What Will We Do in Heaven?

Day One (Week Six): What Will We Know and Learn?

Ephesians 2:6-7 says: "And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus."

Alcorn tells us in in his Bible study Heaven that the word "show" means "to reveal." What does Christ revealing the riches of his grace "in the coming ages" mean? (Page 124)

A good friend of mine recently broke her ankle−the day before the birth of a new grandbaby. One of the questions that I would like to ask God when I get to Heaven is, "Why did You allow this to happen when it happened?"

God has the master view of everything and we do not. He understands how events all work together for His glory. It's exciting to think that we will continue to learn even when we are in Heaven.

What questions do you want to ask God when you are in Heaven? For what events in your life do you want to hear the "rest of the story"?

Day Two (Week Six): Will Work Be Engaging? Will We Express Creativity?

Alcorn quotes James Campbell on page 128: "The work on the other side, whatever be its character, will be adapted to one's special aptitude and powers. It will be the work he can do best; the work that will give the fullest play to all that is within him."

To me it's amazing to think that God created each of us in a unique, one-of-a-kind way and that we will best use our particular talents and personalities in Heaven. Psalm 139:14 says, "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made."

Work in Heaven will not be frustrating or fruitless. What type of work do you find most satisfying? How might that work be enhanced on the New Earth? (page 129)

I love to write stories about how God changes lives ... how He transforms what looks like a ruined life into a trophy of His mercy and grace. I wonder if people will write stories in Heaven? If so, I hope that I am one of those people. What about you? What is your "dream job" for eternity?

What does Isaiah 65:21 tell us we'll do in the New Earth? (page 130)

As Alcorn says on page 131, there's something in human beings that loves to create and experiment. Until I studied Heaven, I had never thought about us designing machinery in the new Heaven.

"On the New Earth," Alcorn says (page 131) people might invent machinery that could take us to the far ends of the New Milky Way to other galaxies and beyond." That's an amazing thought!

Day Three (Week Six): Will There Be Arts, Entertainment, and Sports?

And I heard a sound from heaven like the roar of rushing waters and like a loud peal of thunder. The sound I heard was like that of harpists playing their harps. And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. (Rev. 14:2-3)

What do the above verses say about music in Heaven? (page 133)

Now read the following passage:

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." (Rev. 21:1-4)

As you go through today, do these verses encourages you? Why?

Luke 6:21 says, "Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.”

Have you ever really thought about laughing in heaven? I hadn't until I went through this Bible study.

Alcorn talks about the possibility of sports in Heaven on pages 135-136. If there are sports in Heaven what sports would you like to play?

Alcorn reminds us that we seem wired by God to take place in exhilarating experiences. Now, since there no fear of death in heaven, I think I'd like to do some parachuting. :)

Day Four (Week Six): Will Dreams Be Fulfilled and Missed Opportunities Regained?

Jot down three dreams that you look forward to fulfilling in Heaven and write why one of them is the most important to you. (page 139)

"On the New Earth, in perfect bodies," Alcorn says, "we'll run through meadows and swim in lakes. ... The reversing of the curse in the final resurrection means we'll regain opportunities and inherit many more besides." (page 140)

I think that so often we get trapped "in the middle of the book." We may look at a difficult situation in life (such as today's economy) and think, "Poor me, is there any hope?" At times like this, it's good to keep our eyes on eternity, being confident that better days are on the way.

What difference has the information that you've read about Heaven in this study made to you? What difference will it really make to live sacrificial lives on earth now? (page 142)

Day Five (Week Six): Are You Living in Light of Heaven?

Alcorn reminds us (page 144) that if we "think regularly of the heavenly and the eternal, we aren't easy prey for Satan's lies and distractions."

We're living in some difficult times today, and this study has come at a perfect time for me. I've been reminded that a wonderful future awaits us−actually one far better than we could possibly imagine.

It's so encouraging to think about the wonderful eternal home that God is preparing for us right now! 1 Corinthians 2:9 says, "However, as it is written: 'No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.'"

And 1 Peter 3:12-14 says, "'For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.' Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. ' Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.'"

How does looking forward to Heaven help us to be eager to do good and even to suffer for what is right? How does it make the challenges of this Earth look small?

What about your life here on Earth makes you look with great anticipation to Heaven? (pages 144-145)

Revelation 21:3-5 says:

"And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.'

"He who was seated on the throne said, 'I am making everything new!' Then he said, 'Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.'"
According to this passage, what does God do with all things? (page 146)


I hope that you have enjoyed this study. I sure have.

The days are short, and Jesus is coming again. One day, as believers, we will dwell together forever and ever in a perfect place called Heaven! We have so much to look forward to!

Have a great week! Heaven is getting closer every day.

