Revelation 21 & 22

JUNE 09, 2024

Discussion Questions:

1. How does the imagery of two contrasting cities, Babylon and the New Jerusalem, shape our understanding of societal values and our role in fostering a community reflective of God's new creation?

2. In what ways can we, as individuals and communities, embody the presence of God in our cities and towns, contributing to their flourishing and reflecting the anticipation of God's ultimate fulfillment of dwelling among his people?

3. Take time to reflect on the illustration Pastor Russell gave if the presence of God saturates our downtown core. What impacted you as you heard it or read it it below?

‘What will it be like to walk renewed city streets street; cities and towns in a new earth where heaven has come down. This was in my heart as I walked this week; what would my walk here in the downtown core be like in a city saturated with the unfiltered presence of God.

I walked with that reality in my spirit this week:

• No need for a fence

• No discarded needles/crack pipes; no people trapped in addiction/mental health

• Repurposes shelters/hospital

• Reimagined graffiti; no vacant buildings

• War memorial repurposed

• Litter; air was clean

• No store-front church signs like – lukewarm Christians go to hell

• No loan stores

We can hardly imagine our cities and towns as places where God and the Lamb flood our streets; where God and the lamb are present everywhere. But John’s final vision prompts us to think about Hamilton as a flourishing, growing and vibrant city that embodies the ever-increasing fullness of God’s design for all creation.

• A city where the joy and peace of God are tangible

• Where we are no longer strangers

• Where we each actively contribute to its flourishing. 

Cultural life freed from sin – for sake of others, for creation as a whole and bringing glory to God.

4. Considering the urgency conveyed in Revelation's final words, how can we balance the tension between living with a sense of anticipation for God's future restoration while actively engaging in the mission of the church in the present?

Celebrating His Faithfulness

June 2nd, 2024

Discussion Questions

1. Think about a time in the past year when you witnessed God working through our church ministry. How did it impact you?

2. The sermon talks about "faithful presence rooted in word and deed." How can you personally better integrate spoken witness acts of compassion and service into your daily life?

3. Jesus sends out the disciples with minimal provisions. What does this teach us about trusting in God's ability to provide for our needs? How can we cultivate a deeper trust in God's timing and plan in our own lives?

4. The sermon mentions "a vision of wholeness and the health of people and place." Is there a specific need in our community that you feel called to address through service? How can we work together as a church to meet that need?

5. Why do you think Jesus sends the disciples out two by two? What are the benefits and challenges of working alongside others in ministry or Christian service?

Revelation 19 & 20

May 26th 2024

Discussion Questions

1.      The sermon highlights the contrast between the judgment scenes and the persistent singing of praise. How can we actively participate in singing the Lord's song, even when facing personal struggles or difficulties in the world? Explore practical ways to cultivate a life of continual praise.

2.      The message emphasizes the role of the church in announcing and embodying God's salvation. Discuss what this means in your daily life. How can you actively participate in God's saving work in your family, workplace, or community?

3.      Revelation 19 uses the imagery of a wedding supper to represent the union between Christ and his people. What does it mean to be "ready" for this event? Discuss ways to deepen your commitment to Christ and prepare yourself for a closer relationship with him.

4.      Revelation 20 describes the final judgment of all sin and evil. How does the reality of a just and final judgment impact your understanding of God's character and your own life choices?

5.      The sermon acknowledges different interpretations of the thousand-year reign mentioned in Revelation 20. Regardless of the specific timeframe, how does the concept of a final victory over evil impact your faith and hope for the future?

Acts 2 Pentecost Sunday

May 19th 2024

Discussion Questions

1. What do you think are the implications that God’s spirit is poured out on “all people” and that sons, daughters, men, and women will prophesy? What does this language mean for us today?

2. Read through Acts 2 and Exodus 19-20, what similarities do you notice? What’s different about the stories? How do they connect?

3. Shavuot/Pentecost was a festival of rest, rejoicing, and care for the poor and the foreigner. The people would leave the edges of their field unharvested for those who needed it most. Does your celebration of Jesus include uncut corners and room to care for those who need it? Why or why not?

Revelation 17

May 12th, 2024

Discussion Questions:

1. Reflecting on the portrayal of Babylon in Revelation as a symbol of worldly power and godlessness, how can you identify and resist the influence of Babylonian values and ideologies in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to prioritize allegiance to God over conformity to the ways of the world?

2. The call to "come out of Babylon" in Revelation suggests a need for discernment and separation from systems and practices that oppose God's kingdom. How can you evaluate the various influences in your life—whether cultural, social, or ideological—to ensure they align with the values of the Kingdom of God? What areas might you need to "come out of Babylon" in order to more fully follow Jesus?

3. Babylon is ultimately portrayed as destined for judgment and destruction in Revelation, while the new Jerusalem represents God's ultimate victory and reign. How does keeping this perspective in mind affect your outlook on current events and challenges in the world? How can you maintain hope and confidence in God's sovereignty and ultimate triumph, even in the face of opposition or uncertainty?

4. Worship is presented as a central theme in Revelation and as a means of resisting the spirit of Babylon. How can you ensure that your worship is rooted in the truth of God's saving acts and consistently bears witness to His loving, redeeming, and just mission?

5. Consider the statement, "Worship sets our affections where they need to be – on the Lamb." How can you cultivate a lifestyle of worship that continually redirects your focus and affection towards Jesus, especially in the midst of challenges and distractions?

Revelation 13 & 14

May 5th 2024 Discussion questions

1.How do you understand the concept of allegiance as discussed in Revelation 13-14, particularly in the context of serving Jesus versus serving other powers or systems? Can you think of examples from your own life where you've felt torn between conflicting allegiances?

