Discussion Guide
As we walk through our faith journey as Christ followers, it's natural to have questions or encounter things that don’t make sense. Over the next four weeks, we’ll be discussing a series designed to address some of those common questions. This week, we’ll dive into a question that has been asked for generations: Are we living in the end times? From biblical times until now, believers have wrestled with this topic—and likely always will. Together, we’ll explore what God’s Word says about the end times and learn how to develop a healthy, biblical perspective on it.
What you will need:
A Bible or Bible app
A notebook
A pen
A highlighter
(Scripture references below are linked for easy access)
Jump Start
1. If you found out you were having an unexpected guest at your house in 10 minutes, what's the first thing you would rush to do? (Ex: hide the laundry piles, light candles, scrub the toilet)
2. Read Matthew 24:4-8. Is it hard for you to imagine this world having an end date? What kind of “deceptions” do you think Jesus is warning us about in this scripture? How can we stay grounded when the world feels chaotic?
3. Read Matthew 24:9-14. Why do you think following Jesus can lead to rejection or persecution? Verse 12 talks about “the love of many growing cold” --what can cause that to happen today? What are some ways that we can endure to the end and keep our love for Christ strong?
4. Read Matthew 24:36, 1 Peter 4:7-9. Why do you think God chooses not to tell us the exact time of Jesus’ return? How does living without knowing “the day or hour” shape the way we follow Jesus today? Why do you think Peter emphasized love when talking about the “end times”?
5. Read Matthew 25:34-40. Who might be considered “the least of these” in our lives today? How can serving and loving others prepare us for Christ’s return? If you knew Jesus was coming back tomorrow, what’s one act of kindness you would want to make sure you did today? (Ex. Call someone that you haven’t talked to in a while, help a certain organization...)
Action Steps: God does not want us to know or try to figure out the day of His return. Just like young children can’t handle all the details their parents know, God knows we aren’t ready for all the details either. He does not want us to be anxious about it, but he wants us to continue to love well. All this is to encourage us as we see times getting harder - one day, He will make things as He originally planned: perfect! What are you waiting for? Get busy using your time, talents, and treasures.