Meaningful Questions
Author: Chad30 Jan
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?
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One Response for "Meaningful Questions"
The reality of hell confronts us with the reality of a just and holy God. That’s scary if your only nominally serious about your faith and devotion to Him.
A deeper understanding of hell sobers me to face my own sinfulness and penalty I would pay were it not for Christ.
It drives me to be more thankful and serious about repentance a greater devotion and allegiance to Jesus.
Hell is a prepared place for an unprepared people, in contrast heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people. SOmeone smarter probably already said that, but unless we are prepared ready and watchful we will be thrown out into the darkness where there is weeping and “gnashing of teeth”(7 times in gospels).
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