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 Sermon > Sunday Morning Service |
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Title |
Heaven(59) - New Jerusalem(17) |
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Speaker |
Rev. Jaerock Lee |
Bible |
Revelation21:3-4 |
Date |
2008-10-05 |
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Passage
Revelation 21: 3-4
"And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away."
Introduction
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
This is the 59th session of Heaven series, the 17th session of New Jerusalem, which is going to be the last session of this heaven series.
It has now been almost two years since we first began this series about Heaven on November 5, 2006.
I wanted each of you to have more faith, hope, and love each time you listened to these messages.
Since we can't see Heaven with our physical eyes but yet it still surely exists and we will live there forever, I also wanted the kingdom of heaven to dwell in your hearts.
I earnestly wanted your heavenly dwelling place to be one of the better places in Heaven.
This is the last session of the Heaven series, but people say the end is another beginning. I hope you will take the messages about heaven as your guide-map and surely reach New Jerusalem.
I clearly drew the way to go to New Jerusalem on this map of the heavenly kingdom. I explained which way to take, which way to never take, and the points that you have pass on the way.
Thus, if you understand these messages clearly, anyone can go to New Jerusalem. I pray in the name of the Lord that you will be able to take this blessed way.
Main
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, let me begin this session with the explanations about the facilities that are in the biggest castle in the area of the Holy Spirit in New Jerusalem.
This castle has a gigantic 3-layer waterfall. When those grand flows of water fall three times, they will break into white droplets creating beautiful sprays of water.
And jewels cover the base of the waterfall, and they also give out brilliant lights when they are hit by the falling water. On either side of the waterfall are also placed jewels that give out double-fold or triple-fold lights.
The lights of the jewels combined with the sprays of water create such a beautiful scene. Just by looking at the water fall people will feel refreshed and filled with Spirit.
Above this water fall is something like a big arbor. From here, one can see the view around the waterfall and the whole view of the castle.
This arbor is placed on the higher grounds of this castle, and we can understand that the height of the waterfall is also quite tall.
As you walk along the outflow of water from the waterfall, it widens as it reaches the sea. You can also see islands of various sizes in the distance.
The water of the sea is so clear that you can see very clearly deep into the water. The sea's waves sparkle as if there were tiny jewel particles on the surface.
Many fish swim in the water that is as clear as crystal. It looks just like a piece of art. Espeicially, there are houses of jade green color in the sea.
Even though one is very rich, it would be very difficult to have a house in the sea. But in heaven everything is possible.
Even if we utilize all our imaginative power, we cannot think of so many mysterious and wondrous things in heaven.
On the islands in the sea, there are unique forms of wild flowers, trees, and birds, and animals. Each island has its own characteristics and individual kind of beauty.
On the sea, we can enjoy various water sports like canoeing or surfing.
There is also a big and luxurious cruise ship on the sea. Just like the very luxurious cruise ships such as the Titanic, this ship also has various facilities like ballrooms, theaters, and swimming pools.
There is also a ship that is totally made of crystal. The entire ship is crystal clear. The crystal is so clear and transparent that you feel like you are walking on water when you are onboard.
There is a submarine that has the shape of a rugby ball. In the submarine you can see in detail such mysterious and wonderful things deep inside the sea.
What would the deep sea of New Jerusalem look like? Would you want to see it?
I really would like you to enter into New Jerusalem and enjoy the rides with me in the submarine, crystal ship, and cruise ship.
As this castle is the biggest castle in the area of the Holy Spirit, it has many lakes and gardens here and there. Fish of various colors in the lake sometimes wave their fins as if dancing to please the children of God.
A fish that waves a silvery fin like a petal can suddenly change into pearl-like color. Likewise, some fish change their skin into many colors.
Each garden is arranged with a special theme in different places of the castle. Also, according to the theme of each garden, the gardens have different water fountains.
On this earth a water fountain is a device that shoots up water. But the water fountain in heaven shoots up not only water but also fragrance.
Some other fountains give out beautiful colors. The fragrances have different feelings. They have fragrance of endurance that we can feel from pearls, fragrance of passion and fervor like in sardius, fragrance of self-sacrifice, and faithfulness. There are so many fragrances that we don't have on earth.
In the middle of the fountain will be some video images. Just like water screens on earth, the video image will appear on the spray of water made by the water fountain.
The video will be pictures and explanations that tell us the meaning of each of the fountains.
