Welcome to Episode 76 of the Sermon Conversations podcast! This week, the teaching pastors of CityRise Church dive into week three of our summer series on heaven, titled "Can You Even Imagine?" — a theme inspired by a Phil Wickham song.

In this episode, Pastors Mark, Tim, Ben, and Justo look closely at the famous exchange between Jesus and the thief on the cross in Luke chapter 23. Together, they explore church history, traditional names given to the thieves, and the deep theological weight behind Jesus' promise: "Today you will be with me in Paradise."

The pastors unpack how this narrative serves as the ultimate case study for salvation by grace alone. The penitent thief wasn't baptized, didn't tithe, and didn't sit through a membership class—yet he received a full "buzzer-beater" assurance of eternal life.

They also tackle difficult cultural and theological topics, including:

• The three distinct confessions made by the thief while hanging on the cross.

• Historical context revealing that these men were likely violent insurrectionists rather than mere petty thieves.

• A comparison between biblical truth regarding immediate consciousness with Christ versus traditional concepts of purgatory or soul sleep.

• The literal meaning of "Paradise" as a cultivated, beautiful walled garden where meaningful work existed before the Fall.

Whether you are preparing your heart for an upcoming sermon or looking to dig deeper into the absolute certainty of God's grace, this conversation provides powerful, encouraging hope for anyone who thinks they have "blown it" or run out of time.