Does suffering lead to joy? (John 2)

What are you looking forward to in the coming week?

Read John 2:1-11. Have a few people talk about their favorite verse in this story.

This event happened on "the third day".  What else happened on a third day? How might this event be a symbol of Jesus future resurrection?

In ancient cultures, wine often represented joy. As a group, create a list of ten reasons you have joy today.

Read Romans 15:13. How does our faith in God provide us with hope, peace and joy?

What events in life can cause our joy to run out? How have you experienced suffering which threatened to steal your joy.

Re-read John 2:3-10. As you read, substitute the word "joy" for "wine" and substitute the word "suffering" for "water". How does this help you think about the connection between suffering and joy?

If this story is also a symbol of the future, how does the resurrection create the "best joy"?

Because we currently live in a broken world, our joy is sometimes tainted with sorrow. When we experience resurrection, though, our joy will be made complete.

Read Revelation 21:1-7. When the final resurrection is complete, what are you most looking forward to?

How does your confidence in the future enable you to have joy in present?

What will you do this week to encourage one another and to fill one another with joy?

Jesus did the work we couldn't do (Hebrews 4)

What is the hardest work you have ever done? What is the greatest rest you have every experienced?

Read Hebrews 4:10. Rewrite the verse in your own words.

When did God rest? What was the work He was resting from? If He wasn't tired, why do you think he rested? (If you can't come up with the perfect answer, that's okay. This is a question that many people view differently.)

What do you think it means to enter into God's rest?

From what works does God's rest provide relief?

Read Revelation 14:13. While this verse may not be an exact parallel, it is connected to Hebrews 4:10. What does this verse teach about entering God's rest?

How much good does someone have to do in order to please God? How much bad does someone have to do in order to disappoint God?

Read Isaiah 64:6. How do our good works appear to God? Why do you think this is true?

Make a short list of some of the "good works" people do which they think will earn favor with God.

Is it possible for anyone to do enough good that they could earn their way to heaven? Why or why not?

What did Jesus do to make it possible for us to rest from our works of righteousness?

In heaven, we'll have full and complete rest from trying to work for righteousness. How can we enjoy God's rest right now?

Hint: God's rest doesn't mean we sit back and do nothing; it does mean that we can find joy instead of obligation in everything we do!

In what activities do you want to find joy this week? How will accomplish that goal?

The End of Days (Daniel 12)

Do you think the Mayans were right about 2012? Why or why not? Do you think anything will happen by the end of this year?

How do you feel when you think about the end times (excited, nervous, terrified, apathatic...)?

Read Daniel 12:1-13.

The first phrase of this chapter is "At that time". At what time is it speaking about? (you may have to go back to chapter 11)

How many mentions of end times are in Daniel 12?

Go through the chapter and make a note of every question that is asked. How are these questions similar to questions we ask God today? How are they different?

Read Revelation 20:11-15. Do you think the books mentioned in Revelation are the same as the book mentioned in Daniel 12:1?

How does someone get their name into these books?

Daniel 12:2 talks about "everlasting life" and "everlasting contempt". Do you think this word really means eternity? Why or why not?

Is it unfair for God to punish people for eternity, even though they only sinned for 100 years or less? Why or why not?

Is it unfair for God to reward people with eternal life even though they spent most of their time on earth sinning? Why or why not?

Daniel 12:3 talks about leading people to righteousness. How can we be wise and lead people to righteousness?

What people in your circles of influence need to be led to righteousness? How are you working to accomplish that?

Why do you think God didn't answer all Daniel's questions? Why do you think he told Daniel to rest? What can we learn from this?

From what tension in your life do you simply need to rest?

Behind the Scenes Spiritual Warfare (Daniel 10)

What kinds of "battles" to people face in their every day lives? What kinds of battles have you fought this week?

Read Daniel 10:1-21. Which parts of this passage are inspiring? Which parts are confusing? Which verses do you think are most important?

Who do you think is the man Daniel saw in verse 5? What is most striking about the description of him?

What truth about prayer can we learn from verses 11-13?

Where do you think spiritual battle happens? What impact does this spiritual battle have on us? Who is going to win the spiritual battle? (Read Revelation 12 and discuss how it applies to this discussion)

Read Ephesians 6:10-12. What does this passage have in common with Daniel 10?

How does Paul suggest we prepare ourselves for struggles against "spiritual enemies?" What do you do you think it means to put on God's armor?

Of all the "spiritual beings" discussed in this chapter, who do you think is most powerful? Why? How do you think this makes a difference in your life?

What is a hopeless situation you have experienced or are experiencing? How do you think Satan might use that situation to discourage you? What things or people has God put into your life to help you through the situation (this might require some thought)?

