The Reality of Heaven

Welcome to this edition of PowerPoint with Jacqueline a little later in the program will tell you how you can get a copy of Dr. Graham's book heaven. First, here's the message. The reality of having begin turning in your Bibles to John's gospel chapter 14 what comes to your mind when you think about him some nebulous afterlife. Some great experience of nirvana or happiness or perfection, or just living in never never land living forever.

Somewhere out there.

While the Bible tells it very differently.

John 14 let not your hearts be troubled.

This is verse one believe in God believe also in me. In my father's house are many rooms are many mansions and if it were not so, what I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you and if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am key versus where I am, there you may be also. This is for you to personal and you know the way to where I'm going. Thomas said to him, and Thomas by the way, was somewhat a skeptic regarding the future regarding the resurrection, but he ask important questions that it's good to ask questions, especially when you asked them of the Lord, the one who can answer.

So he said Lord, we don't have a clue.

We don't know where you're going. How can we know the way Jesus said to him, I am the way and the true and the life.

No one comes to the father except through me. So I want to say at the outset of this message. I have three major points today that heaven is relevant, maybe a thinking pastor talk to me about something that is relevant, something that is real.

I you know I don't have time to think about eternity. I don't have time to think about heaven talk to me about something this relevant to my to my life, I'm busy. I got family to raise.

I got a job to do. II can't even stop to think about tomorrow. Just trying to get through today. Let me remind you that the message of heaven, what we think about regarding eternity is essentially Bible today.

In fact, we are told in in Colossians 3 verses one and two.

If you then have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind. Get your mind right on this set your mind which has to do with your thoughts, your aims, your ambitions, your your attitude your priorities, your perspective said your mind, not on things below that is earthly thing but on things that are above, not on things of the earth but on the things of eternity Warren wears great great Bible teacher and author says that heaven is not only a destination it is a destination as were going to see in just a moment, but is also a motivation. It is our motivation in life that we have a heart for heaven that heaven if you are a follower a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ that you would have a heart for heaven because you have a heart for him, a desire to depart and be with Christ far far better your best life is not now you can live a great life and abundant life today but your best life is yet to come. And that's relevant because it's your outlook that determines your outlook in life that it changes the way you view everything and when you envision heaven and when you embrace heaven in your life you're able to respond more appropriately to the challenges of your own life. Unfortunately, as I said too many churches and pastors and pulpits are silent regarding the message of the promise of the future and eternal life.

My friend Dr. David Jeremiah writes this when the church doesn't have heaven on his mind it tends to grow indulgent and self-centered and weak.

Our thoughts are consumed with our present needs. And heaven becomes an afterthought. That's why there isn't always a lot of difference. According to some surveys between the lifestyles of Christians and non-Christians churchgoers increasingly live like the world does and were letting the popular culture press us into its mold. I believe this because of the great omission in our preaching and teaching. Today we have two view sermons about heaven and hell and I say a huge amen to that is true that we need to talk about. Think about heaven more and more that it should be on our minds and in our hearts make heaven the habit of your heart and live with an obstinate optimism and a relentless faith regarding the future. That's why Jesus said to troubled disciples in the upper room staring down the cross in front of him. The disciples are caving in and coming apart. Jesus is speaking of his death and going away and they are deeply troubled. This is confusion and even chaos.

Judas has already left the room to go about the devil's business of betraying the Lord and so these disciples are heartbroken.

But Jesus says I'm going away and in that moment in the darkness of that night around the table. He said stop letting your heart be troubled.

Don't let your heart keep being troubled you believe in God believe also in me.

It is our faith in troubling times.

It is our faith in tearful time our faith in the hot in Christ himself and the promises that he has made us that sustain us and strengthen us, and I guarantee you there will be a time in your life either today or in the days to come, that you will need the message of John 14 desperately and I'm praying that today in preparation for your life and your future with yourself and your family that you will not be troubled by the prospect of life after death, but you would be settled in the hope in the future that broken hearts could be restored and renewed and that you could experience the relevance of the resurrection.

The relevance of the promise of the hope in the future, that your faith, your focus, your future would be with him in heaven embrace eternity, live for the apostle Paul said in Philippians chapter 3 and verse 20. Our citizenship is in heaven. Think about it the most important valuable things in our life are in heaven. Our Savior is in heaven. Jesus our citizenship is in heaven. We belong there are home is in heaven. Our reward is in heaven. Our family and friends who've gone before us in Christ are in heaven. Everything most valuable our treasure as we give our time are talent are treasure to the Lord Jesus said don't lay up treasures on this earth that all goes away but lay up treasures in heaven invest in those things that will have eternal dividends in your life and in your future. All that is in heaven, and if are if all of that is, there shouldn't our hearts be the hearts desire of every believer.

