Eternal Echoes of Heaven: What Awaits Us in Eternity
What happens after we die? Is heaven real, and if so, what is it like? In Echoes of Eternity Part 5, Pastor Andrew Thurber offers a hopeful and scripturally rich exploration into the eternal destination promised to every believer. This message from Passionate Life Church in Littleton, CO, goes beyond symbolic imagery and offers a vivid, biblical picture of heaven—why it matters now, how it shapes our obedience, and what it means for our identity and eternal inheritance.
Rather than treating heaven as a distant, abstract idea, Pastor Andrew makes a compelling case for why a real vision of eternity should transform how we live today. As he said, “They can’t imagine heaven, so they don’t live for it.” The clearer our picture of heaven, the more motivated we are to live lives of obedience, generosity, and kingdom purpose.
Heaven Is Real—and More Tangible Than We Imagine
Pastor Andrew opened by referencing 1 Corinthians 13:9–12, reminding believers that our understanding on earth is partial, like looking through a blurry reflection. But in eternity, we will see and know fully. He directed the congregation to regularly engage with Scripture readings to anchor their vision of eternity in God’s Word.
Heaven isn’t floating on clouds with harps and baby angels. It's a renewed, physical, and perfected world—the best parts of earth without the curse of sin. Desires like surfing, hiking, family, food, or creating are not just earthly indulgences; Pastor Andrew reminded us that God gave us those desires. He delights in our joy. Heaven is not less real than earth—it is more real, more vibrant, and fully saturated with God's glory.
Your Life Today Echoes Into Eternity
Throughout the message, Pastor Andrew emphasized how every action we take today—how we treat people, how we give, how we steward our lives—carries eternal consequences. Earth is temporary, but what we build for God's kingdom lasts forever.
Quoting Jesus in Luke 16:9–11, Pastor Andrew unpacked the principle that heavenly rewards are tied to how we handle relationships, generosity, and purpose on earth. Heaven’s true currency isn’t money, fame, or possessions—it’s love and relationships. Those investments are what echo into eternity.
Heaven Has Structure, Cities, Jobs, and Purpose
John 14:2 records Jesus saying He is preparing a place for us. Pastor Andrew explained that heaven has homes, neighborhoods, structure, and purpose. Revelation describes cities, streets, rivers, and homes. We will serve, lead, explore, and create—without the pain or toil of earthly labor.
And the responsibilities we are given in eternity are directly tied to our faithfulness here on earth. Pastor Andrew humorously asked, “If you died today, would you be living in a one-bedroom apartment in heaven?” The point: how we live now influences what awaits us later.
What Do Near-Death Experiences Reveal About Heaven?
Part of this sermon included clips from individuals who had near-death experiences (NDEs). While inspiring, Pastor Andrew stressed that the Bible remains the final authority. These testimonies described colors beyond comprehension, perfected senses, animals in paradise, and overwhelming peace filled with God’s light.
One recurring theme was that God’s light fills everything—echoing Isaiah 60:19 and Revelation 21:23. Pastor Andrew pointed to resources like the Psalm 91 scripture reading as a reminder of God’s presence and protection.
He also reminded the church that in heaven we will finally know who we are in Christ—fully seen, fully loved, fully whole—just as reflected in Identity in Christ scriptures.
Will We Know Each Other? Will There Be Food, Animals, Nature?
Using Revelation 7 and 22, Pastor Andrew confirmed that heaven is filled with diversity, nature, rivers, trees, and food. The Bible describes living water, fruit-bearing trees, and feasts. Heaven will be filled with restoration and wholeness, like what we experience when meditating on healing scriptures
Heaven is the best of earth multiplied in perfection—feasting without weight gain, skiing without falling, joy without pain. Pets and animals will be there as well, echoing God’s creative delight.
Time Works Differently in Heaven
Pastor Andrew also explained the nature of time in eternity, drawing from 2 Peter 3:8: a day is like a thousand years and a thousand years like a day to the Lord. Eternity is not endless time—it is life beyond time, immersed in God’s presence and purpose.
Work Is Worship: What We Do Here Matters There
Reading Colossians 3:23–24, Pastor Andrew emphasized that our earthly work is training for an eternal purpose. Every act of kindness, obedience, and worship leaves an eternal imprint. Those faithful with little will be entrusted with much.
