New Heaven, New Earth
Pastor Tan Thai · Feb 1, 2024
The sermon presents the vision of a new heaven and new earth from Revelation 21-22, where God will dwell with humanity without suffering, death, or tears. The pastor analyzes seven things that will cease to exist and two Greek words for newness, instructing the congregation about eternal hope and encouragement amid present trials.
The opening section of the sermon presents the theme of a new heaven and new earth based on Revelation 21:1-5. The pastor introduces the vision of John concerning the holy city of the new Jerusalem descending from heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. God will dwell with His people and wipe away every tear, with no more death, mourning, or pain.
The second section develops the theological argument by listing the "Seven Things That Shall Be No More" in the new heaven and new earth: no more sea, no more death, no more mourning, no more crying out, no more pain, no more darkness (sin), and no more curse. The pastor cites Isaiah 65:19-20 concerning the absence of weeping and lamentation, and Psalm 46:2-3 describing the trembling of creation. The throne of God and the Lamb will be in the city, demonstrating the eternal presence of Christ.
The third section applies the message to the practical life of believers by explaining two Greek words for newness: "Neos" (newly come into being, young) and "Kainos" (new in quality and value, though existing for some time). The pastor teaches that although the outer self of the believer is wasting away, the inner self is being renewed day by day (2 Corinthians 4:16). He encourages the congregation not to lose heart because of temporary afflictions in present life, but to focus on the unseen things that are eternal (2 Corinthians 4:18), since the seen things are only temporary.