The teens have been given the chance to ask questions about God, Christianity, the Church, faith — basically anything they really want to know. Based on their questions we have begun exploring the topic of heaven and hell. Two weeks ago, we explored Scripture’s depictions of heaven. Tonight, we are going to explore Scripture’s depiction of hell. Below is an outline of things we will discuss including the Scripture references. Take time to look over these and discuss them with your children at home.

Words for hell - I will point these out as they are used in Scripture to help the students develop a broader understanding of the nuances of each word.
Sheol
Hades
Gehenna
Lake of fire

New Testament descriptions of hellHell is depicted in terms of fire and burning.
The term Gehenna is derived from the valley of Gehenna south of Jerusalem where trash was constantly burned day and night.
Scripture references include Matthew 10: 26-30; 13:41-42, 47-50; 25:41-46; Mark 9:42-48

The New Testament describes hell as a place of intense mourning and the gnashing of teeth.

The New Testament describes hell as separation from God and everlasting destruction. (2 Thess. 1:6-9)

The New Testament depicts hell as a place of complete darkness (Matthew 8:11-12; 22:13)

Jesus tells us that it’s better to be maimed than go to hell (Mk. 9:42-48)

Conclusion:Some of the passages above are debated in how they’re interpreted; however they all help us better understand hell as a reality prepared by God for judgment.

Some questions to discuss with your children:
1. Why do you think we don’t discuss the reality of hell?
2. How does a deepening understanding of the reality of hell impact you right now?
3. Why do you think Scripture, especially Jesus, mention hell?

Key thought from lesson 2:

“When you are starting a fire, you need to get the coals burning down deep, not just on the surface with lighter fluid. The coals in a relationship are godliness, respect, and character. These are what you can build a lifetime on.” - Tommy Nelson

Tommy Nelson made the following key points in session 2 of Song of Solomon about dating:
1. A date is a guy and a girl on a one-time event enjoying time together.
2. Because dating, especially in the lives of a teenager, is often a roadblock or distraction in one’s relationship with God one should not date until emotionally and spiritually ready.
3. We should treat one another with dignity and respect, elevating the self-esteem of one another.
4. We need to learn to exercise self-control over our sexual passions. For some, this may mean not dating.

Some questions/thoughts do discuss with your teen about dating:
1. How is God’s view of a dating relationship different from our culture’s view?
2. What is the purpose of dating? What is a healthy way to date? What is an unhealthy way to date?
3. When do you know you are emotionally and spiritually ready to date?

Major points from lesson 1 in our series on Song of Solomon:
1. One’s character is more important than one’s looks.
2. Begin developing a profile of the person you want to marrry and don’t compromise.
3. Become the person of character you would want to marry.

Guys’ memory verse: “Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.” Proverb 31:30

Girls’ memory verse: “What is desired in a man is kindness, and a poor man is better than a liar.” Proverb 19:22

Key Thought: “You need to become the person that the type of person you are looking for wants to marry. If I’m God, why should I give my precious child to you?”

Some Questions to consider with your teen:
1. What are some traits that are an absolute must in the person you will marry?
2. What are you going to do in order to remain committed to your standards of the type of person you will marry?