Heaven, What You Must Know
By Senior Pastor Dr. Bill Rains | November 17, 2024 | Heaven & Hell Series #9
Open your Bibles to three scriptures today: John 6:51, Revelation 21:6, and 22:17, for our message, “Heaven, What You Must Know.” First, John 6:51: “I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” Next, Revelation 21:6: “And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.” Finally, Revelation 22:17: “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Let’s pray: Father, thank You for this special day, Your great love, and Jesus’ sinless life and sacrifice. Help those who don’t grasp this hour’s seriousness to see their need for Jesus. Give me boldness to preach. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Few Go to Heaven
This is the fifth message in our Heaven series—today’s ninth in the broader Heaven & Hell series. We’ve seen Heaven as God’s house, a city of no more suffering, a fascinating place, and a better country built by God. Now, what must we know? First, few go to Heaven. Matthew 7:13-14 says: “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” I don’t relish preaching this—it breaks my heart. We want everyone to go, even “bad” people loved by someone. But God’s thoughts aren’t ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). Jesus, the only door, says few find it. You must choose—“Enter ye in”—a personal responsibility through the narrow gate, Jesus alone.
A Food You Must Eat
Second, to get to Heaven, there’s a food you must eat. Physical food sustains our bodies; spiritual food sustains our souls. In John 6, after feeding the multitudes, Jesus said (v. 27): “Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life…” He declared (v. 51): “I am the living bread…” and (v. 53): “Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.” This isn’t a wafer or juice—those can’t save. It’s faith in Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 10:9-13). When you confess, “I believe,” trusting Jesus alone—not works—you’re saved instantly. Have you eaten this bread?
A Fountain You Must Drink
Lastly, there’s a fountain you must drink from. Revelation 21:6 promises: “I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.” And 22:17 invites: “Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Legends like Ponce de León’s Fountain of Youth pale beside this real fountain—Jesus. It’s not a distant spring; it’s right where you are, on your knees. Tarzan’s Magic Fountain was fiction, but this restores youth eternally—glorified bodies like 30-year-olds! The key? Thirst. Do you want salvation? I’ve met people near death, yet unthirsty. If you’re thirsty, drink today—say, “I need You, Lord.”
A Call to Choose
Few find Heaven—have you entered the strait gate? You must eat the living bread—have you trusted Jesus’ sacrifice? You must drink from the fountain—are you thirsty for Him? Online or in your pew, bow your heart. Say, “God, I can’t; I need You.” Ephesians 2:8-9: “By grace are ye saved through faith…” Romans 10:13: “Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Don’t let pride or riches block you—humble yourself, confess Jesus, and live forever. Stand, choose Him now!
