Weekly Discussion Guide

Pastor Matt reminded us that while there is a lot of mystical and even seemingly-weird images in the Book of Revelation, the primary focus of the letter is the promise that one day Jesus will free our world from corruption and bring about the new way of life he has in store.

MY STORY
What are some personal beliefs that are “non-negotiables” for you?

How are your relationships impacted with those who practice some flexibility with your non-negotiables?

WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO HEAR?
Then I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals. And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it, and I began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. And one of the elders said to me, “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.” (Revelation 5:1-5)

Why was John upset that there was no one (initially) worthy enough to open the scroll and look into it?

What would happen if these seals remained unbroken for all of eternity?

Who was worthy to open the seals? What two designations were given to him? What had he accomplished to make him worthy?

Why do you think these two titles were used here? What’s the significance of their meaning, especially in this context?

What does God want us to hear? Based on the passage and the questions above, what “takeaways” do you think God has revealed to you?

WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO DO?
Pastor Matt said, in regard to the four horsemen, “Yes, this is a warning - have your house in order, share the gospel with your friends and family, live not with fear, but with a mentality that one day God will deal harshly with the sin of this world.”

Why is this event something that Christians need not fear? In what sense, will it be a relief to them?

Pastor Matt said, “God’s kingdom will be revealed when the nations see the church imitating the loving sacrifice of the Lamb not killing their enemies but dying for them.”

What does Jesus have the capacity to do in regard to ridding the world of evil—right now? Who would survive such a decision?

Why are we, ultimately, the beneficiaries of God’s mercy in this regard?

Pastor Matt talked about the Rapture and the Tribulation—and the many different views of the nature of these two apocalyptic events.

Regardless of one’s view, the rapture is sudden, unexpected, and impossible to predict. How should this impact our day-to-day decision making? What are some unhealthy responses to the imminence of this event?

Regardless of one’s view, the Tribulation is a terrifying period of time in human history.

In what sense are parts of the world currently experiencing a time of tribulation? How does the anguish of those experiencing these hardships help us understand the final Tribulation?

What does God want us to do? Flowing out of our reading and interpretation, what action does this passage or the Spirit’s leading, call us to?

WHAT DOES GOD WANT ME TO DO?
While Pastor Matt did identify his view on the Millennium, he said that he held to that view loosely.

Why does he have the freedom to do that in regard to “last days” beliefs?

What are some non-negotiable doctrinal issues that he cannot “hold loosely” (and still be our Senior Pastor)?

If you’re confident of your eschatology, how much freedom do you have to consider other views—and perhaps hear challenges to your own?

In the end, how can we listen to those who disagree with us, and later enjoy a potluck with them?

What decisions do you have to make ahead of time to successfully make this happen?

Make those decisions this week.

What does God want ME to do? What is the personal application and action step God is calling you, personally, toward?