Sermon Series: Never Alone
Sermon Title: Lonely in Loss
Passage: Ephesians 2:4-7
Speaker: Steve Howell (Senior Minister)

Use the following questions and directions based on today’s sermon as a starting point for spiritual discussions with your family or a small group of Christian friends this week.

‌Fellowship—Relationship with a Purpose

• Who has been or who will be the biggest loss in your life after they pass(ed) away? Share your thoughts.

‌Growth—Thinking About Spiritual Matters

• Is your focus more on this life or on an afterlife? Why?
• Some people have no hope that there is life after death. Why do you trust that there is? How would you explain your beliefs to someone else?
• What is Sheol? Look up the term, then read Ecclesiastes 9:5–6. How does it compare to our mindset when we think about “death” and “the grave”?
• Do you think the church deals adequately with loss? How could you help us better minister to people who are lonely in their grief?
• Where do some people outside the church look for comfort or assurance about those who have passed away?
• Read Deuteronomy 18:10-12. What are God’s thoughts about consulting mediums or trying to communicate with loved ones who have died?
• What are some reasons that God would oppose these practices? How are His rules protection for us? Refer to 2 Cor. 11:14-15.
• Where should we go instead? Read Isaiah 8:19.
• Have you been to the funerals of both Christians and non-Christians? If so, compare the mood at each. Why are Christian funerals less lonely?
• What is your hope for after death? What do you hope to experience in Christ? Can you back up your hopes with Scripture?
• With whom do you want to share that experience in heaven? Have you talked to them about eternal matters and salvation in Jesus? If not, why not? If they don’t accept Jesus, what will be their fate (See Rev. 20:13-15)? How will that motivate you to share Jesus?

‌Prayer – Taking Your Thoughts to God

• Pray for those in our congregation who have lost a loved one. Ask for God to help them with their loneliness, and (where applicable) to find joy in their loved one’s eternal future in Christ.