The World We Long For | Todd Katter Message

Well, friends, I want to start with a Well, friends, I want to start with a question. Now, fair warning, this may question. Now, fair warning, this may question. Now, fair warning, this may create some controversy, but what do you create some controversy, but what do you create some controversy, but what do you think is the greatest music album of all think is the greatest music album of all think is the greatest music album of all time? First option is the Beatles Abbey time? First option is the Beatles Abbey time? First option is the Beatles Abbey Road. Anybody? Any Beatles fans? Okay, Road. Anybody? Any Beatles fans? Okay, Road. Anybody? Any Beatles fans? Okay, like two Beatles fans, maybe three. All like two Beatles fans, maybe three. All like two Beatles fans, maybe three. All right, next one here. Michael Jackson right, next one here. Michael Jackson right, next one here. Michael Jackson thriller. All right. All right. brings thriller. All right. All right. brings thriller. All right. All right. brings back some memories of elementary school back some memories of elementary school back some memories of elementary school for me. Next one, a little more recent. for me. Next one, a little more recent. for me. Next one, a little more recent. Any Swifties in the house? Okay, we got Any Swifties in the house? Okay, we got Any Swifties in the house? Okay, we got a few Swifty fans. All right, I'm a a few Swifty fans. All right, I'm a a few Swifty fans. All right, I'm a child of the 80s, so for me, there is no child of the 80s, so for me, there is no child of the 80s, so for me, there is no question. Anyone remember you two's question. Anyone remember you two's question. Anyone remember you two's Joshua Tree? All right, that's right. Joshua Tree? All right, that's right. Joshua Tree? All right, that's right. I still remember the CD. Students, I I still remember the CD. Students, I I still remember the CD. Students, I know you have no idea what I'm talking know you have no idea what I'm talking know you have no idea what I'm talking about, but I love that CD. There were so about, but I love that CD. There were so about, but I love that CD. There were so many great songs in the album, but my many great songs in the album, but my many great songs in the album, but my favorite song was the second track. Now, favorite song was the second track. Now, favorite song was the second track. Now, I may or may not sing it for you. Here I may or may not sing it for you. Here I may or may not sing it for you. Here we go. But it would say, "I have climbed we go. But it would say, "I have climbed we go. But it would say, "I have climbed highest mountains. I have run through highest mountains. I have run through highest mountains. I have run through the fields." And then it got to this the fields." And then it got to this the fields." And then it got to this iconic course and say, "But I still iconic course and say, "But I still iconic course and say, "But I still haven't found what I'm looking for."

haven't found what I'm looking for." haven't found what I'm looking for." Anyone? Anyone? Anyone? >> All right. All right. One more time. But >> All right. All right. One more time. But >> All right. All right. One more time. But I still haven't found what I'm looking I still haven't found what I'm looking I still haven't found what I'm looking for. There. Give yourself a hand. There for. There. Give yourself a hand. There for. There. Give yourself a hand. There you go. By the way, the 9 a.m. did not you go. By the way, the 9 a.m. did not you go. By the way, the 9 a.m. did not get that beautiful music. Only you guys. get that beautiful music. Only you guys. get that beautiful music. Only you guys. Only you guys. Only you guys. Only you guys. Well, friends, 40 years later, those Well, friends, 40 years later, those Well, friends, 40 years later, those words still ring true. That the best words still ring true. That the best words still ring true. That the best things in life, a beautiful walk in things in life, a beautiful walk in things in life, a beautiful walk in nature, the perfect job, the perfect nature, the perfect job, the perfect nature, the perfect job, the perfect relationship, the perfect church, even relationship, the perfect church, even relationship, the perfect church, even the perfect pastor. Just kidding. the perfect pastor. Just kidding. the perfect pastor. Just kidding. But no matter how hard you try, no But no matter how hard you try, no But no matter how hard you try, no matter what you find, in some ways you matter what you find, in some ways you matter what you find, in some ways you still haven't found what you're looking still haven't found what you're looking still haven't found what you're looking for. Friends, thankfully, this longing for. Friends, thankfully, this longing for. Friends, thankfully, this longing is not a malfunction. This longing is is not a malfunction. This longing is is not a malfunction. This longing is actually a compass. Long before Bono, actually a compass. Long before Bono, actually a compass. Long before Bono, St. Augustine talked about it. He calls St. Augustine talked about it. He calls St. Augustine talked about it. He calls it the Oculus Cortis. It's Latin for the it the Oculus Cortis. It's Latin for the it the Oculus Cortis. It's Latin for the soul longing. I love this phrase. He soul longing. I love this phrase. He soul longing. I love this phrase. He says, 'Ours are restless until we rest says, 'Ours are restless until we rest says, 'Ours are restless until we rest in God. And our text today speaks to in God. And our text today speaks to in God. And our text today speaks to this, that this longing inside of us for this, that this longing inside of us for this, that this longing inside of us for something greater than us points to something greater than us points to something greater than us points to something we've been waiting our whole something we've been waiting our whole something we've been waiting our whole lives for. So friends, turn to your lives for. So friends, turn to your lives for. So friends, turn to your neighbors and look them in the eye and neighbors and look them in the eye and neighbors and look them in the eye and say, "Better days are coming."

say, "Better days are coming." say, "Better days are coming." Now turn back with a big smile and say, Now turn back with a big smile and say, Now turn back with a big smile and say, "Even better than you think. because that's true. because that's true. >> That's what our text says. But before we >> That's what our text says. But before we >> That's what our text says. But before we go any further, for those of you who are go any further, for those of you who are go any further, for those of you who are new with us, I want to give you a bit of new with us, I want to give you a bit of new with us, I want to give you a bit of a rewind to see where we've been. We've a rewind to see where we've been. We've a rewind to see where we've been. We've been studying the last 10 weeks in the been studying the last 10 weeks in the been studying the last 10 weeks in the book of Revelation. And we found that book of Revelation. And we found that book of Revelation. And we found that Revelation isn't primarily meant to to Revelation isn't primarily meant to to Revelation isn't primarily meant to to help us decode the future. It's actually help us decode the future. It's actually help us decode the future. It's actually meant to encourage Christians in a hard meant to encourage Christians in a hard meant to encourage Christians in a hard time. And while there are visions and time. And while there are visions and time. And while there are visions and beasts and battles and scorpions, it's beasts and battles and scorpions, it's beasts and battles and scorpions, it's actually not meant to scare us. It's actually not meant to scare us. It's actually not meant to scare us. It's meant to prepare us. Revelation is a meant to prepare us. Revelation is a meant to prepare us. Revelation is a comfort to us and it teaches us that comfort to us and it teaches us that comfort to us and it teaches us that above every empire, above every fear and above every empire, above every fear and above every empire, above every fear and every broken thing. There is a throne every broken thing. There is a throne every broken thing. There is a throne and Jesus is on it. And friends, Jesus and Jesus is on it. And friends, Jesus and Jesus is on it. And friends, Jesus wins. Amen. wins. Amen. wins. Amen. >> Amen. Revelation chapter 21 verse one. >> Amen. Revelation chapter 21 verse one. >> Amen. Revelation chapter 21 verse one. Say the underlined words with me. Then I Say the underlined words with me. Then I Say the underlined words with me. Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. And I saw a new heaven and a new earth. And I saw a new heaven and a new earth. And I heard a loud voice from the throne heard a loud voice from the throne heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Look, God's dwelling is now saying, "Look, God's dwelling is now saying, "Look, God's dwelling is now where?" Among the people, and he will where?" Among the people, and he will where?" Among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his dwell with them. They will be his dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with people, and God himself will be with people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe them and be their God. He will wipe them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will every tear from their eyes. There will every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying be no more death or mourning or crying be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has or pain, for the old order of things has or pain, for the old order of things has passed. He who was seated on the throne passed. He who was seated on the throne passed. He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new."

