Opening Discussion

• What’s the top item on your bucket list?

Shortened Version

Read and Discuss

Hebrews 9:27-28

27 And just as it is appointed for people to die once—and after this, judgment— 28 so also Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.

• Why does the author of Hebrews want to remind people that they will die and face judgment?
• How do we live with the end in mind (death and judgment), while still being productive with our daily tasks?
• When thinking about facing judgment, why is it important to also remember that Christ came the first time to bear our sin?

Luke 23:39-43

39 Then one of the criminals hanging there began to yell insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”

40 But the other answered, rebuking him: “Don’t you even fear God, since you are undergoing the same punishment? 41 We are punished justly, because we’re getting back what we deserve for the things we did, but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

43 And he said to him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

• How did the criminal know that Jesus had done nothing wrong?
• What did the criminal mean by “your kingdom”?
• What are some ways Jesus offers paradise to us in the midst of our pain?

Discipleship Questions

• What is one way you can live more intentionally in your faith?
• What would it look like to live with the end in mind?
  • Would anything change in your daily life?
• Who is someone you could talk to this week that hasn’t been thinking about what happens after this life?

Extended Edition

Read and Discuss

Hebrews 9:27-28

27 And just as it is appointed for people to die once—and after this, judgment— 28 so also Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.

• Why does the author of Hebrews want to remind people that they will die and face judgment?
• How do we live with the end in mind (death and judgment), while still being productive with our daily tasks?
• When thinking about facing judgment, why is it important to also remember that Christ came the first time to bear our sin?
• Why don’t people like to think about dying?
• What are some ways the Bible deals with the end of this life?
• What does it say about the life to come after our time on earth ends?
• What does it mean that Jesus will come a second time to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him?
• What is a way you can wait for Jesus?

Luke 23:39-43

39 Then one of the criminals hanging there began to yell insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”

40 But the other answered, rebuking him: “Don’t you even fear God, since you are undergoing the same punishment? 41 We are punished justly, because we’re getting back what we deserve for the things we did, but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

43 And he said to him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

• What do we learn about Jesus’ character from this story?
• How did the criminal know that Jesus had done nothing wrong?
• What did the criminal mean by “your kingdom”?
• What are some ways Jesus offers paradise to us in the midst of our pain?
• How do you respond when people insult you?
  • How did Jesus respond?

1 Corinthians 15:58

58 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Colossians 3:17

17 And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

• Why does our work here on earth matter?
• How do you balance thinking about heaven and the end of life here, with doing what we need to do on a daily basis?
• What is the Lord’s work?
• How can you use your words and actions to worship God?

Discipleship Questions

• What is one way you can live more intentionally in your faith?
• What would it look like to live with the end in mind?
  • Would anything change in your daily life?
• Who is someone you could talk to this week that hasn’t been thinking about what happens after this life?

Memorize it!

1 Corinthians 15:58

58 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Prayer TACOS

Thanksgiving- Give thanks to the Lord for creating paradise for us to live in with Him forever

Adoration- Worship the Lord for His steadfast love

Confess any selfish motives you have for how you live your daily life

Others- Pray for someone who struggles believing in heaven and life after this. Ask the Lord for an opportunity to talk with them this week.

Self- Pray that your daily work would be pleasing to the Lord as well as point others to end of this life.