End Times – Part 1
Introduction
As Christians we often focus on Jesus’ first coming – His life, death, and resurrection – but we frequently under-communicate the reality of His second coming. Pastor Dale reminded us that the Bible speaks of Jesus’ return hundreds of times. Too often, we get caught up in debates about when He will return, yet Jesus clearly told us that no one knows the day or the hour. He emphasised not the timing of His return but our preparedness for it. In Matthew 24-25, Jesus told four stories that contrast those who are ready with those who are unprepared. The question He asked remains relevant today: Are we ready for the Lord’s return?
Discuss
Leaders: Choose questions that spark meaningful conversation and discern where God is leading—no need to answer them all.
Living Ready — The Faithful Servant
- Read Matthew 24:45–51. Have you ever had someone turn up at your home or place of work ahead of schedule? What was that experience like?
- Jesus described the faithful servant as one found doing his master’s will when the master returns. What does ‘living ready’ look like for you in daily life?
- What are the biggest distractions that keep you from being spiritually alert and ready for Christ’s return?
Living Redeemed — The Ten Virgins
- Read Matthew 25:1–13. Have you ever had batteries of a torch go flat, leaving you in the dark?
- Oil in the parable symbolises the Holy Spirit and readiness of heart. How do you ‘keep your lamp filled’ and your relationship with God alive and your heart ready to receive Jesus when He returns?
Living Faithfully — The Talents
- Read Matthew 25:14–30. God has entrusted each of us with gifts, influence, and opportunities. How are you using what God has placed in your hands for His kingdom?
- The faithful servants turned what they had into something fruitful. What might ‘faithful fruitfulness’ look like in your relationships, work, or volunteering?
Living Proactively — The Sheep and the Goats
- Read Matthew 25:31–46. Jesus said, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for me.” How does this shape your view of compassion and service toward others?
- Both groups of people asked Jesus, “Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?” Reflecting on these things, how have you explicitly put these into practice?
Who’s Your Person of Peace?
Who is a person of peace in your life who needs to hear God’s call of reconciliation? Ask God to help you be spiritually available and genuinely loving as you share His message of hope with them this week.
Respond
Are you ready for the Lord’s return? What does it mean for you to live ready? If you knew Jesus was coming back soon, what would change in your life? Who would you tell about Him with new urgency? What difference would it make in your relationships, your habits, or your priorities?
Pastor Dale reminded us, “If you’re going to make changes based on the imminence of His return, make the changes now.” Live each day in such a way that if Jesus came today, He would find you ready!
End Times – Part 2
Introduction
The topic of end times often stirs fear or confusion, but as Pastor Heather reminded us, it was never meant to. God gives us glimpses of what’s to come not to frighten us but to encourage, prepare, and call us to stand firm in faith. The book of Revelation reveals Jesus’ ultimate victory and our hope in Him.
Rather than getting lost in debates or timelines, we are called to focus on what truly matters: living ready, standing firm, and most importantly, on Jesus Himself! As believers, our hope is secure. Jesus is coming back. The question is, are we standing firm, walking in truth, and living pure and purposeful lives as we wait for His return?
Discuss
Leaders: Choose questions that spark meaningful conversation and discern where God is leading—no need to answer them all.
- Read Revelation 1:3. Why do you think God wants us to understand what’s coming in the future? How does this reveal His heart and purpose for us today?
- Read Matthew 24:36. Pastor Heather talked about “pencil, pen, and permanent marker” issues. What are some “permanent marker” truths we can hold onto about Jesus’ return? How can keeping this mindset help us stay humble about things we don’t fully understand?
- Pencil issues: things we can write down, being willing to erase or edit as we learn more. These are open-handed topics.
- Pen issues: things we believe are true, allowing for grace-filled differences (e.g. style of worship).
- Permanent marker issues: non-negotiable truths of the Christian faith that never change.
- Read 1 Thessalonians 4:16–18. How does knowing that Jesus will return encourage/comfort/motivate you personally? In what ways can this hope help you persevere through grief, hardship, or spiritual weariness?
- Read Matthew 24:12–13. What pressures or distractions today make it hard to “stand firm”?
- What might it look like to “stand with purpose” instead of just standing still?
- Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” In a world filled with competing voices, opinions, and shifting cultural norms, how can we reliably discern God’s truth? What practical strategies or daily habits help you anchor your beliefs in Scripture rather than being swayed by popular opinion or societal pressures?
- Read 1 John 3:2–3. Why do you think the hope of Christ’s return is connected to living a pure life? In what area in your life might God be calling you to greater holiness or obedience?
Who’s Your Person of Peace?
Read Ephesians 6:15. The world is full of ‘open doors.’ Who might God be placing on your heart to share Jesus with? How can your group encourage one another to step through those doors?
Respond
How can we stay focused on Jesus daily instead of getting distracted by fear, busyness, or speculation? What habits help you stay close to Him and ready for His return?
