I am typing most of this as we gather live at DBC to discuss all the material we have covered this far, up through section 4.
I will post questions for reflection for those that were not able to join us tonight and I have posted some thoughts from our discussion. Continue to press on in your reading as I will post questions for section 5 in the very near future.
Some thoughts from our discussion on June 22:
- Some had only thought of heaven as a response from a fear of hell. But now, much more excited looking forward to what God is going to do when He brings the New Heaven and the New Earth.
- Wow. What great discussion. We are close to an hour and we have not even made it out of the first section. So, thankful for the depth of the thinking of those in attendance. Good and right biblical thinking.
- Many are so thankful that the Bible is now shaping their thinking of heaven and not what the world has crafted through various means like media, etc.
- The book seems to be really giving boldness to those reading it. God is using this study to give them assurance and the urgency to share the Gospel! This is an awesome thing!
Questions for Section 4 for Reflection: (These questions are from the group and our discussion)
Chapter 11
- How does the resurrection of Christ affect your thinking on the new earth and the joy that it brought Him to restore all things?
- What is/are some proofs, from the Bible, that our bodies will be real in Heaven?
- Reflect upon the reality of the continuity that we have from now throughout eternity.
Chapter 12
- Is redemption just for us? It is limited to just humanity?
- Any thoughts on the illustration that the Apostle Paul uses for "childbirth" as the creation waits for the return of Christ? (Bottom of page 131-132)
Chapter 13
- Reflect on the quote by Milne at the top of page 134 that starts with, "Every kingdom work....." How does this change your daily life and thinking?
- Do you think our vocabulary matters? Should we be concerned about the words we use when speak of matters of heaven? Why or why not?
Well, our live discussion is over. We talked for 2 solid hours. I am so encouraged by what was said and the way that minds are growing in the Lord! I know that those present tonight are "waiting with eager longing" (Romans 8:19). We will do this again after we read the next 3 or 4 sections.
Jump into section 5, questions will be posted soon.
Blessings,
Bro. Matt
2 comments
11-1. Christ resuerrected is what we live for. With that said I can't wait until earth is resurrected.
11-2. Christ body was made new and I think ours will be too.
11-3. I could reflect on this for a long time. For me it is hard to comprehend.
12-1. I don't think so. Everything that is good will be made anew. Sin and Saten will be distroyed!!!
12-2. Graeat illustration! Even though we suffer in the end it will be brand new. It does hurt along the way though. It is very much worth it.
13-1. God is in control. This just reassures me of this. I am very in tune with this type of thinking. It is the way I live my life.
13-2. I think we should be careful in everything we say about Heaven or Scripture. It is important we speak truthfully about these things. Especally when we speak to non beleivers.
Our live meeting has been great. It was a joy as always to to talk about Gods word wit fellow beleivers. I love it!
God bless,
Glenn
I am still here, but read slow and understand what I have read is slower.