After Life | April 19, 2026

The Death Of Death – Chip Henderson

Key Passage: 1 Corinthians 15:35–58

OPENING QUESTION

When you think about eternity or life after death, what questions or thoughts come to mind?

GROW

At some point, we all wonder what happens after this life. Not just if there is something more—but what it will be like.

In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul addresses real questions people were asking about the resurrection. How does it work? What kind of body will we have? Why does it matter?

He starts with an image we understand—a seed.

What goes into the ground doesn’t look like what comes out. A seed is buried, but what grows is something entirely different—stronger, fuller, and alive in a new way.

In the same way, our current bodies are temporary. But what God has prepared is something far greater.

Paul describes our future bodies as:

  • Imperishable
  • Glorious
  • Powerful
  • Spiritual

He reminds us that just as we’ve borne the image of Adam (natural and temporary), we will one day fully bear the image of Jesus (eternal and restored).

This isn’t just about surviving after death.
It’s about being completely made new.

  • What stands out to you about Paul’s description of our resurrected bodies?

  • Why do you think it’s hard to imagine something so different from what we know now?

  • How does this passage shape the way you think about death, aging, or physical limitations?

PRAY

Most of us don’t live day to day thinking about eternity. We focus on what’s in front of us—our responsibilities, our worries, and the things we can control.

But Paul reminds us that this life is not the end of our story.

There is a future God has promised, and it changes how we see everything right now.

Prayer is where we bring our fears, questions, and uncertainties about the future to God—and learn to trust Him with what we cannot see.

  • How might Paul’s explanation of our resurrected bodies calm fears or uncertainties about today, the future and/or life after death?

  • Where do you find yourself holding tightly to this life instead of trusting God with what’s ahead?

  • How can praying about eternity shift your perspective on what you’re facing right now?

CONNECT

Paul contrasts two realities: life in Adam and life in Christ.

Adam represents what is natural—temporary, broken, and limited.
Jesus represents what is coming—eternal, restored, and fully alive.

If you are in Christ, your future is not defined by what is broken.
It is defined by what God is making new.

That’s a hope we’re not meant to carry alone.

We need to be around people who remind us what’s true when life feels heavy or uncertain.

  • How does knowing your future is secure in Christ affect the way you see your present circumstances?

  • Who has helped you hold onto hope during difficult seasons?

  • How can this group encourage one another to live with an eternal perspective?

SHARE

Paul doesn’t end with information—he ends with action.

“Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord… knowing that your labor is not in vain.”

If resurrection is real, then what we do right now matters.

Not everything lasts.
But some things do.

The way we love people.
The way we serve.
The way we live for God.

These are the things that carry into eternity.

  • What are you currently investing most of your time and energy into?

  • Which of those things will last beyond this life?

  • Instead of “what,” we may need to ask “who” we need to be investing in today? Who is on your list?

NEXT STEP

Choose one action for this week in one of the Be The Church rhythms:

Grow: Read 1 Corinthians 15:50–58 again and reflect on what will last into eternity.
Pray: Ask God to give you an eternal perspective in one area where you feel overwhelmed.
Connect: Encourage someone who is going through a difficult season with the hope of Christ.
Share: Do one intentional act that invests in something eternal (serve, give, or share your faith).

PRAYER

Close by thanking God for the promise of resurrection and new life. Ask Him to help you live with eternity in mind. Pray for strength to stay faithful, knowing that nothing done for Him is ever wasted.