1 00:00:00,000 –> 00:00:07,280 Our aim in this series has been that we as a congregation would better grasp the big picture of the Bible story 2 00:00:07,280 –> 00:00:11,060 We’ve seen throughout this series that the whole Bible is one story 3 00:00:11,060 –> 00:00:15,580 It begins in a garden it ends in a city that we’re going to see today 4 00:00:16,059 –> 00:00:22,400 Actually is a garden city and all the way through it points to the Lord Jesus Christ 5 00:00:23,040 –> 00:00:27,440 Frank what we’re going to see today is that the Bible story ends 6 00:00:27,879 –> 00:00:31,540 In a way that is strikingly similar to the way that it begins 7 00:00:31,959 –> 00:00:37,500 And I think of it by analogy this way if you imagine a string of pearls and 8 00:00:37,959 –> 00:00:39,959 You you stretch them out 9 00:00:40,599 –> 00:00:46,320 Then the pearl at one end of the necklace is a long way away from the pearl at the other end 10 00:00:46,320 –> 00:00:52,279 But when the necklace is hung on a woman’s neck actually the first and the last pearl actually come very close together 11 00:00:53,279 –> 00:01:01,000 And the Bible story really is rather like that the Bible story begins with God creating the heaven and the earth 12 00:01:01,080 –> 00:01:02,860 it ends 13 00:01:02,860 –> 00:01:07,839 Well with God creating a new heaven and a new earth it begins with one couple 14 00:01:08,599 –> 00:01:12,760 Enjoying the blessing of God, it ends with a vast company of people 15 00:01:13,739 –> 00:01:15,739 rejoicing in his presence 16 00:01:15,839 –> 00:01:19,860 At the beginning we find the first man and the first woman 17 00:01:20,339 –> 00:01:26,580 Evicted from the garden and plunged into a world that is scarred by pain and sorrow and death 18 00:01:27,959 –> 00:01:29,779 and at the end of the Bible 19 00:01:29,779 –> 00:01:32,639 We find a vast company of people 20 00:01:32,959 –> 00:01:39,620 being redeemed out of this fallen and broken world and brought into the world of joy and peace 21 00:01:39,919 –> 00:01:44,800 Where death and pain and suffering will be no more and God himself 22 00:01:45,419 –> 00:01:49,000 Will wipe all tears from our eyes 23 00:01:49,699 –> 00:01:56,639 Now I hope you’ll open your Bible with me then at revelation chapter 21 and 22 as we look at the glorious 24 00:01:56,900 –> 00:02:01,279 Future that lies ahead of all of God’s people 25 00:02:02,180 –> 00:02:04,180 chapter 21 and verse 1 26 00:02:04,419 –> 00:02:06,419 then John the Apostle says 27 00:02:06,940 –> 00:02:10,699 Describing the vision that is recorded in the entire book of revelation 28 00:02:11,419 –> 00:02:16,279 Then I saw a new heaven and a new Earth 29 00:02:17,419 –> 00:02:22,479 For the first heaven and the first earth had passed away and the sea 30 00:02:23,539 –> 00:02:25,539 Was no more 31 00:02:26,020 –> 00:02:29,059 Now we can easily understand why God would make a new earth 32 00:02:30,660 –> 00:02:32,660 But why a new heaven 33 00:02:33,660 –> 00:02:38,399 Well, the answer appears to be that before there was ever rebellion on earth 34 00:02:38,399 –> 00:02:42,139 There was rebellion in heaven as we saw earlier in the series 35 00:02:43,179 –> 00:02:45,179 Satan wanted to 36 00:02:45,740 –> 00:02:49,380 Assault and ascend to the throne of God 37 00:02:50,500 –> 00:02:54,979 but now we find that evil is consigned to destruction forever and 38 00:02:55,500 –> 00:03:01,259 God shapes a new heaven and the new earth. That’s not only free from the presence of evil 39 00:03:01,399 –> 00:03:04,679 it’s free even from the possibility of 40 00:03:05,380 –> 00:03:06,899 evil and 41 00:03:06,899 –> 00:03:11,160 John saw that the first heaven and the first earth had passed away 42 00:03:12,059 –> 00:03:17,139 In other words at this point in the story human history as we know it has come to a close 43 00:03:18,740 –> 00:03:21,600 God’s redeemed people now are waiting to see 44 00:03:22,419 –> 00:03:24,600 What he has prepared for? 45 00:03:25,160 –> 00:03:26,679 401 46 00:03:26,679 –> 00:03:30,199 And john says the sea was no more in the book of revelation 47 00:03:30,679 –> 00:03:35,419 The sea represents all that separates us from god and all of that’s gone 48 00:03:36,679 –> 00:03:39,160 And in the book of revelation the sea also 49 00:03:40,339 –> 00:03:41,460 indicates 50 00:03:41,460 –> 00:03:42,899 the 51 00:03:42,899 –> 00:03:47,860 Source from which the evil monsters of human history rise up 52 00:03:48,119 –> 00:03:51,960 They are monsters all come out of the sea in the book of revelation 53 00:03:52,300 –> 00:03:58,460 But now the sea is no more indicating that after human history that has given rise to so many 54 00:03:59,559 –> 00:04:01,479 monstrosities 55 00:04:01,479 –> 00:04:04,199 Now even that will be no 56 00:04:05,220 –> 00:04:06,979 more 57 00:04:06,979 –> 00:04:13,220 And then john says that he saw a new earth now think about that new earth 58 00:04:14,500 –> 00:04:17,940 New means that it will be wonderfully different 59 00:04:18,859 –> 00:04:22,440 But earth means that it will be strangely familiar 60 00:04:23,619 –> 00:04:30,299 