July 20, 2017

Why Heaven?

Why Heaven?

Why Heaven?


Woodstream Church
Sunday, June 11, 2017
The Book of Revelation 20:4-6 HCSB

Unfortunately, in our culture and within our churches, there is a very shallow, superficial understanding of heaven.  Bad theology and poorly written songs portray heaven as the home of any pleasant thought or idea, giving rise to the notions of hillbilly heaven, New Age heaven and Disneyland/vacation paradise heaven.  This is unacceptable given the Spirit of Christ is the Spirit of Truth, Understanding and Completion, not of error, confusion and immaturity.  The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.  Man was made to dwell on earth, not heaven, and was given dominion over the earth by God to rule as His managers.  But when Adam and Eve sinned, death (or separation) entered into the world.  Christ’s sacrificial death made it possible for man to dwell with God in heaven, restoring the fellowship of God’s original plan.

The Purpose For Our Presence In Heaven Is Participation. In

In heaven we witness and participate in perfect worship, governance and love.  We will go to heaven, but the goal is to follow Christ back to earth to establish His Kingdom.  We will participate in perfect worship and love in heaven so we can bring the same worship and love back to earth.


The Purpose For Our Presence In Heaven Is Preparation. While on earth, we prepare to meet God; once in heaven, we prepare to establish the Kingdom of Christ on earth.  Every task God assigns us is preceded by While on earth, we prepare to meet God; once in heaven, we prepare to establish the Kingdom of Christ on earth.  Every task God assigns us is preceded by preparation, with Christ as our trailblazer leading the way.  The Kingdom of God is not merely a kingdom of worship, but is also a vast administration where we will be priests and judges in kingdom-building efforts.


The Purpose Of Our Presence In Heaven Is To Behold The Preeminence Of God.

God is above all, through all and in all.  God is first and everything else is second.