Wk 1 // October 25 & 26
Wk 1 // ANSWERS
October 25 & 26, 2025
Small Group Study
SERMON RECAP
Spend a few minutes recapping this week's sermon together.
TAP HERE TO VIEW THE SERMON NOTES.
INTRODUCTION
This week, we begin a new series called Answers, where we’re taking a look at the big questions people wrestle with about faith and life. Our first question is one that everyone eventually wonders about. “What will heaven really be like?” As we open up Scripture, the goal isn’t to satisfy every curiosity but to remind us that heaven isn’t just a distant idea. It’s a real promise that shapes how we live today.
UNDERSTANDING
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ JOHN 14:1–6.
These verses give one of the clearest pictures of what Jesus promised about heaven. He tells His followers that He’s preparing a place for them. That’s not a vague idea. It’s a home and a place of belonging. It’s a place where fear and uncertainty are replaced with the security of being with Him forever.
Let’s begin unpacking the five big questions from the message that help us understand what heaven really means.
1. Why Is Heaven Important?
Heaven matters because it gives us hope beyond this life. The truth is, every one of us will face death one day, but for those who know Christ, eternity is not something to dread. It’s something to look forward to.
Read Philippians 3:20–21 together.
2. When Do We Go to Heaven?
This question has stirred debate for centuries, but Scripture gives clarity. Jesus told the thief on the cross, “Today you will be with me in paradise.” Heaven isn’t a far-off dream for believers, but instead, our immediate destination after death.
Read 2 Corinthians 5:6–8 together.
3. What Will Heaven Be Like?
We only get glimpses, but those glimpses are enough to stir our imagination and fill our hearts with hope. Heaven will be free from sin, suffering, and sorrow. There will be no death, no pain, no crying. Everything broken will be restored.
Read Revelation 21:3-4 together.
4. Who Will Be in Heaven?
Jesus made this very clear: heaven is for those who have received God’s gift of salvation through Him. It’s not about being good enough; it’s about trusting the One who is good.
Read Romans 10:13 together.
5. How Do You Get to Heaven?
The Bible doesn’t leave us guessing. It says that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works. The “Romans Road” helps us understand this:
APPLICATION
The more we think about heaven, the more it changes the way we live on earth. Hope in eternity gives purpose to today. It softens our hearts toward others, strengthens our faith in trials, and fuels our desire to share that hope with people who don’t yet know Jesus.
PRAYER
Thank God for the gift of eternal life and the promise of heaven. Pray for those who don’t yet know this hope, and for courage to share it. Ask God to keep your group’s hearts focused on knowing Him and helping others do the same.
October 25 & 26, 2025
Small Group Study
SERMON RECAP
Spend a few minutes recapping this week's sermon together.
TAP HERE TO VIEW THE SERMON NOTES.
- What was one takeaway from this week's sermon for you?
- Were there any stories, ideas, or points that stuck out?
- Was there anything that challenged you?
INTRODUCTION
This week, we begin a new series called Answers, where we’re taking a look at the big questions people wrestle with about faith and life. Our first question is one that everyone eventually wonders about. “What will heaven really be like?” As we open up Scripture, the goal isn’t to satisfy every curiosity but to remind us that heaven isn’t just a distant idea. It’s a real promise that shapes how we live today.
- When you think about heaven, what’s the first thing that comes to mind?
- Is heaven something you think about often, or only during certain seasons of life?
UNDERSTANDING
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ JOHN 14:1–6.
These verses give one of the clearest pictures of what Jesus promised about heaven. He tells His followers that He’s preparing a place for them. That’s not a vague idea. It’s a home and a place of belonging. It’s a place where fear and uncertainty are replaced with the security of being with Him forever.
Let’s begin unpacking the five big questions from the message that help us understand what heaven really means.
1. Why Is Heaven Important?
Heaven matters because it gives us hope beyond this life. The truth is, every one of us will face death one day, but for those who know Christ, eternity is not something to dread. It’s something to look forward to.
Read Philippians 3:20–21 together.
- Why do you think Paul reminds believers that our citizenship is in heaven?
- How does that truth shape the way we live right now?
2. When Do We Go to Heaven?
This question has stirred debate for centuries, but Scripture gives clarity. Jesus told the thief on the cross, “Today you will be with me in paradise.” Heaven isn’t a far-off dream for believers, but instead, our immediate destination after death.
Read 2 Corinthians 5:6–8 together.
- How does Paul’s confidence about being “away from the body and at home with the Lord” encourage you?
- Why is it important to live with that kind of assurance?
3. What Will Heaven Be Like?
We only get glimpses, but those glimpses are enough to stir our imagination and fill our hearts with hope. Heaven will be free from sin, suffering, and sorrow. There will be no death, no pain, no crying. Everything broken will be restored.
Read Revelation 21:3-4 together.
- What stands out most to you in this description?
- Which part of heaven are you most excited or curious about?
4. Who Will Be in Heaven?
Jesus made this very clear: heaven is for those who have received God’s gift of salvation through Him. It’s not about being good enough; it’s about trusting the One who is good.
Read Romans 10:13 together.
- What does it mean to you that “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved”?
- How does that truth challenge the idea that heaven is earned by our works?
5. How Do You Get to Heaven?
The Bible doesn’t leave us guessing. It says that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works. The “Romans Road” helps us understand this:
- We’ve all sinned (Romans 3:23)
- God showed His love by sending Christ to die for us (Romans 5:8)
- The wages of sin is death, but God’s gift is eternal life (Romans 6:23)
- There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ (Romans 8:1)
- If you confess and believe, you will be saved (Romans 10:9)
- Why do you think it’s hard for people to accept that salvation is a gift rather than something to earn?
- How does grace change the way you see heaven and your relationship with God?
APPLICATION
The more we think about heaven, the more it changes the way we live on earth. Hope in eternity gives purpose to today. It softens our hearts toward others, strengthens our faith in trials, and fuels our desire to share that hope with people who don’t yet know Jesus.
- How does the promise of heaven change your priorities right now?
- Is there someone in your life who needs to hear about this hope?
- What’s one way you can live this week with eternity in mind?
PRAYER
Thank God for the gift of eternal life and the promise of heaven. Pray for those who don’t yet know this hope, and for courage to share it. Ask God to keep your group’s hearts focused on knowing Him and helping others do the same.