Will We Recognize Others in Heaven?

by Steve Hale

(1 Thessalonians 2:9-10)

Thesis: The Scriptures teach we will recognize one another in heaven!

Introduction:

Remember the words of Jesus to the penitent thief on the cross (Luke 23:39-43).

It inspired courage and comfort to this man, who hours earlier had reviled our Lord.
The greatest assurance and incentive of us today is anticipation of heaven (Matthew 6:19-21).

To calm a group of despondent disciples, Jesus spoke to them about heaven (John 14:1-3).
1. This hope was so instrumental to those Christians undergoing the fire of horrible persecution (Revelation 2:10).
2. These passages and countless others remind us of the need daily to intensify our desire for heaven (Colossians 3:1-3).
3. Suffering can be negotiated as look to heaven (II Corinthians 4:17-18).
Given such hope, will we recognize one another in heaven?

Paradise and heaven: is there a difference?
Will heaven differ from Paradise in regard to recognition?

Will we recognize one another:
1. rejoicing implies recognition (1 Thessalonians 2:9-10).
2. remembrance implies recognition (Revelation 6:9-10).
3. reunion implies recognition (2 Sam. 12:23).

Discussion:

Will we recognize one another: rejoicing implies recognition (1 Thessalonians 2:9-10)!

How could Paul rejoice over the salvation of the Thessalonians without recognition (1 Thessalonians 2:9-10)?
How could the Philippian brethren be "his joy and crown" without recognition (Philippians 3:17-4:1)?

Will we recognize one another: remembrance implies recognition (Revelation 6:9-10)?

These were reigning with Him in heaven (Revelation 20:4-6).
This is obviously taught with Lazarus and the rich man (Luke 16:19-31).

Will we recognize one another: reunion implies recognition (2 Sam. 12:23)?

David would go to him...in heaven!
Reunion with those who've died in Christ implies recognition (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

Conclusion:

1. Reconciliation brings about reunion which brings about recognition (II Corinthians 5:17-21).

2. Suffering loss implies recognition (I Corinthians 3:12-15).

3. Rejoicing, remembering, reunion all imply recognition in heaven!

January 1, 1997

Related Articles:

Eternal Home -Sep 15, 1996
Take Aim -Nov 08, 1992
Does the Church of Christ Believe It is the Only One Going to Heaven? -Jan 25, 1990

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Will We Recognize Others in Heaven? by Steve Hale (1 Thessalonians 2:9-10) Thesis: The Scriptures teach we will recognize one another in heaven! Introduction: Remember the words of Jesus to the penitent thief on the cross (Luke 23:39-43). It inspired courage and comfort to this man, who hours earlier had reviled our Lord. The greatest assurance and incentive of us today is anticipation of heaven (Matthew 6:19-21). To calm a group of despondent disciples, Jesus spoke to them about heaven (John 14:1-3). This hope was so instrumental to those Christians undergoing the fire of horrible persecution (Revelation 2:10). These passages and countless others remind us of the need daily to intensify our desire for heaven (Colossians 3:1-3). Suffering can be negotiated as look to heaven (II Corinthians 4:17-18). Given such hope, will we recognize one another in heaven? Paradise and heaven: is there a difference? Will heaven differ from Paradise in regard to recognition? Will we recognize one another: rejoicing implies recognition (1 Thessalonians 2:9-10). remembrance implies recognition (Revelation 6:9-10). reunion implies recognition (2 Sam. 12:23). Discussion: Will we recognize one another: rejoicing implies recognition (1 Thessalonians 2:9-10)! How could Paul rejoice over the salvation of the Thessalonians without recognition (1 Thessalonians 2:9-10)? How could the Philippian brethren be "his joy and crown" without recognition (Philippians 3:17-4:1)? Will we recognize one another: remembrance implies recognition (Revelation 6:9-10)? These were reigning with Him in heaven (Revelation 20:4-6). This is obviously taught with Lazarus and the rich man (Luke 16:19-31). Will we recognize one another: reunion implies recognition (2 Sam. 12:23)? David would go to him...in heaven! Reunion with those who've died in Christ implies recognition (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). Conclusion: 1. Reconciliation brings about reunion which brings about recognition (II Corinthians 5:17-21). 2. Suffering loss implies recognition (I Corinthians 3:12-15). 3. Rejoicing, remembering, reunion all imply recognition in heaven! January 1, 1997 Related Articles: Eternal Home -Sep 15, 1996 Take Aim -Nov 08, 1992 Does the Church of Christ Believe It is the Only One Going to Heaven? -Jan 25, 1990 Print this Article Discuss this Article Back to the Sermon Page	Mt. Juliet Church of Christ 1940 N. Mt. Juliet Road P.O.Box 248 Mt.Juliet, TN 37122-0248 (615)758-2274 Fax:615-754-2351 Email Worship Services: Sunday Early Worship: 8AM Sunday Bible Study: 9:15AM Sunday Late Worship: 10:15AM Night Worship: 6PM Wednesday Bible Study: 7PM