Why I Want to Go to Heaven August 15/16, 2026
Guest Pastor Dave Stone explores the promise of heaven and eternal life with Christ, drawing from John 14 and Revelation 21. We discover that Jesus's promise to prepare a place for us isn't a vague hope but a solid foundation to hold onto amid life's uncertainties. We learn that our earthly bodies are temporary tents while an eternal home awaits, and one day we will know God fully, face to face, rather than through the dim reflection we experience now. And we are challenged to live with heaven in mind, recognizing that our true citizenship is in heaven and that Jesus himself—not a place or activity—is what makes heaven truly heaven
A New Heaven and a New Earth
1Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
5He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” ...
Following Jesus
This is the foundation—a commitment to lifelong trust and surrender. It's not just a one-time decision. It's a daily posture of saying, "Jesus, I'm yours, and I'm following you." Galatians 2:20 captures it beautifully: "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me."
What will your next step be?
Growing Together
We don't do this alone. Growing Together is about becoming more like Christ in community—in groups, in friendships, in serving alongside one another. Acts 2:42 gives us a picture of what this looks like: a community devoted to the Word, to prayer, to breaking bread together. That's the kind of church we're trying to be.
What is your next Growth Step?
Pursuing God's Mission
Faith isn't just personal—it's missional. Pursuing God's Mission means living generously, serving one another, and sharing the gospel. Jesus said in Matthew 28:19-20: "Go and make disciples of all nations." We're all a part of that.
