

Or maybe your parents made promises to you and they broke their promises, and it broke your heart. I want you to know something God keeps his promises. Jesus never breaks a promise because his words are faithful and true and listen to this. He says I'm coming quickly. Verse seven that weight coming quickly, was in relation written around 2000 years ago.

Yes, it was well seems like God's definition of the word quickly is a little different than my definition of the word well, it's sort of like when my wife and I are going out somewhere else. Elke Kathy were going out to dinner and were going to meet someone at 5 o'clock so we need to be ready to walk out the door at 445 and all start counting her down. You have 20 minutes. You have 10 minutes you have five minutes.

Someone might say you shouldn't do that, you wipe no, actually she likes it because the other day. I didn't counter down and eyes it is time to go, Kathy.

She says I'm not ready. I said I told you were leaving in 15 minutes.

She said yes but you did not count me down see so she liked to but anyway her definition of I'm ready. My definition of. I'm ready very different.

My definition of. I'm ready means I'm ready to walk out the door get in the car and drive away.

Kathy's definition of ready is well. I'm ready-ish I may clean a couple things I I may run upstairs and grab a sweater. I may bake a cake. I'm not sure, but it's a little different definition of the word ready for each of us.

So what does Jesus mean when he says I come quickly. The Greek term here for quickly as less to do with how soon he will come and more to do with the suddenness of the event wanted occurs.

So when John uses a sword quickly is not using it in a sense of time is in hours or months, but in the sense of a series of events happening together in rapid succession. Once they start the final events of the end times are all very close together.

You can compared to Domino's once the first domino falls, the others fall in rapid succession first domino would be the rapture of the church, then the emergence of the antichrist, then the tribulation. Then the second coming, then the millennium and so forth and so Jesus is saying this is going to happen in rapid succession. When that time arrives. The events will follow one another quickly. The whole machinery of history will be shifted into high gear and a race. The judgment so we must keep his word.

He told us that we must also do his work to his work. He says in verse 12. I'm coming quickly on my reward is with me to give to everyone according to his work as I've already told you the Bible promises rewards crown acknowledgment for your faithful service to the Lord. The Bible says don't be weary in well doing, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up, and we hear there verse. Don't be deceived, God is not mocked whatsoever a man sows, that will he also reap a be sows of the flesh will be corrupted so will we hear you reap what you sow. We always think of it in a negative way and there is a negative a way that can play out in your life within the verse goes on to say, but if you sold of the spirit we will reap life everlasting joy just as surely as the person was sown. This sin will reap the consequences of it.

The person was sown the righteousness will reap the blessings of it. Jesus as my reward is with me and I'll give to everyone according to his work. So I question is are you working for the Lord not working for your salvation.

Salvation is a gift from heaven to you, but because I'm saying I should want to do something for the Lord not working for salvation, but rather working from salvation of faith the words will produce words of faith that doesn't won't Paul writes in first Corinthians 1558 therefore, my brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

Listen to this.

The decisions and the lifestyle I choose in this life will impact me in the life to come to verse 11, he was unjust B unjust.

Still, he was guilty than to be filthy still he who was righteous B righteous.

Still, he was holy. B. Holding still. Let's understand what John is saying he is not saying that you should live a godly life. He simply saying if you live this way in an ungodly way, you'll face the consequences of it. Really, it's a warning chuck fund all in his commentary in the book of Revelation did a paraphrase of this verse that I just read to Revelation 2211 you wrongdoers go ahead and keep doing wrong. You'll see what happens. All you one clean sinners keep rolling around in the mud just ignore God's offer of cleansing you seen what's in store for you. As for you, righteous and holy saints. Keep practicing righteousness. Keep being holy and you'll get your reward in due time. So now Jesus gives us a stern warning here in the book of Revelation chapter 22 verse 18. If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book and if anyone takes away from the book of this prophecy, God will take away from the book of life and from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book while loose paraphrase.

Don't mess around with the book of Revelation. This would speak of those who would disobey or disregard or distort or dilute Scripture I meet who are we to edit the Bible stories told of Thomas Jefferson, one of our founding fathers, who had his own version of the Bible. He came to be known as Jefferson's Bible. Currently, Jefferson went in with a pair of scissors and cut out all the parts of the Bible. He did not agree with the just sort of one of the ethics of Christ without the miracles and other things. The Bible records you can't just make up your own Bible and cut out what you don't like someone might say, what if you don't agree with what the Bible says on this topic will be a simple answer is change your opinion because the Bible is right. Our objective is not to conform Scripture to culture is to conform culture to Scripture using but this warning that is given to us here would include disobeying God's word and will also include disregarding that sort of tuning it out. That's why Jesus would often use the statement key that has ears to hear, let him hear.

