CAN YOU IMAGINE HEAVEN | PAUL DAUGHERTY | JESUS IS COMING BACK SOON PT. 6
Victory Church - Paul Daugherty / November 16, 2025
Overview
In this powerful finale to the “Jesus is Coming Back Soon” series, Pastor Paul Daugherty casts a vivid, hope-filled vision of Heaven—what it is, who is there, and why our perspective on eternity changes everything about how we live. Drawing from scripture, personal stories, and an imaginative “guided tour” of Heaven, he emphasizes the greatness of our eternal destination, God’s promises, and the reality that our time on Earth is short but full of purpose and potential. The message calls listeners to live with urgency, forgive, pursue their God-given assignment, and expect miracles both now and forever.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Heaven vs. Hell: The Scriptural Emphasis
- Heaven Mentioned 550 Times vs. Hell 88 Times
- Paul highlights that biblical emphasis is overwhelmingly on Heaven, reflecting God's desire for us to look forward to eternity with Him.
- “Those who put their faith in Jesus Christ are going to heaven. Those who reject Jesus will go to hell. But Jesus had a whole lot more to say about heaven than hell.” (00:58)
Eight Key Facts About Heaven (05:28)
- Heaven is God’s dwelling place.
- Psalm 103 affirms God's throne is in Heaven.
- Jesus prepares a place for us.
- John 14:2—Heaven is a house with many rooms, being prepared for believers.
- Joking aside: “God’s got a sense of humor—he might put you next to people you struggled with... Because in heaven, there’s no bitterness.” (03:16)
- Heaven is a place of eternal joy and perfect health.
- “There’s no depression, no mental disorders, no anxiety, no stress, no frowns...everyone is healthy. There’s no wheelchairs, there’s no cancer, no sickness...no addictions.” (04:10)
- Everyone is invited to heaven.
- Not about perfection, but surrender to Jesus.
- “Perfect people don’t go to heaven. Saved people go to heaven.” (06:40)
- There are rewards in heaven for faithfulness.
- Discussion of crowns and positions, distinct from the free gift of salvation.
- “You are working for a crown right now that one day is going to end up at the feet of Jesus...and it’s worth it.” (07:52)
- The only way to heaven is through Christ.
- John 14: “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”
- Heaven is a choice—God won’t force it.
- Romans 6:23—the gift of eternal life is for those who accept it.
- Eternity is an immediate transition.
- “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” (10:44)
A Guided “Imaginative Trip” to Heaven (12:45)
Encountering Biblical Heroes & Lessons
- Rahab the Redeemed (13:47)
- “By faith, the prostitute Rahab” (Hebrews 11:31)—her faith changed her story and her family’s.
- Message: Your past does not disqualify you. God is seeking surrendered hearts.
- Abraham & Sarah (15:47)
- Abraham’s long wait for God’s promises becomes a metaphor for waiting on miracles and unfulfilled dreams.
- “God had to bring Abraham out of his tent...look up to heaven...count the stars.” (16:08)
- Lessons about faith, patience, and not giving up on God’s timing.
- The Warehouses of God’s Promises & Miracles (18:44)
- Pastor Paul leads a vision of “storehouses” for God’s provision and miracles—reminding us Heaven already contains what we’re praying for.
- “If you just saw how much provision God has, how many miracles God has in store...Heaven’s economy is different than Earth’s.” (20:05)
- David—The Heart of a Servant (22:20)
- Not known as a king in Heaven—just “a door holder.” Honors volunteers and servants.
- “I wrote my best songs during my worst seasons. Your biggest failure isn’t the end.” (25:32)
- Stresses humility, enduring correction, and repentance.
- Gran Gran—Testimony of a Long Life (28:38)
- Legacy, the power of sowing seed, and God’s ability to use anyone at any age:
“Don’t think God is finished with you. Don’t put a limit on what age God can work through your life.”
- Legacy, the power of sowing seed, and God’s ability to use anyone at any age:
- Queen Esther & Paul the Apostle—Living on Assignment (31:05)
- Esther: “You are here for such a time as this.”
- Paul: “Keep your minds set on heavenly places. Get in the Word and let the Word get in you.”
- The “Great Cloud of Witnesses” Speaks (33:41)
- Modern heroes—Billy Joe Daugherty, Oral Roberts, Billy Graham—urge living with purpose, urgency, and forgiveness.