Oh yes, it is extremely relevant to talk about heaven because it will make a difference in the way you lead your family and serve your church and make a difference in the way you live your life, because he has this hope in him. The Bible says purifies himself. We understand that there is unaccountability that were not to just waste our lives but were to give our lives duration. This is a testing ground in preparation for our future with him. You're listening to PowerPoint with Jack Graham and today's message. The reality heaven even in Mike's heaviest moments, the promise of heaven pulled out and encouraging hope for you today. When you understand what your future with God will be like the burdens of the present for lighter, that's a pastor grams but heaven is all about and it's why we want to get a copy into your hands today heaven is our thanks for your gift to help share the truth of the gospel to more people around the world. So call now to request your copy of heaven when you can call 1-800-795-4627 that's 1-800-795-4627. You can also text the word PowerPoint to 59789 and don't forget to visit Jack Graham.org where you can shop our E store.

Give a gift online or sign up for Dr. Graham's free daily email devotional our website again is Jack Graham.Archie now it's get back today's message. The reality of heaven heaven is relevant and heaven is real.

I believe it's real because Jesus said so now when he was describing heaven real have. He said it's like the father's house.

I go to prepare a place for you and this house this big house in heaven. He calls the father's house there are many descriptions in heaven of heaven in the Bible 600+ references to the heaven of heavens and another couple hundred references to the stellar heavens are are the spacious heavens. The skies above us 900 altogether, but 600 specific references to heaven which is the place where God lives and exists throne of God. Now God is everywhere. His presence fills galaxies in the universe, but specifically God has a place and it is a place that he has prepared for us and is called in the Bible sometimes is called a garden. Sometimes paradigms. Heaven is described as a mountain Mount Zion heaven is described as a country a better country. Heaven is described as a city, the new Jerusalem that that city of joy. Heaven is described as a kingdom. That's why we are to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. Heaven is described as a throne the throne of God. Heaven is described as a temple, a place of worship, but the most in hearing and in during expression of what heaven is about.

These words of Jesus to the believer that heaven is home that heaven the father's house is for his family. We are comforted by this truth. You know, if you deleted all the references to heaven in the Bible and the hope of heaven.

You have nothing left of eternal significance. But those references are there to remind us continually that we have a hope and a heaven, that he is prepared is the promise of heaven that motivates us every day and fills our lives with joyous praise and adoration to God that gives our lives meaning and purpose beyond just today maybe thinking give me some news I can use talk to me about something that is real. I'll tell you something that's real is heaven. This world is passing away and everything in it. Peter tells us in first Peter that this world is one day going to melt with fervent heat.

Mother Earth is going to burn up but even the human body is declining and decay. This earthly tabernacle is in decline.

Can I get a witness on that, but he says in heaven.

All these former things that are passed away will be forever in the presence of God captured in his glory, and in his presence. Jesus is the thought of the authority on heaven is a place is a perfect place. It is a prepared place is a Promised Pl. in Jesus is the authority on it because he's the only one who's come from heaven come to arms gone back to heaven and is coming again so he notes, and when Jesus says I'm preparing a place for you. Think about it when Christ was on earth he was a carpenter before he was an itinerant preacher and teacher the Messiah. He was a worker, a carpenter, he knows a little bit about building things and so for the past 2000 years he's been preparing a place for you how wonderful how glorious is going to be Jesus promises heaven and that is enough for me. He said in my father's house are many mansions if it were not so I would've told you now ESD as I read it here in the standard version said in my father's house are many rooms and in many other newer translations from King James call many rooms now. That's because in the ancient world.

The world of Christ. Patriarchal families would have a house or a large tent and when the kids would come in and move in the sons and the dollars and the grandparent they would just add on rooms and so a wealthy keying are a powerful patriarch would have a big house with many rooms, Mormons and Mormons as the kids and the grandkids were added to the idea is okay in heaven.

You got the father's big house and all these many many road well okay the point is, it is really not what size house you're going to live in that the point is that you're going to be with him. You're going to be with Jesus at the point is there's going to be plenty of room for God's family in heaven and Graham Lotz was reflecting on what kind of home you think is necessary for your happiness in heaven. He says do you dream of a cottage by the sea or Château. By the late or a cabin in the woods or a penthouse in the city or a castle on the hill can't in the wilderness, a farm in the country or a palace and the guard what you dream house whatever it is I tell you heaven is going to be better than that because it is the father's house is your heavenly home. Now when you think about home. What do you think about my day. What I think about.

I think about security think about identity. Who I am and where I'm supposed to be. I think about except think about a love I think about a place to rest a place where I can totally be myself at home and when we get home we will have security and identity in Christ and acceptance and and love and that's forever is home.