said, "I am making everything new." said, "I am making everything new." Friends, it's a powerful picture. And as Friends, it's a powerful picture. And as Friends, it's a powerful picture. And as we look at this text, I want us to we look at this text, I want us to we look at this text, I want us to explore three truths that not only explore three truths that not only explore three truths that not only describe the last two chapters of this describe the last two chapters of this describe the last two chapters of this book, but teach us on how to live bold book, but teach us on how to live bold book, but teach us on how to live bold and faithful in our faith today. Truth and faithful in our faith today. Truth and faithful in our faith today. Truth number one, God is not making a new number one, God is not making a new number one, God is not making a new world. God is making this world new. You world. God is making this world new. You world. God is making this world new. You see, when most people think about see, when most people think about see, when most people think about heaven, they imagine something like heaven, they imagine something like heaven, they imagine something like this. You end up floating up into the this. You end up floating up into the this. You end up floating up into the clouds somewhere. Maybe you get some clouds somewhere. Maybe you get some clouds somewhere. Maybe you get some wings. Maybe you learn how to play the wings. Maybe you learn how to play the wings. Maybe you learn how to play the heart. And there you exist in some heart. And there you exist in some heart. And there you exist in some disembodied eternal bliss forever and disembodied eternal bliss forever and disembodied eternal bliss forever and ever and ever. ever and ever. ever and ever. Friends, some of you know that whenever Friends, some of you know that whenever Friends, some of you know that whenever I was in high school, I was super cool. I was in high school, I was super cool. I was in high school, I was super cool. I was in a traveling handbell choir. So, I was in a traveling handbell choir. So, I was in a traveling handbell choir. So, for me, I asked uh one of the AI for me, I asked uh one of the AI for me, I asked uh one of the AI platforms to give me an image of what platforms to give me an image of what platforms to give me an image of what would be Todd's version of heaven. Check would be Todd's version of heaven. Check would be Todd's version of heaven. Check it out. I mean, that's right. That's right. Who I mean, that's right. That's right. Who wouldn't want to see that for all wouldn't want to see that for all wouldn't want to see that for all eternity?

eternity? eternity? But in all seriousness, But in all seriousness, But in all seriousness, that vision sounds kind of boring. And I that vision sounds kind of boring. And I that vision sounds kind of boring. And I like handbells. like handbells. like handbells. If you don't know me, I also like to run If you don't know me, I also like to run If you don't know me, I also like to run fast. I like to climb mountains. fast. I like to climb mountains. fast. I like to climb mountains. Confession. I have more speeding tickets Confession. I have more speeding tickets Confession. I have more speeding tickets than a pastor probably should have. than a pastor probably should have. than a pastor probably should have. So that vision gets old after a week. So that vision gets old after a week. So that vision gets old after a week. But friends, thankfully that is not the But friends, thankfully that is not the But friends, thankfully that is not the vision the Bible actually gives us. Now vision the Bible actually gives us. Now vision the Bible actually gives us. Now the Bible gives us a different vision. the Bible gives us a different vision. the Bible gives us a different vision. The Bible says that we don't see souls The Bible says that we don't see souls The Bible says that we don't see souls ascending to some other realm. No, we ascending to some other realm. No, we ascending to some other realm. No, we see a city descending. this real see a city descending. this real see a city descending. this real beautiful magnificent city coming from beautiful magnificent city coming from beautiful magnificent city coming from heaven to earth. Friends, WE DON'T SEE heaven to earth. Friends, WE DON'T SEE heaven to earth. Friends, WE DON'T SEE GOD PULLING US UP and away to some other GOD PULLING US UP and away to some other GOD PULLING US UP and away to some other place. No, we see God coming down into place. No, we see God coming down into place. No, we see God coming down into this world bringing restoration and this world bringing restoration and this world bringing restoration and goodness and hope. And the best part of goodness and hope. And the best part of goodness and hope. And the best part of all friends, at the center of this city, all friends, at the center of this city, all friends, at the center of this city, at the center of this whole vision is at the center of this whole vision is at the center of this whole vision is not some concept or idea or feeling. At not some concept or idea or feeling. At not some concept or idea or feeling. At the center of it all is a person. It's the center of it all is a person. It's the center of it all is a person. It's Jesus.

Jesus. Jesus. Let me be clear. GOD IS NOT SCRAPPING Let me be clear. GOD IS NOT SCRAPPING Let me be clear. GOD IS NOT SCRAPPING creation and simply starting over. No, creation and simply starting over. No, creation and simply starting over. No, Revelation describes that God is making Revelation describes that God is making Revelation describes that God is making what was it. He's making right what was what was it. He's making right what was what was it. He's making right what was supposed to be made right all along. In supposed to be made right all along. In supposed to be made right all along. In fact, I love this picture from the fact, I love this picture from the fact, I love this picture from the beginning of Genesis to the end of beginning of Genesis to the end of beginning of Genesis to the end of Revelation. You can see this slide. We Revelation. You can see this slide. We Revelation. You can see this slide. We see this similar image. In Genesis, see this similar image. In Genesis, see this similar image. In Genesis, there's a beginning. In Revelation, there's a beginning. In Revelation, there's a beginning. In Revelation, there's fulfillment. In Genesis, God there's fulfillment. In Genesis, God there's fulfillment. In Genesis, God walks with his people. In Revelation, walks with his people. In Revelation, walks with his people. In Revelation, God permanently dwells. In Genesis, the God permanently dwells. In Genesis, the God permanently dwells. In Genesis, the tree of life is cut off. In Revelation, tree of life is cut off. In Revelation, tree of life is cut off. In Revelation, it's at the center. In Genesis, you see it's at the center. In Genesis, you see it's at the center. In Genesis, you see a curse enter the world, but in a curse enter the world, but in a curse enter the world, but in Revelation, the curse is lifted. In Revelation, the curse is lifted. In Revelation, the curse is lifted. In Genesis, there's a garden, the Garden of Genesis, there's a garden, the Garden of Genesis, there's a garden, the Garden of Eden, but in Revelation, there's a Eden, but in Revelation, there's a Eden, but in Revelation, there's a garden city. Friends, what is lost is garden city. Friends, what is lost is garden city. Friends, what is lost is not just recovered. What is lost is not just recovered. What is lost is not just recovered. What is lost is superseded. superseded. superseded. It's why we pray that prayer Jesus It's why we pray that prayer Jesus It's why we pray that prayer Jesus taught us to pray, "Your kingdom come. taught us to pray, "Your kingdom come. taught us to pray, "Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in Your will be done on earth as it is in Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. What you long for one day will heaven. What you long for one day will heaven. What you long for one day will one day come true. Friends, one day come true. Friends, one day come true. Friends, it reminds me of mountain clim climbing it reminds me of mountain clim climbing it reminds me of mountain clim climbing in Colorado a few weeks ago. Some of you in Colorado a few weeks ago. Some of you in Colorado a few weeks ago. Some of you know I love to go to Colorado and climb know I love to go to Colorado and climb know I love to go to Colorado and climb these high mountains. There was a these high mountains. There was a these high mountains. There was a particular mountain near Aspen named particular mountain near Aspen named particular mountain near Aspen named Conundrum. And I was on a road until Conundrum. And I was on a road until Conundrum. And I was on a road until about 12,000 ft and then I got near the about 12,000 ft and then I got near the about 12,000 ft and then I got near the top and there was like this giant top and there was like this giant top and there was like this giant snowfield. So, I'm looking at some snowfield. So, I'm looking at some snowfield. So, I'm looking at some people who are climbing the mountain and people who are climbing the mountain and people who are climbing the mountain and they're on the snow and I can tell they're on the snow and I can tell they're on the snow and I can tell they're really struggling. So, they go they're really struggling. So, they go they're really struggling. So, they go to the rocks because they can't handle to the rocks because they can't handle to the rocks because they can't handle THE SNOW. BUT FRIENDS, I'm prepared.