- “Time is running out. Live your life with purpose… Surrender to Jesus.”
- Final Charge from Heaven (35:50)
- The crowd in Heaven cheers, urging listeners to run their race, believe for miracles, and forgive.
Living with Eternity in Mind
- Perspective on Life (38:30)
- Quotes Rick Warren (“Purpose Driven Life”):
“One day my heart is going to stop. That will be the end of my body, but not the end of me...This life is a warm up act. It’s a dress rehearsal.” (38:52) - Quotes C. S. Lewis:
“If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.” (39:21)
- Quotes Rick Warren (“Purpose Driven Life”):
- Call to Action
- Live in light of eternity: forgive, reconcile, serve, dream again, expect miracles, sow seeds for the future, and engage in your purpose now.
- “A proper view of heaven leads to an engaged life on earth.” (37:59)
- Encouragement for those who feel disqualified by their past: mercy is new every morning (41:44).
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On Grace and Salvation:
“Perfect people don't go to heaven. Saved people go to heaven. But everyone's invited.” (06:40) - On Immediate Presence after Death:
“To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” (10:44) - On Perseverance and God’s Promises:
“Every dream, every gift, every promise God has for you can come to pass if you'll just wait with faith and patience. Don't give up on the dream.” (21:24) - On Service & Humility:
“I'd rather be a door holder in God's house than dwell in the tents of the wicked.” (22:50) - On God-ordained Purpose:
“God has you here on strategic assignment...for such a time as this.” (31:12) - On Living for Eternity:
“This life is a warm-up act...the goal is to grow in our character, to become more like Christ.” (38:58) - On God’s Unseen Activity:
“Even when I don’t see it, you’re working. Even when I don’t feel it, you’re working. You never stop, you never stop working.” (Worship, 42:20) - On God’s Mercy:
“Up here in heaven, they call me Rahab the Redeemed. I’m the woman God turned my story around.” (41:49)
Important Timestamps
- 00:00 – Opening and main theme: Heaven as our eternal destination
- 03:16 – The humor and diversity of Heaven: “You never know who’ll be your next-door neighbor”
- 05:28 – Eight biblical facts about Heaven
- 12:45 – “Imaginative trip” to Heaven begins—meeting Rahab
- 16:08 – Abraham’s story: Encouragement for unmet dreams
- 20:05 – Vision of God’s storehouses and Heaven’s economy
- 22:20 – David: Heart, service, and repentance
- 28:38 – Gran Gran: Perseverance, influence across generations
- 31:05 – Queen Esther and Paul the Apostle: Destiny and focus on Jesus
- 33:41 – Modern faith heroes speak: Urgency, forgiveness, surrender
- 35:50 – “30 seconds left”: The great cloud of witnesses’ charge
- 37:59 – Living with eternity in view; application for daily life
- 38:52 – Rick Warren’s quote on life and eternity
- 39:21 – C. S. Lewis’ quote on eternal longing
- 41:44 – Visualizing “mercy factory”—God’s ongoing forgiveness
- 42:04–44:51 – Worship segment: “Way Maker” and altar response
- 44:51–end – Specific prayers for children, finances, relationships, and a salvation call
The Message in Pastor Paul's Words
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“Heaven is on its feet. I can only imagine. With every head bowed, every eye closed, I feel like God had an appointment with some of you today...He hasn’t given up on the dreams he placed in your hearts, even if you gave up on the dream.” (39:33)
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“Let’s pray this prayer together. Just say:
Jesus, I’m all yours. Thank you that you died on the cross for my sins. You rose from the grave. I repent and receive your forgiveness. I confess you as my Lord and Savior. Thank you, Jesus, that my name is written in the book of life. Heaven is my eternal home, and I’m going to live my life for you in Jesus’s name. Amen.” (end)
Conclusion & Takeaway
This episode is both an inspiring teaching and an altar call:
- Heaven is real, near, and worth looking forward to—let it motivate your life today.
- God’s grace is for all, regardless of your past.
- There’s urgent purpose and heavenly support for every moment on earth.
- Live with eternity in view, mend relationships, serve faithfully, believe for miracles, and stay surrendered.
Heaven is cheering you on—don’t miss your moment.
