The World We Long For | Miguel De La Mora Message

Hi, my name's Katie and this is my Hi, my name's Katie and this is my story. story. story. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> So, I grew up coming to Willow with my >> So, I grew up coming to Willow with my >> So, I grew up coming to Willow with my family and I got really involved in the family and I got really involved in the family and I got really involved in the high school ministry. My junior year, high school ministry. My junior year, high school ministry. My junior year, [music] I just fell in love with it, [music] I just fell in love with it, [music] I just fell in love with it, found my community there. And then, I found my community there. And then, I found my community there. And then, I went [music] off to college. My freshman went [music] off to college. My freshman went [music] off to college. My freshman year, I felt like I faced a lot of year, I felt like I faced a lot of year, I felt like I faced a lot of battles trying to find my community. I battles trying to find my community. I battles trying to find my community. I couldn't [music] really figure out where couldn't [music] really figure out where couldn't [music] really figure out where my spot was in college. So, after my my spot was in college. So, after my my spot was in college. So, after my freshman year of college [music] wrapped freshman year of college [music] wrapped freshman year of college [music] wrapped up, I came back to South Barrington and up, I came back to South Barrington and up, I came back to South Barrington and I was [music] one of the interns last I was [music] one of the interns last I was [music] one of the interns last summer. So, that was super exciting to summer. So, that was super exciting to summer. So, that was super exciting to experience a bunch of new things that I experience a bunch of new things that I experience a bunch of new things that I hadn't before and one of those was an hadn't before and one of those was an hadn't before and one of those was an adult [music] rooted group. I had never adult [music] rooted group. I had never adult [music] rooted group. I had never been in a rooted group before and I felt been in a rooted group before and I felt been in a rooted group before and I felt really nervous about [music] really nervous about [music] really nervous about [music] leading a group that I hadn't been in leading a group that I hadn't been in leading a group that I hadn't been in prior to it, just because I wanted to prior to it, just because I wanted to prior to it, just because I wanted to give everyone the best possible give everyone the best possible give everyone the best possible experience. [music] experience. [music] experience. [music] Before leading that rooted group, I was Before leading that rooted group, I was Before leading that rooted group, I was having a lot of struggle doubting having a lot of struggle doubting having a lot of struggle doubting myself. [music] myself. [music] myself. [music] I felt alone in my faith, like I wasn't I felt alone in my faith, like I wasn't I felt alone in my faith, like I wasn't knowledgeable enough to lead and just knowledgeable enough to lead and just knowledgeable enough to lead and just insecure about my leading skills. I had insecure about my leading skills. I had insecure about my leading skills. I had a lot [music] of doubts stirring a lot [music] of doubts stirring a lot [music] of doubts stirring throughout me, but overall, I just throughout me, but overall, I just throughout me, but overall, I just trusted God's calling me to that rooted trusted God's calling me to that rooted trusted God's calling me to that rooted group and prayed throughout that. So, group and prayed throughout that. So, group and prayed throughout that. So, week five, [music] we got to dive into week five, [music] we got to dive into week five, [music] we got to dive into the strongholds devotionals and that was the strongholds devotionals and that was the strongholds devotionals and that was a really hard week for me, just [music] a really hard week for me, just [music] a really hard week for me, just [music] recognizing some of the things that I'm recognizing some of the things that I'm recognizing some of the things that I'm not the best at and some of the areas not the best at and some of the areas not the best at and some of the areas that I struggle like with my insecurity that I struggle like with my insecurity that I struggle like with my insecurity [music] and comparison. As I looked [music] and comparison. As I looked [music] and comparison. As I looked around the table, I had girls coming around the table, I had girls coming around the table, I had girls coming alongside of me telling me that they go

alongside of me telling me that they go alongside of me telling me that they go through similar things [music] and that through similar things [music] and that through similar things [music] and that it's going to be okay and reiterating it's going to be okay and reiterating it's going to be okay and reiterating those truths that I know about God's those truths that I know about God's those truths that I know about God's love for me [music] to me and helping me love for me [music] to me and helping me love for me [music] to me and helping me feel that physically by just comforting feel that physically by just comforting feel that physically by just comforting me. So, after strongholds [music] week, me. So, after strongholds [music] week, me. So, after strongholds [music] week, the next week, we all came to group and the next week, we all came to group and the next week, we all came to group and one of the group members had these one of the group members had these one of the group members had these little papers that said, little papers that said, little papers that said, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> "God says dot dot dot." And it was a >> "God says dot dot dot." And it was a >> "God says dot dot dot." And it was a bunch of truths that me and some of the bunch of truths that me and some of the bunch of truths that me and some of the other group members had [music] shared other group members had [music] shared other group members had [music] shared that we know these truths, but we have a that we know these truths, but we have a that we know these truths, but we have a hard time recognizing them in our hard time recognizing them in our hard time recognizing them in our day-to-day life. And here I am with it a day-to-day life. And here I am with it a day-to-day life. And here I am with it a year later still using it and hanging year later still using it and hanging year later still using it and hanging [music] it somewhere in my everyday [music] it somewhere in my everyday [music] it somewhere in my everyday space. So, this summer I get to be an space. So, this summer I get to be an space. So, this summer I get to be an intern again [music] with Groups and intern again [music] with Groups and intern again [music] with Groups and Compassion and Justice. Last summer I Compassion and Justice. Last summer I Compassion and Justice. Last summer I was so nervous about being in that was so nervous about being in that was so nervous about being in that rooted group and leading it and feeling rooted group and leading it and feeling rooted group and leading it and feeling [music] well-equipped, but this summer [music] well-equipped, but this summer [music] well-equipped, but this summer I'm confident in the leadership skills I'm confident in the leadership skills I'm confident in the leadership skills the Lord has given me and I'm so excited the Lord has given me and I'm so excited the Lord has given me and I'm so excited [music] [music] [music] to get to walk alongside the interns in to get to walk alongside the interns in to get to walk alongside the interns in this life-changing experience that I got this life-changing experience that I got this life-changing experience that I got to experience. Because of that rooted to experience. Because of that rooted to experience. Because of that rooted group, I felt that community was group, I felt that community was group, I felt that community was something that [music] I really was something that [music] I really was something that [music] I really was longing for freshman year and I had longing for freshman year and I had longing for freshman year and I had found that [music] again this past found that [music] again this past found that [music] again this past summer.

summer. summer. If you're debating joining Rooted or If you're debating joining Rooted or If you're debating joining Rooted or just haven't yet because you feel like just haven't yet because you feel like just haven't yet because you feel like you know the rhythms and [music] you're you know the rhythms and [music] you're you know the rhythms and [music] you're secure in your faith, I want to secure in your faith, I want to secure in your faith, I want to encourage you to still join it. There encourage you to still join it. There encourage you to still join it. There [music] are so many things that lifelong [music] are so many things that lifelong [music] are so many things that lifelong Christians can gain from Rooted and Christians can gain from Rooted and Christians can gain from Rooted and experiencing those rhythms with a experiencing those rhythms with a experiencing those rhythms with a community here. >> Amen. >> Amen. Praise the Lord. We love seeing Praise the Lord. We love seeing Praise the Lord. We love seeing life-changed stories within our church, life-changed stories within our church, life-changed stories within our church, different people who have experienced different people who have experienced different people who have experienced just God moments and moments that just God moments and moments that just God moments and moments that encourage them and just spur them closer encourage them and just spur them closer encourage them and just spur them closer to Jesus. to Jesus. to Jesus. Well, welcome everyone. We're glad that Well, welcome everyone. We're glad that Well, welcome everyone. We're glad that you're here with us today. My name's you're here with us today. My name's you're here with us today. My name's Miguel. If I had not have a chance to Miguel. If I had not have a chance to Miguel. If I had not have a chance to meet you yet. meet you yet. meet you yet. We are We are We are one church in many locations, so we're one church in many locations, so we're one church in many locations, so we're grateful that you're here with us today grateful that you're here with us today grateful that you're here with us today at Willow Creek, Crystal Lake. I wanted at Willow Creek, Crystal Lake. I wanted at Willow Creek, Crystal Lake. I wanted to start out with a question. to start out with a question. to start out with a question. And I really want you to think about And I really want you to think about And I really want you to think about this question. It's a really simple this question. It's a really simple this question. It's a really simple question, but it's sometimes hard to question, but it's sometimes hard to question, but it's sometimes hard to answer. answer. answer. And here it is.