In this castle runs the river of the water of life, too. It runs through each corner of the castle as though embracing the whole castle and then flows out.
At different spots of the river of the water of life are located arch-shaped bridges with rainbow colors.
Also, alongside the river of water of life golden and silver sands are laid with golden benches here and there.
On the trees of life that stand along the river of water of life are always big and delicious-looking fruits.
If we just think the fruits look very delicious, the angels will put them in a golden basket and politely serve them to us. I pray in the name of the Lord that many of you will get into this beautiful, peaceful, and happy place.
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, after we receive our reward at the Great White Throne Judgment, we will get into our eternal heavenly dwelling place.
After that, the first banquet in heavenly kingdom will be held by the Father God.
The banquet hall will be prepared before the throne of God in the area of God the Father in New Jerusalem. And this banquet hall is endlessly wide.
The gates of the banquet hall have the color of white gemstones and are decorated with beautiful flowers. They also have beautiful patterns carved in them.
As we go into the entrance of the banquet hall, our hearts will have already been touched by the beautiful melody that comes out from inside. The clear sound of music will penetrate deep into our spirit and we will feel as comfortable as being held in a mother's bosom.
The floor of the hall also shines with the colors of white gemstone. At either corner's edges stand numerous pillars of cylindrical shape.
They have decorations of jewels not only on the surface but also inside the pillars; and because they are transparent, we can see the unique beauty of them.
On each of the pillars are hanging flower garlands of various colors to add to the festive mood of the hall.
In front of the banquet hall is an altar having two layers. At the center of the upper altar is placed a big throne of white gemstone color. It is the throne of the Father God. On either side of it are the thrones of the Lord and the Holy Spirit.
These thrones are surrounded by brilliant rainbow colors as in Revelation 4:3. They are very high and magnificent. On the lower altar are placed the other thrones. Those prophets of highest ranks will sit there. They are Elijah, Enoch, Abraham, Moses, and the 24 elders.
At one corner of the hall is the place for the orchestra. With the conducting of the archangel who is in charge of music, they play beautiful music even before the banquet actually starts.
Those believers who are invited to this banquet will sit in their pre-designated seats, ushered by the angels.
Those from within the city of New Jerusalem will sit at the front, and then believers from the Third Kingdom of Heaven, Second and First Kingdoms of heaven, and then Paradise. Only few who are representatives of those in Paradise will attend this banquet from Paradise.
Also, even though they are invited to New Jerusalem at a later time, it is difficult for them to visit the city again because of such a great difference in the light and the glory.
When believers who are not dwelling in New Jerusalem are invited and come into New Jerusalem, they have to go through a special step. Because each dwelling place in heaven has different lights and glory, they must have the proper appearance to go to New Jerusalem.
They have to change their clothes and they will also have to wear something like insignia that shows which dwelling place they come from.
At the entrance of the banquet hall, they also have to show their invitations. I already explained to you the details about this in the 18th session of Heaven sermon series.
When the invitees all have their seats, the first banquet in heaven will begin.
The believers will check their appearances once again and excitedly wait for the Father God to enter.
This banquet is live-broadcast to other heavenly dwelling places for those who are not attending this banquet. It's broadcast with a large screen so vividly that they will feel the same emotions and happiness as if they are actually attending the banquet. When the sound of trumpet rings, the believers will stand up.
First, numerous archangels, who escort the Father God, will stand behind the altar. Next, the patriarchs of faith will come in and stand on the lower altar.
Those believers who watch this will have more earnest desire to see the Father God and the Lord.
So everyone will focus their eyes on the front of the banquet hall.
At this moment, the Father God will come in along with such brilliant and glorious lights shining.
His appearance is great and dignified but at the same time so compassionate and holy.
The hair of the Father God is slightly curly with golden color. From His whole body including His face, such brilliant and bright lights come out that no one can easily look directly at Him.
When the Father God comes to the front of the throne, everyone will bow and worship Him.
Not only the heavenly host and angels but also the prophets on the lower altar and all believers in the hall, and even the believers who watch this event on the video screens will do the same.
It is such a great honor as a creature to see God the Creator face to face. It will be such great joy and rapture itself.
But not all believers can see the Father God. Those who are from Paradise, the 1st kingdom and the 2nd kingdoms of heaven cannot really lift up their heads and see God because of such brilliant lights, although they want to see His face very much.
