Heaven, Part 4
Type: Sunday Morning Service
Series: Heaven
Sermon: Part 4 - The Return of the King
🗣️ Speaker: Pastor Tom Van Kempen
Humanity was created to rule God’s good world with Him, but through sin we traded our thrones for thorns and came under the curse and tyranny of the enemy. In Jesus Christ, the true King entered our broken world, took the curse on Himself at the cross, rose again, and now invites us to become citizens of His kingdom and partner with Him in advancing it through the Word, the Spirit, and prayer. One day the King will return, the curse will be removed forever, and God’s people will rule and serve with Him in a renewed heaven and earth.
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Additional Info
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Created for a Kingdom
From the very beginning, humanity was designed for a kingdom. In Genesis 1:26–28, God creates men and women in His image and assigns them rulership over the earth. They are to multiply, fill the world, and lovingly govern creation as representatives of the King.
This means human beings were never meant to drift through life aimlessly. We were created for purpose, responsibility, creativity, and partnership with God. Every culture, every field of work, every innovation was intended to be shaped under the wise and loving rule of the Creator through His people.
How the Kingdom Was Lost
But something went tragically wrong. In Genesis 3, humanity chose to step out from under God’s rule and define good and evil on its own terms. The result was catastrophic: the relationship with God was broken, death entered the world, and the ground itself was cursed (Genesis 3:17–18).
Instead of ruling from thrones, people now fight through thorns. Work became painful toil instead of joyful calling. Relationships fractured, nations divided, and spiritual darkness spread. Scripture describes this condition as being “ensnared” and doing the will of the evil one (2 Timothy 2:26; Ephesians 2:1–3).
We see this bondage in our world today: war between nations, division in communities, breakdown in families, and confusion about truth. Our thinking becomes warped when we try to imagine a future without God, without heaven, or without any ultimate accountability. When God is pushed out, human governments and systems inevitably turn inward and corrupt.
God’s Plan to Reclaim the Kingdom
Yet God was never caught off guard. Even in Genesis 3:15, He promises that a coming “seed” will crush the serpent’s head. Throughout the Old Testament, this promise develops into the hope of a coming King, a Son of David who would rescue His people and restore God’s rule.
At “the right time,” that King stepped into history (Galatians 4:4). Jesus came announcing, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near” (Matthew 4:17). He taught the ways of the kingdom, and every miracle He performed was a preview of what God always intended: blind eyes opened, broken bodies healed, outcasts restored. There was never supposed to be sickness, shame, or death.
The most surprising part of the plan was the way the King would win. Instead of conquering through military force, Jesus conquered through the cross. He took the curse of the law upon Himself—“cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree” (Galatians 3:13)—and wore a crown of thorns so that humanity could be set free from the thorns of the curse. His resurrection on the third day declared that sin, death, and Satan had been decisively defeated.
Becoming Citizens of Heaven
When a person trusts in Jesus, something dramatic happens. Scripture says we are transferred from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of God’s beloved Son. Our spiritual “passport” changes; we may live in an earthly nation, but our deepest allegiance and identity now belong to heaven.
This change is not just about where we will go when we die. It affects how we live right now. Citizens of the kingdom are called to “occupy” until the King returns—actively serving, loving, and sharing the good news so that more people can be welcomed into God’s family. Kingdom expansion is the mission.
God has not left His people unequipped. The Bible functions as the constitution of the kingdom, shaping our beliefs, ethics, and relationships. Ephesians 6 describes spiritual armor—salvation, righteousness, truth, faith, the Word of God—because our battle is not against people but against spiritual forces that oppose God’s rule.
The Power of Prayer in Kingdom Life
One of the most powerful tools God restores to His people is prayer. Where sin severed the connection between heaven and earth, prayer reconnects it. When Jesus taught His followers to pray, He invited them to say, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10).
Prayer is not a sentimental gesture; it is participation in God’s rule. When God’s people pray in faith, the plans and power of heaven begin to break into earthly situations. Tragedies and crises are not times to dismiss prayer but to press into it. Through prayer, God changes hearts, opens doors, breaks strongholds, and advances His purposes.
The Coming Renewal of All Things
Even with all God is doing now, the story is not finished. Scripture points forward to a day when the King will return and the kingdom will be fully realized. Jesus spoke of “the renewal of all things” (Matthew 19:28)—a kind of new Genesis where heaven and earth are remade and everything broken is restored.
