Sermon Study Guide
Use this guide for personal study or small group discussion. Click "Print" to save as PDF or print a copy.
Maranatha Bible Church
Chicago
Sermon Study Guide
A Tour of The New Jerusalem (Part 2) | Revelation 21:15-27 | Pastor Daniel Batarseh (10/25/26)
Scripture References
Sermon Summary
Are you worthy to be included in the city of God? No one is. Not a single soul who ever drew breath. But there is a Lamb, and He is the door, the light, and the temple of that eternal city. This vision of the New Jerusalem is not meant to merely dazzle your imagination — it is meant to search your heart.
Key Takeaways
- 1The New Jerusalem is not a theological curiosity — it is an altar call carved in gold and jasper, demanding you answer whether you know the Lamb.
- 2No one is worthy. Not you, not the person you most admire, not the holiest saint in history. Worthiness belongs to the Lamb alone, and He shares it freely with all who come.
- 3The vision of the eternal city is meant to do more than fill your imagination — it is meant to empty you of self-reliance and drive you to the cross.
- 4Every time Revelation says 'the Lamb,' it is reminding you that heaven's door is not a reward for the strong but a gift purchased by blood.
Discussion Questions
Use these questions for small group discussion or personal reflection.
- 1If you stood before the gates of the New Jerusalem right now, what would you point to as your reason for entry — and does your answer reveal misplaced confidence?
- 2Why do you think Revelation keeps repeating 'the Lamb' rather than using grander titles like King or Almighty? What does that repetition do to your heart?
- 3Be honest: does the vision of the New Jerusalem actually move you, or has familiarity with heavenly language made you numb to it? What would it take to feel the weight of this promise again?
- 4If no one is worthy to enter the city, what does that say about the way we rank and compare ourselves with other Christians?
- 5Who in your life needs to hear that there is a way into this city — and what is stopping you from telling them this week?
Application Points
Practical ways to apply this message to your life.
- When you catch yourself quietly believing you've earned God's favor by your good behavior, let this passage strip that illusion bare. The city is entered through the Lamb — not through your résumé of religious performance. Repent of self-trust today.
- Let the beauty of the New Jerusalem make you homesick for heaven in a way that loosens your grip on the temporary comforts you cling to. The next time you're tempted to build your kingdom here, remember: a city is being prepared that will make your finest achievements look like sandcastles at high tide.
- Share this vision with someone who doesn't know the Lamb. The New Jerusalem was revealed not so you could hoard the wonder but so you could say to a neighbor, a coworker, a friend: 'There is a way in, and you can know it.'
Personal Reflection
Take time to quietly reflect on these prompts.
How is the Holy Spirit speaking to me through this message?
What areas of my life need to change in light of this teaching?
Who can I share this truth with this week?
What is one specific action I will take as a result of this sermon?
Prayer Points
- Thank God for His Word and the truths revealed in this message.
- Pray for understanding and wisdom to apply what you've learned.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to help you live out these truths in your daily life.
- Pray for others who heard this message, that they too would be transformed.
Notes
Tip: Use your browser's print dialog (Ctrl/Cmd + P) to save as PDF