And here it is. And here it is. What do you long for? Think about that for a minute. Think about that for a minute. I'm not talking about like what's on I'm not talking about like what's on I'm not talking about like what's on your to-do list. I'm not talking about your to-do list. I'm not talking about your to-do list. I'm not talking about like what do you want to have for dinner like what do you want to have for dinner like what do you want to have for dinner right now, okay? right now, okay? right now, okay? Um go a little deeper, all right? Um go a little deeper, all right? Um go a little deeper, all right? >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> What do you long for? >> What do you long for? >> What do you long for? And maybe it's a relationship that's And maybe it's a relationship that's And maybe it's a relationship that's been broken for years and and you're been broken for years and and you're been broken for years and and you're just hoping that uh it'll be mended. just hoping that uh it'll be mended. just hoping that uh it'll be mended. Maybe it's just your body, your health, Maybe it's just your body, your health, Maybe it's just your body, your health, and you're going, "Man, it just keeps and you're going, "Man, it just keeps and you're going, "Man, it just keeps failing me and I just want to get failing me and I just want to get failing me and I just want to get better." And better." And better." And maybe it's just uh the world. You just maybe it's just uh the world. You just maybe it's just uh the world. You just look at the world and you just feel look at the world and you just feel look at the world and you just feel like, "Man, it's just coming apart and like, "Man, it's just coming apart and like, "Man, it's just coming apart and every time you feel like it's going to every time you feel like it's going to every time you feel like it's going to get better, it just gets worse." get better, it just gets worse." get better, it just gets worse." >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> Maybe it's just uh a version of yourself >> Maybe it's just uh a version of yourself >> Maybe it's just uh a version of yourself that you're pursuing that you just that you're pursuing that you just that you're pursuing that you just can't quite reach. What is it that can't quite reach. What is it that can't quite reach. What is it that you're longing for? you're longing for? you're longing for? See, here's what I believe. I believe See, here's what I believe. I believe See, here's what I believe. I believe every human every human every human on planet Earth carries this ache. on planet Earth carries this ache. on planet Earth carries this ache. I think it's woven into us.

I think it's woven into us. I think it's woven into us. And you don't have to be a person of And you don't have to be a person of And you don't have to be a person of faith that to know what I'm talking faith that to know what I'm talking faith that to know what I'm talking about. This is This is a universal human about. This is This is a universal human about. This is This is a universal human experience. This This sense experience. This This sense experience. This This sense that something is missing. that something is missing. that something is missing. That the world is not the way it's That the world is not the way it's That the world is not the way it's supposed to be, that you were made for supposed to be, that you were made for supposed to be, that you were made for something more, and this ache and and something more, and this ache and and something more, and this ache and and hear me when I say this, this ache is hear me when I say this, this ache is hear me when I say this, this ache is not a malfunction. not a malfunction. not a malfunction. It's a compass. It's a compass. It's a compass. And it's pointing somewhere all along. And so, if you haven't been with us, And so, if you haven't been with us, we've actually been in a series going we've actually been in a series going we've actually been in a series going through the book of Revelation. We've through the book of Revelation. We've through the book of Revelation. We've been going through it all summer long. been going through it all summer long. been going through it all summer long. This is week 10, and so we've been going This is week 10, and so we've been going This is week 10, and so we've been going chapter by chapter, kind of going chapter by chapter, kind of going chapter by chapter, kind of going through the book of Revelation. through the book of Revelation. through the book of Revelation. And so, let me just give you a quick And so, let me just give you a quick And so, let me just give you a quick recap on what it is if you've missed recap on what it is if you've missed recap on what it is if you've missed out. It's been a out. It's been a out. It's been a I would say rich, one of our richest I would say rich, one of our richest I would say rich, one of our richest series yet. So, please go back if you series yet. So, please go back if you series yet. So, please go back if you haven't seen any of the messages and haven't seen any of the messages and haven't seen any of the messages and listen and and really engage with this listen and and really engage with this listen and and really engage with this teaching.

teaching. teaching. But, if you haven't been with us, But, if you haven't been with us, But, if you haven't been with us, Revelation Revelation Revelation is not a book about decoding the future is not a book about decoding the future is not a book about decoding the future as some might think. as some might think. as some might think. It was written by a man named John, one It was written by a man named John, one It was written by a man named John, one of Jesus' disciples and closest friends. of Jesus' disciples and closest friends. of Jesus' disciples and closest friends. He was exiled on a remote island because He was exiled on a remote island because He was exiled on a remote island because of his faith. The people he was writing of his faith. The people he was writing of his faith. The people he was writing to, they were suffering and they were to, they were suffering and they were to, they were suffering and they were afraid and they were wondering if God afraid and they were wondering if God afraid and they were wondering if God had forgotten them. had forgotten them. had forgotten them. And what John does is he pulls back the And what John does is he pulls back the And what John does is he pulls back the curtain, that's what apocalyptic means, curtain, that's what apocalyptic means, curtain, that's what apocalyptic means, to pull back this curtain on reality and to pull back this curtain on reality and to pull back this curtain on reality and he says, "Yes, evil is real, suffering he says, "Yes, evil is real, suffering he says, "Yes, evil is real, suffering is real, the battle is real, but above is real, the battle is real, but above is real, the battle is real, but above it all, above every empire it all, above every empire it all, above every empire and every fear and every broken thing, and every fear and every broken thing, and every fear and every broken thing, there is a throne and Jesus is on it." there is a throne and Jesus is on it." there is a throne and Jesus is on it." And Jesus will prove victorious. That's And Jesus will prove victorious. That's And Jesus will prove victorious. That's Revelation. And so for the past 10 Revelation. And so for the past 10 Revelation. And so for the past 10 weeks, we've sort of unfolded this story weeks, we've sort of unfolded this story weeks, we've sort of unfolded this story of Jesus, this revelation of Jesus. And of Jesus, this revelation of Jesus. And of Jesus, this revelation of Jesus. And so we've met Jesus as the high priest so we've met Jesus as the high priest so we've met Jesus as the high priest who walks among his churches, present who walks among his churches, present who walks among his churches, present with his people in their suffering.

with his people in their suffering. with his people in their suffering. We've met him Jesus as the slain lamb, We've met him Jesus as the slain lamb, We've met him Jesus as the slain lamb, the one who was killed and rose again the one who was killed and rose again the one who was killed and rose again and he alone is worthy to hold history and he alone is worthy to hold history and he alone is worthy to hold history in his hands. in his hands. in his hands. We've also met him as the conquering We've also met him as the conquering We've also met him as the conquering king who defeats king who defeats king who defeats every evil forever. every evil forever. every evil forever. And today, after all of that, we finally And today, after all of that, we finally And today, after all of that, we finally arrive at the ending, the ending where arrive at the ending, the ending where arrive at the ending, the ending where God fulfills everything he's ever God fulfills everything he's ever God fulfills everything he's ever promised, the ending where every longing promised, the ending where every longing promised, the ending where every longing you've ever carried finally has a home. you've ever carried finally has a home. you've ever carried finally has a home. So let me just read this, Revelation So let me just read this, Revelation So let me just read this, Revelation chapter 21, verses 1 through 5. Let's chapter 21, verses 1 through 5. Let's chapter 21, verses 1 through 5. Let's just jump in. just jump in. just jump in. Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. For the first heaven and the first earth For the first heaven and the first earth For the first heaven and the first earth has had passed away and there was no has had passed away and there was no has had passed away and there was no longer any sea. longer any sea. longer any sea. I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, coming down out of heaven from God, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed prepared as a bride beautifully dressed prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud for her husband. And I heard a loud for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Look, voice from the throne saying, "Look, voice from the throne saying, "Look, God's dwelling place is now among the God's dwelling place is now among the God's dwelling place is now among the people. And he will dwell with them, and people. And he will dwell with them, and people. And he will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself they will be his people, and God himself they will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will be with them and be their God. He will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes.

