Did God Really Say… Hell is Real?

Introduction:

The Truth About Hell (Luke 16:19-31):

1. It is filled with people who Never Expected to be There . (Luke 16:19-23)

   Matthew 7:21-23

   John 6:29 - “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.”

2. It is a place of Unimaginable Torment . (Luke 16:24-25)

   2 Thessalonians 1:9 - They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His might.

3. It cannot be Escaped Once You are There . (Luke 16:26)
4. It can be avoided by Submitting to the Word of God . (Luke 16:27-31)

   Romans 9:3 - For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh.

   Charles Spurgeon - “If sinners be damned, at least let them leap to Hell over our dead bodies. And if they perish, let them perish with our arms wrapped about their knees, imploring them to stay. If Hell must be filled, let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go unwarned and unprayed for.”

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Small Group Discussion
Read Luke 16:18-31

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. Why is hell such a controversial and neglected doctrine? Why do many churches/Christians shy away from talking about it?
   

3. How can we lovingly and graciously talk about the reality of hell with unbelievers in our lives as we share the gospel?

Breakout
Pray for one another.

Did God Really Say… He is in Control of Everything?

Introduction:

God Says That He Is... (Isaiah 45:5-12 & 46:8-11)

1. The one and only LORD: I cannot overestimate His Sovereign Reach (Isaiah 45:5-7)

   1 John 1:5 - God is light and in Him there is no darkness at all.

   Genesis 45:8 - “So it was not you who sent me here, but God.”

   Genesis 50:20 - “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.”

   Acts 2:23 - “this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.”

   Romans 8:28 - And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.

2. The one and only Creator: I cannot question His Actions . (Isaiah 45:8-12)
3. The one and only Almighty: I cannot thwart His Purposes . (Isaiah 46:8-11)
   • Decretive will
   • Preceptive will

   Philippians 4:6-7 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
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Small Group Discussion
Read Isaiah 45:5-12 & 46:8-11

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. What does it mean that God is sovereign? Why is this good news?
   

3. What is the difference between groaning to God and grumbling against God? How do you see yourself grumbling and complaining in this current season of life?
   

4. What are you anxious about right now? How can you fight against the temptation to worry about the future?

Breakout
Pray for one another.

Did God Really Say… Every Other Religion is Wrong?

Introduction:

God's Final Word on Religion (Isaiah 44:6-20):

1. There is absolutely No One Like Him (Isaiah 44:6-8)
2. Idolatry is absolutely Destructive . (Isaiah 44:9-20)
   1. Because it leads to Nothing But Shame (Isaiah 44:9-11)

      John 14:6 - “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

   2. Because it is the Height of Self-Deception (Isaiah 44:12-20)

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Small Group Discussion
Read Isaiah 44:16-20

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. What are some examples of living as if God doesn’t actually exist?
   

3. Why is it so hard for people to accept that there is only one way to eternal life and a relationship with God?
   

4. What is idolatry and why is it so destructive? Where do you see idolatry in your life and what can you do about it right now?

Breakout
Pray for one another.

Did God Really Say… His Word Can Be Trusted?

Introduction:

I Can Trust the Bible Because... (2 Peter 1:16-21)

1. It is not a myth but Historical Fact (2 Peter 1:16)

   The Bible is Verified by...

   1. Eyewitness Testimony
   2. Archaeological Evidence
   3. Scientific Accuracy
2. It is not an incomplete guide but The Only Source of Light in a Dark World . (2 Peter 1:17-19)
3. It is not the opinion of man but An Inspired Message from God . (2 Peter 1:20-21)

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
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Small Group Discussion
Read 2 Peter 1:16-21

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. What does it mean that the Bible defends itself? Why can it be trusted?
   

3. Why do we delay/put off Bible reading and study at times? How can you take steps to grow in your ability as a student of the Bible over the next several days and weeks?
   

Breakout
Pray for one another.