It was very fitting that last week's lesson was on Resurrection Hope as this week we looked at some seemingly distressing words uttered by Jesus about what will happen on earth prior to the end times. Terrors and difficulties MUST come before the end and there is no telling how long those "birth pangs" will last.
As we broke into groups we looked at what it means, as Christians, to live expectantly, hopefully, and differently amid those trials and tribulations. Here is a breakdown of the answers each group came up with:
In General:
Be ready at all times, hope and don't worry, be a brave witness in everything, focus on end result, hunger for the Word, focus on His promises, keep watch, take heart, be on guard, stand firm, be renewed day by day, fix eyes on unseen, stand firm, rejoice in ALL things, live as if this is not our final destination, work as unto the Lord for eternal reward.
In Application:
Live in the Word, weave Scripture into life, pray continually, prepare your family and others, be confident in who He is and remember His promises, keep calm and carry on, keep the glorification of God as your motivation.
The Challenge:
This week, be aware of times you find yourself preparing for anything i.e. getting ready for work, getting the house ready for visitors, friends, in-laws, etc., primping for date night, reviewing notes for a presentation. Any time you notice yourself in preparation mode pray for God to reveal to you ways that you can be preparing yourself by living expectantly, hopefully, and differently. Talk about those revelations with your spouse and children and determine what you, as a family, are specifically going to do. Be prepared to share in class (but don't worry, we won't put anyone on the spot!)
In Him,
Aaron
LIFE GROUPS: You don’t have to be a member of the church to join one of Lake Pointe’s small groups called Life Groups…it’s “the church within the church”. Life Groups are made up of people with similar ages or family structures meeting together for: •Living For Others | Mission/Ministry •Interactive Bible Study •Fellowship •Encouragement This is where real, life-enriching relationships can form and develop.
