1 00:00:00,000 –> 00:00:06,740 Please have your Bible open at Revelation 7 as it’s been read to us as we come again to this marvelous 2 00:00:07,400 –> 00:00:09,400 subject of heaven 3 00:00:09,840 –> 00:00:10,900 We’ve asked the question 4 00:00:10,900 –> 00:00:16,920 How can I be sure of heaven and we saw the answer from the story of the thief on the cross 5 00:00:17,219 –> 00:00:18,740 He turned to Jesus 6 00:00:18,740 –> 00:00:25,959 He asked off Jesus and he trusted in Jesus and to the person who turns and asks and trusts 7 00:00:26,340 –> 00:00:30,100 Jesus says you will be with me in paradise 8 00:00:31,200 –> 00:00:38,060 And then last week we asked the question. What will it be like in heaven? What is the experience of our Christian loved ones? 9 00:00:38,900 –> 00:00:41,040 immediately after death for those who are 10 00:00:41,340 –> 00:00:44,639 Already in the presence of the Lord and we saw four answers 11 00:00:45,099 –> 00:00:47,980 To that question from the Bible they are with Christ 12 00:00:48,540 –> 00:00:54,259 They are fully conscious. They are actively engaged and they are eagerly 13 00:00:54,980 –> 00:01:01,959 Waiting what they enjoy in heaven is better by far than anything that we know here on earth 14 00:01:02,360 –> 00:01:06,099 But the best for them and for us is still yet to be 15 00:01:06,480 –> 00:01:12,639 They are waiting for the resurrection of the body. They are waiting for the gathering of the entire family of God 16 00:01:12,800 –> 00:01:18,500 they are waiting for the new heaven and the new earth and all that lies in the future for them as 17 00:01:18,879 –> 00:01:20,879 It does for us 18 00:01:21,900 –> 00:01:23,959 now today we come to the subject of 19 00:01:24,760 –> 00:01:29,339 Relationship and particularly the question. Will we know one another in heaven? 20 00:01:29,339 –> 00:01:37,160 I think that’s probably the question that I’ve been asked about heaven more often than any other and so we’re going to attempt a 21 00:01:37,160 –> 00:01:42,199 Clear answer from many scriptures a little later in the message today 22 00:01:43,000 –> 00:01:49,139 The outline is simply this we’re going to look at the joy of being at home in heaven 23 00:01:49,360 –> 00:01:53,400 We’re going to look at the joy of being together in heaven 24 00:01:53,400 –> 00:01:57,239 And we’re going to look at the joy of being with Christ in 25 00:01:58,239 –> 00:02:05,839 Heaven so if you have your Bible open at Revelation in chapter 7 we begin there at verse 9 with the joy of being at 26 00:02:06,199 –> 00:02:07,480 Home 27 00:02:07,480 –> 00:02:11,479 After this John says I looked and behold a great 28 00:02:12,240 –> 00:02:13,399 multitude 29 00:02:13,399 –> 00:02:15,000 that no one 30 00:02:15,000 –> 00:02:17,000 Could number 31 00:02:17,000 –> 00:02:19,000 Now what a great scene this is 32 00:02:20,000 –> 00:02:25,080 John sees a vast crowd a great multitude he says and 33 00:02:25,720 –> 00:02:28,419 They are in the immediate presence of Jesus 34 00:02:29,080 –> 00:02:33,139 They are standing before the throne and they are standing before 35 00:02:33,740 –> 00:02:35,360 the Lamb 36 00:02:35,360 –> 00:02:39,979 and notice that those who are in the presence of Jesus as John sees them they are 37 00:02:40,080 –> 00:02:44,380 Dressed in white robes which of course speaks of complete purity 38 00:02:45,199 –> 00:02:49,660 There is not the hint of a stain of sin upon them 39 00:02:50,300 –> 00:02:52,740 There is not the whip of a temptation 40 00:02:53,860 –> 00:02:55,860 anywhere near them and 41 00:02:56,479 –> 00:02:59,619 They have palm branches in their hands 42 00:03:00,240 –> 00:03:01,119 palm branches 43 00:03:01,119 –> 00:03:04,320 Of course in biblical times were symbols of victory 44 00:03:04,520 –> 00:03:10,880 And here are these people and they are celebrating complete total utter and lasting victory 45 00:03:11,320 –> 00:03:13,320 There are for them no more battles 46 00:03:13,759 –> 00:03:15,740 no more struggles 47 00:03:15,740 –> 00:03:17,740 no more wounds 48 00:03:17,820 –> 00:03:23,199 Complete and total victory and they ascribe this victory not to themselves, but to God 49 00:03:24,000 –> 00:03:28,600 Salvation they seek belongs to our God who sits on the throne and 50 00:03:29,339 –> 00:03:31,339 to the Lamb 51 00:03:31,839 –> 00:03:37,779 So obviously their experience is very different from what we experience here 52 00:03:38,479 –> 00:03:41,500 Think about it when you become a Christian you give your 53 00:03:42,059 –> 00:03:48,779 Jesus Christ gives you a new heart and you heart I will give you God puts his Holy Spirit within you 54 00:03:49,220 –> 00:03:52,380 but you live this life in the body and 55 00:03:53,740 –> 00:03:59,520 Therefore living a truly Christian life as we try to pursue that is a battle all the way 56 00:04:00,380 –> 00:04:05,539 It’s a battle for us in this world, because we live with the baggage of remaining sin 57 00:04:05,580 –> 00:04:08,059 That’s never completely gone in this life 58 00:04:08,880 –> 00:04:13,880 We live with the pain of a fallen world in which God is so dishonored and righteousness 59 00:04:14,279 –> 00:04:21,320 Despised and where evil and violence cast a shadow over all that is good 60 00:04:21,980 –> 00:04:26,119 We’re up constantly against the pool of the flesh in this world 61 00:04:26,779 –> 00:04:31,019 It may change the direction of the pool as you move through 62 00:04:31,079 –> 00:04:33,959 The course of life the pool of the flesh may be 63 00:04:34,220 –> 00:04:40,799 At one point more in the direction of lust and at another time more in the direction of greed and at another time more in 64 00:04:40,799 –> 00:04:44,720 The