THE SNOW. BUT FRIENDS, I'm prepared. THE SNOW. BUT FRIENDS, I'm prepared. I've got these micro spikes on my shoes. I've got these micro spikes on my shoes. I've got these micro spikes on my shoes. I've got these trekking poles. Friends, I've got these trekking poles. Friends, I've got these trekking poles. Friends, we have a picture of me here. I can we have a picture of me here. I can we have a picture of me here. I can handle the snow. handle the snow. handle the snow. That's right. That's right. That's right. But that was only good for a little But that was only good for a little But that was only good for a little while because as I kept going, I found while because as I kept going, I found while because as I kept going, I found that the snow started getting worse. that the snow started getting worse. that the snow started getting worse. started getting steeper and steeper and started getting steeper and steeper and started getting steeper and steeper and then my trucking pole snapped. And then then my trucking pole snapped. And then then my trucking pole snapped. And then I look down and I'm like, "Dudes, I'm I look down and I'm like, "Dudes, I'm I look down and I'm like, "Dudes, I'm gonna die." gonna die." gonna die." So, I too went to the side of the rocks. So, I too went to the side of the rocks. So, I too went to the side of the rocks. And then I turn and I see this group And then I turn and I see this group And then I turn and I see this group behind me. It's a young guy and a young behind me. It's a young guy and a young behind me. It's a young guy and a young girl, and they're in shorts and a girl, and they're in shorts and a girl, and they're in shorts and a t-shirt, and they have no business being t-shirt, and they have no business being t-shirt, and they have no business being on a mountain of this caliber. on a mountain of this caliber. on a mountain of this caliber. And then I watch in amazement as they And then I watch in amazement as they And then I watch in amazement as they SIMPLY JUST CLIMB RIGHT UP THE SNOW. I SIMPLY JUST CLIMB RIGHT UP THE SNOW. I SIMPLY JUST CLIMB RIGHT UP THE SNOW. I DON'T even understand it. It's like DON'T even understand it. It's like DON'T even understand it. It's like they're mountain goats or something. they're mountain goats or something. they're mountain goats or something. They were way behind me and then before They were way behind me and then before They were way behind me and then before LONG THEY'RE LIKE WAY WAY AHEAD of me. I LONG THEY'RE LIKE WAY WAY AHEAD of me. I LONG THEY'RE LIKE WAY WAY AHEAD of me. I thought to myself, who can't handle the thought to myself, who can't handle the thought to myself, who can't handle the snow? I can't handle the snow, right?

snow? I can't handle the snow, right? snow? I can't handle the snow, right? But a few hours later, eventually I made But a few hours later, eventually I made But a few hours later, eventually I made I made myself up near the top. And in I made myself up near the top. And in I made myself up near the top. And in mountain climbing, they have what's mountain climbing, they have what's mountain climbing, they have what's called false summits. It's where you called false summits. It's where you called false summits. It's where you think you're at the top, but you're think you're at the top, but you're think you're at the top, but you're actually not. And Conundrum is famous actually not. And Conundrum is famous actually not. And Conundrum is famous for these false summits. I got to the for these false summits. I got to the for these false summits. I got to the first summit and you think you're at the first summit and you think you're at the first summit and you think you're at the top, you look around, but then you know top, you look around, but then you know top, you look around, but then you know you got to keep going. You go back down. you got to keep going. You go back down. you got to keep going. You go back down. Then you think you're at the top and you Then you think you're at the top and you Then you think you're at the top and you go back down. You think you're at the go back down. You think you're at the go back down. You think you're at the top and you go back down. I did that top and you go back down. I did that top and you go back down. I did that again and again and AGAIN AND I FINALLY again and again and AGAIN AND I FINALLY again and again and AGAIN AND I FINALLY GOT TO WHAT LOOKED like the tallest GOT TO WHAT LOOKED like the tallest GOT TO WHAT LOOKED like the tallest peak. And you want to guess what peak. And you want to guess what peak. And you want to guess what happened? happened? happened? I wasn't at the top. I wasn't at the top. I wasn't at the top. I'D ACTUALLY BEEN AT THE TOP ABOUT A I'D ACTUALLY BEEN AT THE TOP ABOUT A I'D ACTUALLY BEEN AT THE TOP ABOUT A HALF HOUR AGO, BUT I JUST DIDN'T EVEN HALF HOUR AGO, BUT I JUST DIDN'T EVEN HALF HOUR AGO, BUT I JUST DIDN'T EVEN KNOW IT. That's right. Right? We have a KNOW IT. That's right. Right? We have a KNOW IT. That's right. Right? We have a picture here after I HAD TO CLIMB BACK picture here after I HAD TO CLIMB BACK picture here after I HAD TO CLIMB BACK up to the other peak that was the up to the other peak that was the up to the other peak that was the highest peak. Right? highest peak. Right? highest peak. Right? That's false summits. And friends, That's false summits. And friends, That's false summits. And friends, that's how life is. Sometimes we can be that's how life is. Sometimes we can be that's how life is. Sometimes we can be standing AT THE HIGHEST PEAK, THE place standing AT THE HIGHEST PEAK, THE place standing AT THE HIGHEST PEAK, THE place that we long to GO TO, THAT JOB PINNACLE that we long to GO TO, THAT JOB PINNACLE that we long to GO TO, THAT JOB PINNACLE that we finally desired to have, the that we finally desired to have, the that we finally desired to have, the dream that we wanted to have in our dream that we wanted to have in our dream that we wanted to have in our lives, and it still wasn't what we lives, and it still wasn't what we lives, and it still wasn't what we wanted. The marriage, the kids, the the wanted. The marriage, the kids, the the wanted. The marriage, the kids, the the one thing that does not describe this is one thing that does not describe this is one thing that does not describe this is grandkids. All right.

