What Happens When We Die?
Sermon Guide
Surprised By Hope: What Happens When We Die?
Today’s Scripture: Luke 16:19-31
'“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man's table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. He called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in these flames.’ But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony. Besides all this, between you and us a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who might want to pass from here to you cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.’ He said, ‘Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father's house— for I have five brothers—that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.’ Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.’ He said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’ ”'
Summary
Pastor Léonce B. Crump Jr.'s sermon "What Happens When We Die?" delves into the afterlife through the story of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16. He explains the concept of Sheol before and after Jesus' resurrection, emphasizing God's justice and Jesus' victory over death. The sermon urges trust in Jesus for eternal comfort and invites the congregation to reconcile with God for a loving relationship and a hopeful afterlife.
Application Questions
What does the story of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16 tell us about the afterlife?
In the sermon, Pastor Crump explains the story of the rich man and Lazarus, pointing out the contrast between their lives and their fates after death.
How does this story challenge your current understanding of life after death and how can it influence your priorities in life?
How does Sheol change after Jesus' death and resurrection?
Pastor Crump discussed that before Jesus' death, Sheol was a desolate and divided place. After Jesus' resurrection, it is transformed into a place of victory and triumph.
Why is it important to understand this transformation and how does it impact your perception of Jesus' sacrifice?
Why is it essential to rely on Scriptures to understand what happens when we die?
The sermon emphasizes the importance of relying on Bible passages for understanding life after death, as it provides clear guidance and dispels confusion.
Discuss how using Scripture to answer these questions can strengthen your faith and bring clarity to your beliefs.
What does the distinction between the righteous and unrighteous in Sheol tell us about God's justice?
Pastor Crump highlights the separation between the righteous and unrighteous in Sheol, pointing out that God's justice remains even in the afterlife.
How does this understanding of God's justice influence your choices in life and your relationship with God?
How can knowing the truth about life after death affect our relationship with God and our faith in Jesus?
The sermon concludes with an invitation to trust in Jesus, emphasizing that understanding what happens when we die can bring comfort and deepen our faith in Him.
Discuss practical ways this knowledge can impact your daily walk with God and your interactions with others.
Prayer Prompts 🙏
Ask God to give us understanding about the afterlife as presented in the Scriptures.
Pray for peace and comfort for those among us who have lost someone dear and are grieving.
Seek wisdom on how we might live generously and thoughtfully, making the most of the time we have.