Think about waking up finding it home. Finding it heaven.

So don't think about heaven as being some spiraled the bold showcase somewhere but home Jesus said at home with the father. One final thing and that is the revealing of heaven.

The revealing of heaven and II say it that way because heaven is all about Jesus. Paul said I have a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better when we die. There is no waiting. Or pruning or purging. To get to heaven.

The Bible says to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord present with the Lord.

We are told in the Scriptures that he is the Lord of heaven and earth. When told in the Scriptures that we are always of good courage. Second Corinthians 5, versus 60 right because we know that while we are in home of the body we are away from the Lord. We walk by faith, not side. Yes, we are a good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. I know we do everything possible to live healthy lives, and long lines and abundant lines and rightfully so, but I'm telling you, you knew how great heaven was, you would never dread or fear death.

You would never be anxious or fearful regarding your future because he will hold you there and keep you there. We are at home with the Lord know life is fading here. Time is moving on, memories fading here even the best of memories. But in heaven is a land of fadeless members and celebrations for the Scripture says we will know even as we are no this past several weeks. Several of my friends and family members or friends have gone on to heaven, and of course we grieve, we we we say goodbye, but we know that person is a child of God than one day we will be together again because we are a forever family and our future is with what did the psalmist say regarding the shepherd who leads us. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life and I will live in the house of the Lord forever reliving in the Lord's house forever. Revelation 21 three God will dwell with them, they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. I have a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. We will live in the light of his presence and who is the one upon the throne the lion and the lamb, our Savior and our God, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. We will see him and contemplate and celebrate forever the reality of his presence. So I don't want you to think of heaven is just being nebulous afterlife or a dream states or a mystical serial eternal existence out there wasting eternity sleeping on a cloud. No heaven is the vital living presence of God in the know him is to know eternal life, and when Thomas said, Lord, how do we get there. How do we get from earth to heaven. How on earth to heaven. Jesus said in verse six of John 14 I am the way the truth and the life and no one comes to the father but by me. Jesus is not the best way to heaven. He's not a way to heaven. He is the way to heaven. The way the truth and the life.

And when we get to the end of life. We won't be leaving. We will be leaving home will be going home. You're listening to PowerPoint with Jack Tran in today's message. The reality heaven, no matter when struggles are facing today. You have hope in the promise is awaiting you in heaven. And God calls you to share that hope with others today.

That's why we want to encourage and inspire you today by sending you pastor Graham stuck having this exciting book takes you straight to Scripture to help you see all that awaits you in the life to count and how it impacts your life today. Hopefully today encouraged to share that hope. So don't wait to request a copy. Heaven is our special thanks for your gift to help claim God's word through PowerPoint to request a copy when you call today, when 800 795-627-1800 795-4627.

You can also text the word PowerPoint to 59789 and don't forget to visit Jack Graham.org where you can shop our E store gift online or sign up for Dr. Graham's free daily email devotional our website again is Jack Graham.Pastor, what is your PowerPoint as you been listening today.

The spirit of God is taken, the word of God and you are ready, you are responsive in receiving Christ as your Lord and as your Savior.

I want to give you an opportunity right now is really why we do what we do and that is to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ.

And because Jesus lived and died for you and rose again. You can have eternal life. You can know that your sins are forgiven that he paid the price on the cross to deliver you from your sin and deliver you from judgment which is to come without him right now if you would put your faith and trust in Jesus by calling on his name. Romans 10 if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

So will you confess him as your Lord and Savior today will you receive him into your life.

If so, pray a prayer like this. Lord I know that I've sinned and I need you to be my Savior. I believe you died on the cross for me, and rose again to give me eternal life. I turn from my sin. Trust in you come into my life, Lord Jesus, take control of my life be my Lord, my Savior, my master and my friend. Amen. If you prayed and invited Christ into your life and welcome to the family of God. I wish I was there to slap a big high fiber give you a big hug because this is life's greatest moment. I really do want you to connect with us and let us know of your decision to begin following Christ. We have follow-up materials materials that will help you grow in your faith as your new life in Christ becomes a part of your everyday walk with him.

We want to hear from you.

We want to pray for you. We want to encourage you and we want to bless you in Jesus name. So take the next step. Right now, having received Christ in your life. Take the next step by contacting us here PowerPoint or someone standing by can't wait to encourage you in your faith and that is today's today if you prayed that prayer with Dr. Graham and accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior love to hear from you so we can help you begin your new life. Please call us at 1800-7954 62 761-800-7954 67 joined Dr. Graham next time he brings a message about what relationships will look like next time on PowerPoint with Jack Graham, PowerPoint Jacaranda, sponsored by PowerPoint ministries