Introduction
God has given us His Word through the writers of the Bible, in order to shed light on Himself, His purposes, and plans. Throughout scripture He informs mankind of His requirements and the consequences of ignoring them. While many of the prophecies in scripture have already been fulfilled, there are some that remain to be fulfilled in the future. These should be of great interest to us, especially as they reveal what is to come upon all mankind and our world, possibly in our lifetimes. Often these topics are avoided by preachers and Bible teachers because of differing views on interpretation. This should never stop us from exploring what God has said. As you apply yourself to this study, please let scripture guide you. Any interpretations or views that cannot be confirmed by scripture should be suspect. May the Holy Spirit guide you in this discovery of God’s Word.
Lessons
Lesson 1 – Only Two Final Destinations
Lesson 2 – What Will the End Signs Be?
Lesson 3 – The Next Event
Lesson 4 – The Judgment Seat
Lesson 5 – Chronology of the Last Days – According to Jesus
Lesson 6 – The Tribulation Period: The Seals
Lesson 7 – The Tribulation Period: The Trumpets
Lesson 8 – The Tribulation Period: The Witnesses and Results of the Seventh Trumpet
Lesson 9 – The Thousand Year Reign
Lesson 10 – The New Heaven and the New Earth, Part 1
Lesson 11 – The New Heaven and the New Earth, Part 2
Lesson 12 – The New Heaven and the New Earth, Part 3
Lesson 13 – Living as We Wait
Lesson 1
Only Two Final Destinations
It has been said that there are only two things that are absolutely certain: death and taxes. Curiously, what constitutes a death has changed in modern times. Historically, a person would be considered dead if they stopped breathing and had no pulse. Today, what constitutes death can vary depending on what part of the world you are in, and even across states in the U.S. depending on how the Uniform Determination of Death Act is interpreted. This legislation became necessary in the United States, in the 1980s, with the advance of devices that could keep a person on “life support”.
According to research polls, the majority of people all over the world believe in life after death. A 2015 Pew Research poll states that 72% of Americans believe in heaven, and 58% believe in hell. One would think that this makes exploration of pathways to each of these destinations (heaven or hell) a very high priority, yet we do not find that to be so. May our understanding of each eternal destination be increased through this study.
1. The Bibles makes it clear that there are two eternal destinations. In Amos’ advice to Israel in Amos 4:12, he says, “Prepare to meet your God!” Explain why you agree or disagree that this advice applies to us today.
2. Read John 5:28-29. What does Jesus tell us about the two destinies that are coming?
3. According to John 3:36, what leads to eternal life and what leads to God’s wrath and judgment?
4. Read Romans 6:23, Isaiah 59:2, and Habakkuk 1:13a. Why do we all deserve death and why does that separate us from God?
5. Read Romans 1:18-22. Why is mankind without excuse for knowing God?
6. What did Jesus Christ do, according to 2 Corinthians 5:21, and what was the result?
7. According to Romans 1:4, what does Christ’s resurrection demonstrate to us?
8. Read 1 Peter 1:3-4. As we place our faith in Jesus Christ, what does His resurrection secure for us?
9. From Acts 17:30-31, the scriptures above, and any others you may refer to, summarize what makes us right with God and assures our eternal destiny in heaven. Also consider what makes no difference, according to Ephesians 2:8-9.
10. What is the fate of those who die in their sins, according to Isaiah 59:18?
11. How can we be assured of our heavenly destiny? See Romans 10:9-10 and 1 John 5:11-13.
Lesson 2
What Will the Signs of the End Be?
Read Matthew 24:1-14.
1. After Jesus told His disciples that the Temple they had just visited would be destroyed, His disciples asked Him a question. What did they want to know?
2. How can you relate to the question the disciples asked? Would you ask the same question today?
3. What warning does Jesus give in verse 4-5?
4. What specifics does Jesus give in verses 5 and 11 as to why believers might be misled? (Note: a prophet is one who represents God and teaches or proclaims His Word.)
5. List some of the past and present deceptions that you are aware of. What kinds of deceptions have occurred in and out of the church to lead people astray?
6. What can also be expected according to verses 6 and 7?
7. List some of these that you are aware of from history. Include current events that fall in this category.
8. What is the more personal forewarning Jesus gives His disciples in verse 9?
9. We are aware from Biblical references and history that these warnings occurred for those Jesus was speaking to in person. What are some examples of how believers have been persecuted throughout history and how do you see persecution of believers today?
