Heaven Series, Part 2

April 2, 2009
David Uth

Where do we learn about heaven? Scripture and Experiences. Being wary of experiences as Satan tends to influence these. We should rely on scripture. You can compare the story of experiencing heaven to what the bible says about it but rely on the bible.

John 14:1-6
Heaven is not clouds, halos, harps, having nothing to do, or attending a long church service. 87% of people believe there is a heaven but 66% believe we don't have a body when we get there. Read More Here...

Heaven is the perfect fulfillment, without sin, of the desires in our heart.

What is Heaven?

1. Heaven is a real place
It is a real, tangible place and not an idea or a concept.
2 Corinthians 12 mentions a 3rd heaven
1st heaven is the atmosphere, 2nd heaven is the stars and planets, and 3rd heaven is God's dwelling place - Isaiah 63:15

2. Heaven is a Person... Jesus
It is where ever Jesus is. He is the centerpiece of heaven.

3. Heaven is Home
Scripture talks of a mansion with many rooms. Philippians 3:20 talks about heaven being where our citizenship lives and how we are all eager to go there.

How do we get there?
1. Jesus returns to take us
2. Meet Jesus in death
John 14:6 - No one comes to the father but through Jesus
There is only one way- Faith in Jesus Christ

If you believe in Jesus then you must also believe in what he said. 3 people die every second. Live with the awareness of death so that your life will count for something. Don't be afraid of death.

Hebrews 2:14-15
Are you a slave to your fear of death? Jesus beat death. Death has no stinger, no power.

There are Four Words used to describe death in the bible:
1. Exodus - Luke 9:31, God set people free from slavery
2. Restful Sleep - 1 Thessalonians 4:14, It is like falling asleep
3. A Fading Tent - 2 Corinthians 5:1-5, We/our house is perishable
4. Sailing ship - 2 Timothy 4:6, Ships are built to sail, pull up our anchor and go

90 Minutes in Heaven - Don Piper

Exerpts from - Exploring Heaven, "90 Minutes in Heaven" Author Don Piper to Speak
By David Ettinger

Heaven is among the most misunderstood and maligned topics in the Bible, and First Orlando Senior Pastor David Uth wants to set the record straight.

"Unfortunately, the world has produced a lot of books about Heaven, but they're not about the Heaven of the Bible," he explained. "These books have to do with the 'new world,' the 'new earth,' the 'new order.' I'm referring to authors such as Eckhart Tolle."

However, it is not only new-age proponents who lack comprehension, but also believers in the Lord Jesus Christ who are fuzzy regarding Heaven theology. That is why, beginning April 18 & 19, Pastor Uth will be launching a five-week series called, fittingly enough, "Heaven."

The series will begin in a big way, as guest speaker Don Piper will speak that very first weekend. Piper is the author of the New York Times best-selling book, "90 Minutes in Heaven," which chronicles a "glimpse" of heaven Piper had while standing at heaven's gates following a fatal auto accident.

Piper's story is a fascinating one.

On January 18, 1989, Piper was driving on a bridge when his Ford Escort was struck by a tractor-trailer driven by an inmate from the Texas Department of Corrections. Piper was instantly killed and paramedics pronounced him dead. Piper says he then went to heaven, where he was reunited with loved ones, but does not claim to have met Jesus.

"Heaven is a place of reality, majesty and bliss," Piper said during an interview with the 700 Club. "I was surrounded by people I had known and loved in life who had preceded me [in death]. And they all looked really good. In fact, they were perfect in every way, as I was."

Piper also said that in heaven, "the streets were gold and the music was "incredible. Heaven is an amazingly active and exciting place," he added.

To read more about 90 Minutes in Heaven click here or to view Don's message at First Baptist online click here.