Both the sermon series on Titus at EB & EW and the series on Romans 8 at ECC have been encouraging us to stay motivated by the prospect of the world to come - the moment when the new heavens and the new earth will merge and all believers from all times and all places will live with Jesus forever.
But how do we keep this sure and certain hope at the forefront of our minds? Here are 10 ways we've encouraged people to do this in the past:
- Hear Jesus promise you a heavenly reward as you read: Matthew 5:5, Matthew 19:27-30, Luke 14:12-14, and John 14:1-4.
- Read CS Lewis' The Weight of Glory if you're at all nervous about all this talk of a heavenly reward. And, if you're not, read it anyway. John Piper calls it '...one of the most influential pieces of literature I have ever read.' It's short. It's brilliant. And it's your for free.
- At the end of a bad day reflect on all those things you won't have to experience in the new creation.
- At the end of a good day reflect on all the good things that will be even better in the new creation.
- Aim to talk to another Christian about your heavenly reward for more that 2 minutes every week. You're welcome to practice on me.
- Memorise Revelation 21:1-5 and let it shape your imagination as you seek to day dream about heaven (rather than other things).
- Come to church meetings every Sunday for a weekly sneak preview of heaven as God speaks to us through his word, we get a foretaste of the heavenly banquet in the Lord's Supper, practice some of the songs we'll be singing in front of the heavenly throne, and get to know and encourage the people we'll be spending eternity with (the good news is that they'll be perfect then).
- Talk about heaven with your children - get them looking forward to it too. How? The Jesus Storybook Bible will give you the language you need.
- Think of the most beautiful picture, view, object you can. If you're able, have it in front of you. Use it to stretch your imagination to how much more beautiful heaven will be.
- Invite some church family members around for a meal. Serve the best food and drink you can. Remember Christ's death for you as you share some bread and wine. Look forward to sharing the heavenly banquet together (Isaiah 25:6).