10. In what ways have you seen the conflicts described in verse 10, perhaps among your own family members and friends?
11. In verse 12 Jesus mentions another sign of the end. What is it and how do you see it playing out in the world today?
12. Read Matthew 24:15-22. In these verses Jesus looks toward what is considered The Great Tribulation. Whose vision does he confirm in verse 15?
13. How does verse 21 lead us to understand that this prophecy is about The Great Tribulation period?
14. Why will God shorten or end that time of calamity, according to verse 22?
Lesson 3
The Next Event
There are a number of differences in “End Times” views and understanding. This lesson explores the Pre-tribulation Rapture perspective. As you examine these next verses, see how you think they lead to this perspective. It is important to distinguish the rapture from Christ’s Second Coming, when He will judge the earth and set up His millennial reign. The rapture is seen in scripture prior to this, when Christ appears in the clouds to call His church to heaven, where He is currently preparing a place for those who place their faith in Him. (John 14:2-3)
1. According to John 14:12 and John 16:28, who did Jesus say He was going to be with?
2. From Jesus’ prayer to His Father in John 17:1, where do we understand the Father located?
3. According to John 17:24, what desire did Jesus express to the Father?
4. What did Jesus tell Peter in John 13:36?
5. Read John 14:1-6 and answer the following:
a. As Jesus continued His statement about going to be with the Father, what was Jesus going to do there?
b. What was in abundance there and how was that to comfort the disciples?
c. What would Jesus do when the dwelling places were ready?
6. Read 1 Corinthians 15:50-54 and answer the following:
a. What did Paul say is the limitation of our physical bodies?
b. What did Paul tell the Corinthians would happen to some believers, rather than death?
c. What will our transformed bodies be like?
7. Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and answer the following:
a. What was the concern of the believers about those who had already died?
b. What did Jesus say about them?
c. What will the circumstances of His meeting believers be? d. How long will believers be with Jesus after that?
8. According to 1 John 3:2, what will that transformation include, who will we be like?
9. Read Romans 8:18-25 and answer the following:
a. What does it say about waiting eagerly for the future glory God will reveal?
b. In what ways are you waiting eagerly?
Lesson 4
The Judgment Seat
We know from scripture that judgment is part of God’s perfect justice. We will all face His judgment according to Romans 14:10 and other verses. However, believers and non-believers will receive very different outcomes from judgment. Not only that, many believe there are actually two different judgments: one for believers and one for those who reject God. This position reflects both ancient and current culture, where there are two types of judgments: one to give prizes and rewards, and the other to give punishment for wrong doing. Let’s explore this position.
1. Who will stand before God in judgment? See Romans 14:10-12, 2 Corinthians 5:10, and Ecclesiastes 12:14.
2. Read 1 Corinthians 1:2 and 3:10-15 and answer the following questions:
a. Who is Paul writing to?
b. What is the foundation that Paul is speaking about?
c. What will fire reveal on judgment day?
d. What happens if the person’s work survives the fire and endures; is shown as good? e. What happens if the person’s work doesn’t survive and is burned up?
3. What do you think might be some examples of “work” that a believer has done, that won’t stand the test of this fire?
4. According to Hebrews 9:2-28, for those who eagerly wait for Jesus, what will Jesus come again to bring?
5. What will happen to those who are judged, but whose names are not found in the Book of Life, according to Revelation 20:15?
6. During what period does this occur, according to Revelation 20:7?
7. What is it that all people actually deserve from God? See Romans 3:23 and 6:23a.
8. In John 3:16-21, what does Jesus say about the different outcome for those who believe in Him, versus those who continue to do evil? Also see John 5:24.
9. How was our freedom from judgment and punishment gained, according to Isaiah 53:4-12.
10. In light of all this, what should those who have trusted in Jesus do today? See Galatians 6:9-10.
11. For those who have not trusted in Jesus, what should they do? See Mark 1:15.
Lesson 5
Chronology of the Last Days – According to Jesus
Several gospels give us an account of the answer Jesus gave to His disciples when they asked Him about His statement concerning the destruction of the Temple: “Teacher, when will all these things happen? What sign will signal your return?” Today, we would ask the same question and already have His answer as recorded in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21. He described these future events for His disciples in the last week of His life on earth. Let’s explore the Matthew text together.
Read Matthew 24.