Revelation 22:3 says that in that day “no longer will there be any curse.” The thorns of Genesis will be gone. The hard labor, the spiritual battles, the weariness and tears will be replaced with unending joy and meaningful service. God’s people will see Jesus face to face, and His glory will light the world.
This future is not passive or boring. Believers are promised crowns, inheritance, responsibility, and partnership with Christ. Scripture hints that faithful servants will be entrusted with cities and areas of authority, and that God’s people will even “judge”—govern—angels (1 Corinthians 6:2–3). Every insecurity and inadequacy will be healed, and every assignment will bring perfect fulfillment.
Living Now in Light of the Coming King
Knowing the end of the story transforms how we live in the middle of it. Earthly governments will always be imperfect and often corrupt, but the kingdom of heaven is marked by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Instead of despairing, citizens of heaven live with clear eyes and strong hope, serving their communities while remembering that no human leader is the ultimate king.
Every unseen act of faithfulness, every quiet sacrifice, every tear shed in obedience matters. The King keeps good records. Heaven is not a participation trophy handed out the same to everyone; it is the fulfillment of God’s faithfulness and the culmination of a life lived under His rule.
The invitation is open: turn from sin, trust the King who wore the thorns, and step into the kingdom that will never end.
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Use the questions listed below as a launching point to discuss the sermon points together as a family. These are great for dinner table discussions and small groups.
Title: Living as Citizens of the Returning King
Opening (5 minutes)
• Icebreaker: Share a childhood idea you had about heaven. How has it changed over time?
• Read aloud: Genesis 1:26–28; Galatians 3:13; Matthew 6:9–10; Revelation 22:3.Discussion Questions
According to Genesis 1:26–28, what was God’s original purpose for humanity? How does that shape the way you think about work and culture?
Pastor Tom said, “We literally traded our thrones for thorns.” Where do you most feel the “thorns” of the curse in everyday life—work, relationships, your own heart?
How does Jesus wearing a crown of thorns and becoming a curse for us (Galatians 3:13) practically change the way we relate to guilt, shame, and failure?
In what ways have you experienced the kingdom “already here” through answered prayer, healing, provision, or changed hearts?
What does it look like for our group to pray, “Your kingdom come” for our city? Where do we see darkness that needs the light of Jesus’ rule?
How does the promise of the coming “renewal of all things” (Matthew 19:28; Revelation 22:3) encourage you in the middle of suffering or discouragement?
Group Prayer Focus (5–10 minutes)
• Pray for boldness to live as citizens of heaven in everyday life.
• Pray by name for people who need to enter the kingdom through faith in Jesus.
• Pray for veterans, families, and those who carry visible or invisible scars.Action Step
This week, choose one person in your life who seems far from God. Pray daily for them by name and look for a chance to invite them—either into a spiritual conversation or to church—so they can hear about the King and His kingdom. -
Genesis 1:26–28; Genesis 3:15, 17–18
Genesis was written into an ancient Near Eastern world filled with myths of violent, unpredictable gods. In contrast, Genesis 1 shows one good God creating an ordered, beautiful world and granting humans royal status as His image-bearers. Genesis 3 describes how sin and rebellion brought a curse on the ground and introduced pain, toil, and death. Even there, Genesis 3:15 contains a promise that a future “offspring” of the woman would crush the serpent, hinting at a coming deliverer.Romans 5
Paul writes to believers in Rome, the center of the empire, to explain how sin and death spread through Adam but grace and life now come through Jesus. In a world dominated by Caesar’s rule, Paul presents Jesus as the greater King whose obedience brings justification and eternal life. Death’s reign is real, but Christ’s reign is greater.Ephesians 2:1–3; 2 Timothy 2:26
Ephesians was written to Christians in a city known for magic, idolatry, and spiritual power. Paul describes people before Christ as spiritually dead and under the sway of “the ruler of the kingdom of the air.” Similarly, 2 Timothy 2:26 speaks of people taken captive by the devil to do his will, reminding believers that spiritual warfare is real and that hearts and minds need to be set free by God.Galatians 3:13; Galatians 4:4
Galatians addresses churches being tempted to add religious law-keeping to faith in Christ. Paul insists that Jesus has redeemed believers from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for them when He died on the cross. “When the set time had fully come,” God sent His Son (Galatians 4:4), showing that Jesus’ coming was the climax of God’s long-planned rescue mission.Matthew 4:17; Matthew 6:9–10
