What Happens When You Die?
We are all destined to die. The real question is what happens next.
Key Points:
- What happens to people after they die? The Bible gives us a clear and authoritative picture of life after death.
- Death isn’t the end of our existence. Death is the beginning of a new kind of existence. Death is simply the separation of the physical body and the person’s spirit. (Ecclesiastes 12:6-7.)
- Death ends our ability to accept or reject Jesus. This life is the only life where we can choose to follow Jesus. (Hebrews 9:27.)
- Death meets its end in Jesus. A Christian might have fear in the circumstances of their death, but they don’t need to have fear of what happens after death. Death is merely a door to God (1 Corinthians 15:54-57).
Talk About It
- What is your initial reaction to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- When did you attend your first funeral? Do you remember what you thought about the funeral at the time?
- What did you grow up believing about life after death?
- Why do you think it’s so easy to live most of life ignoring what happens after we die?
- Read 1 Corinthians 15:21. According to the Bible, what is the origin of death? How does this affect the way you view death?
- Read Hebrews 9:27. What does this verse teach us about the nature of this life and how we deal with God?
- Read 1 Corinthians 15:54-57. Describe the hope of Christians in the face of death.
- As a Christian, what is the correct way to view death?
- What is one change you want to make to live with eternity in mind?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
This is part of The Good Place series.
What You Need to Know About Hell
Hell is real and God doesn’t want you to go there.
Key Points:
- Hell exists for a reason (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9; Revelation 20:10).
- Hell is worse than you think (Matthew 8:12; Revelation 14:10-11).
- God doesn’t want anyone going to Hell (Romans 3:25-26).
Talk About It
- What is your initial reaction to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- On a scale of 1-10, how comfortable do you feel with your understanding of Hell? Explain.
- Where have most of your views of Hell come from?
- The theme for the Good Place series is: “What you believe about eternity determines how you live today.” How does this apply to Hell?
- What are some reasons you or others struggle to believe Hell exists?
- Read Matthew 17:13-14. What point does it seem Jesus is trying to get across through this imagery?
- Read 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9. After reading this, how would you describe Hell?
- Do you think God wants anyone to go to Hell? Explain.
- Read Romans 3:25-26. Why did God allow punishment on Jesus? Explain.
- Examine your last few weeks. What does your life say about what you believe about eternity? Is there anything you want to change?
- What’s the first practical step you can take this week to live, love, and serve with eternity in mind?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
This is part of The Good Place series. See the digging deeper notes for this topic.
Heaven: Fact and Fiction
The reality of heaven changes for the better how we live our lives in this world now.
Key Points:
- Fact: Heaven is real (John 14:1-3).
- Fiction: Heaven will be boring (Revelation 21:1-5).
- Fact: Heaven is what you were made for (Revelation 22:3-5).
- Fiction: This world is your home (Philippians 3:20).
Talk About It
- What is your initial reaction to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Identify some of the common ideas about heaven that are popular in our culture.
- Read John 14:1-3. What did Jesus say heaven will be like? Why do his words about heaven carry authority?
- Have you ever thought that heaven will be boring? Explain.
- Read Revelation 21:1-5. What stands out to you about this description?
- How does Revelation 21 refute the idea that heaven will be boring?
- Read Genesis 1:27-28. What did God call humanity to do?
- Read Revelation 22:3-5. In light of Genesis 1:28, what does it mean that we will reign forever?
- Read Philippians 3:20. What is a citizen? In light of that, what does it mean to be a citizen of heaven?
- What are some ways that living in anticipation of heaven changes the choices we make in this world?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
This is part of The Good Place series.
What Happens One Minute After You Die?
Death brings about uncertainty and fear but there is a way to have hope, even in death.
Talking Points:
- The Bible teaches that heaven is a real place. In heaven there’s no death or sorrow or pain. Revelation 21:4
- The Bible teaches that death is not the end of existence. The moment you die, you can be in the presence of God. 2 Corinthians 5:8
- These powerful promises are only available to those who are “saved”. Salvation is ours the moment we respond to Jesus in faith. Romans 10:9, Romans 3:22
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Share a person you’ve lost to death. How would you describe the experience of watching them slip away?
- In your experience with death, what questions are brought to your mind about eternity?
- Read Revelation 21:4. How does this verse encourage you as you think about those you’ve lost?
- Read 2 Corinthians 5:8. How does knowing that at the moment of death, we are ushered into God’s presence help you? How might that impact your grieving process?
- Read Romans 10:9 and Romans 3:22. What do these verses say about salvation? What do they say about our role in being saved?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
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