MY NEXT STEP TODAY IS:

I need to receive Jesus Christ as my personal Savior for the first time.
https://thebridgevenice.churchcenter.com/people/forms/500390

I need to be baptized.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/baptism

I need to attend Starting Point.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/starting-point

I need to join a serve team.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/serve

I need to join a small group.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/bridge-groups

Dig Deeper:
1. How has culture impacted the way we view eternity? What images come to your mind when you think of heaven?
2. Why are heaven and hell so often thought of as places you go based on how you live your life?
3. Read Ephesians 2:8-9. Who goes to heaven?
4. Do you think we have a good understanding of heaven on this side of eternity? Why or why not?
5. Are you drawn to new things? Why or why not?
6. Think beyond the fact that it doesn’t feel good to suffer. Why does all of creation long to be “made new” and no longer suffer?
7. Read Revelation 21:1and Isaiah 65:17. Discuss the importance of a new heaven and earth, not just a better version of what is current. How will it be different? How will it be the same?
8. Read Revelation 21:2. Why is a wedding analogy used in this passage? What images does it help to illustrate?
9. How does John’s vision of a world made right inspire hope for you now?
10. Read Revelation 12:3. Discuss where God will dwell and who He will dwell with. What are some other examples of how God has dwelt with His people throughout the Bible? How is this different than the way He has related to His people in the past?
11. Read Revelation 21:4. We will no longer feel the pain and tension of sin. What excites you most about this passage?
12. Read Revelation 21:5-6. When have we heard “It is done (finished)” spoken before? Why is it important to know that God is “the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end”?
13. Read Revelation 21:7. Why is an inheritance mentioned here?
14. Read Revelation 21:8. What do these people have in common? How does having a clear vision of where God is directing all things impact us today?
15. What encouragement do you find in Revelation 21:1-8? How about warnings or convictions?
16. What eternal truths or principles do I find in these verses?
17. What is the Holy Spirit trying to teach me through these verses? What changes do I need to make in my life to act on what I am learning?
18. What was your most significant takeaway from this week’s sermon, scripture reading, or discussion with your small group?

Live It Out:

Read Matthew 7:13-14. The wide road is the way of the world, but the narrow road is the way of Jesus. This week, live with hope for what lies ahead by:

1. Knowing that you know Jesus. If you do not yet have assurance that you have placed your faith in Christ, today can be your day to begin a real relationship with Him. Repent of your sin, believe in Jesus, and confess your belief in Him.
2. Knowing that you will experience a new heaven and a new earth. Read John 14:1-3. As a follower of Christ, write out how knowing that you will one day experience a new heaven and a new earth provide you with hope today.
3. Knowing that you will experience perfect fellowship with God. The most important thing about heaven is that we will be in the presence of Jesus. Write out what excites you most about living eternally with God. What can you do today to begin living like this now in preparation for the future?
4. Knowing that you will no longer experience the brokenness of sin. What hurt or pain are you holding onto that you can release to God? Spend time with God this week, laying down the brokenness that you feel.
5. Knowing that you will see His eternal promises fulfilled. What are God’s eternal promises? Write them down and post them in places that are easy to see. Remind yourself of these promises, both what He provides now and will also do in the future.

Reading Plan:
Monday: Revelation 21:1-2
Tuesday: Revelation 21:3-4
Wednesday: Revelation 21:5-6
Thursday: Revelation 21:7-8
Friday: 1 Corinthians 2:9, Isaiah 65:17, John 14:1-3
Saturday: 1 John 3:2, Revelation 7:17, Matthew 7:13-14

Additional Resources:
· Exalting Jesus in Revelation (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary), by Dr. Daniel L. Akin
· Revelation (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), by Grant R. Osbourne
· Revelation: The Spirit Speaks to the Churches, by James M Hamilton
· Revelation: Four Views, A Parallel Commentary, by Steve Gregg