1. According to 24:3, where was Jesus at this time and who was with Him there?
2. According to verse 3, what coincided with Christ’s coming?
3. What was Jesus’ first concern, as expressed in verse 4-5?
4. List the things that Jesus mentions in verses 6-7 that must take place before His return.
5. In verse 8, Jesus describes the happenings He just mentioned as the “beginning of birth pains”. If the end of the age is the anticipated birth, what is Jesus communicating about what comes next by using these words, based on what we know about the timing and sequence of actual birth pains related to the actual birth of a child?
6. According to verse 9, what did Jesus say would happen to the disciples and those who follow Jesus?
7. What does Jesus repeat in verse 11?
8. According to verses 12-13, what will cause many people’s love to grow cold? What does “grow cold” refer to? Who will be saved?
9. What does Jesus say will also happen before the end of the age, according to verse 14?
10. Read Revelation 11:1-10 and answer the following questions:
a. During the tribulation, as the trumpet judgments are proceeding, who does God send onto the scene, according to verse 3?
b. What will they be doing and how long will they be doing it?
c. According to verse 9, who will be staring at their bodies as they lie in the street after they have given their testimonies?
d. How would this accomplish what Jesus said in Matthew 24:14?
11. The world has seen many tragedies over the centuries relating to the issues Jesus describes: false prophets, wars, famines, and disease. What will be different about the events Jesus describes in Matthew 24, according to verses 21-22?
12. In Matthew 24:29-30, what does Jesus say will happen after the terrible days He described and the gospel goes out to all the nations?
Lesson 6
The Tribulation Period: The Seals
While prophets throughout the Old Testament and New Testament, and Jesus Himself, have given us information about the last days, Jesus gives a vision to John, which he recorded in the Book of Revelation, to encourage believers and warn others about what is to come.
1. In Revelation 5, as God was prepared to reveal the events of His final judgment on earth, what was the dilemma, according to verses 1-4?
2. What did one of the elders reveal to John according to Revelation 5:5, and why was the Lamb worthy to open the scroll according to verses 9-10?
3. What came from the breaking of the first seal of the scroll, according to Revelation 6:1-2, and how was he equipped and what did he intend to do?
4. What came from the breaking of the second seal, how was he equipped and what was he given authority to do, according to Revelation 6:3-4?
5. According to this information in verse 4, what was the result on the earth?
6. What came from the third seal and what was he holding, according to Revelation 6:5?
7. Thinking of the use of scales, especially in ancient times, what might they be used for in this instance in light of verse 6? What aspect of society would this involve?
8. What came from the fourth seal, according to Revelation 6:7-8, who were the riders and what were they given to do?
9. What was the scene connected to the fifth seal in Revelation 6:9-11?
10. What happened after the Lamb broke the sixth seal, according to Revelation 6:12-14?
11. Give a summary of the kinds of issues these broken seals will be bringing to earth. You might want to review what Jesus said in Matthew 24.
12. According to Revelation 6:15-17, what did all the people of the earth do in response to these things and to whom did they attribute them?
13. After the six seals are broken, there is an interlude that includes a sealing of protection on a certain group who will be God’s servants on earth during the rest of the judgments. Who are they and how is this described in Revelation 7:1-8?
14. After the interlude of Revelation chapter 7, the seventh seal is broken in Revelation 8:1. What did it cause to happen in heaven?
15. Who did John see standing there and what were they given, according to Revelation 8:2?
Lesson 7
The Tribulation Period: The Trumpets
1. What happens in Revelation 8:3-5 as a prelude before the seven angels, with the seven trumpets, prepare to blow them (verse 8:6)?
2. If the prayers referred to in these verses included the prayer of the martyrs in Rev 6:10, what would the trumpets clearly be intended to do?
3. According to Revelation 8:7, what happened as a result of the first angel blowing his trumpet?
4. What happened as a result of the second angel blowing his trumpet? (8:8-9)
5. What happened as a result of the third angel blowing his trumpet? (8:10-11)
6. What happened as a result of the fourth angel blowing his trumpet? (8:12)
7. Even as devastating as the results of the first four trumpets were, what was the warning the eagle gave regarding the last three trumpets to be blown? (8:13)
8. What happened in Revelation 9:1-2 as a result of the fifth trumpet?
9. Describe what came next in 9:3-10.
10. Who was their leader, according to 9:11?
11. Describe what happens when the sixth angel blows his trumpet, according to 9:13-19?
12. What does 9:20-21 say about those who were not killed in the trumpet disasters?
13. In addition to 9:21, what do verses 16:9 and 16:11 indicate God’s preferred response is to the disasters or woes He will bring to earth (yet the people are not willing)?
