The New Heaven and New Earth
When Jesus Christ was raised from the dead, he was called the first fruits for the dead. The first fruits are the beginning of a harvest. As great as the resurrection of Jesus Christ is—and it means everything—it’s only the first installment on something to come. On what? The new heavens and the new earth.
John was not writing this for us to sit around in an abstract academic way trying to work out the symbols. He wrote it for a group of people facing terrible things, in order to give them a living hope. If you understand that when Jesus Christ was raised from the dead, he was a first installment on something to come, it enables you to face things that otherwise you wouldn’t be able to face. Because you have not just an abstract idea, but a living hope.
To understand what this text is about, and even what the resurrection of Jesus Christ is about, let’s look at 1) the nature of this hope, 2) the need you have for it, and 3) how to get it.
This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on April 12, 2009. Series: Bible: The Whole Story - Redemption and Restoration. Scripture: Revelation 21:1-7.
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Have you struggled to experience a meaningful devotional life? Tim and Kathy Keller’s 365-devotional book, "The Songs of Jesus", is a great way to establish a daily rhythm of meditating on God’s word by reading through passages from the book of Psalms. Even if you already spend time every day reading God’s word, "The Songs of Jesus" can help you grow to a new level of intimacy with God. This devotional book is our thanks for your gift this month to support the ministry of Gospel in Life.
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Featured Offer
Have you struggled to experience a meaningful devotional life? Tim and Kathy Keller’s 365-devotional book, "The Songs of Jesus", is a great way to establish a daily rhythm of meditating on God’s word by reading through passages from the book of Psalms. Even if you already spend time every day reading God’s word, "The Songs of Jesus" can help you grow to a new level of intimacy with God. This devotional book is our thanks for your gift this month to support the ministry of Gospel in Life.
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About Tim Keller
Timothy Keller is the founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, which he started in 1989 with his wife, Kathy, and three young sons. For 28 years he led a diverse congregation of young professionals that grew to a weekly attendance of over 5,000.
He is also the Chairman & Co-Founder of Redeemer City to City (CTC), which starts new churches in New York and other global cities, and publishes books and resources for ministry in an urban environment. In 2017 Dr. Keller transitioned to CTC full time to teach and mentor church planters and seminary students through a joint venture with Reformed Theological Seminary's (RTS), the City Ministry Program. He also works with CTC's global affiliates to launch church planting movements.
Dr. Keller’s books, including the New York Times bestselling The Reason for God and The Prodigal God, have sold over 2 million copies and been translated into 25 languages.
Christianity Today has said, “Fifty years from now, if evangelical Christians are widely known for their love of cities, their commitment to mercy and justice, and their love of their neighbors, Tim Keller will be remembered as a pioneer of the new urban Christians.”
Dr. Keller was born and raised in Pennsylvania, and educated at Bucknell University, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and Westminster Theological Seminary. He previously served as the pastor of West Hopewell Presbyterian Church in Hopewell, Virginia, Associate Professor of Practical Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, and Director of Mercy Ministries for the Presbyterian Church in America.
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