grandkids. All right. grandkids. All right. I know grandkids are God's reward for I know grandkids are God's reward for I know grandkids are God's reward for not killing your children. So, it's not killing your children. So, it's not killing your children. So, it's really important. Grandkids are the one really important. Grandkids are the one really important. Grandkids are the one thing that actually deliver what they thing that actually deliver what they thing that actually deliver what they promise. That's or so I'm told, right? promise. That's or so I'm told, right? promise. That's or so I'm told, right? But the reality is is there's something But the reality is is there's something But the reality is is there's something in us that longs for something that we in us that longs for something that we in us that longs for something that we cannot find. And that's why Revelation cannot find. And that's why Revelation cannot find. And that's why Revelation describes that God ultimately brings describes that God ultimately brings describes that God ultimately brings heaven down to us. Truth number two, the heaven down to us. Truth number two, the heaven down to us. Truth number two, the greatest promise of eternity is not the greatest promise of eternity is not the greatest promise of eternity is not the place, it's his presence. Friends, place, it's his presence. Friends, place, it's his presence. Friends, Revelation gives us this new vision. Revelation gives us this new vision. Revelation gives us this new vision. Says, look, God's dwelling place is now Says, look, God's dwelling place is now Says, look, God's dwelling place is now among the people and he will dwell with among the people and he will dwell with among the people and he will dwell with them. Friends, just like that, after them. Friends, just like that, after them. Friends, just like that, after thousands and thousands of years of thousands and thousands of years of thousands and thousands of years of people going their way and their own way people going their way and their own way people going their way and their own way and doing their own thing, just like and doing their own thing, just like and doing their own thing, just like that, God closes the gap. that, God closes the gap. that, God closes the gap. I love this depiction. In fact, the I love this depiction. In fact, the I love this depiction. In fact, the entire New Testament shows what all call entire New Testament shows what all call entire New Testament shows what all call the three stages of the incarnation. The the three stages of the incarnation. The the three stages of the incarnation. The first stage is at Christmas. This is first stage is at Christmas. This is first stage is at Christmas. This is when Jesus comes down when the word when Jesus comes down when the word when Jesus comes down when the word becomes flesh. When God becomes man and becomes flesh. When God becomes man and becomes flesh. When God becomes man and he walks with us. But friends, that's he walks with us. But friends, that's he walks with us. But friends, that's just the beginning. The second stage is just the beginning. The second stage is just the beginning. The second stage is described in Acts whenever the spirit described in Acts whenever the spirit described in Acts whenever the spirit comes down and breathes life into God's comes down and breathes life into God's comes down and breathes life into God's people so that we all have the same people so that we all have the same people so that we all have the same spirit that was living in Jesus. And spirit that was living in Jesus. And spirit that was living in Jesus. And that's the stage that we continue to that's the stage that we continue to that's the stage that we continue to live in. But friends, Revelation live in. But friends, Revelation live in. But friends, Revelation describes this third stage. And this is describes this third stage. And this is describes this third stage. And this is when all of heaven comes down. This is when all of heaven comes down. This is when all of heaven comes down. This is when we get to fully experience the

when we get to fully experience the when we get to fully experience the wonder, the beauty of all the things wonder, the beauty of all the things wonder, the beauty of all the things that are in our heart that we can't that are in our heart that we can't that are in our heart that we can't fully know in this moment. We are fully fully know in this moment. We are fully fully know in this moment. We are fully known and we are fully loved and we known and we are fully loved and we known and we are fully loved and we finally experience what the image of God finally experience what the image of God finally experience what the image of God in us has always been longing for. in us has always been longing for. in us has always been longing for. Friends, it reminds me of June 2012, Friends, it reminds me of June 2012, Friends, it reminds me of June 2012, Streets of Woodfield. It was the very Streets of Woodfield. It was the very Streets of Woodfield. It was the very first date with my wife Elise. Now, I first date with my wife Elise. Now, I first date with my wife Elise. Now, I had mentioned that I wanted to go to had mentioned that I wanted to go to had mentioned that I wanted to go to frozen yogurt at Red Mango because I frozen yogurt at Red Mango because I frozen yogurt at Red Mango because I love frozen yogurt. And you want to know love frozen yogurt. And you want to know love frozen yogurt. And you want to know what she said? ME, TOO. what she said? ME, TOO. what she said? ME, TOO. GOOD GIRL. RIGHT. [snorts] SO, then GOOD GIRL. RIGHT. [snorts] SO, then GOOD GIRL. RIGHT. [snorts] SO, then we're sitting at frozen yogurt. I'm we're sitting at frozen yogurt. I'm we're sitting at frozen yogurt. I'm enjoying my favorite flavor. I think it enjoying my favorite flavor. I think it enjoying my favorite flavor. I think it was pomegranate raspberry or something was pomegranate raspberry or something was pomegranate raspberry or something at the time. at the time. at the time. And I ask her, I start talking about And I ask her, I start talking about And I ask her, I start talking about this book I'm reading by David McCulla this book I'm reading by David McCulla this book I'm reading by David McCulla on Teddy Roosevelt. And she looks at me on Teddy Roosevelt. And she looks at me on Teddy Roosevelt. And she looks at me and she's like, "ME TOO." I'M LIKE, and she's like, "ME TOO." I'M LIKE, and she's like, "ME TOO." I'M LIKE, "DUDE, THIS IS AMAZING." "DUDE, THIS IS AMAZING." "DUDE, THIS IS AMAZING." So then she starts talking and she says So then she starts talking and she says So then she starts talking and she says that her favorite author is C. Lewis and that her favorite author is C. Lewis and that her favorite author is C. Lewis and there's THIS BOOK CALLED THE ABOLITION there's THIS BOOK CALLED THE ABOLITION there's THIS BOOK CALLED THE ABOLITION OF MAN that she loves and that I love.

OF MAN that she loves and that I love. OF MAN that she loves and that I love. And friends, I COULD NOT BELIEVE IT. I And friends, I COULD NOT BELIEVE IT. I And friends, I COULD NOT BELIEVE IT. I just got down on one knee. I said, "Will just got down on one knee. I said, "Will just got down on one knee. I said, "Will you marry me?" you marry me?" you marry me?" [snorts] Just kidding. Took a little bit longer Just kidding. Took a little bit longer than that. than that. than that. But friends, that's what heaven is like. But friends, that's what heaven is like. But friends, that's what heaven is like. >> When you connect with someone like >> When you connect with someone like >> When you connect with someone like you've never connected with them before. you've never connected with them before. you've never connected with them before. >> When you're fully known, when you're >> When you're fully known, when you're >> When you're fully known, when you're fully loved despite your deepest fears, fully loved despite your deepest fears, fully loved despite your deepest fears, despite your darkest moments, when you despite your darkest moments, when you despite your darkest moments, when you know all of that and you bring it to God know all of that and you bring it to God know all of that and you bring it to God and he's like, "I see all of that and I and he's like, "I see all of that and I and he's like, "I see all of that and I know you and I love you." know you and I love you." know you and I love you." And then verse four says, "He will wipe And then verse four says, "He will wipe And then verse four says, "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There'll be every tear from their eyes. There'll be every tear from their eyes. There'll be no more death or mourning or crying or no more death or mourning or crying or no more death or mourning or crying or pain for the old order of things has pain for the old order of things has pain for the old order of things has passed away. passed away. passed away. Now, I want to pause and be careful here Now, I want to pause and be careful here Now, I want to pause and be careful here because I don't want this to sound like because I don't want this to sound like because I don't want this to sound like another Hallmark card. I want you to another Hallmark card. I want you to another Hallmark card. I want you to hear it, friends. If you've been in a hear it, friends. If you've been in a hear it, friends. If you've been in a hospital room and heard news that hospital room and heard news that hospital room and heard news that changed your life, this is for you, changed your life, this is for you, changed your life, this is for you, friends. If you've been at a funeral for friends. If you've been at a funeral for friends. If you've been at a funeral for someone you love, this is for you, someone you love, this is for you, someone you love, this is for you, friends. If you have fought tooth and friends. If you have fought tooth and friends. If you have fought tooth and nail as hard as you could to keep a nail as hard as you could to keep a nail as hard as you could to keep a relationship together, but it still fell relationship together, but it still fell relationship together, but it still fell apart, this is for you.

