“Heaven: The Home We Long For” by Pastor Greg Laurie

Our God, you shine in the shadows. Our God, you shine in the shadows. You win every battle. You win every battle. You win every battle. Nothing can stand against Nothing can stand against Nothing can stand against this with us. Alm mighty fores. this with us. Alm mighty fores. this with us. Alm mighty fores. You go for us. You go for us. You go for us. Nothing can stand against the power of Nothing can stand against the power of Nothing can stand against the power of our [music] God. You shine in the our [music] God. You shine in the our [music] God. You shine in the shadows. shadows. shadows. You win every battle. You win every battle. You win every battle. Nothing can stand against the power of Nothing can stand against the power of Nothing can stand against the power of our [music] God. Oh, when [music] I fight, I'll fight on Oh, when [music] I fight, I'll fight on my knees with my hands lifted high. Oh my knees with my hands lifted high. Oh my knees with my hands lifted high. Oh God, the battle belongs to you. God, the battle belongs to you. God, the battle belongs to you. Everything I lay at your feet and I sing Everything I lay at your feet and I sing Everything I lay at your feet and I sing through the night. Oh God, the battle through the night. Oh God, the battle through the night. Oh God, the battle belongs [music] belongs [music] belongs [music] to you.

to you. to you. Oh God, [music] Oh God, [music] Oh God, [music] the battle belongs to you. I'm I'm from the waves from the waves from the waves crashing over every day. crashing over every day. crashing over every day. God [music] of mercy, please come God [music] of mercy, please come God [music] of mercy, please come [singing] resue me. I am longing for your voice. I am longing for your voice. Gentle whisper in the noise. Gentle whisper in the noise. Gentle whisper in the noise. Father's Your power Your power and your presence [music] and your presence [music] and your presence [music] breaks.

breaks. breaks. King [singing] of heaven King [singing] of heaven King [singing] of heaven when you speak. when you speak. when you speak. Mountains [music] Mountains [music] Mountains [music] move. I believe there will be move. I believe there will be move. I believe there will be breakthrough. You alone can take my scars and piece by You alone can take my scars and piece by piece [music] piece [music] piece [music] restore my heart. restore my heart. restore my heart. Take what's broken again. again. Only Jesus Your power Your power and your [music] and your [music] and your [music] presence presence presence breaks. breaks. breaks. King of heaven King of heaven King of heaven when you [music] speak.

when you [music] speak. when you [music] speak. Mountain. Mountain. Mountain. I believe there will be breakthrough. I believe there will be breakthrough. I believe there will be breakthrough. [music] Shake the mountain. Shake the mountain. Break the walls. Break the walls. Break the walls. Open the heavens. Open the heavens. Open the heavens. Almighty [music and singing] God, you Almighty [music and singing] God, you Almighty [music and singing] God, you are over. are over. are over. Defender [singing] of my heart. Defender [singing] of my heart. Defender [singing] of my heart. That's who you are. That's who you are. That's who you are. And by your power And by your power And by your power the open wide, your fire falls down. the open wide, your fire falls down. the open wide, your fire falls down. Heaven and earth collide. King Jesus Heaven and earth collide. King Jesus Heaven and earth collide. King Jesus forever [music] forever [music] forever [music] by my side.

by my side. by my side. Let's sing that again. Let's sing that again. Let's sing that again. Shake the mountain. [music] Shake the mountain. [music] Shake the mountain. [music] Break the walls aart. Hope in the Break the walls aart. Hope in the Break the walls aart. Hope in the heaven. heaven. heaven. Almighty God, you are overcome. Almighty God, you are overcome. Almighty God, you are overcome. Defender of my heart. Defender of my heart. Defender of my heart. That's who [music] That's who [music] That's who [music] you are. Jesus. When by your power you are. Jesus. When by your power you are. Jesus. When by your power the [music] oceans open wide by the [music] oceans open wide by the [music] oceans open wide by heaven and earth collide. King [music] heaven and earth collide. King [music] heaven and earth collide. King [music] Jesus Jesus Jesus forever by my side. forever by my side. forever by my side. Yeah. [music] Your power [music] Your power and your praises and your praises and your praises break. break. break. King of heaven [music] King of heaven [music] King of heaven [music] when you speak. Mountains [music] when you speak. Mountains [music] when you speak. Mountains [music] move move move by.

by. by. There will be [music] breakthroughs There will be [music] breakthroughs There will be [music] breakthroughs in your power, in your power, in your power, in your praises, in your praises, in your praises, break. The basics aren't just for beginners. The basics aren't just for beginners. [music] Bible reading, prayer, [music] Bible reading, prayer, [music] Bible reading, prayer, fellowship, and sharing your faith are fellowship, and sharing your faith are fellowship, and sharing your faith are essentials for a healthy Christian life. essentials for a healthy Christian life. essentials for a healthy Christian life. Whether you've known Jesus for 30 days Whether you've known Jesus for 30 days Whether you've known Jesus for 30 days or 30 years, for a [music] limited time, or 30 years, for a [music] limited time, or 30 years, for a [music] limited time, you can receive what every growing you can receive what every growing you can receive what every growing Christian needs to know by Pastor Greg Christian needs to know by Pastor Greg Christian needs to know by Pastor Greg [music] Lorie with your gift of any size [music] Lorie with your gift of any size [music] Lorie with your gift of any size to Harvest Ministries. In this practical to Harvest Ministries. In this practical to Harvest Ministries. In this practical [music] book, Pastor Greg explores the [music] book, Pastor Greg explores the [music] book, Pastor Greg explores the key habits that help believers grow key habits that help believers grow key habits that help believers grow spiritually and stay strong in their spiritually and stay strong in their spiritually and stay strong in their faith. You'll learn how to read and faith. You'll learn how to read and faith. You'll learn how to read and understand God's word more effectively. understand God's word more effectively. understand God's word more effectively. Develop a meaningful prayer life and Develop a meaningful prayer life and Develop a meaningful prayer life and share your faith with confidence and share your faith with confidence and share your faith with confidence and compassion. No matter where you are in compassion. No matter where you are in compassion. No matter where you are in your walk with Christ, this resource your walk with Christ, this resource your walk with Christ, this resource will help you focus on what matters will help you focus on what matters will help you focus on what matters [music] most. Request your copy of What [music] most. Request your copy of What [music] most. Request your copy of What Every Growing Christian Needs to Know Every Growing Christian Needs to Know Every Growing Christian Needs to Know Today at harvest.org/donate.

You know, I've heard people describe a You know, I've heard people describe a trip to Israel as seeing the Bible trip to Israel as seeing the Bible trip to Israel as seeing the Bible actually come to life. And having been actually come to life. And having been actually come to life. And having been to Israel many times, I can say [music] to Israel many times, I can say [music] to Israel many times, I can say [music] that's absolutely true. Listen, when that's absolutely true. Listen, when that's absolutely true. Listen, when you're walking on the same stones that you're walking on the same stones that you're walking on the same stones that Jesus walked on, there's something Jesus walked on, there's something Jesus walked on, there's something that's enriching to your faith. It's not that's enriching to your faith. It's not that's enriching to your faith. It's not just a travel experience. It actually just a travel experience. It actually just a travel experience. It actually energizes your study of the Bible. Think energizes your study of the Bible. Think energizes your study of the Bible. Think of it this way. It's a vacation with a of it this way. It's a vacation with a of it this way. It's a vacation with a purpose. And you can find out more at purpose. And you can find out more at purpose. And you can find out more at israel.harvest.com. harvest.org. Hey, Greg Lori here. Welcome to my Hey, Greg Lori here. Welcome to my podcast. I have a very special guest, podcast. I have a very special guest, podcast. I have a very special guest, Joel Rosenberg. Levi, thanks for being Joel Rosenberg. Levi, thanks for being Joel Rosenberg. Levi, thanks for being on my podcast. Michael Franies. Thank on my podcast. Michael Franies. Thank on my podcast. Michael Franies. Thank you for making time for me cuz you deal you for making time for me cuz you deal you for making time for me cuz you deal with some very weighty, heavy subjects. with some very weighty, heavy subjects. with some very weighty, heavy subjects. And I think when you can bring humor in And I think when you can bring humor in And I think when you can bring humor in is it actually helps the viewer to take is it actually helps the viewer to take is it actually helps the viewer to take in all that information. in all that information. in all that information. >> [music] >> Is it hard to be a man of faith in what >> Is it hard to be a man of faith in what you [music] do? Uh, you [music] do? Uh, you [music] do? Uh, >> it's not. In fact, it's the only way I'm >> it's not. In fact, it's the only way I'm >> it's not. In fact, it's the only way I'm allowed and enabled to do this job.

allowed and enabled to do this job. allowed and enabled to do this job. [music] [music] [music] >> Hollywood's not the hope of the world. >> Hollywood's not the hope of the world. >> Hollywood's not the hope of the world. The local church is the hope of the The local church is the hope of the The local church is the hope of the world. And I've always felt like [music] world. And I've always felt like [music] world. And I've always felt like [music] it's my job to set a volleyball that can it's my job to set a volleyball that can it's my job to set a volleyball that can be spiked at the local level. No one is be spiked at the local level. No one is be spiked at the local level. No one is beyond the reach of God. I mean, if God beyond the reach of God. I mean, if God beyond the reach of God. I mean, if God can reach Michael Frances, who can God can reach Michael Frances, who can God can reach Michael Frances, who can God not reach? not reach? not reach? [music] You know, we say to a new believer, You know, we say to a new believer, start reading the Bible, but they don't start reading the Bible, but they don't start reading the Bible, but they don't know where to start, do they? So, we know where to start, do they? So, we know where to start, do they? So, we have a special edition of the Bible have a special edition of the Bible have a special edition of the Bible called the New Believer's Bible. I wrote called the New Believer's Bible. I wrote called the New Believer's Bible. I wrote thousands of notes for [music] it and I thousands of notes for [music] it and I thousands of notes for [music] it and I sort of see it as what I would do if I sort of see it as what I would do if I sort of see it as what I would do if I was sitting down with a person over a was sitting down with a person over a was sitting down with a person over a cup of coffee and explaining the basics cup of coffee and explaining the basics cup of coffee and explaining the basics of the Christian life to them. There's of the Christian life to them. There's of the Christian life to them. There's over 10 million copies of this Bible in over 10 million copies of this Bible in over 10 million copies of this Bible in print. But [music] here's the exciting print. But [music] here's the exciting print. But [music] here's the exciting news. We have personally given out news. We have personally given out news. We have personally given out 700,000 of these at no charge to people 700,000 of these at no charge to people 700,000 of these at no charge to people to help them in their spiritual journey.

to help them in their spiritual journey. to help them in their spiritual journey. So, we need your help to keep doing So, we need your help to keep doing So, we need your help to keep doing this. So, let's invest in the spiritual this. So, let's invest in the spiritual this. So, let's invest in the spiritual future of people that are going to come future of people that are going to come future of people that are going to come to Christ who will get a copy of the New to Christ who will get a copy of the New to Christ who will get a copy of the New Believers Bible for themselves. Thank Believers Bible for themselves. Thank Believers Bible for themselves. Thank you for your financial support. you for your financial support. you for your financial support. Together, we can change lives. Hey everyone, welcome to Harvest at Hey everyone, welcome to Harvest at Home. If you are new here, we are so Home. If you are new here, we are so Home. If you are new here, we are so glad that you decided to join us. We glad that you decided to join us. We glad that you decided to join us. We meet here every Sunday to learn biblical meet here every Sunday to learn biblical meet here every Sunday to learn biblical truth from God's word. Join us in truth from God's word. Join us in truth from God's word. Join us in fellowship in the live chat room that we fellowship in the live chat room that we fellowship in the live chat room that we have online to connect with others have online to connect with others have online to connect with others across the country and around the world. across the country and around the world. across the country and around the world. Today, we'll be continuing in our study Today, we'll be continuing in our study Today, we'll be continuing in our study through the book of Luke called the through the book of Luke called the through the book of Luke called the Gospel for Everyone, and we are looking Gospel for Everyone, and we are looking Gospel for Everyone, and we are looking forward to hearing from the Lord today. forward to hearing from the Lord today. forward to hearing from the Lord today. Before we dig into the word today, I'd Before we dig into the word today, I'd Before we dig into the word today, I'd like to share about a few events that we like to share about a few events that we like to share about a few events that we hosted this last month. Starting with hosted this last month. Starting with hosted this last month. Starting with the harvest crusade, we saw over 30,000 the harvest crusade, we saw over 30,000 the harvest crusade, we saw over 30,000 people gathered together to worship the people gathered together to worship the people gathered together to worship the Lord and hear the good news. And the Lord and hear the good news. And the Lord and hear the good news. And the best part of it is thousands gave their best part of it is thousands gave their best part of it is thousands gave their lives to Christ. We also hosted the 4th lives to Christ. We also hosted the 4th lives to Christ. We also hosted the 4th annual Jesus Revolution baptism at annual Jesus Revolution baptism at annual Jesus Revolution baptism at Pirates Cove where we witnessed over 800 Pirates Cove where we witnessed over 800 Pirates Cove where we witnessed over 800 people make their public declaration of people make their public declaration of people make their public declaration of faith through baptism at this historic faith through baptism at this historic faith through baptism at this historic site. What an incredible month of seeing site. What an incredible month of seeing site. What an incredible month of seeing the Lord's work. Walking with Christ is the Lord's work. Walking with Christ is the Lord's work. Walking with Christ is a daily commitment, which is why we have a daily commitment, which is why we have a daily commitment, which is why we have some amazing resources available online some amazing resources available online some amazing resources available online that can help and guide you in that that can help and guide you in that that can help and guide you in that journey. If you head over to our website journey. If you head over to our website journey. If you head over to our website after service, you will have access to

after service, you will have access to after service, you will have access to free ebooks written by Pastor Greg Lori, free ebooks written by Pastor Greg Lori, free ebooks written by Pastor Greg Lori, Bible study courses that are designed to Bible study courses that are designed to Bible study courses that are designed to meet you where you're at and designed meet you where you're at and designed meet you where you're at and designed for you to go at your own pace, among for you to go at your own pace, among for you to go at your own pace, among many other sources of daily many other sources of daily many other sources of daily encouragement like Pastor Greg's blog encouragement like Pastor Greg's blog encouragement like Pastor Greg's blog and daily devotionals. You will also and daily devotionals. You will also and daily devotionals. You will also find our streaming platform called find our streaming platform called find our streaming platform called Harvest Plus. On there you will find Harvest Plus. On there you will find Harvest Plus. On there you will find Harvest Films, classic and recent Harvest Films, classic and recent Harvest Films, classic and recent crusade events, the Harvest Plus, Greg crusade events, the Harvest Plus, Greg crusade events, the Harvest Plus, Greg Glory TV program, new episodes of The Glory TV program, new episodes of The Glory TV program, new episodes of The Adventures of Ben Born and Yellow Dog, Adventures of Ben Born and Yellow Dog, Adventures of Ben Born and Yellow Dog, and so much more. We also want to invite and so much more. We also want to invite and so much more. We also want to invite you to join our online disciplehip you to join our online disciplehip you to join our online disciplehip community. This is a space where you can community. This is a space where you can community. This is a space where you can further your understanding of Christ further your understanding of Christ further your understanding of Christ through groupled Bible study and through groupled Bible study and through groupled Bible study and exclusive learning resources, exclusive learning resources, exclusive learning resources, participate in chats with fellow participate in chats with fellow participate in chats with fellow believers across the world, and connect believers across the world, and connect believers across the world, and connect with the ministry and people on a deeper with the ministry and people on a deeper with the ministry and people on a deeper level throughout the week. At this time, level throughout the week. At this time, level throughout the week. At this time, I invite you to worship with your online I invite you to worship with your online I invite you to worship with your online church family. God bless you guys. We'll church family. God bless you guys. We'll church family. God bless you guys. We'll see you in just a few When [music] all I see is the [singing]

When [music] all I see is the [singing] battle, battle, battle, you see my victory. When all I [music] see is a [singing] When all I [music] see is a [singing] mountain, you see a mountain. >> [music] >> [music] >> And as I walk through the shadows, >> And as I walk through the shadows, >> And as I walk through the shadows, your [music] love surrounds me. There's nothing to fear There's nothing to fear for. I'm safe. When I When I [music] fight on my knees, lift my heads [music] fight on my knees, lift my heads [music] fight on my knees, lift my heads lifted high. Oh God, the battle belongs lifted high. Oh God, the battle belongs lifted high. Oh God, the battle belongs to you. [music and singing] to you. [music and singing] to you. [music and singing] Every fear I lay at your feet. I'll sing Every fear I lay at your feet. I'll sing Every fear I lay at your feet. I'll sing [music] through the night. Oh God, [music] through the night. Oh God, [music] through the night. Oh God, battle belongs [music] to you.