Matthew writes primarily for a Jewish audience to show that Jesus is the promised Messiah and King. Jesus begins His public ministry in Galilee—an area looked down on by religious elites—proclaiming that the kingdom of heaven has come near (Matthew 4:17). In the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9–10), He teaches disciples to address God as Father and to ask for His kingdom to come and His will to be done on earth as in heaven, revealing that God’s reign is both present and still coming.Matthew 19:28
In Matthew 19, Peter worries about what he and the other disciples will receive after leaving everything to follow Jesus. Jesus responds by promising reward “at the renewal of all things,” when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne. The phrase points to a future new creation, rooted in the hope of Israel but expanded to include all who follow Christ.1 Corinthians 6:2–3
Corinth was a wealthy, status-driven city shaped by Greek culture and Roman power. The church struggled with division and pride. Paul rebukes believers for taking one another to secular courts and reminds them that in the age to come, God’s people will be entrusted with judging the world and even angels—governing with Christ in His kingdom.Romans 12:1–2
Romans 12 follows eleven chapters of rich theology about sin, salvation, and God’s mercy. Paul urges believers to respond by offering their bodies as “living sacrifices,” describing everyday obedience as spiritual worship. Instead of being pressed into the world’s mold, Christians are to be transformed by the renewing of their minds so they can discern and do God’s will.Revelation 22:3
Revelation was written to persecuted churches under Roman rule, facing pressure to compromise and worship the emperor. The final chapters present a vision of a new heaven and new earth where God dwells with His people. Revelation 22:3 declares that the curse is gone, God and the Lamb share the throne, and His servants will serve Him, assuring believers that the story ends not in defeat but in restored, joyful rule with the King. -
Theme: Jesus the King and Our Forever Home
Age Range: Elementary (adjust up or down as needed)
1. Introduction (5 minutes)
• Ask: “What do you think heaven is like?” Let kids share fun or funny answers.
• Say: “Today we’re going to learn that God made us to be part of His kingdom, that Jesus is the King who rescues us, and that one day we’ll live with Him forever in a perfect home.”2. Scripture Time (5–7 minutes)
Read selected verses in kid-friendly language:
• Genesis 1:26–28 – God made people in His image to rule over the earth.
• Galatians 3:13 – Jesus took the curse for us.
• Revelation 22:3 – One day there will be no more curse.Explain:
• God made the world good and put people “in charge” under Him.
• When people disobeyed God, it was like saying, “We don’t want You to be King,” and the world got broken.
• Jesus came, took the “thorns” of sin on Himself (talk about crown of thorns), and promises a new world with no more curse.Ask:
• “How do we know Jesus is the King?” (He died, rose again, and lives forever.)
• “What kind of king do you think Jesus is—mean or loving? Bossy or caring?”3. Craft: “Crown of the True King” (10 minutes)
Supplies: Yellow construction paper or cardstock strips, crayons/markers, stickers/gems, tape or stapler.
Steps:
Give each child a strip to fit around their head.
On the front write: “Jesus Is My King” or “Citizen of Heaven.”
Let them decorate with colors and stickers.
Option: On the inside, have them write or draw one way they can follow Jesus this week (kindness, prayer, obedience, etc.).
Talk as they work:
• “We used to wear thorns because of sin, but Jesus took the thorns so we could wear crowns again someday.”4. Game: “King’s Mission” (8–10 minutes)
A relay game to picture kingdom work now.
How to play:
Divide kids into 2–3 teams.
Place “mission cards” (index cards) on one side of the room with simple tasks: “Encourage a friend,” “Pray for someone who is sad,” “Share your toys,” “Invite someone to church,” etc.
One at a time, kids run to the far side, grab a card, run back, and read it to their team.
The team quickly acts out what that mission would look like in real life.
Explain:
• “Until Jesus comes back, we’re on the King’s mission—showing His love and telling others about Him.”5. Discussion Questions (5 minutes)
What is one thing you’re excited about when you think of heaven?
How did Jesus show He is the King who loves us?
What is one “King’s mission” you can do this week at home or school?
6. Wrap-Up and Prayer (3–5 minutes)
• Summarize: “God made us to be with Him in His kingdom. Jesus took our punishment so we can be forgiven and live with Him forever. Now we get to live like children of the King.”
