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The Garden 2.0

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The Bible ends where it began, in a garden. Senior Pastor David Rose opens Revelation 21 and 22 and shows how God finishes what He started in Genesis 1 and 2. The sea is gone because the chaos and separation sin brought are gone. The curse is reversed. Night, death, and distance from God come to an end.

Pastor David draws four truths from these chapters. God will bring a new heaven and earth. God will dwell with His people, so no temple is needed. God will begin eternal life for everyone who trusts Jesus, who died as their substitute and rose again. And God calls His people to listen and obey, to endure hardship and to turn from compromise.

The first garden ended in exile. The final garden ends with the presence of God and the Lamb. That is the hope we hold as we live in a world still under the curse.

Come to the Lord who is making all things new. Trust His finished work. Listen to His Word, and live as His people while you wait for Him.

Key Takeaways

  • God will bring a new heaven and earth. (Revelation 21:1-8)
  • God will dwell with humanity. (Revelation 21:9-27)
  • God will begin eternal life. (Revelation 22:1-5)
  • God calls people to listen and obey. (Revelation 22:6-21)

Discussing and Applying the Sermon

  1. Read Revelation 21:1-8 and compare John’s vision of the new heaven and earth with Isaiah 65:17 and 2 Peter 3:13. What stands out to you about what passes away and what God makes new? As you think about the sin and sorrow you face each week, where do you need to hear that God will one day wipe away every tear, and how does that promise shape the way you endure hard days now?
  2. Look at Revelation 21:22-27 alongside Revelation 21:3 and John 1:14. Why does John say there is no temple in the city, and what does that tell you about where God’s presence is found? How does knowing that God dwells with His people change the way you approach your own relationship with Him this week, especially in seasons when you feel far from Him?
  3. Read Revelation 22:1-5 and set it beside Genesis 2:9-10 and Genesis 3:22-24. What does the tree of life tell you about what was lost in Eden and what is restored in Christ? As you consider the promise that God’s servants will see His face, what in your daily life competes for your attention, and what would it look like to fix your eyes on Him instead?
  4. Consider the warning in Revelation 22:18-19 together with the call of Deuteronomy 4:2 and John 17:17. Why does God take His Word so seriously, and what does it mean to listen and obey without adding to or taking away from it? Where do you find yourself tempted to adjust what Scripture says to fit what you want to hear, and how can you submit to the whole counsel of God this week?
  5. Read Revelation 22:7-12 and compare the promise “I am coming soon” with Matthew 24:36 and 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6. How should the certainty of Christ’s return shape the way you spend your time, money, and relationships? What is one practical step you can take this week to live as someone who is ready for Him?