will wipe every tear from their eyes. will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning There will be no more death or mourning There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the older things or crying or pain, for the older things or crying or pain, for the older things order of things has passed away." order of things has passed away." order of things has passed away." He who has seated who was seated on the He who has seated who was seated on the He who has seated who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything throne said, "I am making everything throne said, "I am making everything new." new." new." Then he said, "Write this down, for Then he said, "Write this down, for Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." these words are trustworthy and true." these words are trustworthy and true." So, there's three things that I want to So, there's three things that I want to So, there's three things that I want to give you today. Three things that I give you today. Three things that I give you today. Three things that I really believe if we can grasp, I think really believe if we can grasp, I think really believe if we can grasp, I think it'll change the way we live. Three it'll change the way we live. Three it'll change the way we live. Three things from this passage of scripture. things from this passage of scripture. things from this passage of scripture. Here's the first, and it's a very clear Here's the first, and it's a very clear Here's the first, and it's a very clear thing. God is not making a new world, thing. God is not making a new world, thing. God is not making a new world, he's making this world new. he's making this world new. he's making this world new. It's a very specific distinction here on It's a very specific distinction here on It's a very specific distinction here on how it's described. God is not making a how it's described. God is not making a how it's described. God is not making a a new world, he's making this world new. a new world, he's making this world new. a new world, he's making this world new. So, what people tend to think when they So, what people tend to think when they So, what people tend to think when they think of heaven, people tend to think of think of heaven, people tend to think of think of heaven, people tend to think of heaven is like when we pass from this heaven is like when we pass from this heaven is like when we pass from this life, our souls will float up into the life, our souls will float up into the life, our souls will float up into the clouds, we'll get a pair of wings, and clouds, we'll get a pair of wings, and clouds, we'll get a pair of wings, and and maybe meet Peter at the at the and maybe meet Peter at the at the and maybe meet Peter at the at the gates, right? And and then we'll strum a gates, right? And and then we'll strum a gates, right? And and then we'll strum a harp for all eternity.

harp for all eternity. harp for all eternity. In sort of this ethereal disembodied In sort of this ethereal disembodied In sort of this ethereal disembodied experience. Like I experience. Like I experience. Like I I don't know about you, but I'm just I don't know about you, but I'm just I don't know about you, but I'm just like I I hear those kinds of stories and like I I hear those kinds of stories and like I I hear those kinds of stories and I go, "I don't even look forward or I go, "I don't even look forward or I go, "I don't even look forward or desire to do anything like that." desire to do anything like that." desire to do anything like that." To have wings, sitting on clouds, and To have wings, sitting on clouds, and To have wings, sitting on clouds, and playing a harp for forever and ever. playing a harp for forever and ever. playing a harp for forever and ever. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] Here's the thing. The Bible actually Here's the thing. The Bible actually Here's the thing. The Bible actually does not describe that. And so, I'm does not describe that. And so, I'm does not describe that. And so, I'm sorry to say Peter sorry to say Peter sorry to say Peter probably is not going to [laughter] meet probably is not going to [laughter] meet probably is not going to [laughter] meet us at the gates, okay? The Bible doesn't us at the gates, okay? The Bible doesn't us at the gates, okay? The Bible doesn't describe that. describe that. describe that. There's no wings that we'll get. The There's no wings that we'll get. The There's no wings that we'll get. The Bible doesn't describe that. Bible doesn't describe that. Bible doesn't describe that. What John sees in Revelation What John sees in Revelation What John sees in Revelation is something far more astonishing. is something far more astonishing. is something far more astonishing. He sees our souls ascending to some He sees our souls ascending to some He sees our souls ascending to some other realm. And he sees a city. And he sees a city. Like an actual, real, physical, Like an actual, real, physical, Like an actual, real, physical, magnificent magnificent magnificent city. And so, he doesn't see us kind of city. And so, he doesn't see us kind of city. And so, he doesn't see us kind of floating into the clouds. That's not floating into the clouds. That's not floating into the clouds. That's not That's not the idea that John sees. He That's not the idea that John sees. He That's not the idea that John sees. He sees an actual place, this this city sees an actual place, this this city sees an actual place, this this city that is described descending from heaven that is described descending from heaven that is described descending from heaven to earth.

to earth. to earth. That's very specific. So, let me just That's very specific. So, let me just That's very specific. So, let me just read that again. From heaven to earth, read that again. From heaven to earth, read that again. From heaven to earth, on earth as it is in heaven. on earth as it is in heaven. on earth as it is in heaven. Here's what it says. Let me just reread Here's what it says. Let me just reread Here's what it says. Let me just reread it in verses 1 and 2. Then I saw a new it in verses 1 and 2. Then I saw a new it in verses 1 and 2. Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed heaven and the first earth had passed heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I away, and there was no longer any sea. I away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw a the holy city, saw a the holy city, saw a the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down the new Jerusalem, coming down the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as as a out of heaven from God, prepared as as a out of heaven from God, prepared as as a bride beautifully dressed for her bride beautifully dressed for her bride beautifully dressed for her husband. husband. husband. So, John sees So, John sees So, John sees sees God not pulling us up from a broken sees God not pulling us up from a broken sees God not pulling us up from a broken world, but coming down with us world, but coming down with us world, but coming down with us to be with us. to be with us. to be with us. He sees a world renewed and restored and He sees a world renewed and restored and He sees a world renewed and restored and redeemed again. redeemed again. redeemed again. He doesn't scrap it and start from He doesn't scrap it and start from He doesn't scrap it and start from scratch. There's a restoration of it scratch. There's a restoration of it scratch. There's a restoration of it all. all. all. Here's kind of a picture that Here's kind of a picture that Here's kind of a picture that I think kind of best describes this. It I think kind of best describes this. It I think kind of best describes this. It helps me understand it at least a little helps me understand it at least a little helps me understand it at least a little bit better. If you know anything about bit better. If you know anything about bit better. If you know anything about the art of glass blowing, the art of glass blowing, the art of glass blowing, I want to give you this picture.

I want to give you this picture. I want to give you this picture. This this master glass blower, they take This this master glass blower, they take This this master glass blower, they take a piece of glass, something that had a piece of glass, something that had a piece of glass, something that had already been shaped, and they kind of already been shaped, and they kind of already been shaped, and they kind of reshape it. reshape it. reshape it. It already has a history that already It already has a history that already It already has a history that already has a form and a substance in this this has a form and a substance in this this has a form and a substance in this this molten glass that happens when it's molten glass that happens when it's molten glass that happens when it's heated. heated. heated. And the glass softens, and it becomes And the glass softens, and it becomes And the glass softens, and it becomes malleable again. malleable again. malleable again. And then with extraordinary skill, it is And then with extraordinary skill, it is And then with extraordinary skill, it is an art and intention, the glass blower an art and intention, the glass blower an art and intention, the glass blower reshapes it. It transforms [snorts] reshapes it. It transforms [snorts] reshapes it. It transforms [snorts] it. Brings out of those same raw it. Brings out of those same raw it. Brings out of those same raw materials something far more beautiful materials something far more beautiful materials something far more beautiful than what existed before. than what existed before. than what existed before. Do you understand where I'm going with Do you understand where I'm going with Do you understand where I'm going with this? So so God is not throwing away this? So so God is not throwing away this? So so God is not throwing away creation. He is not starting from creation. He is not starting from creation. He is not starting from scratch scratch scratch with entirely different materials. He is with entirely different materials. He is with entirely different materials. He is the master craftsman who takes what is, the master craftsman who takes what is, the master craftsman who takes what is, this world, this creation, this history, this world, this creation, this history, this world, this creation, this history, and through the fire of his redemptive and through the fire of his redemptive and through the fire of his redemptive work makes it into work makes it into work makes it into what it was already always meant to be.