apart, this is for you. apart, this is for you. If you're here and you are carrying If you're here and you are carrying If you're here and you are carrying something that has been so heavy that something that has been so heavy that something that has been so heavy that you don't even know what it was like you don't even know what it was like you don't even know what it was like before you had to carry that, this is before you had to carry that, this is before you had to carry that, this is for you for you for you friends. These words remind us that God friends. These words remind us that God friends. These words remind us that God sees us in the hardest things. And one sees us in the hardest things. And one sees us in the hardest things. And one day those things won't just be managed day those things won't just be managed day those things won't just be managed or reduced or coped with one day's or reduced or coped with one day's or reduced or coped with one day's through Jesus. The one who wept at the through Jesus. The one who wept at the through Jesus. The one who wept at the grave, the one who himself knew grave, the one who himself knew grave, the one who himself knew suffering, one day those things truly suffering, one day those things truly suffering, one day those things truly will pass away. will pass away. will pass away. And then as Revelation 22:4 says, And then as Revelation 22:4 says, And then as Revelation 22:4 says, they will see his face. they will see his face. they will see his face. Have you ever imagined that? what it Have you ever imagined that? what it Have you ever imagined that? what it will be like to see the face of Jesus. will be like to see the face of Jesus. will be like to see the face of Jesus. Now, I'm going to take a risk here. I Now, I'm going to take a risk here. I Now, I'm going to take a risk here. I know in a room like this, there are know in a room like this, there are know in a room like this, there are people of a variety of spiritual people of a variety of spiritual people of a variety of spiritual backgrounds and experiences, but backgrounds and experiences, but backgrounds and experiences, but wherever you're at, I just invite you to wherever you're at, I just invite you to wherever you're at, I just invite you to lean in with this. I ask you just to bow lean in with this. I ask you just to bow lean in with this. I ask you just to bow your heads for a moment and close your your heads for a moment and close your your heads for a moment and close your eyes.

eyes. eyes. And let's going to let's imagine what And let's going to let's imagine what And let's going to let's imagine what it'll be like when we first encounter it'll be like when we first encounter it'll be like when we first encounter Jesus in heaven. Jesus in heaven. Jesus in heaven. Imagine you walk into a room and on the Imagine you walk into a room and on the Imagine you walk into a room and on the other side of the room is Jesus. Imagine other side of the room is Jesus. Imagine other side of the room is Jesus. Imagine locking eyes with him for the very first locking eyes with him for the very first locking eyes with him for the very first time. The one who made you. The one who time. The one who made you. The one who time. The one who made you. The one who loves you. The one who gave his life for loves you. The one who gave his life for loves you. The one who gave his life for you. you. you. And then see the love he has for you in And then see the love he has for you in And then see the love he has for you in his eyes. See his care for you. See his his eyes. See his care for you. See his his eyes. See his care for you. See his delight. delight. delight. Then as he sees you, your eyes, he Then as he sees you, your eyes, he Then as he sees you, your eyes, he smiles at you and he acknowledges you. smiles at you and he acknowledges you. smiles at you and he acknowledges you. And he gazes at you with a gaze that And he gazes at you with a gaze that And he gazes at you with a gaze that fills your soul more than you can fills your soul more than you can fills your soul more than you can describe. describe. describe. And friends, as you imagine that moment, And friends, as you imagine that moment, And friends, as you imagine that moment, I want to ask, is there a word that the I want to ask, is there a word that the I want to ask, is there a word that the one who loves and cares for you that one who loves and cares for you that one who loves and cares for you that much wants to say to you in this moment, friends, Jesus sees you friends, Jesus sees you and one day you will see him face to and one day you will see him face to and one day you will see him face to face.

face. face. It brings us to our third truth that It brings us to our third truth that It brings us to our third truth that eternity is not just something we escape eternity is not just something we escape eternity is not just something we escape to. It's something we live from. Chapter to. It's something we live from. Chapter to. It's something we live from. Chapter 22:1. 22:1. 22:1. Then the angel showed me the river of Then the angel showed me the river of Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life as clear as crystal the water of life as clear as crystal the water of life as clear as crystal flowing from the throne of God and of flowing from the throne of God and of flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great the Lamb down the middle of the great the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the street of the city. On each side of the street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life bearing 12 river stood the tree of life bearing 12 river stood the tree of life bearing 12 crops of fruit yielding its fruit every crops of fruit yielding its fruit every crops of fruit yielding its fruit every month. and the leaves of the tree are month. and the leaves of the tree are month. and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. for the healing of the nations. for the healing of the nations. I love this, friends. These aren't just I love this, friends. These aren't just I love this, friends. These aren't just images. These are invitations. It's an images. These are invitations. It's an images. These are invitations. It's an invitation for us to live differently invitation for us to live differently invitation for us to live differently today. Because when you know where today. Because when you know where today. Because when you know where you're going, it changes how you travel. you're going, it changes how you travel. you're going, it changes how you travel. When you know where you're going, it When you know where you're going, it When you know where you're going, it changes how you travel. And we've been changes how you travel. And we've been changes how you travel. And we've been studying Revelation not just so that we studying Revelation not just so that we studying Revelation not just so that we can wait with more longing for eternity, can wait with more longing for eternity, can wait with more longing for eternity, but so so we can learn how to practice a but so so we can learn how to practice a but so so we can learn how to practice a little bit more of eternity every single little bit more of eternity every single little bit more of eternity every single day. So there are a number of ways to day. So there are a number of ways to day. So there are a number of ways to practice eternity. But as I was praying practice eternity. But as I was praying practice eternity. But as I was praying about this message, there were three in about this message, there were three in about this message, there were three in particular that God put in my heart. I particular that God put in my heart. I particular that God put in my heart. I want to ask you which ones of these want to ask you which ones of these want to ask you which ones of these feels most resonant with your heart. The feels most resonant with your heart. The feels most resonant with your heart. The first one for some of you, I think God first one for some of you, I think God first one for some of you, I think God has challenged you. Choose forgiveness has challenged you. Choose forgiveness has challenged you. Choose forgiveness over resentment.

over resentment. over resentment. See, when you choose to lean into See, when you choose to lean into See, when you choose to lean into someone who has hurt you, even though someone who has hurt you, even though someone who has hurt you, even though there's no good earthly reason to, you there's no good earthly reason to, you there's no good earthly reason to, you are living out the world that one day are living out the world that one day are living out the world that one day reminds us that we will all be together reminds us that we will all be together reminds us that we will all be together in heaven for those who know Jesus. It's in heaven for those who know Jesus. It's in heaven for those who know Jesus. It's practicing eternity. For some of you, practicing eternity. For some of you, practicing eternity. For some of you, God's challenging you. Will you choose God's challenging you. Will you choose God's challenging you. Will you choose generosity over close-handedness? generosity over close-handedness? generosity over close-handedness? See, when you give time that you could See, when you give time that you could See, when you give time that you could have protected, when you give resources have protected, when you give resources have protected, when you give resources that you could have kept, when you give that you could have kept, when you give that you could have kept, when you give energy that you didn't even have, you energy that you didn't even have, you energy that you didn't even have, you are living from the overflow of a tree are living from the overflow of a tree are living from the overflow of a tree that springs the water of life that that springs the water of life that that springs the water of life that bears fruit every month. Friends, that's bears fruit every month. Friends, that's bears fruit every month. Friends, that's practicing eternity. The last one, will practicing eternity. The last one, will practicing eternity. The last one, will you choose perseverance over giving up? you choose perseverance over giving up? you choose perseverance over giving up? I don't know every person's story, but I I don't know every person's story, but I I don't know every person's story, but I can guess there's someone in this room can guess there's someone in this room can guess there's someone in this room who, if you're honest, you're shaking in who, if you're honest, you're shaking in who, if you're honest, you're shaking in your faith. Maybe you're shaking in your your faith. Maybe you're shaking in your your faith. Maybe you're shaking in your commitment. And God brought you here commitment. And God brought you here commitment. And God brought you here this morning because he wanted to tell this morning because he wanted to tell this morning because he wanted to tell you, I see you. I know the pain you're you, I see you. I know the pain you're you, I see you. I know the pain you're in. But I want to say, do not give up. I in. But I want to say, do not give up. I in. But I want to say, do not give up. I am with you and better days are coming.