And if you are for me, who can be And if you are for me, who can be against [music] me? When I see the eyes, When I see the eyes, you see [music] [music] [music] when all I see is the when all I see is the when all I see is the you see the so when [music] I so when [music] I on my knees on my knees on my knees With my hesit, [music and singing] oh God, the battle belongs to you.

oh God, the battle belongs to you. [music] Almighty fortress, [music] Almighty fortress, [music] you go before. you go before. you go before. Nothing [music and singing] can stand Nothing [music and singing] can stand Nothing [music and singing] can stand against the power of our God. You shine against the power of our God. You shine against the power of our God. You shine in the shadows. Oh, you in every in the shadows. Oh, you in every in the shadows. Oh, you in every [singing] [singing] [singing] battle. battle. battle. Nothing [music] can stand against the Nothing [music] can stand against the Nothing [music] can stand against the power of our God. power of our God. power of our God. Almighty forress, [music] Almighty forress, [music] Almighty forress, [music] you go before us. you go before us. you go before us. Nothing can stand against [music] the Nothing can stand against [music] the Nothing can stand against [music] the power of our God. You shine in the power of our God. You shine in the power of our God. You shine in the shadows. shadows. shadows. You win [singing] every battle. You win [singing] every battle. You win [singing] every battle. Nothing [music] can stand against the Nothing [music] can stand against the Nothing [music] can stand against the power of our God. power of our God. power of our God. [music] Almighty fores [music] Almighty fores [music] Almighty fores you. Nothing [music] can stand against the Nothing [music] can stand against the power of our God. You strike the power of our God. You strike the power of our God. You strike the shadows.

shadows. shadows. You win every battle. You win every battle. You win every battle. Nothing [music] can [singing] stand Nothing [music] can [singing] stand Nothing [music] can [singing] stand against the power of our God. against the power of our God. [music] [music] So when I fight, I'll try [music] my So when I fight, I'll try [music] my So when I fight, I'll try [music] my knees with my heads lifting high. Oh God knees with my heads lifting high. Oh God knees with my heads lifting high. Oh God belongs to you. [music] belongs to you. [music] belongs to you. [music] Tell every [music] sing [music] sing God that [music] belongs to you. God that [music] belongs to you. God that [music] belongs to you. Oh [music] God belongs to you. sung [music] long [singing] before our sung [music] long [singing] before our lives lives lives to raise [music] our [singing] voice.

Heaven [music] Heaven [music] and earth and earth and earth alive. See your faithful See your faithful hand. [music] Your mercy went [singing] Your mercy went [singing] out in out in out in the king who [singing] let [music] [music] upon the [singing] praises of a thousand upon the [singing] praises of a thousand upon the [singing] praises of a thousand generations. generations. >> [music] >> You are worthy >> You are worthy >> You are worthy Lord of all Lord of all Lord of all for [music and singing] you the saint for [music and singing] you the saint for [music and singing] you the saint and ris king. We lift our voice with and ris king. We lift our voice with and ris king. We lift our voice with [singing] heaven singing worthy [singing] heaven singing worthy [singing] heaven singing worthy glory [music] glory [music] glory [music] of God.

cry cry Jesus [music] Jesus [music] Jesus [music] we glory Don't [music] you Don't [music] you see see see our endless [music] praise our endless [music] praise our endless [music] praise with Christ with Christ with Christ Jesus be glorify Jesus be glorify Jesus be glorify [music] generations. generations. You are worthy You are worthy You are worthy glory [music] [music] to you. >> It has been just a little while since >> It has been just a little while since we've done this song. So, if it seems a we've done this song. So, if it seems a we've done this song. So, if it seems a little unfamiliar, we just want to little unfamiliar, we just want to little unfamiliar, we just want to retach you the bridge. It [music] says, retach you the bridge. It [music] says, retach you the bridge. It [music] says, "Highest praises, Lord of all." That's "Highest praises, Lord of all." That's "Highest praises, Lord of all." That's it. Super easy, super simple. But he is it. Super easy, super simple. But he is it. Super easy, super simple. But he is worthy of our praise. He is worthy of worthy of our praise. He is worthy of worthy of our praise. He is worthy of [music] adoration.

[music] adoration. [music] adoration. He proved his worth to us while we were He proved his worth to us while we were He proved his worth to us while we were yet sinners that [music] he took our yet sinners that [music] he took our yet sinners that [music] he took our punishment. And I think that's worthy of punishment. And I think that's worthy of punishment. And I think that's worthy of celebrating this morning. So, let's sing celebrating this morning. So, let's sing celebrating this morning. So, let's sing together. Highest praises [music] just together. Highest praises [music] just together. Highest praises [music] just like this. Highest Lord Lord [singing] Sing Sing highest Oh Oh [music] Oh highest.

Oh highest. [music] [music] [music] Praise Praise Praise is highest praise. highest praise. Highest Highest Highest [music] [music] [music] praise praise praise is you are worthy is you are worthy is you are worthy all to run from [music] to run from [music] the praises of a thousand generations. the praises of a thousand generations. the praises of a thousand generations. You are worthy. You are worthy. You are worthy. Lord will [music] you say ris king. We lift our [music] you say ris king. We lift our voice to heaven and sing [music] worthy [music] [music] to thous generations. generations. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> You are worthy >> You are worthy >> You are worthy of all your [music] to be enthroned [singing] upon the to be enthroned [singing] upon the praises of a thousand [music] praises of a thousand [music] praises of a thousand [music] generations.

generations. generations. You are worthy, You are worthy, You are worthy, Lord of all. [singing] Unto you the slain and risome king. We Unto you the slain and risome king. We lift our [music] voice with heaven lift our [music] voice with heaven lift our [music] voice with heaven singing world. singing world. singing world. Lord of all, Lord of all, Lord of all, [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] Lord of all. My name's Kaylee Barry. [music] So, I My name's Kaylee Barry. [music] So, I grew up Catholic and I watched my family grew up Catholic and I watched my family grew up Catholic and I watched my family walk into the church, walk out of the walk into the church, walk out of the walk into the church, walk out of the church, and really it was more like a church, and really it was more like a church, and really it was more like a checklist that we went. I ended up checklist that we went. I ended up checklist that we went. I ended up visiting colleges and indulge in visiting colleges and indulge in visiting colleges and indulge in everything that life had to offer. Uh, everything that life had to offer. Uh, everything that life had to offer. Uh, falling into the hands of a lot of men falling into the hands of a lot of men falling into the hands of a lot of men and sexual impurity, just filling that and sexual impurity, just filling that and sexual impurity, just filling that hole in my heart. Eventually, I was hole in my heart. Eventually, I was hole in my heart. Eventually, I was invited [music] to this Bible study invited [music] to this Bible study invited [music] to this Bible study group. And then that second meeting, we group. And then that second meeting, we group. And then that second meeting, we met at the movie theater to [music] met at the movie theater to [music] met at the movie theater to [music] watch this Jesus Revolution movie. All I watch this Jesus Revolution movie. All I watch this Jesus Revolution movie. All I knew was my ticket was going to be paid knew was my ticket was going to be paid knew was my ticket was going to be paid for. [music] And I sit down, I really for. [music] And I sit down, I really for. [music] And I sit down, I really take in this movie. There's this [music] take in this movie. There's this [music] take in this movie. There's this [music] weight of sin that I feel so stuck in.

weight of sin that I feel so stuck in. weight of sin that I feel so stuck in. And just getting to a point where I was And just getting to a point where I was And just getting to a point where I was so broken. I felt like I had nothing so broken. I felt like I had nothing so broken. I felt like I had nothing left. And [music] finally, I decided to left. And [music] finally, I decided to left. And [music] finally, I decided to surrender everything to the Lord. I gave surrender everything to the Lord. I gave surrender everything to the Lord. I gave my life to Christ again fully [music] my life to Christ again fully [music] my life to Christ again fully [music] and got rebaptized and got rebaptized and got rebaptized and just found myself overwhelmed with and just found myself overwhelmed with and just found myself overwhelmed with [music] the spirit with this eagerness [music] the spirit with this eagerness [music] the spirit with this eagerness to get in the word like seeing in the to get in the word like seeing in the to get in the word like seeing in the movie people hold up their Bibles movie people hold up their Bibles movie people hold up their Bibles [music] and say, "This is this is the [music] and say, "This is this is the [music] and say, "This is this is the word. This is the truth. Let's read it word. This is the truth. Let's read it word. This is the truth. Let's read it together." I was doing that every single together." I was doing that every single together." I was doing that every single week. I see a lot of my story in [music] week. I see a lot of my story in [music] week. I see a lot of my story in [music] the movie. And to think that years ago the movie. And to think that years ago the movie. And to think that years ago these people followed through with this these people followed through with this these people followed through with this faithfulness to the Lord and that has faithfulness to the Lord and that has faithfulness to the Lord and that has affected my life so many years later is affected my life so many years later is affected my life so many years later is just incredible. This mentor who [music] just incredible. This mentor who [music] just incredible. This mentor who [music] was uh leading this Bible group, she was uh leading this Bible group, she was uh leading this Bible group, she invited me to the Harvest Crusade. Now invited me to the Harvest Crusade. Now invited me to the Harvest Crusade. Now we're in California and the grace of God we're in California and the grace of God we're in California and the grace of God is just so overwhelming and the joy and is just so overwhelming and the joy and is just so overwhelming and the joy and the patience that and the wisdom that the patience that and the wisdom that the patience that and the wisdom that you can find in his word. [music] He's you can find in his word. [music] He's you can find in his word. [music] He's completely changed my life. I know he completely changed my life. I know he completely changed my life. I know he can change so many others. No matter can change so many others. No matter can change so many others. No matter [music] what you're stuck in or the [music] what you're stuck in or the [music] what you're stuck in or the brokenness you've experienced, you're brokenness you've experienced, you're brokenness you've experienced, you're not too far gone. And it is the sweetest not too far gone. And it is the sweetest not too far gone. And it is the sweetest thing to experience [music] his love and thing to experience [music] his love and thing to experience [music] his love and fullness knowing that I am broken but he fullness knowing that I am broken but he fullness knowing that I am broken but he redeems me. To be here in California and redeems me. To be here in California and redeems me. To be here in California and experience this full circle moment

experience this full circle moment experience this full circle moment [music] is so sweet. And I couldn't [music] is so sweet. And I couldn't [music] is so sweet. And I couldn't think of a more exciting place to be think of a more exciting place to be think of a more exciting place to be than to be [music] here and volunteer than to be [music] here and volunteer than to be [music] here and volunteer and serve and follow up with these and serve and follow up with these and serve and follow up with these people who are finally [music] finding people who are finally [music] finding people who are finally [music] finding transformation in their life. Not transformation in their life. Not transformation in their life. Not because of what they can do, but because because of what they can do, but because because of what they can do, but because of what Christ has done for them. and he of what Christ has done for them. and he of what Christ has done for them. and he wants to [music] do that for you. >> Hello everyone. Welcome to Harvest. My >> Hello everyone. Welcome to Harvest. My name is Donovan Smith. I'm on staff here name is Donovan Smith. I'm on staff here name is Donovan Smith. I'm on staff here at Harvest. What an incredible testimony at Harvest. What an incredible testimony at Harvest. What an incredible testimony that we just got to see with Kaylee and that we just got to see with Kaylee and that we just got to see with Kaylee and her story and what Jesus has done in her her story and what Jesus has done in her her story and what Jesus has done in her have a similar story of how Jesus has have a similar story of how Jesus has have a similar story of how Jesus has saved you. And I know at the Harvest saved you. And I know at the Harvest saved you. And I know at the Harvest Crusade, we had 4,000 people give their Crusade, we had 4,000 people give their Crusade, we had 4,000 people give their life to Christ. So, we know there are so life to Christ. So, we know there are so life to Christ. So, we know there are so many more testimonies of what Jesus is many more testimonies of what Jesus is many more testimonies of what Jesus is doing. doing. doing. Every time, and it ceases to amaze me, Every time, and it ceases to amaze me, Every time, and it ceases to amaze me, every time we have a harvest crusade, every time we have a harvest crusade, every time we have a harvest crusade, and I watch people flood the field to and I watch people flood the field to and I watch people flood the field to give their life to Christ, I feel like give their life to Christ, I feel like give their life to Christ, I feel like I'm watching scripture unfold in front I'm watching scripture unfold in front I'm watching scripture unfold in front of me. I feel like I'm watching Romans of me. I feel like I'm watching Romans of me. I feel like I'm watching Romans 9, those who were not my people, I will 9, those who were not my people, I will 9, those who were not my people, I will call my people, God calling people to call my people, God calling people to call my people, God calling people to himself. I feel like I'm watching John himself. I feel like I'm watching John himself. I feel like I'm watching John 3:16, for whosoever believe in him shall 3:16, for whosoever believe in him shall 3:16, for whosoever believe in him shall not perish. I feel like I'm watching not perish. I feel like I'm watching not perish. I feel like I'm watching scripture happen in real time and it's a scripture happen in real time and it's a scripture happen in real time and it's a beautiful thing. Uh well, here at beautiful thing. Uh well, here at beautiful thing. Uh well, here at Harvest, we are a gospel [music] Harvest, we are a gospel [music] Harvest, we are a gospel [music] preaching church. Anybody grateful for preaching church. Anybody grateful for preaching church. Anybody grateful for that? Amen. [applause] that? Amen. [applause] that? Amen. [applause] We have harvest crusades every single We have harvest crusades every single We have harvest crusades every single year. We You can count on a gospel

year. We You can count on a gospel year. We You can count on a gospel presentation every single week. But presentation every single week. But presentation every single week. But here's the thing, and I'm guilty of here's the thing, and I'm guilty of here's the thing, and I'm guilty of this. If we are not careful, all these this. If we are not careful, all these this. If we are not careful, all these things can become mundane and routine things can become mundane and routine things can become mundane and routine and uninspiring in our hearts if we're and uninspiring in our hearts if we're and uninspiring in our hearts if we're not careful. But listen, church, there not careful. But listen, church, there not careful. But listen, church, there is nothing uninspiring about the cross is nothing uninspiring about the cross is nothing uninspiring about the cross of Jesus Christ. There is nothing of Jesus Christ. There is nothing of Jesus Christ. There is nothing uninspiring about that empty tomb. There uninspiring about that empty tomb. There uninspiring about that empty tomb. There is nothing uninspiring about stories is nothing uninspiring about stories is nothing uninspiring about stories like Kaye, people going from death to like Kaye, people going from death to like Kaye, people going from death to life. It's a beautiful thing. If life. It's a beautiful thing. If life. It's a beautiful thing. If anything, it is nothing short of a anything, it is nothing short of a anything, it is nothing short of a miracle. The gospel being received is a miracle. The gospel being received is a miracle. The gospel being received is a miracle. We love stories of people miracle. We love stories of people miracle. We love stories of people crippled walking again or people who are crippled walking again or people who are crippled walking again or people who are sick being healed. But the greatest sick being healed. But the greatest sick being healed. But the greatest miracle to ever be performed is the miracle to ever be performed is the miracle to ever be performed is the miracle of salvation. Amen. miracle of salvation. Amen. miracle of salvation. Amen. [applause] [applause] [applause] Amen. That's why we gather. So as we Amen. That's why we gather. So as we Amen. That's why we gather. So as we enter into a time of giving, remember enter into a time of giving, remember enter into a time of giving, remember that when you give, you are partnering that when you give, you are partnering that when you give, you are partnering with Harvest in the mission of Harvest with Harvest in the mission of Harvest with Harvest in the mission of Harvest to share the gospel to reach our to share the gospel to reach our to share the gospel to reach our communities [music] with the message of communities [music] with the message of communities [music] with the message of Jesus Christ. Uh the ways you can give Jesus Christ. Uh the ways you can give Jesus Christ. Uh the ways you can give are going to be up on the screen for you are going to be up on the screen for you are going to be up on the screen for you to observe. Um and if you are watching to observe. Um and if you are watching to observe. Um and if you are watching with us online, click the give button on with us online, click the give button on with us online, click the give button on the screen in front of you. Let's pray the screen in front of you. Let's pray the screen in front of you. Let's pray together. Jesus, together. Jesus, together. Jesus, we are so grateful for who you are.

we are so grateful for who you are. we are so grateful for who you are. We're grateful for what you have done We're grateful for what you have done We're grateful for what you have done for us. I love how Hebrews says, "When for us. I love how Hebrews says, "When for us. I love how Hebrews says, "When you hear the voice of the Lord, harden you hear the voice of the Lord, harden you hear the voice of the Lord, harden not your heart. God, let our hearts be not your heart. God, let our hearts be not your heart. God, let our hearts be soft, moldable, able to be transformed soft, moldable, able to be transformed soft, moldable, able to be transformed by your word, the hearing of your voice by your word, the hearing of your voice by your word, the hearing of your voice in what you have to say to us today. We in what you have to say to us today. We in what you have to say to us today. We love you. We respond to your goodness in love you. We respond to your goodness in love you. We respond to your goodness in [music] worship in Jesus' name. And [music] worship in Jesus' name. And [music] worship in Jesus' name. And everybody said, "Amen." Let's continue everybody said, "Amen." Let's continue everybody said, "Amen." Let's continue in worship together.

