LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS | November 12/16

 

Please note: It is not necessary to answer all of the questions.  It is okay to answer only a few.  What is important is that you have a good discussion on how these truths apply to your lives today.  You may also answer the questions in whatever order you prefer.

1) What are some of the signs of the end of the world that Jesus mentions?  Make a list.

2) How do you see these “signs of the end” being fulfilled in the world around you?

3) What do you think is the greatest threat to humanity’s existence today?

4) The sermon mentioned “tech billionaires” who are preparing for “the end of the world” by building large bomb shelters in far-away places like New Zealand.  What do
              you think is the best way to respond to this:

                a) “Go and do likewise”
                b) Stick your head in the sand and ignore everything that is happening                              around us.
                c) Trust in the Lord to handle what you cannot – and live each day for him

5)  Jesus said the temple in Jerusalem – one of the 7 wonders of the world – would be
                completely destroyed so that “not one stone would be left on top of another”
               (v5,6).  This prophecy was fulfilled 40 years later – in 70 A.D. – when the
                Romans burned and tore down the temple.  This event is a reminder that in                  this world we have no eternal dwelling.  How should this affect the way we                    live today?

6) Jesus said the end times would be a time of great persecution (v 12-19).  How does
                the Christian respond to persecution?

                a) Fight back
                b) Argue with and belittle those who disagree with us.
                c) Use these troubles to show the love of Christ to those who hate us.

7) What opportunities is God giving us to shine like bright lights in these dark days?
               How can we do a better job of “loving our enemies”?

8) How can you best help your children/grandchildren/others to prepare for the end
                times?

9) Jesus said, “Whoever stands firms to the end will be saved” (v 19).  From the list
               below pick the ways that you think will best help you to “stand firm” in a                       shaky world.

               a) Not become too attached to this world. 
               b) Remember all things pass away.
               c) Remember this life is only the stage that prepares us for eternity                               d) Keep calm and carry on.          
               e) Be sober-minded, that is, be realistic about the challenges we are facing                       in the world but be faith-filled trusting in God to do for us what we cannot
                   manage.
                f) When the earth underneath our feet is shaking, I will point others to the                       “Rock that is higher than I.”
              g) In a world where the love of many will grow cold, show the love of Christ                     in acts of tenderness.

10) Why can a Christian “lift up his head with joy” when he sees the end of the world coming?