direction of laziness the pool of the flesh may change its direction 65 00:04:45,200 –> 00:04:49,940 but the pool never ends and the battle never goes away and 66 00:04:50,459 –> 00:04:55,619 Then we have our enemy the devil who through out though he cannot ever finally succeed 67 00:04:56,140 –> 00:05:00,980 Against us will never give up trying and so in this world 68 00:05:00,980 –> 00:05:04,660 We are always living a life of repentance and of faith 69 00:05:05,839 –> 00:05:13,019 Repentance because we are never beyond the place of being aware of our own sins and our failures and faith because we have to 70 00:05:13,019 –> 00:05:15,299 walk by faith and not by sight 71 00:05:15,299 –> 00:05:21,260 And we do this with the help of the Holy Spirit and because God has put a new heart within us 72 00:05:21,420 –> 00:05:27,940 But the Christian life to pursue a truly Christian life in this world is a struggle all the way 73 00:05:29,019 –> 00:05:34,000 But what we’re seeing here in Revelation and chapter 7 is that it will not always be. So 74 00:05:35,220 –> 00:05:41,459 John sees believers in the presence of Jesus and they’re not struggling at all. They are 75 00:05:42,059 –> 00:05:44,019 celebrating victory 76 00:05:44,019 –> 00:05:46,059 They’re waving palm branches 77 00:05:46,820 –> 00:05:51,019 There isn’t the hint of a stain of a sin upon them 78 00:05:51,019 –> 00:05:54,220 There isn’t the whiff of a temptation near them 79 00:05:54,220 –> 00:05:58,899 their long struggle is over and their battle has been won and 80 00:06:00,140 –> 00:06:03,299 So now they are at home verse 15 81 00:06:04,160 –> 00:06:07,660 therefore they are before the throne of God and 82 00:06:08,140 –> 00:06:11,179 they serve him day and night in his temple and 83 00:06:11,739 –> 00:06:13,980 He who sits on the throne will shelter 84 00:06:14,500 –> 00:06:17,000 them with his presence 85 00:06:17,899 –> 00:06:25,000 that last phrase shelter them with his presence literally translated means that he God will 86 00:06:25,640 –> 00:06:29,339 spread his tent over them. It’s a beautiful picture 87 00:06:29,920 –> 00:06:37,779 You imagine this vast piece of canvas and here is the Almighty and he’s shaking it out and it floats now 88 00:06:37,959 –> 00:06:39,140 Down 89 00:06:39,140 –> 00:06:45,140 Over all of the people of God so that nobody is outside and everybody is inside 90 00:06:45,339 –> 00:06:48,619 It is the most beautiful picture of inclusion 91 00:06:48,619 –> 00:06:55,920 He will spread his tent over all of his people. It’s a wonderful way of saying you’re at home here 92 00:06:55,940 –> 00:06:58,059 This is where you belong 93 00:06:59,779 –> 00:07:03,380 Try and think about the time or the place in your life 94 00:07:04,220 –> 00:07:06,820 Where you would say you felt most at home 95 00:07:08,119 –> 00:07:10,119 Where you were most yourself 96 00:07:11,660 –> 00:07:13,660 Where is that? 97 00:07:14,299 –> 00:07:16,299 When was that? 98 00:07:17,339 –> 00:07:19,679 Wherever and whenever it was or is 99 00:07:21,239 –> 00:07:25,660 What you experience when you feel most completely at home is 100 00:07:26,579 –> 00:07:32,140 just a little foretaste of what you will experience in the presence of the Lord and 101 00:07:33,380 –> 00:07:38,059 That’s very important because some of us struggle to feel at home in this life 102 00:07:39,619 –> 00:07:42,459 Some don’t feel completely at home in their work 103 00:07:43,320 –> 00:07:46,959 And you are doing this job and you say I’m not sure it’s really me 104 00:07:47,820 –> 00:07:50,600 I’m not sure. I’m really a fit for this 105 00:07:51,559 –> 00:07:54,220 I’m not really sure that this is what I was made for 106 00:07:56,079 –> 00:07:58,859 Some don’t feel completely at home in the church 107 00:07:59,540 –> 00:08:03,600 Some don’t feel completely at home in their own families and 108 00:08:04,679 –> 00:08:08,959 Some don’t feel completely at home in that own bodies 109 00:08:11,079 –> 00:08:13,200 But if you are in Christ 110 00:08:14,420 –> 00:08:17,640 the day will come when you know that you are 111 00:08:18,299 –> 00:08:22,220 Completely at home. God will spread his tent over 112 00:08:22,980 –> 00:08:27,480 You and you will say ah now this is where I belong. 113 00:08:28,440 –> 00:08:30,440 I was made for this place 114 00:08:31,179 –> 00:08:35,520 this is where I was always meant to be and 115 00:08:36,239 –> 00:08:41,460 to be at home means of course that you will truly be yourself in fact in heaven 116 00:08:41,479 –> 00:08:47,280 You will say I’m more myself now and here than I have ever been in all of my experience before 117 00:08:47,500 –> 00:08:50,559 So much of what went before wasn’t really me 118 00:08:51,380 –> 00:08:58,500 It somehow attached itself to me, but now that I am here. I am a home. I am myself and 119 00:08:59,320 –> 00:09:04,820 for that reason you will be able as it says here to serve the Lord as you always wished you could every 120 00:09:04,820 –> 00:09:06,859 Christian really wants to serve the Lord 121 00:09:06,859 –> 00:09:12,940 but we struggle with with so many difficulties and a tiredness and jadedness and discouragement and 122 00:09:13,179 –> 00:09:17,880 But here they serve the Lord day and night you see the significance of that. There’s no tiredness 123 00:09:18,020 –> 00:09:22,719 No jadedness no running low that’s happening there in the presence of the Lord 124 00:09:24,380 –> 00:09:30,580 Ligon Duncan an esteemed pastor college president Christian leader has a wonderful comment on this 125 00:09:31,719 –> 00:09:35,840 He says I have no idea. What it is like 126 00:09:36,900 –> 00:09:40,820 To live with a heart that is wholly given over to