Revelations: Future Promises
Dave Palmer | Revelation 20:11-15; 21: 1-8 | March 30, 2025
RECAP:
We often like to think about what heaven will be like. But do we take as much time tothink of what Hell will be like? In Revelation 20:11-15 and 21:1-8 the Apostle John takesthe time to describe a picture of both places. The question is, how do we know whichone we will be in for all eternity?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. Where did the Holy Spirit speak or challenge you through God’s Word? Were there any “ah-ah” moments?
2. When you think about the first picture (Rev 20:11-15) of eternity for those not knowing Jesus, what troubles you the most about the picture?
3. What about the second picture (Rev 21: 1-8) brings the most peace to your heart?
4. When you watched Francis Chan give his rope illustration about eternity for those choosing Jesus, what stirred you the most?
5. What does the picture of John 21:1-7 with the rich man talking to Jesus mean to you?
6. What is your guarantee that your name is written in the Lambs Book of Life?
Revelation: Future Promises
Chris Meade | Revelation 19:11-20:10 | March 23, 2025
RECAP:
Pastor Chris discussed the return of Jesus as depicted in Revelation 19 and 20, emphasizing that while many are curious about when He will return, the important focus should be on how He will come. He explains that Jesus will return as a conquering king to defeat evil once and for all, as showcased by the imagery of Him riding a white horse, and highlights that His return involves phases in which final judgment must first occur. Pastor Chris encourages humility in understanding Scripture, but shares his view that we the millennial reign is a literal event where believers will rule alongside Jesus. We are left with the question: How would our life look different if we were to live intentionally as if Jesus was returning in the next year?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. Where did the Holy Spirit speak or challenge you through God’s Word? Were there any “ah-ah” moments?
2. Understanding the Return of Jesus:
o How does Revelation 19 describe the return of Jesus, and what imagery is used to convey His role as a divine warrior?
o Why is it important to approach Scripture with humility and allow it to shape our understanding of Jesus' return, rather than imposing our own expectations?
3. Judgment and Justice:
o What role does judgment play in the return of Jesus, and how is it depicted in Revelation 19:11-20:10?
o How does the sermon and Scripture address the concept of Jesus as both a savior and a judge, and why is this dual role significant? How does this add to/change your view of Jesus? Is there struggle in this?
4. The Role of Satan and Evil:
o How does the sermon describe the final defeat of Satan and the forces of evil, and what is the significance of this event?
o What does the release of Satan after the millennial reign reveal about human nature and the persistence of sin?
5. Living in Anticipation:
o How does the sermon challenge us to live in anticipation of Jesus' return?
o What specific, practical changes would/should change in your life if you knew Jesus was coming back in the next year?
1. Is there is something you would do more? Less?
2. What would this motivate you towards? Why?
3. What keeps you from doing those things now?
THREE MAJOR INTERPRETATIONS ON THE MILLENNIAL REIGN OF CHRIST.
o There is the Amillennial View —meaning “no millennium,” views all of the Millennial Reign in Revelations 20 as symbolic. There is no literal 1,000-year reign, but rather we are spiritually in the “millennial reign” now, called the “Church age”. As Christ reigns spiritually on the earth now, and we are reigning with Him, as priests on the world representing Him, while we wait for His return.
o There is the Postmillennial View — is similar to Amillennialism, seeing the millennial reign as symbolic or figurative. They emphasize that this spiritual millennial reign symbolizes that with the spread of the gospel, the world will get better and better, as more and more receive the gospel. Jesus will return physically after this period of Christ’s kingdom of earth. These views also sees the covenants and promises in the Old Testament—also are symbolic.
o Premillennial View —sees a literal return of Jesus before a literal 1,000 year reign of Jesus on the earth. This view sees the promises in the Old and New Testament to be seen as being fulfilled literally. In this view, they see the resurrection of the believers in Christ to happen first, before those who are unbelieving, so that they can rule and reign with Christ physically on the earth till the end of the millennium.