Topics: Christian mission, life, death
I. If you die, you win by departing to the Lord
* God has an eternal inheritance reserved in heaven for Believers!
- Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time (1 Peter 1:3?5).
- For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain . . . But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better (Philippians 1:21, 23).
- For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us (Romans 8:18).
- And I know how such a man, whether in the body or apart from the body, I do not know; God knows.was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which a man is not permitted to speak (2 Corinthians 12:3, 4).
II. If you live, you win by cultivating fruitful labor
* God has you on an eternal mission here for His plan and purpose!
- But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose (Philippians 1:22).
- Yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith, so that your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again (Philippians 1:24?26).
- Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing . . . My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples? (John 15:4, 5, 8).
Sermon by Pastor Rod Akins, August 16th, 2026.
Life Group Flow and Discussion Questions
You win either way
An important Guideline of Life Groups: Viewing Life as an eternal mission and Death as an eternal gain keeps our eyes on Jesus. How can your Life Group live more intentionally for the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20)?
Getting Started:
- How can you develop your biblical worldview so that you see life and death as a win-win scenario?
- Are you certain of your eternal destination once this earthly life is over? Why is it a statement of faith and not selfish pride to say, "I'm 100% sure I will go to heaven"?
Discussing Truths:
1. Which description of the Greek word for "depart" (analu) is your favorite picture of death? And can you find a Scripture for each one that captures that image?
- a. Sailor - weighing anchor and setting sail.
- b. Soldier - breaking down tent camps to move ahead.
- c. Prisoner - being unshackled and set free.
- d. Oxen - unyoking the animal from labor to run free.
2. The Latin saying, "Non Plus Ultra," means No More Beyond. Spain changed it on their coins and on the statue of Columbus to "Plus Ultra" = More Beyond. Are you excited about what's beyond the grave? What do you imagine it will be like?
3. No matter what season of life you're currently living, God has a mission for you:
- a. Children - Obeying your parents and growing in grace and knowledge of Jesus!
- b. Youth - You're not the church of the future; you are the church now. Serve Him!
- c. Adults - find your spiritual gifts and passion and employ them for His glory!
- d. Parents - mentoring your children is the primary means of fruitful labor!
- e. Retired - you're NEVER too old to bear fruit for Jesus, so find your ministry!
4. Can you embrace C.T. Studd's statement as your own: "Only one life, it will soon be past; only what's done for Christ will last?"
Now What? Application:
- How will you live your life so that there is no regrets, no retreats and no reserves?
- Can you identify tangible spiritual fruit in your life? How can you bear more (Jn 15:8)?
