Return of the King

Longing for Heaven, Longing for Home

Homesick for a place I have never been

Revelation 21:1-4

Heaven - Bible 500+ times

Revelation 50x

Heaven

1. Atmosphere Genesis 1:20
2. Space Genesis 15:5
3. Dwelling place of God Hebrews 9:24

Actual Place not just a Spiritual State John 14:2-3

Characteristics

1. Up - Revelation 4:1-7; 1 Corinthians 7:2
2. Far - Luke 23:43
3. Close - 2 Cor 5:8
4. Real

1. We are to Focus on Heaven

Philippians 3:20

Colossians 3:1–2

James 4:4

1 John 2:15–17

2. Why are to Focus on Heaven?

1. Father is there
2. Jesus is there
3. Fellow believers Hebrews 12:23
4. Name recorded in Heaven Revelation 3:5; 13:8
5. Citizens of Heaven Philippians 3:20
6. Inheritance there 1 Peter 1:4
7. Reward Matt 5:12
8. Treasure Matt 6:21
9. Strangers, exiles on earth 1 Peter 2:11
10. Death no longer victor but door 1 Corinthians 15:26
11. Far, far better Philippians 1:21,23

3. How Does Focusing on Heaven affect us?

1. Anticipate glorified bodies - 1 John 3:2; 1 Corinthians 13:12
2. Live holy and pure lives 1 John 3:3
3. Longing for Heaven increases our awareness of Salvation Luke 12:34
4. Affects our character
5. Joy & Comfort in trials 2 Corinthians 4:17
6. Repellant for Sin Romans 8:5-6
7. Increases of zeal for service
8. Honors God

4. What are some things that are “no longer” in Heaven?

1. No more sea vs Revelation 21:1
2. Death Revelation 21:4
3. Mourning Revelation 21:4
4. Weeping/tears Revelation 21:4
5. Pain Revelation 21:4
6. Curse Revelation 22:3
7. Night Revelation 21:25; 22:5
8. No more thirst Revelation 21:6
9. Wickedness Revelation 21:8, 27
10. Temple Revelation 21:22
11. Locks/closed gates Revelation 21:25