2. Pastor Jesse talks about the beasts in Revelation as "wild things" and contrasts them with the Lamb. How do these images help us understand the deceptive nature of power and authority in the world? In what ways do you see similar dynamics at play in contemporary society?

3.The sermon discusses the interpretation of the number 666 and the mark of the beast, emphasizing the idea of subtle participation in systems opposed to the values of Jesus. How can we cultivate discernment in recognizing and resisting such systems in our own lives? What practical steps can we take to ensure our allegiance remains with Jesus?

4. Revelation 14 presents an image of those sealed by the Lamb, contrasting them with those marked by the beast. What does it mean to be sealed by the Lamb? How does this concept offer hope and assurance for Christians facing pressure to conform to worldly systems? How might this assurance impact our daily lives and choices?

Revelation 12

April 28, 2024

Discussion Questions:

1. In Revelation 12, we encounter symbolic figures like the woman, the dragon, and the child. Reflect on the identities these figures represent. How might understanding their symbolism help us navigate spiritual battles and challenges in our lives today?

2. The chapter describes a war in heaven and the victory of Michael and his angels over the dragon. How does this narrative inspire us to persevere in our faith amidst spiritual warfare and opposition? Share a personal experience where you've witnessed the power of perseverance in your spiritual journey.

3. The dragon is depicted as a cunning and powerful adversary. Reflect on the characteristics of evil portrayed in Revelation 12. How can we discern and resist the influence of evil in our lives and in the world? Share examples of times when you felt tempted to believe lies about yourself, others, or God. Share practical strategies for cultivating spiritual discernment and resisting temptation.

4. Despite the intense imagery of conflict and persecution in Revelation 12, there is also a message of hope and victory for God's people. How does this chapter encourage us to maintain hope and trust in God's ultimate triumph, even in the midst of chaotic and turbulent times? How can we cultivate a resilient faith that sustains us through life's challenges?

5. The sermon talked about the wilderness as a place of God's provision and intimate fellowship. How does this imagery challenge our perception of difficult seasons in our lives? Share instances where you've experienced God's provision and presence in unexpected or challenging circumstances. How can we encourage one another to trust in God's faithfulness and rest in His care, even when facing adversity?

Revelation 10-11

April 21, 2024

Discussion Questions

1. Reflecting on the call for the Church to be a worshipping and witnessing community in Revelation 10 and 11, how can we ensure that our worship and witness are authentic and impactful in today's society? What practical steps can we take individually and as a community to align our actions with God's purposes for His Church?
   

2. In Revelation 11, the imagery of the two witnesses symbolizes the prophetic witness of the entire Christian community. How can we, as modern-day believers, embrace our role as witnesses for Christ in a world that often opposes or misunderstands our faith? How can we effectively communicate the message of the Gospel while demonstrating love and humility?
   

3. The imagery of the two olive trees and lampstands in Revelation 11 draws from the Old Testament, symbolizing God's spirit empowering His people for mission. How can we rely on the Holy Spirit's guidance and strength as we navigate the pressures and oppositions of the world?
   

4. The vision of God's ultimate victory and the establishment of His kingdom in Revelation 11:15-17 inspires hope and confidence in believers. How can we cultivate a deeper sense of hope and trust in God's sovereignty, especially in times of uncertainty or adversity? How does this hope empower us to live boldly and faithfully as ambassadors of Christ in the world today?

Revelation 8-9

April 14, 2024

Discussion Questions:

1. How does the imagery of the seven seals, seven trumpets, and seven bowls in Revelation serve to remind us of God's ultimate sovereignty over history and his plan to establish his kingdom? How does this perspective shape our understanding of current events and challenges we face in our world today?

2. The sermon highlights the significance of prayer in Revelation, portraying it as a powerful force that shapes the course of human history. How can we cultivate a deeper commitment to prayer in our lives and communities, especially in times of turmoil and uncertainty? What practical steps can we take to prioritize prayer in our daily routines?

3. In Revelation 9:20-21, despite witnessing the devastating effects of the trumpet judgments, people refuse to repent of their sins. What does this reveal about the human tendency to resist God's call to repentance even in the face of divine judgment? How can we cultivate hearts of humility and repentance in our own lives, continually turning to God for forgiveness and restoration?

4. The sermon concludes with a reflection on the tragedy of living unrepentant and missing out on the beauty of life with God. How does the fear-based approach to spirituality compare with the invitation to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord? How can we cultivate a deeper appreciation for the beauty and goodness of God's presence in our lives, inspiring us to live wholeheartedly for him?

Revelation: The Seven Seals and the Multitude

April 7, 2024

Discussion Questions:

1. Interpretation of the Seals: Jessediscusses different interpretations of the seven seals in Revelation 6 – as historical events, future epochs, and ongoing spiritual realities. Which interpretation resonates most with you and why? How do these interpretations affect our understanding Revelation? What would this have meant for John’s original audience?

2. The Role of the Four Horsemen: The sermon describes the four horsemen as representing conquest, war, famine, and death – realities of every era in human history. How do you see these elements at work in the world today? How should Christians respond to this?

3. Sealing of the Servants of God and the Multitude from Every Nation: The sermon highlights the sealing of 144,000 and the great multitude in Revelation 7. What does this imagery symbolize for you, especially in the context of being part of the global church? Read Ephesians 1:11-14. what does it mean to know that we are sealed by the Holy Spirit?

4. The Church Amidst Chaos: Jesse concludes by suggesting that the church exists amidst the chaos of history, symbolized by the breaking of the seals. In what ways can we, as a church and as individuals, maintain focus on Jesus (the Lamb) amidst the challenges and distractions of our current world? How can we live out the hope and mission of the church in turbulent times?