Is there life after death? In the first part of this series, we’ll explore the three things that happen when our life on this earth is done. The third thing might be the toughest to grasp—we’ll all face judgment, but who does the judging, and what will we be judged on? Your afterlife is dependent on the life you live now.
If you’d like to join the reading plan for the next 6 days, join us at www.thelakes.church/oneminute
Discussion Guide
Week 1 – Is there life after death?
Is there life after death? In the first part of this series, we’ll explore the three things that happen when our life on this earth is done. The third thing might be the toughest to grasp—we’ll all face judgment, but who does the judging, and what will we be judged on? Your afterlife is dependent on the life you live now.
Break the ice
- What did you grow up believing about life after death?
- What’s something from Sunday’s message that is influencing the way you think about life after death?
- Why do you think it’s so easy to live most of life ignoring what happens after we die?
Read
2 Corinthians 5:1-4, 8-10
For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands. We grow weary in our present bodies, and we long to put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing. For we will put on heavenly bodies; we will not be spirits without bodies. While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh, but it’s not that we want to die and get rid of these bodies that clothe us. Rather, we want to put on our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by life.
Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord. So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please him. For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.
Other passages to explore
- Hebrews 9:27-28
- John 11:25-26
- Luke 23:42-43
- Philippians 1:20-23
- 1 Peter 1:17
- Revelation 20:11-12, 15
- Matthew 7:21-23
Discuss
- What does the passage from 2 Corinthians 5 have to say about how we should live?
- How do you already live like eternity matters? Are there any ways you’re living like it doesn’t?
- What are some things you’d love to be known for when you meet Jesus in heaven?
- What is one change you want to make to live with eternity in mind?
Pray
God, thank you that this life is not the end. Thank you for making a way for us, through Jesus, to spend eternal life with you. Holy Spirit, reveal to us the ways we are living with a short-term perspective. We want to do your will here while we’re on earth. Teach us how to live with eternity in mind. Amen!
This week
- Have you joined the Bible reading plan? www.thelakes.church/oneminute
- Ask someone you’re close friends with what they believe about heaven, hell, and eternity. Share with them what you believe.
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