Session 2: The Final Buzzer

How Can I Experience Eternal Life?

READY

Time is always a major factor. We live in a world of 60-minute games, 30-second time-outs, 3-second lane violations, 2-minute warnings, and other time crunchers like having 2 outs and 2 strikes in the bottom of the 9th inning.

Describe a situation when time played a role in the outcome of a competition. What adjustments were you or your team forced to make as the clock ran down?
List three emotions that you’ve felt when under pressure. What impact did those emotions have on your ability to perform?

No one likes to think about it, but our time on earth is temporary. Thanks to the big win Jesus achieved on the cross, however, we don’t have to feel the kind of pressure that comes during the crucial last moments of competition. Instead, we can focus on the quality of our relationship with Him now and on the awesome rewards that await us in heaven.

SET

What We Deserve

When you break a law, the seriousness of the offense increases with the level of damage. The penalty is more severe if you steal a car than a candy bar. The seriousness also increases depending on the importance of the person you offend. Hit your sister and she’ll hit you back; try hitting a police officer and you’ll get more than a slap.

Read Romans 3:23 and Romans 6:23.

According to Romans 3:23, what is true about all people? What would you say is a just punishment for offending and deeply hurting a perfect God?
What does Romans 6:23 say we deserve for sinning against God? God cares so deeply about us and doesn’t give us what we deserve. What does God offer us instead?

What We Get
When it comes to serving Christ, there’s way more to look forward to than trophies, medals, and record-breaking performances. In fact, at the end of our lives here on earth, those of us who’ve accepted God’s ultimate gift will hear the final buzzer. In that instant, all the pressures, disappointments, and pains of this life will be gone forever.

Read John 3:16-17 and 1 John 5:11-12.

According to John, why was Jesus sent into our world? What’s the one thing we need in order to receive the unbelievable gift of eternal life?

Read Revelation 21:1-4,18-21.

What will the quality of life be like in heaven as described in Revelation 21? List at least five cool things about the life God has planned for His people—His team.

As awesome as heaven will be, it’s even more exciting to realize that our eternity will allow us to actually see and touch Jesus, our Rescuer and Redeemer. We’ll have forever to be treasured by Him and to explore the infinite depths and beauty of God Himself.

As athletes, we go to great lengths to achieve great things in the field of competition. We do it for the love of the game and for the love of sport. Our Creator gave us those desires because He created us in His image. He has also gone to great lengths to chase His dream and fulfill His desire—to have a close, personal relationship with each of us.

Read John 17:2-3.

What does Jesus say is the true meaning of eternal life (verse 3)? How soon can it begin?
How does it feel to realize God wants to connect with you so badly that He gave the ultimate gift, sending His only Son to give His life for our sins and to rescue us from sin?

Scripture tells us that nobody knows when we will hear that final buzzer and go to heaven, but when we do, we’ll finally see God in all of His glory (1 Corinthians 13:12). Meanwhile, ask God to draw you closer into a more personal connection with Him.