God 127 00:09:41,799 –> 00:09:43,799 Somebody’s saying there’s always that 128 00:09:44,299 –> 00:09:48,739 Tension always that struggle in the human heart even the redeemed and the renewed art 129 00:09:48,739 –> 00:09:54,619 I have no idea what it is like to live with a heart that is wholly of given over to my God 130 00:09:54,619 –> 00:09:59,840 I have not lived one second with that kind of heart, but one day I will 131 00:10:02,520 –> 00:10:08,539 Think how much you will enjoy your own heart being Holy given over to God 132 00:10:09,460 –> 00:10:15,440 Nor a hint of a stain of a sin upon you and not the whiff of a temptation 133 00:10:16,260 –> 00:10:18,260 around you and 134 00:10:19,179 –> 00:10:23,260 Satan unable to get his hook into your heart ever again 135 00:10:24,219 –> 00:10:28,099 Because nothing in you is drawn to anything 136 00:10:28,979 –> 00:10:30,979 that is his and 137 00:10:31,539 –> 00:10:33,539 You will never be out of sorts 138 00:10:34,340 –> 00:10:40,119 You’ll never have that experience of a sort of mood settling over you, and you know what that’s like 139 00:10:40,140 –> 00:10:44,140 so there’s a sort of mood settles over and you say way out in the world did that come from 140 00:10:45,080 –> 00:10:49,619 You’ll never have that kind of an experience again. You will be at peace with yourself 141 00:10:51,099 –> 00:10:56,960 you will be at peace with all your brothers and sisters made perfect in Jesus Christ and 142 00:10:57,599 –> 00:11:00,140 You will be at peace with God and 143 00:11:00,859 –> 00:11:02,599 you will be 144 00:11:02,599 –> 00:11:04,599 At home 145 00:11:05,080 –> 00:11:10,239 the joy of being at home in heaven 146 00:11:12,440 –> 00:11:14,440 secondly the joy of being 147 00:11:14,760 –> 00:11:16,440 together in 148 00:11:16,440 –> 00:11:18,520 heaven the joy of being together in 149 00:11:19,039 –> 00:11:20,239 heaven 150 00:11:20,239 –> 00:11:21,619 verse 9 151 00:11:21,619 –> 00:11:28,479 After this, I looked and behold a great multitude that no one could number 152 00:11:29,460 –> 00:11:37,440 From every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages standing before the throne and before the lamb 153 00:11:39,099 –> 00:11:42,679 Now I want you to notice something important here that the distinct 154 00:11:43,239 –> 00:11:47,539 Identity of every person in this vast crowd is maintained 155 00:11:48,599 –> 00:11:53,859 They are specifically from every tribe and every nation and 156 00:11:54,820 –> 00:11:56,280 every language 157 00:11:56,280 –> 00:11:58,320 Here is something very wonderful 158 00:11:59,000 –> 00:12:01,000 that the distinct 159 00:12:01,179 –> 00:12:04,940 individuality of every one of Christ’s children in heaven is 160 00:12:05,700 –> 00:12:06,780 preserved 161 00:12:06,780 –> 00:12:08,940 But what makes us different? 162 00:12:10,640 –> 00:12:12,640 No longer divides 163 00:12:13,500 –> 00:12:15,659 There isn’t the hint of conflict 164 00:12:15,659 –> 00:12:23,000 there isn’t the hint of tension in this vast crowd from every tribe and nation and language truly in the presence of God in heaven 165 00:12:23,500 –> 00:12:26,039 God’s people out of many 166 00:12:26,479 –> 00:12:28,400 Will be 167 00:12:28,400 –> 00:12:30,080 one 168 00:12:30,080 –> 00:12:31,840 Now friends this speaks 169 00:12:31,840 –> 00:12:36,099 directly to the question will we know one another in heaven and 170 00:12:36,320 –> 00:12:41,059 I want to give you the one word sort of bottom-line answer to that and then to 171 00:12:41,320 –> 00:12:45,500 Support it from the Bible what we know one another in heaven answer. Yes 172 00:12:46,520 –> 00:12:49,479 You will be you I will be me 173 00:12:50,559 –> 00:12:52,460 We will be made perfect like Christ 174 00:12:52,460 –> 00:12:54,460 we 175 00:12:54,859 –> 00:12:59,059 Will all reflect the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ 176 00:12:59,539 –> 00:13:05,039 But each of us will reflect his likeness through our own unique 177 00:13:06,200 –> 00:13:08,059 Individuality 178 00:13:08,059 –> 00:13:09,859 God never made two 179 00:13:09,859 –> 00:13:10,700 snowflakes 180 00:13:10,700 –> 00:13:14,559 Exactly alike and you certainly never made two Christians exactly alike 181 00:13:14,659 –> 00:13:21,099 he has made us distinct in our reflection of his likeness in creation and that 182 00:13:21,520 –> 00:13:28,780 Distinction and that individuality will continue to all eternity among the redeemed of the Lord in heaven 183 00:13:30,140 –> 00:13:34,340 For sure. We shall no one another in the resurrection 184 00:13:35,039 –> 00:13:36,940 the disciples 185 00:13:36,940 –> 00:13:38,099 recognized 186 00:13:38,099 –> 00:13:40,440 Jesus in his resurrection body 187 00:13:41,619 –> 00:13:48,340 But even before that we have good reason to believe that the same will be true for believers now 188 00:13:48,940 –> 00:13:53,419 Even in advance of the resurrection body in the presence of the Lord and 189 00:13:54,219 –> 00:13:55,039 To that end 190 00:13:55,039 –> 00:14:00,059 I want to offer to you a seven scriptures today that all point 191 00:14:00,500 –> 00:14:05,200 To our knowing one another in heaven all make clear identity 192 00:14:05,640 –> 00:14:13,039 Individuality and relationship in heaven seven scriptures all of them for sure points to knowing one another 193 00:14:13,039 –> 00:14:14,880 in the resurrection and 194 00:14:14,900 –> 00:14:17,799 Some of them point to believers knowing one another 195 00:14:18,640 –> 00:14:20,640 immediately after death 196 00:14:21,359 –> 00:14:26,159 So having been asked this question so many times now when someone asks me the question 197 00:14:26,159 –> 00:14:28,239 Will we