How would you live differently if, in every situation, you reminded yourself that "God is in control!"

5 Simple Questions About Hope

How would you define the word hope?

How does a Christian's understanding of the future give them hope in the present?

Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. Which parts of this passage inspire hope?

Read Revelation 21:1-7. Which parts of this passage inspire hope?

How do you need hope in your life today?

God's Extreme Earth Makeover (Revelation 21)

If you could give one room in your house a "makeover" which room would you choose? What would you do?

If you could give one part of your life a "makeover" what would you choose? What would you do?

Read Revelation 21:1. Why do you think God needs to give the world a "makeover"? What things most need to change?

What are some ways you have observed sin and the presence of sin impacting your life and the lives of people around you?

Read Revelation 21:2-4. Which part of the new heaven and new earth is most appealing to you? Why?

What advantage is there to living in the presence of God? Can you think of any experiences that might help to illustrate what this will be like?

Read Revelation 21:5. What has Jesus done to "make all things new?" How did His work on the cross make things new? What else has He done?

What part of your life has already been made new because of your relationship with Jesus? What part of your life do you think He wants you to work on next?

Read Revelation 21:7. What do you think it means to be "victorious?" Who or what is being defeated? How have you experienced victory in your spiritual life? How have you experienced defeat?

How can this "TEAM" work together to ensure each person experiences victory? What can you contribute to your teammates? What do you need from them?

How will you make yourself over this week?

Getting on the Right Side of the Final Judgment (Revelation 20)

This is a difficult chapter to work through, so we're going to begin by just talking about the actual content of the chapter.

Have everyone in the group look over the chapter and point out everything the chapter says about the following:

• Satan (the devil)
• the 1000 years
• Jesus Christ
• Judgment
• the Lake of Fire

What portions of this chapter stand out? Which portions are exciting? Which are depressing? Why?

Why do you think there are still people on earth willing to follow Satan, even after 1000 years of Christ's reign? What does this tell you about the hearts of men?

If you could summarize this chapter in one sentence, what would it be? (have several people answer this)

How is it encouraging to know that Satan will ultimately be judged for his deceitful work? What does this reminder inspire you to do?

What feelings do you have about the judgement at the end of the chapter? Do you know people who will be on the wrong side of that judgment?

What does someone need to do to get their name in the Book of Life? How can you help those around you to do this? (as a group discuss the different things we can do and say to lovingly provide the truth to these people)

For whom should the group pray this week?

Waiting for Deliverance (Revelation 12)

What is your favorite part of Christmas? What is your favorite part of the Christmas story? Why?

Why do you think many people have a sense of longing as they approach Christmas? For what are they waiting?

What is something you are waiting for in your life?

Read Revelation 12:1-9.

Remember that Revelation is a book that is full of imagery. No chapter has more symbolism than Revelation 12. Whenever we read this kind of writing, we must be careful not to read more into the symbols than the author intended. This isn't easy, so we should do it humbly and with the understanding that we might not get it exactly right. Therefore, our interpretation of chapters like these should lead us to be more like Christ, but should not lead us to fight with our brothers!

The two key characters in Revelation 12 are the woman and the dragon. Verse 9 tells us who the dragon is.

Discuss why each of the following might be represented by the woman.

• Eve
• Israel
• Mary
• the Church

When a woman is pregnant, she anticipates giving birth for nine months. The nation of Israel anticipated the coming of the Messiah for thousands of years. Now we are anticipating the second coming of Christ. Why are you most excited for the second coming of Christ?

Rather than think about the timing of the war in heaven (verses 7-9), consider the meaning of the outcome. Verses 10-12 are a song or poem celebrating the defeat of Satan.

How should your life be different knowing that Satan has already been defeated by Christ? How does this knowledge impact your understanding of temptation?

Do you ever feel like you are waiting to be delivered from a particular sin or temptation? What advice does the group have for those who find themselves waiting this way?

How will you pray for and support one another this week?

The Throne Room of God (Revelation 4)

What is the most amazing sight in nature you've ever observed? What made it so amazing?

Have you ever been so awe-struck by something that you couldn't find the words to describe it? How would you describe it now?

In Revelation 4, John is given a "sneak peek" at the throne room of God. He struggles to find the words to adequately describe it. Read Revelation 4:1-7 to get a description of John's vision.

What part of this vision jumps out at you?

What questions do you have about this vision?

What do you think is the most important part of this vision?

Look through these verses and count how many times the throne or the person on the throne is mentioned. Even though there is a lot going on in this scene, God is still at the center of it, and He is still the most important thing.

