Jesus Unveiled

Revelation – the final book in the Bible – talks about scrolls and beasts and the end times. But for all its mysterious elements, the primary revelation is of Jesus himself, like we’ve never seen him before.

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Unveiling Jesus in the Book of Revelation

Posted: July 12, 2020
Throughout history people have connected the book of Revelation to current events, trying to reveal the secret mysteries of the end times. But Revelation has always been about unveiling one primary thing: Jesus himself.

Talking Points:

  • The book of Revelation is meant for faith and obedience, not speculation. The main role of prophecy is to call God’s people to stay true to him. Revelation 1:3, 22:7
  • The book of Revelation presents Jesus as you’ve never seen him before. The gospels show Jesus walking the earth; Revelation shows Jesus enthroned in heaven. Revelation 1:12-16
  • The book of Revelation offers hope that Jesus will prevail over all evil. Originally this was about persecution in Rome, but today it extends to the forces of evil throughout the world. Revelation 17:14, Ephesians 6:12
Discussion:
  1. Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. What have you understood the book of Revelation to be about up to now? Why do you think people are so curious about prophecy and end times?
  3. “The main role of prophecy is to call God’s people to stay true to him.” Agree or disagree? Explain.
  4. Read Revelation 1:3 and Revelation 22:7. What is the key word found in these verses that speaks to the point of prophecy?
  5. Make a list of words or phrases to describe Jesus as he walked on earth. Then make a list of words or phrases to describe Jesus in Revelation 1:12-16. What’s your takeaway?
  6. Read Revelation 17:14. What are some of the evil things you long to see Jesus defeat? What are some things you need to defeat in your life with Jesus by your side?
  7. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?

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The Lion and the Lamb in Revelation

Posted: July 19, 2020
In Revelation 4-5, we get a glimpse of the throneroom of heaven. It’s a picture that gets larger by the minute, ending with all of creation worshiping Christ as both Lamb and Lion.

Talking Points:

  • Revelation 4 sets the scene for what happens in the following chapters. God the Father is on the throne, and his plan for world history is coming together perfectly. Revelation 4:8-11
  • The scroll in Revelation 5 contains God’s secret agenda for world history. Jesus is the key to opening the scroll and unlocking the mystery. Revelation 5:1-5
  • Jesus is both the Lion and the Lamb, the symbols of power and sacrifice. These two images capture the essence of the role of Jesus in salvation history. Revelation 5:5-6, Genesis 49:9-10, John 1:29
  • By his death, Jesus has created a global people for God. The name of Jesus is already above every other name, and the day is coming when everyone will acknowledge it. Revelation 5:9, 13, Philippians 2:9-11
Discussion:
  1. Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. “God’s plan for world history is coming together perfectly.” Agree or disagree? How would you explain this to someone who doesn’t know the Bible?
  3. Why do you think God has allowed chaos in the world? As Christians, how should we respond when we see brokenness around us?
  4. Read Revelation 5:5-6. In your own words, explain how Jesus is both Lion and Lamb.
  5. How should believers today emulate the attitude of Lion (powerful, assertive) and Lamb (humble, sacrificial) to our culture? Give specific examples.
  6. Read Philippians 2:9-11, a passage that describes the song in Revelation 5:13. Who is singing this song of worship? What will that be like for those who are unbelievers? What will that be like for you?
  7. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?

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The Seven Seals of Revelation

Posted: July 26, 2020
When the seven seals on the heavenly scroll are broken, the final chapters of history are revealed. Battle lines are drawn and the final victory comes by faith.

Talking Points:

  • The first four seals in Revelation unleash the four horsemen. These symbolize God’s judgment on the world and the beginning of the end. Revelation 6:1-2, Luke 21:9
  • The breaking of the fifth seal reveals the martyrs who remain faithful in spite of persecution. They call out to God for justice and vengeance. Revelation 6:9-10
  • The sixth seal breaks to signal the Day of the Lord and the end of history as we know it. All classes of people become fully aware of the inescapable wrath of God. Revelation 6:12,15, Isaiah 2:11
  • The end times will test the quality of a person’s faith. True believers may suffer the wrath of man but will escape the wrath of God – thanks to the blood of Jesus. Revelation 6:17, Revelation 7:9-10, Luke 21:36
Discussion:
  1. Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. How curious are you about end times prophecy? What are some world events that have occurred that may be a signal that the end is coming?
  3. Read Revelation 6:1-2 and Luke 21:9. How does Jesus want us to view end times and his role in it?
  4. Read Revelation 6:9-10. What are some of the injustices you long to see Jesus avenge when he returns?
  5. Read Revelation 6:15 and Isaiah 2:11. What do you imagine this day will look like? What are some of the issues/prideful attitudes represented in our country that God will judge?
  6. Read Revelation 7:9-10 and Luke 21:36. Why don’t we have to fear God’s wrath? How will you strengthen your faith to ready for the battle yet to come?
  7. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
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The Dragon and Two Beasts

Posted: August 2, 2020
Revelation 12 tells the story of an ongoing spiritual battle between God’s people (the woman) and Satan (the dragon). Satan is defeated, but for now he is able to wage war against God’s people. That’s what chapter 13 describes.

