(Audio Sermon Clip) Eternity Lasts Forever
Basilea Schlink emphasizes the eternal glory and joy awaiting believers in heaven, encouraging them to set their minds on the eternal home beyond earthly suffering.
This sermon emphasizes the eternal hope of believers to be with the Lord in heaven, highlighting the temporary nature of earthly suffering compared to the immeasurable glory and joy of eternity. It encourages setting our minds on heavenly things as our true home, reminding us of the brevity of life on earth and the importance of preparing for eternity with Jesus.
Full Transcript
...to believe we'll be with the Lord forever, isn't it? But the Bible says so. And so all our suffering is worth it, as the Apostle Paul writes. The sufferings of the present time are slight and momentary and short-lived.
They are not worth comparing with the immeasurable glory of heaven. They actually create for us glory and joy beyond all compare, for all eternity. What tremendous power lies in the message of heaven for someone in pain or at death's door.
Not for nothing the Bible tells us to set our minds on heaven, the things that are above. Heaven is our real home. These few years on earth, you can count the decades on your fingers, are soon over.
Hardly anyone lives to be over a hundred. Our time on earth passes by so quickly. Some may live to be 70, others 80 or 90, and then it's all over.
And the question is, what did my life bring me? Eternity lasts forever. Where will I be then? What kind of dwelling place will I have? Will I see Jesus? Will I taste the glory which comes from suffering and affliction, and which the Lord Jesus always spoke of? Where will I be then? When we ask ourselves this, may our reply be, Oh, heaven, that's where I want to be. That's where real life will begin, and not in the kingdom of death or in hell.
Every morning when I thank Jesus for going to Calvary for us, I close with, and your sufferings opened up heaven for me. Heaven awaits us. The Lord Jesus awaits us above.
How He waits for the coming of a soul who loves Him, and whom He has chosen and loves. And what a glorious homecoming that will be. Then we won't just stand before the gates of heaven.
They will swing open. Angels will be there, and if we have the honor, and this is something none of us can know for sure, of being received by Jesus Himself at the gates of heaven, it will be too wonderful for words. And we'll say, Now I am home.
Sermon Outline
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I. The Temporary Nature of Earthly Life
- Life on earth is short and fleeting
- Most people live less than a hundred years
- Earthly suffering is momentary
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II. The Promise of Eternal Glory
- Sufferings produce incomparable glory
- Heaven is the true home for believers
- Joy and glory last forever
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III. Setting Our Minds on Things Above
- Focus on heavenly realities, not earthly troubles
- Jesus awaits believers in heaven
- The hope of being received by Jesus at heaven’s gates
Key Quotes
“The sufferings of the present time are slight and momentary and short-lived.” — Basilea Schlink
“Heaven is our real home.” — Basilea Schlink
“Now I am home.” — Basilea Schlink
Application Points
- Keep your focus on heavenly things to endure earthly hardships with hope.
- Remember that present sufferings are temporary and lead to eternal joy.
- Daily thank Jesus for opening the way to heaven through His sufferings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Bible say about suffering?
The Bible teaches that present sufferings are temporary and produce an eternal glory far beyond comparison.
Why should believers set their minds on heaven?
Because heaven is our true home and focusing on it helps believers endure earthly trials with hope.
What is the significance of Jesus’ sufferings according to the sermon?
Jesus’ sufferings opened the way to heaven for believers, making eternal life possible.
How does the sermon describe the moment of entering heaven?
It describes a glorious homecoming with angels and possibly being personally welcomed by Jesus.