I [singing] could see I [singing] could see your name for [singing] all my life your name for [singing] all my life your name for [singing] all my life and still and still and still find more to [music] love each [singing] find more to [music] love each [singing] find more to [music] love each [singing] time. time. time. Jesus be the name ever on my lips. It's [singing] every time [music] that I It's [singing] every time [music] that I call on it. There's just something about call on it. There's just something about call on it. There's just something about your name. your name. your name. There's just something about your name. There's just something about your name. There's just something about your name. There's just something about [music] There's just something about [music] There's just something about [music] your name your name your name that makes me cry [singing] holy. that makes me cry [singing] holy. that makes me cry [singing] holy. There is no [music] other name. There is no [music] other name. There is no [music] other name. There is no other name. There is no other name. There is no other name. There is [music] no other name. There is [music] no other name. There is [music] no other name. Jesus, you're worthy. You have been You have been the friend who never [music and singing] the friend who never [music and singing] the friend who never [music and singing] left.

left. left. I won't I won't I won't forget forget forget your faithfulness. [music and singing] Oh Jesus be the name ever on Oh Jesus be the name ever on [music and singing] my It's every [music] time [singing] I call It's every [music] time [singing] I call on him. on him. on him. There's just something about your name. There's just something about your name. There's just something about your name. There's just something [music] about There's just something [music] about There's just something [music] about your name. your name. your name. There's just something about your name There's just something about your name There's just something about your name that makes me [music] cry holy. There is no other name. [music] There is no other name. [music] There is no other name. There is no other name. There is no other name. There is no other name. [music] There is no other name. [music] There is no other name. [music] Jesus, you're worthy. I'm worthy [music] I'm worthy [music] to Jesus. Your name is like [music] the Jesus. Your name is like [music] the morning light. The one the darkness can morning light. The one the darkness can morning light. The one the darkness can [music] deny the resurrection [music] deny the resurrection [music] deny the resurrection and the life. Jesus, [music] and the life. Jesus, [music] and the life. Jesus, [music] Jesus, your name can save. Your name can Jesus, your name can save. Your name can Jesus, your name can save. Your name can heal. [music] Your name can make the heal. [music] Your name can make the heal. [music] Your name can make the storm be still. You never fail. You

storm be still. You never fail. You storm be still. You never fail. You never [music] will. Jesus, never [music] will. Jesus, never [music] will. Jesus, Jesus, the [music] bread of life broken Jesus, the [music] bread of life broken Jesus, the [music] bread of life broken for us. The wounded and the worthy for us. The wounded and the worthy for us. The wounded and the worthy [music] one. the first [music] one. the first [music] one. the first to the cup. [music] Jesus to the cup. [music] Jesus to the cup. [music] Jesus Jesus the king overwhelmed Jesus the king overwhelmed Jesus the king overwhelmed the great the [music] the great the [music] the great the [music] forever. forever. forever. The name above [music] all of the names The name above [music] all of the names The name above [music] all of the names Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Oh Jesus [music] be the name. Oh Jesus [music] be the name. Oh Jesus [music] be the name. Jesus be the name. Jesus be the name. Jesus be the name. Jesus [music] be the name Jesus [music] be the name Jesus [music] be the name who gets all the glory. who gets all the glory. who gets all the glory. Jesus. [music] Jesus. [music] Jesus. [music] Jesus be the name. Jesus be the name. Jesus be the name. Jesus [music] be the name. Jesus [music] be the name. Jesus [music] be the name. Jesus be the name Jesus be the name Jesus be the name gets all the [music] glory.

Jesus [music] be the name. Jesus [music] be the name. Jesus be the name. Jesus be the name. Jesus be the name. Jesus be the name Jesus be the name Jesus be the name that gets [music and singing] all the that gets [music and singing] all the that gets [music and singing] all the glory. Oh Jesus [music] Oh Jesus [music] be the name. be the name. be the name. Jesus be the name. [singing] Jesus [music] be the name Jesus [music] be the name that gets all the glory. There's that gets all the glory. There's that gets all the glory. There's healing. There's healing in your name. healing. There's healing in your name. healing. There's healing in your name. [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] There's healing in your name. There's healing in your name. There's healing in your name. There's healing in your name, [music] There's healing in your name, [music] There's healing in your name, [music] Jesus. Cry, holy. Jesus. Cry, holy. Jesus. Cry, holy. There's freedom in your name. There's freedom in your name. There's freedom in your name. [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] There's freedom in your name. There's freedom in your name. There's freedom in your name. There's freedom in your [music] name. There's freedom in your [music] name. There's freedom in your [music] name. Makes me cry holy. [singing] There's salvation [music] in your name. There's salvation [music] in your name. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> Salvation in your name.

>> Salvation in your name. >> Salvation in your name. [music] Salvation in your name. It makes [music] Salvation in your name. It makes [music] Salvation in your name. It makes me cry holy. Sing Jesus. Jesus be the me cry holy. Sing Jesus. Jesus be the me cry holy. Sing Jesus. Jesus be the name. name. name. Jesus be the name. [music and singing] Jesus be the name Jesus be the name that gets all the [singing] gloryy. Amen. Let's pray together. Lord, as we Amen. Let's pray together. Lord, as we have just sung and really prayed, have just sung and really prayed, have just sung and really prayed, your name gets all the glory. We're here your name gets all the glory. We're here your name gets all the glory. We're here to glorify you with everything that we to glorify you with everything that we to glorify you with everything that we say and do. And today as we have say and do. And today as we have say and do. And today as we have worshiped now we come to glorify you by worshiped now we come to glorify you by worshiped now we come to glorify you by giving our full attention to your word giving our full attention to your word giving our full attention to your word and especially considering the topic and especially considering the topic and especially considering the topic we're going to be discussing together we're going to be discussing together we're going to be discussing together the afterlife in heaven. Lord that is the afterlife in heaven. Lord that is the afterlife in heaven. Lord that is our future home as Christians and we our future home as Christians and we our future home as Christians and we look forward to that day and we want to look forward to that day and we want to look forward to that day and we want to be fully prepared in every way for that be fully prepared in every way for that be fully prepared in every way for that day. And so we ask you to speak to us day. And so we ask you to speak to us day. And so we ask you to speak to us from your word as we look at it from your word as we look at it from your word as we look at it together. And we ask all of this in together. And we ask all of this in together. And we ask all of this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Jesus' name. Amen. Jesus' name. Amen. >> You can all be seated. Good morning to >> You can all be seated. Good morning to >> You can all be seated. Good morning to everybody. everybody. everybody. >> So the title of my message today is >> So the title of my message today is >> So the title of my message today is heaven, the home we long for. And I want heaven, the home we long for. And I want heaven, the home we long for. And I want you to turn in your Bibles to Luke you to turn in your Bibles to Luke you to turn in your Bibles to Luke chapter 20. And we're coming toward the chapter 20. And we're coming toward the chapter 20. And we're coming toward the final section of the great Gospel of final section of the great Gospel of final section of the great Gospel of Luke that we're calling the Gospel for Luke that we're calling the Gospel for Luke that we're calling the Gospel for everyone. And next Sunday, we're going everyone. And next Sunday, we're going everyone. And next Sunday, we're going to be talking about a subject that a lot to be talking about a subject that a lot to be talking about a subject that a lot of people have questions about. And that of people have questions about. And that of people have questions about. And that is the topic of the end times or the is the topic of the end times or the is the topic of the end times or the last days. Because in Luke 21, Jesus last days. Because in Luke 21, Jesus last days. Because in Luke 21, Jesus answers the question, what will be the answers the question, what will be the answers the question, what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of sign of your coming and of the end of sign of your coming and of the end of the world? The parallel chapter to Luke the world? The parallel chapter to Luke the world? The parallel chapter to Luke 21, best known as the Olivet discourse. 21, best known as the Olivet discourse. 21, best known as the Olivet discourse. So Jesus is giving us an overview of So Jesus is giving us an overview of So Jesus is giving us an overview of things to come. And I think with all things to come. And I think with all things to come. And I think with all that's happening in the world right now, that's happening in the world right now, that's happening in the world right now, the continued turmoil and war and uh the continued turmoil and war and uh the continued turmoil and war and uh with Iran and the United States and with Iran and the United States and with Iran and the United States and Israel, all which are mentioned in Israel, all which are mentioned in Israel, all which are mentioned in scripture, not the United States, but scripture, not the United States, but scripture, not the United States, but certainly Iran and Israel are mentioned certainly Iran and Israel are mentioned certainly Iran and Israel are mentioned in end times prophecy. We'll talk about in end times prophecy. We'll talk about in end times prophecy. We'll talk about what is going on and we'll look at it what is going on and we'll look at it what is going on and we'll look at it through the lens of scripture. That's through the lens of scripture. That's through the lens of scripture. That's next Sunday. But again, today we're next Sunday. But again, today we're next Sunday. But again, today we're talking about heaven, the home we long talking about heaven, the home we long talking about heaven, the home we long for. You know, deep down inside, we all for. You know, deep down inside, we all for. You know, deep down inside, we all long for a place that we have never been long for a place that we have never been long for a place that we have never been to. I think of a bird called the Pacific to. I think of a bird called the Pacific to. I think of a bird called the Pacific Golden Plver, native to the islands of

Golden Plver, native to the islands of Golden Plver, native to the islands of Hawaii. So, for our friends there at Hawaii. So, for our friends there at Hawaii. So, for our friends there at Harvest Kumalani, this is your homeboy Harvest Kumalani, this is your homeboy Harvest Kumalani, this is your homeboy bird. And uh so these golden plvers bird. And uh so these golden plvers bird. And uh so these golden plvers every year will fly to the Aleutian every year will fly to the Aleutian every year will fly to the Aleutian Islands 2500 Islands 2500 Islands 2500 miles away. They mate, they lay their miles away. They mate, they lay their miles away. They mate, they lay their eggs, the eggs hatch, and the little eggs, the eggs hatch, and the little eggs, the eggs hatch, and the little fledglings are born, and the parents fledglings are born, and the parents fledglings are born, and the parents hang around for about two weeks. And hang around for about two weeks. And hang around for about two weeks. And then they fly back to Hawaii, I might then they fly back to Hawaii, I might then they fly back to Hawaii, I might add, nonstop, add, nonstop, add, nonstop, 2500 mile flight. And so the adult 2500 mile flight. And so the adult 2500 mile flight. And so the adult golden plvers go back to the islands. I golden plvers go back to the islands. I golden plvers go back to the islands. I have a photo of what a golden plver have a photo of what a golden plver have a photo of what a golden plver looks like in case you've never seen looks like in case you've never seen looks like in case you've never seen one. And so, uh, one. And so, uh, one. And so, uh, but here's what really gets interesting. but here's what really gets interesting. but here's what really gets interesting. I mean, that's amazing in and of itself. I mean, that's amazing in and of itself. I mean, that's amazing in and of itself. But now consider this. Here are these But now consider this. Here are these But now consider this. Here are these newborn clubvers. Plvers, excuse me, newborn clubvers. Plvers, excuse me, newborn clubvers. Plvers, excuse me, that uh hang out for a while and then that uh hang out for a while and then that uh hang out for a while and then they too fly to Hawaii. Okay, that's they too fly to Hawaii. Okay, that's they too fly to Hawaii. Okay, that's that's pretty impressive. But here's the that's pretty impressive. But here's the that's pretty impressive. But here's the thing. They've never been to Hawaii thing. They've never been to Hawaii thing. They've never been to Hawaii before. How does a bird that's just been before. How does a bird that's just been before. How does a bird that's just been born know how to get to a place that far born know how to get to a place that far born know how to get to a place that far away, a little island in the middle of away, a little island in the middle of away, a little island in the middle of the ocean? That's incredible. It's a the ocean? That's incredible. It's a the ocean? That's incredible. It's a built-in homing instinct. It's like built-in homing instinct. It's like built-in homing instinct. It's like divine GPS that God put in the bird. I divine GPS that God put in the bird. I divine GPS that God put in the bird. I mean, I can't even find my way somewhere mean, I can't even find my way somewhere mean, I can't even find my way somewhere with satellite technology and Apple Maps with satellite technology and Apple Maps with satellite technology and Apple Maps and the newborn golden plver can find

and the newborn golden plver can find and the newborn golden plver can find its way to Hawaii. That's incredible. So its way to Hawaii. That's incredible. So its way to Hawaii. That's incredible. So the next time someone calls you a bird the next time someone calls you a bird the next time someone calls you a bird brain, take it as a compliment. Okay? brain, take it as a compliment. Okay? brain, take it as a compliment. Okay? But here's the thing. We too have a But here's the thing. We too have a But here's the thing. We too have a homing instinct. We too have a desire to homing instinct. We too have a desire to homing instinct. We too have a desire to go to a place that we've never been to go to a place that we've never been to go to a place that we've never been to before. And of course, that place is before. And of course, that place is before. And of course, that place is called heaven. Deep inside of us, there called heaven. Deep inside of us, there called heaven. Deep inside of us, there is a longing for something more. The is a longing for something more. The is a longing for something more. The Bible says God has said eternity in our Bible says God has said eternity in our Bible says God has said eternity in our hearts. C. Lewis summed it up perfectly hearts. C. Lewis summed it up perfectly hearts. C. Lewis summed it up perfectly uh when he described it as the uh when he described it as the uh when he described it as the inconsolable inconsolable inconsolable longing. He said, and I quote, "There longing. He said, and I quote, "There longing. He said, and I quote, "There have been times when I think we do not have been times when I think we do not have been times when I think we do not desire heaven, but more often I find desire heaven, but more often I find desire heaven, but more often I find myself wondering if in our heart of myself wondering if in our heart of myself wondering if in our heart of hearts we have ever desired anything hearts we have ever desired anything hearts we have ever desired anything else. It's a secret signature of each else. It's a secret signature of each else. It's a secret signature of each soul, the incommunicable and soul, the incommunicable and soul, the incommunicable and unappeasable one. It's the inconsolable unappeasable one. It's the inconsolable unappeasable one. It's the inconsolable longing." End quote. So well said. Even longing." End quote. So well said. Even longing." End quote. So well said. Even the ancient world understood this ache.

the ancient world understood this ache. the ancient world understood this ache. Uh Homer's epic tale of the Odyssey is Uh Homer's epic tale of the Odyssey is Uh Homer's epic tale of the Odyssey is now in a film directed by Christopher now in a film directed by Christopher now in a film directed by Christopher Nolan starring Matt Damon uh in the Nolan starring Matt Damon uh in the Nolan starring Matt Damon uh in the title role as he is uh seeking to get title role as he is uh seeking to get title role as he is uh seeking to get back home. So Odysius really the the back home. So Odysius really the the back home. So Odysius really the the story of the movie and to the book to a story of the movie and to the book to a story of the movie and to the book to a large degree is that Odysius wants to large degree is that Odysius wants to large degree is that Odysius wants to get back home again. He wants to return get back home again. He wants to return get back home again. He wants to return to that place. In fact, the Greeks even to that place. In fact, the Greeks even to that place. In fact, the Greeks even have a word for it. It's a Greek word have a word for it. It's a Greek word have a word for it. It's a Greek word nost, which means homecoming. We get the nost, which means homecoming. We get the nost, which means homecoming. We get the word nostalgia from it, which literally word nostalgia from it, which literally word nostalgia from it, which literally means the pain of home. It's a deep ache means the pain of home. It's a deep ache means the pain of home. It's a deep ache inside of each of us to go home to a inside of each of us to go home to a inside of each of us to go home to a place we've never been to before. And place we've never been to before. And place we've never been to before. And again, that place is called heaven. again, that place is called heaven. again, that place is called heaven. Well, Odysius has to fight his way back Well, Odysius has to fight his way back Well, Odysius has to fight his way back home. Takes him 10 years. He has to face home. Takes him 10 years. He has to face home. Takes him 10 years. He has to face off with Poseidon and uh the son of off with Poseidon and uh the son of off with Poseidon and uh the son of Poseidon, a oneeyed Cyclops and the Poseidon, a oneeyed Cyclops and the Poseidon, a oneeyed Cyclops and the songs of the sirens and onward. But he songs of the sirens and onward. But he songs of the sirens and onward. But he finally gets home again. But the finally gets home again. But the finally gets home again. But the difference between us and Odysius is he difference between us and Odysius is he difference between us and Odysius is he has to fight his way home. We just have has to fight his way home. We just have has to fight his way home. We just have to find our way home. And Jesus said, "I to find our way home. And Jesus said, "I to find our way home. And Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. And am the way, the truth, and the life. And am the way, the truth, and the life. And no man comes to the father but by me.

