To Die Is Gain

3. Paul called our current bodies “this VILE BODY” (Phip. 3:21). It’s like, right now we’re driving a beat-up jalopy and we’re going to get a Ferrari or Lamborghini. So why are we holding on to the jalopy so hard?

III. WHY “TO DIE IS GAIN”

Paul said “I desire to depart.” The word Paul used for “desire” is a strong one, epithumian. The same word is used, negatively, of strong lusts and controlling passions. How interesting that Paul would use such a strong word to describe his desire to depart! He pants, he longs to be gone! Shouldn't we? WHY IS DYING A GAIN?

A. WE GET A NEW BODY

1. In heaven we get a new body. Our earthly body has its problems – it get’s tired, feels pain, get’s sick, gets old, and it sags, our eyes dims, our ears dull, and things falls out (hair & teeth)!

2. Billions of dollars are spent every year to cover up, make up, lift up, pump up and shore-up the flaws in our bodies.

3. But in heaven we won’t need to do that anymore because – we’ll get a new body, a better one, an eternal one; one that doesn’t get tired, feel pain, get sick, sag or fall out...

B. WE’LL GET TO LIVE IN A CUSTOM BUILT HOUSE

1. “In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with Me” John 14:2-3.

2. Most of our houses eventually do like our bodies – they begin to fall apart. But the Bible tells us about our houses in Heaven: “Eye has not seen or ear heard,” it will be nicer than anything we’ve ever seen or heard of!

3. God’s been working on it 2,000 years – so it must be pretty nice!

C. WE’LL GET TO EAT GREAT FOOD

1. Now, I’ve been to some great buffet’s... Ryans in Conroe, Chinese Buffets, Mexican Buffets, etc. But in heaven we get to eat better food than we ever ate on Earth.

2. Jesus said, “I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven” Mt. 8:11. It will be the “Mother” of all buffets!

D. WE GET TO SEE AND BE WITH OUR LOVED ONES

1. "...WE WHO ARE STILL ALIVE AND ARE LEFT WILL BE CAUGHT UP TOGETHER WITH THEM IN THE AIR. AND SO WE WILL EVER BE WITH THE LORD FOREVER." 1 Thess. 4:13-17.

2. You’ll see your momma, your dad, your spouse, your child – all the wonderful Christians you’ve ever known, and there will never be any separations again!

E. WE’LL GET TO LIVE IN A PERFECT WORLD

1. This world can get you down! But in that world there will no more temptation, taxes, trouble, trials, or suffering.

2. John tells us in Revelation about the heavenly city made of precious stones. He says that in that city there’s no need for a temple, for God and His son are there. It also has no need for the sunlight, for God’s glory and Jesus provide all the illumination that is needed. And there’s no more night or darkness.

3. And through the city flows the river of life, it is as clear as crystal, that brings life and healing to all who drink it.