Big Idea: What you believe about the future is essential to your faith.

            Revelation 22:20-21

Why does this matter?

• What you believe about the future will change how you live today.

• On a day that is only known to God, Jesus will return to earth to complete his victory.

            Matthew 24:36

            John 5:28-29

            Revelation 22:1-5

            Matthew 25:41

            Matthew 25:30

            2 Thessalonians 1:9

            Genesis 18:25

• Life’s success is determined from the perspective of eternity, not the present.

            Revelation 22:20-21

Message Questions

This week we are discussing the doctrine of the future. Our essential doctrine statement says:

On a day that is only known to God, Jesus will return to earth to complete his victory. Everyone who has ever lived will be raised, and those who know Jesus will be welcomed into eternal life in the New Heavens and New Earth, where God and creation will be fully reunited. Those who have rejected Jesus will face the just and final consequence for their sin in Hell, and the power of sin and death will be defeated once and for all.

This Sunday, the big idea is: What you believe about the future is essential to your faith. Passages include Genesis 18:25; Matthew 24:36, 44; Matthew 25:30, 41; John 5:28-29; 2 Thessalonians 1:9; Hebrews 2:8; Revelation 22:1-5, 20-21.

Use these questions to discuss the message from Sunday, focusing on how you can grow as an everyday follower of Jesus and how you can go accomplish what Jesus calls you to do.

1. Have someone read Revelation 22:20-21. What stands out to you about Jesus’ promise, “Yes, I am coming soon”? How does this promise bring both hope and urgency to your daily life?
2. Have another person read Matthew 24:44. Share about a time when God showed up in your life unexpectedly. How can we live each day in readiness for Jesus’ return?
3. Have someone read Hebrews 2:8. Though Jesus reigns, we don’t yet see everything under his rule. How does this tension between what is already true and what is still to come impact your faith?
4. In light of God’s promise of eternal life in the New Heavens and New Earth (Revelation 22:1-5), how can you grow in trust, knowledge, and love for Jesus? What practices can help you align your heart with his eternal purposes?
5. What does it look like for you to go and share the hope of Jesus' return with others? Who in your life could be encouraged by knowing about the victory and restoration that Jesus offers? How can you begin that conversation this week?