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Questions About Heaven; Part I
Scripture Lesson for the Day: Job 14:1-17 (NLT)
Cornerstone Text: “But men and women? They die and stay dead. They breathe their last, and that’s it…If we humans die, will we live again? That’s my question. All through these difficult days I keep hoping, waiting for the final change – for resurrection! (Job 14:10,14, The Message)
What is the one thing that most people tend to put off thinking about even though it is one of life’s certainties?
“If a man dies, will he live again?” (Job 14:14, NIV)
Some questions about Heaven and the Afterlife include…
? Question: “Why is there death?”
“But you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die” (Genesis 2:17, NIV).
“For the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23a, NLT).
? Question: “What happens to me after I die?”
“For to me, living is for Christ, and dying is even better. Yet if I live, that means fruitful service for Christ. I really don’t know which is better. I’m torn between two desires: Sometimes I want to live, and sometimes I long to go and be with Christ. That would be far better for me, but it is better for you that I live” (Philippians 1:21-24, NLT).
"Have a good time at my funeral; I’m not going to be there!" (Pastor Tony Evans)
“Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8, NLT).
? Question: “Is heaven a reality and where is it located?”
“Don’t be troubled. You trust God, now trust in me. There are many rooms in my Father’s home, and I am going to prepare a place for you. If this were not so, I would tell you plainly” (John 14:1-2, NLT).
“They said, ‘Men of Galilee, why are you standing here staring at the sky? Jesus has been taken away from you into heaven. And someday, just as you saw him go, he will return!’”
(Acts 1:11, NLT)
? Question: “In the after life is there an intermediate place?”
“Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ And Jesus replied, ‘I assure you, today you will be with me in Paradise” (Luke 23:42-43, NLT).
“Is there life after the afterlife?” (Bishop Tom Wright, Theologian and Author)
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a beautiful bride prepared for her husband”
(Revelation 21:1-2, NLT).
Closing Challenge: There are a lot more questions that we have about Heaven. One thing we must learn is how to get there and not miss out on what God has in store for us. Are you ready for Heaven?
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