• Prayer:
“Jesus, thank You for being the King who loves us. Thank You for taking the thorns so we can wear crowns with You one day. Help us live like Your kids this week—kind, brave, and full of love. Amen.” -
That tribute video is an acknowledgement of the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of all of our United States veterans. What's so interesting to me is over the course of my life, November 11th has taken on more significance the older I get. First, as a child, I didn't really understand the sacrifice. that veterans made. And then as I got married and started having children of my own, I was grateful for that sacrifice. But I still didn't understand it until right after 9-11. Because after 9-11, my oldest son said he was going into the Marine Corps. And that's when all of a sudden it dawned on me that the sacrifice is made both by the veteran, the soldier themselves, but also the family. And so I want to ask everyone who served in our armed forces in any capacity to stand at this time. Would you do that for me, please? Sure. Thank you. Thank you. And now stay standing just for a second because I want to pray over you and your families. And I want everyone else to participate by just stretching out a hand towards you. If you're close by, you can even lay a hand on their shoulder and just say thank you for the commitment and dedication that they've shown to our nation. Heavenly Father, we come to you in Jesus' name. We are appreciative greatly for the sacrifice that each of these men and women when they were still young, young men and women. Father God, many of them probably didn't even know what they were getting themselves into. But Father God, since then, Father God, they know that it took great amounts of bravery and courage and dedication, Father God, to fulfill the assignment that Uncle Sam gave them. So I'm asking you in the name of Jesus Christ to bless them for what they have given to us. I pray that you would bless them, Father God, in so many different ways. If any are carrying any physical effects of what happened in the military, I pray that you'd heal these bodies in the name of Jesus Christ. If there's any emotional scarring, Father God, I pray that you'd remedy that also in the name of Jesus Christ. And I pray, Father God, for the families who sacrificed alongside their hero family members. I pray, Father God, that you'd bless them also and let them know that this sacrifice was not in vain. Our country is not done. There is still stuff that we need to do. And you're going to make sure it is done. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, we pray today. And together, everybody says, Amen and Amen. One more round of applause as they are being seated. Oh, my Lord. We've got Thanksgiving coming up in just a couple of weeks. And It's kind of weird or interesting. I said earlier that God still speaks. Okay? And about a week ago, God told me that I was cooking turkey for the congregation. It couldn't have been any plainer. I told my wife, I said, I am compelled to have a Thanksgiving celebration. at noon on Thanksgiving Day right here in our very own fellowship hall. And I know it's been done in the past, and we've had as many as like 75, is that right? And then some much smaller crowds than that also. And I want to say thank you to Gator and his wife for doing that for so many years. I believe there was even another family before that who led it, and the Van Kempens are going to pick up the baton. Thank you. And we're going to run with it. And here's why this is so important. Robin said one of the first people who signed up out in the lobby today, they were in tears saying they were not even looking forward to Thanksgiving because they were going to celebrate it alone. And now they get to celebrate it with their church family. Who can say amen? So I'm excited by that. Robin is going to be hanging out with a turkey out in the lobby. No, not me. Okay, she's going to be hanging out with a turkey right about in that area. And if you are interested in being a part of that Thanksgiving luncheon, please sign up for us. It'll help us know how many turkeys to prepare. You know, if only 10 of us are there, probably only making one turkey. If there's 100 of us, there's probably going to be And so please, if you're thinking of coming, let us know and how many are going to be with you. And we are asking you to bring something though. Please bring, you know, something to drink, maybe a dessert, maybe a vegetable tray, maybe some bread, something like that. Robin and I will be providing all of the turkeys, all of the meat. She's going to be making sweet potatoes and mashed potatoes and a bunch of desserts and all kinds of great stuff. So that will be a But if you have a special dish that we have to have, let Robin know. And we will prepare to receive that from you also. Who can say amen? Amen. I'm all right. I appreciate that. A group of third graders was asked to describe heaven. Here were some of the responses. When you die, you don't have to do homework in heaven. Unless you see your teacher there too. Heaven is where you get everything you want. Unless you want too much, then you don't get to go. Wow. Number three, heaven should be the happiest part of my dead life. Wow. How dark is that? and some misunderstanding. And over the last four weeks, we've been trying to get rid of the misunderstanding and paint a picture of what heaven is actually going to be like. The very first week, we talked about heaven being an actual physical place. It will have substance. It will be real. We will inhabit it with bodies. We will have rooms or houses or in which we will live on a regular basis. It will be similar to some of the experiences we have on this planet, but so, so much more. In week number two, we talked about the fact