what it was already always meant to be. what it was already always meant to be. The same materials just completely new, The same materials just completely new, The same materials just completely new, completely reformed. completely reformed. completely reformed. The world that is coming is not a The world that is coming is not a The world that is coming is not a replacement. It's actually a replacement. It's actually a replacement. It's actually a resurrection. resurrection. resurrection. Just like Jesus himself, gloriously Just like Jesus himself, gloriously Just like Jesus himself, gloriously transformed. transformed. transformed. That's what it's talking about when when That's what it's talking about when when That's what it's talking about when when it's talking about this new earth. it's talking about this new earth. it's talking about this new earth. He he's not He he's not He he's not replacing it. He's making it new again. replacing it. He's making it new again. replacing it. He's making it new again. Now, here's the beautiful thing. I just Now, here's the beautiful thing. I just Now, here's the beautiful thing. I just want to kind of go a little bit off want to kind of go a little bit off want to kind of go a little bit off script here. This is important to know, script here. This is important to know, script here. This is important to know, something that's remarkable remarkable something that's remarkable remarkable something that's remarkable remarkable about the Bible. The Bible doesn't end about the Bible. The Bible doesn't end about the Bible. The Bible doesn't end here in Revelation with a completely here in Revelation with a completely here in Revelation with a completely different story. It ends by finishing different story. It ends by finishing different story. It ends by finishing with the story that it started. So, if with the story that it started. So, if with the story that it started. So, if you were to open up Genesis chapter 1 you were to open up Genesis chapter 1 you were to open up Genesis chapter 1 and 2, and then you were to open up and 2, and then you were to open up and 2, and then you were to open up Revelation chapter 21 and 22, Revelation chapter 21 and 22, Revelation chapter 21 and 22, it's actually bookends it's actually bookends it's actually bookends the greatest story ever told. the greatest story ever told. the greatest story ever told. So, let me just kind of compare and So, let me just kind of compare and So, let me just kind of compare and contrast real quick. In Genesis, God contrast real quick. In Genesis, God contrast real quick. In Genesis, God creates the heavens and the earth, and creates the heavens and the earth, and creates the heavens and the earth, and in Revelation, God makes the heavens and in Revelation, God makes the heavens and in Revelation, God makes the heavens and the earth new.

the earth new. the earth new. In Genesis, there is a garden, and in In Genesis, there is a garden, and in In Genesis, there is a garden, and in Revelation, there's a garden city. Revelation, there's a garden city. Revelation, there's a garden city. In Genesis, the river flows through In Genesis, the river flows through In Genesis, the river flows through Eden, and in Revelation, the river of Eden, and in Revelation, the river of Eden, and in Revelation, the river of water of life flows from the throne of water of life flows from the throne of water of life flows from the throne of God. God. God. In Genesis, In Genesis, In Genesis, the tree of life stands in the middle of the tree of life stands in the middle of the tree of life stands in the middle of the garden, where in Revelation, the the garden, where in Revelation, the the garden, where in Revelation, the tree of life stands once again bearing tree of life stands once again bearing tree of life stands once again bearing fruit and bringing healing to the fruit and bringing healing to the fruit and bringing healing to the nation. nation. nation. But, here's what's incredible about But, here's what's incredible about But, here's what's incredible about this. this. this. He actually reverses what happens in He actually reverses what happens in He actually reverses what happens in Genesis. Genesis. Genesis. So, in Genesis, a curse enters the So, in Genesis, a curse enters the So, in Genesis, a curse enters the world, where in Revelation, there is no world, where in Revelation, there is no world, where in Revelation, there is no longer any curse. longer any curse. longer any curse. In Genesis, death enters the human In Genesis, death enters the human In Genesis, death enters the human story, and in Revelation, there is no story, and in Revelation, there is no story, and in Revelation, there is no more death. more death. more death. In Genesis, tears begin with people, and In Genesis, tears begin with people, and In Genesis, tears begin with people, and in Revelation, God wipes every single in Revelation, God wipes every single in Revelation, God wipes every single tear away. tear away. tear away. In Genesis, humanity hides from the In Genesis, humanity hides from the In Genesis, humanity hides from the presence of God. presence of God. presence of God. If you remember that first sin.

If you remember that first sin. If you remember that first sin. But, in Revelation, But, in Revelation, But, in Revelation, we will see him face-to-face in his we will see him face-to-face in his we will see him face-to-face in his presence. presence. presence. In Genesis, humanity is sent out of the In Genesis, humanity is sent out of the In Genesis, humanity is sent out of the garden. garden. garden. But, in Revelation, God's people are But, in Revelation, God's people are But, in Revelation, God's people are welcomed home forever. welcomed home forever. welcomed home forever. So, don't miss this. So, don't miss this. So, don't miss this. When we're looking at the whole story When we're looking at the whole story When we're looking at the whole story here from Genesis to Revelation, it's here from Genesis to Revelation, it's here from Genesis to Revelation, it's telling us what Jesus has been doing all telling us what Jesus has been doing all telling us what Jesus has been doing all along. Every miracle, every act of along. Every miracle, every act of along. Every miracle, every act of forgiveness, every healing, every forgiveness, every healing, every forgiveness, every healing, every victory over sin, every empty tomb, victory over sin, every empty tomb, victory over sin, every empty tomb, every promise he's ever made has been every promise he's ever made has been every promise he's ever made has been moving history toward one great moment moving history toward one great moment moving history toward one great moment when everything that was broken is made when everything that was broken is made when everything that was broken is made new again, made whole again. And that's new again, made whole again. And that's new again, made whole again. And that's why the throne declares and announces, why the throne declares and announces, why the throne declares and announces, "Behold, I am making everything new." And so this longing, this this thirst, And so this longing, this this thirst, this desire will one day be completely this desire will one day be completely this desire will one day be completely fulfilled. There will be no scarcity.

fulfilled. There will be no scarcity. fulfilled. There will be no scarcity. There will be no need or desire to want There will be no need or desire to want There will be no need or desire to want more. more. more. To go without. That's hard for us to To go without. That's hard for us to To go without. That's hard for us to think about. think about. think about. But there will be no thirst because it But there will be no thirst because it But there will be no thirst because it will all be satisfied. will all be satisfied. will all be satisfied. Now, here's the thing. C.S. Lewis, the Now, here's the thing. C.S. Lewis, the Now, here's the thing. C.S. Lewis, the great theologian, he says this, which I great theologian, he says this, which I great theologian, he says this, which I think is really insightful. think is really insightful. think is really insightful. If you find a longing in yourself that If you find a longing in yourself that If you find a longing in yourself that nothing in this world can fully satisfy, nothing in this world can fully satisfy, nothing in this world can fully satisfy, the most likely explanation is that you the most likely explanation is that you the most likely explanation is that you were made for another world. were made for another world. were made for another world. Some people will live a life and find Some people will live a life and find Some people will live a life and find very quickly that the world around us very quickly that the world around us very quickly that the world around us will not ultimately satisfy. You might will not ultimately satisfy. You might will not ultimately satisfy. You might feel satisfied for a little while. feel satisfied for a little while. feel satisfied for a little while. Maybe even years. But there comes a Maybe even years. But there comes a Maybe even years. But there comes a point point point where we realize, is this all the world where we realize, is this all the world where we realize, is this all the world has to offer? And for some people, that reality is too And for some people, that reality is too hard to take.

We need to come to a conclusion that We need to come to a conclusion that when we realize that the world does not when we realize that the world does not when we realize that the world does not fully satisfy, the most likely fully satisfy, the most likely fully satisfy, the most likely explanation is that we were not made for explanation is that we were not made for explanation is that we were not made for this world. this world. this world. I don't know if you've ever been in I don't know if you've ever been in I don't know if you've ever been in those moments where you feel like you those moments where you feel like you those moments where you feel like you wish wish wish time would just stop because of what time would just stop because of what time would just stop because of what you're experiencing. The joy and the you're experiencing. The joy and the you're experiencing. The joy and the beauty of the world of life has to beauty of the world of life has to beauty of the world of life has to offer. I don't know if you've ever been offer. I don't know if you've ever been offer. I don't know if you've ever been there where like maybe it's a song. You there where like maybe it's a song. You there where like maybe it's a song. You just there's a song that just gives you just there's a song that just gives you just there's a song that just gives you chills and you're just like, man, I love chills and you're just like, man, I love chills and you're just like, man, I love this. this. this. May- maybe it's a it's a you go out for May- maybe it's a it's a you go out for May- maybe it's a it's a you go out for those of you who love to hike or maybe those of you who love to hike or maybe those of you who love to hike or maybe you go on a trips where you you're you go on a trips where you you're you go on a trips where you you're you're in nature and and you're on a you're in nature and and you're on a you're in nature and and you're on a mountain and you've stood and you've mountain and you've stood and you've mountain and you've stood and you've just felt just this presence of God just felt just this presence of God just felt just this presence of God moment. moment. moment. And maybe you're just like, gosh, I wish And maybe you're just like, gosh, I wish And maybe you're just like, gosh, I wish I wish I could be this here forever. I wish I could be this here forever. I wish I could be this here forever. Maybe it's a a beachfront and you see Maybe it's a a beachfront and you see Maybe it's a a beachfront and you see the ocean and the roar of the waves and the ocean and the roar of the waves and the ocean and the roar of the waves and and you're just looking out as the sun and you're just looking out as the sun and you're just looking out as the sun is setting and you're just going, wow, I is setting and you're just going, wow, I is setting and you're just going, wow, I wish I could just be right here forever. wish I could just be right here forever. wish I could just be right here forever. Maybe it's it's a little more practical.

