Revelation

1. As we enter into a new sermon series on Revelation, what do you hope to learn? What do you worry will be most challenging?
2. What does the term “apocalyptic literature” mean, and how does it help us understand the message of Revelation accurately?
3. Why do you think the original readers of Revelation would have been familiar with the symbols and imagery used in the text?
4. In Daniel 7, we see four beasts representing kings and empires. What do you think this tells us about the nature of earthly power and its limits?
5. What does the imagery of the “Ancient of Days” in Daniel 7 signify about God’s character and authority?
6. How does the message of victory in Christ, as shown in Daniel 7 and Revelation, encourage you in your day-to-day struggles?
7. Pray: Ask God to help apply the message of hope and victory in our lives this week. Pray for strength to face challenges and fears, trusting in God’s control. Thank God for His promise to be with us in tough times and help us remember His faithfulness.

Printable Group Guide

1. What difference does it make that Revelation is not just apocryphal literature but apocryphal prophecy?
2. In Revelation, Jesus looks different now compared to when John knew him previously. What are some specific attributes of Jesus described in Revelation chapter one?
3. Why do you think John fell at Jesus’ feet as though he were dead when he saw this vision, and what does this reaction tell us about encountering holiness?
4. Why does John dwell on how Jesus is dressed? How is this linked with him being positioned among the lampstands?
5. Jesus is with us, even in our own “Patmos” experiences. What does it mean for you to know that Jesus is always with you, especially during difficult times?
6. Pray: Ask God for courage to face difficulties, knowing Jesus is with you. Pray for the strength to share the message of God’s love and hope with others.

Printable Group Guide

1. What does it mean to compromise your faith, and how can that lead to idolatry as discussed in the sermon?
2. In what ways do you think Jesus’ titles in the sermon, such as “him who has the sharp, double-edged sword,” help us understand his authority in addressing the church?
3. Why do you think Jesus complimented the church in Pergamum for staying true to his name despite living where Satan had his throne?
4. What does the phrase “hidden manna” symbolize in the context of this sermon, and why is it significant for believers?
5. How can we identify and confront the idols in our own lives that might be competing for our dedication to God?
6. Pray: Ask God for the strength to stand firm in the face of cultural pressures. Ask for wisdom to discern between good and ultimate things in our lives.

Printable Group Guide

1. What does it mean to be a “lukewarm” Christian, and how can that attitude affect a person’s relationship with God?
2. In Revelation 3:17, Jesus tells the Laodiceans, “You say, I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.” Why is self-sufficiency dangerous for a Christian?
3. What does the phrase “material wealth may lead to spiritual poverty” mean, and how can we guard against this in our own lives?
4. The sermon mentions that Jesus stands at the door and knocks, waiting for us to let him in. In what ways do we sometimes push Jesus out the back door of our lives?
5.   How does the idea of being earnest and zealous relate to the call for repentance in the sermon, and why is that important?
6. Pray: Ask God to help identify areas in our lives where we may be feeling lukewarm in our faith. Pray for a renewed passion to seek him wholeheartedly in our daily lives. Ask for wisdom to recognize the distractions that lead to spiritual stagnation.

Printable Group Guide

1. How does John’s “all access pass” to heaven change your understanding of God?
2. According to Revelation 4:8, the living creatures repeatedly say, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty.” Why do you think God’s holiness is emphasized three times?
3. Jesus is described as the Lamb who was slain. What significance does this imagery hold for you in understanding Jesus’ sacrifice?
4. Reflecting on the worship in heaven, why do you think it’s important for us to worship God in our daily lives?
5. Pastor Bill asked if Jesus is on the throne of our lives. What are some things that can take his place in our hearts?

Printable Group Guide

1. What do you think is the significance of the four horsemen of the Apocalypse mentioned in Revelation 6?
2. In Revelation 7, we learn that those who are saved receive robes that have been made white by washing them in the blood of the Lamb. What does this symbolize about salvation?
3. The sermon emphasizes that we should expect tribulations in life. Can you think of a time when you faced a difficult challenge?
4. What does the phrase “the wrath of the Lamb” mean, and why is it important to understand this concept in our faith?
5. The sermon ends with the message of hope that Jesus will wipe away every tear from our eyes. Why is this message significant for believers?

