How does Hell Work?

In the last week of First Things, Pastor Chip goes into detail about the truths of Hell.

Dive deeper into the message with these discussion questions!

General:

Before hearing this message, what are your thoughts or feelings about hell or eternal judgment?
What do you struggle with the most as it relates to heaven and hell?
Have you ever asked any of the questions that were posed at the beginning of the sermon?
What does it mean that “God is Love”? (Read 1 John 4:7-8.)
What are the practical implications of the understanding that God possesses infinite holiness?
“God’s holiness and love cannot be separated.” Do you tend to emphasize love over holiness? Do you tend to emphasize holiness over love?
How does Pastor Chip’s teaching about God’s infinite holiness and infinite love affect the way you think about God? How does it affect the way you think about humanity’s relationship with God?

What challenged you the most about this message? How do you respond to this message?

In reviewing the "First Things" Series, which message spoke to me the most? Why?

Take Home 1: Hell shows us the incredible love of God and the infinitude of the holiness of God (Rom. 3:10, 23)

How do you respond when Pastor Chip says, “We all are deserving of God’s wrath”?
Re-read Eph. 2:1-10. What does this passage tell you about yourself? What does this passage tell you about God?
When you read 2 Cor. 5:21, how do you respond?

Take Home 2: The truth that someone can end up eternally separated from God should be a wake-up call to those of us who call ourselves Christians (2 The. 1:9)

What do you think about the fact that such a low percentage of Christians actually share their faith? Does that challenge you in any way?
How does Paul using the word “implore” change the way you think about evangelism (reaching the unchurched) and your involvement?
What feelings or thoughts come to you when you hear Penn Jillette’s quote about telling others about heaven & hell.

Take Home 3: The reality of hell should always be a reminder that spiritual stagnation is not an option for us (Gal. 6:9, Heb. 10:39)

What does spiritual stagnation look like in your life? In your family? In your church? In our country?
What’s one way you can keep yourself from being spiritually stagnant? How can you focus on growing in your spiritual walk this week?

Take Home 4: Realizing the truth of hell should be a catalyst for prayer (Mt. 9:38)

What do you spend most of your time praying for? (i.e. Yourself? Your needs? Your problems? Others? The Gospel to be spread? The afflicted? The brokenhearted?)
Do you see your prayer life as part of the mission to reach the unchurched?

Take Home 5: Understanding the magnitude of eternity will forever cure a lack of evangelism

Pastor Chip often says, “I want to make it hard for people in Lakewood Ranch to go to hell.” How does this comment resonate with you? In what way can you join in this mission?
Who in your life can you reach out to because of your concern for their salvation?

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In this series

November 3, 2024