The Focus of Heaven

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D. Leading the Way

In every false gospel the focus is on us, on our political views, on our well-being, on our good works, on our own interpretation of God’s Word, on our personal experiences. In the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the focus is on Jesus—His death, His burial, His resurrection. All false gospels are human-centered. The one true Gospel is Christ-centered. Even the hope of heaven is focused not so much on us and our enjoyment of heaven but the fact that we will be in heaven with Christ.

Why do so many believers lose sight of their eternal hope? Why do so many Christians take their eyes off the prize of their heavenly dwelling place, the City of God? I believe we lose sight of our eternal habitation for five reasons:

First, we have a false perception of heaven. There are many distorted images of heaven in our culture, keeping us from desiring the wonderful heavenly city Jesus has prepared for us.

Second, the pressures of this life eclipse our vision. The problems of our daily lives can steal our heavenly focus.

Third, the allure of this life blinds us to the unseen reality of heaven. Because of our nature, the things we see with our eyes get our attention. The visible world tugs at our thoughts and emotions. As the saying goes, “Out of sight, out of mind.”

Fourth, the worldliness of the church muddles how we think about heaven. Christians in the early church had very simple goals. They lived and worked to glorify God and to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ far and wide. They didn’t plan for retirement. They planned for eternity.

Fifth, false teaching leaves us ignorant and deceived. Many pastors have quit teaching about heaven and hell. They focus on whatever themes are popular—successful living, improving your relationships, repairing your self-esteem, and other human-centered subjects.

We must let the true Gospel inform our view of heaven. Then our joy will overflow as we look to the awesome promise of eternity with Christ.

Prayer: Lord, may I focus on the object of my faith: my Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. Then may I take joy in the promise of eternity with Him whom my heart loves. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“[L]et us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1-2).

Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon How Shall We Live Now?, Part 5: WATCH NOW | LISTEN NOW

Check out more from Dr. Michael Youssef, here!

About The Author

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

Even before he was born, it is clear that God had a vision for Michael Youssef. His mother was in poor health when she became pregnant with Michael, and because his life was in danger at the time of birth, the doctor recommended terminating the pregnancy. An abortion was scheduled. But God intervened and sent the family pastor to reassure them that God was involved in this pregnancy. He told them not to be afraid and that the child would be "born to serve the Lord." Michael's parents accepted the pastor's message as a message from God and obeyed. His mother gave birth, and lived to see him give his life to the Lord at the age of sixteen.


Believing that God had called him out of Egypt, Michael sought an exit visa in a time in which no university student was allowed to have a passport or leave the country. God intervened again, and miraculously he managed to acquire a visa. He immigrated to Australia, where he studied at Moore Theological College in Sydney, was ordained as a pastor, and met Elizabeth who became his wife.


The Youssefs came to America in 1977, and in 1978 Michael received a master's degree in theology at Fuller Theological Seminary in California. Then he earned a doctorate in social anthropology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Michael served nearly ten years in the Haggai Institute, traveling around the world more than 32 times, teaching courses in evangelism and leadership. He rose to the position of Managing Director at the age of 31 years. The family settled in Atlanta, and in 1984, Michael became a citizen of the United States, making his dream of many years come true.


He founded The Church of The Apostles in 1987 with fewer than 40 adults with the mission of "Equipping the Saints and Searching for the Lost". The church has since grown to be a congregation of over 3,000 people today. This church has driven the international ministry of Leading the Way. While it is heard by millions at home and abroad, behind every message preached through radio waves, is the heart of a pastor, willing to nurture and care for these people. Clearly God has uniquely equipped Dr. Youssef to speak to a global audience. The path he has taken has given him an understanding and firm grasp of the Scriptures that transcend cultures. He preaches, teaches and calls with a sincere, based on the authority of the inerrant, inspired Word of God. With his personal knowledge of the Holy Land, its history and culture, Dr. Michael Youssef transmits life to listeners all over the world.

More Posts by Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.:

  1. Asking for God’s Vision
  2. Praying the Will of God
  3. He Can Open Your Eyes
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