The destiny of Christian believers is not a dreamlike existence on some kind of spiritualized world 61 00:04:31,339 –> 00:04:38,019 The promise of the Bible is that God will reshape. He will replenish he will renew and he will recreate 62 00:04:38,579 –> 00:04:39,779 this 63 00:04:39,779 –> 00:04:40,859 planet 64 00:04:40,859 –> 00:04:42,859 the creation itself 65 00:04:43,320 –> 00:04:49,559 will be liberated from its bondage to decay and it will enter into the glorious freedom of the 66 00:04:50,420 –> 00:04:52,420 children of God and 67 00:04:52,920 –> 00:04:57,480 The joys of the new heaven and the new earth are beyond anything that we can ever imagine 68 00:04:57,940 –> 00:05:02,739 But I want to point out two pictures that God uses to at least give us some 69 00:05:03,640 –> 00:05:08,760 Indication of what lies ahead and these pictures are the city and the garden 70 00:05:09,040 –> 00:05:11,040 First of all the city look at verse 2 71 00:05:11,100 –> 00:05:13,100 I saw the holy city 72 00:05:13,799 –> 00:05:15,799 the New Jerusalem 73 00:05:16,380 –> 00:05:18,420 coming down out of heaven 74 00:05:19,299 –> 00:05:21,279 from God 75 00:05:21,279 –> 00:05:25,579 Now at this point in the story all of the great cities of world 76 00:05:25,920 –> 00:05:32,299 History have been utterly destroyed in the fervent heat of God’s judgment 77 00:05:33,019 –> 00:05:34,679 Think about it 78 00:05:34,679 –> 00:05:36,500 Chicago 79 00:05:36,500 –> 00:05:37,880 London 80 00:05:37,880 –> 00:05:39,160 Cairo 81 00:05:39,160 –> 00:05:43,880 Peking Jerusalem, Moscow, Baghdad, Bangkok, Calcutta. They’re all gone 82 00:05:45,160 –> 00:05:49,760 The earth the Scripture says will melt with fervent heat in 83 00:05:50,440 –> 00:05:52,839 the cataclysmic judgment of 84 00:05:53,859 –> 00:05:55,859 Almighty God 85 00:05:56,000 –> 00:05:57,839 but now 86 00:05:57,839 –> 00:05:59,839 John sees a 87 00:06:00,119 –> 00:06:03,500 new city and it is coming down 88 00:06:04,160 –> 00:06:06,279 Out of heaven as 89 00:06:06,959 –> 00:06:12,279 He looks it. It’s shape its outline is immediately familiar to him 90 00:06:13,200 –> 00:06:18,399 Now any of us would immediately recognize the skyline of Chicago 91 00:06:18,399 –> 00:06:20,940 if we saw it in any kind of a picture and 92 00:06:21,660 –> 00:06:26,799 John was very very familiar with the city of Jerusalem in his day 93 00:06:27,320 –> 00:06:31,220 He had looked over it from the Mount of Olives many times 94 00:06:31,299 –> 00:06:38,720 he had wept been with Jesus when Jesus wept over the city of Jerusalem and now he sees this city and 95 00:06:39,399 –> 00:06:45,640 It’s coming down out of heaven. There’s no doubt in his mind about which city it is 96 00:06:45,640 –> 00:06:47,799 This is a new version 97 00:06:48,559 –> 00:06:50,559 of Jerusalem 98 00:06:50,880 –> 00:06:52,739 and 99 00:06:52,739 –> 00:06:58,260 Jerusalem of course is full of significance as we’ve seen in our journey throughout the Bible story 100 00:06:58,980 –> 00:07:02,260 God’s people were told that when they came into the promised land 101 00:07:02,739 –> 00:07:08,420 God would choose the place that he would meet with them they were not to worship at any place of their own choosing 102 00:07:09,299 –> 00:07:15,100 God would set the place and he would come and meet with his people and it was King David who discerned 103 00:07:15,940 –> 00:07:22,140 That the place that God had chosen was Jerusalem, and that’s why he brought the ark of the Covenant there 104 00:07:22,980 –> 00:07:25,420 Do you remember how his son Solomon? 105 00:07:26,059 –> 00:07:32,880 built a temple in Jerusalem because this was the place that God had identified and when the 106 00:07:33,299 –> 00:07:38,320 Temple was finished the glory of God’s presence in a cloud came down and filled 107 00:07:38,679 –> 00:07:45,239 The temple this was the place where God met with his people. So the significance of a new Jerusalem 108 00:07:46,000 –> 00:07:52,739 Is that this is the place where God will meet with his people and they will enjoy his presence 109 00:07:53,380 –> 00:07:55,380 forever and forever 110 00:07:55,720 –> 00:07:57,720 and 111 00:07:57,799 –> 00:08:04,239 I want you to see the size of this new Jerusalem. I mean, it’s absolutely breathtaking 112 00:08:04,440 –> 00:08:06,440 Look at verse 15 and 16 113 00:08:07,760 –> 00:08:09,799 The one who spoke with me 114 00:08:10,339 –> 00:08:16,559 Had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city and its gates and its walls 115 00:08:17,380 –> 00:08:23,480 the city lies four square its length the same as its width and 116 00:08:23,799 –> 00:08:26,160 And he measured the city with his rod 117 00:08:27,179 –> 00:08:29,179 12,000 stadia 118 00:08:29,859 –> 00:08:33,640 its length and width and height 119 00:08:34,840 –> 00:08:36,700 are equal 120 00:08:36,700 –> 00:08:38,700 Now this city is 121 00:08:39,479 –> 00:08:41,479 absolutely vast 122 00:08:43,200 –> 00:08:45,200 12,000 stadia is about 123 00:08:46,280 –> 00:08:52,299 1400 miles, we’re talking about the distance from New York to Houston and it’s that