{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Houston's First Baptist Church","title":"End of the World, Heaven","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":1818,"description":"In this sermon the pastor continues his series on the end times, moving from the second coming and judgment to a detailed look at heaven as described in Revelation chapter 21. He begins by recounting John’s vision of the new Jerusalem descending from heaven, emphasizing the removal of the old heaven and earth, the absence of sea, and the presence of God dwelling among his people. He describes the city’s dimensions, its twelve gates guarded by angels, and its foundations set with precious stones such as jasper, sapphire, emerald, and amethyst. The streets are portrayed as pure gold, the river of the water of life flows from God’s throne, and the tree of life yields fruit each month with leaves that heal the nations. The speaker then contrasts this glorious vision with the fate of the wicked, who are consigned to the lake of fire, and briefly mentions the upcoming sermon on hell.\n\nThe pastor expands the biblical picture by addressing common questions about the three heavens, the limits of scientific exploration, and the incomprehensibility of the heavenly realm. He stresses that heaven’s beauty surpasses human imagination, describing it as a place without sin, disease, or death, where the Lamb is the light and no sun or moon is needed. He highlights the universal nature of the city—people from every nation entering through its gates—and the perpetual worship and fellowship with Christ. Throughout, he uses illustrations of color, music, and everyday experiences to help listeners grasp the wonder of a place where God’s presence fills everything, where believers will see Jesus face‑to‑face, and where perfect joy and service replace toil.","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/o5yzRQYlXr9ParDz0W15WXJmDEyj_QNDo8tzYNqSRoc/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS8wN2Ew/Yjg4MTI1YTdmNDVi/Mjc2NWZiNDkwYTBi/OTU4MS5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}