The Afterlife, Part 2: This Age
March 17, 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. We must put aside this misinformed vision and come to a true understanding of the realities of heaven. The first reality of heaven is that it is here and now in another way. We can experience aspects of heaven in this age, giving us much to look forward to.

Main Point: You will hit the target you’re fixated on; be sure you aim high enough.

Scripture References: Colossians 3:1-5, 7-10, 13-25; Revelation 6:9-11

Bible Study      

The focus Bible passage from the sermon was Colossians 3:1-15. 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?

  • How would you explain the idea of what heaven is in the here and now if someone were to ask you? 

  • Read Colossians 3:1-5 as a group. In what ways should we be heaven-minded in this day in age? 

  • In the Screwtape Letters C.S Lewis wrote, “Prosperity knits a man to the world. He feels that he is finding his place in it, while really it is finding its place in him.” What do you think C.S Lewis meant by this quote? 

  • Read Colossians 3:10 as a group. In what practical ways can we learn to know our Creator and become like him? 

  • Read Colossians 3:13-14 as a group. In what practical ways can we model what is said through the writers of scripture in this passage? 

  • Pastor Matt said, “We make decisions every day that either bring the order of heaven down into our lives or pull the chaos of hell up into our lives” How is your life affected by your decisions to bring heaven down or pull hell up into our lives? 

  • If someone evaluated where you spent your time, money, and energy, what would they say governs your life?

  • If people don’t see the hope and reality of heaven in your life today, what will they place their hope in? 

  • What are practical ways that we can show people glimpses of heaven through how we live our lives today? 

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