square 124 00:08:52,840 –> 00:08:57,840 Which would be the equivalent of more than half the entire area of the United States of America 125 00:08:58,099 –> 00:09:00,200 now remember John’s seeing a vision and 126 00:09:00,820 –> 00:09:02,179 so in this vision 127 00:09:02,179 –> 00:09:08,280 he is seeing a city and it goes on and on and on and on and on and then he turns in another 128 00:09:08,559 –> 00:09:13,299 direction and it goes on and on and on and on and on it is 129 00:09:13,900 –> 00:09:15,900 absolutely vast 130 00:09:17,419 –> 00:09:19,419 Now remember that the Book of Revelation 131 00:09:19,419 –> 00:09:23,419 is using pictures to help us grasp 132 00:09:24,580 –> 00:09:31,359 Something of the glory that lies ahead, so don’t get too carried away with the arithmetic here. The point is very simple 133 00:09:31,900 –> 00:09:35,719 John has already seen in the vision earlier in the book of Revelation 134 00:09:35,940 –> 00:09:37,539 Chapter 7 and verse 9 135 00:09:37,539 –> 00:09:45,059 That the number of people who will be redeemed by God in and through Jesus Christ is more than anyone could number 136 00:09:45,460 –> 00:09:51,580 It’s a vast company of people from every nation and tribe and language and what God is 137 00:09:51,979 –> 00:09:56,559 communicating here is that he has a place for each and every one of us 138 00:09:58,099 –> 00:10:03,179 Notice that the measurements are not just length and breadth, but they’re also height 139 00:10:04,380 –> 00:10:08,479 It’s length and width and height 140 00:10:09,539 –> 00:10:11,460 are equal 141 00:10:11,460 –> 00:10:14,679 So this now is a city in three dimensions 142 00:10:15,059 –> 00:10:16,640 and 143 00:10:16,640 –> 00:10:19,179 it has an equal length and width and 144 00:10:19,919 –> 00:10:23,580 Height it is in other words a perfect cube 145 00:10:25,400 –> 00:10:27,400 Now again John would have immediately 146 00:10:28,059 –> 00:10:35,200 Seen the significance of this and as we followed the Bible story. You’ll be able to see its significance, too 147 00:10:35,919 –> 00:10:39,200 the room at the very center of the temple 148 00:10:40,119 –> 00:10:42,880 Which was called the most holy place 149 00:10:43,880 –> 00:10:46,719 Where the presence of God came down 150 00:10:47,880 –> 00:10:53,919 was constructed as a perfect cube it was 30 feet by 30 feet and 151 00:10:54,820 –> 00:10:56,820 30 feet high 152 00:10:56,820 –> 00:11:02,479 you’ll see that in first Kings chapter 6 and verse 20, and we noted it earlier in our series because 153 00:11:03,219 –> 00:11:05,500 It has great significance here 154 00:11:06,619 –> 00:11:08,200 the old 155 00:11:08,200 –> 00:11:10,719 Jerusalem had a holy place 156 00:11:10,960 –> 00:11:14,140 The new jerusalem is a 157 00:11:15,000 –> 00:11:17,000 holy place 158 00:11:17,059 –> 00:11:21,640 the old Jerusalem had one little room to which God came down and only on occasion 159 00:11:22,960 –> 00:11:26,280 The new Jerusalem will be full of his glory 160 00:11:27,539 –> 00:11:28,619 the old 161 00:11:28,619 –> 00:11:35,559 Jerusalem had one little room into which only one person could go and that was the high priest and even he could only go 162 00:11:35,559 –> 00:11:37,559 on one day in the year 163 00:11:38,400 –> 00:11:40,400 But the new Jerusalem 164 00:11:41,000 –> 00:11:47,640 Will be a place where God’s people can. Enjoy him every moment of every day to all eternity 165 00:11:48,359 –> 00:11:53,260 We will rejoice in the immediacy of his presence forever and forever 166 00:11:53,260 –> 00:11:58,940 That’s the significance of the length and the breadth and the height it’s pointing to the holy of holies 167 00:11:58,940 –> 00:12:06,960 we’re all brought into the holiest place of all and dwell in the Presence of the Lord forever and forever and that is why 168 00:12:07,880 –> 00:12:11,599 There is no temple in Jerusalem you see that in the New Jerusalem 169 00:12:11,900 –> 00:12:14,559 That’s chapter 21 in verse 22 170 00:12:14,559 –> 00:12:15,539 Why is there no? 171 00:12:15,539 –> 00:12:22,159 Temple in the New Jerusalem because the whole place is a temple the whole place is full of the glory of the presence 172 00:12:22,280 –> 00:12:27,020 Of the Lord and this vast crowd of redeemed people live forever 173 00:12:27,640 –> 00:12:29,700 with great joy in his presence 174 00:12:29,700 –> 00:12:34,679 And that is why allowed voice comes from the throne in verse 3 saying behold 175 00:12:34,840 –> 00:12:37,219 The dwelling of God is with man 176 00:12:37,599 –> 00:12:40,320 He will dwell with them 177 00:12:40,320 –> 00:12:45,919 And they will be his people and God himself will be with them as their God 178 00:12:45,919 –> 00:12:50,059 he will wipe away every tear from their eyes and 179 00:12:51,239 –> 00:12:53,239 Death shall be no more and 180 00:12:53,640 –> 00:13:00,659 Neither shall be there be mourning or crying or pain anymore for the former things have passed 181 00:13:01,840 –> 00:13:03,840 away 182 00:13:05,340 –> 00:13:08,640 God knew what he was doing 183 00:13:10,080 –> 00:13:13,280 When he created a world that he