We believe ALL generations matter to God.
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We believe the return of Jesus Christ is .
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What is it we need to do to be ready for the return of Jesus and to help others be ready?
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Jesus tells us to do three things: (1) Be aware of the signs, (2) Be spiritually awake, and (3) Be ready (actively waiting).
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Lesson #1: Jesus tells us to be of the signs.
Supporting Scripture: Matthew 24:1-3 (ESV)
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First, they asked: “When will these things be?”
Then, they asked: “What will be the sign of your coming and the close of the age?”
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The signs He mentions are: (1) false rumors of His return (vs 5), (2) wars and rumors of wars (vs 6), (3) nation vs nation and kingdom vs kingdom (vs 7), (4) famines and earthquakes (vs 7), (5) tribulation and persecution of believers (vs 9), (6) the gospel spread to all the earth (vs 8), and (7) abomination in the Holy Place (vs 15)
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Our task is to be aware of the Biblical signs of Jesus’ return and look at what is happening in the world today to see how current events are lining up with Biblical signs.
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You need to be praying attention to what is currently happening in Israel.
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Lesson #2: Jesus tells us to be awake.
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Supporting Scripture: Matthew 24:36-43 (ESV)
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We cannot allow our worldly responsibilities to take our focus off of Jesus.
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Supporting Scripture: John 15:4-7 (ESV)
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Lesson #3: Jesus tells us to be ready (or actively waiting).
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Supporting Scripture: Matthew 24:44 (ESV)
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What do you need to do to be READY… READY… not just sorta ready?
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Reflecting on Matthew 24:29-44, which discusses the return of Christ and the need for readiness, can prompt deep personal and group discussions. Here are some small group reflection questions that can help you explore the passage:
- Understanding Readiness: What does Jesus mean by being “ready” in this passage? How does this concept apply to your personal life and spiritual journey?
- Signs and Events: How do you interpret the signs described in verses 29-31? What do they signify about the nature of Christ’s return and the end times?
- Comparison to Noah’s Time: In verse 37, Jesus compares His return to the days of Noah. How does this comparison help us understand the importance of being prepared and vigilant?
- Daily Living: What are some practical ways you can live in a state of readiness and vigilance in your daily life? How can you maintain this focus amidst the distractions and responsibilities of everyday life?
- Impact of Unpreparedness: Verse 40-41 talks about two men in the field and two women grinding at the mill, with one being taken and the other left. What does this imagery teach us about the consequences of being unprepared?
- Personal Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt unprepared for a significant event or change. How did that experience shape your understanding of readiness in your faith?
- Community and Support: How can The River Community Church support each other in staying spiritually prepared? What role can accountability and encouragement play in this process?
- Hope and Assurance: How can the promise of Christ’s return be a source of hope and assurance for you? How does this future promise impact the way you live today?
These questions should help stimulate thoughtful discussion and encourage personal reflection on the passage’s themes of readiness and vigilance.