Well, find in God's Word tonight, the book of Revelation, chapter number 22, Revelation chapter number 22, and we'll look at the first five verses here of this passage of Scripture, Revelation 22, verses 1 through 5, and we have more description of heaven, and I don't know about you, but I've enjoyed thinking about heaven, and I don't often think about heaven. I think about eternity and I think about it's going to, I know God's going to bless us but some of the details of heaven have been encouraging to me and I'm excited about sharing some more tonight and looking here at this picture that God gives us and some insight into what heaven will be like. The Bible says in Revelation chapter 22 beginning verse number 1, and He showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal. proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve mannered fruits, and yielded her fruit every month, and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it. and his servants shall serve him, and they shall see his face, and his name shall be in their foreheads, and there shall be no night there, and they need no candle, neither light of the sun, for the Lord God giveth them light, and they shall reign forever and ever. And heaven, God's prepared a place for us and we'll spend eternity with Jesus in heaven. I'm excited about that. And some wonderful things here to look at as we jump right in to this message. The Bible says in verse 1, and He showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal. proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. When we get here to the first verse, we have this picture of a pure, crystal clear water that's coming out of the throne of God and the throne of the Lamb. The throne of God and the throne of the Lamb. Jesus is the Lamb slain for the foundation of the world. They are co-equal, eternally existent together with also God the Holy Spirit. And we see the throne of God and the water of life flowing clear as a crystal out of the throne of God. Now, some interesting things to think about here. What's the importance of the water of life, this pure river of water of life? What is the significance of that? And I really think that it is a depiction and it shows us the fact that God, for all of eternity, will meet all of our needs. How many of you are like my wife in this sense? She's wondering, what in the world is he going to say? I think I'll pause a little bit longer for dramatic effect and leave everybody guessing. It has to do with water. Ruth loves to see and look and be in a place where you can view the water. How many of you think a river flowing. It's a beautiful scene. If you could have your choice when you go on a vacation to the beach, you would prefer to be oceanfront. I mean, what is it? Now God has designed in all of us this desire to like to see water because I want you to know something. Water produces life and water brings a lot of blessing. And so the Bible gives us this idea that in heaven there is a river of water. It's water of life, clear as crystal. Water like you've never seen. Water like you've never experienced. But it's flowing from the throne of God. God provides all that we need. Something else that you need to remember about this water is, to John the Baptist, he was a man from the East, from a very arid, desert-type climate, and they rejoiced in A well that you could pull water out of deep recesses in the ground, much less a river that flowed with clear water that could be consumed and brought life. When we read verse number one, we consider this river of life as water that's flowing from the throne of God, we can be reminded and know that for all of eternity, God will meet our every need. For all of eternity, God will be the supplier and source of our life and our refreshment. He's good. Heaven's something to look forward to. Heaven's something to rejoice in. There's a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. Look at verse 2. The Bible says in verse 2, "...in the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river was there the tree of life." Now this is an interesting sentence. Wouldn't you think so? So we're talking about the pure river of water flowing from the throne of God. And the Bible says that it's flowing from the throne of God in the midst of the street. Now this is kind of fascinating, isn't it? You can imagine a street that has a river flowing right down the middle of it. I didn't take the time to look for artist rendering. I didn't want to mess up the one that God put in my mind. But you can take a minute and begin to imagine what this might look like. The river flows down the middle of the street. I imagine it to be very vast. And the Bible says, on either side of the river was there the tree of life. Now, there are some commentators who think that this river is flowing down the center of the street, which can be understood and seen. You can imagine a street with two lanes and a river in the middle of it. But then the Bible says that the tree of life is on either side. And so some commentators say that it's many trees of life that are lining the street. But I personally like the picture that the Lord's put in my mind. I'm not telling you that mine's exactly right and perfect. But I can just imagine the tree of life being so vast that this great river flows through and under the tree. I remember on one occasion I had the opportunity to see the giant redwood trees in northern California and it is amazing. I've been to the tree that they cut the hole through where you can drive a car through it. When I imagine this tree of life, it's something that would dwarf the greatest sequoia tree that's ever grown on the North American continent and the river of life and a street of gold. And all of it pointing to the fact that God is going to provide for His people. in a beautiful, perfect, glorious way for all of eternity. He says, in the midst of the street of it, verse 2, and on either side of the river was there the tree of life. Now, the Tree of Life is an interesting name because we've met the Tree of Life before. I want you to remember the first time that you were introduced to the Tree of Life. It was actually in the book of Genesis. In Genesis 2, I'll read you the verses. You may want to take