Our Eternal Destiny - Part 1 “It’s REAL”

Jesus’ resurrection promises us Eternal Life

“Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.” - John 14:19

Raises questions

What will it be like?”
What will our bodies be like?
What will we do for eternity?
What about our earthly relationships?

God has placed a DESIRE for home, freedom, life and joy in all of us

“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” - Ecclesiastes 3:11

There are misconceptions and ignorance about our eternal destinies

“The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” - 2 Corinthians 4:4 & 18

Unseen does not mean unreal

“And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha” - 2 Kings 6:17

“But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” - Acts 7:55-56

When we “die”, we have a “home” with Jesus until He returns and establishes the NEW EARTH

“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.” - Philippians 1:22-24

“We are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. For we live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:6-8

Questions to Ponder

What did you learn growing up about the afterlife? Were there any misconceptions you were taught? Was there anything about your concept of heaven that was appealing? Not appealing?

Why do you think the “god of this age” wants to “blind” us to God’s plan for our eternity with Him? How does he blind you? What can you do to remove the “blinders”?

What would it mean for you to be so HEAVENLY MINDED that you were EARTHLY GOOD”?

Activity

Find a comfortable place to quiet your soul and your thoughts. Invite God’s Presence. Reflect on His Goodness. Scripture states that God has “placed eternity in our hearts”. Take a moment and ponder that truth. Ask God to help you “connect” with that desire he has placed in you. Imagine what it will be like. What will you look forward to? What may surprise you? Record your thoughts in a journal.

Scripture Memory Verse

“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” - 2 Corinthians 4:18