The sermon “Heavenly Flights” explores the fascinating theme of ascension to heaven, focusing on examples from the Bible of individuals and groups who have experienced or will experience a “heavenly flight.” The message is divided into four parts: the flights of Enoch and Elijah, the vision of the Apostle Paul, the anticipated ascension of Christians, and the ultimate flight of Jesus Christ. Drawing from Scripture and Christian hymns, the sermon reflects on the hope, assurance, and eternal joy that believers have in Christ. It emphasizes the reality of heaven and encourages the faithful to live with their eyes fixed on their eternal home.
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Sermon Notes:
Hebrews 11:5 By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and
was not found, because God had taken him”;
2 Kings 2:11 Then it happened, as they continued on and talked, that suddenly
a chariot of fire appeared with horses of fire, and separated the two of them;
and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.
Hebrews 4:14 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through
the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.
2 Corinthians 12:2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the
body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows—such
a one was caught up to the third heaven.
Luke 16:22 So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to
Abraham’s bosom.
Psalm 90:10 The days of our lives are seventy years; And if by reason of strength
they are eighty years, yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; For it is soon cut off,
and we fly away.
Squire Parsons wrote and sang a song entitled ” Sweet Beulah Land”
I’m looking now, just across the river
To where my faith, shall end in sight
There’s just a few more days to labor.
Then I will take my heavenly flight.
Albert Brumley wrote a song we sing in this church sometimes
Some glad morning when this life is over, I’ll fly away
To a home on God’s celestial shore, I’ll fly away
When I die, Hallelujah, by and by, I’ll fly away.
I. THE HEAVENLY FLIGHTS OF ENOCH AND ELIJAH.
Genesis 5:24 And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him.
Hebrews 11:5 By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and
was not found, because God had taken him”; for before he was taken he had this
testimony, that he pleased God.
2 Kings 2:11 Then it happened, as they continued on and talked, that suddenly
a chariot of fire appeared with horses of fire, and separated the two of them;
and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
I looked over Jordan and what did I see, comin’ for to carry me home
If you get there before I do, Comin’ for to carry me home,
Tell all my friends I’m comin’ too, Comin’ for to carry me home.
Swing low, sweet chariot, Comin’ for to carry me home;
II. THE HEAVENLY FLIGHTS OF THE APOSTLE PAUL.
2 Corinthians 12:1 It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast. I will come to
visions and revelations of the Lord:
2 Corinthians 12:1 (CEV) I have to brag. There is nothing to be gained by it, but I must
brag about the visions and other things that the Lord has shown me.
2 Corinthians 12:2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago —-
2 Corinthians 11:25 Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned;
Acts 14:19 And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who
persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city,
supposing he had been dead.
Acts 14:20 Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and
came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.
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2 Corinthians 12:2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the
body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows—such
a one was caught up to the third heaven.
2 Corinthians 12:3 And I know such a man—whether in the body or out of the body
I do not know, God knows—
2 Corinthians 12:4 How he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words,
which it is not lawful for a man to utter
III. THE HEAVENLY FLIGHTS OF CHRISTIANS.
1 Thessalonians 4:16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout,
with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ
will rise first.
1 Thessalonians 4:17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together
with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be
with the Lord.
1 Thessalonians 4:18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.
Some will experience an in body experience “we who are alive and remain shall be
caught up together.”
Some will experience an out of body experience “the dead in Christ will rise first.”
2 Corinthians 5:8 “Absent from the body, and …. present with the Lord.”
2 Timothy 4:6 … the time of my departure is at hand.
Psalm 90:10 … For it(life) is soon cut off, and we fly away.
Heaven Can Wait (title card)
https://ntvb.tmsimg.com/assets/p1822_v_h8_af.jpg?w=960&h=540
Isaiah 40:31 But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary,
they shall walk and not faint.
Matthew 22:30 For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage,
but are like angels of God in heaven.
Revelation 14:6 (ESV) Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with
an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and
tribe and language and people.
Tertullian (c. 160-c. 240) said, “Every spirit is winged, both angels and demons.”
Luke 16:22 So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s
bosom. The rich man also died and was buried.
IV. THE HEAVENLY FLIGHT OF JESUS CHRIST.
Hebrews 4:14 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through
the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.
John 1:11 He came to His own, …
John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us,
Hebrews 10:5 Therefore, when He came into the world, He said: “Sacrifice and
offering You did not desire, but a body You have prepared for Me.
Hebrews 2:7 You have made him a little lower than the angels;
1 Timothy 1:15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ
Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.
2 Corinthians 12:4 How he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words,
Luke 23:42 Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into
Your kingdom.”
Luke 23:43 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with
Me in Paradise.”
1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have
entered the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
1 Corinthians 2:9 (MSG) That’s why we have this Scripture text:
No one’s ever seen or heard anything like this,
Never so much as imagined anything quite like it—
What God has arranged for those who love him.
Heaven came down and glory filled my soul
When at the cross my Saviour made me whole
My sins were washed away
And my night was turned to day
Heaven came down and glory filled my soul
Born of the Spirit with life from above
Into God’s fam’ly divine
When we invite Jesus to come in, He comes down from heaven to live within us
Ephesians 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith;
Ephesians 3:17 (NOG) Then Christ will live in you through faith.
Ephesians 3:17 (NLT) Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in
him..