Lesson 8
The Tribulation Period:
The Witnesses and Results of the Seventh Trumpet
Revelation chapters 10-15 give us the details of an interlude between the judgments of the six trumpets and the blowing of the seventh trumpet, which leads to the final bowl judgments.
1. What does Revelation 10:5-7 tell us the seventh trumpet will bring?
2. Who does God send before the blowing of the seventh trumpet, according to Revelation 11:3, and what will they be doing? What specifically will they be witnessing and prophesying about? See Acts 1:8 as an example.
3. What will the response of the people be, rather than turning to God, according to Revelation 11:7-10?
4. After the seventh trumpet is blown (Revelation 11:15), a number of events are activated. Besides the two witnesses who proclaim the gospel, and the 144,000 witnesses (Revelation 7), what does John see according to Revelation 14:6, and what does he do?
5. What is his message, according to Revelation 14:7?
6. A second and third angel give further details of what is to come immanently, warning those who have refused the gospel. Hope is given to those who do turn to God. What does the angel tell them according to Revelation 11:12-13?
7. As we have seen, in the last days of tribulation God will be sending His most effective witnesses throughout the whole world, consisting of the two witnesses with great powers, the 144,000 Jewish witnesses, and the angel flying throughout the earth to every tribe, language, and people. Understanding this, how effective do you think this witness will be, and what does it say about God’s will for the lost?
8. Read Revelation 16 and then complete the summary table below:
| Bowl Number |
Who Pours it? | Where is it poured? | What is the effect of the Bowl? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | |||
| 2 | |||
| 3 | |||
| 4 | |||
| 5 | |||
| 6 | |||
| 7 |
Lesson 9
The Thousand Year Reign
Note: As we now look into the millennial period, this study explores the position that the scripture can be interpreted literally. The basis for this is that all scripture is to be interpreted literally unless it is presented clearly as an allegory or parable, as Jesus often used. In the case of Revelation, literal interpretation of a timeline is supported by the fact that John actually saw each of the phases of the end times that he records and they appear to be given in a chronological order. In addition, all other numbers used in Revelation are literal which gives support to the thinking that the 1000 year reign of Christ is literal as well. This leads to the Premillennial view that Christ will return to rule on earth for a thousand years before the final judgment. The major opposing views are Amillennialism and Postmillennialism. Amillennialism views the thousand years described in Revelation 20 as a metaphor that represents the period of time between Christ’s first and second comings, which of course, is already past 2000 years and counting. Also in this view, Christ’s reign is occurring in a spiritual sense, rather than literal. Postmillennialism views Christ’s return coming after a “golden age” where the world is evangelized and peace reigns. It is difficult to look at world affairs today and see a gradual progression to a peaceful world in process. The exact opposite is occurring. If anything, we see moral deterioration occurring at a pace we have not seen before.
1. After the bowl judgments are complete, we see in scripture the destruction of Babylon, which, according to commentators, represents all political and economic leadership who have led the world in evil and sin (Revelation 18:1-3). What does John see next, according to Revelation 19:11- 16? Based on this description, who will this be?
2. Who was with Him, according to 19:14?
3. Who was this army about to face, according to 19:18-19?
4. What happened to the beast and false prophet, according to 19:20?
5. What happened to the army that had gathered to go to war with the King of Kings, according to 19:21?
6. What happened to the dragon, the ancient serpent, who is the devil Satan, according to Revelation 20:1-3?
7. Summarize what happened to all those who gathered for war against Christ and His armies. How much of unsaved mankind will this leave behind on earth at that time?
8. Besides the armies of heaven that accompanied Christ (Revelation 19:14), who will also be with Him for His 1000 year reign and what will they be doing, according to 20:4?
9. Who is John referring to in Revelation 20:5 as “the rest of the dead”?
10. Who is released and comes back to earth at the end of the 1000 year reign, according to Revelation 20:7?
11. What does this earth returnee do then, according to Revelation 20:8?
12. Considering how the 1000 year reign of Christ on earth began (with saints from heaven and earth), why do you think that, at the end of the 1000 year reign, Satan was able to deceive so many on earth and convince them to go to war against God’s people?