know one another in heaven? I’m going to say well 198 00:14:28,239 –> 00:14:32,739 There’s seven scriptures that answer that it’s all on the Internet. You can just download the message 199 00:14:32,739 –> 00:14:36,760 I I want you to get this and for it to be settled in our minds 200 00:14:37,919 –> 00:14:43,119 Because if there’s one great purpose for this series it is to heighten our anticipation of heaven 201 00:14:44,119 –> 00:14:47,179 Why would it be that the Son of God would give all that he did to 202 00:14:47,799 –> 00:14:52,159 open the gates of heaven for his people and that there would be a relatively low level of 203 00:14:52,580 –> 00:14:57,640 anticipation among God’s people with regards to actually going there. That would be very strange and 204 00:14:58,359 –> 00:15:03,619 We are given glimpses of what lies ahead in order to encourage us in the battle now 205 00:15:04,239 –> 00:15:06,039 to press on in 206 00:15:06,039 –> 00:15:07,460 anticipation of 207 00:15:07,460 –> 00:15:10,260 The joy that is yet to be 208 00:15:11,000 –> 00:15:15,159 So I’m gonna try and make the case here as someone tries to make a case 209 00:15:15,159 –> 00:15:20,320 I’m gonna call witnesses and I have seven witnesses from the scripture and the first one 210 00:15:20,359 –> 00:15:27,840 I want to call David and his son, that is from second Samuel chapter 12 and verse 23 211 00:15:28,780 –> 00:15:31,960 Now as most of you know King David had a little boy 212 00:15:32,679 –> 00:15:34,679 who died in infancy 213 00:15:35,140 –> 00:15:38,780 David had prayed much that God would spare his life 214 00:15:38,780 –> 00:15:45,380 The boy died and when the little boy died David said second Samuel 12 and verse 23. 215 00:15:46,460 –> 00:15:48,799 I shall go to him 216 00:15:50,520 –> 00:15:52,520 He’s not coming back to me 217 00:15:53,419 –> 00:15:58,460 But I, King, David says under the inspiration of the spirit of God 218 00:15:58,460 –> 00:16:00,659 I shall go to him 219 00:16:01,320 –> 00:16:03,520 Now think about this 220 00:16:03,520 –> 00:16:08,719 There is more here than David saying I will go to heaven when I die 221 00:16:09,739 –> 00:16:13,080 No, David says, I will go to the boy 222 00:16:14,140 –> 00:16:16,140 I Will see him 223 00:16:16,739 –> 00:16:21,979 I will be reunited with him in heaven 224 00:16:23,140 –> 00:16:29,559 And there are many parents who have gone through the great grief and sadness of losing 225 00:16:30,200 –> 00:16:32,280 a child in infancy and 226 00:16:33,039 –> 00:16:36,400 Here is a wonderful assurance for every 227 00:16:36,919 –> 00:16:40,780 christian parent who loses a child david says I 228 00:16:41,479 –> 00:16:43,380 shall go 229 00:16:43,380 –> 00:16:45,260 to him 230 00:16:45,260 –> 00:16:49,020 ch Spurgeon points out very beautifully from the story of job 231 00:16:49,900 –> 00:16:53,260 remember job lost everything and his children died 232 00:16:54,159 –> 00:16:57,179 lost all of his cattle and money and 233 00:16:58,140 –> 00:17:04,199 Terrible terrible devastation in Chapter 1 when you get to the last chapter of the book of Job 234 00:17:04,900 –> 00:17:07,680 God restores to Jobe double 235 00:17:08,300 –> 00:17:13,699 All that he lost and if you look at the first in the last chapter Job has double the cattle 236 00:17:14,160 –> 00:17:17,760 He has double the sheep. He has double the money 237 00:17:19,500 –> 00:17:21,359 But at the beginning of the story 238 00:17:21,359 –> 00:17:24,699 He had seven sons and three daughters and at the end of the story 239 00:17:24,719 –> 00:17:30,280 We’re told not that he was given double of that but simply that he was given by God 240 00:17:30,839 –> 00:17:32,839 seven sons and three daughters 241 00:17:33,760 –> 00:17:35,000 and 242 00:17:35,000 –> 00:17:37,000 Spurgeon asked this question 243 00:17:37,939 –> 00:17:40,520 Why did God not give Job? 244 00:17:42,420 –> 00:17:44,420 double the children 245 00:17:45,300 –> 00:17:50,540 When he got double the cattle and double the money and double everything else and here’s his answer 246 00:17:51,540 –> 00:17:57,260 God regarded the children who had died as being Jobs still 247 00:17:58,780 –> 00:18:05,380 He does have double now in the presence of Jesus 248 00:18:07,540 –> 00:18:09,540 witness number one 249 00:18:09,579 –> 00:18:11,579 David and his son 250 00:18:12,560 –> 00:18:14,560 witness number two 251 00:18:14,780 –> 00:18:16,780 Abraham Isaac and 252 00:18:16,959 –> 00:18:22,260 Jacob and here we’re looking at Matthew chapter 8 and verse 11 where Jesus says I 253 00:18:22,900 –> 00:18:28,339 tell you that many will come from east and west and recline at the table with 254 00:18:28,800 –> 00:18:29,900 Abraham 255 00:18:29,900 –> 00:18:33,959 Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven 256 00:18:34,619 –> 00:18:38,939 Now notice again. This is very important distinct identity 257 00:18:39,680 –> 00:18:44,819 Abraham is Abraham in heaven. Not someone else not some kind of composite figure 258 00:18:45,140 –> 00:18:50,599 Isaac is still Isaac Jacob is Jacob. They retain their distinct identity 259 00:18:52,079 –> 00:18:56,420 They do not become in heaven nameless anonymous spirits 260 00:18:58,020 –> 00:19:04,280 Abraham is enjoying the company think of this of his own son and of his own grandson in 261 00:19:04,859 –> 00:19:07,939 the kingdom of heaven. Clearly this is in the resurrection 262 00:19:08,900 –> 00:19:13,260 Jacob is enjoying the company of his father and of his grandfather 263 00:19:13,300 –> 00:19:19,119 Three generations of the same family and there they are together according to the word of the Lord Jesus 264 00:19:19,920 –> 00:19:25,359 And notice