Faith Talk – September 13, 2026
Faith Talks are designed to help you keep the conversation going beyond Sunday morning. Use this guide with your family or friends to reflect on the sermon and Life Group lesson, pray together, and put God’s Word into practice. Think of this guide as a starting place—then let God shape the conversation.
Sermon
Title: A Heaven to Gain and a Hell to Shun
Scripture: Luke 16:19-31
Overview: Jesus tells the story of a rich man who lived comfortably while ignoring a suffering man named Lazarus at his gate. After death, their circumstances were dramatically reversed. Lazarus was comforted, while the rich man experienced anguish and separation from God. Jesus makes clear that our response to God in this life has eternal consequences. God has given us His Word and calls us to trust in Jesus, receive His redeeming love, and live with eternity in view.
Big Idea: God has created a blissful place called Heaven for all His family, but for those outside His redeeming love will be condemned to Hell.
Discussion Questions:
For Kids
For Students & Adults
Application: Eternity is real, and no one is promised another opportunity beyond this life. Examine whether you are trusting in Jesus or depending on comfort, success, morality, or religious activity. Receive the salvation Christ offers, allow Scripture to guide your life, and look for opportunities to compassionately point others toward Him.
Scripture: Luke 16:19-31
Overview: Jesus tells the story of a rich man who lived comfortably while ignoring a suffering man named Lazarus at his gate. After death, their circumstances were dramatically reversed. Lazarus was comforted, while the rich man experienced anguish and separation from God. Jesus makes clear that our response to God in this life has eternal consequences. God has given us His Word and calls us to trust in Jesus, receive His redeeming love, and live with eternity in view.
Big Idea: God has created a blissful place called Heaven for all His family, but for those outside His redeeming love will be condemned to Hell.
Discussion Questions:
For Kids
- What happened to Lazarus and the rich man after they died?
- What does this story teach us about listening to God’s Word?
- How can trusting in Jesus change the way you treat people who are hurting?
For Students & Adults
- What does the rich man’s life reveal about the danger of living only for comfort and possessions?
- Why is it important to respond to what God has already revealed in His Word?
- How should the reality of heaven and hell affect the way you live and share the gospel?
Application: Eternity is real, and no one is promised another opportunity beyond this life. Examine whether you are trusting in Jesus or depending on comfort, success, morality, or religious activity. Receive the salvation Christ offers, allow Scripture to guide your life, and look for opportunities to compassionately point others toward Him.
Life Group
Scripture: Matthew 13; Mark 4
Christ/Gospel Connections:
All of Scripture points back to Jesus. In our study each week, every age group’s lesson includes a note about how the message connects to Christ. Use these Christ/Gospel Connections as a springboard for meaningful discussion about who Jesus is and what He has done for us.
Preschool – Jesus is the King who came to bring God’s kingdom. Because Jesus died and rose again, we can be part of His kingdom forever when we trust in Him.
Kids – Jesus is the King who came to bring God’s kingdom to earth. Through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, He made the way for people to be part of God’s kingdom. When we trust in Jesus, we are like the good seed in His field-we belong to Him, we grow in Him, and we will be with Him forever.
Students – Jesus told the parables to describe the nature of God’s kingdom on earth. No earthly kingdom is like God’s kingdom, a kingdom of exceeding value. When Jesus returns, we will experience the fullness of God’s kingdom.
Adults – Jesus ushered in the kingdom of God, and we are blessed to have a part in revealing the message of His kingdom, seeing God’s glory now.
Discussion Questions:
For Kids
For Students & Adults
Christ/Gospel Connections:
All of Scripture points back to Jesus. In our study each week, every age group’s lesson includes a note about how the message connects to Christ. Use these Christ/Gospel Connections as a springboard for meaningful discussion about who Jesus is and what He has done for us.
Preschool – Jesus is the King who came to bring God’s kingdom. Because Jesus died and rose again, we can be part of His kingdom forever when we trust in Him.
Kids – Jesus is the King who came to bring God’s kingdom to earth. Through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, He made the way for people to be part of God’s kingdom. When we trust in Jesus, we are like the good seed in His field-we belong to Him, we grow in Him, and we will be with Him forever.
Students – Jesus told the parables to describe the nature of God’s kingdom on earth. No earthly kingdom is like God’s kingdom, a kingdom of exceeding value. When Jesus returns, we will experience the fullness of God’s kingdom.
Adults – Jesus ushered in the kingdom of God, and we are blessed to have a part in revealing the message of His kingdom, seeing God’s glory now.
Discussion Questions:
For Kids
- What did Jesus use parables to teach people about?
- Why is God’s kingdom more valuable than anything we own?
- What is one way you can show others that you belong to Jesus?
For Students & Adults
- What do the parables in Matthew 13 and Mark 4 reveal about the value and growth of God’s kingdom?
- What competes with God’s kingdom for your attention, loyalty, or affection?
- How can you help reveal the message of God’s kingdom in your home, church, workplace, or school?
Pray Together
- Thank God for sending Jesus to bring His kingdom, save us from sin, and give everyone who trusts in Him the hope of eternal life.
- Commit to treasuring God’s kingdom above temporary comfort, possessions, and success.
- Ask God to help you trust His Word, show compassion to those around you, and faithfully point others toward salvation through Jesus.
Activity
Supplies:
Bible, paper, pens or markers, and several small household objects
Instructions:
Hide the objects around the room and invite everyone to search for them. Afterward, read Matthew 13:44-46 together. Talk about why people search carefully for something valuable and why God’s kingdom is worth more than anything else. On the paper, have each person write or draw one temporary treasure and one way they can place greater value on following Jesus this week.
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