knew would rebel 184 00:13:14,059 –> 00:13:15,280 in 185 00:13:15,280 –> 00:13:19,260 which we would find ourselves hopelessly lost and 186 00:13:20,679 –> 00:13:23,200 God would then send his son 187 00:13:24,580 –> 00:13:26,580 redeeming us by his blood 188 00:13:27,539 –> 00:13:32,260 So that being justified by faith adopted into his family and one day 189 00:13:32,700 –> 00:13:37,500 Glorified to be transformed into his likeness through Jesus Christ 190 00:13:37,719 –> 00:13:41,840 We should declare his glory not only as our creator 191 00:13:42,979 –> 00:13:44,979 But as a Redeemer 192 00:13:45,460 –> 00:13:47,460 forever and forever 193 00:13:48,940 –> 00:13:52,380 God knew that a redeemed creation 194 00:13:53,880 –> 00:13:57,679 Would display his glory in a way that an innocent one never could and 195 00:13:58,539 –> 00:14:00,659 And you know Satan’s hell 196 00:14:01,179 –> 00:14:08,440 Will be to know forever that after all that he did to try and detract from the infinite glory of God everything he ever attempted 197 00:14:08,619 –> 00:14:15,000 only advanced the display of his glory that will be forever and ever in the new heaven and the new earth with 198 00:14:15,419 –> 00:14:22,200 reflections of the glory of God bursting out everywhere in every redeemed life that is there and 199 00:14:22,820 –> 00:14:27,059 In the new creation itself those who have been forgiven much 200 00:14:27,119 –> 00:14:29,119 love much and 201 00:14:29,820 –> 00:14:35,119 God’s redeemed children will be singing forever worthy as the LAMB who was slain 202 00:14:36,179 –> 00:14:44,479 You are worthy we will sing because you were slain and with your blood. You bought us for God and 203 00:14:45,039 –> 00:14:47,059 We will rejoice in his presence 204 00:14:48,059 –> 00:14:49,880 forever and 205 00:14:49,880 –> 00:14:51,820 forevermore 206 00:14:51,820 –> 00:14:55,440 Now up to this point John has only seen this 207 00:14:56,020 –> 00:15:03,599 City this new Jerusalem that comes down out of heaven. He’s only seen it from the outside and 208 00:15:04,520 –> 00:15:06,159 now as 209 00:15:06,159 –> 00:15:11,099 The vision continues he’s invited as it were to view it from the inside 210 00:15:11,859 –> 00:15:13,380 and 211 00:15:13,380 –> 00:15:19,820 As he moves to the inside. It’s as if the image itself changes almost like a hologram and 212 00:15:20,520 –> 00:15:23,700 And while he’s been looking at a city from the outside 213 00:15:24,200 –> 00:15:31,739 When he moves to the inside he’s astonished to find that what looked like a city actually is a glorious 214 00:15:32,500 –> 00:15:34,140 and beautiful 215 00:15:34,140 –> 00:15:35,739 garden 216 00:15:35,739 –> 00:15:41,020 And I want you to see this second image that really is focused on chapter 22 217 00:15:41,820 –> 00:15:45,580 The angels showed me so now he’s moving inside 218 00:15:46,700 –> 00:15:49,179 the river of the water of life 219 00:15:49,880 –> 00:15:51,280 and 220 00:15:51,280 –> 00:15:53,280 Brightest crystal 221 00:15:54,020 –> 00:15:56,539 flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 222 00:15:57,640 –> 00:16:05,359 Through the middle of the street of the city and also on either side of the river the tree of 223 00:16:06,359 –> 00:16:08,359 life 224 00:16:09,059 –> 00:16:11,200 Now John must have gasped 225 00:16:11,799 –> 00:16:13,799 When he saw this 226 00:16:13,979 –> 00:16:19,179 Because of course he knew well as we do that the Bible story began 227 00:16:19,820 –> 00:16:21,760 in a garden 228 00:16:21,760 –> 00:16:23,760 there was a garden 229 00:16:23,919 –> 00:16:25,919 with trees and 230 00:16:26,119 –> 00:16:31,960 with a river and one of the trees at the very center was the tree of life 231 00:16:33,520 –> 00:16:37,140 John would have seen the significance of this immediately 232 00:16:38,580 –> 00:16:40,580 This is 233 00:16:40,799 –> 00:16:42,799 paradise restored 234 00:16:42,979 –> 00:16:44,119 and 235 00:16:44,119 –> 00:16:49,659 The paradise that is restored is greater in every way than the one that Adam lost 236 00:16:51,299 –> 00:16:55,119 Now I am NOT so naive as to imagine that any of us here 237 00:16:55,260 –> 00:17:02,940 Actually remember the outline of the first sermon in the year when we began a the series in January 238 00:17:03,380 –> 00:17:06,180 But at the very beginning of our journey 239 00:17:07,099 –> 00:17:09,939 We saw from the first chapters of the Bible 240 00:17:10,939 –> 00:17:18,880 That God blessed Adam and Eve with four gifts that made their lives very wonderful in the paradise that he gave to them 241 00:17:19,420 –> 00:17:22,699 They had the gift of a home and of work and of 242 00:17:23,020 –> 00:17:26,900 Companionship and most of all the presence of God Himself 243 00:17:28,380 –> 00:17:34,859 Each of these wonderful gifts was marred in some way as sin entered into the world 244 00:17:35,819 –> 00:17:38,040 Adam and Eve were driven out of 245 00:17:38,459 –> 00:17:45,619 Their home in the garden they had to make a new home in a world. That was marked by suffering and pain and death 246 00:17:46,560 –> 00:17:52,640 