Sermon

Today's sermon was from Revelation 7:9-17. It's entitled, "When we've been there Ten Thousand Years!"

There are several reasons for us to think about heaven:

1. It frees us from excessive dependence upon earthly wealth and comfort.
2. A focus on heaven enables us to respond appropriately to the injustices of this life.
3. A contemplative focus on heaven produces the fruit of endurance and perseverance now.

In Revelation 7: 15-17, there are at least 8 blessings promised that we will experience in heaven:

1. We will stand before the throne of God.
2. We will have the pleasure of serving Him night and day.
3. God will shelter us with His presence.
4, 5, 6&7 are all drawn from Isaiah 49:10, "They shall not hunger or thirst, neither scorching wind nor sun shall strike them, for he who has pity on them will lead them, and by springs of water will lead them, and by springs of water will guide them."
8. God "will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth."