What If There's No Heaven?

James Rochford
Matthew 6:19

Without the existence of heaven, the question of significance stands without resolution. This workshop explores the implications on life here on earth if there truly is no afterlife or heaven as many people believe. On the other hand, for Christians who do choose to set their perspective onto heaven, they can act in this life in a way that provides objective meaning and purpose.

Five Myths About Heaven

Derek Sanford
Revelation 21:1-6

Far too often, people are not excited about heaven because of the misconceptions around it. But if God calls us to look forward to our afterlife, we need to address five particular myths about heaven. First, heaven will not be boring. Second, we will not lose our identities. Third, heaven is not just a spiritual existence rather than a tangible, physical reality. Fourth, everyone will not be equal but instead be rewarded for their good works in heaven. And finally, we must remember the somber reality that not everyone will get to heaven. As we address these myths, we can grow in our understanding and excitement for our future home.

Glimpses of the New Heaven and New Earth

Conrad Hilario
Revelation 21:7-22:21

Common views of the afterlife include annihilationism, reincarnation, and soul sleep. However, Revelations gives a glimpse of heaven that is physical with elements of symbolism as well. New Jerusalem is described in detail as well as its new inhabitants. Several quotes from Randy Alcorn's Heaven are included to help the listener imagine what heaven will be like.

Eternity Future

Dennis McCallum
Revelation 20:6-22:21

The last piece of John's vision shows Satan being released from his prison. He spends his time deceiving people before being cast into the lake of fire eternally. Those who died are all before God, and he judges them according to their works or by Christ's death, depending on which book their name is in. The Book of Life contains the names of all the people who accepted Christ's death as their payment for sin. Everyone else joins Satan. John sees the new Heaven and Earth brought to life, and God dwells among the people who live there in eternal beauty and security.

Heaven

Jenny Hale
Revelation 22

Building off of John's description of the New Jerusalem, this passage describes the incredible future that awaits Christians in Heaven. Among the qualities listed are no more death, sorrow, crying, or pain; no more evil; and God's presence forever! This knowledge of eternity should affect Christians by encouraging them to want to see more people there with them. It also allows Christians to know that their suffering is temporary.

God's Eternal Kingdom (Part 2)

Gary DeLashmutt
Revelation 21:9-27

This passage on the New Jerusalem is mainly symbolic, but indicate literal truths about its glory. It will be populated by God's people, full of the beauty of perfect creation, full of human creativity, utterly secure, and pervaded by God's presence. Christians who focus on their inheritance in this kingdom will have greater resilience in adversity.

I Will Make Everything New

Jeff Gordon
Revelation 21:1-6

Expanding on John's vision of the New Jerusalem, this passage and other verses referenced explain many other things that God will make new. These apply to Christians and include a new standing before God, a new relationship with Him, a new role and purpose, a new community and destiny, and a new power. This is something to anticipate and be excited about, and it is open to anyone who hears this message and responds.

Revelation and Christmas

Jeff Gordon
Revelation 21

Continuing to consider Heaven, this passage brings one to consider why God would welcome sinners into Heaven. Through this and other verses in the Bible, it is clear that He does this out of a desire to relate with His people. God created people in His image, and He worked through them to restore their relationship with Him. The new "Temple" is revealed to be God now dwelling with His people, instead of separately from them. There is a large reference from Tozer's "The Pursuit of God".

God's Eternal Kingdom (Part 1)

Gary DeLashmutt
Isaiah 25:6-9

The eternal kingdom of God will be a material place, will be primarily about relationships, and will be a place of healing. The main reason to believe that this will be a real place is because of God's flawless record of fulfilling his predictions. God says that entrance is absolutely free, and only requires asking God for the forgiveness purchased by Christ.