13. What happened to Satan and his army according to 20:9-10?
14. Who was judged at the Great White Throne Judgment, according to Revelation 20:11-13?
15. What was the determining factor as to whether or not a person was thrown into the lake of fire for eternity? See Revelation 20:15.
16. What does 1 Corinthians 15:25-26 say about the last enemy of Christ?
Lesson 10
The New Heaven and the New Earth
Part 1
Note: Greek uses different words that are translated as “new”. Revelation 21 uses the Greek word “kainon” or “kainos”. Strong’s Concordance notes the definition of this usage for “new” as in “fresh”, “novel”, or “different”. Other Greek words for “new” are “kairos” and “chronos”, which translate in the sense of time passing.
1. With the above understanding of the word “new” in regard to heaven and earth as meaning novel or different than what we experience today, or even the Garden of Eden, what possibilities does that introduce to the “newness” of the heaven and earth that will last forever?
2. After death was destroyed and those whose names were not found in the Book of Life were cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:14-15), what happened to the existing heaven, earth and sea, according to Revelation 21:1?
3. What did Peter have to say about this in 2 Peter 3:11-13? Isaiah also saw this coming in Isaiah 65:17.
4. As John first sees the new heaven and earth, what is the first thing he notices, according to Revelation 21:2?
5. What is one huge difference noted about this new Jerusalem in Revelation 21:3?
6. What does Jesus say about this new Jerusalem in Revelation 3:12?
7. What will be absent from this new dwelling place, according to Revelation 21:4?
8. What comfort does that give you today?
9. What will be different about us, according to 1 John 3:2?
10. According to 1 John 3:3, what will motivate us to be pure in the meantime?
11. What does your hope in Christ’s return look like, and what difference does it make in your life each day?
Note: The definition of hope is “a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen”. “If you are having trouble desiring heaven, you are having trouble desiring God.” (Author unknown)
Lesson 11
The New Heaven and the New Earth
Part 2
1. As you read John’s description of the new Jerusalem in Revelation 21:9-21, understand that John was trying to describe the amazing sights by using the language that was closest to what he saw. What was the origin of this holy city (verse 10), and what was the key element, from the first phrase in verse 11?
2. Understanding that all of this heavenly city reflects the glory of God, what limitations do you think John had to deal with in describing it, and how does that limit our understanding of what it will be like?
3. From John’s description in Revelation 21:16-17, does this seem literal or figurative? Please explain.
4. Reflecting on the walls and foundations of the city in 21:18-20, how does the beauty of these elements strike you?
5. What were the 12 gates to the city made of, according to Revelation 21:21?
6. Read the following passage from John Phillips’ book, “Exploring Revelation”, and write your thoughts about what he says, as he reflects on the gigantic gates of pearl:
“How appropriate! All other precious gems are metals or stones, but a pearl is a gem formed within the oyster – the only one formed by living flesh. The humble oyster receives an irritation or wound around the offending article that has penetrated and hurt it, the oyster builds a pearl. The pearl, we might say, is the answer of the oyster to that which injured it. And the glory land is God’s answer in Christ to the wicked men who crucified heaven’s beloved and put Him to open shame. How like God it is to make the gates of the New Jerusalem pearls. The saints as they come and go will be forever reminded as they pass the gates of glory that access to God’s home is only because of Calvary. Think of the size of those gates! Think of the supernatural pearls from which they are made! What gigantic suffering is symbolized by those gates of pearl! Throughout the endless ages we shall be reminded by those pearly gates of the immensity of the sufferings of Christ. Those pearls, hung eternally at the access routes to glory, will remind us forever of One who hung upon a tree and whose answer to those who injured Him was to invite them to forever share His home.”
7. According to Revelation 21:22-24, what was not in the city and why?
8. God’s first plan to walk among His people was interrupted by sin in the Garden of Eden. Many years later, as God led Israel out of Egypt to the Promised Land, what instructions did He give to Israel through Moses in Exodus 25:8?
9. Read Exodus 25:10-22. What was to be a central component of the tabernacle and what was its purpose?
10. Whose instructions were they to follow in making the tabernacle, according to Exodus 25:9?
11. Read 1 Kings 8:17-21. What was the place that the Ark of the Covenant was to reside in at this later time, and how did that come about?
