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CONNECT: What are some ‘applications’ that you can take from our 1 Thessalonians series that will help you live in preparation for Jesus’ return?

WARM-UP Questions

1. What has your approach to the book of Revelation been in the past? (e.g., avoided it, obsessed over it, were confused by it, loved it, or something else!?)
2. What are the common ways that you prepare for Christmas? How could you use this period to help you better prepare for Jesus’ return?

READ Revelation 1:7-8

1. Whose ‘revelation’ is this? What do you think are the common approaches to the book of Revelation?
2. Have you ever treated Revelation as a code book to be deciphered? Why is this not very helpful?
3. What is significant about the promise that Jesus will return? How will his return be distinctive to his first coming to earth as a baby?
4. Have you ever worried about missing Jesus’ return? Why should we not be worried about this?
5. Why will people mourn? Why is it actually good news that Jesus will return to judge justly?

READ 1 Thessalonians 1:9-16

1. What two aspects of identity (from Daniel 7) are being merged together in this picture of Jesus? Why is this so important?
2. What do you think of the image of Jesus that is described in this section? Do you think you ever are in danger of having a ‘distant’ or ‘domesticated’ view of Jesus?
3. How can we consistently maintain a clearer and truer picture of who Jesus is in our lives?
4. How extensive does Jesus’ power appear to be? What is the significance of this?

READ Revelation 1:17-20

1. Why do you think John falls as though dead? Do you think this is the natural reaction? Why or why not?
2. What is meant by Jesus holding the keys? What are the implications for us? Why can we not be afraid?
3. What are the ways in which Jesus makes it clear that he is alive and has conquered death? What is the significance of repeating this truth over and over again?
4. If Jesus is omnipotent (i.e., all powerful) and imminent (i.e., present) why should we not be afraid?

APPLY This Week: How can you use advent to practically prepare for Jesus’ return?

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For Families

• ‘Tips for teaching Kids the book of Revelation’ by LifeWay
  

Helpful Books and Articles

• “The Revelation of Jesus Christ” by John Lennox (12-Part Series):
• “A Message to the Churches” by Andrew Sach (St Helen’s Bishopsgate)
• “Revelation Part I” by Don Carson
• ‘The Cosmic King’ by Tim Keller

Other Helpful Articles and Courses

• The Ridley Certificate Course: Revelation Unwrapped
• Open Yale Course on Introduction to New Testament History and Literature (see Revelation Handout):

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