The Big Idea: __________________________________________________________

1. The Questions

• Why do people die?
• What happens when we die?
• What is the meaning of life?
• What's the point of living if we all die anyway?
• Is there life after death?
• Is there a God?
• Is there a heaven? If so, how do you get there?

2. The Bible

Here are a number of Scriptures to use in times of immanent death or grieving:
Psa 116:12-15, Psa 139:16, Isaiah 57:1-2, Luke 23:39-43, John 5:24, John 6:58, John 11:25-26, John 14:1-3, 1 Cor 15:20-23, 1 Cor 15:53-58, 2 Cor 4:16-18, Phil 3:8-11, 1 Thess 4:13-14, Heb 2:14-15, Heb 9:27-28, Rev 21:1-4

3. Applications

How To Comfort a Strong Faith

How To Bolster a Weak Faith

How to Witness to a No Faith

Discussion Questions

1. What is the biggest question death raises for you?

2. Can you describe a time when someone died, and you felt awkward because you didn't know exactly what to say or do?

3. According to John 14:1-3, what is the promise Jesus makes to the believer? How can you use this (or another Scripture) to comfort someone of weak or strong faith, and should you?

4. What should be our purpose when we want to minister to someone who is dying or grieving the death of a loved one or friend?

5. "I didn't need someone to give me the right theology; I needed someone to care. I didn't need someone to talk to as much as I simply needed someone to be present." Does this statement make sense, and why or why not? What are the implications?