Icebreaker

 Is there a right way and a wrong way to mow a lawn?

Recap

This week in our series we dove into the subject of when could the end be coming?  Some Bible scholars look to the creation account as a possible blueprint for the time frame of humanity on earth.   As quoted in Psalms 90:4 and 2 Peter 3:8 “a day is like a thousand years with the Lord”.  This perspective argues that the seven day creation account points to a seven thousand year time frame for this world.  And with the final one thousand years taking place as described in Revelation as the Millennium, this would place us currently near the end of day 6.  It’s definitely food for thought.  But our greatest takeaway is simply this… if we are nearing the end, it should greatly impact the way we live.  It’s time to hustle!  It’s time to get on-mission with God!  It’s time to live rightly with Him!  It’s time… because time might just be running short.

Focus Questions

1. What really matters in the truth of who Jesus is and what Jesus did for you? Is there any area that, if someone didn’t agree with you, would challenge your entire understanding of and relationship you have with Jesus? (Tithe 10% entirely to one church or split between several? Speaking in tongues? Working on Sundays?)
2. Are there any topics, beliefs, or explanations during this series about the End Times that you’ve been struggling with or things that have just “rubbed you the wrong way?” Have you experienced any tension or discomfort when discussing or listening to others talk about the End Times?
3. If you knew Jesus was coming for you at the end of next month, how would you prepare? Is there anything you would stop or start doing? Are there things you would give away? Why? Are there any relationships you would want to focus on?
4. Is there someone in your life who you wish knew Jesus? Do you act differently around them than your believing friends? Are you more bold in your talk about Jesus or more hesitant? How can you share the truth of Jesus to someone who needs to hear that message?
5. Is there anything that you know God has called you to do that you’ve been neglecting? A gift or talent you should be using for Him but have placed on the back burner? How will you explain to God the reason you decided not to use the gifts He gave you for His kingdom purposes? How will you explain your choice to turn down His call on your life?
6. What changes do you need to make today to live life in a way that draws people into authentic conversations where they hear the good news about Jesus instead of hearing formulaic or pat answers to their questions? In what other ways can we communicate our faith and the importance of being in a relationship with Jesus to nonbelievers? How can we enter into these conversations without coming off as a judgy know-it-all?  
7. Are believers at the same risk as non-believers to “miss the mark” in understanding who Jesus is and what He has done for us? How do we talk to other Christians who might not see the impact secularism has had on the way we are living in this world? 

Send Out Question

If the gospel of Jesus Christ is the most wonderful message that has ever come to earth, why do so many Christians allow secular living to interrupt and upstage Christ’s clear message to us?