Tabor Baptist Church

Introduction

• My text is found in v1
• Do you think it is negative to talk about life after death?
• v1-2 the New Jerusalem
• Think of places that begin with 'New' - examples
• If there is a New Jerusalem there must be an old one
• Personal example - old & new South Wales
• Places draw you near or keep you away
• Places are known for what is and what isn't there
• Why go to heaven - what is and what isn't there?
• The starting point - when everything has passed away

The New Jerusalem - what isn't there (what isn't in heaven)

• At least 15 things that are absent:
• No more sea (v1)
• No turmoil, no storms of life, no war, no restlessness
• No more death (v4)
• No more pain or sorrow (v4)
• No curse – Rev 22:3
• No night – Rev 21:25, 22:5, 21:23
• No shutting of the gates – Rev 21:25
• No impurity – Rev 21:27
• Only those written in the Lamb's book of life
• Could you be in your element without these things – Rev 22:15
• Quote from Bishop JC Ryle
• Heaven does not have the things that we 'love' on earth
• Can you say Halleuljah for this?
• There will not be sinners in heaven

The New Jerusalem - what is there (what is in heaven)

• Prepared as a bride for her husband
• The Church is like a wedding album with different photos, poses and sizes
• God is there with His bride
• The bride adorned for her Husband (v9-11)
• God is there with His bride
• The Groom is the Lamb of God (v9)
• The guests will be there with the bride – 19:17
• Rev 13:8, Eph 5:25-27
• Personal example
• Quote from song 'The sands of time are sinking' (v5)
  
• Rev 21:23

Closing Remarks

• Recap
• Is heaven worth considering?
• If you want to go there - you need to get your credentials from Calvary
• You go to New Jerusalem because it is your home
• Personal example
• Where are you tonight?
• Is your name written in the Lamb's book of life?
• If not, cry out to God for forgiveness