He is able,
Mary
Mary May Larmoyeux
www.marymaywrites.com
http://wanttostudythebible.blogspot.com
http://grandconnection.blogspot.com

What Will Our Lives Be Like in Heaven?

Day One (Week Five): Should We Expect to Maintain Our Own Identities?

Today's study begins with the question: Should we expect to maintain our own identities? Well ... what do you think? Even more important, what does God's Word say?

Moses and Elijah appeared at Christ's transfiguration. Also, Luke 24:39 says: "Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have." Jesus remained who He was before the resurrection.

Alcorn makes a really interesting point. He says (page 100), "If we aren't ourselves in the afterlife, then we can't be held accountable for what we did in this life."

Here's another question: Do you think that you will be called by your current name in Heaven (pages 102-103)?

In Heaven, we will be perfectly human. We will live according to God's original design for Adam and Eve.

I love what Alcorn says on page 104: "Our greatest deliverance in Heaven will be from ourselves. Our deceit, corruption, self-righteousness, self-sufficiency, hypocrisy--all will be forever gone. In liberating us from sin and all its consequences the resurrection will free us to live with God, gaze on Him, and enjoy His uninterrupted fellowship forever ... "

Day Two (Week Five): What Will Our Bodies Be Like?

On the New Earth, we will have senses. We know this because we'll have resurrected bodies like Christ's and He saw, heard, felt, ... Of course, our senses will no longer be tainted by the curse of sin. Just imagine how wonderful the New Heaven will be like. What will the sound of birds singing be like or the smell of honeysuckle or roses? What will the colors of a butterfly look like?

What does Revelation 7:16 suggest about thirst on the New Earth (page 106)?

What does the following passage say about gender in Heaven?

Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law. You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise (Galatians 3:25-29).

Day Three (Week Five): What Will a Typical Day Be Like?

What do you love to do now under the category of active rest (page 109)?

Do you think that you'll sleep on the New Earth (page 110)? Although Alcorn is speculating, he says that Adam and Eve probably slept when they were created perfectly. He adds that sleep is one of life's pleasures and a gift from God. Alcorn believes that we will need and enjoy sleep. Sounds good to me!

Will you work in Heaven (pages 110-111)?

"My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. (John 4:34)

Jesus said to them, "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working." (John 5:17)

Adam and Eve had work to do, and work is part of human life on Earth. And John 4:34 and John 5:17 suggest that yes, we will work on the New Earth.

What will a typical day like be on the New Earth (Pages 109-111)?

Day Four (Week Five): What Will Our Relationships Be Like?

We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. ... After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. (1 Thessalonians 4:14, 17)

We'll not only be with the Lord forever, but also with those we love. And, we will recognize those loved ones (Page 114)

Do you think that there will be marriage, families, and friendships in Heaven (Pages 114-116)?

Matthew 22:30 says, "At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven."

Although the Bible teaches that there will be a marriage between Christ, and His bride, the Church, the one-flesh marital union that we know on earth will become unnecessary (page 115).

Day Five (Week Five): What Will We Experience Together?

What is the significance of the way people in Heaven respond to God's judgments (see Rev. 18:20, page 118).

What will it mean to share discoveries together in Heaven (pages 119-120)?

My husband and I will both have high school reunions this year. Although it's been decades since we've seen some of the people we graduated with, there's still a special bond with our high school friends because we shared so much together.

"Wouldn't it be great to travel to Heaven together with loved ones and good friends, simultaneously? As Alcorn asked: Wouldn't it be great to be like Lewis and Clark, discovering together the wonders of the new world?"

Yes!

Read aloud Luke 6:21-23: "Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man.'Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets.'"

What do these verses mean to you for today?

Have a great week!

He is able,
Mary
Mary May Larmoyeux
www.marymaywrites.com
http://wanttostudythebible.blogspot.com
http://grandconnection.blogspot.com

Subscribe by email to Want to Study the Bible?


Photo Credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Used with Permission.

Celebrating the Joy and Industry of the New Earth

Week Four

This past weekend I read an article about the emergency landing (January 2009) of Flight 1549 on the Hudson River. Some have described it as “Miracle on the Hudson.” A passenger was quoted in the article as saying that she “feared for her soul” as the pilot said to prepare for a crash.

I wonder what thoughts would go through my mind if I believed I only had just seconds to live. Although I know I would miss my loved ones, I think I’d be excited to meet my Maker—to see Almighty God—to finally be Home.

Day One (Week Four): What Will It Mean to See God?

Day One of this week’s study reminds us that being with God is the heart and soul of Heaven. As followers of Jesus Christ, we have no need to ever fear for our souls.

On page 76 we are asked to imagine what it would be like to see Jesus face-to-face. How do you expect to react?

