Jesus’ Return
Looking Forward – Part 1
November 26-27, 2022
- I Look Forward to Jesus’ Return.
Series Key Verse: “For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.” Hebrews 13:14 (p.929)
Acts 1:7-11
“He replied, ‘The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know.’” Acts 1:7 (p.830)
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 (p.830)
“Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!” Acts 1:11b (p.830)
- Trust God while I wait.
- Use my gifts to serve others.
“Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name. And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.” Hebrews 13:15-16 (p.929)
- Act today.
”He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” Revelation 21:4 (p.961)
My Next Step This Week:
I will be ready for Jesus’ return by doing one of these three actions:
___ I will trust God while I wait.
___ I will use my gifts to serve others.
___ I will act today to become a follower of Jesus.
Discussion/Groups Guide: Looking Forward – Part 1: Jesus’ Return
Life Groups use this guide in their discussion and study of the Weekend Talk. Use this also as a discussion guide with your family and friends.
Conversation Starters
- What are some things we look forward to with great anticipation?
- Do you remember when you were a kid, looking forward to Christmas with excitement and anticipation on whether or not you would get that one present you really wanted? Is there a particular one that stands out in your memory?
- Have you ever stood in a long line to get into an event or see a famous person? Was it worth the wait?
Quick Review
Looking back at your Weekend Talk Notes, was there anything you heard in the service that stood out to you, challenged you, or maybe even confused you?
Discussion Starters from the Weekend Talk
Refer to the Talk Notes and Bible verses from the Talk Notes.
Our One Thing: I Look Forward to Jesus’ Return.
Series Memory Verse: Hebrews 13:14 (p.929)
- What are some reasons for looking forward to Jesus’ return?
One Voice Bible Story Background: Acts 1:7-11 (p.830). Jesus’ ascension and the promise of His return.
- Read Acts 1:7-11 (p.830).
- Look at Acts 1:6-7. What does Jesus say about the timing questions that the disciples ask?
- What did He say His Followers would be doing?
- Jesus talks about the areas of Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the Earth. He is talking about sharing our faith wherever we are. Your neighborhood, your job, your community, beyond your city, and even to the ends of the Earth.
- How does it make you feel knowing we should share with those around us where we’re at?
- Application: A person’s final words are typically very important. Jesus’ final words before His ascension are no exception. What can we learn and how can we be ready for action as His Followers? As I look forward to Jesus’ Return, I will be ready for it as I…
- Trust God while I wait. Read Philippians 3:20 (p.901)
- What if you don’t look forward to Jesus’ return? Your life here on earth is pretty good, and heaven is just a big question mark. What then?
- Christians have been called to stay alert for more than 2000 years. Is it harder for us now than it was for the original Christ-followers? Why or why not?
- Use my gifts to serve others. Read also Hebrews 13:15-16 (p.929)
- Does the promise of Jesus’ return give you more or less motivation to serve now? How so?
- How can we serve faithfully? Why not just build an altar and wait for Jesus to return?
- Act today. Read Revelation 21:4 (p.961)
- How is Heaven described here? What does this verse make you feel about Jesus’ return?
- What are some aspects of Heaven that you look forward to one day?
Digging Deeper
There is much written in the Bible about Jesus’ return. But we do not know when it will be. Paul wrote what is considered his first letter (I Thessalonians) to the church in Thessalonica. He wrote it just after he had visited there. In each of the five chapters of 1 Thessalonians, he reminds the young church that Jesus will return.
See 1 Thessalonians 1:10 (p.905); 2:19 (p.906); 3:13 (p.906); 4:15 (p.906); 5:23 (p.907)
Why do you think Paul kept emphasizing Jesus’ return in this letter? Take a closer look at these verses and think about what makes them different from each other and what makes them the same.
My Next Step This Week:
____ I will be ready for Jesus’ return by doing one of these three actions:
___ I will trust God while I wait.
___ I will use my gifts to serve others.
___ I will act today to become a follower of Jesus.
This Week’s Life Transformation Bible Daily Reading: Jesus’ Return (p.A104-105)