Life ... Then What?
Most of us spend our lives focused on what’s right in front of us, but what happens after life? Scripture points us to a deeper and more certain hope: Jesus. Jesus’ words remind us that life does not end at the grave, and what we believe about Him shapes what comes next. When we understand that this life is not the end of the story, it changes how we see our priorities, our choices, and our future.
1. Read 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 — How would someone use this passage to support Purgatory (a Catholic belief in a place after death where people pay for their sins)?
a. Read 2 Corinthians 5:9-10 — Of the two future judgements that Pastor Hinz preached about (the Great White Throne & the Bema Seat of Christ), which one is actually being described in 1 Corinthians 3?
2. Read Isaiah 53:4-6; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:4-7; 1 John 1:7— How do these passages refute the idea of Purgatory?
3. Read 1 Corinthians 15:12-19, 35-38, 46-54; 2 Corinthians 5:1-8 — How is this different from reincarnation (a Hindi and Buddhist belief that the soul or consciousness after each physical death is reborn over and over into new earthly bodies to work through karma)?
4. Read 1 Corinthians 9:24-25; 2 Timothy 4:7-8; Hebrews 12:1-2— Pastor Hinz likened the Bema Seat judgement to the winner’s podium at the Olympics, which is supported by these passages. How does this affect your view of Christian life?
a. Is it passive or proactive?
b. Is it convenient or does it require planning and effort?
c. Read Matthew 25:21 & Revelation 4:9-11 —Is it wrong to desire the winning of a victor’s crown? Who or what are you competing against (Romans 7:18-20 & Romans 8:12-17)?
5. Which (can be more than one) of the five crowns could be the prize of your current race: imperishable (1 Corinthians 9:25), righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8), rejoicing (1 Thessalonians 2:19), glory (1 Peter 5:4), or life (Revelation 2:10)?
6. What happens to Christians who do not earn any of the five crowns (1 Corinthians 3:15)?
a. Is it too late to start running?