The Afterlife, Part 1: Realities of Heaven
March 10, 2024

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Message Review

Many people are fascinated by the concept of the afterlife, specifically heaven. There is a lot of interest in heaven, but at the same time, there is also a lot of misinformation, speculation, and confusion about it. The issue is not that we don't think about heaven enough, but rather, that we don't think about it enough in the right way. Most individuals do not have a clear understanding of the true realities of heaven. It is important to note that your belief about the afterlife will impact the way you decide to live your life today.

Main Point: Your belief about the afterlife will impact how you live today.

Scripture References: Luke 23:39-43; John 14:1-3; Matthew 6:9-10; Matthew 12:32

Bible Study      

The focus Bible passage from the sermon was Colossians 3:1-4. Before going to the Sermon Discussion Questions, study the passage by reading through it together, then talk through it using the Inductive Bible Study Method questions that follow:

  • Context: Discuss the context of this passage (Use the Bible Overview to learn the context) 

  • Observation: What do you notice in this passage? What words or phrases stick out to you? And why?

  • Interpretation: What was the author’s original intent in this passage? What main point(s) was he trying to communicate, and why is that important? 

  • Application: What is one key takeaway or insight you had from this passage? How can or should you apply it to your life?

  • Questions: What questions/tensions do you have from this passage that you would like to discuss?

Discussion Questions

  • What were your initial thoughts or takeaways from the sermon and why?

  • Why do you think there is confusion, misinformation, and speculation around the idea of heaven? 

  • What do you think about when you think of heaven? 

  • Pastor Matt said, “Your belief about the afterlife will impact how you live today" Do you believe this to be true, why, or why not? 

  • Read the following 3 passages one at a time and then discuss the following question: (1) Luke 23:39–43 (2) John 14:1–3 (3) Matthew 6:9–10

    • What words or phrases stick out to you in these passages?

    • What realities of Heaven was Jesus sharing with his followers in this passage? 

  • Have you ever strived for something, sacrificing along the way only to obtain it and discover it wasn’t worth it? How did it make you feel when you had that realization?

  • How would you summarize Paul’s main point in Colossians 3:1-4 in your own words?

  • How does your perception of the afterlife influence the way you live your life on earth?

  • How would your life look different if you were truly living with heaven in mind?

  • What are some practical ways you can live with heaven in mind starting this week?

To watch or listen to Sunday’s sermon, visit our Sermons page.