Pastor Rick's Daily Hope on Oneplace.com
Pastor Rick's Daily Hope on Oneplace.com

Heaven: God’s Eternal Goodness to You—Part Three

August 19, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

Heaven: God’s Eternal Goodness to You—Part Three

In this message, Rick Warren continues his series from Psalm 23 by addressing a question many believers wrestle with: What will we actually do in heaven? The world often describes heaven as boring—clouds, harps, endless singing. Warren pushes back hard on that image, arguing that heaven will be active, relational, and deeply purposeful. He organizes his teaching around three specific activities that await those who belong to God.

Reunited with Loved Ones

The first thing that happens in heaven, Warren says, is a reunion. He cites 1 Thessalonians 4:17, paraphrased in The Message as "one huge family reunion with the master." This is not abstract theology for him. He names his own people already there: his mother, his father, his older brother Jim, his youngest child Matthew. "The more of my family and friends that are on that side of death, the dear heaven becomes to me," he says. He connects this to the next verse in the passage, which tells believers to "reassure one another with these thoughts." Death is not the end for those who love Jesus; it is a transfer. Warren invites listeners to play a game: Who would you want to talk to first? Moses? Abraham? Mary? The wise men? You will have all of eternity for those conversations.

Rewarded and Given an Inheritance

Continue reading the full summary in the app — free to try.

Read Full Summary →

Free • No credit card required

Listen to Audio Summary Open in App

What you'll learn

  • 1 (00:30) **Three Things You Will Definitely Do in Heaven** - Rick Warren introduces the core thesis: heaven is not a boring, passive eternity but involves three specific, active experiences.
  • 2 (03:21) **You Will Be Rewarded for Your Faith, Hope, and Love** - A distinction is drawn between salvation (a free gift of grace) and rewards (earned through faithful living on earth).
  • 3 (07:07) **You Will Receive a Priceless Inheritance** - Beyond rewards, believers are promised an inheritance from God that has been accruing interest since before creation.
  • 4 (11:10) **You Will Be Assigned Work You Enjoy** - The third activity in heaven is fulfilling, non-frustrating work that matches the unique way God made you.
  • 5 (12:08) **Heavenly Assignments Are Based on Earthly Faithfulness** - The amount of responsibility and enjoyment you receive in heaven is directly tied to how you managed what God gave you on earth.
  • 6 (13:38) **This Life Is a Test, a Trust, and a Temporary Assignment** - The purpose of earthly life is framed as a proving ground for eternity, not the ultimate reality.
  • 7 (16:51) **Every Decision Has Eternal Implications** - The listener is challenged to see that every moment and choice either improves or diminishes their eternal experience.

+ Full timestamped outline available in the app

Guests on this episode

Rick Warren

Show Notes

Psalm 23 says that the ultimate expression of God’s goodness happens in eternity. That means you don’t have to fear death, because death is not the end. It’s simply a transition to an incredible, unbelievable eternity in heaven. In this message, Pastor Rick shares the facts about heaven—what it is, what it’s not, and what you’ll do once you get there.Many people wonder what they’re going to do in heaven. You’re definitely not going to be bored! In this message, Pastor Rick explores some of the specific answers the Bible gives about what your work looks like in heaven.
To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1103/29?v=20251111

Pastor Rick's Daily Hope on Oneplace.com

More from this podcast

Pastor Rick's Daily Hope on Oneplace.com →