Wednesday, April 18, 2012

To Die Is Gain - Part 2



Philippians 1:20-24

(Temple 4-18-12)


Introduction:

A. Paul called death “gain” in verse 21 and “far better” in verse 23. This certainly is not the world’s view of death nor is it generally the view of the believer. Though we are saved and know it, we still enjoy this life and are, for the most part, not ready to leave it anytime soon. As one man said, “If I knew where I was going to die, I probably would not go there.” I believe that most of us wouldn’t go there either.

B. At the same time, all of us know that our eternal life will be far better than this present one. This life is good but there are many hard places that make us long for heaven. Last week, we saw that heaven was “gain” and “far better” because it to be “with Christ.” More is said in our songs about what heaven looks like than what it will be like to be with Christ. Jude 24 speaks of being in His presence with exceeding joy. Psalms says, “In his presence is fullness of joy.”

C. Heaven is also “gain” and “far better” for many more reasons. I do not know all there is to know about the place where God lives but the Bible does give us some insight. I want to look at just a few things about heaven tonight:


1. Heaven’s Place

a. Heaven is a place of great mystery. Paul called it the “third heaven.” The first heaven is our atmosphere, the second heaven is the universe above us, and the third heaven is where God lives. Isaiah 14:13 For thou has said in thing heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north.”

1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. (There are things that we can know about heaven and I will deal with some of them but there is so much that we know nothing about.)

Ezekiel 28:14-16 Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. (15) Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. (16) By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire.

b. Heaven is a place of great beauty.

(1) Walls of Jasper

(2) Gates of Pearl

(3) Foundations of Precious Stones

(4) Street of Transparent Gold

(5) Palaces Of Ivory

(6) River As Clear As Crystal

(7) Tree Bearing 12 Manner of Fruits

(8) Lighted By The Glory of God

c. A Place of Great Joy

Job 38:7 When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

Luke 15:10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

d. A Place of Great Worship

Revelation 4:8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

Revelation 5:14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.

e. A Place of Great Accommodations

John 14:2 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.

Psalms 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

e. A Place of Great Size

Revelation 21:16 And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.


2. Heaven's Pleasure

a. No More Sea

Revelation 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

b. No More Tears

Revelation 21:4a And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes;

c. No More Death

Revelation 22:4b and there shall be no more death,

d. No More Sorrow

Revelation 21:4c neither sorrow, nor crying,

e. No More Pain

Revelation 22:4d neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

f. No More Night

Revelation 21:25 And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.

g. No More Sin

Revelation 21:27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.


3. Heaven's People

a. They Are Blood Bought

Revelation 7:14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

b. They Are Obedient

Matthew 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.


No more remembrance of sin No more politicians

No more worries about uncertainties No more taxes

No more sleepless nights No more IRS

No more bills to pay No more doctors to see

No more racism No more hospitals to visit

No more tear dimmed eyes No more arthritis

No more fear No more ibuprofen

No more loneliness No more broken bones

No more heat by day No more Dr. Kevorkian’s

No more cold by night No more incurable diseases

No more hunger No sightless eyes

No fat bodies No more suffering

No diets No cripples

No more jails to build No retarded children

No more poverty No more headaches

No more nursing homes to preach in No more death

No more disappointments to weep over No more storms

No more Discouragements to hinder No more thorns

No more dismal failures No more chiggers

No more wicked thoughts to fight No more mosquitos, ticks, fleas

No more filth to see No law officers

No more temptation to sin No more guns

No more fighting No more devil to annoy

No more wars No more funeral homes

No more hurt feelings No more heartaches

No more strife and contention

No more confusion


WHAT A DAY THAT WILL BE

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