Now Is the Time to Live for Eternity
The service closed with communion and prayer, as Pastor Andrew urged people to write names of loved ones on cards and nail them to the cross. Believers were invited to submit a Prayer Request, take their Next Steps, or connect directly on the Contact Page to learn more about following Christ and preparing for eternity.
Rather than treating heaven as a distant, abstract idea, Pastor Andrew makes a compelling case for why a real vision of eternity should transform how we live today. As he said, “They can’t imagine heaven, so they don’t live for it.” The clearer our picture of heaven, the more motivated we are to live lives of obedience, generosity, and kingdom purpose.
Heaven Is Real—and More Tangible Than We Imagine
Pastor Andrew opened by referencing 1 Corinthians 13:9–12, reminding believers that our understanding on earth is partial, like looking through a blurry reflection. But in eternity, we will see and know fully. He directed the congregation to regularly engage with Scripture readings to anchor their vision of eternity in God’s Word.
Heaven isn’t floating on clouds with harps and baby angels. It's a renewed, physical, and perfected world—the best parts of earth without the curse of sin. Desires like surfing, hiking, family, food, or creating are not just earthly indulgences; Pastor Andrew reminded us that God gave us those desires. He delights in our joy. Heaven is not less real than earth—it is more real, more vibrant, and fully saturated with God's glory.
Your Life Today Echoes Into Eternity
Throughout the message, Pastor Andrew emphasized how every action we take today—how we treat people, how we give, how we steward our lives—carries eternal consequences. Earth is temporary, but what we build for God's kingdom lasts forever.
Quoting Jesus in Luke 16:9–11, Pastor Andrew unpacked the principle that heavenly rewards are tied to how we handle relationships, generosity, and purpose on earth. Heaven’s true currency isn’t money, fame, or possessions—it’s love and relationships. Those investments are what echo into eternity.
Heaven Has Structure, Cities, Jobs, and Purpose
John 14:2 records Jesus saying He is preparing a place for us. Pastor Andrew explained that heaven has homes, neighborhoods, structure, and purpose. Revelation describes cities, streets, rivers, and homes. We will serve, lead, explore, and create—without the pain or toil of earthly labor.
And the responsibilities we are given in eternity are directly tied to our faithfulness here on earth. Pastor Andrew humorously asked, “If you died today, would you be living in a one-bedroom apartment in heaven?” The point: how we live now influences what awaits us later.
What Do Near-Death Experiences Reveal About Heaven?
Part of this sermon included clips from individuals who had near-death experiences (NDEs). While inspiring, Pastor Andrew stressed that the Bible remains the final authority. These testimonies described colors beyond comprehension, perfected senses, animals in paradise, and overwhelming peace filled with God’s light.
One recurring theme was that God’s light fills everything—echoing Isaiah 60:19 and Revelation 21:23. Pastor Andrew pointed to resources like the Psalm 91 scripture reading as a reminder of God’s presence and protection.
He also reminded the church that in heaven we will finally know who we are in Christ—fully seen, fully loved, fully whole—just as reflected in Identity in Christ scriptures.
Will We Know Each Other? Will There Be Food, Animals, Nature?
Using Revelation 7 and 22, Pastor Andrew confirmed that heaven is filled with diversity, nature, rivers, trees, and food. The Bible describes living water, fruit-bearing trees, and feasts. Heaven will be filled with restoration and wholeness, like what we experience when meditating on healing scriptures
Heaven is the best of earth multiplied in perfection—feasting without weight gain, skiing without falling, joy without pain. Pets and animals will be there as well, echoing God’s creative delight.
Time Works Differently in Heaven
Pastor Andrew also explained the nature of time in eternity, drawing from 2 Peter 3:8: a day is like a thousand years and a thousand years like a day to the Lord. Eternity is not endless time—it is life beyond time, immersed in God’s presence and purpose.
Work Is Worship: What We Do Here Matters There
Reading Colossians 3:23–24, Pastor Andrew emphasized that our earthly work is training for an eternal purpose. Every act of kindness, obedience, and worship leaves an eternal imprint. Those faithful with little will be entrusted with much.
Now Is the Time to Live for Eternity
The service closed with communion and prayer, as Pastor Andrew urged people to write names of loved ones on cards and nail them to the cross. Believers were invited to submit a Prayer Request, take their Next Steps, or connect directly on the Contact Page to learn more about following Christ and preparing for eternity.
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