am with you and better days are coming. am with you and better days are coming. For some of you, that's how you practice For some of you, that's how you practice For some of you, that's how you practice revelation. It's how you practice revelation. It's how you practice revelation. It's how you practice eternity. eternity. eternity. We can do it in big ways, but we can We can do it in big ways, but we can We can do it in big ways, but we can also do it in simple ways. In fact, some also do it in simple ways. In fact, some also do it in simple ways. In fact, some of you guys know I'm from the Ozarks, of you guys know I'm from the Ozarks, of you guys know I'm from the Ozarks, and not far from there, an interesting and not far from there, an interesting and not far from there, an interesting incident was caught on a traffic camera incident was caught on a traffic camera incident was caught on a traffic camera video. We have a little video here, and video. We have a little video here, and video. We have a little video here, and you'll check it out. You'll get to see a you'll check it out. You'll get to see a you'll check it out. You'll get to see a little bit. There's a guy who was little bit. There's a guy who was little bit. There's a guy who was crossing the street. Then suddenly, you crossing the street. Then suddenly, you crossing the street. Then suddenly, you will see a man dressed a certain way will see a man dressed a certain way will see a man dressed a certain way comes to rescue the man and help him comes to rescue the man and help him comes to rescue the man and help him cross the street. That's right. They actually found out That's right. They actually found out that Spider-Man, who did actually want that Spider-Man, who did actually want that Spider-Man, who did actually want to remain anonymous, was a 20-year-old to remain anonymous, was a 20-year-old to remain anonymous, was a 20-year-old guy who worked at a trampoline park, who guy who worked at a trampoline park, who guy who worked at a trampoline park, who was driving home from superhero day at was driving home from superhero day at was driving home from superhero day at work.

work. work. That's right. And he has he just saw That's right. And he has he just saw That's right. And he has he just saw this happen. He actually told the guy he this happen. He actually told the guy he this happen. He actually told the guy he told the guy he's like, "Don't worry. I told the guy he's like, "Don't worry. I told the guy he's like, "Don't worry. I got you." And then he just throws them got you." And then he just throws them got you." And then he just throws them across the street. I love it. I love it. across the street. I love it. I love it. across the street. I love it. I love it. It's just a small way to practice It's just a small way to practice It's just a small way to practice eternity, friends. eternity, friends. eternity, friends. But we have pictures of superheroes in But we have pictures of superheroes in But we have pictures of superheroes in our church who also help us practice our church who also help us practice our church who also help us practice eternity. First one here is a picture of eternity. First one here is a picture of eternity. First one here is a picture of Sydney. She's the girl in the lanyard in Sydney. She's the girl in the lanyard in Sydney. She's the girl in the lanyard in the Miller. They all look pretty young the Miller. They all look pretty young the Miller. They all look pretty young to me, but she's in high school. She's a to me, but she's in high school. She's a to me, but she's in high school. She's a junior in high school and she leads junior in high school and she leads junior in high school and she leads seventh grade girls in her junior high seventh grade girls in her junior high seventh grade girls in her junior high ministry. So, she gives of her time ministry. So, she gives of her time ministry. So, she gives of her time doing that. And then what I love about doing that. And then what I love about doing that. And then what I love about Sydney is not only does she lead her Sydney is not only does she lead her Sydney is not only does she lead her girls as she serves, she then with her girls as she serves, she then with her girls as she serves, she then with her girls serves over in our little kids girls serves over in our little kids girls serves over in our little kids environments. environments. environments. It's the next generation teaching the It's the next generation teaching the It's the next generation teaching the next generation about Jesus. It's next generation about Jesus. It's next generation about Jesus. It's practicing eternity. Friends, we have a practicing eternity. Friends, we have a practicing eternity. Friends, we have a ne another picture here. There's a guy ne another picture here. There's a guy ne another picture here. There's a guy named John. He's the one in the sling named John. He's the one in the sling named John. He's the one in the sling next to me. I did that, by the way. So, next to me. I did that, by the way. So, next to me. I did that, by the way. So, sorry, John.

sorry, John. sorry, John. John serves faithfully every week in our John serves faithfully every week in our John serves faithfully every week in our church. He also goes to Lifetime Fitness church. He also goes to Lifetime Fitness church. He also goes to Lifetime Fitness and he just loves inviting people to and he just loves inviting people to and he just loves inviting people to church. And there's a particular guy church. And there's a particular guy church. And there's a particular guy that he invited, kept inviting, kept that he invited, kept inviting, kept that he invited, kept inviting, kept inviting. And sometimes you ever invite inviting. And sometimes you ever invite inviting. And sometimes you ever invite people, you're like, is God doing people, you're like, is God doing people, you're like, is God doing anything with it? Like, is it even anything with it? Like, is it even anything with it? Like, is it even really matter? I I've had those moments. really matter? I I've had those moments. really matter? I I've had those moments. But I love what John shared with me a But I love what John shared with me a But I love what John shared with me a couple months ago. He's like, "Todd, couple months ago. He's like, "Todd, couple months ago. He's like, "Todd, you'll never believe it. This guy that I you'll never believe it. This guy that I you'll never believe it. This guy that I kept inviting again and again at the kept inviting again and again at the kept inviting again and again at the gym. gym. gym. I didn't just see him come to church. I I didn't just see him come to church. I I didn't just see him come to church. I saw him get baptized at our church." saw him get baptized at our church." saw him get baptized at our church." Amen. Amen. Praise God for that. It's Amen. Amen. Praise God for that. It's Amen. Amen. Praise God for that. It's another example of practicing eternity. another example of practicing eternity. another example of practicing eternity. Here's one more. Friends, here's Here's one more. Friends, here's Here's one more. Friends, here's Marlene. Marlene. Marlene. Marlene and her husband Bob have been a Marlene and her husband Bob have been a Marlene and her husband Bob have been a core part of our church for a few years. core part of our church for a few years. core part of our church for a few years. I actually did her funeral in this very I actually did her funeral in this very I actually did her funeral in this very room a couple months ago. room a couple months ago. room a couple months ago. Friends, I watched her practice eternity Friends, I watched her practice eternity Friends, I watched her practice eternity all the way until God brought her home. all the way until God brought her home. all the way until God brought her home. Earlier this spring, we did a coffee Earlier this spring, we did a coffee Earlier this spring, we did a coffee connect out in the atrium. And again, I connect out in the atrium. And again, I connect out in the atrium. And again, I knew that she'd been through the ringer knew that she'd been through the ringer knew that she'd been through the ringer with her cancer battle. So, I was there with her cancer battle. So, I was there with her cancer battle. So, I was there just to pray for her and encourage her.

