The concept is hard for us to imagine. Could a world without evil and pain exist? What would we do with ourselves if we’re not worried about trying to be right and trying to stay alive? The last two chapters of Scripture give us a glimpse into this world. Heaven comes down to earth; God’s dwelling place is among people; everything bad is gone and forbidden. And we continue to wonder. We can only imagine. We try to imagine a place where God Himself is among us, wiping away our tears. We try to imagine everything made new or free drinks from the spring of living water. We try to imagine inheriting everything and God calling us His sons and daughters. And our imagination fails us. It must be too good to be true. God does stretch our imaginations with these descriptions, but He also assures us that they are real. It’s a true future, not a pipe dream. In Revelation 21:5-6, God commands John to write, “These words are faithful and true!” This isn’t John teasing us with something that isn’t real. He isn’t telling fairy tales to get our hopes up so we won’t stop giving to his ministry. This is God talking, and He’s telling us that this is as real as it gets. It is true, and God’s Word is faithful. The end of all this is actually better than we can imagine. He also reminds us that He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. This isn’t John’s best guess of the future. He’s not making predictions like a political pundit taking stabs at the outcome of an election. Nothing John says here comes from statistical analysis. It’s all true because it comes from the God Who is true. It’s the future He’s already seen and knows as the eternal God. God sees the beginning and the end because He is the beginning and the end. Everything that God made starts and ends with Him. So keep imagining, but don’t imagine with wishful thinking. Imagine with confidence, knowing that the God who is eternal and true is telling us exactly what is to come. And it’s glorious! –Pastor Rory
Sunday at Liberty
9AM: Can Our Flesh Contain God?–Philippians 2:5-8
10AM: Pastor Rory–New Heaven & New Earth–Revelation 21:1-8 (sermon notes)
6PM: Evening Gathering @ The Waters–Peace & Tranquility–Isaiah 65:17-25
7:30PM: Youth SNAC @ the Schaeffers’
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