Thank you for joining us! We exist to help people take the Next Step in their journey of faith with the Lord Jesus Christ. We’re here to help you Know God, Find Freedom, Discover Purpose, and Make a Difference.

Whether you’re new to Victory, been here awhile, need prayer, or want to take a Next Step, we’d love to connect with you!

Author: Apostle John

Purpose:
1) Offer hope for all Christians.
2) A road map for those alive when Jesus is ready to return.


Chapter Breakdown:
1-3 = Messages to the 7 churches.
4-19 = Tribulation period.
20-21 = New Heaven and New Earth.

“Nearly every Christian I have spoken with has some idea that eternity is an unending church service … We have settled on an image of the never ending sing along in the key, one great hymn after another, forever and ever, amen. And our heart sinks. Forever and ever? That’s it? That’s the good news?


And then we sign and feel guilty that we are not more ‘spiritual.’ We lose heart, and we turn once more to the present to find what life can be.”
John Eldredge “The Journey of Desire” p. 111


Everyone is invited,
few accept the invitation.

1Thessalonians 4:13-18 - And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope.


For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with Him the believers who have died.


We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet Him ahead of those who have died.


For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves.


Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.


Then we will be with the Lord forever. So encourage each other with these words. (NLT)

Paradise


Luke 23:42-43 - Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with Me in paradise.” (NIV)


Paradise =
“Temporary place to rest and refresh
until you go to another place.”

Paradise

The New Heaven


Revelation 21:1 - Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. (CSB)

What is Heaven Like?
1) Heaven is a real place.



Revelation 21:16 - The city was laid out like a square, as long as it was wide. He measured the city with the rod and found it to be 12,000 stadia in length, and as wide and high as it is long. (NIV)

What is Heaven Like?
1) Heaven is a real place.
2) Heaven is a right place.

Revelation 21:4 - He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. (NIV)

What is Heaven Like?
1) Heaven is a real place.
2) Heaven is a right place.
3) Heaven is a relational place.

Revelation 21:3 – I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among His people! He will live with them, and they will be His people. God Himself will be with them. (NLT)


Revelation 22:2 - On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. (NIV)

What is Heaven Like?
1) Heaven is a real place.
2) Heaven is a right place.
3) Heaven is a relational place.
4) Heaven is a rewarding place.


Salvation was God’s work for me.
Rewards are my work for God.


Revelation 22:12 - “Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done.” (BSB)


Matthew 16:27 - For the Son of Man is going to come in His Father’s glory with His angels, and then He will reward each person according to what He has done. (NIV)

Titus 2:11-13 - For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures.


We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God,


while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. (NLT)

3 things to do right now:
1. Re-aim your focus.


Matthew 6:19-20 - Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven. (NIV)


2 Corinthians 4:18 - So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (NIV)


Every day,re-aim
at where you’re going,
not where you are.

3 things to do right now:
1. Re-aim your focus.
2. Reach people.


People matter


Jude 1:22-23 - Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them. (NIV)


Reach the lost at any cost
because people last forever.

3 things to do right now:
1. Re-aim your focus.
2. Reach people.
3. Renew your relationship with God.


Revelation 22:17 - The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life. (NIV)


Revelation 22:20-21 – He who is the Faithful Witness to all these things says, “Yes I am coming soon!” Amen! Come Lord Jesus! May the grace of the Lord be with God’s holy people. (NLT)

GIVE US ONE YEAR OF YOUR LIFE.

1 PETER 1:17 // MSG

You call out to God for help and He helps - He’s a good Father that way. But don’t forget, He’s also a responsible Father and won’t let you get by with sloppy living. Your life is a journey you must travel with a deep consciousness of God.