that heaven is going to be a paradise. It's going to be perfect in so many, in all ways. And for us, that's hard to really wrap our brains around because there's so much pain, so much heartache. So much challenge, so much difficulty, and yet the Scripture tells us that it's all going to disappear. There's still going to be challenge, but it's going to be fulfilling challenge in heaven. Last week, we talked about our eternal home and how we're going to spend eternity with family and friends and even Jesus Christ Himself face to face. Who can say amen to that? But probably the ultimate truth that I've not touched on yet or is the fact that heaven is not going to be a democracy. Did you know the United States is not heaven? Please understand that. It's not a republic. It is not a republic in heaven. There's going to be no committees. You're not going to get to make decisions on what happens because we are going to be ruled by a king. Say king. So the universe is waiting for the ultimate act of history, which is the second coming of Jesus Christ. Because that will initiate what I'm calling today the return of the King. And I want to summarize the events of history, all of them, in three simple points today. If you can grasp today's message, you will grasp not only the salvation message, but the reward that comes along with being saved and you'll be able to communicate it to anybody and everybody who needs it so point number one is this a kingdom was created you can even add once upon a time if you want a long long time ago and the reason i say that is because c.s lewis and j.r.r tolkien communicate the fact that they believe every fairy tale has its roots in the Genesis account. Every fairy tale is an echo of reality that as adults we no longer believe. But the Scripture tells us in Genesis 1, it paints a picture of God, the King of the universe, creating the physical heavens and earth. And this is what He says in Genesis 1, verse 26, let us make man in our image. to be like us. They will reign. Say reign. Some translations say they will rule. Some say that they will have dominion over the animals on the planet. This is what we need to understand. God made this beautiful physical kingdom and He handed it over to Adam and Eve. He gave rulership through His delegated authority to Adam and Eve. God gave the kingdom to His children. Verse 26 clearly teaches that we will rule over the animals. Verse 28 says that we will literally multiply and fill the entire earth and subdue the planet. That meant as image bearers of God that we have the authority and have the authority to rule the planet and as those image bearers to creatively build a life that honored God. Who can say amen? Now, what am I talking about? I'm talking about everything. I'm talking about farming the land. I'm talking about technology. I'm talking about the cultures that were supposed to be developed back then. I want you to do an imagination exercise with me. never sinning. Just think about it. What would have been the result of no sin on this planet? Well, they would still be with us. Yes, they'd still be alive. There'd be no death in the world. But let me take it a little bit different vein. Okay? And what I mean by that is we today are mesmerized sometimes by what the ancients did. You know what I'm talking about? Building of the pyramids. Moving, you know, the Easter Island heads. All of these things. We wonder where does the technology come from and all of that kind of stuff. So some people make up things like there were outer space aliens that came and did all of that. No! God had created us in His image. If God can create a universe like that without sin, we would have been able to create automobiles much quicker. You think automobiles are a result of sin? No, that's created order. How about cell phones? How about the cures for all of these things that happen in the world? How the DNA works? That would have all been figured out thousands and thousands of years ago. Flight would have occurred so much sooner. And every culture, say culture, every culture would have been perfect. What do I mean by that? Well, God created the nations. That was His plan from the beginning. He wanted nations to glorify Him uniquely and differently and in special ways. So there would have been no human sacrifice. There would have been no other gods to honor or any of that stuff. So every culture would have been dedicated exclusively to God. So what happened? Sin. The kingdom was lost through disobedience. Sin destroyed the connection between humanity and God. And the power source and the creative elements that we received from God were kind of stopped. The power source was cut off. We literally traded our thrones for thorns. Think about it. Genesis 3, verse 17. the ground because of Adam and Eve. Through painful toil, you will eat of it all the days of your life, and it will produce thorns, the Scripture says. We literally traded the perfect for a perverted world. But hear me, even in humanity's worst failure, God was already whispering the promise of a future king who would reclaim the In Genesis 3.15, he says that the seed of the woman will crush the serpent's head. Who can say amen? God wasn't caught off guard. He created this plan from the beginning, from before the beginning of time. And when he made that prophecy, he by grace sacrificed some innocent animals, shed their blood, Again, prophetically pointing to His Son, Jesus Christ, and using their animal skins as covering to cover over their sin. Number two, the kingdom was reclaimed eventually by Jesus Christ. As I said earlier, God's original plan has never been revoked. However, there is real consequence to man's sin. Romans 5 says that from the time of Moses until Jesus Jesus showed up. Death reigned. Literally from the time of Adam even to