Allow me to update that. Listen up. Pay attention to what is being said.

We all know what it's like to tune things out and be someone saying to us and something to us in and we don't want to hear it.

So we just tune it out. Jesus is seen tune it in.

Listen to what I'm saying to you.

Another way that we would do this is by distorting the word of God, sort of forcing that the fit into the lifestyle that we are perhaps chosen well I don't know if I really agree with that interpretation, I've come up with my own interpretation.

That's what the devil did with Jesus and what we call the temptation in the wilderness. Remember, Satan quoted Scripture. He said that Jesus go ahead and jump off of the temple because the Bible says that his angels will give charge over you, and so the double quote of the Bible with the Jesus court of the Bible back in context to Satan and Jesus said it is written, you shall not test the Lord your God. Now we come to the finale. Revelation 2220 he who testifies to these things says Shirley I am coming quickly.

Amen. Even so, Lord Jesus, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you always think.

Even so, Lord Jesus, Jesus is giving his last recorded words in the Bible last words are important. If you knew you were going to die. You had to write down a final statement, what would your last words, be they reveal what's important you to give a glimpse into your character. Some parting comments that are recorded through history are surprising.

Others are thoughtful, some are just odd friend since Karl Marx's one of the founders of communism. I was on his deathbed and his housekeeper came and said to him tell me your last words and I'll write them down. Marx replied, get outta here last words are for fools who haven't said enough." In contrast to car marches Groucho Marx's last words were dye my dear why that's the last thing I'll do and then he died.

Nostradamus was known for predicting the future, not very accurately I might add, but in one instance he was right.

Nostradamus gave his last words which were tomorrow I will no longer be here that ended up being true. Pablo Picasso, the great painter gave his last words he said bring to me drink to my health because you know I can't drink anymore. The Roman Emperor Julian having attempted to reverse the official endorsement of Christianity by the Roman Empire, gave his last words when he said you of 10 Galilean other words, of people of faith are far different than the ones I just mentioned. When Stephen was being stoned in this life was draining from him. His final words were I see the heavens open and I see Jesus standing on the right hand of God. And then he said, Lord, don't lay this sin to their charge, reflecting our Lord's words when he hung on the cross of Calvary and said father forgive them for they know not what they do lots words of evangelist DL Moody were quote I see earth reseeding in heaven is opening God is calling me John Wesley said the best of all is that God is with us poncho via the revolutionary said don't let it end like this. Tell them I said something will. Jesus did say something he says in verse 20. Surely I am coming quickly. John is so overwhelmed. He offers this beautiful prayer. Even so, Lord Jesus, affect the word amen means so be it.

So John is saying yes. So be it, or is St. Paul reminded us, let it be that say Paul McCartney that junk. So the Bible closes with an invitation. Revelation 22 verse 17 and the Spirit and the bride say, come. And he who hears, says, let him who thirsts, whoever desires let them take the water of life freely.

Did you know that come as one of God's favor words in the face of judgment on the earth.

God commanded Noah to build an ark and when it was built. The Lord said, come into the ark of safety, Moses was standing in the midst of the people who would give in their worship to the golden calf and he said let him who is on the Lord side come and stand by me. God says come let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins be as scarlet Dobie as white as snow of the red like crimson, though be as white as wool. Isaiah 55 the Lord says hey everyone that thirst, let them come to the waters Jesus to an inquiring man said come and see Jesus again said come unto me all you that are laboring and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest, in fact, there are two words in the Bible that show us what our focus as Christians ought to be the first word is come in the second word is go first, we come to the Lord. Then we go out and tell others know this beautiful promise of having your spiritual thirst quenched in verse 17, Revelation 22 wherever desires, let him take the water of life freely. The closing verses of the Bible make it perfectly clear that salvation is a matter of the well, whoever will let them come. It's an offer. It's an invitation. Whoever will lead him, it's a matter of the will or maybe I should say it's also a matter of the won't you either will or you won't accept God's offer of forgiveness and then when you accept that offer of forgiveness. You find the satisfaction you're looking for because there's nothing this world offers that will satisfy that deep thirst in your soul mentioned earlier that Abraham is looking for a city made by God and them the same way were all wired that way were longing for a place we've never been to before were effectively homesick for heaven. Nothing this world offers will satisfy that homesickness or that spiritual thirst is a Dr. name Robin Smith who wrote a book with the title hungry the truth about being full. She writes about those who feel a great emptiness after they have experienced great success. She calls it been hungry for the high note and she writes about Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston. And the early deaths, and here's what she says and I quote people see the drugs kill them. Drugs didn't kill them. What killed them as they were striving in the hungry. They were striving to chip the high note again. She's right about that. Were all striving in hungry and thirsty for truth for a life that is worth living in Jesus can give you that life and you can have the hope of heaven. So let me ask you, in closing, are you sure you will go to heaven when you die.

