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Asking for a Friend - Is Eternity Real?

Squad Nights Fall 2024
Oct 02, 2024

Small Group Objective

Create a conversation around Eternity and how Heaven & hell are both real and we have to make the choice where we go. GOD DESIRES THAT WE GO TO HEAVEN.

Introduction

Today we're diving into a topic that’s both profound and important, the reality of eternity, and what that means for us. We often hear about heaven and hell, but what does the Bible really say? Together, we’ll explore what it means to live with eternity in mind, and how our choices today shape our forever. This is a journey of understanding, reflection, and hope. Let’s open our hearts and minds to what God has in store for us as we learn about the amazing gift of eternity and the correct paths that lead us there.   

Key Verses

Luke 16:19-31

19 Jesus said, “There was a certain rich man who was splendidly clothed in purple and fine linen and who lived each day in luxury. 20 At his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus who was covered with sores. 21 As Lazarus lay there longing for scraps from the rich man’s table, the dogs would come and lick his open sores. 22 “Finally, the poor man died and was carried by the angels to sit beside Abraham at the heavenly banquet.[a] The rich man also died and was buried, 23 and he went to the place of the dead.[b] There, in torment, he saw Abraham in the far distance with Lazarus at his side. 24 “The rich man shouted, ‘Father Abraham, have some pity! Send Lazarus over here to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue. I am in anguish in these flames.’ 25 “But Abraham said to him, ‘Son, remember that during your lifetime you had everything you wanted, and Lazarus had nothing. So now he is here being comforted, and you are in anguish. 26 And besides, there is a great chasm separating us. No one can cross over to you from here, and no one can cross over to us from there.’ 27 “Then the rich man said, ‘Please, Father Abraham, at least send him to my father’s home. 28 For I have five brothers, and I want him to warn them so they don’t end up in this place of torment.’ 29 “But Abraham said, ‘Moses and the prophets have warned them. Your brothers can read what they wrote.’ 30 “The rich man replied, ‘No, Father Abraham! But if someone is sent to them from the dead, then they will repent of their sins and turn to God.’ 31 “But Abraham said, ‘If they won’t listen to Moses and the prophets, they won’t be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.’”

Key Points

1. We all have an appointment with Eternity

  • Whether you know it or not, we are all on the clock. Every single one of us only has so much time remaining in life. We all have an appointment with Eternity
  • The parable of the rich fool shows us that we should value the time we have here and prepare ourselves for Eternity!
  • Heaven and Hell are real, and we have to choose which one we go to. Jesus made a choice and now we have to make a choice. Ecclesiastes 3:1-6 tells us that there is an appointed time for everything.  
  • ONE OF THE GREATEST THINGS IS THAT WE HAVE A CHOICE. 
  • Hell is a place of death, Heaven is a place where there is fullness of Joy & life.

2. God desires that we all spend eternity with Him

  • God DESIRES to be with us. That is why He sent Jesus to die for our sins because He desires to be with us. He wants us to spend eternity with Him
  • The enemy would love to make you think that you are not good enough for God’s love
  • No matter what you do, God’s love for you will never falter, it will never change. God’s love for us is a Hesed love
  • We should never underestimate how much God loves us and DESIRES to spend eternity with us. Hell was not created for us and that is why we must make the correct decision and the ultimate reward is spending eternity with Jesus in Heaven.

Are you ready for Eternity?

Questions

  1. What does spending eternity with Jesus in heaven mean to you personally?
    1. How can that understanding influence the way you live your life today?
  2. Considering that hell is a real possibility, why is it important for us to understand the hope of heaven, and how can this knowledge motivate us to live differently?
  3. In what ways can we share the hope of eternity with Jesus in heaven with our friends who may not know Him?
  4. How does the promise of eternity with Jesus shape your perspective on challenges or hardships you face in life?

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