Introduction

1. Most people with any belief in Christianity express comfort in the thought of heaven

2. Heaven is described for us in physical terms to help us understand that it is a place we want to be

3. Yet as we mature in Christ the attraction of heaven changes

4. The attraction is not merely physical but rather is a spiritual attraction

5. The longing to be with God grows stronger

6. Look in this lesson at the glory of heaven

Body

I. The Presence of God - Revelation 21:3-4

A. God will dwell with us

1. We will live together

2. It is the picture of an intimate relationship

3. God is the Father and we, His children, are gathered to Him

B. God will comfort us

1. Wiping away our tears, comforting His children

2. All the things that might mar our eternal bliss will be removed 

C. God will protect us

1. No more death, sorrow, pain, or crying

2. These things cannot be in the presence of God

3. God will drive them away

D. Can you picture that?

1. Seeing God

2. Talking to Him face to face

3. Being with Him for eternity

4. That is the glory of heaven

II. Seeing Jesus - Revelation 21:22-23; 22:1-3

A. The One who gave His life for me

1. To look at Him

2. To be able to thank Him

3. To fully realize and appreciate His sacrifice

4. I will see Him

B. The One who made my presence there possible

1. The only reason any will enjoy eternal life is because of Jesus' sacrifice

2. It is through His sacrifice that grace is extended to us

3. I will see Him

C. Can you picture that?

1. Seeing the One who died for you

2. Seeing His hands, feet and side

3. Realizing the love He had for you to die for you

4. That is the glory of heaven

III. Worshipping With The Heavenly Hosts - Revelation 4:8-11; 5:11-14

A. Picture of perfect worship

1. An innumerable host bowing in praise to God as He sits on His throne

2. Praise the Lamb offered continually

B. True picture of heaven

1. It won't be a big party

2. Not sitting around waiting for the next person to arrive

3. Rather it is eternal worship of the Father and His Son

4. It is a reuniting of the people of God to do what ties them together in the first place which is serve God

C. Can you picture that?

1. Spiritual host beyond count

2. All focused on God and the Lamb

3. All worshipping them

4. You joining in that great scene

5. That is the glory of heaven

Conclusion

1. May we realize what heaven is all about

2. May we long for the glory of heaven

3. Not our glory but His glory

4. Not what we will receive but rather that we will be with God, with Christ for eternity