The first words that come to my mind are “fall down … unworthy … paid in full.” When I see Jesus’ nail-pierced hands I think the reality of His life on earth and His cruel death on the cross for my sins will be stamped on my soul with indescribable gratitude.

Alcorn says on page 79, “We will spend eternity worshiping, exploring, and serving Him [God], seeing His magnificent beauty in everything and everyone around us.” Alcorn adds that every day that we are on earth, we can see God in His creation and thank Him for life’s large and small joys—allowing them to draw us to Him.

That’s a great way for us to begin this week—worshiping and thanking God.

Day Two (Week Four): What Will It Mean for God to Dwell Among Us?

What does “the joy of a God-centered Heaven” mean to you(page 80)? Alcorn reminds us that God’s won’t send His delegate to Heaven—He’ll actually come to live with us on the New Earth!

As we go through our day, we can have a taste of breathing God’s glory as we look up to a brilliant blue sky, watch crashing waves, or hold a newborn babe. But as Alcorn says, when we are in Heaven, “God’s glory will be the air we breathe.”

Jesus says in John 17:24, “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.” Jesus wants to be with His followers. He loves you and me. Oh, how we will rejoice when we enter Heaven and Jesus welcomes us Home.

“Christ’s desire for us to see His glory should touch us deeply," Alcorn says (page 82). He continues: "What an unexpected complement that the Creator of the universe has gone to such great lengths, at such sacrifice, to prepare a place for us where we can behold and participate in His glory.”

What do you imagine when you think of being with God (pages 83-84)?

Day Three (Week Four): How Will We Worship God?

Alcorn looks at worship on Day Three and says that it’s much more than singing and prayer. “I often worship God while reading a book, riding a bike, or taking a walk,” he says.

You and I can be worshiping God as we do this Bible study, parent our children, converse with our spouse, go to work, enjoy our grandkids … When we are in Heaven, God will be the first thought we have in all we do.

We will be able to enter Heaven one day because Jesus Christ rescued us from the wages of sin. Colossians 1:13 says, “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves.” The righteousness of Christ covers our sins.

“The chosen princess, the church,” Alcorn says (page 87) can enter the presence of the Lord only because of the Bridegroom’s work. Yet her wedding dress is woven through her many acts of faithfulness while away from her Bridegroom on the fallen earth.”

Revelation 19:8 says, “Fine linen represents the righteous acts of the saints.” Why do you suppose the fine linen is made up of the acts of believers and what are these acts (page 87)?

Day Four (Week Four): Will We Actually Rule with Christ?

As we begin today, we really don’t know what happiness and sorrows await us. … And most days on this earth have varying levels of difficulties. Despite this, we can always be filled with joy as we anticipate being with the Lord forever.

Today, I want to think on the fact that Jesus will one day bring peace to all of the nations. He will be “King of kings and Lord of lords” (Rev. 19:11-16) … the “king over the whole earth” (Zech. 14:9).

A day is coming that has no sorrow!

Adam and Eve failed to rule over earth for the glory of God, but Jesus has not failed. He overcame death and will one day claim His church and rule over earth. What experience have you had lately that Christ either has used or could use you to prepare to rule with Him (page 90)?

What will ruling on the New Earth look like (pages 90-92)?

How will ruling in Heaven differ from ruling today on earth (page 91)? We are engaged in spiritual warfare today—warfare that will not be present on the New Earth.

What dreams might God be preparing you to live out on the New Earth (page 93)?

Although we can only imagine what the New Earth will be like, I wonder if there will be writers on the New Earth. If there will be, then I sure hope that God might be training me today to be one of those writers. I’d love to interview the saints and share how God transformed their lives and used what mankind could not understand for ultimate good … and for His glory.

Day Five (Week Four): How Will We Rule God’s Kingdom?

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)

Alcorn begins today’s study reminding us that the pattern of the world as it is now will not be the pattern of the New Earth. The world that we are living in is under the curse of sin.

Galatians 1:4 says, that Jesus “gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father.” What does this mean to us as followers of Christ (page 94)?

I had a good friend who would often say that someone showed her “Jesus with skin on.” This reminds me of the question on page 96, “Describe a time when someone “made the invisible God visible for you. What would you like to say to that person?”

How did you answer this?

After I graduated from college, I moved to a large city and didn’t have a car. One Sunday I took a taxi to a small nearby church. As I got out of the taxi, many probably noticed that I was a visitor that day. But a middle-aged couple, Harry and Harriett Powell, did much more than notice.

They befriended me, brought me to church every Sunday, encouraged me to get baptized, helped me get involved in Bible studies, met my fiancé, traveled to my wedding, etc. They made the invisible God visible to me, and we still stay in touch today. I am so very grateful that God put them in my life!