Of course, God the Father controls the strength of the light for them. So, everyone can see Him if they want but, with the feeling of embarrassment, they are really not able to lift up their heads and directly see Him. Still, they will be so moved in their hearts just by the fact that they are attending this banquet they will shed emotional tears of joy.
After God the Father sits on His throne, the Lord will come in escorted by a beautiful and gracious archangel. He wears very splendid crown and shiny and white long cloak.
The Lord will first show respect of the Father God by lowering His head. As He looks to the front, all believers will worship Him. And He will respond with a smile.
As God the Father looks out over this scene, He will be happy and show a pleasant smile. The Lord is actually the Presider of this banquet. The Presider's seat is prepared in front of the throne of the Lord.
The Lord will introduce the patriarchs of faith who gave glory to God greatly in the 6,000 year-history of human cultivation.
In the case of the apostle Paul, for instance, the Lord explains the number of souls he guided to salvation, and how many things he accomplished with the works of God's power.
Then, all the believers cheer and rejoice together hearing about it. But some believers rejoice even more than others.
They are the coworkers of the apostle Paul who shared both the good things and bad things with him.
People like Timothy, Titus, Priscilla and Aquila, and those who worked as though they were Paul's hands and feet will rejoice more than others at this moment.
Also, those who heard the gospel and received salvation through the apostle Paul will be so thankful and touched in heart. Among those whom the Lord introduces, there is one who is accomplishing great works of God today.
He is bearing countless fruits of salvation through the amazing power of the Holy Spirit and finishing up the human salvation. The Lord will explain his ministry and fruits in detail.
He will explain how this man loved the Father God and how he accomplished the will of the Father God with faith and obedience.
Those who listen to this explanation will wonder who that person might be. It's because his name is not recorded in the Bible unlike the patriarchs of faith.
But those who lived in the same age with him or those who heard news and knew about him will pay attention to the Lord with more eagerness.
As the Lord finishes the introduction and says that 'This is he!' he will appear before everyone. And such a brilliant light like a spotlight in performances will shine on him.
He wears a tall and splendid crown and also long cloak of white gem color.
From his face that resembles the Father God, people will feel the compassion and warm love.
God the Father Himself will stand up from His throne and hug Him tightly. And then the Lord will do the same.
Those believers who watch this scene will cheer loudly and rejoice greatly together.
Especially, those believers who served him as their shepherd at the end time will hug one another shedding tears together with great emotion.
Also, those who have reached salvation through him will rejoice and cheer and give thanks together. Then, God the Father will stand him in the front again and say, "This is my beloved son in whom I rejoice so much!"
Then all the believers of the heavenly kingdom will bow their heads to him.
God the Father will then say, "This son has accomplished all my will. I am so happy and joyful. Have a joyful banquet!"
Then, the orchestra will begin cheerful music and on the stage beautiful angels will show wonderful performances of singing and dancing.
Those who are invited to the banquet hall will have various food and drinks and watch the performances.
Of course, there are countless angels who serve the children of God who are invited to this banquet. The believers will sit at round tables that are placed at different places and have conversations with the brothers in faith. Also, they can go to the prophets they wanted to meet and greet them.
Angels are not the only ones who will give their performances.
Those people who helped the patriarchs of faith will praise God with dancing and singing.
This is kind of a special event of God the Father to add joy upon joy by boasting of the fruit of the patriarchs of faith.
1 Thessalonians 2:19 says, "For who is our hope or joy or crown of exultation? Is it not even you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming?"
Of course, everyone is the fruit of the Triune God, but at the same time those who are saved through the devotion of the apostle Paul are fruit of the apostle Paul. If you go into New Jerusalem, I believe the Father God will say you are my fruit.
And I would like to boast of you believers in this first banquet before the Father God, the Lord, and everyone in heavenly kingdom.
Of course, only those who are qualified to go into New Jerusalem will be able to perform on that stage.
I pray in the name of the Lord that many of you will be there in that glorious place and become joy to the Father God.
Conclusion
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today's reading passage Revelation 21:3-4 says, "And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away."
The eternal heavenly life that begins with this first banquet will give us no worries, concerns, sorrow, or pain. There is only happiness, joy, love, and peace.
We will be together forever with our God who is our Father, and all of our beloved brothers and sisters. How much I look forward to this day and to going into that place!
I really want all of you to reach this heavenly kingdom. Also, I want many of you to come into New Jerusalem.
I pray in the name of the Lord that you will live the endless, eternal time with the greatest happiness.
[Amen] |
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