May 05, 2025
YOU ASKED FOR IT: IS HEAVEN REAL? WHAT ABOUT HELL?
May 05, 2025
Pastor Jonathan Falwell
Today is the second sermon on the questions from the congregation concerning topics they would like to have answered. We will be looking at the reality of Heaven, and the reality of Hell. Are both real? Pastor Jonathan brings the scriptures out for review as we find that yes, both are real. The question should then become, ‘Which one is your destination?’ Acts 4:12 says, ‘For there is no other name under heaven, given among men, by which we must be saved’—which is the name of Jesus Christ, the Messiah. We must always remember that Heaven is a place prepared for people who have made the decision to accept the free gift of salvation by believing in Jesus Christ and turning from their sins before death occurs—waiting may be too late. Heaven is a ‘prepared place for a prepared people.’ Don’t put it off until you are out of time.
Focal Passages: Matthew 7:13-14; Luke 16:19-31; Revelation 20:11-15; 2 Thessalonians 1:7b-9; Mark 9:42-48; Revelation 21:1-5.
The Reality of What’s Next:
- Read Matt. 7: 13-14. Over the course of living, what is the general assumption of those who have not been raised in the church as to how their eternity will be decided? Where do most people assume they will go upon death? Why? Is this correct?
- When will one come to a reality of what happens after death, if no preparation have been made? Why is it so easy to put the decision off, planning to become a Christian when it is a more convenient time? Why are so many salvations made during a funeral?
- What are some of the ideas or misconceptions about heaven, and what are some about hell?
- Read Luke 16:19-24. What conclusions can be drawn about heaven and hell from this part of the story here? Why does Jesus present this parable? What type of life had the rich man had here on earth? What do we learn about him in verse 24a? Do you think we can assume he is still the same man as when he had been on the earth, since he asked Abraham to ‘send Lazarus,’ as if he’s talking about a slave?
- Do you feel the agony is a very true description of the reality of Hell? Will the torment ever subside? In Revelation 9:20, 21, and 16:9, 11, the people going through the Tribulation did not repent. Can you imagine a heart so hard? Do you confess your innermost thoughts?
The Path of Eternity:
- Read Rev. 20:11-15. This is the Great White Throne Judgment. What is this judgment for? Who will be judged? What is in the books? What is the Book of Life?
- If Death and Hades are thrown into the lake of Fire, as the second death, what happens to both death and Hades?
- When is one’s name written in the Book of Life? Can it be blotted out? (Refer to last week’s sermon).
- What is the one sin that will keep one out of the Book of Life?
The Desperation of Separation:
- Read 2 Thess. 1:7b-9. When does this passage occur in the time-line of end time prophecy? (Second Coming). What will believers be given? What will Jesus do when He returns in this passage? Where will unbelievers be going?
- Read Mark 9:42-48. What does this passage warn readers of? What is the penalty for not repenting of your sins while you are alive?
- What does verse 48 mean? Will the fire ever go out? Will pain ever get less? How can that go on forever and ever and ever?
The Importance of Urgency:
- Read Luke 16:25-31. This is the continuation of point one, where the rich man shows his mental condition in the fires of Hades. His focus in the first verses (19-24) were all inward. Does he seem to be unrepentant, as he seems to show condescension, asking for the servant to get water, to cool his mouth, etc. Now, what is his focus? What does Abraham tell him?
- Are we to infer Hell’s prisoners can see those in Heaven? Why can they not get out? Read Rev. 22:14. Do you think the ones who are ‘outside’ can see across the chasm?
- There seems to be some memory of one’s past life. Can you think of any other verse or passage that implies we can see into Heaven or Hades? Why do people assume the dead can watch their loved ones from Heaven?
The Glory of Heaven:
- Read Rev. 21:1-5. God planned all of the timeline of creation, man, and life before any of it, or we, had been created. When the new heaven and the new earth come, what happens to the first? Why will there be no more sea? Where has the new heaven and earth been, before it comes down at the end of current time and the beginning of eternity?
- Are we going to be living in heaven or on the new earth with a new Jerusalem? Where will God be dwelling? Will He still be a Spirit? What will have passed away (verse 4)?
- What does God promise in verse five? Does He ever break a promise?
- Why would anyone not accept Jesus Christ, with all the benefits, while living on earth?
CLOSE: It’s easy to get excited about Heaven, considering all the trials, tribulations, and difficult days we have here on earth. But there’s so little in Scripture we are left wondering what it’s really going to be like. God says, “For eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor has entered into the heart of man, the things God has prepared for His people.” Paul speaks of seeing God’s dwelling place in 2 Corinthians 12:4 when he writes that he was caught up to the third heaven (the abode of God), and ‘heard inexpressible words not lawful for a man to utter.’ That is awesome. But a beautiful promise we have from Jesus, our Savior, says, “In My Father’s house are many mansions. If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14:2-3.) He has never broken a promise. Men watched Him go back to Heaven. One day we will see Him return, just as He said. And then, as Scripture tells us, “We will forever be with the Lord,” in that prepared place for a prepared people.
By Sandy Day May 05, 2025