Ephesians 6:8 says, “The Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does.” I could never repay the Powells for what they did for me and for my legacy. But one day they will have their perfect reward from the hand of Almighty God.

Have a great week!

He is able,
Mary
Mary May Larmoyeux
www.marymaywrites.com
http://wanttostudythebible.blogspot.com
http://grandconnection.blogspot.com

Subscribe by email to Want to Study the Bible?

Photo copyright by Mary May Larmoyeux. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

Grasping Redemption's Far Reach

Week Three

I love how Day One begins this week: “God created the entire universe to be an expression of His character. Because He is good, every facet of it was wonderful. But humanity rebelled, and the universe fell under the weight of our sin.”

Although God desired only good things for His children, Adam and Eve made a sinful choice. Their rebellion is still affecting mankind and it's as though life as it was meant to be is a "fog." But even when Adam and Even sinned, God had a plan in place to redeem mankind and all of creation.

Alcorn begins this week with the reminder that God promises to renew the earth itself, “Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth.”

Reading this made me think of a blog post I wrote once called "Lesson of a Once-Scrawny Cedar Tree." If you read it, you’ll understand why my husband and I refer to the cedar as our “restoration tree.”

Day One (Week Three): Why is Earth’s Redemption Essential to God’s Plan?

This chapter begins with a verse from Isa. 65:17: “Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth.”

To my simple mind, I can picture a couple that’s distraught over the loss of their newly purchased 20-year old home. A few hours after they had signed the closing papers, there was a thunderstorm and … you guessed it … lightning strikes their house, starting a fire. (Hope you realize I’m making this illustration up.)

As the new owners watch their house burn to the ground, their insurance agent walks up, puts his arm around them and says, “Everything can be replaced. You are fully insured and you can build a brand new home.”

God did something much greater than replacing a 20-year-old home with a brand new one. As believers he has promised that one day all of the wrongs will be made right. One day the whole earth will be filled with His glory. (Ps. 72:19; Hab. 2:14; see page 54).

What do the following words suggest to you about God: reconcile, redeem, restore, recover, return, renew, regenerate, resurrect, and reclaim? Is there an area of your life that is like the “scrawny cedar tree”?

Redemption is God’s specialty!

Day Two (Week Three): Why is the Resurrection so important?

“Death is an abnormal condition,” Alcorn says, “because it tears apart what God created and joined together.”

I think each of us couldn’t agree more. Although my father had lived a full life when he died more than 10 years ago, it just didn’t seem right that a man I loved so much, one who had modeled integrity and devotion to his family, would just “disappear.”

Of course, I know that he didn’t “disappear.” I know that Dad is in heaven today because of his faith in Jesus Christ. And I know that I will see him again (and look so forward to it).

The Designer’s original plan was that we would not be torn apart from those we love. When sin entered the world, so did the consequence of physical death.

What reunion are you looking forward to in Heaven one day?

Jesus defeated death. He told his disciples after His resurrection, “It is I myself.” As Alcorn says (page 61), they undoubtedly recognized the nail marks on his hands.

As we read of Jesus appearing to the disciples in John 21, we read that he stood on the shore, talked to them, and ate with them. If Jesus enjoyed fellowship and food with those he loved in His resurrected body, it seems logical that we will also be able to do this.

Alcorn says on page 62, “The fact that Jesus picked up His relationships where they’d [Mary Magdalene, Thomas, Peter] left off is a foretaste of our own lives after we are resurrected.”

What do you think about this?

Day Three (Week Three): What Will it Mean for the Curse to be Lifted?

“We live in an in-between time,” Alcorn says (page 63), “hearing echoes of Eden and the approaching footfalls of the New Earth.”

All of us experience the result of sin’s curse on this world. Perhaps you have a chronic illness, wayward child or an unfair boss. Sickness, broken relationships, and family disarray are not from the hand of God. Oh, He allows them for now, but they won’t be present in the New Earth. Christ completely defeated Satan through His death on the cross.

I recently watched a wonderful short video, Yours for Life, about how we can be sure that our relationship with Christ is secure. This little video is worth watching … and passing on.

As Alcorn reminds us (page 66), God’s plan is “to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ” (Ephesians 1:10).

Yes, we are just passing through this world … to a much better place! A place where Jesus Christ will rule forever and ever.

All things in Heaven and on earth will one day be brought together in one universe, under one head, Jesus Christ (Revelations 21:3).

Day Four (Week Three): What Does the Restored Earth Mean?

How can some Scripture seem to suggest the present earth and universe will be destroyed while others speak of the earth’s remaining forever (page 67)? Read Ps. 78:69; 102:25-26; Eccl. 1:4; 2 Pet. 3:10; Rev. 21:1.

