When you say things like,"Why would a loving Lord destroy all that we created out of love -- the works of our own creation?" I know that you not know/understand or believe the teachings of the Bible.
The Bible plainly says that the Lord is going to destroy the current heavens and earth and replace them. The Bible is also clear that the "works of OUR creation," or our "good works," are as "filthy rags" to God. Yes, he is a loving God, but He is also a God who will judge this world with fire.
Scripture? Could the Apostles ever imagine our technology today? We have replicated what Swedenborg saw in Heaven. Earth is the seedbed of Heaven.
When spiritual eyes are opened, we can see past the literal sense of the Word. The Apostles saw the Lord after his death because their spiritual eyes were opened.
We know that our use here and in Heaven follows our loves -- good or bad. If it's good, it's from God, bad or evil: from self.
Jesus stated that His kingdom is not of this world. On Earth, He operates through angels and men -- we are all connected.
In the OT, what is described is a religion of the flesh. NT: Christianity is a religion of the Spirit. See Revelation -- John continually says he is in the Spirit. Swedenborg had the same thing -- and published over 30 volumes on everything he saw (with Heavenly guidance).