What are some specific things people can do to keep God at the center of their lives even when it seems like a lot of things are going on around them?

In the second half of the chapter, The creatures and the elders sing two songs. The first song is "about God" and the second song is "to God." What can you learn from these songs?

These songs say that God is "Almighty" and that He has "always been" and "always will be." How are these words comforting when you think about your past, present, and future? How are these words challenging?

What do you think it mean that God is "worthy to receive glory, honor, and power?"

In your life, how do you give God glory, honor and power?

What can you do this week to keep God at the center of your life? What specific challenges do you already know you are going to face? How can this group pray for you?

The End of the World (Revelation 21)

How do you think the world will end?  

Do you worry about the end of the world?  Why or why not?

What things have you observed that you believe are signs the end is near?

Read Revelation 21:1-8.

How do you think things will change when God lives with men on earth?  How do you think things will be the same?

Jesus says He will "make all things new."  What is the one thing for which you are most excited to see the "new version"?  Why?

According to this passage, for whom is the new heaven and new earth reserved?

Who will not be a part of the new creation?  What is these people's destiny?

How can Christians use this passage to encourage one another?

After reading this passage, how does your relationship with God need to change?

How should this passage lead us to interact with our unsaved neighbors/co-workers/friends?

Cross-Focused: 6 Things Made Possible by the Cross

This study focuses on how the benefits of the cross are applied to our lives.  This is truly a study in how God extended His grace to us through the work of His Son on the cross.  I've listed six words which describe some of the benefits of Christ's death.  Take time to read the passage for each question, and then for each word, answer the four questions below: 

• How would you define this word?  What is an example of this from every day life?
  
• How does this word apply to the relationship between God and humanity?
  
• Did this happen immediately (at the cross), later (sometime after the cross), or is it a future event?
  
• How does this effect me personally?
  

THE BENEFITS OF THE CROSS

Restoration. (Revelation 21:5-6)

Redemption. (Ephesians 1:7-14)

Regeneration. (Ephesians 2:1-6)

Reconciliation. (Romans 5:10-11)

Ransom (Mark 10:45)

Restitution (1 John 2:2; 4:10)

Once you've finished, spend time in worshipful prayer thanking God for His grace as demonstrated through His Son.

Basics: Redemptive History (Genesis-Revelation)

This study is probably much too long for one session, unless you have 2 hours. It might work to have people go through the first section on their own, or to use these questions to construct a short teaching time in which you can summarize the overview of redemptive history.

In my opinion, it's the five questions at the end that are most important.

Note the illustrated guide at the bottom of the study.

1. How important is Jesus?
2. Why?
3. Have you ever thought, "It wasn't supposed to be this way?" What was going on?
4. Read Genesis 1:31. What are examples of how our world has become less than "good"?
5. How did Adam and Eve's disobedience bring this brokenness about? (Read Genesis 3:11-12,23-24)
6. According to Genesis 4, what were some of the consequences of sin on Adam and Eve's family? How do we still see some of these same consequences today?
7. Over the centuries, how effective have mankind's efforts been to eradicate the effects of sin?
8. Why do you think man is unable to rid himself of sin's consequences?
9. What does it mean that men have fallen short of God's glory?(Romans 3:23)
10. How does Jesus remedy the failure of mankind?(Romans 5:8)
11. Why was it necessary for Jesus to die?
12. How does Jesus' death make us into "new creatures?" (2 Corinthians 5:17)
13. How did God intend for his new creation to become ministers of reconciliation? (2 Corinthians 5:18-21; Matthew 28:19-20)
14. What are you most looking forward to when God finalizes the new creation (Revelation 21)

----------GETTING PERSONAL----------

1. Have you ever sinned? When did you first "fall"?
2. How has your sin kept you from being the person God created you to be?
3. How have you attempted to remove the effects of sin from your own life? How have you failed?
4. How important is Jesus?
5. Why?

Repentance (Revelation 2)

Big Idea: Repentance is a lot more than saying, "I'm Sorry."
(this study accompanies a sermon from 2 Corinthians 7)

Have someone read 2 Peter 3:9. God will one day judge, why is He holding back his judgment right now? What is He waiting for?

Give some examples of the difference between just saying "Sorry" and truly repenting.

Why do some people have such a hard time repenting?

Have someone read Revelation 2:1-5.

Can you look back at a time in your life when you really loved God? Do you need to return to that? How can repentance be the first step in returning?

Has this group fallen away from our first love at all? Are there things we need to return to? Are there things for which we as a group need to repent?

Do you have any relationships which have fallen apart? How can repentance to another person help restore a relationship?

In light of this discussion, what is the next step God is calling you to?

What should be the next step be for our group?