Introduction:
New arrival in heaven.
“Are there sports in heaven?”
“Of course, we’ve got angels v saints bowling. The lanes are made of gold.”
“Who wins?”
“Everyone! This is heaven!!!
"I’m not dying — I’m just relocating to my forever home."
Life after death? What happens?
That’s the big question we’re tackling today —
not with guesswork, but with the unshakable truth of God’s Word.
Because let’s be honest:
Death is the one appointment we all share.
We might skip the dentist, dodge jury duty, or miss a meeting… but this one’s non-negotiable, right?
What happens after death?
The world offers all kinds of answers:
• Science says, 'We don’t know.'
• Philosophy says, 'Maybe, if you’re lucky.'
• Some religions talk of reincarnation, and spiritual realms
• But Jesus? He walked out of His own grave and said, 'I am the resurrection and the life' (John 11:25).
So today, we’re not staring into the dark — we’re fixing our eyes on the Light of the World.
Because the resurrection isn’t just a doctrine… it’s the game-changer for how we live, die, and face eternity."
In this new series, this is today’s big question.
“What happens when we die?”
Some people try not to think about it.
Some are afraid. And
even among Christians, we sometimes feel unsure about what to expect.
But Jesus and the bible didn’t leave us guessing.
I hope by the end you’ll see that this isn’t a topic to avoid — it’s actually full of comfort, clarity, and hope.
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Jesus Speaks Into Our Fear – John 14:1–6
“Do not let your hearts be troubled.”
Jesus says these words to His disciples . . . the night before . . . He is crucified!
Jesus is facing death as He speaks these words.
The disciple’s world is about to shatter.
The man they’ve followed for three years — the one they believed was the Messiah—is about to be arrested, tortured, and killed.
They’re terrified. Confused. Heartbroken.
Maybe some of you know that feeling—when life suddenly flips upside down, and the future you imagined crumbles.
And into that fear, Jesus speaks to his friends:
“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.”
Not “Buck up, boys, it’s not that bad.”
Not “Figure it out yourselves.”
He says, “Trust Me. I’ve got this.”
Then He drops this bombshell of hope:
“In my Father’s house are many rooms… I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go, I will come back and take you to be with me.”
Let’s break this down, because Jesus isn’t just giving a pep talk — He’s revealing eternal truth.
Let’s pause here.
Heaven Is Real and Personal
Jesus does not say, “You’ll float on clouds in the sky playing harps.”
He calls it “My Father’s house.”
A place—with rooms, prepared just for you. A home.
Think of the best welcome you’ve ever received — maybe a parent’s hug, a friend’s “I saved you a seat!” Now multiply that by a million.
Heaven isn’t a vague “somewhere”;
it’s where God Himself sets the table and says, “This is yours. I got it ready for you.”
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Jesus Himself Will Bring You to heaven
He doesn’t say, “Here’s a map—good luck!”
He promises, “I will come back and take you.”
It’s like a friend picking you up at the airport.
You don’t stress about directions out of there —you just watch for their face in the crowd.
Jesus says, “Death isn’t a dark alley you walk alone. I’ll meet you there.”
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The Heart of Heaven Is Being With Jesus
The best part? “That you may also be ….. where I am.”
Heaven’s joy isn’t just streets of gold or no more tears—it’s finally seeing Him face-to-face.
A child doesn’t long for a perfect house — they long for home, because that’s where their parent is.
Jesus is saying, “You’re not just getting a paradise — you’re getting Me.”
So, this isn’t just “pie in the sky when you die.”
It changes everything now:
If we trust in Jesus, we don’t need to fear death, because
• He’s already gone ahead.
• He’s prepared the place.
• He’s promised to return. And
• He’s the way to get there.
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2: Paul’s Perspective – 2 Corinthians 5:6–10
As we read earlier, Paul also speaks about death and what lies beyond.
He says:
“We are always confident… and would prefer to be away from the body and at home (say home) with the Lord.”
What an extraordinary statement!
Paul is saying that for the believer, to die is not to disappear — it’s to go ….. home.
He goes on to say that because of this hope, we aim to live lives that please God — not
because we’re earning our way into heaven, but because we want to honour the One who’s
- already made the way for us.
- Is preparing a room for us, and
- He’s the One we will live with for eternity.
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What Do Christians Believe About Life After Death?
Let’s summarise this with three truths —
and these are important for anyone who’s seeking to understand the future – to understand the Christian hope.
Death is not the end.
There is no “dead end”.
As we covered on Easter day, we believe that because Jesus rose from the dead, death is defeated.
Death isn’t the final word.
Heaven is real, and it is good.
Not floating aimlessly on clouds, not an endless church service — but life made whole. Restored. Joyful.
No pain, no tears, no fear.
The Bible gives us glimpses — a garden city, a banquet, a home.
The key is Jesus.
“I am the way, the truth and the life.”
I want to be clear:
• We don’t get to heaven by being good enough.
• We don’t get there by ticking boxes.
• We get there by trusting Jesus, who opens the door and walks us in.
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4: What Does This Mean for Us Today?
This hope isn’t just a comfort for the funeral home — it’s fuel for the *here and now*.
If Jesus’ promise of heaven is true (and His resurrection proves it is), then:
a. We Can Live now With Purpose
This life isn’t a random accident or a waiting room for eternity.
Every act of love,
every step of obedience,
every moment you choose faith in Jesus Christ
- puts purpose into life today.
Some go through life as if they are building a CV for . . .
For what?
If you don’t believe in heaven –
that CV is for NOTHING!
Life doesn’t have a purpose.
But if you are doing those things with heaven in mind—you’re storing up "treasures in heaven" (Matthew 6:20).
You are preparing yourself for eternity.
Second – if heaven is true:
b. We Can Live With Peace
- Cancer. Loss. Betrayal.
The "worst day" of your life isn’t the final chapter.
- Imagine holding a book about you, and the last page says: "And then they lived forever in joy."
That’s the Bible’s storyline!
The cross guarantees that suffering never gets the last word.
More on THAT subject next week.
The promise of heaven means
c. We Can Live With Hope
- For the one who knows Jesus Christ:
Death isn’t a black hole — it’s a doorway to the Father’s house.
- For your loved ones in Christ:
When you stand at a graveside, you’re not saying "goodbye"—you’re saying "see you soon."
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And if you’re unsure where you stand with God today, let me say this:…
Jesus’ words aren’t for the "perfect" or the "good enough."
They’re for the troubled heart.
He doesn’t say, "Clean yourself up first." He says, "Trust Me."
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Two questions to carry with you:
1. Are you living today in the light of eternity?
- Not as escapism, but as empowerment.
The way you work, love, forgive, and suffer changes when you know this world isn’t all there is.
2. Have you put your trust in the One who says, "I am the way"?
- Heaven isn’t for the religious or the moral.
— it’s for those who cling to Christ alone.
You and I don’t need a perfect record;
we need a perfect Saviour.
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Can we pray about this together?
Heavenly Father, thank You that because of Jesus, death is not the end — it’s the doorway to Your presence.
For those of us who know You, fill our hearts with fresh hope today.
For those still unsure, quiet their fears with Your love.
Help us all to live in the light of eternity, trusting that when You say, ‘I am coming for you,’ You always keep Your promises.
Lord, if anyone here is ready to place their trust in You today, may this be the moment they say,
‘Jesus, I believe You died for me. I receive Your gift of eternal life.’
And for all of us, fix our eyes on the home You’re preparing, until the day we see You face to face. In Jesus’ name, amen."