no man comes to the father but by me. no man comes to the father but by me. [applause] But there's so many misperceptions But there's so many misperceptions about heaven and the afterlife. So many about heaven and the afterlife. So many about heaven and the afterlife. So many weird ideas that we that we have weird ideas that we that we have weird ideas that we that we have sometimes. And so I want to address some sometimes. And so I want to address some sometimes. And so I want to address some of the common misconceptions about of the common misconceptions about of the common misconceptions about heaven as they are addressed heaven as they are addressed heaven as they are addressed specifically by Jesus in this chapter. specifically by Jesus in this chapter. specifically by Jesus in this chapter. Number one, will our bodies be Number one, will our bodies be Number one, will our bodies be resurrected? We wonder what's going to resurrected? We wonder what's going to resurrected? We wonder what's going to happen to our bodies. Number two, will happen to our bodies. Number two, will happen to our bodies. Number two, will we know one another in heaven? Number we know one another in heaven? Number we know one another in heaven? Number three, will we become angels when we three, will we become angels when we three, will we become angels when we die? You know, sometimes when someone die? You know, sometimes when someone die? You know, sometimes when someone dies, a person will comment and say, dies, a person will comment and say, dies, a person will comment and say, "Well, God must have needed another "Well, God must have needed another "Well, God must have needed another angel in heaven. Do we become angels angel in heaven. Do we become angels angel in heaven. Do we become angels when we die? And finally, will we be when we die? And finally, will we be when we die? And finally, will we be married in heaven?" It's important to married in heaven?" It's important to married in heaven?" It's important to know these things because heaven is a know these things because heaven is a know these things because heaven is a prepared place for prepared people. So, prepared place for prepared people. So, prepared place for prepared people. So, let's think about the afterlife for a let's think about the afterlife for a let's think about the afterlife for a few moments. Now, of course, I mentioned few moments. Now, of course, I mentioned few moments. Now, of course, I mentioned the Greeks and their views of the the Greeks and their views of the the Greeks and their views of the afterlife. The Romans had their views, afterlife. The Romans had their views, afterlife. The Romans had their views, as did the Egyptians. But now, we're as did the Egyptians. But now, we're as did the Egyptians. But now, we're going to look at what Jesus said. But going to look at what Jesus said. But going to look at what Jesus said. But even in this time, there are a lot of even in this time, there are a lot of even in this time, there are a lot of weird ideas about the afterlife, weird ideas about the afterlife, weird ideas about the afterlife, specifically by a group of people called specifically by a group of people called specifically by a group of people called the Sadducees. Now we often hear of the the Sadducees. Now we often hear of the the Sadducees. Now we often hear of the Pharisees and the Sadducees uh grouped Pharisees and the Sadducees uh grouped Pharisees and the Sadducees uh grouped together but actually they were very together but actually they were very together but actually they were very opposed to one another. Sadducees would opposed to one another. Sadducees would opposed to one another. Sadducees would be like liberal in their approach to

be like liberal in their approach to be like liberal in their approach to theology and the Pharisees would be more theology and the Pharisees would be more theology and the Pharisees would be more conservative. Uh they hated each other conservative. Uh they hated each other conservative. Uh they hated each other but the only one they hated more than but the only one they hated more than but the only one they hated more than each other was Jesus. They unified in each other was Jesus. They unified in each other was Jesus. They unified in their hatred for Jesus and wanted him their hatred for Jesus and wanted him their hatred for Jesus and wanted him out of the picture. Jesus was bad for out of the picture. Jesus was bad for out of the picture. Jesus was bad for the religious business because he called the religious business because he called the religious business because he called him out. He exposed him and he told the him out. He exposed him and he told the him out. He exposed him and he told the truth. But here's the interesting thing truth. But here's the interesting thing truth. But here's the interesting thing about the Sadducees. They did not about the Sadducees. They did not about the Sadducees. They did not believe in a future resurrection. They believe in a future resurrection. They believe in a future resurrection. They effectively did not believe there was effectively did not believe there was effectively did not believe there was life after death. Maybe that explains life after death. Maybe that explains life after death. Maybe that explains their title, Sadducee. If you don't their title, Sadducee. If you don't their title, Sadducee. If you don't believe in life after death, you'll be believe in life after death, you'll be believe in life after death, you'll be sad. You see, right? Sad. You see? And sad. You see, right? Sad. You see? And sad. You see, right? Sad. You see? And there are people that reflect these there are people that reflect these there are people that reflect these views today. Actress Natalie Portman was views today. Actress Natalie Portman was views today. Actress Natalie Portman was asked about the afterlife and she said, asked about the afterlife and she said, asked about the afterlife and she said, "I don't believe in that. I believe this "I don't believe in that. I believe this "I don't believe in that. I believe this is it. I believe it's the best way to is it. I believe it's the best way to is it. I believe it's the best way to live." Actor George Clooney had this live." Actor George Clooney had this live." Actor George Clooney had this pessimistic view about what happens pessimistic view about what happens pessimistic view about what happens beyond the grave. He said, quote, "I beyond the grave. He said, quote, "I beyond the grave. He said, quote, "I don't believe in happy endings, but I do don't believe in happy endings, but I do don't believe in happy endings, but I do believe in happy travels because believe in happy travels because believe in happy travels because ultimately you die at a very young age ultimately you die at a very young age ultimately you die at a very young age or you live long enough to watch your or you live long enough to watch your or you live long enough to watch your friends die. It's a mean thing. Life."

friends die. It's a mean thing. Life." friends die. It's a mean thing. Life." Wow. Wow. Wow. Nice, George. Um, Nice, George. Um, Nice, George. Um, actor William Shatner, who is 95 years actor William Shatner, who is 95 years actor William Shatner, who is 95 years old now, uh, made this statement about old now, uh, made this statement about old now, uh, made this statement about the afterlife. I'm so not ready to die. the afterlife. I'm so not ready to die. the afterlife. I'm so not ready to die. It petrifies me. I go alone, I become It petrifies me. I go alone, I become It petrifies me. I go alone, I become nameless when I spent a lifetime being nameless when I spent a lifetime being nameless when I spent a lifetime being known. End quote. Physicist Stephven known. End quote. Physicist Stephven known. End quote. Physicist Stephven Hawking was blunter still. He said, Hawking was blunter still. He said, Hawking was blunter still. He said, quote, I regard the brain as a computer quote, I regard the brain as a computer quote, I regard the brain as a computer which will stop working when its which will stop working when its which will stop working when its components fail. There is no heaven or components fail. There is no heaven or components fail. There is no heaven or afterlife for broken down computers. afterlife for broken down computers. afterlife for broken down computers. This is a fairy story. This is a fairy This is a fairy story. This is a fairy This is a fairy story. This is a fairy story for people afraid of the dark. story for people afraid of the dark. story for people afraid of the dark. Fact is, atheism is a fairy story for Fact is, atheism is a fairy story for Fact is, atheism is a fairy story for people afraid of the light. Okay, so people afraid of the light. Okay, so people afraid of the light. Okay, so [applause] I'm sure Stephen Hawking sees it a I'm sure Stephen Hawking sees it a little differently now and he has little differently now and he has little differently now and he has entered the afterlife. But here's what entered the afterlife. But here's what entered the afterlife. But here's what Jesus has to say. And is he not the one Jesus has to say. And is he not the one Jesus has to say. And is he not the one to go to? Because he's an expert. And if to go to? Because he's an expert. And if to go to? Because he's an expert. And if I'm going to go visit a place I've never I'm going to go visit a place I've never I'm going to go visit a place I've never been to and I know someone who's been been to and I know someone who's been been to and I know someone who's been there, I'll ask them, "What's the best there, I'll ask them, "What's the best there, I'll ask them, "What's the best place to stay? Where's the best place to place to stay? Where's the best place to place to stay? Where's the best place to eat? Where can I get some good coffee? I eat? Where can I get some good coffee? I eat? Where can I get some good coffee? I don't know about you, I love coffee, don't know about you, I love coffee, don't know about you, I love coffee, right? So, I want to find a good coffee right? So, I want to find a good coffee right? So, I want to find a good coffee place that I can go to. So, uh, hey, place that I can go to. So, uh, hey, place that I can go to. So, uh, hey, what do you do there? And and so Jesus what do you do there? And and so Jesus what do you do there? And and so Jesus is the expert on heaven because is the expert on heaven because is the expert on heaven because obviously he came to us from heaven. He

obviously he came to us from heaven. He obviously he came to us from heaven. He said in John 6:38, "For I have come down said in John 6:38, "For I have come down said in John 6:38, "For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God, not from heaven to do the will of God, not from heaven to do the will of God, not to do what I want." Then in John 3:13, to do what I want." Then in John 3:13, to do what I want." Then in John 3:13, excuse me. Yeah. through 13 he says I excuse me. Yeah. through 13 he says I excuse me. Yeah. through 13 he says I the son of man have come down to earth the son of man have come down to earth the son of man have come down to earth and will return to heaven again. Okay so and will return to heaven again. Okay so and will return to heaven again. Okay so what we're about to read is a what we're about to read is a what we're about to read is a conversation between Jesus and the conversation between Jesus and the conversation between Jesus and the Sadducees. They were trying to trap him. Sadducees. They were trying to trap him. Sadducees. They were trying to trap him. They were trying to trick him. They were They were trying to trick him. They were They were trying to trick him. They were trying to show that he didn't know what trying to show that he didn't know what trying to show that he didn't know what he was talking about. So they came with he was talking about. So they came with he was talking about. So they came with this weird hypothetical situation found this weird hypothetical situation found this weird hypothetical situation found in Luke chapter 20 starting in verse 27. in Luke chapter 20 starting in verse 27. in Luke chapter 20 starting in verse 27. Then Jesus was approached by some Then Jesus was approached by some Then Jesus was approached by some Sadducees religious leaders who say Sadducees religious leaders who say Sadducees religious leaders who say there is no resurrection from the dead. there is no resurrection from the dead. there is no resurrection from the dead. They pose this question. Teacher Moses They pose this question. Teacher Moses They pose this question. Teacher Moses gave us the law that if a man dies gave us the law that if a man dies gave us the law that if a man dies having a wife uh but no children his having a wife uh but no children his having a wife uh but no children his brother should marry the widow and have brother should marry the widow and have brother should marry the widow and have a child who will carry on his brother's a child who will carry on his brother's a child who will carry on his brother's name. Okay. So suppose there were seven name. Okay. So suppose there were seven name. Okay. So suppose there were seven brothers. The oldest one married then brothers. The oldest one married then brothers. The oldest one married then died without children. And so the second died without children. And so the second died without children. And so the second brother married the widow but he also brother married the widow but he also brother married the widow but he also died. Then the third brother married died. Then the third brother married died. Then the third brother married her. Uh they continued on. All seven of her. Uh they continued on. All seven of her. Uh they continued on. All seven of them who died without children. Finally them who died without children. Finally them who died without children. Finally the wife also died. So tell us whose the wife also died. So tell us whose the wife also died. So tell us whose wife will she be in the resurrection wife will she be in the resurrection wife will she be in the resurrection because all seven were married to her.

because all seven were married to her. because all seven were married to her. We'll stop there. We'll stop there. We'll stop there. First thing I want to know is what was First thing I want to know is what was First thing I want to know is what was this woman feeding these men? this woman feeding these men? this woman feeding these men? What? What? What? Seven husbands died? What's up with Seven husbands died? What's up with Seven husbands died? What's up with that? Well, of course, as I said, it's that? Well, of course, as I said, it's that? Well, of course, as I said, it's hypothetical. This never actually hypothetical. This never actually hypothetical. This never actually happened. But they're trying to trick happened. But they're trying to trick happened. But they're trying to trick Jesus. Oh, you say uh that, you know, Jesus. Oh, you say uh that, you know, Jesus. Oh, you say uh that, you know, there's a life after death. Well, who there's a life after death. Well, who there's a life after death. Well, who would she be married to in the would she be married to in the would she be married to in the resurrection or on the other side? Now, resurrection or on the other side? Now, resurrection or on the other side? Now, Jesus responds in verse 34. Marriage is Jesus responds in verse 34. Marriage is Jesus responds in verse 34. Marriage is for people on earth. Uh but in the age for people on earth. Uh but in the age for people on earth. Uh but in the age to come, those worthy of being raised to come, those worthy of being raised to come, those worthy of being raised from the dead will neither marry nor be from the dead will neither marry nor be from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage, and they will never given in marriage, and they will never given in marriage, and they will never die again. In this respect, they will be die again. In this respect, they will be die again. In this respect, they will be like angels. They are children of God like angels. They are children of God like angels. They are children of God and children of the resurrection. Okay, and children of the resurrection. Okay, and children of the resurrection. Okay, so let's answer some of those questions. so let's answer some of those questions. so let's answer some of those questions. If you're taking notes, here's statement If you're taking notes, here's statement If you're taking notes, here's statement number one. A believer never dies. A number one. A believer never dies. A number one. A believer never dies. A believer never dies. The key statement believer never dies. The key statement believer never dies. The key statement here is verse 38 where he said 34, here is verse 38 where he said 34, here is verse 38 where he said 34, excuse me, where he says, "God is not excuse me, where he says, "God is not excuse me, where he says, "God is not the God of the dead, but of the living."

the God of the dead, but of the living." the God of the dead, but of the living." And that's something we all wonder And that's something we all wonder And that's something we all wonder about. Well, what happens after I die? about. Well, what happens after I die? about. Well, what happens after I die? Do I simply cease to exist like Natalie Do I simply cease to exist like Natalie Do I simply cease to exist like Natalie Portman thinks, or do I actually Portman thinks, or do I actually Portman thinks, or do I actually continue on? Well, the bottom line is continue on? Well, the bottom line is continue on? Well, the bottom line is everybody is immortal in one sense. I everybody is immortal in one sense. I everybody is immortal in one sense. I don't care what your beliefs are or what don't care what your beliefs are or what don't care what your beliefs are or what your lack of beliefs are. Doesn't matter your lack of beliefs are. Doesn't matter your lack of beliefs are. Doesn't matter if you're a Republican or a Democrat or if you're a Republican or a Democrat or if you're a Republican or a Democrat or a socialist or a communist or a a socialist or a communist or a a socialist or a communist or a capitalist or a man or a woman. It none capitalist or a man or a woman. It none capitalist or a man or a woman. It none of that matters. You are going to live of that matters. You are going to live of that matters. You are going to live on in the next life for sure. Now, you on in the next life for sure. Now, you on in the next life for sure. Now, you say, "Well, that's good, right?" Well, say, "Well, that's good, right?" Well, say, "Well, that's good, right?" Well, that all depends. Let's say I came to that all depends. Let's say I came to that all depends. Let's say I came to you and said, "Hey, uh, I've got you a you and said, "Hey, uh, I've got you a you and said, "Hey, uh, I've got you a one-way ticket to a place that you've one-way ticket to a place that you've one-way ticket to a place that you've never been to before." And you're never been to before." And you're never been to before." And you're excited because you've never traveled excited because you've never traveled excited because you've never traveled before. In fact, you've never even been before. In fact, you've never even been before. In fact, you've never even been on an airplane. you can't wait to go. I on an airplane. you can't wait to go. I on an airplane. you can't wait to go. I suggest you ask me where that one-way suggest you ask me where that one-way suggest you ask me where that one-way ticket is to before you get excited. If ticket is to before you get excited. If ticket is to before you get excited. If I reveal to you it's a one-way ticket to I reveal to you it's a one-way ticket to I reveal to you it's a one-way ticket to outer Siberia and the dead of winter, outer Siberia and the dead of winter, outer Siberia and the dead of winter, this is not a good thing. If I reveal to this is not a good thing. If I reveal to this is not a good thing. If I reveal to you it's a one-way ticket to the island you it's a one-way ticket to the island you it's a one-way ticket to the island of Maui, this is a good thing. So, it of Maui, this is a good thing. So, it of Maui, this is a good thing. So, it all comes down to where am I going? So, all comes down to where am I going? So, all comes down to where am I going? So, when I say you'll live forever, you when I say you'll live forever, you when I say you'll live forever, you might think, well, that's good. But if might think, well, that's good. But if might think, well, that's good. But if you're not a believer, that's not good.

you're not a believer, that's not good. you're not a believer, that's not good. Because according to the Bible, you will Because according to the Bible, you will Because according to the Bible, you will live on in the afterlife in a place live on in the afterlife in a place live on in the afterlife in a place called hell. But the good news is if called hell. But the good news is if called hell. But the good news is if you're a believer, you will live on in you're a believer, you will live on in you're a believer, you will live on in the afterlife in a place called heaven. the afterlife in a place called heaven. the afterlife in a place called heaven. So when I say a believer never dies, So when I say a believer never dies, So when I say a believer never dies, what I mean is your soul lives on. Jesus what I mean is your soul lives on. Jesus what I mean is your soul lives on. Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the said, "I am the resurrection and the said, "I am the resurrection and the life. He that believes in me, though he life. He that believes in me, though he life. He that believes in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live." and were dead, yet shall he live." and were dead, yet shall he live." and whosoever lives and believes in me shall whosoever lives and believes in me shall whosoever lives and believes in me shall never die. You see, so in that broad never die. You see, so in that broad never die. You see, so in that broad sense, I will never die. And so this sense, I will never die. And so this sense, I will never die. And so this affects where I will end up in the affects where I will end up in the affects where I will end up in the afterlife. Now, if I die, if I die afterlife. Now, if I die, if I die afterlife. Now, if I die, if I die without Christ, then I'm going to face without Christ, then I'm going to face without Christ, then I'm going to face something called the second death. The something called the second death. The something called the second death. The Bible talks about the great white throne Bible talks about the great white throne Bible talks about the great white throne judgment when non-believers will be held judgment when non-believers will be held judgment when non-believers will be held accountable for what they did with Jesus accountable for what they did with Jesus accountable for what they did with Jesus Christ. If your name is not found Christ. If your name is not found Christ. If your name is not found written in the book of life, you're cast written in the book of life, you're cast written in the book of life, you're cast into the lake of fire. Then the Bible into the lake of fire. Then the Bible into the lake of fire. Then the Bible says this is the second death. We as says this is the second death. We as says this is the second death. We as Christians will not die the second Christians will not die the second Christians will not die the second death. We will have the physical death death. We will have the physical death death. We will have the physical death unless we're raptured. I'll talk about unless we're raptured. I'll talk about unless we're raptured. I'll talk about that in a moment. But we will only have that in a moment. But we will only have that in a moment. But we will only have one death. But the non-believer dies not one death. But the non-believer dies not one death. But the non-believer dies not once but twice. They have the physical once but twice. They have the physical once but twice. They have the physical death. Then there's the second death or death. Then there's the second death or death. Then there's the second death or the spiritual death. So it comes down to the spiritual death. So it comes down to the spiritual death. So it comes down to this. If you're born once, you'll die this. If you're born once, you'll die this. If you're born once, you'll die twice. But if you're born twice, you'll twice. But if you're born twice, you'll twice. But if you're born twice, you'll die once. Get it? If I'm born once

die once. Get it? If I'm born once die once. Get it? If I'm born once physically, I'll die twice physically physically, I'll die twice physically physically, I'll die twice physically and spiritually separated from God. But and spiritually separated from God. But and spiritually separated from God. But if I'm born twice, that is born if I'm born twice, that is born if I'm born twice, that is born physically and born again by believing physically and born again by believing physically and born again by believing in Jesus Christ, I'll only die once. So in Jesus Christ, I'll only die once. So in Jesus Christ, I'll only die once. So the believer lives forever. >> But what about these bodies of ours? Uh >> But what about these bodies of ours? Uh will they be resurrected? The answer is will they be resurrected? The answer is will they be resurrected? The answer is yes. Look at verse uh 35. Jesus says, yes. Look at verse uh 35. Jesus says, yes. Look at verse uh 35. Jesus says, "In the age to come, those worthy of "In the age to come, those worthy of "In the age to come, those worthy of being raised from the dead will neither being raised from the dead will neither being raised from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage. They'll marry nor be given in marriage. They'll marry nor be given in marriage. They'll never die again." According to never die again." According to never die again." According to scripture, your body will be resurrected scripture, your body will be resurrected scripture, your body will be resurrected again. again. again. It'll be brought back from the grave. It'll be brought back from the grave. It'll be brought back from the grave. Job said in Job 19:26, "In my flesh, I Job said in Job 19:26, "In my flesh, I Job said in Job 19:26, "In my flesh, I will see God. I myself will see him with will see God. I myself will see him with will see God. I myself will see him with my own eyes, not another." Which reminds my own eyes, not another." Which reminds my own eyes, not another." Which reminds us that we will be us in heaven. Because us that we will be us in heaven. Because us that we will be us in heaven. Because then the question comes up, will we then the question comes up, will we then the question comes up, will we recognize one another in heaven? And I recognize one another in heaven? And I recognize one another in heaven? And I guess my response would be, well, do you guess my response would be, well, do you guess my response would be, well, do you recognize one another on earth? I mean, recognize one another on earth? I mean, recognize one another on earth? I mean, the answer is yes. Well, of course the answer is yes. Well, of course the answer is yes. Well, of course you'll recognize one another in heaven.

