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
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