Imagine Heaven by John Burke
Week 8: Chapter 7 — Reunited
Read Chapter 7 of Imagine Heaven. Key Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18; Matthew 22:29–32.
Previewing Week 8 of Imagine Heaven
Read 3 of 7 discussion questions below. Unlock the complete 17-week guide when you’re ready.
Burke turns to one of the questions that most people asking about Heaven carry in their hearts: will I see my loved ones again?
Discussion Questions
7 questions1.Burke shares NDE accounts of people being met by deceased relatives and friends — often relatives they had never met in life (a grandparent who died before they were born, for example) who were nonetheless recognized. How do you respond to those stories emotionally and theologically?
2.First Thessalonians 4:13–18 was written specifically to comfort believers grieving those who had died, with the assurance that we will be 'caught up together' with them. How does Paul's language of reunion and togetherness shape your theology of Heaven and resurrection?
3.Burke distinguishes between the *fact* of reunion (clearly taught in Scripture and testified to in NDEs) and the *form* of our relationships in eternity (which may be transformed). When the Sadducees asked Jesus about marriage in the resurrection, he said we will be 'like the angels' — not married. How do you make sense of that teaching alongside the hope of reunion?
a.Does the idea that earthly relationship structures will be transformed feel like loss or gain to you?
b.What might it mean to love someone *more* fully in Heaven than you do on earth?