you'll recognize one another in heaven. you'll recognize one another in heaven. You'll know more in heaven than you know You'll know more in heaven than you know You'll know more in heaven than you know on earth now. But if you see me in on earth now. But if you see me in on earth now. But if you see me in heaven, I may look a little different heaven, I may look a little different heaven, I may look a little different than I look right now because I'm in a a than I look right now because I'm in a a than I look right now because I'm in a a a glorified state. So maybe I have a big a glorified state. So maybe I have a big a glorified state. So maybe I have a big giant head of hair. I don't know. giant head of hair. I don't know. giant head of hair. I don't know. Maybe everyone will be bald in heaven. Maybe everyone will be bald in heaven. Maybe everyone will be bald in heaven. Maybe that is the glorified state. No Maybe that is the glorified state. No Maybe that is the glorified state. No more bad hair days. In fact, we find out more bad hair days. In fact, we find out more bad hair days. In fact, we find out that hair was actually a part of the that hair was actually a part of the that hair was actually a part of the curse all along. curse all along. curse all along. I doubt it. It's just thing. These are I doubt it. It's just thing. These are I doubt it. It's just thing. These are things bald men say to make themselves things bald men say to make themselves things bald men say to make themselves feel better. But um but we will feel better. But um but we will feel better. But um but we will recognize one another and we will be recognize one another and we will be recognize one another and we will be reunited of course with loved ones that reunited of course with loved ones that reunited of course with loved ones that we've been separated from. 1 Corinthians we've been separated from. 1 Corinthians we've been separated from. 1 Corinthians 15, Paul says, "Our perishable earthly 15, Paul says, "Our perishable earthly 15, Paul says, "Our perishable earthly bodies must be transformed into heavenly bodies must be transformed into heavenly bodies must be transformed into heavenly bodies that will never die." When this bodies that will never die." When this bodies that will never die." When this happens, when our perishable earthly happens, when our perishable earthly happens, when our perishable earthly bodies have been transformed into bodies have been transformed into bodies have been transformed into heavenly bodies that will never die, heavenly bodies that will never die, heavenly bodies that will never die, then the scriptures will come true, then the scriptures will come true, then the scriptures will come true, death is swallowed up in victory. So I death is swallowed up in victory. So I death is swallowed up in victory. So I know this much. I know that my glorified know this much. I know that my glorified know this much. I know that my glorified body, your glorified body will be body, your glorified body will be body, your glorified body will be similar to the resurrection body of similar to the resurrection body of similar to the resurrection body of Jesus. All right? Because the Bible Jesus. All right? Because the Bible Jesus. All right? Because the Bible tells us in first John that we're the tells us in first John that we're the tells us in first John that we're the children of God and when he is revealed, children of God and when he is revealed, children of God and when he is revealed, we shall be like him for we will see him we shall be like him for we will see him we shall be like him for we will see him as he is. So we'll have a body that's as he is. So we'll have a body that's as he is. So we'll have a body that's that's adapted to our new environment,

that's adapted to our new environment, that's adapted to our new environment, right? So sort of like scuba diving. How right? So sort of like scuba diving. How right? So sort of like scuba diving. How many of you are scuba divers? Raise up many of you are scuba divers? Raise up many of you are scuba divers? Raise up your hand on those a few. Okay, few. All your hand on those a few. Okay, few. All your hand on those a few. Okay, few. All right, so the rest of you have never right, so the rest of you have never right, so the rest of you have never scuba dived before. It's really pretty scuba dived before. It's really pretty scuba dived before. It's really pretty amazing, I have to say. But when you put amazing, I have to say. But when you put amazing, I have to say. But when you put on all that equipment and you're walking on all that equipment and you're walking on all that equipment and you're walking around, that is as uncomfortable as you around, that is as uncomfortable as you around, that is as uncomfortable as you can possibly be. You've got the fins on, can possibly be. You've got the fins on, can possibly be. You've got the fins on, you've got a weight belt on, you've got you've got a weight belt on, you've got you've got a weight belt on, you've got a BC, you know, the inflatable vest, a BC, you know, the inflatable vest, a BC, you know, the inflatable vest, you've got your mask, you've got your you've got your mask, you've got your you've got your mask, you've got your tanks, you've got your breathing tanks, you've got your breathing tanks, you've got your breathing apparatus, your aqua lung, you know, apparatus, your aqua lung, you know, apparatus, your aqua lung, you know, your regulator. And so, you know, you're your regulator. And so, you know, you're your regulator. And so, you know, you're walking, it's very awkward as you get walking, it's very awkward as you get walking, it's very awkward as you get into the ocean, but the moment you go into the ocean, but the moment you go into the ocean, but the moment you go under the water and you begin to under the water and you begin to under the water and you begin to breathe, it's like a dream. It's another breathe, it's like a dream. It's another breathe, it's like a dream. It's another word. All of a sudden, this is the word. All of a sudden, this is the word. All of a sudden, this is the environment you are suited for. The same environment you are suited for. The same environment you are suited for. The same is true of the afterlife. Now, when will is true of the afterlife. Now, when will is true of the afterlife. Now, when will we receive these new bodies? Answer: At we receive these new bodies? Answer: At we receive these new bodies? Answer: At the rapture of the church. 1 Corinthians the rapture of the church. 1 Corinthians the rapture of the church. 1 Corinthians 15 uh 51, Paul says, "I tell you a 15 uh 51, Paul says, "I tell you a 15 uh 51, Paul says, "I tell you a mystery. We will not all sleep. will be mystery. We will not all sleep. will be mystery. We will not all sleep. will be changed in a flash in the twinkling of changed in a flash in the twinkling of changed in a flash in the twinkling of an eye and the last trumpet which will an eye and the last trumpet which will an eye and the last trumpet which will sound and the dead will be raised sound and the dead will be raised sound and the dead will be raised imperishable and will all be changed.

imperishable and will all be changed. imperishable and will all be changed. Then 1 Thessalonians 4 says the dead in Then 1 Thessalonians 4 says the dead in Then 1 Thessalonians 4 says the dead in Christ shall rise first and we which are Christ shall rise first and we which are Christ shall rise first and we which are alive and remaining shall be conquered alive and remaining shall be conquered alive and remaining shall be conquered together with them in the clouds and so together with them in the clouds and so together with them in the clouds and so shall we ever be with the Lord. And then shall we ever be with the Lord. And then shall we ever be with the Lord. And then it goes on to say therefore comfort one it goes on to say therefore comfort one it goes on to say therefore comfort one another with these words. Now, I know, another with these words. Now, I know, another with these words. Now, I know, oh, that the teaching of the rapture has oh, that the teaching of the rapture has oh, that the teaching of the rapture has fallen out of favor with some. They'll fallen out of favor with some. They'll fallen out of favor with some. They'll say, "The word rapture isn't even in the say, "The word rapture isn't even in the say, "The word rapture isn't even in the Bible." Well, the word rapture comes Bible." Well, the word rapture comes Bible." Well, the word rapture comes from the Greek word harpazo, which is from the Greek word harpazo, which is from the Greek word harpazo, which is found many times in the New Testament, found many times in the New Testament, found many times in the New Testament, including First Thessalonians 4. It including First Thessalonians 4. It including First Thessalonians 4. It means to be caught up or to be taken by means to be caught up or to be taken by means to be caught up or to be taken by force. This is when we receive our new force. This is when we receive our new force. This is when we receive our new bodies. And this is when we are reunited bodies. And this is when we are reunited bodies. And this is when we are reunited with our loved ones that have gone on with our loved ones that have gone on with our loved ones that have gone on before us. And this is something we can before us. And this is something we can before us. And this is something we can all look forward to. The bodily all look forward to. The bodily all look forward to. The bodily resurrection resurrection resurrection and because now our our bodies are and because now our our bodies are and because now our our bodies are breaking down and eventually if the breaking down and eventually if the breaking down and eventually if the rapture doesn't come, we'll be laid in rapture doesn't come, we'll be laid in rapture doesn't come, we'll be laid in the ground. Mick Jagger, lead singer of the ground. Mick Jagger, lead singer of the ground. Mick Jagger, lead singer of the Rolling Stones, recently did an the Rolling Stones, recently did an the Rolling Stones, recently did an interview with the New York Times. And interview with the New York Times. And interview with the New York Times. And Mick, age 82, was asked the question, Mick, age 82, was asked the question, Mick, age 82, was asked the question, "What is good about getting older?" And "What is good about getting older?" And "What is good about getting older?" And Jagger says, "There's nothing good about Jagger says, "There's nothing good about Jagger says, "There's nothing good about it. Nothing." And then the interviewer it. Nothing." And then the interviewer it. Nothing." And then the interviewer suggested that maybe age brings wisdom.

suggested that maybe age brings wisdom. suggested that maybe age brings wisdom. And Jagger replied, "You don't get And Jagger replied, "You don't get And Jagger replied, "You don't get wisdom. You forget everything. I forgot wisdom. You forget everything. I forgot wisdom. You forget everything. I forgot all my wisdom." Now, I don't know about Mick, Now, I don't know about Mick, but I know for the Christian, you do get but I know for the Christian, you do get but I know for the Christian, you do get wisdom. I just spent time interviewing wisdom. I just spent time interviewing wisdom. I just spent time interviewing Pastor Chuck Swendall. It's on our Pastor Chuck Swendall. It's on our Pastor Chuck Swendall. It's on our podcast. Did you see that? It's well podcast. Did you see that? It's well podcast. Did you see that? It's well worth watching. We spent an hour and a worth watching. We spent an hour and a worth watching. We spent an hour and a half talking just and you know, his half talking just and you know, his half talking just and you know, his eyesight is dramatically diminished. Uh, eyesight is dramatically diminished. Uh, eyesight is dramatically diminished. Uh, but he was just so full of wisdom and but he was just so full of wisdom and but he was just so full of wisdom and the things this man has memorized were the things this man has memorized were the things this man has memorized were unbelievable to me and it was such a a unbelievable to me and it was such a a unbelievable to me and it was such a a joy. And I think of Billy Graham as he joy. And I think of Billy Graham as he joy. And I think of Billy Graham as he got older. I had the privilege of got older. I had the privilege of got older. I had the privilege of spending time with him and he was just I spending time with him and he was just I spending time with him and he was just I I I hope you don't take this the wrong I I hope you don't take this the wrong I I hope you don't take this the wrong way. It was as close as I felt I could way. It was as close as I felt I could way. It was as close as I felt I could get to sitting down with Jesus because get to sitting down with Jesus because get to sitting down with Jesus because he was so Christlike in every way. And he was so Christlike in every way. And he was so Christlike in every way. And uh so the Christian does grow in wisdom, uh so the Christian does grow in wisdom, uh so the Christian does grow in wisdom, but not so with the non-believer.

but not so with the non-believer. but not so with the non-believer. And in fact, the Stones are still And in fact, the Stones are still And in fact, the Stones are still touring. They just released a brand new touring. They just released a brand new touring. They just released a brand new record, but they've had to adjust the record, but they've had to adjust the record, but they've had to adjust the titles of some of their hit songs. titles of some of their hit songs. titles of some of their hit songs. Instead of saying, "You can't always get Instead of saying, "You can't always get Instead of saying, "You can't always get what you want," now they sing, "You what you want," now they sing, "You what you want," now they sing, "You can't always find what you want." can't always find what you want." can't always find what you want." I thought that was funny. I thought that was funny. I thought that was funny. Instead of singing Ruby Tuesday, now Instead of singing Ruby Tuesday, now Instead of singing Ruby Tuesday, now they sing Ruby. Is it Tuesday? they sing Ruby. Is it Tuesday? they sing Ruby. Is it Tuesday? Instead of singing, "Hey, you get off on Instead of singing, "Hey, you get off on Instead of singing, "Hey, you get off on my cloud." Now they sing, "Hey, you get my cloud." Now they sing, "Hey, you get my cloud." Now they sing, "Hey, you get off of my lawn." See, that's really off of my lawn." See, that's really off of my lawn." See, that's really that's all you're giving me? Get out. that's all you're giving me? Get out. that's all you're giving me? Get out. No, don't No, don't No, don't really sad. really sad. really sad. was really looking forward to sharing was really looking forward to sharing was really looking forward to sharing those jokes with you and you really those jokes with you and you really those jokes with you and you really didn't like them. No, no, no. It's too didn't like them. No, no, no. It's too didn't like them. No, no, no. It's too late. You didn't like them. I got it. late. You didn't like them. I got it. late. You didn't like them. I got it. No, it's all right. I thought they were No, it's all right. I thought they were No, it's all right. I thought they were funny.

funny. funny. Oh, I could go on, but I'm not going to Oh, I could go on, but I'm not going to Oh, I could go on, but I'm not going to waste time with that. So, the Bible waste time with that. So, the Bible waste time with that. So, the Bible compares our body to a tent that wears compares our body to a tent that wears compares our body to a tent that wears out. A tent. 2 Corinthians says, "We out. A tent. 2 Corinthians says, "We out. A tent. 2 Corinthians says, "We know in this earthly tent we live in is know in this earthly tent we live in is know in this earthly tent we live in is taken down. When we leave this earthly taken down. When we leave this earthly taken down. When we leave this earthly body, we have a home in heaven, an body, we have a home in heaven, an body, we have a home in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God eternal body made for us by God eternal body made for us by God himself." Okay. So, question number himself." Okay. So, question number himself." Okay. So, question number three, will we become angels when we three, will we become angels when we three, will we become angels when we die? Short answer, no. Why? Because die? Short answer, no. Why? Because die? Short answer, no. Why? Because angels are special beings created by angels are special beings created by angels are special beings created by God. And they have a role that they God. And they have a role that they God. And they have a role that they play. They they serve the Lord. They play. They they serve the Lord. They play. They they serve the Lord. They worship the Lord. Uh they sometimes worship the Lord. Uh they sometimes worship the Lord. Uh they sometimes deliver messages for God. Uh they deliver messages for God. Uh they deliver messages for God. Uh they sometimes step in and protect us from sometimes step in and protect us from sometimes step in and protect us from danger. They're actively involved. So danger. They're actively involved. So danger. They're actively involved. So when Jesus says we become like angels, when Jesus says we become like angels, when Jesus says we become like angels, he didn't say we become angels. Uh we we he didn't say we become angels. Uh we we he didn't say we become angels. Uh we we just become like them. Because angels, just become like them. Because angels, just become like them. Because angels, well, they don't have something that we well, they don't have something that we well, they don't have something that we have. An angel. And if I could ask an have. An angel. And if I could ask an have. An angel. And if I could ask an angel to come out and make an appearance angel to come out and make an appearance angel to come out and make an appearance in their full glorious angelic form, in their full glorious angelic form, in their full glorious angelic form, we'd flip out. Uh you know, you would we'd flip out. Uh you know, you would we'd flip out. Uh you know, you would you might even be tempted to worship the you might even be tempted to worship the you might even be tempted to worship the angel. In fact, the Apostle John did angel. In fact, the Apostle John did angel. In fact, the Apostle John did have an angel appear before him and he have an angel appear before him and he have an angel appear before him and he began to bow before the angel. The angel began to bow before the angel. The angel began to bow before the angel. The angel said, "Don't worship me. Worship God."

