What Is Heaven?
Sermon Guide
Surprised By Hope: What Is Heaven?
Today’s Scripture: John 14:1-6
'“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would 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, so that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way to the place where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. '
Summary
Pastor Crump challenges misconceptions about heaven, highlighting its temporary nature as an intermediate dwelling place before the future resurrection. He emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's love and Jesus' transformative power for salvation, rather than being good. The sermon underscores the true Christian hope of the renewal of earth and the unity of heaven and earth in a new creation. Crump invites listeners to commit to following Jesus and experience a new way of engaging with God and others.
Application Questions
Why is it important to challenge our cultural beliefs and misconceptions about heaven?
Pastor Crump mentions how cultural beliefs and misconceptions about heaven lack biblical support and often come from sources like movies, songs, and cartoons.
In what ways have your own beliefs about heaven been influenced by culture, and how can you seek a deeper understanding through scripture?
2. How does understanding heaven as a temporary dwelling place rather than a final destination change one's perspective on Christian hope?
Crump explains that heaven is an intermediate dwelling place for those who die with faith in Jesus, and the true Christian hope is the restoration of the earth with the joining of heaven and earth in a new creation.
How can this new understanding of heaven impact your faith and the way you live your life as a Christian?
3. What is the meaning of Jesus' words in John 14 regarding His preparing a place for His disciples?
Pastor Crump discussed John 14 where Jesus speaks about His departure and the promise of preparing a temporary lodging in His Father's house, not the final destination.
How does this biblical passage affect your understanding of heaven and Jesus' role in our journey towards the new creation?
4. Why is it important to recognize that it is not good people who go to heaven, but rescued people?
Crump clarifies that the Gospel message is about trusting in God's love and accepting the transformation and forgiveness offered through Jesus' life and death, not about being good.
How can this understanding of the Gospel change the way you approach your faith and your interactions with others?
5. How does the concept of a new earth and the restoration of all things bring hope for those facing oppression?
Pastor Crump acknowledges the desire to escape from the brokenness of this world, particularly for historically oppressed peoples, and relates this to the true Christian hope of restoration.
What are some practical ways you can work towards restoration and justice in your own community, reflecting the hope presented in Revelation 21?
Prayer 🙏
Start with requests for any immediate prayer needs within the group.
Ask God to help us integrate the truth that Heaven is a temporary home into our everyday lives.
Seek wisdom in communicating the reality of Heaven authentically, rooted in Scripture.
Pray for a deeper longing for our true home, the New Earth, alongside Jesus and His people.