Maybe it's it's a little more practical. Maybe it's it's a little more practical. Maybe it's every laugh around the table Maybe it's every laugh around the table Maybe it's every laugh around the table with your kids with your kids with your kids or your grandkids and your family and or your grandkids and your family and or your grandkids and your family and you wish like, man, I wish wish this you wish like, man, I wish wish this you wish like, man, I wish wish this moment would never end. moment would never end. moment would never end. Every beauty. Every beauty. Every beauty. Every thing that we experience, these Every thing that we experience, these Every thing that we experience, these moments. moments. moments. Here's the reality of this. Here's the reality of this. Here's the reality of this. None of those moments None of those moments None of those moments are the destination. are the destination. are the destination. They were trailers, They were trailers, They were trailers, >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> glimpses, previews of something your >> glimpses, previews of something your >> glimpses, previews of something your soul already knew was coming. That's because those moments weren't That's because those moments weren't meant to satisfy us completely, they meant to satisfy us completely, they meant to satisfy us completely, they were meant to awaken us were meant to awaken us were meant to awaken us to something else. to something else. to something else. Because the ache is not a malfunction, Because the ache is not a malfunction, Because the ache is not a malfunction, it's a compass. it's a compass. it's a compass. And it's pointing us here all along to And it's pointing us here all along to And it's pointing us here all along to the world that Jesus is making new. the world that Jesus is making new. the world that Jesus is making new. Here's the second thing I want you to Here's the second thing I want you to Here's the second thing I want you to know today know today know today about this.

about this. about this. The greatest promise of eternity The greatest promise of eternity The greatest promise of eternity is not the place, it's his presence. is not the place, it's his presence. is not the place, it's his presence. The greatest promise of eternity is not The greatest promise of eternity is not The greatest promise of eternity is not about a place. about a place. about a place. It's about a person. It's about a person. It's about a person. It's about his presence. Verse three, it says this, "Look, God's Verse three, it says this, "Look, God's dwelling place is now among the people, dwelling place is now among the people, dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them." and he will dwell with them." and he will dwell with them." John 17:3 in the Gospel of John, John, John 17:3 in the Gospel of John, John, John 17:3 in the Gospel of John, John, the same writer of Revelation, says this the same writer of Revelation, says this the same writer of Revelation, says this in 17:3. Says, "Now, this is eternal in 17:3. Says, "Now, this is eternal in 17:3. Says, "Now, this is eternal life. life. life. Mansions, streets of gold, up No, no, Mansions, streets of gold, up No, no, Mansions, streets of gold, up No, no, no, no, no. This is eternal life, that no, no, no. This is eternal life, that no, no, no. This is eternal life, that they know you, and the only true God and Jesus Christ, and the only true God and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." whom you have sent." whom you have sent." So, Revelation wants us to see, the So, Revelation wants us to see, the So, Revelation wants us to see, the Bible wants us to see that the who Bible wants us to see that the who Bible wants us to see that the who matters more than the where matters more than the where matters more than the where as it relates to eternity.

as it relates to eternity. as it relates to eternity. So, so, so, let me just lean in on this So, so, so, let me just lean in on this So, so, so, let me just lean in on this for a second. Here's what I'm trying to for a second. Here's what I'm trying to for a second. Here's what I'm trying to say. Heaven is less about a place and say. Heaven is less about a place and say. Heaven is less about a place and more about a person. more about a person. more about a person. Heaven's less about a place and more Heaven's less about a place and more Heaven's less about a place and more about a person. Think of it this way. If about a person. Think of it this way. If about a person. Think of it this way. If you spent an evening dining with the you spent an evening dining with the you spent an evening dining with the king, king, king, you're not going to just talk about the you're not going to just talk about the you're not going to just talk about the place settings, place settings, place settings, as beautiful as it might be, as beautiful as it might be, as beautiful as it might be, or the curtains. When John was shown heaven and wrote When John was shown heaven and wrote about it in Revelation, yes, he recorded about it in Revelation, yes, he recorded about it in Revelation, yes, he recorded some details, and boy, those details are some details, and boy, those details are some details, and boy, those details are awesome. awesome. awesome. But, first and foremost, from beginning But, first and foremost, from beginning But, first and foremost, from beginning to end, he kept talking about Jesus, the to end, he kept talking about Jesus, the to end, he kept talking about Jesus, the lion and the lamb with great infinite lion and the lamb with great infinite lion and the lamb with great infinite gravitas and beauty. gravitas and beauty. gravitas and beauty. Heaven without God Heaven without God Heaven without God would be like a honeymoon without a would be like a honeymoon without a would be like a honeymoon without a groom, groom, groom, or a palace without a king. or a palace without a king. or a palace without a king. Because the greatest promise of eternity Because the greatest promise of eternity Because the greatest promise of eternity is not about a place.

is not about a place. is not about a place. It's about his presence. It's about his presence. It's about his presence. John 14:3, he said, "I will come back." John 14:3, he said, "I will come back." John 14:3, he said, "I will come back." He's telling his disciples, "I will come He's telling his disciples, "I will come He's telling his disciples, "I will come back and take you to be back and take you to be back and take you to be with me." with me." with me." That you also may be where I am. That you also may be where I am. That you also may be where I am. Again in 2 Corinthians, again you can Again in 2 Corinthians, again you can Again in 2 Corinthians, again you can just write these things out. In 2 just write these things out. In 2 just write these things out. In 2 Corinthians, we read that where we would Corinthians, we read that where we would Corinthians, we read that where we would rather be away from these earthly rather be away from these earthly rather be away from these earthly bodies, bodies, bodies, for then we'll be at home in our for then we'll be at home in our for then we'll be at home in our mansion? No, no, no. mansion? No, no, no. mansion? No, no, no. We'll be at home with the Lord. The focus is not on mansions. The focus is not on mansions. The focus is not on streets of gold. The focus is not on streets of gold. The focus is not on streets of gold. Those will be there. Those will be there. Those will be there. The focus is on Jesus. The focus is on Jesus. The focus is on Jesus. See, here's the thing. We hear streets See, here's the thing. We hear streets See, here's the thing. We hear streets of gold on this side of life and it's of gold on this side of life and it's of gold on this side of life and it's valuable to us. That's why we get valuable to us. That's why we get valuable to us. That's why we get excited about the place. excited about the place. excited about the place. Gold Gold Gold will mean nothing will mean nothing will mean nothing when we're in the presence of God.