just to pray for her and encourage her. just to pray for her and encourage her. But friends, she was the one who But friends, she was the one who But friends, she was the one who encouraged me. She went on and on about encouraged me. She went on and on about encouraged me. She went on and on about how church about how so many of you have how church about how so many of you have how church about how so many of you have been a blessing to her life. It blew my been a blessing to her life. It blew my been a blessing to her life. It blew my mind. And after we met, she sent me a mind. And after we met, she sent me a mind. And after we met, she sent me a note describing how God had just blessed note describing how God had just blessed note describing how God had just blessed her through our church. I got permission her through our church. I got permission her through our church. I got permission from her husband to share some of it from her husband to share some of it from her husband to share some of it here. She's like, "Pastor Todd, in the here. She's like, "Pastor Todd, in the here. She's like, "Pastor Todd, in the last few months, I have been through last few months, I have been through last few months, I have been through several health issues. The ER, 20 days several health issues. The ER, 20 days several health issues. The ER, 20 days in the hospital, stage four cancer. I in the hospital, stage four cancer. I in the hospital, stage four cancer. I believe with my whole heart that this believe with my whole heart that this believe with my whole heart that this church prepared me for what I'm going church prepared me for what I'm going church prepared me for what I'm going through right now. The teaching, the through right now. The teaching, the through right now. The teaching, the daily scripture readings, the music, the daily scripture readings, the music, the daily scripture readings, the music, the community, the small groups. My faith community, the small groups. My faith community, the small groups. My faith has grown stronger. I was prepared for has grown stronger. I was prepared for has grown stronger. I was prepared for what hit me. I felt closer to Jesus than what hit me. I felt closer to Jesus than what hit me. I felt closer to Jesus than ever and consider it a privilege to ever and consider it a privilege to ever and consider it a privilege to actually live out my faith. I lead two actually live out my faith. I lead two actually live out my faith. I lead two women's Bible studies, one at church and women's Bible studies, one at church and women's Bible studies, one at church and one at home. I've been able to hang on one at home. I've been able to hang on one at home. I've been able to hang on to Proverbs 3:5. Trust in the Lord with to Proverbs 3:5. Trust in the Lord with to Proverbs 3:5. Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your own all your heart. Lean not on your own all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding. Oh, I don't mean that I'm understanding. Oh, I don't mean that I'm understanding. Oh, I don't mean that I'm spiritually up all the time, but I know spiritually up all the time, but I know spiritually up all the time, but I know I can continue to trust in God through I can continue to trust in God through I can continue to trust in God through this whole thing.

this whole thing. this whole thing. Of course, I pray for healing, but being Of course, I pray for healing, but being Of course, I pray for healing, but being used by God is my main concern. used by God is my main concern. used by God is my main concern. I just want you to know how much I just want you to know how much I just want you to know how much Willow's ministry is changing lives like Willow's ministry is changing lives like Willow's ministry is changing lives like mine. mine. mine. Isn't that incredible? Isn't that incredible? Isn't that incredible? She's practicing eternity. She's practicing eternity. She's practicing eternity. Friends, as the pages of scripture come Friends, as the pages of scripture come Friends, as the pages of scripture come to a close, Revelation doesn't just to a close, Revelation doesn't just to a close, Revelation doesn't just conclude with a picture of the city. It conclude with a picture of the city. It conclude with a picture of the city. It actually gives us one final invitation. actually gives us one final invitation. actually gives us one final invitation. Chapter 22:1 17, the spirit and the Chapter 22:1 17, the spirit and the Chapter 22:1 17, the spirit and the bride say, "Come." And let the one who bride say, "Come." And let the one who bride say, "Come." And let the one who hears say, "Come." And let the one who hears say, "Come." And let the one who hears say, "Come." And let the one who is thirsty come. is thirsty come. is thirsty come. Let the one who wishes take the free Let the one who wishes take the free Let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life. gift of the water of life. gift of the water of life. Friends, at the end of this book with Friends, at the end of this book with Friends, at the end of this book with beasts and battles and all sorts of beasts and battles and all sorts of beasts and battles and all sorts of crazy things, in fact, at the end of crazy things, in fact, at the end of crazy things, in fact, at the end of this entire Bible of 66 books of God this entire Bible of 66 books of God this entire Bible of 66 books of God unfolding his plan of revelation and unfolding his plan of revelation and unfolding his plan of revelation and love for his people. Friends, at the end love for his people. Friends, at the end love for his people. Friends, at the end of all of it, Revelation chapter 2 gives of all of it, Revelation chapter 2 gives of all of it, Revelation chapter 2 gives us one final thing. He gives us one us one final thing. He gives us one us one final thing. He gives us one final invitation.

final invitation. final invitation. In fact, it reminds me of a couple In fact, it reminds me of a couple In fact, it reminds me of a couple months ago before work. I have a routine months ago before work. I have a routine months ago before work. I have a routine as some of you know where I like to go as some of you know where I like to go as some of you know where I like to go for a run. But today was a different for a run. But today was a different for a run. But today was a different sort of day because that day one of my sort of day because that day one of my sort of day because that day one of my sons IS LIKE, "DADDY, CAN I run with sons IS LIKE, "DADDY, CAN I run with sons IS LIKE, "DADDY, CAN I run with you?" Now, some of you know I'm a you?" Now, some of you know I'm a you?" Now, some of you know I'm a marathon runner. I run pretty fast. I marathon runner. I run pretty fast. I marathon runner. I run pretty fast. I like my kids, but I don't think he's got like my kids, but I don't think he's got like my kids, but I don't think he's got a chance to keep up with me. a chance to keep up with me. a chance to keep up with me. But we've run here and there. I'm like, But we've run here and there. I'm like, But we've run here and there. I'm like, I'll give it a shot. So, we go out for I'll give it a shot. So, we go out for I'll give it a shot. So, we go out for our run. We're circling around the our run. We're circling around the our run. We're circling around the neighborhood and man, his legs, which neighborhood and man, his legs, which neighborhood and man, his legs, which are half the size of mine, are going are half the size of mine, are going are half the size of mine, are going twice as fast and he's going crazy and twice as fast and he's going crazy and twice as fast and he's going crazy and he is loving it. Made a father so proud. he is loving it. Made a father so proud. he is loving it. Made a father so proud. But then the run keeps going and going But then the run keeps going and going But then the run keeps going and going and going and I can tell he's getting and going and I can tell he's getting and going and I can tell he's getting tired. tired. tired. So he looks up to me and he says just a So he looks up to me and he says just a So he looks up to me and he says just a few words that I'll never forget. He's few words that I'll never forget. He's few words that I'll never forget. He's like, "Daddy, like, "Daddy, like, "Daddy, will you hold my hand?" will you hold my hand?" will you hold my hand?" I'm like, "No way. I'm like, "No way. I'm like, "No way. THIS IS MY RUN. THIS IS MY RUN. THIS IS MY RUN. LIKE, you asked to go this year on your LIKE, you asked to go this year on your LIKE, you asked to go this year on your own. Finish it alone.

own. Finish it alone. own. Finish it alone. Besides, holding hands is bad running Besides, holding hands is bad running Besides, holding hands is bad running form. Have you ever seen like marathon form. Have you ever seen like marathon form. Have you ever seen like marathon runners hold hands? Like, you're not runners hold hands? Like, you're not runners hold hands? Like, you're not going to run fast holding hands? going to run fast holding hands? going to run fast holding hands? No. As any parent would, of course, I No. As any parent would, of course, I No. As any parent would, of course, I took the hand of my son, took the hand of my son, took the hand of my son, and I'll never forget it. and I'll never forget it. and I'll never forget it. Like, we were a long ways from home, Like, we were a long ways from home, Like, we were a long ways from home, actually. actually. actually. But step by step, But step by step, But step by step, moment by moment, moment by moment, moment by moment, minute by minute, minute by minute, minute by minute, I held his small hand in mine. I held his small hand in mine. I held his small hand in mine. And that's how we made it all the way And that's how we made it all the way And that's how we made it all the way home home home again. I'll never forget that moment. again. I'll never forget that moment. again. I'll never forget that moment. But I think that's a picture But I think that's a picture But I think that's a picture of what the whole Bible is meant to say of what the whole Bible is meant to say of what the whole Bible is meant to say to you this morning. to you this morning. to you this morning. of what this final chapter is meant to of what this final chapter is meant to of what this final chapter is meant to say to every single one of us. The say to every single one of us. The say to every single one of us. The father sees you, your heavenly father father sees you, your heavenly father father sees you, your heavenly father who loves you way more than any parent who loves you way more than any parent who loves you way more than any parent ever could. ever could. ever could. And he's given you this invitation. Will And he's given you this invitation. Will And he's given you this invitation. Will you come?