Work that had been so blessed by God was marred with frustration that entered into it 247 00:17:53,300 –> 00:17:57,199 The world’s first marriage came under strain and the world’s first family 248 00:17:57,219 –> 00:18:01,540 it was divided as a result of a bitter feud and 249 00:18:02,459 –> 00:18:07,199 Adam and Eve had to walk with God by faith no longer by sight as 250 00:18:07,699 –> 00:18:14,959 They had done when the Lord God came down and made himself visible and walked with them in the garden in the cool of the day 251 00:18:16,479 –> 00:18:20,420 Paradise was lost as sin entered into the world 252 00:18:21,839 –> 00:18:27,420 But now in the last chapters of the Bible these same gifts 253 00:18:28,280 –> 00:18:29,420 that 254 00:18:29,420 –> 00:18:32,300 Were evident at the beginning are not only 255 00:18:33,000 –> 00:18:36,819 Restored they are wonderfully in every way surpassed 256 00:18:37,920 –> 00:18:39,920 in God’s new Garden City 257 00:18:41,020 –> 00:18:47,119 And so brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ what we have to look forward to we can describe in these ways 258 00:18:47,459 –> 00:18:50,359 First you can look forward to a better home 259 00:18:51,560 –> 00:18:56,380 Notice chapter 22 and verse 2 on the other side of the river 260 00:18:57,439 –> 00:18:59,439 the tree of life 261 00:18:59,719 –> 00:19:03,140 With its 12 kinds of fruit yielding its fruit each month 262 00:19:04,140 –> 00:19:09,160 The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations 263 00:19:10,339 –> 00:19:17,540 now if you compare the new Garden at the end of the Bible with the old one at the beginning of the Bible one 264 00:19:17,739 –> 00:19:19,839 Striking difference is that of course? 265 00:19:19,900 –> 00:19:26,339 There is no tree of the knowledge of good and evil in God’s new Garden City 266 00:19:27,520 –> 00:19:30,079 Evil can no longer be known there 267 00:19:31,079 –> 00:19:33,800 The Garden is not only free from its presence 268 00:19:34,819 –> 00:19:36,819 the new Garden is 269 00:19:37,280 –> 00:19:39,280 free even from its 270 00:19:39,660 –> 00:19:41,660 possibility in 271 00:19:41,839 –> 00:19:48,680 the old Eden the man and the woman were not permitted to eat off the tree of life 272 00:19:49,599 –> 00:19:56,579 But now there is free access to the tree of life in fact the tree of life is bearing twelve different 273 00:19:56,660 –> 00:19:59,359 Crops of fruit ready to pick every month 274 00:20:00,300 –> 00:20:02,300 winter never comes 275 00:20:02,500 –> 00:20:05,920 It’s always fruit season and every month 276 00:20:05,920 –> 00:20:10,900 It’s a different kind of fruit that’s being produced from this tree of life in other words 277 00:20:11,680 –> 00:20:13,680 Everlasting life will never be boring 278 00:20:14,420 –> 00:20:17,319 God is always replenishing always renewing 279 00:20:18,380 –> 00:20:20,380 always nourishing 280 00:20:21,020 –> 00:20:27,180 The greatest joys of life that we experienced in this world are just pointers 281 00:20:27,780 –> 00:20:33,920 To the joys of life that lie ahead. I love and thank God for my home 282 00:20:33,920 –> 00:20:36,060 I hope you feel the same way about yours 283 00:20:37,439 –> 00:20:40,219 But brother sister you will be more at home 284 00:20:40,219 –> 00:20:43,760 And you will be more yourself in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ 285 00:20:44,099 –> 00:20:48,859 Then you have ever been at any time or in any place in this world in your entire life 286 00:20:49,140 –> 00:20:51,640 You will know what it is to be at home and 287 00:20:52,800 –> 00:20:55,479 Then in regards to work you’re gonna have better work 288 00:20:56,459 –> 00:21:01,199 It says here verse three. No longer. Will there be anything accursed? 289 00:21:01,839 –> 00:21:05,140 But the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it and 290 00:21:05,699 –> 00:21:07,699 his servants 291 00:21:07,900 –> 00:21:13,140 Will worship him and the Lord God will be their light and they will reign 292 00:21:14,119 –> 00:21:19,219 Forever and forever I’ve highlighted three words there for you in the new creation you will serve 293 00:21:20,400 –> 00:21:22,400 you will worship and 294 00:21:22,880 –> 00:21:24,400 You will reign 295 00:21:24,739 –> 00:21:29,099 So, what are we going to be doing for all eternity an endless variety of activity? 