In what way do the above Scripture cause you to think differently about Heaven (pages 68-70)?

I was so encouraged by reading Isaiah 65:17 and underlining phrases (page 68) that indicated the prophecies in Isaiah 65 refer to the New Earth: “create a new heaven and a new earth,” “create Jerusalem,” “people will build,” “will plant,” “will feed," “will be dust” …

What does a restored earth mean (pages 67-71)? Our little cedar tree is in the process of being restored. Of course, perfect restoration will only occur with the New Earth. The perfect creation that was lost will be completely regained.

Day Five (Week Three): Will the New Earth Feel Like Home?

When I went through this study with some friends in the fall, we had so much fun dreaming of the things that we will be able to do on the New Earth that we’ve never done before (page 72)? I don’t know if there will be airplanes in the New Earth, but I’d love to do something like skydiving—how beautiful it would be to drift from the sky to my forever home. (I’m too chicken to do this now.)

What about you? What would you like to do? Climb Pikes Peak, work in a rose garden, read a good book, etc.?

Alcorn says that the things we love about life resonate with life as it was meant to be. God did not create us for traffic jams, packed schedules, and exhausted bodies. When I watch the sun say, “Good morning,” as its golden rays stretch through the night sky … or canoe down a river with my husband and see turtles sunning on rocks while an eagle flies overhead … or cuddle a new grandbaby, holding him close to my heart … I know there is a greater life to come.

I do hope that you are enjoying this study. Would you please send an e-mail to mary@marymaywrites.com and let me know what God is teaching you? Thanks!

He is able,
Mary
Mary May Larmoyeux
www.marymaywrites.com
http://wanttostudythebible.blogspot.com
http://grandconnection.blogspot.com

Subscribe by email to Want to Study the Bible?

Photo copyright by Jim Larmoyeux. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

Understanding the Present Heaven

Week Two

I heard a story recently that I can’t get out of my mind. A woman going through some tough situations would not allow herself to get discouraged. She said, “God’s plan is bigger than this.”

Just think about that for a minute. Whatever happens in life (whether good or bad—from our perspective), we can be assured that God is working out a wonderful plan. And His master plan for a believer's life is to be with Him in a real place called Heaven. That excites me!

Are you enjoying your Bible study about Heaven? You may be like one of my friends who just purchased the book that we’re using (Heaven by Randy Alcorn). The wonderful thing about doing an online study is that we can each do it at our own individual pace.

Okay, let’s dive into Week Two:

Day One (Week Two)—What is the Significance of the Future Heaven?

I really liked Alcorn’s analogy about a layover in an airport and our life on earth.

He compared having a layover in Dallas (while on your way to your inheritance—a beautiful home in Santa Barbara, California) to having a "layover" on earth (while on your way to Heaven).

When you first board the plane, Alcorn explains, the ticket agent would ask where you are going. And you would say, “Santa Barbara” not “Dallas.”

“If you mentioned Dallas at all,” Alcorn says (page 33), “you would only say, ‘I am going to Santa Barbara by way of Dallas.’”

When I went through this study with friends in the fall, we had fun reminding one another that we’re “just in Dallas now."


How did you answer the question on page 35, “How would you explain each of the different states of Heaven? – the past Heaven, the present Heaven, and the eternal Heaven”?

Thinking of earth as eventually being the eternal Heaven has been a fairly new thought for me. When I turn to Romans 8:15-24, I am reminded that creation will one day be set free.

No matter how tough times may get, it’s wonderful to be remember the eternal hope we have as believers. “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” (Romans 8:18)

Day Two (Week Two)—What is the Significance of the Future Heaven?

Alcorn bring us to Genesis 1-3, where “we see that earth was Heaven’s backyard.”

Would you like to walk and talk with God as Adam and Eve did? As believers we will do this one day—to me, this is mind-boggling! What a hope and future we each have! (page 36)

What is the significance of the New Jerusalem? Sometimes I get so caught up in this daily life I forget that the New Jerusalem is a real place. Alcorn reminds us of details that are given about it in Scripture. “The city’s exact dimensions,” he says, “measure the equivalent of 1400 miles” (Rev. 21:15-17). He goes on to say that the New Jerusalem will have all of the advantages that we associate with earthly cities but no disadvantages. No one will lock doors in the New Jerusalem. There won’t be any violence, pornography, drugs, etc.

I love the idea (page 38) that “the Artist’s fingerprints will be seen everywhere in the great city.” Yes, everywhere!

And what’s the River of Life?

Revelations 22:1-2a says, “The river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city.”

Alcorn asks if we can imagine this? I really can’t imagine how wonderful it will be. However, my husband and I have visited the White River (in Arkansas) many times and love it’s beauty and sense of calm.

