Leader 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
Leaders: This section is designed to spark discussion, explore God’s truth, and apply it to daily life. Keep in mind that not everyone in your group may be a Christ follower. Their participation shows openness, so pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance as you lead.
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?
Leaders: Be careful here not to argue about what people believe about the end times. Just healthy conversations on fears and thoughts. God created a good world, humans chose sin. This is why bad things happen and why this world will end. Sin created death and decay, and that includes this world.
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?
Leaders: There will be times and more may come where we will be persecuted for our faith in Christ. We need to be mentally prepared, realizing we may have to give up our rights or be treated unfairly. Although you may feel the need to get physically prepared, the most important thing is to be mentally and spiritually prepared.
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”?
Leaders: So, are we in the end times? No one knows. Jesus made it clear that even He does not know. Instead of trying to figure it out, maybe we should just live like Jesus asks us to. Be self-controlled, sober minded, love earnestly and show hospitality.
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...)
Leaders: When we serve others then we are serving Christ. This demonstrates our love for Him. The “least” of these is someone different in all our lives. We all have different encounters, and situations daily. We may not know when Jesus is coming but we can stay ready by obeying His Words and loving others.
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.