296 00:21:30,619 –> 00:21:36,599 The model of course is given to us in the garden of Eden right at the beginning of the Bible’s story 297 00:21:37,199 –> 00:21:39,119 Adam was given work 298 00:21:39,119 –> 00:21:43,339 He’s given work to keep the garden to exercise dominion 299 00:21:43,719 –> 00:21:48,099 Over all that God has made and to fill the earth and subdue it 300 00:21:48,099 –> 00:21:52,719 but of course when when the serpent came Adam lost his dominion and 301 00:21:54,780 –> 00:21:57,140 But now in this new Garden City 302 00:21:57,520 –> 00:22:03,920 God’s redeemed people are able to fulfil all the work that He will give for us to do 303 00:22:05,439 –> 00:22:08,339 God speaks about us reigning 304 00:22:09,880 –> 00:22:15,040 Which thankfully by the way doesn’t mean we’ll all have got jobs in government administration doesn’t mean that 305 00:22:16,180 –> 00:22:21,339 But what it does mean is that life will be brought under your control 306 00:22:22,099 –> 00:22:26,160 you will no longer be subject to the tyranny of time and all that goes with that 307 00:22:26,959 –> 00:22:28,959 You’ll no longer be swept away by 308 00:22:29,699 –> 00:22:34,040 Unpredictable tides of emotion or impulses of the will or fears 309 00:22:35,959 –> 00:22:39,219 You will no longer endure dysfunctional relationships 310 00:22:39,219 –> 00:22:46,000 You will no longer experience anything that remotely relates to danger or to death 311 00:22:47,180 –> 00:22:49,180 Your life will be ordered 312 00:22:49,719 –> 00:22:51,719 So your work 313 00:22:51,739 –> 00:22:53,739 Will be fulfilled 314 00:22:54,319 –> 00:22:55,880 your 315 00:22:55,880 –> 00:23:01,500 Relationships will be made whole life itself will be brought under your control and in an 316 00:23:01,839 –> 00:23:04,819 infinite variety of ways in a whole new creation 317 00:23:06,800 –> 00:23:13,619 We will exercise God given redeemed capacities for His glory and creative and fulfilling work 318 00:23:14,359 –> 00:23:16,680 that will satisfy us and will 319 00:23:17,420 –> 00:23:19,219 Glorify Him 320 00:23:19,219 –> 00:23:24,180 forever and forever and all that you do in 321 00:23:24,420 –> 00:23:26,420 the New Heaven and the new earth 322 00:23:26,880 –> 00:23:29,900 We’ll be service to God that you offer us worship 323 00:23:30,619 –> 00:23:32,020 and 324 00:23:32,020 –> 00:23:34,020 We will have better company 325 00:23:35,339 –> 00:23:41,819 Notice chapter 21 and verses 12 and 13 the great high wall with 12 gates and 326 00:23:43,140 –> 00:23:45,699 at the gates 12 angels 327 00:23:46,719 –> 00:23:52,439 and on the Gates the names of the 12 tribes of the Sons of Israel inscribed and 328 00:23:52,959 –> 00:23:58,079 On the East three gates on the North three gates on the South three gates into the West 329 00:23:59,260 –> 00:24:01,260 three gates 330 00:24:01,900 –> 00:24:03,900 The old Eden 331 00:24:04,199 –> 00:24:06,439 was enjoyed by just one man and 332 00:24:07,260 –> 00:24:09,260 one woman 333 00:24:09,500 –> 00:24:16,839 But now there’s a vast company of people from the north the south the east and the west and their 334 00:24:17,359 –> 00:24:20,099 streaming into God’s New Garden City 335 00:24:21,939 –> 00:24:23,939 God has redeemed these people 336 00:24:24,780 –> 00:24:28,260 out of the pain of human history and 337 00:24:29,260 –> 00:24:34,800 They now enter into greater joy than any of them have ever known 338 00:24:34,800 –> 00:24:36,800 All 339 00:24:37,260 –> 00:24:39,260 Evil is outside 340 00:24:40,479 –> 00:24:42,040 only God’s 341 00:24:42,040 –> 00:24:44,040 redemption made perfect 342 00:24:44,479 –> 00:24:47,180 only God’s glorified people are 343 00:24:47,939 –> 00:24:49,939 In the glory of His presence 344 00:24:50,880 –> 00:24:52,880 and 345 00:24:53,420 –> 00:24:55,420 Notice that there are 12 346 00:24:55,819 –> 00:25:02,439 Entrances facing in every direction reminding us that people are brought from every culture and background 347 00:25:03,219 –> 00:25:05,920 People are coming from Asia in the East 348 00:25:07,060 –> 00:25:09,859 America in the West Africa in the south 349 00:25:10,800 –> 00:25:12,800 Russia in the north 350 00:25:14,140 –> 00:25:21,260 Every nation of the world wonderfully represented in God’s redeemed and reconciled new community 351 00:25:21,780 –> 00:25:23,380 and 352 00:25:23,380 –> 00:25:27,660 Notice that in John’s vision all the gates of the city are open 353 00:25:27,760 –> 00:25:28,920 And 354 00:25:28,920 –> 00:25:34,420 Did you remember way back at the beginning of her journey when the man and the woman were evicted from the garden? 355 00:25:34,420 –> 00:25:37,540 And there was an angel at the gate there. There was 356 00:25:39,000 –> 00:25:40,420 children 357 00:25:40,420 –> 00:25:42,420 this angelic figure and 358 00:25:43,459 –> 00:25:50,280 There was this flaming sword that was flashing backwards and force there was no way back into the glorious 359 00:25:50,540 –> 00:25:52,819 presence of God no way back into paradise 360 00:25:52,819 –> 00:25:58,959 But here you have an angel at every gate not to keep people out but to welcome people in 361 00:26:00,180 –> 00:26:02,180 The gates are open 362 00:26:02,300 –> 00:26:09,400 because Christ has broken the sword of God’s judgment on himself as far as all who are in him are 363 00:26:09,780 –> 00:26:17,459 Concerned so that all who believe in him may come from whatever background the gates of heaven are open for you 364 00:26:17,660 –> 00:26:19,660 and 365 00:26:20,560 –> 00:26:23,699 Then there will be a better knowledge of 366 00:26:24,280 –> 00:26:25,900 the Lord 367 00:26:25,900 –> 00:26:29,699 Chapter 22 in verse 3 and for no longer will there be anything accursed 368 00:26:30,900 –> 00:26:37,060 But the throne of God and the Lamb will be in it and his servants will worship him and