Do you see how all of a sudden it it's Do you see how all of a sudden it it's not that valuable? not that valuable? not that valuable? A streets of gold are not valuable when A streets of gold are not valuable when A streets of gold are not valuable when we're there we're there we're there in the presence of God. in the presence of God. in the presence of God. On this side it feels really valuable. On this side it feels really valuable. On this side it feels really valuable. It's less about a place. It's more about It's less about a place. It's more about It's less about a place. It's more about the person. To be with God, to know him, the person. To be with God, to know him, the person. To be with God, to know him, to see him is the central irreducible to see him is the central irreducible to see him is the central irreducible draw of heaven. If we knew nothing more than that heaven If we knew nothing more than that heaven was God's dwelling place, it would be was God's dwelling place, it would be was God's dwelling place, it would be more than enough more than enough more than enough to long to be there. to long to be there. to long to be there. And of course, we will enjoy the And of course, we will enjoy the And of course, we will enjoy the secondary gifts that God gives us secondary gifts that God gives us secondary gifts that God gives us in heaven. in heaven. in heaven. But they will be derivatives of God But they will be derivatives of God But they will be derivatives of God himself. Psalm 63:1 says, "Oh God, you are my Psalm 63:1 says, "Oh God, you are my God. I earnestly seek you. My soul God. I earnestly seek you. My soul God. I earnestly seek you. My soul thirsts for you. My flesh faints for you thirsts for you. My flesh faints for you thirsts for you. My flesh faints for you in a dry and weary land where there is in a dry and weary land where there is in a dry and weary land where there is no water."

no water." no water." The longing is for God. The longing is for God. The longing is for God. God's presence brings fulfillment and God's presence brings fulfillment and God's presence brings fulfillment and satisfaction deep within our soul. His satisfaction deep within our soul. His satisfaction deep within our soul. His absence brings thirst and longing. absence brings thirst and longing. absence brings thirst and longing. So, our longing for heaven is actually a So, our longing for heaven is actually a So, our longing for heaven is actually a longing to be with God. longing to be with God. longing to be with God. That's where all of this comes full That's where all of this comes full That's where all of this comes full circle. circle. circle. The longing and the ache that every The longing and the ache that every The longing and the ache that every human soul has is to be with God. human soul has is to be with God. human soul has is to be with God. This is the redemptive story of humanity This is the redemptive story of humanity This is the redemptive story of humanity from Genesis to Revelation, the rescue from Genesis to Revelation, the rescue from Genesis to Revelation, the rescue mission to redeem people back to mission to redeem people back to mission to redeem people back to himself. But, there are some things that will But, there are some things that will happen in heaven, and there are some happen in heaven, and there are some happen in heaven, and there are some specifics, and there's a lot of talk specifics, and there's a lot of talk specifics, and there's a lot of talk about pearly gates. about pearly gates. about pearly gates. I love that, pearly gates, cuz the Bible I love that, pearly gates, cuz the Bible I love that, pearly gates, cuz the Bible describes it, and it's beautiful. You describes it, and it's beautiful. You describes it, and it's beautiful. You can You can only imagine what a pearl can You can only imagine what a pearl can You can only imagine what a pearl gate would look like. And again, it gate would look like. And again, it gate would look like. And again, it doesn't say that Peter's going to meet doesn't say that Peter's going to meet doesn't say that Peter's going to meet us there. So, that's just a joke, okay?

us there. So, that's just a joke, okay? us there. So, that's just a joke, okay? So, if you're new to church or new to So, if you're new to church or new to So, if you're new to church or new to the Bible, that's just a joke. And Peter the Bible, that's just a joke. And Peter the Bible, that's just a joke. And Peter Saint Peter's going to meet us there. Saint Peter's going to meet us there. Saint Peter's going to meet us there. Probably not. You know, I'm just Probably not. You know, I'm just Probably not. You know, I'm just guessing. I don't think he's going to guessing. I don't think he's going to guessing. I don't think he's going to meet us there. meet us there. meet us there. The Bible doesn't say that, but that's The Bible doesn't say that, but that's The Bible doesn't say that, but that's fun to think about, okay? But, the fun to think about, okay? But, the fun to think about, okay? But, the pearly gates are described in the Bible, pearly gates are described in the Bible, pearly gates are described in the Bible, and so let me just reread it verse 21 of and so let me just reread it verse 21 of and so let me just reread it verse 21 of chapter 21. It says, "The 12 gates were chapter 21. It says, "The 12 gates were chapter 21. It says, "The 12 gates were 12 pearls, each gate made of a single 12 pearls, each gate made of a single 12 pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. pearl. pearl. The great street of the city was of gold The great street of the city was of gold The great street of the city was of gold as pure as pure as pure as transparent glass." as transparent glass." as transparent glass." Now, a pearl is is of the most unusual Now, a pearl is is of the most unusual Now, a pearl is is of the most unusual and beautiful things in nature. and beautiful things in nature. and beautiful things in nature. It doesn't begin It doesn't begin It doesn't begin as something beautiful. as something beautiful. as something beautiful. It begins, and I had to look this up. It begins, and I had to look this up. It begins, and I had to look this up. It begins as a wound or an irritant, a It begins as a wound or an irritant, a It begins as a wound or an irritant, a grain of sand, a tiny imperfection gets grain of sand, a tiny imperfection gets grain of sand, a tiny imperfection gets inside the shell of an oyster, and in inside the shell of an oyster, and in inside the shell of an oyster, and in response the oyster begins to secrete a response the oyster begins to secrete a response the oyster begins to secrete a substance called nacre. Layer by layer substance called nacre. Layer by layer substance called nacre. Layer by layer the oyster wraps that wound, that the oyster wraps that wound, that the oyster wraps that wound, that imperfection over and over and over imperfection over and over and over imperfection over and over and over again until the irritant that was never again until the irritant that was never again until the irritant that was never supposed to be there supposed to be there supposed to be there has been transformed into something has been transformed into something has been transformed into something extraordinarily beautiful.

extraordinarily beautiful. extraordinarily beautiful. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> And so a pearl is what happens, and >> And so a pearl is what happens, and >> And so a pearl is what happens, and listen to this very carefully, listen to this very carefully, listen to this very carefully, when an imperfection is wrapped when an imperfection is wrapped when an imperfection is wrapped completely by something far greater than completely by something far greater than completely by something far greater than itself. itself. itself. Now, think about this. Now, think about this. Now, think about this. Every time you walk through the gates in Every time you walk through the gates in Every time you walk through the gates in the New Jerusalem, the New Jerusalem, the New Jerusalem, in that city, in that city, in that city, you are walking through a pearl. you are walking through a pearl. you are walking through a pearl. 12 gates, 12 pearls, 12 gates, 12 pearls, 12 gates, 12 pearls, 12 constant reminders. 12 constant reminders. 12 constant reminders. And I wonder if this was intentional. And I wonder if this was intentional. And I wonder if this was intentional. This is This is Miguel 3:16 here, okay? I wonder if every entrance into that I wonder if every entrance into that city is meant to remind us city is meant to remind us city is meant to remind us we were here not because we were we were here not because we were we were here not because we were perfect. perfect. perfect. We are here because our imperfection, We are here because our imperfection, We are here because our imperfection, every wound, every failure, everything every wound, every failure, everything every wound, every failure, everything we were ashamed of was wrapped layer by we were ashamed of was wrapped layer by we were ashamed of was wrapped layer by layer by the work of Jesus on the cross, layer by the work of Jesus on the cross, layer by the work of Jesus on the cross, covered completely, transformed into covered completely, transformed into covered completely, transformed into something beautiful. Meaning the gates something beautiful. Meaning the gates something beautiful. Meaning the gates remind us of the cross.

remind us of the cross. remind us of the cross. Every one of them reminds us of what Every one of them reminds us of what Every one of them reminds us of what Jesus made of our mess. I'm just I'm just >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> I just I'm curious if that's what that >> I just I'm curious if that's what that >> I just I'm curious if that's what that meant. If there's intentionality. meant. If there's intentionality. meant. If there's intentionality. The gates The gates The gates remind us of the cross. remind us of the cross. remind us of the cross. Every one of them reminds us of what Every one of them reminds us of what Every one of them reminds us of what Jesus Jesus Jesus made of our mess. So, here's the last point I want to So, here's the last point I want to mention. mention. mention. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> Eternity >> Eternity >> Eternity is not something we escape to, it is is not something we escape to, it is is not something we escape to, it is something we live from. something we live from. something we live from. Eternity Eternity Eternity is not something we escape to. is not something we escape to. is not something we escape to. It's something we live from. Where you're going Where you're going changes how you travel.