End Times – Part 3
Introduction
Jesus points His listeners back to Daniel when He speaks of “the abomination that causes desolation” (Matthew 24:15–16). Daniel’s visions unpack a long view of history in which unseen spiritual realities and visible events intersect. Daniel 12 highlights four distinct ‘times’: heavenly warfare, anguish/tribulation, rescue, and the time of the end. We are invited to live by faith in the One who holds every moment.
Discuss
Leaders: Choose questions that spark meaningful conversation and discern where God is leading—no need to answer them all.
- When you think about the future, do you tend to feel curious, hopeful, or anxious? Why do you think people are so fascinated (or for some, fearful) about ‘the end times’?
- Read Daniel 12:1. Daniel describes a time of heavenly warfare involving Michael the archangel. How does knowing there is spiritual warfare behind world events change the way you pray, respond to news, or live with confidence? Refer also to Ephesians 6:12.
- Read Daniel 12:1 & 5–7. Scripture calls this a time of anguish or tribulation. Why do you think God allows seasons of hardship or judgment? How might judgment be understood as a call to repentance rather than only punishment? Refer also to Deuteronomy 8:2.
- Read Daniel 12:1–2. This passage also promises a time of rescue for those written in the Book of Life. How does this assurance shape the way you live today — your priorities, your relationships, or how urgently you share your faith with others? Refer also to 1 Corinthians 10:13 — while this is often understood in reference to temptation, the principle remains the same.
- Read Daniel 12:4. Daniel is told that at the time of the end, knowledge will increase and people will rush to and fro. In our information-saturated world, how can we stay rooted in God’s wisdom rather than being overwhelmed by noise and speed? See also 1 Corinthians 1:18–25 on the wisdom of God surpassing the wisdom of men.
- Read 2 Timothy 1:7. Bringing all four ‘times’ together (spiritual warfare, anguish, rescue, and the end), how do these truths help you live with boldness and authority instead of fear about the future?
Who’s Your Person of Peace?
Is there someone in your world who feels fearful or anxious about what’s happening in the world? How might you share hope with them through peace and trust in the God who holds all time?
Respond
Pastor Heather outlined three points for us to remember:
- His grace gives time. God’s patience creates space for people to turn to Him
- He knows every detail. Scripture has revealed part of the story; God holds the whole.
- He is sovereign. In the end Christ wins and every knee will bow.
Choose one concrete way to live out trust this week. Maybe a focused time of intercession for global events, a courageous conversation to share hope with someone anxious, or a deliberate Sabbath-rest from 24/7 news. Which will you do?
End Times – Part 4
Introduction
Matthew’s Gospel uses the phrase “the Kingdom of Heaven” 32 times. Twelve of these references appear in Jesus’ parables, where He explains what the Kingdom is like. Each parable points to the reality that heaven is our true home and that our time on earth is brief. Eternity with Christ is our hope, and these parables reveal both His reward and His warning.
This study focuses on the Parable of the Talents—the final parable in Matthew where Jesus teaches about the Kingdom of Heaven.
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Read: Matthew 25:14–30 |
Discuss
Leaders: Choose questions that spark meaningful conversation and discern where God is leading—no need to answer them all.
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In this parable, the Son of God is represented by the master, and the servants represent humanity. What does the story show us about: • those who received the talents? • the character of the master? • the timing of the master’s return? How does this shape our understanding of our relationship with Jesus and our time on earth? (See Philippians 3:20a.)
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When the master returned, each servant had to give an account ( Hebrews 9:27; Romans 14:12). Discuss the different explanations the servants gave and how the master responded to each one. Why does Jesus include this warning in the parable—what is His message for the world? What is His message for those who are in Christ? (Romans 8:1–2)
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Fear often comes from the unknown or the uncomfortable. It also stands in contrast to trust and faith. Why did the third servant view the master as a “hard man”? Does anyone relate to seeing Jesus this way? What are the areas where we still find it difficult to trust Jesus?
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Ps Sam used the concept of a roundabout with several off-ramps to describe our missed opportunities to trust God. Share a moment where you eventually said “Yes” to God. Which areas in your life or circumstances right now are you yet to say “Yes” (e.g., forgiveness, grace, mercy, generosity, finding a person of peace)?
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For those who feel they have “buried” what God entrusted to them, what are practical ways to “dig it up” again and begin using it as God intended?
Who’s Your Person of Peace? Some people in our lives may have “buried their talent” and do not realise how close they are to their moment of accountability. We can invest what God has given us by helping them rediscover what God placed within them. Who is your person of peace this week?
Respond
Followers of Christ do not need to fear Him or His judgement. Faithful servants will be able to give a joyful account and receive His reward. Our time on earth is short, and Christ has already provided what we need to live according to His Word. Let us find our security in His promises and be intentional in following Him.