God Makes All Things New [A New Home] Discussion Guide

Summary
This sermon explores how God makes all things new, focusing on the promise of a new heaven and new earth. Jonathan connects Old Testament prophecies from Isaiah and Jeremiah with New Testament Revelation, showing how God's plan of renewal culminates in eternity with Him. Using the metaphor of a restaurant appetizer versus the main course, he explains that our current life on earth is just the beginning… heaven is the main event. The sermon emphasizes living as citizens of heaven while on earth, setting our minds on heavenly things rather than earthly concerns. Jonathan also draws parallels between ancient Jewish wedding customs and Jesus' covenant with believers, illustrating how Christ has prepared a place for us and will return for His bride, the church.

Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You with grateful hearts, knowing that You are the God who makes all things new. As we gather together today, we ask that You open our hearts and minds to receive what You want to teach us. Help us to set aside the distractions of this world and focus on Your truth. Lord, we pray that You would speak to each person here in the way they need to hear from You today. Give us ears to hear, eyes to see, and hearts that are ready to respond to Your call. We trust in Your goodness and Your perfect plan for our lives. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Ice Breaker
If you could design your dream home anywhere in the world, where would it be and what would be the most important feature you'd include?

Key Verses

• Isaiah 65:17
• Revelation 21:1-7
• Philippians 3:20-21
• Matthew 26:27-28
• John 14:1-3
• Colossians 3:1-4

Questions

• How does knowing that this life is just the 'appetizer' and heaven is the 'main course' change your perspective on current struggles or challenges?
• What does it mean to you personally to be a 'citizen of heaven' while living on earth?
• In what ways might you be too focused on building a home here on earth rather than remembering your true citizenship is in heaven?
• How can we practically 'set our minds on things above' in our daily lives while still being responsible earthly citizens?
• What parallels do you see between the ancient Jewish wedding customs described and your relationship with Christ?
• How does understanding Jesus' covenant invitation ('Will you drink?') deepen your appreciation for communion and your relationship with Him?
• What areas of your life need God's renewal and transformation right now, and how can you surrender those to Him?
• How can we show the world around us 'a glimpse of what it's like for God's will to be done here on earth as it is in heaven'?

Life Application
This week, identify one area where you've been too focused on earthly concerns rather than heavenly perspective. Each morning, spend time in prayer asking God to help you view that situation through the lens of your citizenship in heaven. Practice setting your mind on 'things above' by starting each day reading a verse about God's promises for eternity and asking how that truth should influence your decisions and attitudes today.

Key Takeaways

• Our current life on earth is just the appetizer - heaven is the main course that God is preparing for us
• As believers, we are citizens of heaven who are temporarily living on earth, which should change how we live daily
• God's promise to make all things new includes both our future home in heaven and renewal available to us right now
• Jesus' covenant with us mirrors ancient wedding customs… He has gone to prepare a place for us and will return for His bride
• We should set our minds on heavenly things rather than earthly concerns, living with an eternal perspective

Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for the incredible promise that You are making all things new. Help us to live each day with the reality that our true citizenship is in heaven, not here on earth. When we face difficulties or get caught up in temporary concerns, remind us that You are preparing an eternal home for us that will be more wonderful than we can imagine. Give us the strength to set our minds on things above and to be Your representatives here on earth, showing others a glimpse of Your kingdom. Thank You for Your covenant love and for the price You paid to make us Your bride. We eagerly await Your return and pray that You would find us faithful when You come. Until that day, help us to live worthy of our heavenly calling. In Your precious name we pray, Amen.