HEAVEN IS FOR REAL
Answering Common Questions about Up There
Pastor Mike Bailey
mike@cityunited.church
INTRODUCTION
Heaven is for real! It seems nowadays everybody wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to go now. Eternity is an uncertainty for many people, and the fear of death can be overwhelming. “What happens when I die?” is a common question in our culture today because many people don’t know their eternal destination.
On a positive note, the subject of Heaven has so many questions that the Bible answers.
But as it is written: ‘Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.’ 10But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.” —I Corinthians 2:9-10
This teaching series will focus on answering the common questions people ask when it comes to Heaven, the destination they desire to go to.
October 6 What Is Heaven?
October 13 How Do We Get to Heaven?
October 20 Does Heaven Immediately Follow Death?
October 27 How Do We Prepare Now for Heaven?
November 3 What Will Heaven Be Like?
November 10 Can People in Heaven Observe Life on Earth?
November 17 What Will Our Relationships Be Like in Heaven?
November 24 Will Animals Be in Heaven?
TEXT: Titus 2:11-14
TODAY’S TAKEAWAY:
Keep your eyes focused on Jesus.
HEAVEN IS FOR REAL WEEK 6:
CAN PEOPLE IN HEAVEN OBSERVE LIFE ON EARTH?
Question: Who can see us in heaven?
I. Can
see us? -
A. God
“The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.” —Proverbs 15:3 (ESV)
B. God
“To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. O LORD, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me.” —Psalm 139:1-5 (ESV)
C. We can’t
“For he looks to the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens.” —Job 28:24 (ESV)
II. Can
see us? -
A. Jesus was
“ The Jewish leaders were infuriated by Stephen’s accusation, and they shook their fists at him in rage. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand. And he told them, “Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand!” —Acts 7:54-56 (NLT)
B. Jesus is always
“For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” —1 Timothy 2:5 (ESV)
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” —1 Corinthians 8:9 (ESV)
III. Can the
see us? -
A. The angels
“Celebrate with me!…that’s the kind of party God’s angels throw every time one lost soul turns to God.” —Luke 15:10 (MSG)
B. The angels are
“For he will command his angels concerning you, to guard you.” —Luke 4:10 (ESV)
“The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.” —Psalm 34:7
IV. Can the
see us? -
A. Arguments
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses (μάρτυς/martys), let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” —Hebrews 12:1 (ESV)
“For I have five brothers, and I want him warn them so they don’t end up in this place of torment.” —Luke 16:28 (NLT)
“Suddenly, two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared and began talking with Jesus. They were glorious to see. And they were speaking about his exodus from this world, which was about to be fulfilled in Jerusalem.” —Luke 9:30 (NLT)
B. Arguments
“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” —Revelation 21:4
“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” —Acts 1:8
CONCLUSION:
Are your eyes focused on Jesus? His are focused on you.
“For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.” —Titus 2:11-14 (NLT)
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