today. Death is still taking a toll on our physical bodies. And death still reigns in many people's lives. Ephesians chapter 2 tells us that Satan took over. That he literally usurped the throne of this world. And humanity was locked up. Humanity was enslaved. But listen to what Paul says in 2 Timothy 2.26. He says, Have you ever seen your life that way? Have you ever said, Man, I wish I hadn't done that. Have you ever thought, I don't even know why I did that. That is the spirit realm causing you, either through temptation or manipulation, to do things you don't even want. This is why when sin entered the world, Adam and Eve turned on each other. Relationships have been warped and wrecked and ruined. This is why there's division in churches, divorce in marriages, war between nations. It all comes from the plans of Satan himself. And it's because he's gotten into our heads and allowed or caused our thinking to be warped beyond what God originally wanted. If you don't think that, can you help me understand the fascination with a guy by the name of John Lennon? Why is it here in the 2020s, I'm still hearing this silly song, Imagine? with this song? Oh, it's a catchy little melody, no doubt about it. Imagine there's no heaven. It's easy if you try. No hell below us. Above us only sky. Right? Why would you want to imagine there is no heaven? Why would you want to imagine there's no hell? Oh, I get that one. I don't want to go there. But according to a Harvard economist, listen to this, the more a nation believes in hell, the more prosperous the nation. Isn't that amazing? In other words, the nations that go communist, the nations that go socialist, the nations that do not believe in an afterlife are the ones that lose out on the blessings even in this world. Now, again, here's the danger in the devil's work. This song by John Lennon says, imagine no greed. Oh, I like that one. Imagine no hunger. I like that one too. Imagine no killing. Yes. But then he weaves in, imagine no religion, meaning Christianity. And imagine no countries, which is God's plan from the beginning. And imagine no possessions which is socialism. It doesn't work. Who can say amen? Can somebody help me understand how did this guy in New York City just get voted in as mayor? I can tell you why. Because our thinking is warped. People are not buying into the constitution of the kingdom of God which is the word of God. We need to understand that government will always be corrupted if there's no God. The less God, the less good. Who can say amen? But listen to the good news. God has always had a plan. He had a plan for the devil's rebellion. He had a plan for Adam and Eve's sin. And that plan has a name, and his name is Jesus Christ of Nazareth. That is the plan from before the beginning of time. Galatians 4.4 says this, but when the right time came, God sent His Son. God sent the King into the world. And we're going to be talking about that come December. It's not the plan the Jewish people wanted. The Jews thought that a mighty son of David was going to triumphantly enter Jerusalem and destroy the Romans and take over the entire area. But God's plan was way bigger than just Israel. God's plan was to save the entire world. Who can say amen? And so when Jesus came, He started small. He began by reintroducing us to kingdom concepts. In Matthew 4, verse 17, He says, Jesus taught about the kingdom. He demonstrated the kingdom. So every time a blind eye saw, every time the lame walked, every time a leper was cleansed, those weren't just random miracles. They were previews of the kingdom of God who can say amen. It was a picture of how God always wanted it to be. There was never supposed to be sickness. There was never supposed to be death. And it's going to be that way again someday in Jesus' name. In a place called heaven. Ironically, he totally defeats the enemy by dying. Crazy. I mean, the last thing the Jews thought was a humble king. They'd never had a humble. I mean, David was quasi-humble at times. But they never really had a human king that was humble. They took advantage. just like he said they would. They took people's lands. They took people's children and all that kind of stuff. But Jesus was a different kind of king. He literally defeated the devil on the cross. And the devil ended up being publicly humiliated, the scripture says, and utterly and completely defeated. Listen to what it says in Galatians chapter 3. The Curse of the Law. Remember the curse from Genesis 3, verse 17. Now we're in Galatians 3, verse 13. Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the Law. Having become a curse for us, Jesus took our place. Because the Bible says, cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree. Jesus hung on that tree. He redeemed us from the curse of the Law. Jesus wore the crown of thorns to defeat us. the curse of thorns. And he reassured every single one of us three days later by rising from the dead. He's not in the grave. Who can say amen? He doesn't live there. He's at the right hand of God. And through his death and resurrection and ascension, we have been reestablished. If we desire, if we file our immigration status appropriately, we get to Become citizens of heaven itself. That's the reality of Scripture. So my question today for everyone really is, are you a child of God's kingdom? Are you a citizen of the heavenly kingdom? A little five-year-old girl by the name of Tanya was in the car with her grandmother, and they were coming from Canada into the United States of America. And the customs agent said, Tanya is that your name and the little girl goes yeah and he goes well are you a US citizen and Tanya goes yeah but my grandma's not and the custom agent said she's not and the little girl goes no she's a senior citizen well whether you are a senior or a