Afterlife?

Dennis McCallum
Hebrews 12:1-2

Paul explained that our earthly bodies are temporary, but we will soon have eternal bodies. Christians will spend eternity in the new Heaven and the new Earth and it will be far better than our current lives. We should keep these truths in mind when we think about our lives here on Earth; everything here is so temporary. The afterlife is where our best life lies.

Life, Death and Joy

Jim Leffel
Philippians 1:21-30

You can't truly live until you've resolved the question of death. You can try to ignore or distract yourself from thinking about death. When you have resolved the question of death, it produces hope, joy, freedom, and a deep longing for the promised afterlife.

The Epistle of Joy

Jim Leffel
Philippians 1:1-8

What is joy and what causes it? Paul speaks to the Philippians while in jail about lasting joy amidst suffering. This joy is different than fleeting happiness. Joy is the handprint of God on your heart. Three main causes of joy he points to are: 1) partnership with other Christians, 2) confidence in the future, and 3) a deep, present connection with God.

Walking in Glory

Jim Leffel
Romans 8:29-39

Our identity in Christ guarantees a future glory that allows for us to endure the suffering we encounter. Our future glory allows us to be oriented by our faith in God rather than the fears that we face. We can endure moral failures and triumph in the security of God's love which allows for radical trust in this life.

What is the Human Race?

Dennis McCallum
Genesis 2:15-20

The human race is made up of characteristics that became distorted after the Fall: 1) benevolent ruler-ship, 2) creative accomplishment, 3) free moral agency, 4) relational, and 5) intellectual creativity. These have applications in our relationship with God, with each other, and in the afterlife.

God's Eternal Kingdom

Gary DeLashmutt
Revelation 21-22

Heaven should be every Christ follower's focus and aim, but unfortunately there are many misconceptions about it. Contrary to popular belief, the Bible describes heaven as a physical place which we will enjoy in unique physical bodies. We will have endless time to enjoy one another and accomplish meaningful work in God's perfect, restored creation! There will no longer be any evil, sadness, sin or damage. Amazingly, all of this is available to you for free if you personally receive God's forgiveness through Jesus's death for your sins!

Death: The Final Foe

Dennis McCallum
John 11

Death is heart breaking and unavoidable. But God has given us the solution to death through His son's payment of our sins on the cross. Jesus conquered death through his resurrection. We now have the option to live forever with Him.

Focusing on Eternal Things

Gary DeLashmutt
2 Corinthians 5:1-10

As we encounter sufferings in this life, we have the option of where to place our focus: temporary versus eternal. Focusing on eternal things means: considering the transformed body we will receive from God in heaven; a reunion with God without sin or sadness and understanding how He truly worked in our lives; and the rewards we will receive from our service towards God. Considering eternal things can shape our service towards God and others in this present life.

The Afterlife

Dennis McCallum
1 John 5:13

Paul said to live is Christ and to die is gain. Paul thought he was going to live because he knew God still had plans to use him in the lives of others to share His gospel message. Paul was also secure that if he were to die then he would be going to heaven.