109 - Amazing Heaven

In this episode, I reflect on the misconceptions many of us carry about heaven and offer a richer, more biblically grounded view, inspired by Elise Fitzpatrick’s book Home: How Heaven and the New Earth Satisfy Our Deepest Longing. It’s a message of restoration, purpose, and joyful anticipation of what’s to come. Rather than floating in the clouds, we’re invited to imagine heaven as the fulfillment of everything we were made to be. 

Top Topics: 

The Misconception of Heaven as Boring
Many think of heaven as static—clouds, harps, endless choir practice. I share how Fitzpatrick dismantles this image and replaces it with a vibrant vision rooted in scripture: a renewed earth, rich with joy, work, community, and creativity. 

Homesickness and the Longing for More
That deep feeling of not fully belonging here? It’s not an accident. We were made for more. Fitzpatrick describes this as a longing hardwired into our souls—a longing for our true home. 

Heavenly Work and Purpose
We won’t be idle in heaven. Instead, we’ll experience perfect alignment between who we are and what we do. I talk about how even now, we can begin discovering that purpose through the things that bring us joy and meaning. 

The Role of Evangelism and Living as Ambassadors
We’re not called to escape the world but to live with urgency and love. I use a metaphor about a collapsed bridge to illustrate why sharing the gospel isn’t just kind—it’s critical. 

Heaven on Earth Moments: Sacraments as Sacred Glimpses
Baptism, communion, and even marriage offer small but powerful tastes of eternity. These aren’t chores or rituals—they’re moments where heaven breaks through. 

Takeaways: 

Heaven is not an abstract idea. It’s a physical, joyful, purpose-filled reality that restores everything good and removes everything broken. The longing in our hearts is a signal that eternity is real and coming. We don’t have to wait to experience a piece of it—we can live today as ambassadors of that future, using our gifts and passions to reflect God’s glory. Let that longing remind you of where you’re going—and give purpose to every small step you take. 

https://smallstepswithgod.com/109-amazing-heaven/

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Email the podcast at mailto: jill@startwithsmallsteps.com 

Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com 

By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.