When Religious People Go to Hell · Group Guide

Discussion Questions

1. 1

   Read Matthew 7:21-23 aloud. Rick pointed out that these are not atheists or pagans — they are fervently religious people, and three times they say "in your name," but every time the word "we" comes first. What do they bring to Jesus, and what do they never once mention?

2. 2

   In the parable both men hear the same words, both build, and both get hit by the same storm. Rick said the difference between them is invisible until the weather arrives. Looking at verses 24-27, what actually separates the two builders?

3. 3

   Rick pulled a book off his shelf from 1661 by Matthew Mead called The Almost Christian Discovered — the argument being that if you are almost a Christian, you are not one at all. What do you think "almost" looks like in a real person's week?

4. 4

   An engraving in a 12th-century cathedral in Lübeck reads: "You call me master and obey me not. You call me the way and walk me not. You call me life and live me not." Which of those lines is the one you would rather not hear read out loud, and why that one?

5. 5

   Rick said Kent once told him to ask God to show him his own sin — he tried it, and in his words, it hurt his feelings. He also said the wise builder has to dig through pride and self-deception and a cherished sin or two before he hits bedrock. What is the layer you would have to dig through?

6. 6

   Rick ended by splitting the room: if you already belong to Christ, your next step is obedience; if you do not yet, your next step is not refinement, it is repentance. Say honestly which of those is your next step, and name one specific thing you will do about it before this group meets again.