note. You can look at them for yourself later. Genesis 2, verses 8 and 9, the Bible says, And the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden. And there he put the man whom he had formed. And out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil." Now, you remember the tree of life was something that was available to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Then they disobeyed God and ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. In Genesis chapter 3, we see the tree of life one more time. The Bible says in Genesis 3 verse 22, the Lord God said, Behold, the man has become as one of us. to no good and evil. And now, last he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever. Therefore the Lord God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. So he drove out the man and he placed at the east of the Garden of Eden cherubims and a flaming sword which turned every way to keep the way of the Tree of Life. Now the Lord God, the fall of man, cast Adam and Eve out of the Garden of Eden because He says one good reason. I don't want them eating of the Tree of Life and living forever. And I don't know everything about this, but it's fun to think about and it's interesting to see, but God did not intend for Adam and Eve to live in their sin-cursed state for all of eternity. And in mercy, He cast them out of the Garden of Eden so they couldn't partake of the Tree of Life, so they could be redeemed and covered in the blood of the Lamb. and have the opportunity one day for all of eternity to live in God's perfect heaven. What's he saying? He says in the book of Genesis, I took it away because I don't want you to live forever in the mess sin has caused. But there's coming a day that it will be reinstated and the tree of life will be available and eternal life is the gift and prize and blessing that God has prepared for His people. It's sweet. You see, in the book of Genesis, paradise is lost. But in Revelation 22, paradise is regained through the grace and mercy and love of our great Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. It's wonderful. The Bible says that the tree of life is there. Look what it says next in verse 2, "...which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month." Now, this is kind of fun. I had the privilege for ten years pastoring in Asheville, Hendersonville area, and there's lots of apple growers in Hendersonville. And one of our deacons in the church, Rick Moss, who is one of my best friends and still is, I love to be in his orchards. There's just something so special about picking a beautiful apple off a tree and wiping it on your shirt and taking a big bite out of it. I love it. They taste better there. The Bible says that this tree of life will produce fruit. Twelve different fruits. Twelve manner of fruits. And they yield her fruit every month. The first thing I want to talk about for a minute is food. It's one of my favorite subjects. Here's the question. Do you eat in heaven? I think so. Aren't you glad? Hallelujah. The thing about eating in heaven is I can eat all I want. I anticipate that will never be the case in this sin-cursed body. You eat in heaven, I think so. Here's some fun stuff to think about. Some people wonder if we will eat in heaven. The best answer is that we can eat, but we'll not have to. In his resurrected body, Jesus enjoyed food. Angels ate with Abraham. The great heavenly reunion between Jesus and his people is described as a marriage supper. Even though man fell by what he ate, God will still allow us to eat in heaven. Isn't that good? All of you that are wondering, am I going to eat in heaven? The answer is yes, it's great. All the diabetics in the room, You've got something to look forward to. The best chocolate cake you've ever had. I wonder if one of the twelve fruits is chocolate cake and banana pudding. I'm not sure. The Bible says that the tree of life which bare twelve manner of fruits and yielded her fruit every month. This is an interesting little note as we think about heaven. We're going to be in heaven for all of eternity. I love the phrase from the song Amazing Grace, when we've been there 10,000 years bright shining as the sun, there's no less days to sing God's praise than when we first began. I like that. The Bible says that we're going to mark time in heaven. I don't know what all is involved with that, but there'll be months in heaven because every month there'll be fresh fruit from the tree of life. God has something great prepared for us. The Bible says that, and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. Why do you need healing in heaven? You don't. You don't need healing in heaven. The healing is complete and done and there will be perfect healing and health and glorified bodies for all of eternity. God's provided it. Just remind yourself that For all of eternity, God will provide for me all the health and healing I could ever desire and need. That means a lot to somebody that's dealing with lots of health trouble. Not for eternity you won't. The Bible continues and says in verse 3, And there shall be no more curse. Now I want you to know that is a message that should be dear to our hearts. No more curse. You know what came as a by-product of sin's curse? A sin nature. How many of you really want to do well, but you've got an old ugly flesh that rears its head and causes you a lot of trouble on a regular basis? Can I tell you something? In heaven, no more curse. Hallelujah. Not only are we reminded of our sin nature, no more curse, but we're reminded of the glory of eternity. In Genesis 3, 17, 18, and 19, the Bible says, under the woman, he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception. In sorrow thou shalt bring forth children. No more sorrow. no more pain. Thy desire shall be to thy husband and he shall rule over thee." In this verse there is a little bit of an inclination and you can begin to see the friction that comes between the sexes. For all of eternity that won't be the case. Unto Adam, he said, because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree of which I commanded thee." Folks, I want you to know, men, for all of eternity, there's no curse. She can't bully you anymore. That's what the Bible says. No more curse. Some