Heaven and Earth

7/30/2023

Some Christians have been accused of being so heavenly-minded that they are no earthly good. Others seem to deny the reality of heaven and live as if this world is all there is. The Gospel is a guardrail preventing us from making either mistake. Join us for the final sermon in the Essentials series, where we will learn how our beliefs about the future shape our lives today.

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Essential #7

Jesus will ##come## ##again## and ##make## ##all## ##things## ##new##.

Principle

What I believe about the ##future## will shape how I ##act## in the ##present##.

Passage

Revelation 21:1-6 & 22:1-5

Heaven will ##come## ##to## ##us##. (Rev. 21:1-3)

Are you preparing the way for ##Jesus'## ##return##?

All that is ##divided## will be ##reunited##. (Rev. 21:4-6)

Are you a ##divider## or a ##uniter##?

All that is ##broken## will be ##healed##. (Rev. 22:1-5)

Are you facing the ##future## with ##confidence## in the One who holds the ##future##?

Small Group Questions

Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couples or family devotion, or with a small group.

HANGOUT

Make a list of things that are difficult to endure, but well worth the trouble.

HEAR

Read Romans 8:18-25

According to Paul, how is our present situation like childbirth?
Give an example of how creation has been subjected to futility. Who subjected creation to futility and why?
Share an example of when you groaned inwardly. What did you need or want to happen in that situation?

Read Romans 8:26-30

How does the Holy Spirit help us when we pray? Have you ever experienced this?
For whom do all things work together for the good? What does it mean to be called according to God’s purpose?

Read Romans 8:31-39

What proof does Paul offer that God is for us?
Does Paul suggest that Christians are exempt from suffering? Why or why not?
How would you use Romans 8 to encourage someone going through a time of suffering and trial?

HUDDLE

Are you currently “groaning” over a situation in your life? What might God be doing through this trial? Talk about it, invite accountability, and take time to pray together.

Daily Readings

Our summer Bible reading plan will focus on passages related to our essential beliefs. As you read, invite the Holy Spirit to affirm what is essential. How will this essential affect your life today?

Day 1: Revelation 21
Day 2: Revelation 22
Day 3: Matthew 24
Day 4: Romans 8
Day 5: Romans 9
Day 6: 1 Peter 1
Day 7: 2 Peter 3