In the first lesson of the "Heaven" series, Minister Garrett Bookout introduces a biblical study of heaven, sharing his conviction that eternity involves a renewed and redeemed earth rather than a disembodied existence in the clouds. He contrasts common traditional views with Scripture’s redemptive story.

In this opening Bible class (May 3, 2026) for the new quarter at Oak Hollow Church of Christ, Garrett Bookout begins a three-month series titled Heaven with the first lesson The New Heavens and New Earth. He openly discusses his understanding of heaven as a renewed physical creation where God dwells with His people, rather than the popular image of floating disembodied spirits in an ethereal realm.
Garrett explains that the phrase “new heaven and new earth” comes primarily from Isaiah, 2 Peter 3, and Revelation 21. He walks through two visual diagrams: the common “traditional” view (earth → sin → judgment → destruction of earth, saints taken to heaven) and his own view, which presents the biblical story as one of redemption—beginning with God dwelling with humanity in the Garden and culminating in the restoration of that fellowship on a curse-free, renewed earth with the holy city coming down.
He emphasizes practical and encouraging themes: believers will know and enjoy relationships with one another, will have real physical resurrection bodies like Jesus’, and that the hope of heaven should be exciting and relational. The lesson sets up future classes covering what resurrected believers will be like and where they will live. Garrett invites open, loving discussion and stresses that differing views on this topic should not divide the church.

1. **Opening & Prayer** (approx. 0:00–7:40)
- Welcome and introduction to the new quarter series.
- Opening prayer focusing on understanding and excitement about heaven.

2. **Introduction to the Study** (7:40–17:52)
- Biblical sources: Isaiah, 2 Peter 3, Revelation 21.
- Acknowledgment of differing views on heaven.
- Personal motivation: why Garrett is teaching his perspective openly.
- Heaven should be a thrilling hope that fosters love for God and one another.

3. **Common Questions & Concerns** (approx. 14:06 onward)
- Will we know each other in heaven?
- Importance of relationships and community in eternity.
- Addressing misunderstandings that make heaven seem less relational or “huggable.”

4. **The Traditional View of Heaven** (20:56–29:38)
- Visual diagram walkthrough: Creation → Fall → Life → Jesus’ return → Judgment → Earth destroyed → Saints in heaven, wicked in hell.
- Intermediate state (paradise/torment).
- Garrett’s former understanding and why he moved away from parts of it.

5. **The Renewed Earth / Redemption View** (29:38–40:12)
- Visual diagram: Very Good Creation (Garden) → Curse & Separation → Redemption through Christ → Renewed Earth & Holy City descending.
- Emphasis on the curse on the ground/earth being reversed.
- The garden/paradise and the holy city as bookends of the biblical story.
- God dwelling with humanity again (Revelation 21).

6. **What the Series Will Cover** (40:12–end)
- **What we will be:** Bodily resurrection (OT prophecies, Jesus’ resurrection body as pattern — physical, touchable, able to eat, etc.).
- **Where we will be:** New heavens and new earth, removal of the curse, Jesus coming to reign on the renewed creation.
- Preview of key passages (1 Thessalonians 4, John 14, Romans 8, Revelation 21, etc.).
- Invitation for respectful discussion.

**Closing Prayer**
This introductory lesson lays a strong foundation for the quarter, blending personal testimony, visual aids, and scriptural overview while encouraging thoughtful engagement.