Pastor's Bible Class

Life after Death

Pastor's Bible Class

Nov. 15, 2015 – “How do we live our earthly lives in light of heaven?”

Follow up from last time:How do we reconcile a concept of hell with the concept of a loving God?

-God’s justice does not negate His love

-We’re not entitled to heaven by default

Colossians 1:21-22

-Hell was not made for people

Matthew 25:41, 46

-God wants to spare all people from hell

Today’s question: How do we live our earthly lives in light of heaven?

Paradox: Now and not yet

1 John 3:2

Ephesians 2:6

R.C.H. Lenski’s commentary on Ephesians 2:6: “God seated us in His own gracious presence in the church, amid all His children, at the table of His Word and Sacraments, under the shadow of His mercy and love. All the high and prideful places of the world are dung heaps compared with the heavenly places in the kingdom of grace.”

Concepts of hope: looking ahead, expectation, anticipation, waiting

Philippians 3:20-21

2 Peter 3:13

Hebrews 11:10

“There are no hopeless situations; there are only people who have grown hopeless about them.”-Clare Boothe Luce, former U.S. congresswoman, lived 1903-1987

Longing for heaven

Romans 8:18-25

2 Corinthians 5:2, 6-8

Philippians 1:23

Surprising rejoicing

Luke 6:20-23

1 Peter 4:13

1 Peter 2:11

Urgency

2 Corinthians 6:2

Survey – “Reaching Unbelievers with the Gospel”

Next week: Congregational meeting

Nov. 29 – Intergenerational Bible class

Nov. 29, Dec. 6, 13, 20 – New Bible class topic: Angels!

Handouts and audio recordings are posted at shepherdlutheran.com/bibleclass

Survey – Reaching Unbelievers with the Gospel

1. How often are you in communication with unbelievers? (Please circle one)

Rarely everSometimes OftenAlmost constantly

2. When you read the word “unbeliever,” name one person in your life who comes to mind.

-What is your relationship to that person?

3. From your knowledge, what are the biggest obstacles that keep this person from believing in Jesus?

4. What would do you think could be done to reach this person with the Gospel?

-What spiritual, emotional, or physical needs might be addressed?

(Please turn over)

5. What could Shepherd do to reach other people who don’t believe in Jesus?

6. Is there anything about our church that might be an obstacle toward reaching unbelievers?

7. What strengths of our church could we further develop to reach the lost?

Your name:

______

Your e-mail (or other method of contact):

______