Carefully Think
- Read Matt 24:1-31, focusing on 16-28
- Review last week's sermon to remember a biblical context of "let the reader understand" in verses 15. What is Christ saying about the abomination of desolation?
- What is the difference between the tribulation of v. 4-14 and the tribulation of v. 15-28?
- How does v. 21 lead us to believe these are future events?
- What does the phrase “in Judea” suggest about the events described in the section?
Notice the supernatural aspect of the false christs described in v. 23-24. Does this sound like the false teachers of today? - What do v. 27-28 tell us about Christ’s return? How does this mention of his return fit into the preceding and following contexts?
- What does v. 28 mean? How does the parallel imagery in v. 27 relate to, and help explain v. 28?
Prayerfully Meditate
- How have you been living in light of the return of Christ? How should his return impact your life?
- When do you see his return happening and how has that changed? Does that change how you live now in regards to obedience to him and killing sin?
- How has his coming motivated you to holiness and disciple making? How should his coming motivate us to these things?
- How should we be guarding against false christ’s and prophets? How will our current study of Matt 24 and 25 help accomplish this?
Intentionally Act
- Pray that the Lord would humble our hearts to see the importance of studying Christ’s return.
- Pray that our church would long for the return of Christ.
- Pray that we would have attentive hearts and minds to understand and apply what we are taught.
- Pray that amidst differing views on eschatology our church would remain united, having the gospel be central to our fellowship.
- Pray for those who will be leading our gathering this week: Dawson Bryant, music; Brandon Ferguson, Elders' prayer and Scripture reading; Bret Capranica, teaching.
- Spend some time preparing for worship in the music below, but more importantly the lyrics; that are minds would already be focused on him and not distractions brought into service or during service.
Songs for Sunday
- Your Great Name We Praise
- Psalm 62
- Have Mercy on Me
- The Power of the Cross
- Jesus Draw Me Ever Nearer