By Dave Stone
Revelation 1:1-3
RELATE
What question you would like to ask Pastor Dave? How would your small group try to answer it?
REVIEW
Summarize the time-lines Pastor Dave provided regarding prophecy and “that day.”
Illustrations, time-lines, and diagrams from Sunday’s service are available for reference in this week’s online sermon notes.
Daniel 2 describes a statue representing world kingdoms. What are the different materials each section of the statue is made of? Where are we on the statue? What’s the significance of the materials that describe us?
We are the feet of the statue (iron and clay). The significance is that the iron has an appearance of strength, but is weak because of the combination with clay. You might discuss with your group how things appear strong today, but are in fact weak.
There are a number of pictures related to the number seven. Name seven of them.
Jesus is unveiled as the lamb and the lion. Describe Jesus as the lamb. Describe Jesus as the lion. Share how you relate to Jesus as both the lamb and the lion.
Use this as an opportunity to find out how your people have been affected by a biblical understanding of who Jesus is (as opposed to how our culture portrays Jesus).
What is the “mystery” (previously unrevealed truth, now revealed by God) that so amazes John in Revelation 17:1-6? What does that symbol stand for?
The mystery that amazes John is the revelation of the prostitute as the “world system” - a series of kings and rulers that will make war against the Lamb.
How could you be blessed by hearing, reading, and keeping (applying or taking to heart) the book of Revelation? (see Revelation 1:3, 22:7, 16:15)
We are blessed when we live in light of the revelation of who Jesus is: the all-powerful, righteous, king who will one day judge everyone. We are blessed when we know how to interpret the signs of His return.
APPLICATION
As a result of our study of Revelation, have you gained a new perspective or experienced a change of heart that has influenced the way you live? (about Jesus, God the Father, or the end times)
Of all the prophecies we’ve encountered in Revelation, have any of them strengthened your faith in believing the Word of God is accurate in describing God and His plans?
As a group, do you have questions to ask Pastor Dave? You can:
- text your question to 509-713-2751
- submit it via the blog (http://richland.bethel-church.org/blog)
- email it to [email protected]
- write on your welcome card next week
By Dave Stone
Revelation 20:4-6
Sermon Outline
RELATE
Have you ever shopped for a major purchase (car, major appliance, house, etc.)? What criteria did you use to make a final decision?
REVIEW
Looking back over this week’s teaching, was there anything that particularly challenged you, confused you, or caught your attention?
Read Acts 20:32. How does the Word build your “character,” “competency,” and “chemistry” in order to inherit the Kingdom? [Address each 'C']
The Word builds character by revealing problems, judging the heart.
The Word builds competency by giving clear instructions.
The Word builds chemistry by telling us how to relate to God and one another.
What is the millennium, when does it occur, and how is it different from eternity?
The millennium is a 1000 year period when Satan is bound and Jesus reigns. It occurs after the Great Tribulation and before the Great White Throne judgment. The millennium differs from eternity in that it is still bound by time.
APPLICATION
Read Revelation 20:6 and 1 Peter 2:9. Note: these verses show Christ’s followers are priests now and in the future. What are the roles and responsibilities of a priest? To whom are you being a priest?
The roles and responsibilities of a priest include serving God, prayers on behalf of people (intercession), and proclaiming God to people (help them understand Scripture). Perhaps more after hearing the sermon…
Which of the three ‘C’s do you need to focus on now? What specific change do you think you need to make? Can you or your group think of Scripture to help you?
Use this as an opportunity to apply specific Scripture to your life and the lives of your group members.
DIG
Read 1 Corinthians 6. What implications does this have for receiving an inheritance? Consider the possibility that believers can choose to be righteous or unrighteous.
Certain activities indicate that we are not being faithful to the guidelines God has established. Key concept: all believers do not receive the same inheritance. In fact, the biblical use of “inheritance” refers to those who are faithful followers (disciples) of Jesus Christ. How we live our lives as believers has eternal consequences.
What do you discover about inheriting the Kingdom of God from the following passages:
- Matthew 25:31-40 - describes those who will inherit the Kingdom
- 1 Corinthians 15:50 - we need new, imperishable bodies to inherit the Kingdom of God
- Galatians 5:19-21 - describes those that won’t inherit the Kingdom although they may enter it
- Ephesians 5:3-5 - describes those that won’t inherit the Kingdom although they may enter it
Read Acts 20:32. How is the Word able to build us up to have an inheritance?
By Dave Stone
What is it?
Mark Gungor’s Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage weekend seminar is formatted to DVD for small group use. His speaking style is similar to that of a stand-up comedian. We’ve watched couples laugh out loud as Mark explores the underlying dynamics of male/female relationships and his practical solutions to common relationship woes. Some of Mark’s topics include: Men’s Brains/Women’s Brains, Sex, Money and Communicating. Read more »