said, "Don't worship me. Worship God." said, "Don't worship me. Worship God." But they're powerful, majestic, glorious But they're powerful, majestic, glorious But they're powerful, majestic, glorious creatures. creatures. creatures. But you have something an angel does not But you have something an angel does not But you have something an angel does not have. You have a relationship with God. have. You have a relationship with God. have. You have a relationship with God. See, angels weren't made in the image of See, angels weren't made in the image of See, angels weren't made in the image of God, but you as a human being were. An God, but you as a human being were. An God, but you as a human being were. An angel cannot have Christ living inside angel cannot have Christ living inside angel cannot have Christ living inside of their heart and their life. But you of their heart and their life. But you of their heart and their life. But you as a follower of Jesus have that. In as a follower of Jesus have that. In as a follower of Jesus have that. In fact, we're told over in First Peter, fact, we're told over in First Peter, fact, we're told over in First Peter, the angels look on this with awe. In the angels look on this with awe. In the angels look on this with awe. In other words, as the angels look at our other words, as the angels look at our other words, as the angels look at our relationship with God, it's something relationship with God, it's something relationship with God, it's something they long for. It's something they they long for. It's something they they long for. It's something they desire. So, we're different in angels. desire. So, we're different in angels. desire. So, we're different in angels. So, you don't become an angel when you So, you don't become an angel when you So, you don't become an angel when you die. Now, we already touched on this. die. Now, we already touched on this. die. Now, we already touched on this. Will we recognize one another in heaven? Will we recognize one another in heaven? Will we recognize one another in heaven? And I already told you the answer to And I already told you the answer to And I already told you the answer to that is yes. Along with a resurrected that is yes. Along with a resurrected that is yes. Along with a resurrected body, we'll have resurrected body, we'll have resurrected body, we'll have resurrected relationships. I find it interesting relationships. I find it interesting relationships. I find it interesting when Jesus rose again from the dead, he when Jesus rose again from the dead, he when Jesus rose again from the dead, he sort of picked up where he left off with sort of picked up where he left off with sort of picked up where he left off with his disciples.

his disciples. his disciples. I in fact, it's interesting. He saw two I in fact, it's interesting. He saw two I in fact, it's interesting. He saw two disciples on the way. Here he is risen disciples on the way. Here he is risen disciples on the way. Here he is risen from the dead. They think Jesus is dead. from the dead. They think Jesus is dead. from the dead. They think Jesus is dead. They think they'll never see him again. They think they'll never see him again. They think they'll never see him again. And they see him on the road. And I love And they see him on the road. And I love And they see him on the road. And I love what he said to them. He said, what he said to them. He said, what he said to them. He said, "Rejoice." Which was a common word for "Rejoice." Which was a common word for "Rejoice." Which was a common word for greetings. Like, "Hello, hi." Like, greetings. Like, "Hello, hi." Like, greetings. Like, "Hello, hi." Like, that's it. If I were Jesus risen from that's it. If I were Jesus risen from that's it. If I were Jesus risen from the dead, my first words would have the dead, my first words would have the dead, my first words would have been, "Tada! been, "Tada! been, "Tada! Hey, come on. You didn't believe it was Hey, come on. You didn't believe it was Hey, come on. You didn't believe it was going to happen." But he gives a common going to happen." But he gives a common going to happen." But he gives a common greeting like, "Hey, what's up? How's greeting like, "Hey, what's up? How's greeting like, "Hey, what's up? How's it?" Or if you're from New York, forget it?" Or if you're from New York, forget it?" Or if you're from New York, forget about it. You know, just here he is, the about it. You know, just here he is, the about it. You know, just here he is, the resurrected Lord, acting as though he resurrected Lord, acting as though he resurrected Lord, acting as though he had been there all along. You know, our had been there all along. You know, our had been there all along. You know, our son Christopher has been in heaven now son Christopher has been in heaven now son Christopher has been in heaven now for 18 years. And occasionally I have for 18 years. And occasionally I have for 18 years. And occasionally I have dreams about him. Not that often. And dreams about him. Not that often. And dreams about him. Not that often. And they're always very hard dreams because they're always very hard dreams because they're always very hard dreams because they're so real. And it seems like every they're so real. And it seems like every they're so real. And it seems like every time I dream about him, he is just in time I dream about him, he is just in time I dream about him, he is just in the dream with us and we're doing the dream with us and we're doing the dream with us and we're doing whatever it is we're doing. And I whatever it is we're doing. And I whatever it is we're doing. And I suddenly realize he's there. And I am suddenly realize he's there. And I am suddenly realize he's there. And I am turning to him saying, "Don't leave."

turning to him saying, "Don't leave." turning to him saying, "Don't leave." And in every dream, he leaves. And I And in every dream, he leaves. And I And in every dream, he leaves. And I think that's something that is obviously think that's something that is obviously think that's something that is obviously from my heart that I I want to see him from my heart that I I want to see him from my heart that I I want to see him again. But uh one day, I'm going to see again. But uh one day, I'm going to see again. But uh one day, I'm going to see him again. And he's not going to leave. him again. And he's not going to leave. him again. And he's not going to leave. And I'm not going to leave either. We'll And I'm not going to leave either. We'll And I'm not going to leave either. We'll be together. be together. be together. [applause] And I know some of you have loved ones And I know some of you have loved ones in heaven right now. You have sons. You in heaven right now. You have sons. You in heaven right now. You have sons. You have daughters. You have grandchildren. have daughters. You have grandchildren. have daughters. You have grandchildren. You have brothers and sisters and You have brothers and sisters and You have brothers and sisters and mothers and fathers and grandparents. mothers and fathers and grandparents. mothers and fathers and grandparents. And you miss them. If they died in faith And you miss them. If they died in faith And you miss them. If they died in faith believing in Jesus Christ, you will see believing in Jesus Christ, you will see believing in Jesus Christ, you will see them again. You have God's word on this. them again. You have God's word on this. them again. You have God's word on this. And this is our hope as Christians. And And this is our hope as Christians. And And this is our hope as Christians. And it's a great hope, isn't it? it's a great hope, isn't it? it's a great hope, isn't it? [applause] Now, here's an interesting thing I want Now, here's an interesting thing I want to explore for just a few moments. to explore for just a few moments. to explore for just a few moments. Sometimes people say, "When we're in Sometimes people say, "When we're in Sometimes people say, "When we're in heaven, we won't remember anything that heaven, we won't remember anything that heaven, we won't remember anything that happened on earth." I have no idea where happened on earth." I have no idea where happened on earth." I have no idea where this idea came from. And it's actually a this idea came from. And it's actually a this idea came from. And it's actually a very unbiblical idea. You will remember very unbiblical idea. You will remember very unbiblical idea. You will remember things from earth when you are in things from earth when you are in things from earth when you are in heaven. Uh for starters, we will have heaven. Uh for starters, we will have heaven. Uh for starters, we will have the judgment seat of Christ. Second the judgment seat of Christ. Second the judgment seat of Christ. Second Corinthians 5:10 says, "We must all Corinthians 5:10 says, "We must all Corinthians 5:10 says, "We must all appear before the judgment seat of appear before the judgment seat of appear before the judgment seat of Christ that each one may receive what is Christ that each one may receive what is Christ that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the due him for the things done while in the due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad." So in other body, whether good or bad." So in other body, whether good or bad." So in other words, you're going to be given heavenly

words, you're going to be given heavenly words, you're going to be given heavenly rewards for your faithfulness to the rewards for your faithfulness to the rewards for your faithfulness to the Lord. The Bible talks about the crown of Lord. The Bible talks about the crown of Lord. The Bible talks about the crown of life. It talks about other crowns that life. It talks about other crowns that life. It talks about other crowns that God will give to us that have served God will give to us that have served God will give to us that have served him. Paul says,"I fought the good fight. him. Paul says,"I fought the good fight. him. Paul says,"I fought the good fight. I finished the course. I kept the faith. I finished the course. I kept the faith. I finished the course. I kept the faith. Henceforth, there is laid up for me a Henceforth, there is laid up for me a Henceforth, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, crown of righteousness, which the Lord, crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me in the righteous judge, will give to me in the righteous judge, will give to me in that day, not to me only, but to all who that day, not to me only, but to all who that day, not to me only, but to all who love his appearing." So, the Lord will love his appearing." So, the Lord will love his appearing." So, the Lord will give you crowns and rewards for how give you crowns and rewards for how give you crowns and rewards for how faithful you were to what God set before faithful you were to what God set before faithful you were to what God set before you in life. It's not like you're going you in life. It's not like you're going you in life. It's not like you're going to say, "What's this for?" "Well, it's to say, "What's this for?" "Well, it's to say, "What's this for?" "Well, it's for your faithfulness on earth." "Oh, I for your faithfulness on earth." "Oh, I for your faithfulness on earth." "Oh, I don't remember anything about earth." don't remember anything about earth." don't remember anything about earth." What do you think? You're going to get a What do you think? You're going to get a What do you think? You're going to get a labbotomy in heaven. You remember. And labbotomy in heaven. You remember. And labbotomy in heaven. You remember. And you're going to be rewarded for that you're going to be rewarded for that you're going to be rewarded for that faithfulness on earth. And sometimes faithfulness on earth. And sometimes faithfulness on earth. And sometimes people say, "Well, there's no tears in people say, "Well, there's no tears in people say, "Well, there's no tears in heaven." Eric Clapton even wrote a song heaven." Eric Clapton even wrote a song heaven." Eric Clapton even wrote a song about it. Okay, that's it's a nice about it. Okay, that's it's a nice about it. Okay, that's it's a nice sentiment, but the fact of the matter is sentiment, but the fact of the matter is sentiment, but the fact of the matter is there are tears in heaven. You say, there are tears in heaven. You say, there are tears in heaven. You say, "Well, that's not true." It is true "Well, that's not true." It is true "Well, that's not true." It is true because we read in Revelation uh six because we read in Revelation uh six because we read in Revelation uh six about these tribulation saints that have about these tribulation saints that have about these tribulation saints that have died and they've gone into heaven and died and they've gone into heaven and died and they've gone into heaven and they cry out to the Lord. Cry out they cry out to the Lord. Cry out they cry out to the Lord. Cry out saying, "How long, oh Lord, holy and saying, "How long, oh Lord, holy and saying, "How long, oh Lord, holy and true, until you judge our blood, avenge true, until you judge our blood, avenge true, until you judge our blood, avenge our blood on those that dwell on the our blood on those that dwell on the our blood on those that dwell on the earth?" So they're crying out to God.

earth?" So they're crying out to God. earth?" So they're crying out to God. But Greg, you're wrong because the Bible But Greg, you're wrong because the Bible But Greg, you're wrong because the Bible says God will wipe away every tear from says God will wipe away every tear from says God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There'll be no more death their eyes. There'll be no more death their eyes. There'll be no more death nor sorrow or no more pain for the form nor sorrow or no more pain for the form nor sorrow or no more pain for the form of things that passed away. That is of things that passed away. That is of things that passed away. That is correct and that is biblical. But when correct and that is biblical. But when correct and that is biblical. But when does that happen? That doesn't happen in does that happen? That doesn't happen in does that happen? That doesn't happen in heaven. That happens in the new earth. heaven. That happens in the new earth. heaven. That happens in the new earth. So let's put it all together and we'll So let's put it all together and we'll So let's put it all together and we'll talk about this more next Sunday. So we talk about this more next Sunday. So we talk about this more next Sunday. So we get raptured into heaven. There's a get raptured into heaven. There's a get raptured into heaven. There's a great tribulation period on earth. great tribulation period on earth. great tribulation period on earth. There's a second coming of Christ. And There's a second coming of Christ. And There's a second coming of Christ. And then there is the millennium that lasts then there is the millennium that lasts then there is the millennium that lasts for a thousand years. And then there's for a thousand years. And then there's for a thousand years. And then there's the new earth. Heaven and earth become the new earth. Heaven and earth become the new earth. Heaven and earth become one. So I'm in heaven. I will remember one. So I'm in heaven. I will remember one. So I'm in heaven. I will remember things from earth. things from earth. things from earth. And then I'll come back to the new And then I'll come back to the new And then I'll come back to the new earth. And then God will wipe away every earth. And then God will wipe away every earth. And then God will wipe away every tear and there'll be no more sorrow nor tear and there'll be no more sorrow nor tear and there'll be no more sorrow nor crying. Doesn't it imply if tears are crying. Doesn't it imply if tears are crying. Doesn't it imply if tears are being wiped away that there were tears being wiped away that there were tears being wiped away that there were tears to start with? So you'd say, "But wait, to start with? So you'd say, "But wait, to start with? So you'd say, "But wait, if I knew things in heaven that are sad, if I knew things in heaven that are sad, if I knew things in heaven that are sad, it heaven wouldn't be heaven." No, it's it heaven wouldn't be heaven." No, it's it heaven wouldn't be heaven." No, it's not true because you'll see it with not true because you'll see it with not true because you'll see it with perspective.

perspective. perspective. Sort of like when you look at things as Sort of like when you look at things as Sort of like when you look at things as an adult as compared to a child. You an adult as compared to a child. You an adult as compared to a child. You know, we look at our childhoods and we know, we look at our childhoods and we know, we look at our childhoods and we experience certain things. Hopefully, experience certain things. Hopefully, experience certain things. Hopefully, you had a good childhood. Maybe it you had a good childhood. Maybe it you had a good childhood. Maybe it wasn't so good. Mine wasn't. And I look wasn't so good. Mine wasn't. And I look wasn't so good. Mine wasn't. And I look back now as an adult on things that back now as an adult on things that back now as an adult on things that happened to me and I realize that was happened to me and I realize that was happened to me and I realize that was wrong. That should have never happened wrong. That should have never happened wrong. That should have never happened to a child. But I didn't know it as a to a child. But I didn't know it as a to a child. But I didn't know it as a kid. That was just life, right? I only kid. That was just life, right? I only kid. That was just life, right? I only had a child's perspective. It's like I had a child's perspective. It's like I had a child's perspective. It's like I have four granddaughters and one have four granddaughters and one have four granddaughters and one grandson. So, you know, I remember at grandson. So, you know, I remember at grandson. So, you know, I remember at one point in their life, they were into one point in their life, they were into one point in their life, they were into these little dolls. I would buy them. As these little dolls. I would buy them. As these little dolls. I would buy them. As I recall, they were called Laaloopsy. I I recall, they were called Laaloopsy. I I recall, they were called Laaloopsy. I don't even know if they make them don't even know if they make them don't even know if they make them anymore, but anyway, the little dolls anymore, but anyway, the little dolls anymore, but anyway, the little dolls and and the heads would come off. I and and the heads would come off. I and and the heads would come off. I don't know why these heads came off so don't know why these heads came off so don't know why these heads came off so easily. So, I bought a few extra ones easily. So, I bought a few extra ones easily. So, I bought a few extra ones just in case because they would come to just in case because they would come to just in case because they would come to me, tears in their eyes. Papa, my me, tears in their eyes. Papa, my me, tears in their eyes. Papa, my Laaloopsy doll doesn't have a head. Laaloopsy doll doesn't have a head. Laaloopsy doll doesn't have a head. Don't worry about it. No, but Papa, the Don't worry about it. No, but Papa, the Don't worry about it. No, but Papa, the head came off. Oh, it's okay. And I'd head came off. Oh, it's okay. And I'd head came off. Oh, it's okay. And I'd reach up and give them a new doll. See, reach up and give them a new doll. See, reach up and give them a new doll. See, I knew I could fix their problem because I knew I could fix their problem because I knew I could fix their problem because I am an adult and they're just a child.