Just imagining Heaven and the River of Life makes me think of the song “I Can Only Imagine" and the lyrics asking what it will be like to be surrounded by God's glory.

We have much to look forward to!

Day Three (Week Two)—Is the Present Heaven a Physical Place?

Alcorn begins this day’s lesson with a discussion of the nature of heaven. “Saying that God is spirit,” he says, “is very different from saying that Heaven is spirit.” He goes on to add that God created Heaven and that we shouldn’t derive assumptions about Heaven from the nature of God. I thought it was really interesting when he said that it’s not a problem for infinite God to dwell wherever man dwells, but the question is whether finite man can exist outside of time and space. What did you think about this?

On page 42 of the study, Alcorn says, “We should stop thinking of Heaven and earth as opposites and view them as overlapping circles that share certain commonalities.”

When I see a brilliant sunrise or sunset, watch crashing waves, cradle a newborn baby, watch a butterfly emerge from a cocoon, or see a hummingbird sip nectar from a flower I am reminded of Heaven and of our amazing, creative God.

What elements in nature remind you of Heaven?

1 Corinthians 2:9 says, “It is written: ‘No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.’”

Alcorn suggests that we go for a walk (or look at some pictures of nature, and pick out elements that still reflect the beauty and design of paradise. Why don’t we do this over the next few days and share with one another?

Day Four (Week Two)—Do People Have Bodies in the Present Heaven?

So I went to the angel and asked him to give me the little scroll. He said to me, "Take it and eat it. It will turn your stomach sour, but in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey." I took the little scroll from the angel's hand and ate it. It tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it, my stomach turned sour.—Revelation 10:9-10

According to the above scripture, the Apostle John could speak, hear, grasp, taste, and eat when he visited Heaven. He must have had a physical body.

Alcorn goes on to remind us that the resurrected Christ now dwells in heaven. Jesus’ resurrected body was physical and “this same, physical Jesus ascended to Heaven. … If Christ’s body in the present Heaven has physical properties, it stands to reason that others in Heaven would have physical forms as well, even if only temporary ones. It also makes sense that other aspects of the present Heaven would have physical properties.” (page 45-46)

Alcorn asked us to read Luke 16:19-31 about the rich man and Lazarus. Both the rich man and Lazarus had physical forms.

Day Five (Week Two)—What Is Life Like in the Present Heaven?

Alcorn says on pages 50-51, “We’ll all likely remember much more in Heaven than we do on earth, and we will probably be able to see how God and His angels intervened on our behalf when we didn’t realize it.”

It will be so exciting to hear of the countless times and ways that God and His angels intervened on behalf me and my family. There have been some times in my life when I have recognized that God divinely intervened in situations, but there have been far too many others times that I am not aware of.

Luke 15:7 says there is rejoicing in Heaven when a sinner repents. Party will take on a whole new meaning in eternity.

And on page 52 Alcorn reminds us that there will be no more tears or pain “after the old order of things has passed away” and there’s no more suffering on earth (Revelations 21:4). Then he goes on to add, “the present and eternal Heavens are not the same.”

Although those now in heaven are filled with great joy worshipping God and living in a sinless environment, they are still looking forward to Christ’s return—just as you and I should.

Whatever comes across your path and mine today, may we remember the analogy given in Day One—We’re just in Dallas—on our way to our real destination.

Yes, we’re on an exciting journey to an indescribably wonderful place called Heaven.

He is able,
Mary
Mary May Larmoyeux
www.marymaywrites.com
http://wanttostudythebible.blogspot.com
http://grandconnection.blogspot.com

Subscribe by email to Want to Study the Bible?

Online Bible Study about Heaven
(studying Randy Alcron's book Heaven published by LifeWay)

Week One

Are you looking forward to Heaven? If you’re like me that’s an easy question to answer.

Yes!

I had to smile as I read the pastor’s confession in Day One of this study. He said that he was sometimes depressed when he thought about sitting on clouds in Heaven for all of eternity with nothing to do.

Of course, that’s not what Heaven will be like. But like this pastor, until I heard a sermon series at our church about Heaven and read Randy Alcorn’s book, my picture of Heaven wasn’t too different from this pastor.

For our online Bible study, I’m going to share what jumped out to me in the week’s lesson … which may or may not be what impressed you. Please share your thoughts as comments—that will allow all of us doing this study to learn from one another.

Day One – Realizing Our Destiny

Satan need not convince us that Heaven doesn’t exist. He need only convince us that Heaven is a boring, unearthly place. (page 9)

Alcorn goes on to say that believing Heaven is a boring place will rob us of our joy of anticipating eternity. And, as we focus our minds on this life and not the next, we’re not motivated to share our faith.

