Sermon Based Curriculum
Sermon Date: May 22, 2011
Sermon Title: Death: What’s Your End Game
Sermon Text: Rev. 20-22
Small Group Text: Rev. 21:1-22
Introduction
The Bible speaks of the new heaven and the new earth in the future. This vision of eternity can be reassuring. Heaven is not merely an extension of life; it is a new creation, a fresh start. It’s not a dream world filled with spirit-beings, but a vivid, striking, light-filled city with real people and real bodies. Some people are not eager to go to heaven. Perhaps they fear the unknown, or they have misconceptions from childhood and the media, or they are having fun on earth. This accurate description of heaven may change your perspective. Those who don’t find the prospect of heaven exciting just may not be very interested in being close to God for such a long time. •
When you were a child, what did you think heaven would be like?
•
List the popular misconceptions of heaven as portrayed by television, movies, and so forth (for example, harps, wings, clouds).
Discussion
Read Revelation 21:1-22 1. Why is a temple not needed in the new city? What does this say about the relationship we will have with God? 2. What do you see as the most interesting and attractive feature in the description of the New Jerusalem? What makes you want to live there? 3. What are the requirements for entering the city? (Rev. 21:6-7, 27) 4. Christians in John’s day were experiencing great pain and persecution. How are God’s people experiencing such pain today? Life is hard. If God were to wipe away your tears right now, what would some of those things be? 5. How does reading “the end of the story” help us live here and now?
Application
1. As we experience the troubles and trials of each day, it’s difficult to keep eternity in mind. What can you do this week to keep your heart turned toward heaven? 2. Christ's return is imminent. How should that affect the way we live each and every day here on earth? 3. How would you explain heaven to a non-Christian?
Sermon-Based Curriculum