Insight for Living

The Bible-Teaching Ministry of Pastor Chuck Swindoll

Stop Criticizing Earth and Start Contemplating Heaven

Overview:

John 14:1–3; Revelation 21:1–7

Any amount of time tasting the fruits of our fallen world will give most of us a hunger for heaven. Without a doubt, the songs, choruses of worship, hymns, and anthems on the subject of heaven number in the hundreds. For centuries, God’s people have anticipated their final home—“a dwelling place” that is the destiny and destination of all who know and love the Lord Jesus Christ. To this day, it remains the hope of every believer grieving the death of a loved one.

All of us who fill the ranks of the redeemed understand that, while we are to live as responsible citizens of this nation, in reality, “we are citizens of heaven” (Philippians 3:20) where our Savior has gone “to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2). Since heaven will be our ultimate destination, we need to spend less time complaining about our struggles and trials on earth, where we temporarily live, and more time learning as much as possible about heaven, where we will live forever.

Message Summary:

In this message centering on Revelation 21, Chuck Swindoll invites believers to shift their gaze from the temporary struggles of earth to the eternal promises of heaven. He begins by reading the profound description of the New Creation, where God’s home is among His people and where He will personally wipe away every tear, ending the reign of death, sorrow, and pain. Swindoll observes that while human curiosity longs for details, God has revealed "relatively little" about our eternal home. However, what He has revealed is just enough to "whet our appetite" and highlight the remarkable contrast between the brokenness of where we are and the perfection of where we will be. The message challenges the ultimate value of earthly achievements. Swindoll shares a reflection on the emptiness of worldly status—defining fame merely as people staring at you and success as earning enough to qualify for higher taxes. He argues that even if one were to multiply these "tiny triumphs" by millions, they amount to "less than nothing" when measured against a single draught of the Living Water that Christ offers. The sermon concludes with the humbling perspective that in the glory of heaven, believers will be "impressed with no one" but God Himself.

Message Key Facts:

  • The Appetizer of Heaven: Swindoll notes that the Bible gives us limited information about heaven, providing just enough to make us aware of the stark difference between our current world and the world to come.
  • The End of Sorrow: The sermon highlights the specific promises of Revelation 21: the removal of death, sorrow, crying, and pain, and the declaration by God that He is "making everything new".
  • The Definition of Earthly Success: The message deconstructs human success into four fleeting categories:
    • Fame: Being recognized by strangers on the street.
    • Success: Earning enough money to pay higher taxes.
    • Pleasure: Partaking in "friendly diversions."
    • Fulfillment: Believing one has made a serious impact on their time.
  • The Value of Living Water: Swindoll asserts that all human triumphs combined are a "positive impediment" compared to the spiritual satisfaction found in Jesus Christ.
  • No Celebrities in Glory: A key insight from the message is that earthly status dissolves in eternity; when believers are in glory, they will be "impressed with no one".

Message References:

  • Revelation 21:3–7: The primary text describing the New Jerusalem, the end of suffering, and the water of life given freely to the thirsty.

Message Speaker:

Pastor Chuck Swindoll

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