Heaven, The Better Country
By Senior Pastor Dr. Bill Rains | October 16, 2024
Open your Bibles to Hebrews 11:8-16 and 2 Peter 3:13 for today’s message, “Heaven, The Better Country.” Hebrews 11:8-16 says: “By faith Abraham… looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God… they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly…” And 2 Peter 3:13: “Nevertheless we… look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.” Let’s pray: Father, thank You for Your love and goodness, granting us eternal life and a heavenly home. Bless every song, prayer, and heart here. Stir our desire for Heaven, and help those needing You to trust Jesus. Aid me, unworthy as I am, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Built by God
Heaven is the better country because it’s built by God. Hebrews 11:10 says Abraham sought “a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” John 14:2-3 echoes: “I go to prepare a place for you.” Jesus, the carpenter, designs and builds our mansions. I built my own home once—steel beams, rust-proofed, a labor of love like my dad’s. Inspectors marveled, but nothing man-made compares to Heaven’s flawless Architect. Sin taints this world (Genesis 3:17-18), bringing thorns and thistles, but Heaven’s untouched—its last shingle nailed, your name on the door, ready for you.
Blessed with God’s Presence and Leadership
Heaven is better because it’s blessed with God’s presence and leadership. Hebrews 11:16 says: “God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.” Revelation 21:3 adds: “The tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them.” Abraham rejected Mesopotamia’s idols, boldly claiming God, and God proudly calls us His. No sin, fear, or unbelief there—no jails, hospitals, or corrupt leaders. I recall a jail visit—locked in with a stranger, terrified—but Heaven has no such places. God’s rule banishes wickedness forever.
Beautiful in Every Aspect
Heaven is better because it’s beautiful in every aspect. Called “holy,” “better,” and “heavenly,” its glory shines in Revelation 21-22: a city 1,500 miles square and high, walls 300 feet tall, three gates per side guarded by angels, built of precious stones reflecting God’s light—no sun needed. A river flows, lined with trees bearing monthly fruit, restoring Eden’s curse-free paradise (Revelation 22:3). Man’s pyramids and temples awe us, but Heaven’s beauty, crafted by the perfect Architect, surpasses all.
Blissful in Comfort Eternally
Heaven is better because it’s blissful in eternal comfort. Hebrews 4:9 promises: “There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.” Revelation 14:13 says: “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord… that they may rest from their labours.” I struggle—sin haunts my thoughts, sleeplessness wears me down. Once, I asked Grandma if she’d be young again. After seven hard decades, she said, “No,” longing for rest. Heaven offers that—no cares, heartaches, or sorrows, just a pillow of eternal peace.
A Call to Seek Heaven
Heaven’s fascination—its sights, inhabitants, size—thrills us, all because of Jesus’ sacrifice (John 14:6). Abraham boarded for glory by faith, not works. Are you bound for this better country? Trust Jesus—He’s prepared your place. Don’t cling to this sin-cursed earth; desire Heaven’s beauty and rest. If you’re unsaved, say, “Lord, save me—I trust You alone.” Let’s stand—will you seek this Heavenly country today?