you come? you come? Will you come home with him again? I Will you come home with him again? I Will you come home with him again? I don't know the journey that some of you don't know the journey that some of you don't know the journey that some of you have been on. I don't know how long have been on. I don't know how long have been on. I don't know how long you've been running. I don't know how you've been running. I don't know how you've been running. I don't know how hard it's been. For some of you, maybe hard it's been. For some of you, maybe hard it's been. For some of you, maybe you've had these longings we were you've had these longings we were you've had these longings we were talking about. There's been this thirst. talking about. There's been this thirst. talking about. There's been this thirst. You've tried to fill up the emptiness You've tried to fill up the emptiness You've tried to fill up the emptiness with success or with achievement or with with success or with achievement or with with success or with achievement or with relationship or maybe some addictions relationship or maybe some addictions relationship or maybe some addictions that you can't control. I don't know that you can't control. I don't know that you can't control. I don't know what those things are, what those things are, what those things are, but God is speaking to your heart this but God is speaking to your heart this but God is speaking to your heart this morning. He's saying, "Will you come? morning. He's saying, "Will you come? morning. He's saying, "Will you come? Will you take me by the hand?" Will you take me by the hand?" Will you take me by the hand?" Again, for some of you, maybe you've Again, for some of you, maybe you've Again, for some of you, maybe you've been a Christian for a while, or maybe been a Christian for a while, or maybe been a Christian for a while, or maybe you've been in and out of faith for a you've been in and out of faith for a you've been in and out of faith for a while. while. while. And God wants to say to you at the end And God wants to say to you at the end And God wants to say to you at the end of this series, at the end of the entire of this series, at the end of the entire of this series, at the end of the entire Bible, he wants to say, man, crystal Bible, he wants to say, man, crystal Bible, he wants to say, man, crystal clear on August 2nd, 2026, clear on August 2nd, 2026, clear on August 2nd, 2026, will you just take my hand? will you just take my hand? will you just take my hand? I'm going to lead you all the way home. I'm going to lead you all the way home. I'm going to lead you all the way home. I know you're carrying something hard. I know you're carrying something hard. I know you're carrying something hard. I know you're in a tough spot. I know I know you're in a tough spot. I know I know you're in a tough spot. I know things have not turned out how you wish things have not turned out how you wish things have not turned out how you wish they would.

they would. they would. But please do take my hand But please do take my hand But please do take my hand and I will lead you home. and I will lead you home. and I will lead you home. It's an invitation that God gives all of It's an invitation that God gives all of It's an invitation that God gives all of us. us. us. I pray that we'd respond. I pray that we'd respond. I pray that we'd respond. Friends, after all, until that day Friends, after all, until that day Friends, after all, until that day comes, it may be true. We still haven't comes, it may be true. We still haven't comes, it may be true. We still haven't found found found what we're looking for, what we're looking for, what we're looking for, but we have found who? but we have found who? but we have found who? We have found Jesus. We have found Jesus. We have found Jesus. and he gives us this invitation and he gives us this invitation and he gives us this invitation so that he will take our hand so that he will take our hand so that he will take our hand and lead us home. and lead us home. and lead us home. Let's pray. God, we come to you. Let's pray. God, we come to you. Let's pray. God, we come to you. And God, I thank you that you loved us And God, I thank you that you loved us And God, I thank you that you loved us so much that you gave us this image of so much that you gave us this image of so much that you gave us this image of what heaven will one day be like. And what heaven will one day be like. And what heaven will one day be like. And it's an image that can fill us with hope it's an image that can fill us with hope it's an image that can fill us with hope and fill us with joy to help us endure and fill us with joy to help us endure and fill us with joy to help us endure the hard things that we face today. the hard things that we face today. the hard things that we face today. But God, it's also an image that reminds But God, it's also an image that reminds But God, it's also an image that reminds us that you are with us right now. God, us that you are with us right now. God, us that you are with us right now. God, that there is a next step that we can that there is a next step that we can that there is a next step that we can take. God, there is an invitation that take. God, there is an invitation that take. God, there is an invitation that we can say yes to. God, you are reaching we can say yes to. God, you are reaching we can say yes to. God, you are reaching out your hand out your hand out your hand and asking if we will grasp it with our and asking if we will grasp it with our and asking if we will grasp it with our small hand small hand small hand because you want to run with us because you want to run with us because you want to run with us and you want to be with us step by step, and you want to be with us step by step, and you want to be with us step by step, moment by moment, all the way home. God, moment by moment, all the way home. God, moment by moment, all the way home. God, I pray that every single person in this I pray that every single person in this I pray that every single person in this room, maybe it's for the first time, I room, maybe it's for the first time, I room, maybe it's for the first time, I pray that they might take Jesus by the pray that they might take Jesus by the pray that they might take Jesus by the hand and say yes to him. God, maybe hand and say yes to him. God, maybe hand and say yes to him. God, maybe they've been wandering from you and they

they've been wandering from you and they they've been wandering from you and they want to say that in a fresh way this want to say that in a fresh way this want to say that in a fresh way this morning. Or maybe there's someone who's morning. Or maybe there's someone who's morning. Or maybe there's someone who's been a Christian, but they just want to been a Christian, but they just want to been a Christian, but they just want to uniquely think of that thing that's been uniquely think of that thing that's been uniquely think of that thing that's been so hard so hard so hard and have you take them by the hand as and have you take them by the hand as and have you take them by the hand as they hold that thing this morning. they hold that thing this morning. they hold that thing this morning. God, I thank you that your spirit speaks God, I thank you that your spirit speaks God, I thank you that your spirit speaks to each of our hearts through the power to each of our hearts through the power to each of our hearts through the power of your word. God, might we simply say of your word. God, might we simply say of your word. God, might we simply say yes to however you would lead us. We ask yes to however you would lead us. We ask yes to however you would lead us. We ask this in Jesus name. Everybody said, this in Jesus name. Everybody said, this in Jesus name. Everybody said, >> "Amen." Can we praise God for moving >> "Amen." Can we praise God for moving >> "Amen." Can we praise God for moving this place, friends? Amen. Friends, if you said yes to Jesus, maybe Friends, if you said yes to Jesus, maybe it's in the first time or a fresh way, it's in the first time or a fresh way, it's in the first time or a fresh way, just know that we have a next steps area just know that we have a next steps area just know that we have a next steps area that was described earlier. Just go out that was described earlier. Just go out that was described earlier. Just go out those doors. We have a Bible for you. We those doors. We have a Bible for you. We those doors. We have a Bible for you. We have a new believer guide. We would love have a new believer guide. We would love have a new believer guide. We would love to come alongside you on your journey. to come alongside you on your journey. to come alongside you on your journey. But we thought the best way for us to But we thought the best way for us to But we thought the best way for us to conclude the book of Revelation would be conclude the book of Revelation would be conclude the book of Revelation would be to worship our great God. So I want to to worship our great God. So I want to to worship our great God. So I want to invite you to stand and we're going to invite you to stand and we're going to invite you to stand and we're going to give him our very best worship.

give him our very best worship. give him our very best worship. We're going to rival the angels in We're going to rival the angels in We're going to rival the angels in heaven because we're going to sing like heaven because we're going to sing like heaven because we're going to sing like crazy on earth. We're going to have a crazy on earth. We're going to have a crazy on earth. We're going to have a depiction of who Jesus is and we're depiction of who Jesus is and we're depiction of who Jesus is and we're going to sing about his greatness and going to sing about his greatness and going to sing about his greatness and we're going to give him all the glory. we're going to give him all the glory. we're going to give him all the glory. Amen. Can we praise him [applause] Amen. Can we praise him [applause] Amen. Can we praise him [applause] today? Let's worship Jesus, our savior, today? Let's worship Jesus, our savior, today? Let's worship Jesus, our savior, our king.