they 369 00:26:37,640 –> 00:26:40,339 Will see his 370 00:26:41,439 –> 00:26:43,439 face 371 00:26:44,119 –> 00:26:51,339 Adam and Eve knew what it was to walk with the Lord who made himself visible in the garden 372 00:26:52,560 –> 00:26:57,579 But they only knew it on occasion when he came in the cool off the day 373 00:26:59,520 –> 00:27:05,920 Brothers and sisters we will see his face 374 00:27:09,119 –> 00:27:11,119 Try and put this together 375 00:27:11,260 –> 00:27:16,119 That are times in our lives in this world where we just don’t feel at home 376 00:27:17,680 –> 00:27:20,400 In Christ today is coming 377 00:27:21,000 –> 00:27:25,540 When you will be more at home than you have ever felt at any time 378 00:27:26,239 –> 00:27:28,239 In your life in this world 379 00:27:28,839 –> 00:27:30,839 You will be more yourself 380 00:27:31,560 –> 00:27:36,920 You will be at peace with God at peace with yourself at peace with others. This is the great 381 00:27:37,380 –> 00:27:39,619 Redemption in Jesus Christ. We will be at home 382 00:27:41,339 –> 00:27:45,439 And if you find your work frustrating remember this 383 00:27:47,160 –> 00:27:51,280 The day lies ahead of you where you will be able to serve and 384 00:27:51,859 –> 00:27:58,439 You will find joy and fulfillment in all that you offer us worship forever and ever to little Lord Jesus Christ 385 00:28:01,699 –> 00:28:04,760 And every time you experience the joy of 386 00:28:05,680 –> 00:28:11,420 Loving relationship with someone else who is in Jesus Christ the encouragement the blessing of that 387 00:28:11,560 –> 00:28:18,880 Just remember that’s even a small taste even in the still fallen world of what you’re going to 388 00:28:19,180 –> 00:28:19,800 experience 389 00:28:19,800 –> 00:28:24,760 when we are all made perfect and that which makes us less than we should be and 390 00:28:24,920 –> 00:28:28,199 Less than what we one day, will be it’ll all be gone 391 00:28:29,020 –> 00:28:31,859 Will we know one another in Heaven? You bet we will 392 00:28:32,800 –> 00:28:39,520 Adam and Eve knew each other and everything in God’s new garden city is better better 393 00:28:40,459 –> 00:28:43,819 Than what Adam and Eve knew in that? 394 00:28:44,640 –> 00:28:49,839 Eden at the beginning of the Bible story and you will see his face 395 00:28:51,660 –> 00:28:54,439 You live with many questions you struggle with faith 396 00:28:54,439 –> 00:29:00,420 We walk by faith not by sight but the day is coming when faith will be turned to sight. We will see him 397 00:29:02,020 –> 00:29:04,660 And when we see him we shall be made like him 398 00:29:07,140 –> 00:29:12,859 Now how does all of this that looks ahead to what will one day be for those who are in Christ 399 00:29:12,859 –> 00:29:14,859 How does this help us today? 400 00:29:14,900 –> 00:29:17,479 Let me end with two words 401 00:29:17,900 –> 00:29:23,699 That dominate the end of the Bible story the first of these is the word blessed 402 00:29:25,420 –> 00:29:30,380 When John heard these words and saw this vision 403 00:29:31,380 –> 00:29:33,380 He was languishing in prison 404 00:29:35,020 –> 00:29:38,520 Life was not good for him. He was an old man and 405 00:29:39,300 –> 00:29:43,239 His horizons were bleak this world held little for him 406 00:29:43,239 –> 00:29:49,500 and what God did was opened up a wonderful glimpse of what one day will be and 407 00:29:49,900 –> 00:29:51,900 At the end of it. God says 408 00:29:52,380 –> 00:29:53,640 blessed 409 00:29:53,640 –> 00:29:57,079 Chapter 22 verse 14 are those who wash their robes 410 00:29:57,119 –> 00:30:02,199 So that they may have the right to the tree of life and 411 00:30:02,880 –> 00:30:05,160 that they may enter the city 412 00:30:05,920 –> 00:30:07,920 by its gates 413 00:30:08,640 –> 00:30:11,520 Now you put yourself in John’s shoes just for a moment 414 00:30:12,380 –> 00:30:17,880 John here you are. You’re languishing you’re in prison. You’re an old man. There isn’t a future for you in this world 415 00:30:18,839 –> 00:30:24,640 Your life’s miserable. Your opportunities have been taken away John. You are 416 00:30:25,500 –> 00:30:27,500 Blessed 417 00:30:28,319 –> 00:30:34,020 Brother sister in Christ, however difficult this last year may have been in your experience in 418 00:30:34,800 –> 00:30:37,199 Christ hear this you are 419 00:30:38,339 –> 00:30:40,339 Blessed you’re blessed 420 00:30:40,420 –> 00:30:45,199 Because you have been washed in the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ 421 00:30:46,199 –> 00:30:50,400 You are blessed because you have the right to the tree of life 422 00:30:51,359 –> 00:30:56,439 You are blessed because one day the pain that you know right now will be behind you 423 00:30:56,439 –> 00:31:01,880 You will go through the gates into the city where there is no more death and no more mourning 424 00:31:01,880 –> 00:31:08,560 no more crying and no more pain and you are blessed because God will wipe away all tears from your eyes 425 00:31:10,079 –> 00:31:13,239 Whatever you have endured in this year that has passed 426 00:31:14,000 –> 00:31:18,920 whatever you may face in this unknown year, that lies ahead of us if 427 00:31:19,680 –> 00:31:22,439 you belong to Jesus Christ you are 428 00:31:23,099 –> 00:31:30,839 Blessed brother sister never forget it and let that sustain you whatever you face in the days that are to come 429 00:31:32,560 –> 00:31:38,859 The second word that dominates the end of the Bible story is this wonderful word come 430 00:31:39,439 –> 00:31:43,640 Do you notice how its repeated in verse 17 of chapter 22? 