what they are doing here in the resurrection. They are reclining at a table 265 00:19:26,719 –> 00:19:31,219 They are eating and they are drinking you have identity you have 266 00:19:31,739 –> 00:19:33,140 relationship you have 267 00:19:33,140 –> 00:19:39,219 conversation you have sharing a meal. Three generations of the same family. Jesus said it and 268 00:19:40,119 –> 00:19:44,099 Jesus says many will come from the East and the West to join them 269 00:19:44,099 –> 00:19:49,439 what he’s saying that is the joy into which every believer will be brought that same joy that 270 00:19:49,760 –> 00:19:53,579 Abraham and Isaac and Jacob will experience in the resurrection 271 00:19:55,439 –> 00:19:58,400 Along the same lines Jesus and the disciples 272 00:19:59,400 –> 00:20:01,640 Matthew chapter 26 in verse 29 273 00:20:01,640 –> 00:20:03,099 I tell you says Jesus 274 00:20:03,099 –> 00:20:08,680 I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until the day when I will drink it new 275 00:20:09,339 –> 00:20:11,339 with you in 276 00:20:11,859 –> 00:20:13,959 my father’s 277 00:20:13,959 –> 00:20:15,579 kingdom 278 00:20:15,579 –> 00:20:21,579 Now notice the same clarity. Here’s Jesus and he’s sitting with the eleven disciples. Judas has gone out and 279 00:20:22,280 –> 00:20:24,619 They’re sharing the Lord’s Supper on 280 00:20:24,619 –> 00:20:30,060 earth and he says now I’m going to drink it with you in 281 00:20:31,140 –> 00:20:36,739 Heaven so these disciples will be named and they will be known in heaven 282 00:20:37,339 –> 00:20:39,339 distinct identity and 283 00:20:39,660 –> 00:20:42,020 the sharing of this supper with Jesus 284 00:20:43,339 –> 00:20:45,680 Witness number four Moses and Elijah 285 00:20:46,520 –> 00:20:50,900 Here is Matthew chapter 17 and verse 3 were told at the Transfiguration 286 00:20:51,420 –> 00:20:56,079 The behold there appeared to them Moses and Elijah 287 00:20:56,800 –> 00:20:57,900 talking 288 00:20:57,900 –> 00:20:59,739 with him 289 00:20:59,739 –> 00:21:02,219 Now friends this is particularly fascinating 290 00:21:03,060 –> 00:21:06,859 Because Moses and Elijah appearing at the Transfiguration 291 00:21:08,540 –> 00:21:13,140 Clearly did not have and do not have even now the resurrection body 292 00:21:13,140 –> 00:21:21,500 Remember that even now Jesus is the only one in the entire universe who has the resurrection body 293 00:21:22,660 –> 00:21:27,500 Everyone else is waiting to receive it when he returns in power and glory Moses and Elijah 294 00:21:27,500 –> 00:21:27,900 Where are they? 295 00:21:27,900 –> 00:21:35,819 they’re in heaven with the rest of our believing loved ones and they are fully conscious they are with Christ they are actively engaged 296 00:21:36,219 –> 00:21:37,900 But they are eagerly waiting 297 00:21:37,900 –> 00:21:44,680 for the resurrection body that they do not have yet and which they will get when Christ comes again in glory so when they 298 00:21:44,699 –> 00:21:46,699 on the Mount of Transfiguration 299 00:21:46,699 –> 00:21:48,699 What are they their spirits? 300 00:21:50,020 –> 00:21:52,020 Souls made visible 301 00:21:52,719 –> 00:21:54,719 in the same way as 302 00:21:55,760 –> 00:21:57,760 the Angels were made visible 303 00:21:58,319 –> 00:22:02,040 to the Shepherds on the night that Jesus was born are the souls in 304 00:22:02,439 –> 00:22:07,500 Revelation and chapter 6 that we looked at last week were made visible in the vision that was given to John 305 00:22:09,680 –> 00:22:12,219 Even without the resurrection body 306 00:22:13,939 –> 00:22:16,160 Moses and Elijah were known 307 00:22:18,000 –> 00:22:20,000 They were recognizable 308 00:22:21,439 –> 00:22:29,520 Now how did Peter and James and John know and recognize that it was Moses and Elijah? I have absolutely no idea 309 00:22:30,439 –> 00:22:35,060 Someone said to me in the break, they probably had named tags on I don’t think that’s a very 310 00:22:35,760 –> 00:22:42,560 Helpful subject. I have no idea. But what I do know is this that the Bible makes clear that Moses and Elijah were known and 311 00:22:43,739 –> 00:22:47,079 Therefore I do not have to understand the mechanics by which that 312 00:22:47,119 –> 00:22:52,540 Happened in order to believe that if they were known even in advance of the resurrection body 313 00:22:53,020 –> 00:22:58,280 Then the fellowship of knowledge and a full identity is something that is 314 00:22:58,859 –> 00:23:06,180 given to believers in the presence of Christ immediately after death and not only in the resurrection body when Christ returns and 315 00:23:07,719 –> 00:23:13,819 I think going to witness number five that is reinforced further by Hebrews chapter 12 and 316 00:23:14,339 –> 00:23:16,560 verses 22 and 23 317 00:23:17,540 –> 00:23:22,900 Here the writer to the Hebrews reminds us of the great truth that the church 318 00:23:23,040 –> 00:23:26,959 Worshipping on earth is always at one with the church worshiping in heaven 319 00:23:26,959 –> 00:23:28,000 and 320 00:23:28,000 –> 00:23:31,359 He speaks of the church in heaven as the spirits 321 00:23:31,579 –> 00:23:38,180 So he’s talking about how they are right now not yet the resurrection body the spirits of the righteous made perfect 322 00:23:38,219 –> 00:23:41,839 That’s the souls of believers in the presence of Jesus 323 00:23:42,380 –> 00:23:47,020 Now, what does he tell us about what’s going on for these loved ones in the presence of Jesus now 324 00:23:47,020 –> 00:23:52,060 He says this that they are in the assembly of the Firstborn 325 00:23:52,540 –> 00:23:54,579 In other words. They’re gathered 326 00:23:55,540 –> 00:24:01,260 The spirits of the righteous made perfect gathered and they’re in this great 327 00:24:02,099 –> 00:24:06,859 Celebration is what is depicted for us here gathered means community 328 00:24:08,520 –> 00:24:10,520 Community means relationship 329 00:24:11,339 –> 00:24:15,900 Relationship means identity and knowledge 330 00:24:17,420 –> 00:24:19,819 Witness number six Paul and the Thessalonians 331 00:24:20,839 –> 00:24:22,880 first Thessalonians 2 19 332 00:24:23,599 –> 00:24:25,459 the Apostle says to these believers 333 00:24:25,459 –> 00:24:32,640 What is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? 