Introduction:

This is our first meeting for the Spring Semester of the Men’s “Called” Growth Group. Friendly reminder that anyone is welcome to join, and you do not have to have attended a previous meeting to join this week.

We meet at 7:00 pm and will continue meeting through the end of May 2024 (05/29/2024).

This semester, Called Men’s Group is conducting a Bible study of the Book of Revelation.

A friend sent me a message that said: “God did not give us the book of Revelation, so we’d build bomb shelters in the back yard. He gave us the book so that we’d build bigger dinner tables and invite our friends over and tell them about Jesus.” - we too will take this same approach. Studying the book of Revelation is not about figuring out when the second coming of Christ will be. Jesus instructed us to always be ready and standing by. Only the Father knows the day and hour. The book of Revelation is a warning to believers who were tempted to compromise their faith, as well as a comfort to those who are experiencing great trials. Revelation reminds us that victory over the powers of evil has already been won at the cross. It is not a checklist of world events that must take place before Jesus can return.

Revelation is intended to give believers confidence in the salvation of our God. It gives us incredible encouragement to live courageous and confident lives no matter what we face in the present or what we may encounter in the future.

Revelation can be divided into six sections:

1. Introduction (1:1-8)

2. Vision of Jesus (1:9-20)

3. Message to the Seven Churches (2:1-3:22)

4. Visions of the seven-sealed scroll, the seven trumpets, and the seven bowls (4:1-19:10)

5. Vision of the return of Christ and the fulfillment of this age (19:11-20:15)

6. Vision of the new heaven, the new earth, and the new Jerusalem (21:1-22:21)

Revelation begins with three introductions: (1) the visionary nature of the book. (2) a blessing from the father, the Holy Spirt, and Jesus Christ, and (3) the account of John’s visionary experience on the island of Patmos. John also gives readers an awe-inspiring description of Jesus Christ, our risen and living Lord.

This Week’s Prayer: Oh, gracious Heavenly Father, thank you for allowing us to come together tonight to study your word. Dear Lord, help us to rest in your assurance that no matter how difficult this life becomes, you will always prevail. Thank you Lord, for giving us hope and assurance amid every circumstance. Help us to remain passionately faithful to you. -Amen

Scripture: Read - Revelation Chapters 1:1 – 2:29

Observation, Application & Questions: (Identify/Discuss Among the Group)

  • The introduction of Revelation describes the book as apocalyptic literature. What does than mean, and why would this type of book be difficult for people to understand?

  • The word apocalyptic means “unveiling, disclosure, or revelation.” What is being unveiled, and why is it important that God is the one who takes the initiative in doing this?

  •  In Revelation 1:12 and 1:13, what do the seven lampstands represent? - The seven churches, Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea. The seven churches were located on a major Roman road. Letter carriers would leave the island of Patmos (where John was exiled) arriving first at Ephesus, then travel north to Smyrna and Pergamum. Then turn southeast to Thyatira, and continue on to Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.

  • Scripture says “I Am the alpha and the Omega” - what does this mean?

    • The first and the last letter in the Greek alphabet. – The Lord is the beginning and the end. God the Father is the eternal Lord and Ruler of the past, present and future. We should honor the one who is the beginning and end of all existence, wisdom and power. Agree/Disagree?

  • This book brings a message of warning and hope to those undergoing persecution, being stretched in their faith, or wondering if the battle against the evil in this world really will be won.

    • Revelation warns those who would take God for granted and neglect their faith. Agree/Disagree.

  • How does God warn people? (Today in present time.)

  • What is God warning Christians about? (Today, present time.)

  • Imagine we learned that God was going to stop warning us about evil and start executing judgment.

    • What would you do? Or

    • What would you start doing differently?

  • Has God ever given you a warning? How has that affected the direction of your life?

  • Suppose you were to introduce Jesus Christ to a group.

    • What would you say about him?

    • What would you include in your description of Him?

  • What are some names you can think of that the Bible gives to Jesus Christ?

    • What does each name reveal about Jesus?

  • How does Jesus make His presence known/felt in your life? Share with the group.

  • Which of Jesus’ titles mentioned is most meaningful to you?

    • Which do you most need to keep in mind?

  • How do we genuinely celebrate Christ’s majesty and sacrificial love? How do we go about worshiping Him?

  • What changes should we make to better praise and worship Jesus?

  • This world is forever tempting Christians to compromise their faith, compromise their boundaries with people, places and things that seek to lure them away from being Obedient to God’s will.

    • Agree/Disagree?

    • Think about some of the people, places and things in our lives that interfere with our relationship with Jesus. What are these things that pull us away from our faith? Share with the group and discuss.

    • What are some ways we can overcome those obstacles?

  • Is there anything that stands out/jumped out to you? Share with the group and discuss.

  • Is there anything that left you with more questions? What were they? Share with group, discuss and research.

  • Biggest takeaway?

Prepare for next week’s meeting. Read: Revelation 3:1 – 5:14

Is there anything that stands out when reading these verses? Be ready to discuss at the next meeting.

References/Acknowledgements:

Elements of today’s Bible study were copied from:

1. NLT Courage for Life Men’s Bible, New Living Translation (NLT); copyright 2023 Tyndale House Ministries Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation https://www.tyndale.com/sites/courageforlifebible/

2. NLT, Life Application Bible Studies, Revelation; copyright 1998, 2009, Tyndale House Publishers Inc, Carol Stream, Illinois.

Schedule:

Meeting No., Date Chapters (Total Verses)

_X_ 001, 04/03 Ch. 1 & 2. (49 Verses)

___ 002, 04/10 Ch. 3, 4 & 5. (48 Verses)

___ 003, 04/17 Ch. 6, 7, & 8. (47 Verses)

___ 004, 02/24 Ch. 9, & 10. (31 Verses)

___ 005, 05/01 Ch. 11, 12, & 13. (47 Verses)

___ 006, 05/08 Ch. 14, 15, & 16. (49 Verses)

___ 007, 05/15 Ch. 17, & 18. (42 Verses)

___ 008, 05/22 Ch. 19, & 20. (40 Verses)

___ 009, 05/29 Ch. 21, & 22. (48 Verses)

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