Sermon Notes...
A Real Place (John 14:1-6)
THEME:
Heaven is a very real place, far superior in every possible way to this place, that resides in eternity and in a spiritual plan with God as its very context and central figure.
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TEXT: Matters Of Life And Death
1.) My Circumstances —“On the horns of a dilemma” (V. 20))
“I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body,
2.) My Thinking — “It’s all good!” (Vs. 21-24)”
“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet, what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body”
3.) My Objective —“Joy-Carriers” (V. 25, 26)
“Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.”
4.) My Relationships —“One In Christ” (V. 27, 28)
“Conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God.”
5.) My Struggles —“Destined For Victory” (V. 29, 30)
“For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for Him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.”
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TRANSITION:
Think about it this week ...
What could possibly be inferior about life in heaven?
If your answer is “nothing,” then what is it that keeps you so earthbound?
How does this help to clarify your true purpose for life here?