Where you're going Where you're going changes how you travel. When we're thinking about this When we're thinking about this eternity eternity eternity we're not thinking about it just as some we're not thinking about it just as some we're not thinking about it just as some destination we're trying to get to and destination we're trying to get to and destination we're trying to get to and escape from this world. escape from this world. escape from this world. But it's actually something that we can But it's actually something that we can But it's actually something that we can live from. live from. live from. Understanding Understanding Understanding where we are and where we're going. where we are and where we're going. where we are and where we're going. So, Revelation is asking us, the Bible So, Revelation is asking us, the Bible So, Revelation is asking us, the Bible saying, if you could actually If you saying, if you could actually If you saying, if you could actually If you actually believe in Jesus, believe that actually believe in Jesus, believe that actually believe in Jesus, believe that Jesus is making everything new, then Jesus is making everything new, then Jesus is making everything new, then what does your life look like today what does your life look like today what does your life look like today because of that? because of that? because of that? Again, where you're going Again, where you're going Again, where you're going should change how you're traveling. should change how you're traveling. should change how you're traveling. Should change how you're packing. Should Should change how you're packing. Should Should change how you're packing. Should change how you're waking up every day. I think obviously part of the mission I think obviously part of the mission for Christians all over the world, for Christians all over the world, for Christians all over the world, certainly for Willow, is that we want to certainly for Willow, is that we want to certainly for Willow, is that we want to see people in a right relationship with see people in a right relationship with see people in a right relationship with Jesus to put your faith in and trust in Jesus to put your faith in and trust in Jesus to put your faith in and trust in Jesus, the savior of the world. Yes.

Jesus, the savior of the world. Yes. Jesus, the savior of the world. Yes. But there's a second part that I think But there's a second part that I think But there's a second part that I think I don't think we talk enough about just I don't think we talk enough about just I don't think we talk enough about just in church at large. That we are called to bring as much of That we are called to bring as much of the beauty of that city the beauty of that city the beauty of that city to Earth to Earth to Earth as possible. as possible. as possible. As much as we possibly can. On Earth On Earth as it is in heaven. as it is in heaven. as it is in heaven. To bring that experience here on Earth, To bring that experience here on Earth, To bring that experience here on Earth, to be the previews of Jesus wherever we to be the previews of Jesus wherever we to be the previews of Jesus wherever we go. When we represent Jesus, we are go. When we represent Jesus, we are go. When we represent Jesus, we are representing representing representing Jesus to people. To just be these glimpses of of a life To just be these glimpses of of a life and of a world of eternity and of a world of eternity and of a world of eternity that we all long for. that we all long for. that we all long for. I think the church is at its best when I think the church is at its best when I think the church is at its best when we welcome we welcome we welcome people the way that those pearly gates people the way that those pearly gates people the way that those pearly gates welcome us as a reminder that God has welcome us as a reminder that God has welcome us as a reminder that God has made all things new. He's restored us made all things new. He's restored us made all things new. He's restored us because of his grace, love, and mercy because of his grace, love, and mercy because of his grace, love, and mercy for us.

And so we want to bring as much of And so we want to bring as much of heaven to Earth today. heaven to Earth today. heaven to Earth today. And so I want to think of this And so I want to think of this And so I want to think of this practically and I want to just remind us practically and I want to just remind us practically and I want to just remind us all cuz I don't want this to just be all cuz I don't want this to just be all cuz I don't want this to just be this ethereal idea that we walk away this ethereal idea that we walk away this ethereal idea that we walk away with going, "Mhm, that seems nice, with going, "Mhm, that seems nice, with going, "Mhm, that seems nice, Miguel." Miguel." Miguel." I want us to actually think about it I want us to actually think about it I want us to actually think about it practically. practically. practically. So the way I'm just going to say it So the way I'm just going to say it So the way I'm just going to say it is I want us to practice eternity. is I want us to practice eternity. is I want us to practice eternity. Practice eternity. Practice eternity. Practice eternity. What does that mean? When you sit with a friend who is When you sit with a friend who is falling apart, falling apart, falling apart, you are practicing eternity. you are practicing eternity. you are practicing eternity. When you show up your family, When you show up your family, When you show up your family, you are practicing eternity. you are practicing eternity. you are practicing eternity. When you show up on Tuesday night with When you show up on Tuesday night with When you show up on Tuesday night with with food and with food and with food and you're not trying to fix everything, you you're not trying to fix everything, you you're not trying to fix everything, you just want to serve, you just want to just want to serve, you just want to just want to serve, you just want to bless, you don't need the attention, bless, you don't need the attention, bless, you don't need the attention, you're practicing eternity. When you When you decide to serve, decide to serve, decide to serve, you're practicing eternity. you're practicing eternity. you're practicing eternity. That's why we do these things like these That's why we do these things like these That's why we do these things like these teams invitational. Listen, people tend teams invitational. Listen, people tend teams invitational. Listen, people tend to ask churches sometimes, "Hey, well, to ask churches sometimes, "Hey, well, to ask churches sometimes, "Hey, well, where do you need help? What do you need where do you need help? What do you need where do you need help? What do you need help? What do you need help?" It's less help? What do you need help?" It's less help? What do you need help?" It's less about the need and it's more about an about the need and it's more about an about the need and it's more about an opportunity for you to practice eternity opportunity for you to practice eternity opportunity for you to practice eternity in front of others.

in front of others. in front of others. Every time we give sacrificially, Every time we give sacrificially, Every time we give sacrificially, we're practicing eternity. we're practicing eternity. we're practicing eternity. Every time we just speak with people Every time we just speak with people Every time we just speak with people and show kindness and love, and show kindness and love, and show kindness and love, we're going to practice eternity. I think that's the part where the church I think that's the part where the church kind of misses it sometimes. kind of misses it sometimes. kind of misses it sometimes. We get selfish, we get bitter, We get selfish, we get bitter, We get selfish, we get bitter, we have our own opinions and ideas. we have our own opinions and ideas. we have our own opinions and ideas. It's hard not to think about yourself It's hard not to think about yourself It's hard not to think about yourself all the time. all the time. all the time. You know what I mean? You know what I mean? You know what I mean? But when we are selfless, But when we are selfless, But when we are selfless, when we think of others better than when we think of others better than when we think of others better than ourselves, we're practicing ourselves, we're practicing ourselves, we're practicing eternity and people get a glimpse, eternity and people get a glimpse, eternity and people get a glimpse, a preview, a trailer. What is that? a preview, a trailer. What is that? a preview, a trailer. What is that? Why are you that way? Why are you that way? Why are you that way? And you can see it. And you can see it. And you can see it. Man, when you step out there in in those Man, when you step out there in in those Man, when you step out there in in those circles and those groups of people and circles and those groups of people and circles and those groups of people and you're the different one, you're the different one, you're the different one, man, people go, "Well, what what is man, people go, "Well, what what is man, people go, "Well, what what is that?

that? that? Why are you so encouraging Why are you so encouraging Why are you so encouraging when everything is falling apart?" when everything is falling apart?" when everything is falling apart?" Every time we stand firm, Every time we stand firm, Every time we stand firm, when the world around us is shaking, when the world around us is shaking, when the world around us is shaking, man, we're practicing eternity. man, we're practicing eternity. man, we're practicing eternity. When you live out that peace that passes When you live out that peace that passes When you live out that peace that passes understanding, understanding, understanding, man, we're practicing eternity. This isn't about a This isn't about a escape from this world. escape from this world. escape from this world. This is also about living eternity in This is also about living eternity in This is also about living eternity in the here and now. the here and now. the here and now. Heaven came down Heaven came down Heaven came down in and through the person of Jesus. But then there's this invitation But then there's this invitation that it gives us. that it gives us. that it gives us. In verse 17, it says, "The spirit In verse 17, it says, "The spirit In verse 17, it says, "The spirit and the bride say, 'Come.'" and the bride say, 'Come.'" and the 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." Let the one who is thirsty come.

