WILL WE RECOGNIZE ONE ANOTHER IN HEAVEN? (I Thess. 2:9-10). By Steve Hale Thesis: The Scriptures teach we will recognize one another in heaven! Introduction: 1. Remember the words of Jesus to the penitent thief on the cross (Lk. 23:39-43). • A. It inspired courage and comfort to this man, who hours earlier had reviled our Lord. • B. The greatest assurance and incentive of us today is anticipation of heaven (Matt. 6:19-21). 2. To calm a group of despondent disciples, Jesus spoke to them about heaven (Jn. 14:1-3). • A. This hope was so instrumental to those Christians undergoing the fire of horrible persecution (Rev. 2:10). • B. These passages and countless others remind us of the need daily to intensify our desire for heaven (Col. 3:1-3). • C. Suffering can be negotiated as look to heaven (2 Cor. 4:17-18). 3. Given such hope, will we recognize one another in heaven? • A. Paradise and heaven: is there a difference? • B. Will heaven differ from Paradise in regard to recognition? 4. Will we recognize one another: • A. rejoicing implies recognition (I Thess. 2:9-10). • B. remembrance implies recognition (Rev. 6:9-10). • C. reunion implies recognition (2 Sam. 12:23). Discussion: I. Will we recognize one another: rejoicing implies recognition (I Thess. 2:9-10)! • A. How could Paul rejoice over the salvation of the Thessalonians without recognition (I Thess. 2:9-10)? • B. How could the Philippian brethren be his joy and crown without recognition (Phil. 3:17-4:1)? II. Will we recognize one another: remembrance implies recognition (Rev. 6:9-10)? • A. These were reigning with Him in heaven (Rev. 20:4-6). • B. This is obviously taught with Lazarus and the rich man (Lk. 16:19-31). III. Will we recognize one another: reunion implies recognition (2 Sam. 12:23)? • A. David would go to him...in heaven! • B. Reunion with those who’ve died in Christ implies recognition (I Thess. 4:13-18). Conclusion: 1. Reconciliation brings about reunion which brings about recognition (2 Cor. 5:17-21). 2. Suffering loss implies recognition (I Cor. 3:12-15). 3. Rejoicing, remembering, reunion all imply recognition in heaven!
Posted on: Wed, 23 Oct 2013 09:03:44 +0000
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