334 00:24:32,640 –> 00:24:36,099 what’s going to be our great joy when he comes and 335 00:24:37,040 –> 00:24:40,199 His astonishing answer is this is it not? 336 00:24:41,359 –> 00:24:43,359 you 337 00:24:43,760 –> 00:24:47,619 So you read the two letters that we have in the Bible that Paul wrote to the Thessalonians 338 00:24:47,619 –> 00:24:51,420 There’s a very very special and deep bond between the apostle and these folks 339 00:24:52,479 –> 00:24:56,319 Had been right from the beginning where this particular church was planted 340 00:24:57,119 –> 00:24:59,339 They had gone through so many difficulties 341 00:24:59,920 –> 00:25:01,400 and 342 00:25:01,400 –> 00:25:06,920 the apostle is saying you know you’ve been my joy just serving with you has been my joy on earth and 343 00:25:07,319 –> 00:25:09,880 You’re going to be my joy in heaven. That’s what he says 344 00:25:11,119 –> 00:25:12,760 drove 345 00:25:12,760 –> 00:25:15,560 Jonathan Edwards therefore makes this wonderful comment 346 00:25:16,280 –> 00:25:18,280 the special affection 347 00:25:19,359 –> 00:25:24,680 That the Saints have in this world towards other Saints who are their friends 348 00:25:25,739 –> 00:25:30,000 Will in some respect remain in another world. It’s beautifully stated 349 00:25:30,760 –> 00:25:34,760 As Jonathan Edwards the special affection that the Saints have in this world 350 00:25:35,640 –> 00:25:40,000 towards other Saints who are their friends was in some respect remain 351 00:25:41,160 –> 00:25:47,920 In another world says Paul you just the relationship that we have had together is the joy of my life 352 00:25:48,020 –> 00:25:53,280 He says to these folks and it’s going to be a joy to me forever and forever in heaven 353 00:25:53,280 –> 00:25:55,739 You will be a joy to me. We will be a joy 354 00:25:56,640 –> 00:25:58,640 To each other 355 00:25:59,099 –> 00:26:05,959 Spurgeon quotes a pastor by the name of John Ryland whose wife Betty asked him a question 356 00:26:07,739 –> 00:26:09,699 John she said 357 00:26:09,739 –> 00:26:11,739 Will you know me in heaven? 358 00:26:13,400 –> 00:26:15,400 Betty he replied I 359 00:26:16,660 –> 00:26:18,939 have known you well here and 360 00:26:20,140 –> 00:26:24,880 I shall certainly not be a bigger fool in heaven than I am right now. I 361 00:26:26,380 –> 00:26:29,520 Will certainly know you there 362 00:26:31,060 –> 00:26:34,400 Christians who knew and loved each other on earth 363 00:26:35,300 –> 00:26:39,459 Will know and love each other in heaven 364 00:26:40,180 –> 00:26:44,699 And you always bring your strongest witness last if you’re making a case 365 00:26:44,699 –> 00:26:45,339 of course 366 00:26:45,339 –> 00:26:50,339 And here I think is the strongest witness of all it is the reunion of? 367 00:26:50,760 –> 00:26:54,699 Believing loved ones that is spoken of beautifully and specifically in first 368 00:26:55,060 –> 00:26:57,060 Thessalonians chapter 4 369 00:26:57,760 –> 00:27:02,420 Paul is speaking here verse 15 about the day when the Lord will descend from heaven 370 00:27:02,699 –> 00:27:09,160 With a cry of command with the voice of the Archangel with the sound of the trumpet of God and the dead in Christ 371 00:27:09,479 –> 00:27:11,819 shall rise First and 372 00:27:13,540 –> 00:27:17,520 He says this then we who are alive verse 17 who are left 373 00:27:18,760 –> 00:27:20,760 Will be caught up together 374 00:27:21,300 –> 00:27:22,339 with 375 00:27:22,339 –> 00:27:23,880 then 376 00:27:23,880 –> 00:27:30,380 That’s with the ones who have gone before into the presence of the Lord. We will be caught up together with them 377 00:27:30,579 –> 00:27:36,300 They’ll come with him the souls of those who are already with them. They’ll come with them. They’ll receive the resurrection body 378 00:27:36,380 –> 00:27:38,760 we will go up with them and 379 00:27:39,619 –> 00:27:42,140 receive that same marvelous gift and so we shall 380 00:27:43,260 –> 00:27:45,260 always be with the Lord, therefore 381 00:27:46,040 –> 00:27:48,699 encourage one another with these words 382 00:27:49,540 –> 00:27:51,540 Now just think about this 383 00:27:52,400 –> 00:27:56,359 The whole point of this passage why it was written 384 00:27:57,459 –> 00:27:59,619 Was to bring comfort 385 00:28:00,439 –> 00:28:04,660 To believers who grieve the loss of a loved one 386 00:28:05,900 –> 00:28:09,760 We’re not to grieve like those who have no hope that’s how the passage begins 387 00:28:11,680 –> 00:28:16,060 Paul is writing to believers who are grieving over the loss of their own friends 388 00:28:16,900 –> 00:28:18,900 their own children 389 00:28:19,339 –> 00:28:21,339 Their own parents 390 00:28:21,500 –> 00:28:23,500 their own loved ones and 391 00:28:24,400 –> 00:28:29,180 The grief of these believers is not about death in general 392 00:28:30,640 –> 00:28:36,599 The grief of these believers is about the death of their loved ones in particular 393 00:28:37,079 –> 00:28:38,800 and 394 00:28:38,800 –> 00:28:45,959 Paul writes under the inspiration of the Spirit of God to bring comfort to them in regard to their particular loss and 395 00:28:46,880 –> 00:28:52,680 Here is the comfort that he offers them in their sorrow. He says we will be caught up 396 00:28:53,640 –> 00:28:55,439 together with 397 00:28:55,439 –> 00:28:57,079 them 398 00:28:57,079 –> 00:28:59,079 to meet the Lord in the air 399 00:29:00,380 –> 00:29:03,199 Who is the them? Believers in general? 