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Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. 1 Thessalonians 4:13
Set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1 Peter 1:13b
We wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Titus 2:13
We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us. Romans 8:23
4 Truths That Inspire Ultimate Hope
There will be a day when I will be…
1.
(He) …will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. Philippians 3:21b
Jesus: “Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” Luke 24:39
2.
For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died…We who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 1 Thess. 4:15,17 NIV
3.
I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making all things new!” Rev. 21:3-5a
Jesus: “Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh… rejoice in that day and leap for joy…” Luke 6:21b,23a
4.
(Jesus said)“Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done.” Rev. 22:12
What will I be rewarded for?
• No
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 2 Cor. 4:17
• No
…Anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose their reward. Mark 9:41b
• No
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. Col. 3:23-24a
Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. 2 Corinthians 3:12
How do I get this hope?
“The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.” Rev. 22:17
For Further Reading
Heaven, Randy Alcorn
When Christ Comes, Max Lucado
Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church, NT Wright
QUESTIONS
For personal reflection or group discussion
- What misconceptions do you think people have about what the Bible teaches about heaven?
- Look back over the four main points of the message. Which one spoke most loudly to you?
- Read Revelation 21:1-7. How did the voice describe the new world to come in verse 4 and 5? How is “making everything new” different from “making new everything”?
- Read Isaiah 26:19. The Bible does not merely teach that our spirits endure after death; it teaches an actual resurrection and restoration of the earth. God redeems all of his creation. How is this better than a merely spiritual afterlife?
- The Apostle Paul says, “Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold.” (2 Corinthians 3:12) How do the Bible’s teachings about our ultimate hope bring boldness and courage in this life?
New? Meet us at the After Party sign in the lobby for a gift bag!
THIS WEEKEND
BAPTISMS
Witness and celebrate baptisms in all services!
ADVENTURES IN PARENTING
Becoming a God-focused Parent in a Work-Obsessed World:
Move toward something more as a parent and follower of Jesus. Taught by Kristin Jensen, TLC’s Director of Young Families, this Sunday 5/4 11am- 12:15pm in 9101 (next to Loft).
COMING UP
MOTHER’S DAY
Next weekend we will have a special gift for all moms! We love you moms!
BABY DEDICATIONS
Our spring Baby Dedications are May 10/11! It’s a great way for us as a church to celebrate our littlest TLCers, and is an important spiritual marker in the life of a child and their family. If you’re interested in having your baby or young child dedicated visit tlc.org/child.
FAMILY PARK DAY
Park Days are BACK! Join us after the 11am service Sunday 5/18 for FREE pizza, treats and drinks right here on our campus playground.
‘THE RIDE’ JR. HIGH
Students 6th-8th grade, come learn about the incredible love of God, meet life-long friends, and have a ton of fun! Join our Tuesday weekly gathering, Sunday church program together, and more fun events! tlc.org/juniorhigh
GET CONNECTED:
• Need Prayer? tlc.org/prayer
• To Give: tlc.org/give
• Weekly newsletter: tlc.org/newsletter