Reflections of the New Heaven & Earth
### Bible Reading
1. **Revelation 21:1-4**: "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 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.'"
2. **Revelation 22:1-2**: "Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations."
3. **2 Peter 3:10**: "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare."
### Observation Questions
1. What are the key features of the new heaven and new earth described in Revelation 21:1-4?
2. According to Revelation 22:1-2, what is the significance of the river of life and the tree of life in the new Jerusalem?
3. How does 2 Peter 3:10 describe the transformation of the current heaven and earth?
4. What does Revelation 21:3-4 say about God's relationship with His people in the new heaven and new earth?
### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the imagery of the new Jerusalem in Revelation 21:1-4 symbolize about God's eternal presence with His people?
2. How does the promise of no more death, mourning, crying, or pain in Revelation 21:4 contrast with our current experiences in this world?
3. In what ways does the river of life and the tree of life in Revelation 22:1-2 represent eternal sustenance and healing?
4. How should the warning in 2 Peter 3:10 about the day of the Lord coming like a thief influence our daily lives and spiritual readiness?
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the promise of a new heaven and new earth. How does this vision of eternal life with God inspire you to live differently today?
2. Revelation 21:4 promises that God will wipe away every tear and there will be no more pain. How can this hope help you cope with current suffering or challenges in your life?
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of repentance and faith. What steps can you take to ensure your name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life?
4. The river of life and the tree of life symbolize eternal sustenance and healing. How can you seek God's healing and sustenance in your life right now?
5. We get glimpses of heaven in our current lives. Can you identify a recent moment that felt like a taste of heaven? How can you cultivate more of these moments?
6. The sermon calls us to live in anticipation of eternity. What practical changes can you make in your daily routine to keep your focus on your ultimate home with God?
7. How can you share the hope of the new heaven and new earth with someone who is struggling or does not yet know Christ? What specific actions can you take this week to be a light in their life?
1. **Revelation 21:1-4**: "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 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.'"
2. **Revelation 22:1-2**: "Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations."
3. **2 Peter 3:10**: "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare."
### Observation Questions
1. What are the key features of the new heaven and new earth described in Revelation 21:1-4?
2. According to Revelation 22:1-2, what is the significance of the river of life and the tree of life in the new Jerusalem?
3. How does 2 Peter 3:10 describe the transformation of the current heaven and earth?
4. What does Revelation 21:3-4 say about God's relationship with His people in the new heaven and new earth?
### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the imagery of the new Jerusalem in Revelation 21:1-4 symbolize about God's eternal presence with His people?
2. How does the promise of no more death, mourning, crying, or pain in Revelation 21:4 contrast with our current experiences in this world?
3. In what ways does the river of life and the tree of life in Revelation 22:1-2 represent eternal sustenance and healing?
4. How should the warning in 2 Peter 3:10 about the day of the Lord coming like a thief influence our daily lives and spiritual readiness?
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the promise of a new heaven and new earth. How does this vision of eternal life with God inspire you to live differently today?
2. Revelation 21:4 promises that God will wipe away every tear and there will be no more pain. How can this hope help you cope with current suffering or challenges in your life?
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of repentance and faith. What steps can you take to ensure your name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life?
4. The river of life and the tree of life symbolize eternal sustenance and healing. How can you seek God's healing and sustenance in your life right now?
5. We get glimpses of heaven in our current lives. Can you identify a recent moment that felt like a taste of heaven? How can you cultivate more of these moments?
6. The sermon calls us to live in anticipation of eternity. What practical changes can you make in your daily routine to keep your focus on your ultimate home with God?
7. How can you share the hope of the new heaven and new earth with someone who is struggling or does not yet know Christ? What specific actions can you take this week to be a light in their life?
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