of you didn't get the joke. Do you want me to read it again? Unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree which I have commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat it." Look, she won't push you around anymore. Thou shalt not eat of it. He says, Curse is the ground for thy sake. in sorrow thou shalt it, thorns also, thistles shall it bring forth to thee, and thou shalt eat the herb of the field, and the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return to the ground, for out of it wast thou taken, for dust thou art, and unto dust thou shalt return." Folks, the Bible says for all of eternity, no more curse. It'll be sweet to be free from the curse. I often think that we don't even know how glorious it will be to not have the curse, but no more curse. The Bible says, verse 3, there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him. I don't want to skip over the fact that the throne of God and the Lamb is in heaven. The throne of God is there. God rules. God's rules, not sin. And the Bible says, His servants shall serve Him. Now you think about that just a minute. Have you ever wondered, what are we going to do in heaven? One of my favorite things to say about heaven is, we will not be floating around on clouds with little wings coming out of our backs, strumming harps. No thanks. But the Bible does say that for eternity, we'll serve Him. We'll serve the Lord. And I don't know what that'll look like, but I do know that serving Jesus for eternity will be wonderful. I like to work. There's lots of things that I like to do that involve work. I like it. And God designed us to like to be productive and do things and serve. Folks, I want you to know the most glorious occupation that you've ever had will be for all of eternity. you'll be happy with the work that God's given us to do. It'll be sweet to be servants of the King for all of eternity. Verse 4, the Bible says they shall see his face. Charles Spurgeon said that seeing the face of Jesus will be the heaven of heaven. You see, when we see Christ's face, we see and we understand Him. When we see His face, we see and we can be intimate with Him. We see His face and we see our Redeemer. We'll see Him face to face. How many of you are like me and if you have the option, you'd much rather talk to somebody face to face than on the phone? How many of you say amen to that? How many of you feel like you can really express yourself a lot better if you're face to face? It's true. And the Bible says right now that for now we see through a glass darkly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then shall I know even as I am known. I'm so excited to be able to tell you that we'll have direct access, face-to-face contact with our Lord and Savior. Face-to-face with Christ, our Savior. Oh, how sweet that will be. Oh, how sweet that will be. And they shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. Now, that's kind of interesting to think about for a moment. His name shall be on their foreheads. What's that mean? It's going to be crystal clear that I belong to Jesus. How sweet. I'm His. The Bible says in verse 5, "...and there shall be no night there, and they need no candle, neither light of the sun, for the Lord God giveth them light." I've got to make a confession. In advance of studying this passage of Scripture again, really the light of God lightening the heaven It's kind of been like a secondary issue to me. It's kind of like, okay, that's cool. No sun, no moon, Jesus is the light. That's kind of neat, but tell me about the streets of gold. I don't know about you, but that's kind of in my perspective. I think about Jesus as the light of the heaven. And I'm like, that's neat, but I kind of like to talk a little bit more about that. will serve him thing. That sounds like fun. But I want you to know that over and over again God emphasizes the fact that he and Jesus will be the light of heaven. If you want to look back in verse number 23 of chapter 21 the Bible says the city had no need of sun neither of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof." Then in our text tonight, chapter 22 and verse number 5, the Bible says, there shall be no night there, they need no candle, neither light of the sun, for the Lord giveth them light, and they shall reign forever and ever. Now I want you to know God is making a big deal about the light of heaven. I've thought about this and considered it I'm reminded of times as a father that I've prepared a gift for my son, and I'm really excited about it. I'm so excited about it that I want to think about it, I want to talk about it, I want to emphasize it. I've got something prepared that I know that they're going to love. I've got something planned that I know is going to be extremely special. And it's something that's on the forefront of my thing. It's something I want to emphasize. And folks, I don't understand what's going to be so awesome about Jesus being the light of heaven. But God, our Father, is excited to provide that for us. And you can be certain whatever He's provided is going to be fantastic. Something to look forward to is the fact that Jesus is the light of heaven. I don't know what it's going to look like, I don't know why it's going to be so exciting, but our Father who created us knows that for eternity that's going to be one thing that excels and exceeds most everything else that we experience in heaven. Jesus is the light. The Bible concludes this description of heaven with these words, verse 5, And they shall reign forever and ever. And they shall reign forever and ever. Hey, look, I'm a they. Hallelujah. I'm saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. I'm washed in the blood of the Lamb. I've humbled myself and repented of my sin and put my trust in Christ. All those things I just said is the same thing. I'm born again. I'm a child of God. I'm a they. The Bible says they shall reign forever and ever. I'm so excited to know for all of eternity I'll experience what God has prepared for His children. Heaven will be sweet. Heaven will be sweet. Heaven is real. One day I'm going there. Not because I'm good, but because I've trusted in Christ who died for my sins. I'm a child of God. Heaven. It's sounding sweeter all the time.