Let the one who is thirsty come. Let the one who is thirsty come. Let the one who wishes Let the one who wishes Let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost. take the water of life without cost. take the water of life without cost. Jesus Jesus Jesus in the Bible's inviting us to come. in the Bible's inviting us to come. in the Bible's inviting us to come. Maybe you need to come for the very Maybe you need to come for the very Maybe you need to come for the very first time and you're here and you're first time and you're here and you're first time and you're here and you're going, "Man, I've got a longing in my going, "Man, I've got a longing in my going, "Man, I've got a longing in my soul." And you've been chasing after it. And you've been chasing after it. And man, some of us do a really And man, some of us do a really And man, some of us do a really incredible job chasing after everything. incredible job chasing after everything. incredible job chasing after everything. That promotion and and some of you, man, That promotion and and some of you, man, That promotion and and some of you, man, I've met with some of you. You are so I've met with some of you. You are so I've met with some of you. You are so successful at what you do. You are successful at what you do. You are successful at what you do. You are talented, you are gifted, you are on talented, you are gifted, you are on talented, you are gifted, you are on huge platforms, and you're making money, huge platforms, and you're making money, huge platforms, and you're making money, and you're leading people, and man, all and you're leading people, and man, all and you're leading people, and man, all of those things I I I wish you the best. of those things I I I wish you the best. of those things I I I wish you the best. But my hope for you But my hope for you But my hope for you >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> is that you would not rely on that to >> is that you would not rely on that to >> is that you would not rely on that to satisfy your soul. In the end, In the end, all that matters is God and people.

all that matters is God and people. all that matters is God and people. I've said this before. I've said this before. I've said this before. I've gotten to walk with people and be I've gotten to walk with people and be I've gotten to walk with people and be at the bedside of people for over 20 at the bedside of people for over 20 at the bedside of people for over 20 years of ministry. years of ministry. years of ministry. And it's an honor and a privilege. And it's an honor and a privilege. And it's an honor and a privilege. And not once have I heard people say, And not once have I heard people say, And not once have I heard people say, "I wish I would have spent more time in "I wish I would have spent more time in "I wish I would have spent more time in the office. Man, I wish I would have applied for Man, I wish I would have applied for that one job. that one job. that one job. Wish I would have made more money. Wish I would have made more money. Wish I would have made more money. Hey, can I see my bank account one more Hey, can I see my bank account one more Hey, can I see my bank account one more time? I just really want to see what I time? I just really want to see what I time? I just really want to see what I was able to accomplish." was able to accomplish." was able to accomplish." Nobody says that. No one says that. No Nobody says that. No one says that. No Nobody says that. No one says that. No one even thinks of that. one even thinks of that. one even thinks of that. Do you want to know what people think Do you want to know what people think Do you want to know what people think about about about in the last moments of their life? in the last moments of their life? in the last moments of their life? It's God and people. It's God and people. It's God and people. That's it. That's it. That's it. Practice eternity Practice eternity Practice eternity is to live out the Christ life is to live out the Christ life is to live out the Christ life in a way that people can see eternity, in a way that people can see eternity, in a way that people can see eternity, [music] [music] [music] Jesus.

Jesus. Jesus. That people can see the longing in our That people can see the longing in our That people can see the longing in our soul soul soul that can only be satisfied and fulfilled that can only be satisfied and fulfilled that can only be satisfied and fulfilled in the person of Jesus. in the person of Jesus. in the person of Jesus. So, let's do this. So, let's do this. So, let's do this. If you can bow your heads and just close If you can bow your heads and just close If you can bow your heads and just close your eyes with me. Maybe you're here today and you're just Maybe you're here today and you're just longing for something. longing for something. longing for something. You're looking at your life, you're You're looking at your life, you're You're looking at your life, you're taking inventory, and you're trying to taking inventory, and you're trying to taking inventory, and you're trying to answer that question, what do you long answer that question, what do you long answer that question, what do you long for? And maybe today And maybe today your soul is a little bit your soul is a little bit your soul is a little bit restless. restless. restless. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> And perhaps today you realized >> And perhaps today you realized >> And perhaps today you realized that you need Jesus that you need Jesus that you need Jesus to put your faith and trust in Jesus. to put your faith and trust in Jesus. to put your faith and trust in Jesus. That he is the one who can satisfy, to That he is the one who can satisfy, to That he is the one who can satisfy, to quench the thirst of our of our weary quench the thirst of our of our weary quench the thirst of our of our weary and thirsty souls. and thirsty souls. and thirsty souls. And maybe you today you just want to in And maybe you today you just want to in And maybe you today you just want to in your own heart just maybe pray a prayer your own heart just maybe pray a prayer your own heart just maybe pray a prayer like this.

like this. like this. Dear Jesus, Dear Jesus, Dear Jesus, I believe that you died on the cross I believe that you died on the cross I believe that you died on the cross and rose from the dead. I believe Lord that you are the savior I believe Lord that you are the savior of the world of the world of the world and that my sin has separated me from and that my sin has separated me from and that my sin has separated me from you you you and my heart longs for you. and my heart longs for you. and my heart longs for you. Today, Today, Today, I give you my life. I surrender to you I give you my life. I surrender to you I give you my life. I surrender to you today. Thank you for paying the price today. Thank you for paying the price today. Thank you for paying the price for my sin. for my sin. for my sin. Thank you for pursuing me. Thank you for pursuing me. Thank you for pursuing me. And thank you Lord for making all things And thank you Lord for making all things And thank you Lord for making all things new. new. new. We love you. We love you. We love you. And in Jesus' name, And in Jesus' name, And in Jesus' name, amen. amen. amen. If you said that prayer today, maybe for If you said that prayer today, maybe for If you said that prayer today, maybe for the very first time, I just want to the very first time, I just want to the very first time, I just want to welcome you to the family of God and welcome you to the family of God and welcome you to the family of God and that you today can begin practicing that you today can begin practicing that you today can begin practicing living eternity every single day. living eternity every single day. living eternity every single day. But we want to help you take a next step But we want to help you take a next step But we want to help you take a next step and so in the center of our lobby and so in the center of our lobby and so in the center of our lobby there's this table, this area that we there's this table, this area that we there's this table, this area that we just call the next steps area. Our team just call the next steps area. Our team just call the next steps area. Our team there would love to meet you. We have a there would love to meet you. We have a there would love to meet you. We have a Bible and we have a new believers guide Bible and we have a new believers guide Bible and we have a new believers guide just helps you kind of get started of a just helps you kind of get started of a just helps you kind of get started of a next step that you can take today.

next step that you can take today. next step that you can take today. But I just want to say congratulations But I just want to say congratulations But I just want to say congratulations surrendering your life to Jesus. surrendering your life to Jesus. surrendering your life to Jesus. Here's the other thing I want to mention Here's the other thing I want to mention Here's the other thing I want to mention for everyone else here today. for everyone else here today. for everyone else here today. Maybe you've put your faith and trust in Maybe you've put your faith and trust in Maybe you've put your faith and trust in Jesus, but maybe you haven't been Jesus, but maybe you haven't been Jesus, but maybe you haven't been practicing practicing practicing eternity, eternity, eternity, living out that Christ life. living out that Christ life. living out that Christ life. I just want to encourage you today. I just want to encourage you today. I just want to encourage you today. We don't have to wait We don't have to wait We don't have to wait until the hereafter, until the hereafter, until the hereafter, one day one day one day when we get to be with God when we get to be with God when we get to be with God to experience heaven. We can experience to experience heaven. We can experience to experience heaven. We can experience heaven in the here and now. Why? Because heaven in the here and now. Why? Because heaven in the here and now. Why? Because heaven is Jesus, heaven is Jesus, heaven is Jesus, the presence of God. the presence of God. the presence of God. And if you have put your faith and trust And if you have put your faith and trust And if you have put your faith and trust in Jesus, we can be with God today. in Jesus, we can be with God today. in Jesus, we can be with God today. Today we can experience his presence and Today we can experience his presence and Today we can experience his presence and we can walk this life we can walk this life we can walk this life sharing Jesus sharing Jesus sharing Jesus and practicing eternity and practicing eternity and practicing eternity that all may see that one day that all may see that one day that all may see that one day he will make all things new again.

he will make all things new again. he will make all things new again. Let's do this. Let's all stand Let's do this. Let's all stand Let's do this. Let's all stand and let's finish today worshiping God and let's finish today worshiping God and let's finish today worshiping God and singing together. Let's do it. and singing together. Let's do it. and singing together. Let's do it. >> [music]