Sunday, 5/18/2025

Heaven On My Mind

Colossians 3:1 “Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits at God’s hand in the place of honor and power.”  

It's where God lives and rules.

It is a real place. 

John 14:2 “”In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places; but if not, I would have told you, because I am going away to prepare a place for you.” 

Matthew 6:19-20 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20  but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.”  

Heaven was created for us who have repented of our sins and have trusted in Christ alone for our salvation.

Matthew 25:34 “Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.”

Ephesians 1:3–6 “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. 4 Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. 5 God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. 6 So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son.”

1 Timothy 3:15 “if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.” 

1 Peter 1:3–4 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,” 

Hebrews 13:14 “For there is no permanent city for us here on earth; we are looking for the city which is to come.”

Psalm 53:2 “God looks down from heaven at people on earth to see if there are any who are wise, and who worship Him.”  

Job 11:7-9 “Can you understand the mystery surrounding God almighty?  They are higher than the heavens and deeper than the grave.  So what can you do when you know so little?  And these mysteries outreach the earth and the ocean.”  

1 Corinthians 2:9–10 “But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”— 10 these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.”

The first thing that’s not going to be in heaven is sickness.

No sadness or grief.

No suffering.  

No sin.

No death.

Revelation 21:4 “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”  

The first thing you’re going to find in heaven is reunion with every other believer.  

Ephesians 1:10 (TLB) “and this was his purpose: that when the time is ripe he will gather us all together from wherever we are—in heaven or on earth—to be with him in Christ forever.”

Hebrews 12:22–23 “But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, 23 and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,” 

Psalm 116:6 “The LORD preserves the simple;…”

2 Samuel 12:23 “Now that the baby is dead I can’t bring him back to life but someday I will go to be with him.”  

We’re going to have rewards.

Matthew 5:11-12 “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. 12  Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.”

Matthew 10:42“If you even give a cup of cold water to one of the least of My followers you will surely be rewarded.”  

Luke 6:35“Love your enemies.  Do good to them.  Lend to them and don’t be concerned that they might not repay.  Then your reward in heaven will be very great.”

There’s going to be responsibilities in heaven.

Luke 16:11 “if you are untrustworthy with worldly wealth [in other words, the money, the possessions God gives you here on earth] who will trust you with the true riches of heaven?’  

The fourth thing in heaven is Rest.

Revelation 14:13 “Then I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write: The dead who die in the Lord from now on are blessed.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “let them rest from their labors, for their works follow them!”

Rejoicing. 

Matthew 25:21 (NLT2) “The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’

I admit I need a savior. 

I believe.  

I confess.  

I depend on God and His promises.  

Focus my energy on what will last.