400 00:29:03,839 –> 00:29:05,839 Well, yes for sure 401 00:29:06,260 –> 00:29:08,319 But the whole point here is 402 00:29:08,540 –> 00:29:14,260 That he is referring to the loved ones who are now in the presence of the Lord in particular 403 00:29:14,579 –> 00:29:20,000 The whole point for these Christian believers the comfort is not just that we’ll be generally with all believers 404 00:29:20,000 –> 00:29:23,239 But that we will be with the ones whose loss we are grieving 405 00:29:24,020 –> 00:29:26,020 That we will see them again 406 00:29:26,500 –> 00:29:28,099 That is the comfort 407 00:29:28,099 –> 00:29:30,640 He’s saying if we may put it in a phrase 408 00:29:31,380 –> 00:29:33,260 Christians never 409 00:29:33,260 –> 00:29:35,260 Say a last goodbye 410 00:29:35,579 –> 00:29:37,579 because ahead of us is 411 00:29:37,800 –> 00:29:39,040 this 412 00:29:39,040 –> 00:29:41,140 reuniting in the presence of the Lord Jesus 413 00:29:41,140 –> 00:29:47,359 And so when we grieve we do not grieve as people who have no hope because this is the hope that is ahead of us 414 00:29:47,479 –> 00:29:50,640 This is the comfort towards which we press 415 00:29:51,239 –> 00:29:58,640 So there you are, there’s the seven witnesses the scripture says, you know, everything should be settled by two or three I’ve given you seven 416 00:29:58,640 –> 00:30:03,459 That’s more than enough for me and I really hope it is more than enough for you as well 417 00:30:04,439 –> 00:30:08,599 Our hope is not an anonymous existence 418 00:30:09,920 –> 00:30:11,920 Somewhere out in the stratosphere 419 00:30:12,560 –> 00:30:14,819 It is a shared life 420 00:30:16,239 –> 00:30:19,239 With people we love made perfect 421 00:30:19,239 –> 00:30:20,660 in 422 00:30:20,660 –> 00:30:22,660 the presence of our 423 00:30:23,260 –> 00:30:25,680 Lord Jesus Christ and 424 00:30:26,479 –> 00:30:28,479 The clearer that is to us 425 00:30:28,959 –> 00:30:30,959 the more there will be a 426 00:30:31,219 –> 00:30:36,219 Hastening in our own minds and our own hearts towards the day when faith will be turned to sight and all 427 00:30:36,640 –> 00:30:43,400 That is promised and all that Christ went to the cross to gain and to win for us will become 428 00:30:44,180 –> 00:30:46,180 ours 429 00:30:46,439 –> 00:30:48,839 The joy of being at home in heaven 430 00:30:49,979 –> 00:30:54,319 the joy of being together in heaven and 431 00:30:55,199 –> 00:30:57,680 Here’s the very last thing and just briefly 432 00:30:58,420 –> 00:31:00,420 the joy of being with Christ 433 00:31:01,479 –> 00:31:03,479 in heaven 434 00:31:04,880 –> 00:31:12,300 Verse 17 the lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd and 435 00:31:13,520 –> 00:31:14,900 He 436 00:31:14,900 –> 00:31:19,180 He will guide them to springs of living water and 437 00:31:19,739 –> 00:31:21,739 God will wipe away 438 00:31:22,300 –> 00:31:24,300 every tear 439 00:31:24,300 –> 00:31:26,300 from that eyes 440 00:31:27,140 –> 00:31:33,599 Remember Jesus said to the thief today you will be with me in 441 00:31:34,699 –> 00:31:36,699 Paradise with me and 442 00:31:37,160 –> 00:31:39,260 This will be our focus next week 443 00:31:39,260 –> 00:31:42,579 But let me just say this today that the greatest joy in heaven 444 00:31:43,020 –> 00:31:47,959 For a Christian believer is the joy of being with Jesus 445 00:31:49,520 –> 00:31:56,219 Christ who is our Shepherd on earth will be our Shepherd in heaven and 446 00:31:57,099 –> 00:32:01,800 He will be the one who leads us into the Springs of living water 447 00:32:02,739 –> 00:32:09,500 In other words heaven is not some kind of independent life where we’re gonna let loose and everyone go and do their own thing 448 00:32:09,599 –> 00:32:10,900 Whatever if takes your fancy 449 00:32:10,900 –> 00:32:18,619 it is a shared life in which Christ is leading all of his people into ever increasing joy and 450 00:32:19,640 –> 00:32:24,760 we have focused today on the important question will we see our 451 00:32:25,239 –> 00:32:27,540 believing loved ones in heaven and 452 00:32:28,119 –> 00:32:30,219 The answer to that question is yes 453 00:32:31,079 –> 00:32:34,040 But here’s the bigger greater and more important question 454 00:32:34,280 –> 00:32:42,160 Will Jesus Christ see his believing loved ones in heaven and the answer friends to that question is yes as well 455 00:32:43,579 –> 00:32:46,500 remember when Jesus was going to the cross and 456 00:2:47,180 –> 00:32:49,819 Preparing for all the agony that lay ahead 457 00:32:50,359 –> 00:32:57,540 He prayed to the father and his words are recorded in john 17 and in verse 24 of that amazing 458 00:32:57,640 –> 00:32:59,640 Chapter he praised this 459 00:32:59,880 –> 00:33:01,880 father I 460 00:33:02,020 –> 00:33:04,880 Desire that they whom you have given me 461 00:33:06,000 –> 00:33:08,260 may be with me and 462 00:33:09,400 –> 00:33:12,760 That they will see my glory 463 00:33:14,439 –> 00:33:17,780 Here’s what I’m going to the cross for Jesus says I 464 00:33:18,680 –> 00:33:20,439 want all my 465 00:33:20,439 –> 00:33:21,959 believing loved ones 466 00:33:21,959 –> 00:33:29,699 All that you have given to me all who put their trust in me. I want them to be with me and 467 00:33:30,520 –> 00:33:33,479 And to see my glory 468 00:33:35,900 –> 00:33:42,219 Friends the greatest