If I know that I am going on a wonderful cruise to Alaska (yep, I’d love to go on one)—the cruise package and flights have been paid for and I have the tickets in hand—then I’ll have an extra bounce in my steps. Vacation is almost here … and a wonderful vacation at that! How much more should my daily life be filled with joy, knowing that I’m just passing through this human life on my way to a wonderful place called Heaven?

If I could give my friends and loved ones “free cruises” to Alaska, would I. You bet I would!

Day Two – Is Heaven Beyond Our Imagination?

Scripture makes it clear that Jesus is preparing a place for us, and God’s kingdom will come to earth. A physical resurrection awaits us.

As we go through this study, it would be good for us to consider these verses:

“Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” (Acts 17:11)

“Test everything. Hold on to the good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21)

“We know that we live in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit.” (1 John 4:13)

Based on these verses, how should we approach any teaching of God’s Word?

I thought Alcorn’s question, “Could it be that our culture’s rejection of God relates to its fear and denial of death?” was very interesting. It caused me to ask myself another question, “When our culture rejects God, does it not only deny God’s authority, but also His design for our life today and eternity?”

What do you think?

May we ask the Lord to remove blinders from our eyes about any preconceived ideas about Heaven and better understand our eternal home as Christians. Instead of fearing death, may we look forward to one day going “Home.”

Day Three – Is it OK to Imagine Heaven as a Literal Place?

Read the following verses:

However, as it is written:
"No eye has seen, no ear has heard,
no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"
— but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit.
The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.”
(1 Corinthians 2:9-10)

…

“The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.”
(Deuteronomy 29:29)

What does the end of Deuteronomy 29:29 mean: “But the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever”?

As Alcorn says,(page 17) we should accept that many things about heaven are secret, but there are many revealed things about Heaven that belong to us and to our children. We will learn about some of those things in this study.

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Col. 3:1) What a great verse to recall during these challenging times! Alcorn reminds us that God’s people are “longing for a better country” (Hebrews 11:16).

My husband, Jim, and I watched a wonderful DVD recently, The Star of Bethlehem. From its title I had thought that it was “only” a Christmas DVD. It’s actually a documentary that explores the truths of Scripture and shows how God’s existence is seen from the stars. It was amazing and caused me to not only thank God for sending His Son to Earth, but also to dream about what Heaven must be like.

Day Four—Is Heaven Our Default Destination?

What is your response to this statement, “We should be shocked not that some people could go to Heaven but that any would be permitted into Heaven (page 21)?”

I have to agree with C.S. Lewis (page 23), “If I had a choice, that is, if Scripture were not so clear and conclusive, I would certainly not believe in hell. Trust me when I say I do not want to believe in it. But if I make what I want—or what others want—the basis for my beliefs, then I am a follower of myself and my culture, not a follower of Christ.”

Alcorn says (pages 21-22) that if we truly understood God’s nature and ours, we would shocked not that some people could go to hell, but that any would even be permitted into Heaven. He added, “By denying the endlessness of hell, we minimize Christ’s work on the cross, because we lower the stakes of redemption. If Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection didn’t deliver us from an eternal hell, His work on the cross is less heroic, less potent, less consequential, and thus less deserving of our praise.”

Read the following verses:

“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:29)
“As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matthew 13:40-42)

“If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out.” (Mark 9:43-44)

What do you think about these verses?

Alcorn says on page 24 that, “Earth is an in-between world touched by both Heaven and hell. Earth leads directly into Heaven or directly into hell, affording a choice between the two. The best of life on Earth is a glimpse of Heaven; the worst of life is a glimpse of hell. For Christians, this present life is the closest they will come to hell. For unbelievers, it is the closest they will come to Heaven.”

That’s really a neat statement.

Day Five—Can You Know You’re Going to Heaven?

What did you think of Ruthanna Metzgar’s story (page 26) about the consequences of her failure to answer the RSVP at the bottom of a wedding invitation?

“When the invitation arrived,” she said, “I was too busy. Besides, I was the singer. Surely I could go to the reception without returning the RSVP?”

Are you certain that you are going to Heaven … that your eternity is certain? I am—not because my good works outweigh my bad. But, because I have responded to Jesus Christ’s invitation to Heaven. I have accepted His free offer to accept His death on the cross for the full payment of my sins.

When I was 19-years-old I had a sense that I could never be good enough to merit Heaven. (I was right.) Then someone explained to me that if I accepted Jesus’ full payment for my sins and asked Him to be Lord of my life, then I would have eternal life. I did this by faith and my life has never been the same. My life has true purpose and meaning and I know that my eternal destiny is secure forever.

If you are wondering how you can have purpose in your life, Power to Change can answer your questions.

