Use these for group work, or to assist your personal reflection.
- What is the ‘new earth and new heaven’, and how does this help us picture life after death, and beyond this world?
- Read through verses 20 to 24 in your group, and add other ‘pictures’ which could help us understand more about God’s eternal Kingdom.
- Why is it necessary for all creation to be included in God’s salvation, and how does God save the entire universe?
Lord Jesus Christ, give us a new zest for life and for gracious living. May we accept Your guidance in all we do and say, and seek to live not so much for ourselves, but for others. May we be fulfilled as people not through selfishness, but through selflessness, and in this way, demonstrate the truth of our calling. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord: AMEN
Topis covered by this text
- God’s creation of a ‘new heaven and a new earth’
- The eternal destiny of all things
- The future for all God’s people
Personal comments by author:
After writing about the day’s text, I often wonder whether I have written well enough to convey the essential truths about it. In truth, I have to let go of what I have written as I place it on the computer and upload it onto the internet. Once written and uploaded, the words are at God’s disposal, and the Holy Spirit will use them as He will. Sometimes, Satan will try to create misunderstanding where God is at work, but He can do little about the message of God’s great love and the eternal home He has prepared for us. This amazing message will surface again and again in this world; through the prophets, in Christ’s ministry and the preaching of thousands of ministers and the work of many scholars. Our destiny is with God, not with Satan.
Ideas for exploring discipleship
- Spend some time thinking about your own future with the Lord your God. Can you see far ahead enough to imagine yourself with Him and others in His new creation? Give yourself time to think about this, and let the Lord guide your thoughts.
- Fast and pray for those who turn away from faith and reject God’s offer of love. Pray that they will be blessed by the Holy Spirit, and accept the truth of God’s Word to them.
Please refer to the general advice on the page ‘discipleship challenges’
The notes below are offered to help you think about the challenges of God’s Word. Read the notes and suggestions below, but don’t try to follow through any more than one thing at any one time!