assurance that you can have of heaven is that Jesus Christ wants you there 469 00:33:43,260 –> 00:33:45,459 He went to the cross to get you there 470 00:33:46,060 –> 00:33:49,319 He lives at the right hand of the Father to bring you there 471 00:33:49,319 –> 00:33:54,900 And when you arrive in heaven, you are going to see his glory 472 00:33:55,880 –> 00:34:02,319 John puts it this way when we see him, we shall see him as he is 473 00:34:03,339 –> 00:34:05,500 You’ll see his glory 474 00:34:05,979 –> 00:34:09,199 You’re not going to see him like a baby lying in the manger 475 00:34:10,479 –> 00:34:16,699 You’re not going to see him sweating as it were great drops of blood as he was in the garden of Gethsemane 476 00:34:16,780 –> 00:34:23,979 You’re not going to see him writhing in agony with the hair of his beard pulled out from his chin 477 00:34:23,979 –> 00:34:30,800 and spittle running down his face, affixed to the cross in the agony of his suffering 478 00:34:31,080 –> 00:34:34,239 You are going to see him as he is 479 00:34:34,439 –> 00:34:36,360 that is risen and 480 00:34:36,360 –> 00:34:39,739 Triumphant and victorious 481 00:34:39,739 –> 00:34:45,520 As Isaiah the prophet puts it, we will see the king in his beauty 482 00:34:46,000 –> 00:34:49,719 That is why we will have palm branches in our hands 483 00:34:50,320 –> 00:34:53,080 That is why we will say with all of the redeemed 484 00:34:53,760 –> 00:34:58,040 salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne and 485 00:34:58,719 –> 00:35:00,959 to the Lamb 486 00:35:03,419 –> 00:35:07,659 I end with a beautiful story a true story 487 00:35:09,300 –> 00:35:12,899 About a man by the name of William Montague Dyke 488 00:35:13,620 –> 00:35:20,419 When William was 10 years old he was blinded in a severe accident 489 00:35:22,419 –> 00:35:26,659 And despite his disability very bright guy he went to university 490 00:35:27,820 –> 00:35:29,899 graduated with very high honors and 491 00:35:30,780 –> 00:35:32,120 While he was at school 492 00:35:32,120 –> 00:35:39,040 He fell in love with the daughter of a high-ranking British Naval officer and the two of them became engaged 493 00:35:40,000 –> 00:35:42,000 Shortly before the wedding 494 00:35:43,620 –> 00:35:49,760 William had eye surgery it was a kind of Frontier operation at the time and 495 00:35:50,360 –> 00:35:54,419 There was some hope that it might restore his sight though 496 00:35:54,439 –> 00:35:59,120 He knew that if it failed he would remain blind for the rest of his life 497 00:36:00,959 –> 00:36:06,000 After the operation William’s eyes were swathed in bandages and 498 00:36:06,139 –> 00:36:13,360 And William insisted on keeping the bandages on his face until the day of the wedding 499 00:36:14,820 –> 00:36:16,820 If the surgery was successful 500 00:36:18,179 –> 00:36:22,399 He wanted the first person he saw to be his new bride 501 00:36:23,639 –> 00:36:29,479 Well the wedding day arrived guests assembled to witness the couple taking their vows 502 00:36:30,320 –> 00:36:36,459 Williams father and the doctor who had performed the surgery stood either side of the groom 503 00:36:36,879 –> 00:36:39,520 Whose eyes were still covered with these bandages 504 00:36:40,820 –> 00:36:42,820 the organ trumpeted the 505 00:36:43,199 –> 00:36:49,159 traditional Wedding march in the Cathedral the bride walked down the aisle to the front of the church and 506 00:36:49,760 –> 00:36:51,760 As soon as she arrived 507 00:36:52,280 –> 00:36:57,159 The surgeon took a pair of scissors out of his pocket. I mean can you imagine this? 508 00:36:57,500 –> 00:36:59,860 And begins cutting away these 509 00:37:00,439 –> 00:37:02,080 bandages 510 00:37:02,080 –> 00:37:04,080 from Williams eyes 511 00:37:04,520 –> 00:37:06,659 You can imagine the tension that filled the room 512 00:37:08,320 –> 00:37:14,000 Congregation holding its breath as they waited to find out if William could actually see the woman 513 00:37:14,459 –> 00:37:18,659 He loved who was standing right next to him 514 00:37:21,120 –> 00:37:26,699 As he stood face to face with his bride Williams words echoed right throughout the cathedral 515 00:37:28,100 –> 00:37:32,820 You are more beautiful than I had ever imagined 516 00:37:35,080 –> 00:37:39,239 One day the bandages from our eyes will be removed 517 00:37:40,540 –> 00:37:44,780 and you will see the Savior as he is and 518 00:37:46,300 –> 00:37:52,060 Faith with all of its struggles will be turned to sight for you and 519 00:37:53,139 –> 00:37:55,139 When you see his glory 520 00:37:55,879 –> 00:37:57,879 It will be greater 521 00:37:58,479 –> 00:38:00,379 Than you ever 522 00:38:00,379 –> 00:38:01,659 imagined 523 00:38:01,659 –> 00:38:03,659 father 524 00:38:03,860 –> 00:38:07,000 Hasten the day when our faith will be sight and 525 00:38:08,659 –> 00:38:14,500 Until that day for the person who is enduring darkness and struggle and pressure and disappointment 526 00:38:15,659 –> 00:38:17,659 Strengthen us in faith 527 00:38:17,979 –> 00:38:21,840 Help us to press with greater vigor on after you 528 00:38:22,280 –> 00:38:27,939 Strengthen us we pray with a hope as we fix our eyes on Jesus and set our minds on 529 00:38:28,199 –> 00:38:31,159 that which is above and that which is yet to be and 530 00:38:31,840 –> 00:38:34,639 Let us live for your glory until the day 531 00:38:35,399 –> 00:38:41,439 when we see face to face the One who we have loved and trusted and walked with heart-to-heart and 532 00:38:42,340 –> 00:38:46,199 Then rejoice in the presence of Jesus with all of your people 533 00:38:47,000 –> 00:38:48,600 forever and 534 00:38:48,600 –> 00:38:51,860 Forever and forevermore. Amen