Heaven Is For Real

Well Good Morning Church! We are so excited that you have decided to join us here this morning. What a blessing to be here worshiping the Lord together!

This morning, we are concluding a sermon series on the End times and we are talking about heaven.

Now, I have done a lot of funerals in my time here as the pastor. In fact, over the coarse of the last three to four years, I have done upwards of 30 plus. During these funerals, I love to preach about heaven because it really gives people hope, as it should.

D.L. Moody described our hope of heaven this way. “What has been, and is now, one of the strongest feelings in the human heart? Is it not to find some better place, some lovelier spot, than we have now? It is for this that men are seeking everywhere; and they can have it if they will; but instead of looking down, they must look up to find it. As men grow in knowledge, they vie with each other more and more in making their homes attractive, but the brightest home on earth is but an empty barn, compared with the mansions in the skies.”

There is a book that I have really enjoyed and if you have not read it, I would encourage you. It is called “Heaven is for Real.” It is based on the true story of Colton who experienced a sudden illness. While on vacation Colton became sick all of the sudden. Colton started throwing up and eventually becomes lethargic. The family rushed Colton to the hospital and his symptoms keep getting worse. After examination, it was revealed that Colton’s appendix ruptured and the toxins were released into his system. Colton eventually recovers which was considered a miracle by most. While traveling to a family event, Colton started talking about his visit to heaven while he was in surgery. Colton talked to them about angels and the heavenly thrown of God. Colton goes on to say that he met his grandfather there. Colton also tells of a painting that a girl who had a vision had done and confirmed that painting was accurate of Jesus. Dave will put that picture on the screen for us.

• Tech team – show picture Akaine Kramarik (Jesus picture)

In general, every human being has an internal longing for the eternal. It seems to have been built right into the fabric of our conscience. We all equally have a longing for something greater than what we experience in this broken sin-sickened world. We all to seem naturally to have a sense that this world isn’t what it should be; that there is something better waiting; that somewhere, someday we will find a more pleasant existence on a distant shore. A hope for Heaven, it seems, has been written, and etched into every heart.

I. Reserved for the Elect

A. Who is heaven for?

a. With that said, the question becomes “ Who Heaven is for?

b. Really, this is a question for the ages. Ever since time began, man has asked “Why am I here?” , What is the purpose?, Where do I go when I die?, etc.

c. The bible gives us a tremendous amount of insight into this topic and is very clear as to who heaven is for.

d. It is for those whose faith, who hope, and life is in Jesus Christ.

e. The bible tells us in Colossians 3:1-3 NKJV 3 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

B. Heavenly living

a. If you have your bibles, turn with me to the book of John 14:2-4 NKJV 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And where I go you know, and the way you know.”

b. Heaven is a wonderful place! It is a real place! It is perfect in every way and fashion! Heaven is where God the Father and Jesus are presently residing!

c. Let me say this, heaven is not too crowded to accept new citizens; in fact, heaven accepts people from all around the world every single day.

d. Every bible believing Christian is received regardless of their ethnicity, regardless of the social and economic status!

e. They are greeted at the gates by their Savior!