Printable Group Guide

1. In Revelation, multiple times God’s judgments lead to people’s refusal to repent. Why do you think this happens, and what does it reveal about human nature?
2. What does the symbolism of trumpets in the Bible represent, and how does it apply to the message of victory God wants to deliver to His people?
3. How can Christians today be effective witnesses in a world that seems to ignore God?
4. Revelation 10 describes a scroll that is sweet in the mouth but bitter in the stomach. What does this mean, and why is it important for believers to internalize both the joy and the sorrow of the Gospel?
5. What do you think it means that the church’s role is “patient suffering and persistent witnessing” as we wait for Christ’s return?
6. Pray: Ask God for courage to face fears and share faith in difficult situations. Pray for those who do not know Jesus as their Savior. Pray for faith to see and understand that the Lord fights for his people and will bring ultimate victory.

Printable Group Guide

1. What do you think the “mark of the beast” represents in today’s world, according to the sermon?
2. How does the narrative of Revelation 12 describe the struggle between good and evil, especially the roles of the woman and the dragon?
3. Satan is described as the accuser. How does this concept affect your understanding of guilt and forgiveness?
4. What is the significance of the phrase “by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony” in overcoming Satan, according to the sermon?
5. How does understanding that the dragon (Satan) is a defeated enemy help us in our daily lives as Christians?
6. Pray: Ask for understanding and clarity as we reflect on the sermon together this week. Ask God to reveal any areas in your life where you may be under spiritual attack. Seek God’s guidance in strengthening your faith against doubt and fear.

Printable Group Guide

1. What does it mean that wrath is defined as “extreme anger”? How does understanding this help us comprehend God’s nature?
2. God has a perfect standard of holiness, and we fall short of this. Why is it important for us to recognize our own shortcomings before God?
3. In what ways does the imagery from the plagues in Exodus relate to the bowls of wrath in Revelation, and what message do you think it conveys about God’s justice?
4. Why do you think it’s significant that the victorious saints in heaven sang a song of praise, similar to the song of Moses after the Israelites crossed the Red Sea?
5. Pastor asked which “it is finished” you are living under: the one from Jesus’ sacrifice or the one describing the pouring out of wrath. How can this choice affect your outlook on life?
6. Pray: Ask God to help us understand and apply the lessons about God’s wrath and love in our lives this week. Pray for boldness in sharing the message of grace and forgiveness with others. Seek guidance in facing our own struggles with sin and finding strength in Christ.

Printable Group Guide

1. How does the imagery of the battle described in Revelation 19 teach us about God’s power and authority over evil?
2. What do the different views on the millennium (premillennialism, postmillennialism, amillennialism) tell us about how Christians interpret biblical prophecy?
3. What are some of the common fears people have about Judgment Day, and how can understanding Revelation 19-20 help alleviate those fears?
4. What are some of the common fears people have about Judgment Day, and how can understanding Revelation 19-20 help alleviate those fears?
5. Why do you think it is important for Christians to discuss topics like hell and judgment, as mentioned in the sermon?
6. Pray: Ask for clarity and understanding as we face the truths discussed in today’s sermon. Request God’s guidance in applying the message of hope and judgment to our lives this week. Ask for boldness to share the message with others who may need it.

Printable Group Guide

1. What does the idea of a “new heaven and a new earth” mean to you, and how does this concept shape your understanding of eternity?
2. In Revelation 21:4, it says God will wipe away every tear from our eyes. How does this promise provide comfort for your current struggles?
3. Why do you think the image of the bride represents the people of God in the sermon, and how does this symbolism enhance our understanding of our relationship with God?
4. Revelation says that nothing unholy will enter the new city. What does this mean for our lives now?
5. How does the idea of reigning with God in eternity inspire you to live out your faith today?
6. Pray: Ask God to help you apply the lessons from the sermon in meaningful ways this week. Pray for opportunities to share the hope of the gospel with others as you reflect on the sermon. Thank God for the assurance of a beautiful ending as promised in Scripture.

Printable Group Guide