431 00:31:44,540 –> 00:31:46,920 The spirit and the bride say come 432 00:31:47,699 –> 00:31:54,239 Let’s the one who hears say come and let the one who is thirsty come 433 00:31:55,859 –> 00:32:00,579 Let the one who desires take the water of life with out 434 00:32:01,739 –> 00:32:03,739 price 435 00:32:04,060 –> 00:32:06,060 the spirit and the bride 436 00:32:07,180 –> 00:32:08,660 say 437 00:32:08,660 –> 00:32:10,260 come 438 00:32:10,260 –> 00:32:14,819 The bride of course is a reference to the bride of Christ, which is the church 439 00:32:15,819 –> 00:32:24,079 And friends I have the immense privilege today on behalf of the church of Jesus Christ to say to you the bride says come 440 00:32:25,540 –> 00:32:26,959 There are 441 00:32:26,959 –> 00:32:28,959 Christian believers 442 00:32:29,140 –> 00:32:36,900 Who love you pray for you and want nothing more than that you should enjoy the blessings of everlasting life 443 00:32:39,660 –> 00:32:41,660 Come and 444 00:32:41,900 –> 00:32:43,579 The spirit 445 00:32:43,599 –> 00:32:48,819 Capital s says come the reference that of course is to God the Holy Spirit 446 00:32:49,119 –> 00:32:52,300 Do you realize this that God wants you to enjoy this? 447 00:32:53,800 –> 00:32:59,760 This is why Jesus Christ came into the world. This is why he went to the cross and suffered and died 448 00:32:59,760 –> 00:33:02,459 This is why he rose from the dead 449 00:33:04,219 –> 00:33:07,859 He offers ever lasting life to you 450 00:33:09,280 –> 00:33:11,280 He wants you to have it 451 00:33:11,660 –> 00:33:13,660 You can’t deny it 452 00:33:13,660 –> 00:33:15,660 But you must come 453 00:33:15,680 –> 00:33:18,619 You must receive what he offers 454 00:33:20,199 –> 00:33:25,739 By humbling yourself in repentance and receiving Christ and all that he offers 455 00:33:27,040 –> 00:33:28,920 by faith 456 00:33:28,920 –> 00:33:30,959 And so the Bible story ends 457 00:33:31,880 –> 00:33:37,420 He who testifies these things says surely. I am coming soon 458 00:33:38,099 –> 00:33:39,979 Amen 459 00:33:39,979 –> 00:33:41,979 come Lord Jesus 460 00:33:42,780 –> 00:33:48,380 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all 461 00:33:49,459 –> 00:33:51,459 Amen, let’s pray together 462 00:33:52,439 –> 00:33:59,280 Our father we thank you that ahead of all who are in Christ is indescribable. Glory 463 00:34:01,540 –> 00:34:04,920 While for so many in this world passing years means 464 00:34:05,920 –> 00:34:09,780 That life becomes less and the future becomes more bleak 465 00:34:11,260 –> 00:34:13,600 We thank you that in your mercy and grace 466 00:34:14,899 –> 00:34:18,500 You are preparing us in Jesus Christ for something 467 00:34:19,659 –> 00:34:23,260 Infinitely better more than we can ever even begin to iagine 468 00:34:26,399 –> 00:34:28,399 When we feel displaced 469 00:34:29,379 –> 00:34:34,139 Help us to remember that you are preparing us for home 470 00:34:36,219 –> 00:34:41,020 When we are frustrated and feel that we are not able to accomplish what we wish 471 00:34:42,899 –> 00:34:46,179 Grant that it may be in our minds and hearts that 472 00:34:47,959 –> 00:34:49,860 One day we will serve 473 00:34:49,860 –> 00:34:55,719 you and offer all of our services worship with great joy and not the slightest hint of 474 00:34:56,260 –> 00:34:58,260 Frustration at all 475 00:34:59,379 –> 00:35:03,159 Thank you that we will one day enjoy the company of 476 00:35:04,340 –> 00:35:10,120 believers made perfect from the whole world and from the whole of history and that the 477 00:35:11,419 –> 00:35:13,419 fascination and joy of our 478 00:35:13,540 –> 00:35:19,300 Interactions with all of your redeemed people will be one of our great joys forever and forever 479 00:35:21,419 –> 00:35:23,780 Thank you most of all that we will come 480 00:35:24,739 –> 00:35:31,479 to see and know and enjoy you face to face having all these years love and trusted you hearts to heart 481 00:35:33,639 –> 00:35:38,699 So father as we anticipate what is yet to be Grant that strength may come to us and 482 00:35:39,679 –> 00:35:44,739 that for any who have not yet trusted Jesus Christ today would be the day of saying 483 00:35:45,340 –> 00:35:47,340 This is too good to miss. I 484 00:35:48,280 –> 00:35:53,199 must receive what Jesus Christ came into the world to make mine and 485 00:35:54,540 –> 00:35:57,300 receive it by embracing him in faith and 486 00:35:58,139 –> 00:36:05,840 Repentance today hear our prayers for these things. We ask in Jesus name and all of God’s people together said 487 00:36:06,699 –> 00:36:08,699 Amen