Key Thought : The new heaven and new earth are the culmination of a grand, redemptive process launched in Eden.

[Lesson plan for Creation, Again March 25,2013]

1. Have a volunteer read Revelation 21:1-5.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. How will the new heaven and earth differ from the first heaven and earth? What things does God need to change?
C. Personal Application: What joys do you especially look forward to in the new heavens and the new earth? Share.
D. Case Study: One of your relatives states, “I like the sea. Does that mean there won’t be any sea animals and big fish and water to explaore? Or does this mean there won’t be any more separation?” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read I Corinthians 15-52-58.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. What things will be changed in the resurrection of our bodies?
C. Personal Application: How can we foster a desire for the new heaven and the new earth when we really don’t know what it’s going to be like? Share your thoughts.
D. Case Study: One of your friends states, “How can you believe that you are going to have immortality? Everybody dies. It would be boring to live forever anyway.” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read Isaiah 11:6-9.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. This seems to indicate newborn babies will be in heaven with young children. What does that indicate about the family unit?
C. Personal Application: If God does not intend man or animals to eat each other, is there anything we should be doing now to prepare for the heavenly diet? Share.
D. Case Study: One of your neighbors states, “How can flesh-eating animals live peaceably with prey animals. Not to kill and eat them would be against science and their nature.” How would you respond to your neighbor?

4. Have a volunteer read John 14:1-3.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. How does the promise of a real new earth impact your current priorities and choices? Or does it?
C. Personal Application: Do you think all the mansions will be the same, or each one built individually for each person’s tastes and likes? Share your thoughts.
D. Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Note: “Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.” MH p. 149)

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