Thriving in Babylon: Week 7 Blessed HOPE - The coming King
Titus 2:12-13 “It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,”
Monday/Tuesday
Study Matthew 24
What do you think the disciples expected to hear from Jesus? How do you think what they told him lined up with their thinking?
What are the first signs that Jesus will return? How long have these signs been part of our world?
What should our response be to the signs we see today that seem to point to the imminent return of Jesus? Also, read Hebrews 2:1-4
Why was it important for Jesus to refer to the prophecies of the ancient prophets?
From the ancient past to the distant future, what does Jesus indicate is the most important thing for his followers to know? (see also Mark 13:31 and Luke 21:33)
Wednesday
Read Matthew 24:36-51, Genesis 6 & 7
Context: Jesus again refers to an ancient story, that of Noah, to explain how, while the signs of God’s judgment are evident, the timing is unknowable.
Read Genesis 6 and 7. What is the same between what Noah knew about God’s coming judgment and what we currently know?
What did Noah do that we should also do?
What do you think is the most important thing believers can do to be ready for that day?
Thursday:
Read Daniel 7
As you read all these prophecies from Matthew and Daniel, what worries you about the future?
What do you anticipate most about the coming of Christ?
Notice the descriptions of Christ, Daniel 7:13-14. What is emphasized?
What is the one thing you need to know or do? What is your next step in response to this passage?
How does knowing that God will accomplish His plan in the end, encourage you?
What should our current attitude be and what should our current motivation and actions be, if we are on the winning side?
Friday: Read Daniel 8
Why do you think God spoke so often in visions in Daniel’s time but that it doesn’t seem to happen anymore?
This chapter touches on a theme in scripture of the restoration of God’s presence, when God will say to his people, “I will be your God, and you will be my people, and I will dwell in the midst of you.” Where else do you hear echoes of that theme in the Bible?
How do you pray for strength and perseverance in the face of trouble and tribulation?
God went to great lengths in shaping history to further the Good News about His Son. What lengths are you willing to go to share that news?
Read John 16:33. How does this verse speak to you as you try to live out your faith in your culture?
Saturday: 10 facts of the second coming of Jesus -
Jesus himself will come again - 1 Thessalonians 4:16
We will meet him in the Air - 1 Thessalonians 4:17
All who are in the grave will hear his voice - John 5:28
He will return when we don’t expect it - Matt 24:4--42 Keep watch
He will return to the MT of Olives - Zech 14:4
He will destroy the antichrist - 2 Thessalonians 2:8
He will gather all nations and judge them - Matthew 25:32
He will refine the earth Revelation 21:5 - He won’t make new things - He will make all things new
Every knee shaw bow - Philippians 2:9-11
He will celebrate with us again- he will drink it with you in the new kingdom - Matthew 26:29
How do these 10 things speak to you and your faith in Jesus?