I am an adult and they're just a child. I am an adult and they're just a child. When I get to heaven, I'll have When I get to heaven, I'll have When I get to heaven, I'll have perspective on the things that happened perspective on the things that happened perspective on the things that happened to me from a divine perspective. And to me from a divine perspective. And to me from a divine perspective. And there will come a day when God will wipe there will come a day when God will wipe there will come a day when God will wipe away all of my tears. Okay. So now, will away all of my tears. Okay. So now, will away all of my tears. Okay. So now, will we be married in heaven? Let me take a we be married in heaven? Let me take a we be married in heaven? Let me take a quick poll. How many of you are married? quick poll. How many of you are married? quick poll. How many of you are married? Raise your hand. You're married. Okay, Raise your hand. You're married. Okay, Raise your hand. You're married. Okay, good. How many of you are happily good. How many of you are happily good. How many of you are happily married? Raise up your hand. Okay, married? Raise up your hand. Okay, married? Raise up your hand. Okay, not as many hands. Interesting. Um, not as many hands. Interesting. Um, not as many hands. Interesting. Um, okay. How many of you want How many of okay. How many of you want How many of okay. How many of you want How many of you want to be married in heaven? Raise you want to be married in heaven? Raise you want to be married in heaven? Raise your hand. Wow. Not as many hands. your hand. Wow. Not as many hands. your hand. Wow. Not as many hands. That's very revealing. Well, let me say this. You will be Well, let me say this. You will be married in heaven, but let me explain. married in heaven, but let me explain. married in heaven, but let me explain. Don't misunderstand what I'm saying. Don't misunderstand what I'm saying. Don't misunderstand what I'm saying. You'll still have relationships in You'll still have relationships in You'll still have relationships in heaven that you had on earth. Receiving heaven that you had on earth. Receiving heaven that you had on earth. Receiving a glorified body and relocating to the a glorified body and relocating to the a glorified body and relocating to the new earth doesn't erase history. It new earth doesn't erase history. It new earth doesn't erase history. It culminates history.

culminates history. culminates history. I can't take physical things with me to I can't take physical things with me to I can't take physical things with me to heaven, but I can take relationships heaven, but I can take relationships heaven, but I can take relationships with me. So, let's understand what that with me. So, let's understand what that with me. So, let's understand what that means. So, here's this weird question means. So, here's this weird question means. So, here's this weird question from the Sadducees about the the woman from the Sadducees about the the woman from the Sadducees about the the woman that was married to all of these guys. that was married to all of these guys. that was married to all of these guys. Whose husband will she be in the whose Whose husband will she be in the whose Whose husband will she be in the whose wife will she be in the resurrection? wife will she be in the resurrection? wife will she be in the resurrection? Jesus replies verse 34, "Marriage is for Jesus replies verse 34, "Marriage is for Jesus replies verse 34, "Marriage is for people on earth. uh but in the age to people on earth. uh but in the age to people on earth. uh but in the age to come, those worthy of being raised from come, those worthy of being raised from come, those worthy of being raised from the dead will neither marry nor be given the dead will neither marry nor be given the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage. They'll never die again. In in marriage. They'll never die again. In in marriage. They'll never die again. In this respect, they'll be like the this respect, they'll be like the this respect, they'll be like the angels. So, you're saying, "I I don't angels. So, you're saying, "I I don't angels. So, you're saying, "I I don't understand. You said we'd be married in understand. You said we'd be married in understand. You said we'd be married in heaven." You'll still have a connection. heaven." You'll still have a connection. heaven." You'll still have a connection. Uh because you become one flesh, your Uh because you become one flesh, your Uh because you become one flesh, your husband, you husbands and wives. As husband, you husbands and wives. As husband, you husbands and wives. As Randy Alhorn explained in his book Randy Alhorn explained in his book Randy Alhorn explained in his book titled Heaven, quote, earthly marriage titled Heaven, quote, earthly marriage titled Heaven, quote, earthly marriage as a shadow or echo of the true and as a shadow or echo of the true and as a shadow or echo of the true and ultimate marriage. The purpose of of ultimate marriage. The purpose of of ultimate marriage. The purpose of of heaven is not to replace heaven, but to heaven is not to replace heaven, but to heaven is not to replace heaven, but to prepare us for it. So you still have a prepare us for it. So you still have a prepare us for it. So you still have a relationship, but it's not the same as relationship, but it's not the same as relationship, but it's not the same as it was on earth.

it was on earth. it was on earth. So Randy continues on and says, "God's So Randy continues on and says, "God's So Randy continues on and says, "God's plan doesn't stop in heaven and the new plan doesn't stop in heaven and the new plan doesn't stop in heaven and the new earth. It continues. God doesn't abandon earth. It continues. God doesn't abandon earth. It continues. God doesn't abandon his purposes. He fulfills them. Friends his purposes. He fulfills them. Friends his purposes. He fulfills them. Friends and relationships, friendships and and relationships, friendships and and relationships, friendships and relationships he gone on earth will relationships he gone on earth will relationships he gone on earth will continue in heaven, richer than ever." continue in heaven, richer than ever." continue in heaven, richer than ever." So whatever bond you have now will be So whatever bond you have now will be So whatever bond you have now will be greater, but it won't be the same as it greater, but it won't be the same as it greater, but it won't be the same as it is now. Uh, all of the conflicts and the is now. Uh, all of the conflicts and the is now. Uh, all of the conflicts and the problems are gone. Okay? So, you're problems are gone. Okay? So, you're problems are gone. Okay? So, you're married in heaven. I don't get it. married in heaven. I don't get it. married in heaven. I don't get it. You're married to Christ because we're You're married to Christ because we're You're married to Christ because we're the bride of Christ. That's who we're the bride of Christ. That's who we're the bride of Christ. That's who we're married to. Now, some guy would say, "I married to. Now, some guy would say, "I married to. Now, some guy would say, "I don't want to be a bride." don't want to be a bride." don't want to be a bride." Shut up. Deal with it. You're a bride, Shut up. Deal with it. You're a bride, Shut up. Deal with it. You're a bride, dude. Okay? You guys are going to be the dude. Okay? You guys are going to be the dude. Okay? You guys are going to be the bride of Christ. So, own it. Embrace it. bride of Christ. So, own it. Embrace it. bride of Christ. So, own it. Embrace it. Thank God for it. We will be married to Thank God for it. We will be married to Thank God for it. We will be married to Jesus in that broad sense in heaven.

Jesus in that broad sense in heaven. Jesus in that broad sense in heaven. So So So [applause] this is the place we long for. Goes back this is the place we long for. Goes back to the earliest days of our life. We to the earliest days of our life. We to the earliest days of our life. We thought if I got this possession, if I thought if I got this possession, if I thought if I got this possession, if I got this degree, if I get this house, if got this degree, if I get this house, if got this degree, if I get this house, if I have this thing happen or that thing I have this thing happen or that thing I have this thing happen or that thing happen, I know I'll find fulfillment. happen, I know I'll find fulfillment. happen, I know I'll find fulfillment. But there's something in us that says, But there's something in us that says, But there's something in us that says, "I'm still not completely fulfilled." "I'm still not completely fulfilled." "I'm still not completely fulfilled." It's a longing for heaven. Just like It's a longing for heaven. Just like It's a longing for heaven. Just like that little golden plver flies from the that little golden plver flies from the that little golden plver flies from the Illutian Islands to a place it's never Illutian Islands to a place it's never Illutian Islands to a place it's never been to before. One day you'll leave been to before. One day you'll leave been to before. One day you'll leave this world and you'll go to the next this world and you'll go to the next this world and you'll go to the next world. You'll leave this life and you'll world. You'll leave this life and you'll world. You'll leave this life and you'll go to the afterlife. But listen to this. go to the afterlife. But listen to this. go to the afterlife. But listen to this. You go you don't go to heaven to find You go you don't go to heaven to find You go you don't go to heaven to find Christ. You go to Christ to find heaven. Christ. You go to Christ to find heaven. Christ. You go to Christ to find heaven. That's how you get there because he's That's how you get there because he's That's how you get there because he's the way, the truth, and the life. the way, the truth, and the life. the way, the truth, and the life. [applause] [applause] [applause] So, we're going to close our service now So, we're going to close our service now So, we're going to close our service now with the time of communion with the time of communion with the time of communion where we receive the bread and the cup where we receive the bread and the cup where we receive the bread and the cup symbolizing the broken body and blood of symbolizing the broken body and blood of symbolizing the broken body and blood of our Lord. And the Apostle Paul wrote in our Lord. And the Apostle Paul wrote in our Lord. And the Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 11, "For I received from 1 Corinthians 11, "For I received from 1 Corinthians 11, "For I received from the Lord that which I passed on to you, the Lord that which I passed on to you, the Lord that which I passed on to you, the Lord Jesus in the night in which he the Lord Jesus in the night in which he the Lord Jesus in the night in which he was betrayed, took bread, and when he was betrayed, took bread, and when he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, had given thanks, he broke it and said, had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body "This is my body "This is my body which is broken for you. This do in which is broken for you. This do in which is broken for you. This do in remembrance of me." In the same way,

remembrance of me." In the same way, remembrance of me." In the same way, after supper, he took the cup, saying, after supper, he took the cup, saying, after supper, he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant of my "This cup is the new covenant of my "This cup is the new covenant of my blood. And whenever you drink it, you do blood. And whenever you drink it, you do blood. And whenever you drink it, you do it in remembrance of me. And you eat it in remembrance of me. And you eat it in remembrance of me. And you eat this bread and drink this cup to this bread and drink this cup to this bread and drink this cup to proclaim the Lord's death until he proclaim the Lord's death until he proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. Now Paul gives us an application. comes. Now Paul gives us an application. comes. Now Paul gives us an application. Therefore, therefore, whoever eats this Therefore, therefore, whoever eats this Therefore, therefore, whoever eats this bread and drinks this cup of the Lord in bread and drinks this cup of the Lord in bread and drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of an unworthy manner will be guilty of an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and the blood sinning against the body and the blood sinning against the body and the blood of our Lord. A man therefore should of our Lord. A man therefore should of our Lord. A man therefore should examine himself before he eats of the examine himself before he eats of the examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. Just a few bread and drinks of the cup. Just a few bread and drinks of the cup. Just a few quick things about communion as we quick things about communion as we quick things about communion as we receive it. Number one, we must look receive it. Number one, we must look receive it. Number one, we must look back at the cross. Take time to think back at the cross. Take time to think back at the cross. Take time to think deeply about what Jesus did for you. He deeply about what Jesus did for you. He deeply about what Jesus did for you. He came to this earth. He lived a perfect came to this earth. He lived a perfect came to this earth. He lived a perfect life, but then he died a perfect death. life, but then he died a perfect death. life, but then he died a perfect death. And he made the ultimate sacrifice. He And he made the ultimate sacrifice. He And he made the ultimate sacrifice. He was scourged. He was beaten. He was was scourged. He was beaten. He was was scourged. He was beaten. He was punched. punched. punched. [clears throat] He had the beard pulled [clears throat] He had the beard pulled [clears throat] He had the beard pulled from his very face. And then he laid his from his very face. And then he laid his from his very face. And then he laid his body out on a cross and they d spikes body out on a cross and they d spikes body out on a cross and they d spikes through his hands and feet. But it was through his hands and feet. But it was through his hands and feet. But it was all part of a bigger plan because the all part of a bigger plan because the all part of a bigger plan because the plan was that after man's sin, God would plan was that after man's sin, God would plan was that after man's sin, God would send the Messiah to atone for our sin to send the Messiah to atone for our sin to send the Messiah to atone for our sin to pay for our sin. So look back at that.

pay for our sin. So look back at that. pay for our sin. So look back at that. Think about that. Remember just do in Think about that. Remember just do in Think about that. Remember just do in remembrance of me. Jesus says, remember remembrance of me. Jesus says, remember remembrance of me. Jesus says, remember what Jesus did for you. So number one, I what Jesus did for you. So number one, I what Jesus did for you. So number one, I must look back at the cross. Number two, must look back at the cross. Number two, must look back at the cross. Number two, I must look within. I don't mean that in I must look within. I don't mean that in I must look within. I don't mean that in a mystical way. I mean that in a a mystical way. I mean that in a a mystical way. I mean that in a spiritual way, a way to contemplate. spiritual way, a way to contemplate. spiritual way, a way to contemplate. Look within. Paul says, "Let a man or a Look within. Paul says, "Let a man or a Look within. Paul says, "Let a man or a woman examine themsself." Ask yourself woman examine themsself." Ask yourself woman examine themsself." Ask yourself this question. Is my life right with God this question. Is my life right with God this question. Is my life right with God right now? Am I walking with Jesus right now? Am I walking with Jesus right now? Am I walking with Jesus Christ or am I living in open sin or Christ or am I living in open sin or Christ or am I living in open sin or doing something I know I should not be doing something I know I should not be doing something I know I should not be doing? Examine yourself before you doing? Examine yourself before you doing? Examine yourself before you receive these elements. So look back at receive these elements. So look back at receive these elements. So look back at what Jesus did for you. Look inside. what Jesus did for you. Look inside. what Jesus did for you. Look inside. Then look around. You're with your Then look around. You're with your Then look around. You're with your family, God's family. And we're family, God's family. And we're family, God's family. And we're celebrating this together. It's celebrating this together. It's celebrating this together. It's something we do. This is what we have in something we do. This is what we have in something we do. This is what we have in common with people in heaven. We worship common with people in heaven. We worship common with people in heaven. We worship on earth and they're worshiping in on earth and they're worshiping in on earth and they're worshiping in heaven. So this is something we do as a heaven. So this is something we do as a heaven. So this is something we do as a family. But then we must look ahead.

family. But then we must look ahead. family. But then we must look ahead. Finally, look ahead. Paul says we should Finally, look ahead. Paul says we should Finally, look ahead. Paul says we should observe communion until he comes. So ask observe communion until he comes. So ask observe communion until he comes. So ask yourself the question, is there anything yourself the question, is there anything yourself the question, is there anything that I'm doing right now that I would be that I'm doing right now that I would be that I'm doing right now that I would be embarrassed to be doing if Christ were embarrassed to be doing if Christ were embarrassed to be doing if Christ were to return? Someone once asked the great to return? Someone once asked the great to return? Someone once asked the great evangelist DL Moody, if he knew the Lord evangelist DL Moody, if he knew the Lord evangelist DL Moody, if he knew the Lord would return tonight, how would he spend would return tonight, how would he spend would return tonight, how would he spend the rest of the day? And Moody replied the rest of the day? And Moody replied the rest of the day? And Moody replied uh without hesitation, I wouldn't do uh without hesitation, I wouldn't do uh without hesitation, I wouldn't do anything different than I do every day. anything different than I do every day. anything different than I do every day. Good answer. We as Christians should Good answer. We as Christians should Good answer. We as Christians should live every day as though it were our live every day as though it were our live every day as though it were our last day because one day it will be. last day because one day it will be. last day because one day it will be. What if this were your last day or mine? What if this were your last day or mine? What if this were your last day or mine? Okay, it is. So, you just live as you Okay, it is. So, you just live as you Okay, it is. So, you just live as you should live as a Christian, walking should live as a Christian, walking should live as a Christian, walking closely with them. And if the Lord calls closely with them. And if the Lord calls closely with them. And if the Lord calls us home in the rapture, awesome. If we us home in the rapture, awesome. If we us home in the rapture, awesome. If we die, that's not awesome. But we're die, that's not awesome. But we're die, that's not awesome. But we're ready. We're prepared to meet him. So, ready. We're prepared to meet him. So, ready. We're prepared to meet him. So, the thing I want to close on is this the thing I want to close on is this the thing I want to close on is this thing we call communion or the Lord's thing we call communion or the Lord's thing we call communion or the Lord's supper is for Christians only. If you're supper is for Christians only. If you're supper is for Christians only. If you're a visitor, if you've never been to our a visitor, if you've never been to our a visitor, if you've never been to our church before or you have not put your church before or you have not put your church before or you have not put your faith in Jesus Christ, I would faith in Jesus Christ, I would faith in Jesus Christ, I would respectfully ask you to let the elements respectfully ask you to let the elements respectfully ask you to let the elements pass. Don't receive of them. No, it's pass. Don't receive of them. No, it's pass. Don't receive of them. No, it's good. It's religious stuff. It'll help good. It's religious stuff. It'll help good. It's religious stuff. It'll help me. No, no, you don't want to do this me. No, no, you don't want to do this me. No, no, you don't want to do this because it's a symbol of something holy because it's a symbol of something holy because it's a symbol of something holy and sacred. And to receive these and sacred. And to receive these and sacred. And to receive these elements without believing in the one elements without believing in the one elements without believing in the one they represent is irreverent and

they represent is irreverent and they represent is irreverent and disrespectful. And that's why Paul says disrespectful. And that's why Paul says disrespectful. And that's why Paul says you eat and drink judgment to yourself. you eat and drink judgment to yourself. you eat and drink judgment to yourself. Oh, okay. I won't receive it. Well, I Oh, okay. I won't receive it. Well, I Oh, okay. I won't receive it. Well, I have a better idea. Receive Jesus Christ have a better idea. Receive Jesus Christ have a better idea. Receive Jesus Christ into your life right now and then join into your life right now and then join into your life right now and then join us for your first communion. Right. us for your first communion. Right. us for your first communion. Right. That's better. You say, "Well, how do I do that, bald You say, "Well, how do I do that, bald guy?" Okay, please don't call me that. guy?" Okay, please don't call me that. guy?" Okay, please don't call me that. But, um, you pray and ask Christ to come But, um, you pray and ask Christ to come But, um, you pray and ask Christ to come into your life. Remember I told you the into your life. Remember I told you the into your life. Remember I told you the angels look on with awe at this angels look on with awe at this angels look on with awe at this relationship we have with God. What is relationship we have with God. What is relationship we have with God. What is it? That Christ himself can literally it? That Christ himself can literally it? That Christ himself can literally come and live in our heart and forgive come and live in our heart and forgive come and live in our heart and forgive us of our sin. And we can have a us of our sin. And we can have a us of our sin. And we can have a relationship with him. And not only do relationship with him. And not only do relationship with him. And not only do we find the meaning of life on earth, we we find the meaning of life on earth, we we find the meaning of life on earth, we have the hope of an afterlife in heaven have the hope of an afterlife in heaven have the hope of an afterlife in heaven in his presence. But you must ask Christ in his presence. But you must ask Christ in his presence. But you must ask Christ to come into your life. And so I'm going to come into your life. And so I'm going to come into your life. And so I'm going to close with a prayer and I'm going to to close with a prayer and I'm going to to close with a prayer and I'm going to lead a prayer and I'm going to ask if lead a prayer and I'm going to ask if lead a prayer and I'm going to ask if you've never asked Jesus to come into you've never asked Jesus to come into you've never asked Jesus to come into your life that you would pray this your life that you would pray this your life that you would pray this prayer with me right now. Okay? So if prayer with me right now. Okay? So if prayer with me right now. Okay? So if you want your sin forgiven, if you want you want your sin forgiven, if you want you want your sin forgiven, if you want Jesus Christ to come into your life, if Jesus Christ to come into your life, if Jesus Christ to come into your life, if you want a second chance in life, if you you want a second chance in life, if you you want a second chance in life, if you want to know that you'll go to heaven want to know that you'll go to heaven want to know that you'll go to heaven when you die, if you want to be ready when you die, if you want to be ready when you die, if you want to be ready for the rapture when the Lord comes back for the rapture when the Lord comes back for the rapture when the Lord comes back for us again, I want you to pray this for us again, I want you to pray this for us again, I want you to pray this prayer after me right now. Let's all prayer after me right now. Let's all prayer after me right now. Let's all pray. Just pray these words. If you've pray. Just pray these words. If you've pray. Just pray these words. If you've never asked Christ into your life, pray,