junior when you were saved your citizenship changed You were transformed from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light. And you may live in this country, but it's only temporary because your spiritual passport says kingdom of heaven. Who can say amen? But here's the sneaky part of all of this, or the tricky part, however you want to look at it. The kingdom is right now. We don't sit back and wait for Jesus to come back. Oh yeah, we're waiting for his return, but we're here working. The Bible says occupy until he comes. That means we have a mission to accomplish, and I can sum up that mission in two words. It is kingdom expansion. Did you hear me? Kingdom expansion. That means we have a job to do, and that is bringing new souls, new citizens into the kingdom who can say, Now, I know it's hard work. I admit it up front. A lot of people will say no. A lot of people will turn us down. A lot of people don't understand. A lot of people turn and walk the other direction. But we have to fight the battle because we're not fighting flesh and blood. We're fighting wickedness and evil and spiritual demons and imps. And we're fighting the world system. We're fighting our own personal attacks. and our own temptations that we come in contact with on a regular basis. We're fighting this system that's been created by the devil to hold us back and to confuse people. But God is faithful in providing every tool and every weapon we need. Who can say amen? Every tool, every weapon. I mentioned the kingdom constitution, which is the Bible. The Bible teaches us the principles of the kingdom, living in the kingdom, how to bring the kingdom alive. in the inside of us. The Bible teaches that we've been given the helmet of salvation. The breastplate of righteousness. The sword of the Spirit. And then in Ephesians chapter 6, it goes on and says that there's a restoration of the connection between God and humanity. And it's something called prayer. Prayer. Have you noticed in the last 10 years, people on the crazy side, of the world, and I'm talking about right here in our country, are getting angry after a tragedy when people offer their prayers. As if prayers won't do any good. Do not fall for it. Who can say amen? Listen to me. Prayer is the restoration of that supernatural connection. When the disciples noticed the power of Jesus Christ, they said, Jesus, teach us to pray. And he said, our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Did you hear that? Thy kingdom come. That's the amazing thing. When we pray, the power, the principles, the very plans of heaven, the very plans of God start penetrating this earth. That is a beautiful thing. Amen? Wow. Finally, one day, very soon, Soon the kingdom will be fully realized. I'm looking at Revelation chapter 22 verse 3. It says, No longer will there be any curse. The thorns of Genesis will be gone. The hard labor will be over. The battle will be completely won. And we will see Jesus face to face. In Matthew chapter 19 verse 28, Jesus says this, Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things. So you've got to watch this, okay? Because in Matthew chapter 19, Peter is whining. Do you guys know any whining Christians? Well, you probably all should raise your hand right now, all right? Because we all do it. I do it. And Peter's whining and saying, we've left everything for you, Jesus. And he literally, this is Jesus, says, well, at the renewal, he uses two Greek words that are not found anywhere else. And it literally means new birth, new creation, or new Genesis. In other words, Jesus is trying to get Peter to look to the future. Well, first he says new Genesis, so first look to the past. Genesis chapter 1 and 2 are how it was meant to be. Genesis 3 all the way towards the end of Revelation is the fight in the battle. And what's fascinating is Jesus says that the very end will be as good than the very beginning or even better. Because it's going to be a new heaven, a new earth, and a new Jerusalem. It goes on in verse 28, when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne. Same thing is said in Revelation 22.3, that God and the Lamb, Jesus will be sitting on their thrones. In other words, Jesus will reign as king. His reign will be supreme. His glory will light the world. His face will fascinate the people. His wisdom will guide the nations. His reign will be totally and completely righteous. Is anybody with me tired of elections in the United States of America? I'm tired of it. I'm tired of promises not kept. I'm tired of political leaders in it for only themselves and their own good. I'm tired of the Nancy Pelosi's of this world who get in office with a hundred bucks in the bank and they leave with two hundred and fifty million dollars. It's wrong. It is sin and it needs to be called out in the name of Jesus Christ. But listen, listen. Earth kingdoms are marked by corruption. They're marked by pride and injustice. But heaven's kingdom is marked by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. That's what we're looking forward to. His reign will be forever and ever, and Jesus will reward his followers. The reason why I started this message by talking about the perceptions of eight-year-olds is because sometimes children have a better perception of heaven than we do. And what I mean by that is a little four-year-old girl had two things going on in her life. Her favorite place to go was McDonald's. She loved happy meals and she loved the playground at McDonald's. But she also was questioning what happens after people died. Because her parents had taken her to a funeral on a Saturday morning and she was just fascinated. She saw the body laying there in the casket and she didn't know what was going on and she had heard in Sunday school about heaven and all this kind of stuff. And she