If you have questions about salvation, I will try my best to answer them. Please e-mail me at mary@marymaywrites.

Have a great week learning about Heaven!

He is able,
Mary
Mary May Larmoyeux
www.marymaywrites.com
http://wanttostudythebible.blogspot.com
http://grandconnection.blogspot.com

Subscribe by email to Want to Study the Bible?

Introduction to the Bible Study about Heaven

We're Just Passing Through

I’m excited about our journey together as we study Randy Alcorn’s Bible study, Heaven (published by LifeWay). Throughout its pages we’ll look at a Christian’s eternal destiny and have a glimpse of what a believer's life might be like in Heaven.

Many of my loved ones have passed into eternity, and I look so forward to seeing them again someday. I once had a miscarriage when I was four months pregnant, and I often imagine my father and the child I’ve never met welcoming me into Heaven, years from now.

The reality is that I have no idea when God will call me home. It may be in 30 years, 30 days, or 30 minutes.


Flight 1549

US Airways Flight 1549 was heading for Charlotte, NC, with 155 people aboard when it took off from LaGuardia Airport on January 15, 2009. Just minutes later, it made a crash landing into the freezing Hudson River.

The New York Post reported that three minutes into the flight, passenger Jeff Kolodjoy said, “Passengers heard the left engine blew out. We said, ‘Oh, Man, we're going to hit the water,’” recalled Kolodjoy, who was flying with friends to play golf at Myrtle Beach, SC.

"The pilot said, ‘Brace for impact.’”

Kolodjoy said passengers were praying as the plane went down.

From an earthly perspective, all 155 passengers were blessed that day to be given another day of life … another day to consider their eternal destiny … another day to consider Heaven.


Focus on Heaven

Dale McCleskey says in the introduction to Alcorn’s study that early Christians were preoccupied with Heaven. Many of their tombs contained inscriptions such as: “ ___ is not dead, but lives; one who lives with God; ___ was taken up into his eternal home.”

“I want to encourage you to lace your anchor firmly in Heaven,” McCleskey says, “where it can yield a reward of faithful stability in your life. I want us to be so excited about Heaven that we will have maximum effectiveness in this present world."


What to expect in this study:

I will be praying for each of us doing this study and ask that you might also pray for this group of people. May God open our eyes to His truths. May each of us have extra joy in our steps as we realize that we are just passing through this life on our way to our eternal destiny. There is a real place called Heaven—where there are no tears and no sorrows.

This study is divided into six weeks—each week consists of five lessons. On Mondays, I will make the weekly post on the Want to Study the Bible blog. Please post your comments throughout the week, giving only your first name or initials.

Here’s what we can look forward to learning about in the study:

Week One: Realizing Our Destiny
Week Two: Understanding the Present Heaven
Week Three: Grasping Redemption’s Far Reach
Week Four: Celebrating the Joy and Industry of the New Earth
Week Five: What will Our Lives Be Like in Heaven?
Week Six: What Will We Do in Heaven?

We’re living in an age of much financial uncertainty, and it’s so comforting to realize that our real wealth is in eternity … in heaven.


How about you?

Would you take a minute and share why you are participating in this study? What do you hope to learn? Who are you looking forward to being reunited with in Heaven?

He is able,
Mary
Mary May Larmoyeux
www.marymaywrites.com
http://wanttostudythebible.blogspot.com
http://grandconnection.blogspot.com

Subscribe by email to Want to Study the Bible?

Details about Bible Study on Heaven

Do you want to learn more about heaven?

A friend of mine led a Bible study about heaven that was wonderful! That Bible study and some sermons at church caused me to put on a new set of glasses—one focused
on etermity.

Well, I’ve decided to facilitate this same study online. It will be posted on a blog called Want to Study the Bible?

Here are the details:

Book: Heaven by Randy Alcorn, published by LifeWay Press (158 pages, the Bible study)

Description: What’s your idea of heaven? Some boring, endless church service? A collection of fluffy clouds and harps? A ghostlike existence?

This fascinating, easy-to-read study will help every Christian find an anchor for present faithfulness, celebrate the loving provisions God has made for His children, and convey to others a love for God and His home.

Sessions: Introduction and six sessions—new posts on Mondays (Introduction will be posted on Monday, January 26). Comments are welcomed.

Who can participate: Anyone with Internet access

Blog address: Go to www.marymaywrites.com and click on the blog “Heaven Bible Study”

If you or your friends would like to be part of this study, just purchase the paperback book called Heaven (be sure it’s the Bible study published by LifeWay Press—second printing, March 2008) and click on the blog for online discussion.

I will be praying that God will open all of our eyes to things that He wants to teach us.

He is able,
Mary
www.marymaywrites.com
Subscribe by email to Want to Study the Bible?