THREE THINGS TO KNOW
DON’T MISS THIS. Now is the time to join a WOMEN’S SUMMER STUDY! This summer, Ada Bible Women’s Ministry offers two short-term small groups for women at Ada Bible. The first, I Surrender All, is about surrendering everything to Jesus. The second, Respectfully Yours, is an 8-week group for married women covering topics to help you thrive in your marriage. For more information, click HERE.
GROUP VALUES.This May, we are focusing on SERVING. Serving is a core value for followers of Jesus. It is also an essential key to the greatest commandment: love God, love others. Serving those around us is a relational investment that has the potential to communicate God’s love in powerful and life-changing ways. This month, take time to brainstorm ways you can make a relational investment in someone’s life by serving them.
GROW AS A LEADER.Summer is approaching, which means your small group schedule may shift. It is a great time to discuss with your group what your summer rhythm will look like. Will you meet less frequently? Stay weekly? This month, take time to create a game plan for the next few months! It is also a great time to contact your Group Life staff for a meeting. Connect with your staff contact for guidance on the summer months and debrief the past year of small group ministry.
DISCUSSION GUIDE
Welcome to the third week of our sermon series, YOU ASKED FOR IT, where we tackle tough questions submitted by our church family. This week, we explore one of the most popular topics requested: the end times.
ICEBREAKER
If you had to choose one way the world might end according to popular movies, which would you pick: zombie apocalypse, asteroid impact, alien invasion, or nuclear disaster? Why?
THIS WEEK’S TEXT
Have someone read 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 aloud.
What phrases or ideas in this passage stand out to you?
What promises or encouragements does Paul give believers about the day of the Lord?
How does Paul instruct believers to live in light of these truths?
THIS WEEK’S SERMON
Pastor Aaron Buer continued our sermon series, YOU ASKED FOR IT, by exploring four certainties about the End Times. As a group, recall some of the sermon’s big ideas and main points.
Our culture seems fascinated by apocalyptic scenarios and end-of-the-world stories. Why do you think we’re so interested in how the world might end?
While many Christians debate the details of the end times, we can be certain that Jesus will return. How does the certainty of Christ’s return provide hope in an uncertain world?
In 1 Thessalonians 5:6-8, the Apostle Paul warns us to be “awake and sober” concerning the day of the Lord. Living sober-mindedly involves pursuing faith, love and hope (v. 8). Why are these virtues central to living sober-mindedly?
How would you live differently if you knew Jesus would return one year from today? Is there anything you would start? Is there anything you would stop? Anything you would keep doing?
In the book of Revelation, the apostle John tells us that at the end, Jesus will judge (Revelation 20). How does the reality of final judgment shape your understanding of God’s justice and mercy?
How would you explain to a non-Christian friend what it means to have your name written in the Book of Life?
How might remembering that Jesus will return unexpectedly change your priorities, how you approach relationships and use your time this week?
WRAP UP
This week, we discussed how the certainty of Christ’s return should motivate us to live purposefully. What from the sermon or today’s conversation challenged or encouraged you the most, and why?