never asked Christ into your life, pray, never asked Christ into your life, pray, "Lord Jesus, I know that I'm a sinner, "Lord Jesus, I know that I'm a sinner, "Lord Jesus, I know that I'm a sinner, but I know that you're the savior who but I know that you're the savior who but I know that you're the savior who died on the cross for my sin and rose died on the cross for my sin and rose died on the cross for my sin and rose again from the dead. I turn from my sin again from the dead. I turn from my sin again from the dead. I turn from my sin now, and I choose to follow you from now, and I choose to follow you from now, and I choose to follow you from this moment forward as my savior and my this moment forward as my savior and my this moment forward as my savior and my lord, lord, lord, as my God and my friend. Thank you for as my God and my friend. Thank you for as my God and my friend. Thank you for hearing this prayer. hearing this prayer. hearing this prayer. in answering this prayer in Jesus name I in answering this prayer in Jesus name I in answering this prayer in Jesus name I pray. Amen. God bless you if you just pray. Amen. God bless you if you just pray. Amen. God bless you if you just prayed that prayer. Amen. [applause] [clears throat] When the service is [clears throat] When the service is done, we're going to talk to you about a done, we're going to talk to you about a done, we're going to talk to you about a little edition of the New Testament little edition of the New Testament little edition of the New Testament called the New Believers Bible. Holding called the New Believers Bible. Holding called the New Believers Bible. Holding a copy right now. We want you to take a copy right now. We want you to take a copy right now. We want you to take one of these home with you and start one of these home with you and start one of these home with you and start reading it. It has hundreds of notes reading it. It has hundreds of notes reading it. It has hundreds of notes that I wrote that will encourage you in that I wrote that will encourage you in that I wrote that will encourage you in this commitment, a recommmitment you've this commitment, a recommmitment you've this commitment, a recommmitment you've made to Christ. So you that pray that made to Christ. So you that pray that made to Christ. So you that pray that prayer with me, let us give you one of prayer with me, let us give you one of prayer with me, let us give you one of these New Testaments. And we want to these New Testaments. And we want to these New Testaments. And we want to talk with you for a few moments and talk with you for a few moments and talk with you for a few moments and encourage you in the most important encourage you in the most important encourage you in the most important decision you have ever made. And God decision you have ever made. And God decision you have ever made. And God bless you if you prayed that prayer. All bless you if you prayed that prayer. All bless you if you prayed that prayer. All right. So we're going to distribute the right. So we're going to distribute the right. So we're going to distribute the elements now. Uh the plate will come elements now. Uh the plate will come elements now. Uh the plate will come your way. Go ahead and take the bread your way. Go ahead and take the bread your way. Go ahead and take the bread and take the cup and hold on to them and and take the cup and hold on to them and and take the cup and hold on to them and wait till everyone's served and then wait till everyone's served and then wait till everyone's served and then we'll have a prayer before each element

we'll have a prayer before each element we'll have a prayer before each element and receive it together. So let's and receive it together. So let's and receive it together. So let's worship the Lord now. How great the chasm How great the chasm that lay between us. How high the that lay between us. How high the that lay between us. How high the mountain [singing and music] mountain [singing and music] mountain [singing and music] I could not climb. I could not climb. I could not climb. In desperation [music and singing] In desperation [music and singing] In desperation [music and singing] I turned to heaven I turned to heaven I turned to heaven and spoke your name [music] into the and spoke your name [music] into the and spoke your name [music] into the night. night. night. And through the [music and singing] And through the [music and singing] And through the [music and singing] darkness, darkness, darkness, your loving kindness your loving kindness your loving kindness tore [music and singing] through the tore [music and singing] through the tore [music and singing] through the shadows shadows shadows of my soul. of my soul. of my soul. The work is finished. [singing] The work is finished. [singing] The work is finished. [singing] The end is written. The end is written. The end is written. Jesus [music] Christ, my living hope.

Who could imagine Who could imagine so great a mercy? [singing] so great a mercy? [singing] so great a mercy? [singing] What heart [music] could fathom What heart [music] could fathom What heart [music] could fathom such boundless grace? such boundless grace? such boundless grace? The God of aes [music and singing] The God of aes [music and singing] The God of aes [music and singing] step down from glory step down from glory step down from glory to [music] wear my sin and bear my to [music] wear my sin and bear my to [music] wear my sin and bear my shame. shame. shame. The cross is spoken. The cross is spoken. The cross is spoken. I am forgiven. [singing] I am forgiven. [singing] I am forgiven. [singing] The King of Kings calls [music] me his The King of Kings calls [music] me his The King of Kings calls [music] me his own. own. own. Beautiful Savior, [music] Beautiful Savior, [music] Beautiful Savior, [music] I'm yours forever. I'm yours forever. I'm yours forever. Jesus Christ, my livinging [music] Jesus Christ, my livinging [music] Jesus Christ, my livinging [music] hope. Praise the one who set me [music] free.

Praise the one who set me [music] free. Hallelujah. [singing] Death has lost its grip [music] on me. Death has lost its grip [music] on me. You have broken [singing] every chain. You have broken [singing] every chain. You have broken [singing] every chain. and salvation [music] and salvation [music] and salvation [music] in your name Jesus Christ [singing] in your name Jesus Christ [singing] in your name Jesus Christ [singing] my livinging my livinging my livinging hope praise the one who set me free praise the one who set me free hallelujah [music and singing] death has lost it grip on me you death has lost it grip on me you [singing] have broken [music] [singing] have broken [music] [singing] have broken [music] every chain every chain every chain There's salvation in your name, [music] There's salvation in your name, [music] There's salvation in your name, [music] Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ, my living. Then came the morning Then came the morning that sealed the promise. that sealed the promise. that sealed the promise. Your buried body [singing and music] Your buried body [singing and music] Your buried body [singing and music] began to breathe began to breathe began to breathe out of the silence. [singing and music] out of the silence. [singing and music] out of the silence. [singing and music] The roaring lion The roaring lion The roaring lion declare [music] the grave has no claim declare [music] the grave has no claim declare [music] the grave has no claim on me.

We hold in our hand now a piece [music] We hold in our hand now a piece [music] of bread, unleavened bread, a symbol of of bread, unleavened bread, a symbol of of bread, unleavened bread, a symbol of the body of Jesus Christ. the body of Jesus Christ. the body of Jesus Christ. We don't [music] believe that this bread We don't [music] believe that this bread We don't [music] believe that this bread turns into the flesh of Christ. The turns into the flesh of Christ. The turns into the flesh of Christ. The Bible does not teach that. But we do Bible does not teach that. But we do Bible does not teach that. But we do believe that this bread is an important believe that this bread is an important believe that this bread is an important symbol symbol symbol and something the Lord has asked us to and something the Lord has asked us to and something the Lord has asked us to do in remembrance of him. You know, it's do in remembrance of him. You know, it's do in remembrance of him. You know, it's interesting in the original language interesting in the original language interesting in the original language that phrase do this in remembrance of me that phrase do this in remembrance of me that phrase do this in remembrance of me could be translated do this in could be translated do this in could be translated do this in affectionate remembrance of me. So with affectionate remembrance of me. So with affectionate remembrance of me. So with a sense of thankfulness a sense of thankfulness a sense of thankfulness and joy, Lord, thank you for the and joy, Lord, thank you for the and joy, Lord, thank you for the sacrifice you made. Let's pray now. sacrifice you made. Let's pray now. sacrifice you made. Let's pray now. Lord, as we hold this little bit of Lord, as we hold this little bit of Lord, as we hold this little bit of unleavened bread, we think of your body unleavened bread, we think of your body unleavened bread, we think of your body beaten and bloodied beyond human beaten and bloodied beyond human beaten and bloodied beyond human recognition, but you died there on the recognition, but you died there on the recognition, but you died there on the cross for our sin and bore the sin of cross for our sin and bore the sin of cross for our sin and bore the sin of the world. We're so thankful for that, the world. We're so thankful for that, the world. We're so thankful for that, Lord. And now [music] we take this piece Lord. And now [music] we take this piece Lord. And now [music] we take this piece of bread and we partake of it in of bread and we partake of it in of bread and we partake of it in affectionate [music] affectionate [music] affectionate [music] remembrance of you, saying, "Thank you, remembrance of you, saying, "Thank you, remembrance of you, saying, "Thank you, Lord." Let's partake together.

Grab your cup. Grab your cup. This cup symbolizes the blood of Jesus This cup symbolizes the blood of Jesus This cup symbolizes the blood of Jesus Christ that was shed. Christ that was shed. Christ that was shed. The Bible says without the shedding of The Bible says without the shedding of The Bible says without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sin. blood there is no forgiveness of sin. blood there is no forgiveness of sin. There had to [music] be a sacrifice. There had to [music] be a sacrifice. There had to [music] be a sacrifice. There had to be an atonement. All of the There had to be an atonement. All of the There had to be an atonement. All of the Old Testament prophecies pointed to Old Testament prophecies pointed to Old Testament prophecies pointed to this. And Jesus was that sacrifice. As this. And Jesus was that sacrifice. As this. And Jesus was that sacrifice. As John [music] the Baptist says, he was John [music] the Baptist says, he was John [music] the Baptist says, he was the lamb of God who took away the sin of the lamb of God who took away the sin of the lamb of God who took away the sin of the world. Let's personalize it. The the world. Let's personalize it. The the world. Let's personalize it. The lamb of God who took away your sin and lamb of God who took away your sin and lamb of God who took away your sin and mine. As Paul put it, he loved me and he mine. As Paul put it, he loved me and he mine. As Paul put it, he loved me and he gave himself for me. Jesus loved and gave himself for me. Jesus loved and gave himself for me. Jesus loved and loves you and gave himself [music] for loves you and gave himself [music] for loves you and gave himself [music] for you. you. you. But we need constant forgiveness because But we need constant forgiveness because But we need constant forgiveness because we sin constantly. I don't have to tell we sin constantly. I don't have to tell we sin constantly. I don't have to tell you that. But the good news is the Bible you that. But the good news is the Bible you that. But the good news is the Bible says if we walk in the light as he is in says if we walk in the light as he is in says if we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with the light, we have fellowship one with the light, we have fellowship one with another and the blood of Jesus Christ another and the blood of Jesus Christ another and the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin. So as we drink cleanses us from all sin. So as we drink cleanses us from all sin. So as we drink of this cup, let's ask the Lord [music] of this cup, let's ask the Lord [music] of this cup, let's ask the Lord [music] to cleanse us of our sin. Now Father, to cleanse us of our sin. Now Father, to cleanse us of our sin. Now Father, thank you for sending Jesus to lay his thank you for sending Jesus to lay his thank you for sending Jesus to lay his life down for us. And Lord Jesus, thank life down for us. And Lord Jesus, thank life down for us. And Lord Jesus, thank you for shedding your precious blood on you for shedding your precious blood on you for shedding your precious blood on the cross of Calvary for each of us. And the cross of Calvary for each of us. And the cross of Calvary for each of us. And now we ask that you would forgive us and now we ask that you would forgive us and now we ask that you would forgive us and cleanse us. We acknowledge our sin.

cleanse us. We acknowledge our sin. cleanse us. We acknowledge our sin. We're sorry for our sin. We repent of We're sorry for our sin. We repent of We're sorry for our sin. We repent of our sin and we ask you to forgive us of our sin and we ask you to forgive us of our sin and we ask you to forgive us of our sin. And now in remembrance of you our sin. And now in remembrance of you our sin. And now in remembrance of you as you've asked, we drink of this cup as you've asked, we drink of this cup as you've asked, we drink of this cup together. Let's all partake together. The [music] morning The [music] morning that sealed the promise, [singing] that sealed the promise, [singing] that sealed the promise, [singing] your buried [music] body your buried [music] body your buried [music] body began to breathe. began to breathe. began to breathe. Out of the [singing] silence, [music] Out of the [singing] silence, [music] Out of the [singing] silence, [music] the roaring lion the roaring lion the roaring lion declare [singing] the grave has no declare [singing] the grave has no declare [singing] the grave has no [music] claim on me. Sing with me. Then [music] claim on me. Sing with me. Then [music] claim on me. Sing with me. Then came the morning [singing] came the morning [singing] came the morning [singing] that seal [music] the promise.

that seal [music] the promise. that seal [music] the promise. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> buried body >> buried body >> buried body began to free. began to free. began to free. Out [music and singing] of the silence, Out [music and singing] of the silence, Out [music and singing] of the silence, the roaring lion the roaring lion the roaring lion declare the [music and singing] grave declare the [music and singing] grave declare the [music and singing] grave has no claim on me. has no claim on me. has no claim on me. and came gling. and came gling. and came gling. But still the proise [music] But still the proise [music] But still the proise [music] you're very glory you're very glory you're very glory began to breathe. [music] began to breathe. [music] began to breathe. [music] Out of the sun declare the grave has no flame on declare the grave has no flame on [music] me. [singing] [music] me. [singing] [music] me. [singing] Oh Jesus, yours is the [music] victory. Yours is the victory. Yours is the victory. Hallelujah. Praise [music] the Lord to set me free.

Praise [music] the Lord to set me free. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. [music] Death has lost his grip on [music] Death has lost his grip on [music] Death has lost his grip on [singing] me. You are growing every day. [singing] me. You are growing every day. [singing] me. You are growing every day. The salvation [music] The salvation [music] The salvation [music] your name Jesus Christ my [music] lilu praise [music] the one who set me free. praise [music] the one who set me free. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. [music] Since I've lost his one day you [music] Since I've lost his one day you [music] Since I've lost his one day you have broken every [music] chain. the have broken every [music] chain. the have broken every [music] chain. the salvation in your name. Jesus Christ salvation in your name. Jesus Christ salvation in your name. Jesus Christ [music] my [music] my [music] my heart. heart. heart. Jesus Christ Jesus Christ Jesus Christ my my my love. [music] love. [music] love. [music] Oh God, you are my Oh God, you are my Oh God, you are my hope.

[music] Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. >> What a great message. You know, if you >> What a great message. You know, if you >> What a great message. You know, if you prayed to receive Christ into your prayed to receive Christ into your prayed to receive Christ into your heart, we want to welcome you to the heart, we want to welcome you to the heart, we want to welcome you to the family of God. We are so incredibly family of God. We are so incredibly family of God. We are so incredibly happy that you made this decision. To happy that you made this decision. To happy that you made this decision. To help you get started or restarted in help you get started or restarted in help you get started or restarted in your walk with Christ, we want to send your walk with Christ, we want to send your walk with Christ, we want to send you a new believer's Bible which you a new believer's Bible which you a new believer's Bible which presents the New Testament in a very presents the New Testament in a very presents the New Testament in a very understandable translation and it has understandable translation and it has understandable translation and it has hundreds of notes from Pastor Greg Lori. hundreds of notes from Pastor Greg Lori. hundreds of notes from Pastor Greg Lori. Let us know that you prayed by clicking Let us know that you prayed by clicking Let us know that you prayed by clicking the link or you can go to the link or you can go to the link or you can go to harvest.org/bible harvest.org/bible harvest.org/bible and we would love to send you the New and we would love to send you the New and we would love to send you the New Believers Bible for free. An important Believers Bible for free. An important Believers Bible for free. An important part of your walk with Christ is to also part of your walk with Christ is to also part of your walk with Christ is to also walk with his people. We want to walk with his people. We want to walk with his people. We want to encourage you to join Harvest online encourage you to join Harvest online encourage you to join Harvest online disciplehip. This is a group of people disciplehip. This is a group of people disciplehip. This is a group of people who are seeking to grow in their faith who are seeking to grow in their faith who are seeking to grow in their faith and deepen their relationship with God and deepen their relationship with God and deepen their relationship with God among like-minded believers. You can among like-minded believers. You can among like-minded believers. You can join discussions, share resources, offer join discussions, share resources, offer join discussions, share resources, offer prayers, and you can share personal prayers, and you can share personal prayers, and you can share personal experiences and testimonies. Sign up and experiences and testimonies. Sign up and experiences and testimonies. Sign up and join the community today by going to join the community today by going to join the community today by going to disciple.harvest.org. disciple.harvest.org. disciple.harvest.org. Well, family, we are so glad that you Well, family, we are so glad that you Well, family, we are so glad that you were able to tune in with us. Have a were able to tune in with us. Have a were able to tune in with us. Have a great week. God bless you guys and we'll great week. God bless you guys and we'll great week. God bless you guys and we'll see you soon.

Who breaks the power Who breaks the power of sin in darkness? Whose love of sin in darkness? Whose love of sin in darkness? Whose love [music and singing] is mighty and so [music and singing] is mighty and so [music and singing] is mighty and so much stronger. The king of glory. much stronger. The king of glory. much stronger. The king of glory. The king above all kings. The king above all kings. The king above all kings. Who shakes the whole earth. Who shakes the whole earth. Who shakes the whole earth. Who shakes the holer with holy [music] Who shakes the holer with holy [music] Who shakes the holer with holy [music] thunder. thunder. thunder. Who leaves us breathless Who leaves us breathless Who leaves us breathless in awe and wonder. The king of glory. in awe and wonder. The king of glory. in awe and wonder. The king of glory. The king above all kings. Come on, sing The king above all kings. Come on, sing The king above all kings. Come on, sing this with us. This is amazing grace. Then I would be set free.

Then I would be set free. [music] [music] [music] Oh, I sing for all that you've done for Oh, I sing for all that you've done for Oh, I sing for all that you've done for me. Who brings our chaos? Who brings our Who brings our chaos? Who brings our chaos back into order? Who makes [music] chaos back into order? Who makes [music] chaos back into order? Who makes [music] the orphan a son and daughter? the orphan a son and daughter? the orphan a son and daughter? The king of glory. The king of glory. The king of glory. The king [music] of glory The king [music] of glory The king [music] of glory who rules the nation.