just didn't know what to make of it. So Sunday after church, her parents had taken her to McDonald's. And she was literally having the time of her life. She had that happy meal. She was playing on the monkey bars. And she comes running out and she looks at her parents and she says, Mom and Dad, when we die, do we go to McDonald's? Let me tell you what the Bible says. In the new heavens, There's going to be an inheritance for you. Crowns. Mansions. Cities. Recognition. Rest. Hidden manna. White garments. Power. That you will be handed all things in Jesus' name. Please understand heaven is not just some participation trophy. It's the fulfillment of God's faithfulness. It is the fulfillment of even your unseen sacrifices. It's the fulfillment of the tears that you have shed over the years. And the King keeps good records. Who can say amen? He knows everything you've gone through. And here's the crazy thing. The Bible says we're going to sit on thrones with Him. We're not going to be playing harps. It's not going to be a 10 billion year worship service, which scares people, but our life will be all about worship. Please understand, even on this planet, Romans chapter 12 teaches that your job is a form of worship. That the way you treat your spouse, your family, your friends, your church, that's a form of worship. Worship isn't just about singing. It's every single thing you do. When I look at the scripture and it says in chapter 22 verse 3 again, his servants will serve him. I understand that the inheritance that is talked about is going to be the authority over lands. One of the parables talks about cities. The faithful will be given 10 cities and 5 cities. You say that's just a parable. Is it? Is it just a parable? Or is it another hint as to the purpose that we're going to have life someday. Remember, Scripture teaches that we're going to rule in the new heavens, and Paul taught us in 1 Corinthians 6 that we're going to judge angels. Now, here's what's really interesting. It's not that the angels have done right and wrong. That word literally means we're going to govern angels or rule over angels. Do you get this? You might say, Pastor, I don't want to rule anybody. I'm not a very good leader right now. I've got some great news for you. Every single insecurity in your life will be gone. All your inadequacies will be shored up. All of these new assignments will bring you complete joy, unparalleled fulfillment, and a deeply satisfying purpose in your life. But I want to remind you of one more thing Jesus said. And the last will be. So make no mistake, God does not keep records the same way humanity does. It's not based on who's pastored the largest churches. It's not based on who's given the most money. It's not based on what everyone sees. It's based upon the motives of the heart and how every act that you've performed, if it's done with the right motive, It's storing up a treasure for you in heaven someday. Would you stand with me please? Church, we've got something exhilarating to look forward to. And so I want to invite the prayer partners to come forward. And in a congregation this size, there will be people who have never considered the realities of the afterlife. My hope is that over the last four weeks and more specifically even this particular Sunday will have convinced you that it's worth not only looking into but becoming a brand new citizen of heaven in the name of Jesus Christ. So would you bow your heads just for a moment? If you've never accepted Jesus as your Lord, and Savior, today's the day. Would you raise your hand and say, Pastor, remember me in prayer? Remember me in prayer? I want to be a part of that. Yeah, I see. Anybody else? Anybody else? Heavenly Father, we come to you right now in the precious name of Jesus Christ. You've seen hands, but more important than that, you've seen hearts. You know those who the Holy Spirit is wooing closer and closer unto yourself. So I pray, Father God that today will be the day of salvation for many. I pray that there will be such a radical transformation in their hearts and in their minds Father God that they will know that they know that they know that they are destined for heaven. I pray Father God that based upon what we've heard today that sin separated us from God. I pray that many will repent of their sins. Even me Father God I'm sorry for my sin. I'm sorry that I've not been 100% But I'm thankful that I serve a God who covered each and every one of my sins and washed them away so that my spirit man is as white as snow I will get to put on those white garments someday and I pray so will everyone else in this house So Father God lead many to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ Bring back the prodigals Father God there are some here who have been rebelling against you But Father God, let them know that no one has ever gone too far. That God is faithful like a father waiting on a hill. And as soon as we make one motion towards you, you come running towards us. You embrace us. You put that royal ring on our finger and royal sandals on our feet and a royal robe around us, Father God. And you begin to prepare us for the kingdom yet to come. So, Father God, cause each and every one of us to take up the mantle of royalty that is rightfully ours and no longer shrink back in unbelief or fear, but rather, Father God, motivate us and empower us to reach out to the lost around this city, Father God, so that even this Christmas season, literally dozens, scores, maybe even hundreds would come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. And I pray, Father God, that as we move in, to 2026 that you will prepare us for the great miraculous things yet to come. I pray this today. I believe this today in Jesus holy and precious name. And together everybody says, amen and amen.