Is there any more important question than that I don't think so. Heard about a man who died and went to heaven and the Peter met him at the pearly gates and said okay buddy this is how it works.

You need a thousand points to get in the habit tell me all the good things you've done that give you points for each item and I thought about it for a moment. He says I've been married to the same wonderful woman for 50 years, I kept my bells tour. I have even had a an impure thought. Peter says that's good. I give you 3.2 with three points. How many do we need to get you need a thousand points. I give you three points for being faithful to your wife. Oh well, okay, the guises I attended church and I supported it with my prayer with my ties. Peter said good that's worth 1.1.10 wait the minutes as I started a soup kitchen and worked in a shelter for homeless people. Peter said let's good for two more points. Finally, the guy completely exasperated, said man. The only way I want to get into heaven is by the grace of God. Peter said you've got it. That's worth a thousand point get it. It's not something you do. By the way, that's a fictitious story.

I'm sure you know that, but it's a story to make a point you don't get to heaven by what you've done, you get to heaven on the basis of what Christ is done for you on the cross.

That's the only way and they haven't coming back to that statement of Jesus when he said I go to prepare a place for you, said we don't know where this is where you're going. And Jesus said I am the way the truth and the life and no man comes of the father but by me. Why is Jesus the only way to the father because Jesus was the son of God.

There is never been a man that walked this planet who was like Jesus, fully God and fully man and when he died on the cross with one hand, he took gold of sinful humanity with the other hand, he took all about holy God and nails were driven to those hands and he died in our place. The Bible says Christ died for our sin was not really nails that held him to the cross. 2000 years ago. It was love for you.

Did you know that God loves you.

Did you know that God has a plan for you. Did you know that God wants you to join him in heaven one day and if you want to join them. You must accept his offer. You must respond to the invitation. Let's say I sent you a text and I said meet me for lunch at 12 In-N-Out Burger now if you respond in great were going to go get lunch if you don't respond.

I'm going to assume you either didn't get the message or you don't want to meet me for lunch and then if I get the�� I'm talking about� Oh, you're responding. Then I get nothing.

I begin what happened.

You were going to say yes and then you decided not to say yes maybe a better offer came up whatever if you don't accept my offer. You're in effect rejecting my offer got offers you forgiveness of all of your sent. He offers you a fresh start, mentioned earlier, you could be a woman who's had an abortion. You could be a man that is sinned in so many ways and you wonder, would God ever forgive me for what I've done, the answer is yes, because Christ died for those sins. But you must be willing to turn from them and ask him to come in here like to be your savior and your Lord and if you do this on the authority of this book that is completely trustworthy. You my friend will go to heaven.

Years ago I was wrapping up a message of one of our evangelistic crusades and I said these words friend you may never have another opportunity like this to come to Jesus Christ. There was a guy sitting in the audience, whose last name was your adjusted friend when I said that he was like he's talking to me and he went forward and gave his life to the Lord so friend, God is offering you forgiveness. Now it's up to you if you want to accept it or reject it. Listen.

Eternity hangs in the balance. Your choices heaven or hell, forgiveness or judgment make the right choice and believe in Jesus. Right now I would like to close in prayer and I would like to extend an invitation to anyone watching me right now. Wherever you are. If you're not sure that you are going to heaven. If you are living with the guilt of your sin.

If you would like to have a fresh start in life. Pray this prayer that I'm about to lead you went. This is a prayer will you will be asking Jesus Christ to come into your life again as I pray this prayer. Pray this prayer wherever you are after me. You could print out loud if you like to pray this with me if you want God to forgive you if you want to go to heaven.

Pray this with the Lord Jesus. I know that I'm a sinner but I know that you are the Savior who died on the cross and rose again from the dead. Jesus come into my life now I choose to follow you to my Savior and Lord my God, and friend in Jesus name I pray, amen. Everybody Greg Laurie here.

Thanks for listening to our podcast and the learn more about harvest ministries. Please subscribe and consider supporting this show. Just go to harvest.org. By the way, if you want to find out how to come into a personal relationship with God.

Go to know God.org that's key NOW GLD.org