12. Read Hebrews 9 and answer the following questions.
a. Who was able to enter the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies) in the tabernacle (which represented God’s presence), how often could he do that and what did the priest have to do in order to purify himself and the Israelites as he entered? (Verse 7)
b. What does Hebrews 9:22 say is necessary for the forgiveness of sins?
c. According to Hebrews 9:9, what did this procedure by the High Priest serve as? (Also see Hebrews 10:1.)
d. Who is now our High Priest and whose blood did He offer? (Verses 9:11-12)
e. According to Hebrews 9:24, where was the true tabernacle that Christ entered and who did He appear before?
f. What did Christ’s sacrifice accomplish? See Hebrews 9:28.
13. According to Revelation 7:15, 11:19, and Hebrews 8:5, where is the true “Temple of God” and “Ark of the Covenant” located and what do these represent?
14. According to 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, what now serves as God’s temple on earth?
15. If you are a believer, describe your thoughts on knowing that you are the holy temple of God? How does that motivate you to live?
16. Returning to Revelation 21, describe your thoughts on what it might be like, and the differences, to dwell with God and the Lamb in a personal, physical way, rather than spiritual as is now the case.
Lesson 12
The New Heaven and the New Earth
Part 3
1. According to Revelation 21:23, why is there no need for the sun or the moon in the New Jerusalem? Also see 22:5.
2. What does Revelation 21:27 tell us about who will not be there and who will be there?
3. How is the water of Revelation 22:1 different than water as we know it now? Also see John 4:14.
4. What will be on either side of the river, according to Revelation 22:2?
5. Where do we first hear of this tree? See Genesis 2:9.
6. According to Revelation 22:3, what will God’s people be doing in the New Jerusalem? How do you think this will be different from the often portrayed scenario of the saints sitting around on clouds playing harps?
Note: The original Greek word used in this verse is “doulos”. According to Strong’s Concordance, which serves as an authority on Greek, there is only one meaning of this word: “slave”. Many modern translations have used “servant” or “bondservant” due to the sensitivity of the practice of slavery in modern history. As we examine our relationship to Christ, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 makes it clear that we “have been bought with a price”. It was a high price indeed. Christ has purchased us with His precious blood and that makes us slaves, meaning we are no longer our own.
7. What privilege will we have according to Revelation 22: 4?
8. How is that different from what happened in Exodus 33:20-23 and John 1:18?
9. According to 1 John 3:2 and Matthew 5:8, what will make the difference?
10. What will we do, according to Revelation 22:5b and 3:21?
11. Summarize the content of Revelation 22:6-7.
12. What is the expected timeframe, repeated in both verses 6-7, and also in Revelation 22:10 and 22:12?
13. In Revelation 22:8-9, what was John’s reaction to what he heard and saw, and what do we learn about that from the angel?
14. What does the angel reveal about his status compared to that of John, the prophets, and all those who obey God? How do you think that should affect our thinking about the significance of angels or people venerated as ‘saints’ by some?
15. From what we have studied, what do you look forward to most about the New Heaven and New Earth?
16. What does Isaiah 65:17 tell us about our remembrance of the old heavens and earth?
Lesson 13
Living as We Wait
After Jesus was baptized and lead by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness, He rebuked Satan by quoting from Deuteronomy 8:3, indicating that what He needed more than the bread Satan was tempting Him with, was to live according to “every word that comes from the mouth of God.” This gives us direction for how we should live our lives at all times. In this week’s study, we will focus on some of the words God has given us as guides for living.
1. Describe what this means to you, to “live by every word that comes from the mouth of God”. What will help us better fulfill our desire to live this way?
2. From Jesus’ words in Matthew 24, we know that His return will be unexpected and sudden. What instruction does He give in Matthew 24:42-44 and Matthew 25:13?
3. What are some of the practical ways we can do as Jesus instructs in the above verses?
4. What does Peter tell us to do in 2 Peter 3:14-18?
5. What does John add in 1 John 2:28?
6. Read Jesus’ model prayer in Matthew 6:9-13. What does verse 10 tell us to pray for?
7. Read Hebrews 10:23-25. These verses highlight four actions that will keep us focused as we wait for Christ’s return. What are we to do according to these verses?
8. What do you see as the role we are to play in the world, according to 2 Corinthians 5:18-21?
9. What does Jesus tell us to do in Acts 1:7-8?
10. Isaiah 43:7 reminds us of why God created us, and Matthew 5:16 gives insight into how that happens. How do these two verses motivate you?
11. Please describe how this study has impacted you. How will you plead as John did in Revelation 22:20, “Come, Lord Jesus!”?