Talking Points:

  • Throughout history Satan has deceived people through counterfeit Christs. The first beast in Revelation is the Antichrist who will come in the last days. 1 John 2:18, 1 John 4:3, Revelation 13:1-2, 4
  • The second beast is a false prophet who will come in the last days to deceive the world and persecute Christians. Revelation 13:11-12, 14-15
  • The “mark of the beast” is the counterfeit Shema – an oath of allegiance. Taken on the forehead and hand, it represents thoughts and actions. Deuteronomy 6:4-8, Revelation 13:16-17
  • The cosmic battle is already won (Revelation 12), though the earthly battle is yet to come (Revelation 13). Jesus preserves his people in the midst of the hostile forces of Satan. Revelation 14:1
Discussion:
  1. Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. According to this video, who is the dragon? Who are the two beasts? Do you agree with this interpretation?
  3. Read 1 John 4:3. Describe “the spirit of antichrist” in your own words. Give an example of that spirit in our culture today.
  4. Read Deuteronomy 6:8 and Revelation 13:17. Explain the significance of taking a mark on the forehead and hand.
  5. The Antichrist is a counterfeit “Christ” and the mark of the beast is a counterfeit “Shema”. Can you find the counterfeit “Trinity” in Revelation 13?
  6. Read Revelation 13:10. What does this verse speak to Christians in the end times?
  7. Do you think we’re in the end times? Why or why not?
  8. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
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Leaving Babylon (Revelation 18)

Posted: August 9, 2020

 

Revelation 18 is a warning to every "Babylon" through the ages. God calls us to reject greed and pursue holiness as we wait for him to judge earthly powers.

Talking Points:

  • God has the authority to bring judgement to the world’s greatest powers. It’s wise to align ourselves with Christ instead of earthly empires. Revelation 18:2-3,7
  • God commands his people to pursue holiness and leave Babylon. This is a call to separate ourselves from everything that is anti-God. Revelation 18:4, 1 Peter 2:9
  • God’s judgement is always right and good. Even though we deserve wrath, God graciously offers salvation through Christ. Revelation 18:20,24
Discussion:
  1. Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. Who would you say the most powerful person is in the world right now and why? What brought down the powerful empires of the past and how might that serve as a warning for America?
  3. Read Revelation 18:2-3. Compare this picture of Babylon to what we see in our culture today. What are some of the immoral, foul things prevalent in our society today? Why do you think Christians get caught up in elevating other things above God?
  4.  Read Revelation 18:4. What is John’s warning to us? What do you think it means that we need to run away from her?
  5. Read 1 Peter 2:9. Holy means set apart. What does it look like practically to be in the world but not of it? How can you better demonstrate the goodness of God in your life? What are some things you need to evaluate and perhaps eliminate from your life?
  6. Read Revelation 18:20,24. What’s your reaction to the description of God’s wrath? How does respecting God’s righteous judgment help us to appreciate his gift of mercy and grace?
  7. Read Romans 5:1-2. How did Jesus absorb the wrath of God we all deserve? How will you use your life of undeserved privilege to honor God?
  8. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
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The Second Coming of Christ

Posted: August 14, 2020
Someday Jesus will return as a mighty king looking to defeat sin and evil once and for all preparing for His final judgment of all things. Will you be ready by putting your faith in him?

Talking Points:

  • Jesus will return as a mighty king prepared for battle. The first time He faced a cross; the next time he will wear a crown. Revelation 19:11-14
  • On that day Jesus will be victorious in battle, destroying Satan and His enemies. Then we will see the extermination of all evil as we know it. Revelation 19:17-21; 20:1-10
  • Jesus will righteously judge one last time. Only those who have trusted Jesus will be saved on that day. Revelation 20:11-15, John 5:24, Colossians 2:13-15
Discussion:
  1. Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. What were you taught when you were younger, if anything, about the second coming of Christ?
  3. Talk about some of the imagery from Revelation 19:11-14. How is this picture of Jesus different from the Jesus we see in the gospels?
  4. Review some of the characters from the book of Revelation. Who are the dragon and the two beasts? What happens to them at the end of the story?
  5. Read Revelation 20:11. Is it offensive to you that Jesus is coming to judge the world? Why or why not?
  6. Read John 5:24. Is your name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life? If you not sure, talk about saving faith with your group or mentor.
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When Jesus Makes All Things New

Posted: August 20, 2020
The last two chapters of the Bible paint a powerful picture of heaven. As Jesus’ bride, we are invited into an intimate relationship with him in our glorious forever home.

Talking Points:

  • The church is like Jesus’ bride. We are invited into an intimate relationship with him. Revelation 21:1-2, Revelation 19:7-9, Ephesians 5:25
  • Jesus will forever remove every aspect of our broken past. Nothing will ever come between us and Jesus again. Revelation 21:3-5
  • The picture of heaven shows more than individuals who are made perfect. Jesus will set right everything that has gone wrong in the world. Revelation 22:1-3
  • One day God will be in relationship with his people like he was before sin entered the world. Everyone is invited to know Jesus this way. Revelation 22:17, Romans 3:22
Discussion:
  1. Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. If you’re married, what was your wedding like? If unmarried, what’s the best wedding you’ve ever attended?
  3. Read Revelation 21:1-2 and Revelation 19:7-9. Why do you think God chose the wedding imagery to describe Christ’s return?
  4. Read Revelation 21:3-5. Identify all that this passage says about heaven. What excites you about the thought of heaven? What freaks you out?
  5. Read Revelation 21:5-7. Describe the picture that’s painted in this passage. Why should these verses fill us with hope?
  6. Read Revelation 22:1-3. What do you look forward to most that will be made new in heaven that is broken here?
  7. Revelation 22:17. Who in your life needs to drink this living water? How will you help that person pursue God?
  8. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
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