This World Is Not My Home

Songbook Hymn Sermons

This World Is Not My Home

A Sermon based on the hymn by Albert E. Brumley

Introduction

“This World Is Not My Home” is a joyful, heartfelt hymn that reminds Christians of their true citizenship—not here on earth, but in heaven. Written by Albert E. Brumley, a gospel songwriter with early ties to the churches of Christ, this hymn has become a beloved staple in a cappella congregational worship. It expresses the deep longing of the faithful to be with the Lord and the recognition that the things of this world can never fully satisfy the soul.

The message of the hymn is firmly grounded in Scripture. Philippians 3:20 says, “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” The Christian life is one of pilgrimage—we are “strangers and pilgrims on the earth” (Hebrews 11:13). This hymn gives voice to that identity. It helps us lift our hearts above the distractions, disappointments, and desires of this world and to focus on the eternal hope that lies before us.

Brumley’s simple language and upbeat melody reflect the paradox of the Christian life: we are joyful, even while yearning for something more. We live in this world, but we do not belong to it. As we sing this hymn, we remind ourselves that our treasure is not here, our joy is not here, and our lasting home is not here. We are just passing through. Our home is with the Lord.

Stanza 1

“This world is not my home, I’m just a passing through,
My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue;
The angels beckon me from heaven’s open door,
And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.”

This opening stanza sets the theme: we are pilgrims. Like Abraham, who “waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God” (Hebrews 11:10), we do not look to this world as our final destination. Earthly treasures fade (Matthew 6:19–20), but heavenly treasures are eternal. The idea that “the angels beckon me” draws from Luke 16:22, where the angels carried Lazarus to Abraham’s bosom. We are being called home. And the more we grow in Christ, the less we feel at home here. We are grateful for life on earth—but we long for something better.

Stanza 2

“They’re all expecting me, and that’s one thing I know,
My Savior pardoned me, and now I onward go;
I know He’ll take me through, though I am weak and poor,
And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.”

This stanza expresses the confidence and comfort we have in Christ. Because of His pardon, we can press on in faith. Romans 8:1 declares, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.” Though we are weak and unworthy, He is strong and faithful. Philippians 1:6 assures us that He who began a good work in us will complete it. Heaven is not just a hope—it is a promise. Our brothers and sisters who’ve gone on before await us. And our Lord is ready to receive us. How can we feel at home in a world that offers none of that?

Stanza 3

“Just up in glory land we’ll live eternally,
The saints on every hand are shouting victory;
Their songs of sweetest praise drift back from heaven’s shore,
And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.”

Here, the focus shifts to the glory of heaven. Revelation 7:9–10 pictures a multitude of saints “standing before the throne… crying out with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God.” Heaven is not a quiet place—it is filled with the joyful voices of the redeemed. The idea that their praise “drifts back from heaven’s shore” captures the longing we feel when we reflect on eternity. We are pulled forward by the songs, by the victory, by the hope. The more we focus on heaven, the more this world seems foreign. Our home is there. That’s where we belong.

Chorus

“O Lord, you know I have no friend like you,
If heaven’s not my home, then Lord what will I do?
The angels beckon me from heaven’s open door,
And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.”

The chorus is both confession and comfort. Jesus is our dearest friend (John 15:13–15). He has gone to prepare a place for us (John 14:2–3), and if heaven isn’t our destination, then we are truly lost. But we are not lost—we are called, we are pardoned, and we are heaven-bound. The angels are waiting, the doors are open, and the invitation is extended. That’s why the world cannot claim our hearts. We belong to Christ. And He belongs in glory.

This World Is Not My Home Sermon Outline:

Introduction:

• Written by Albert E. Brumley, beloved gospel songwriter

• Reflects the Christian’s longing for heaven (Philippians 3:20)

• Joyful yet focused on the eternal goal

Stanza 1 – We Are Just Passing Through:

• Earthly things perish (Matthew 6:19–20)

• Heaven is our treasure and goal (Hebrews 11:10)

• Angels beckon us from above (Luke 16:22)

Stanza 2 – Christ Has Pardoned and Prepares Us:

• Forgiveness through Christ brings assurance (Romans 8:1)

• Even the weak can press forward with Jesus (Philippians 1:6)

• Heaven is filled with expectation—our loved ones await

Stanza 3 – Victory and Eternal Life Await:

• Saints are already rejoicing in victory (Revelation 7:9–10)

• Their praise draws us forward to eternity

• Earth feels less like home as we grow in hope

Chorus – Jesus Is Our Dearest Friend:

• Christ is our Friend and Redeemer (John 15:13–15)

• If heaven isn’t our home, we are truly lost (John 14:2–3)

• But because of Him, the door is open and the invitation sure

Call to Action

Are you living like this world is not your home? Or are you clinging to temporary things that cannot last? Jesus has opened heaven’s door through His death and resurrection. He invites you to leave the world behind and follow Him. Repent, be baptized for the remission of your sins (Acts 2:38), and walk in newness of life. Don’t live for this world—it cannot hold your hope. Like the hymn says, if heaven’s not your home, then what will you do? But if Jesus is your Friend, then heaven is your future. Let go of the world. Take hold of eternity.

Scripture Reference List

Philippians 3:20 – Our citizenship is in heaven
Hebrews 11:10 – Looking for a city whose builder is God
Matthew 6:19–20 – Lay up treasures in heaven
Luke 16:22 – Angels carried Lazarus to Abraham’s bosom
Romans 8:1 – No condemnation in Christ
Philippians 1:6 – He who began a good work will complete it
Revelation 7:9–10 – Saints praising before the throne
John 15:13–15 – Jesus is our Friend
John 14:2–3 – Christ prepares a place for us
Acts 2:38 – Repent and be baptized for the remission of sins

Song History

“This World Is Not My Home” was written by Albert E. Brumley in the early 20th century. Known for writing over 800 gospel songs, Brumley was closely affiliated with Churches of Christ in his early years and shaped Southern gospel music for generations. This hymn, with its toe-tapping tune and heaven-centered message, has become a favorite in many a cappella hymnals. It reminds the faithful that our time on earth is short, but our hope in heaven is sure. As the world grows dim, the promise of glory grows bright. For the child of God, this world is not home—it’s just the road leading there.

Prepared by David Hersey of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

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