MY NEXT STEP TODAY IS:

I need to receive Jesus Christ as my personal Savior for the first time.
https://thebridgevenice.churchcenter.com/people/forms/500390

I need to be baptized.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/baptism

I need to attend Starting Point.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/starting-point

I need to join a serve team.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/serve

I need to join a small group.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/bridge-groups

Dig Deeper:
1. What are some answers you might hear when asking someone what happens to us after we die? Would the answers vary? Why or why not?
2. Is it surprising to you that, based on the 2025 Pew Research, that 70% of U.S. adults say there is definitely or probably life after death? Why or why not?
3. Do you think that 70% of people have an accurate view of eternity? Why or why not?
4. Share some reasons people might be scared or confused when hearing someone talk about Heaven and Hell?
5. Read Luke 16:19-21. What is the rich man covered with? What is the poor man covered with? What is the rich man doing? What is the poor many doing?
6. Have you ever had an experience where you had to be completely dependent on God as you walked through it? Describe how your dependency on God helped you.
7. Read Luke 16:22. What happens to both men? How are we just like them?
8. Read Revelation 21:3. Who is God dwelling with?
9. Describe what happens in a household of family members that live together. How do they spend their time together?
10. What does it mean to be God’s peoples and for God to “their God”?
11. Read Revelation 21:4. We all go through challenges and suffering. How does knowing that in Heaven, for eternity, that will be no more?
12. Psalm 16:11. In your own words, describe what “abundant joy” would feel like. Why do we feel this in God’s presence?
13. What are some misconceptions about Hell that you’ve heard spoken?
14. Read Luke 16:23-26. What does it mean when Abraham says, “remember that during your life you received your good things”?
15. Why wasn’t the rich man able to join them? Why is he in agony?
16. How would you answer this question: “How can a loving God send people to Hell?” How is God both loving and just?
17. Who was Hell originally created for?
18. Read 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9. What would it look like to be absent of the “Lord’s presence and from his glorious strength”?
19. Read Luke 16:27-28. What shift do we see in the rich man now?
20. Read Luke 16:29-31. What do we learn from Abraham saying, “They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them”? Do the brothers have an opportunity to know about God? Did the rich man also have that opportunity when he was living?
21. Read Hebrews 9:27 and 2 Corinthians 5:10. What type of judgement is being mentioned here? How do our works not affect our salvation but do affect our reward in Heaven?
22. Read Revelation 20:11-15. What type of judgement is mentioned here?
23. Read 2 Peter 3:9. What is God’s desire?
24. Read John 3:16-17. How does knowing that God didn’t send Jesus to condemn, but to save, change everything?
25. What details can you share with someone who might ask you, “Where am I going”?

Live It Out:

Jesus did not come to condemn you. He came to save you! Everyone will spend forever somewhere – Heaven or Hell. The parable of Lazarus and the rich man reveals that faith in Jesus determines where we will spend eternity.

1. Heaven is a place without suffering or death. Heaven is for those who are followers of Jesus Christ. Make a list of words that describe Heaven. Be as specific as possible using the scriptures used this week. Include how Heaven is different than our broken world. Look up other scripture passages where Heaven is described.
2. Hell is a place of eternal suffering and separation from God. Hell is for those who reject Jesus Christ. Make a list of words that describe Hell. Be as specific as possible using the scriptures used this week. Include how Hell is different than our broken world or a “fun party.” Look up other scripture passages where Hell is described.
3. Live with gospel urgency – because life is short and eternity is long. For those not yet devoted to following Jesus, please know that our response to Jesus makes all the difference for eternity. Call upon Jesus today. Repent (turn) from your sins and turn to Jesus. Ask Him to forgive you of your sin and surrender your life to Him.
For those who have surrendered your life to Jesus, do you have this kind of urgency for people who do not know Him? There are thousands of people in Southwest Florida that do not know Christ. Who do you know that needs Jesus? In your family? Neighbors? Friends? Co-workers? Classmates? Decide on one step you can take this week to help someone you know come to know Jesus.

Reading Plan:
Monday: Ecclesiastes 3:11, Luke 16:19-22
Tuesday: Revelation 21:3-4; Psalm 16:11
Wednesday: Luke 16:23-26, 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9
Thursday: Luke 16:29-31, Hebrews 9:27
Friday: 2 Corinthians 5:10, 2 Peter 3:9
Saturday: John 3:16-17