The Persecuted Church: Do Not Fear

Intro / Review:

"To [church], from Christ (using descriptive phrases from Chapter 1): I know what's going on there. Here is what you are doing well, here is where you need to repent, I am Coming Soon, do this. Heed the Word of the Lord and receive this promise from the Lord!"

The Progress Report:

1. The Commendation and Command (Rev 2:9-10)

3 Statements to Remind Yourself When You Are Suffering:

1. God is allowing this for a Reason
2. God is in control of every Detail
3. It's going to be Worth It

2. The Criticism
3. The Correction
4. The Call (Rev 2:11)

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Small Group Discussion

Read Revelation 2:8-11

GROUP

1. What do you personally believe about faith and money (Rev 2:9)? Does “victory in Jesus” mean being rich? How can wrong teaching about money and faith bring harm to the church?

2. Tell of a time you have been comforted knowing that “Jesus knows” what you are going through.

3. How would you answer someone who asks you: “How do you trust God when a trial doesn’t seem to be ending?”

BREAKOUT

Pray for the future of HBC, to stand strong when persecution comes.

The Loveless Church: Remember

Intro / Review:

"To [church], from Christ (using descriptive phrases from Chapter 1): I know what's going on there. Here is what you are doing well, here is where you need to repent, I am Coming Soon, do this. Heed the Word of the Lord and receive this promise from the Lord!"

The Progress Report:

1. The Commendation (Rev 2:2-3,6)
   1. Hard Working
   2. Persevering
   3. Discerning

2. The Criticism (Rev 2:4)

Abandoning the love they had at first

3. The Correction (Rev 2:5)
1. Remember
2. Repent
3. Return
4. The Call (Rev 2:7)

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Small Group Discussion

Read Revelation 2:1-7

GROUP

1. What was the Ephesian church commended for? How is HBC doing in these areas? How could we do better?

2. How do you know when a church has abandoned “the love it had at first” (v4)? What are the signs? What signs would you look for to make sure HBC hasn’t drifted from being motivated by sincere love?

3. When you drift from “the love you had at first” (v4), how do you get back to it? How can an entire church get back to it if the church at large has drifted from “the love it had at first”?

Bonus: The Ephesian church was commended for enduring with good works (v2-3). Yet Jesus said she had to get back to “doing the works she did at first” (v5). What needs to change? In other words, if the church was already doing good works, how can Jesus call the church to getting back to good works?

BREAKOUT

Pray for one another, your SG, and HBC - that we are always motivated to sincerely love Jesus, each other, and the lost.

The Glory of Christ

Intro / Review:

who, what, where, when, why, and how

who, where, why, how, when, what

(Rev 1:9)

• Who:
• Where:
• Why:

(Rev 1:10-11)

• How:
• When:
• What:

The Glory of Christ (Revelation 1:9-20):

1. Christ is Present in His Church (Rev 1:12-13a)
2. Christ is Priest of His Church (Rev 1:13b)
3. Christ is Powerful in His Church (Rev 1:14-16)
4. Christ is Protector in His Church (Rev 1:16-20)

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Small Group Discussion

Read Revelation 1:9-20

1. Jesus is in the midst of His church (Rev 1:13). What does this say about His attitude of the church? What should this say about your attitude of the church?

2. What does it mean that the church is in Jesus’ right hand (Rev 1:16)? How does this comfort you?

3. Explain how Rev 1:19 serves as the outline for the whole book of Revelation.

4. Why do you think Revelation starts with Jesus personally appearing to John? What’s the significance?

5. (Bonus Question!) What exactly is meant by the “angels of the churches” (Rev 1:20)? Who do you (personally) think this refers to, an actual angel or the pastor? Does this ultimately make a difference in understanding Revelation? Why or why not?

BREAKOUT

Pray for HBC Pittsburgh North to be in awe of Jesus Christ, trusting His power and for the direction of the church.

The Preview

Interpreting Revelation

1. Preterist approach
2. Historicist approach
3. Idealist approach
4. Futurist approach

Introduction:

1. The Premise. (Revelation 1:1-2)
2. The Promise. (Revelation 1:3)
3. The Person. (Revelation 1:4-6)
4. The Preview. (Revelation 1:7-8)

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Small Group Discussion

Read Revelation 1:1-8

1. Why do you think many people avoid Revelation (reading it, studying it)? How does Rev 1:3 speak to that?

2. The Bible is clear we are saved by grace, not works (e.g., Ephesians 2:8-10). So what place does “keep(ing) what is written” have in the life of a Christ follower

3. Why do you think John starts this writing as he has? Why do you think he gave a recap of the ministry of Jesus (Rev 1:5-6)?

BREAKOUT

Pray for the Holy Spirit to be our teacher through Revelation this year!

Paul: Zeal.

Introduction / Review:

zeal

Def: great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or an objective.

Romans 12:11 - Do not be slothful in zeal...

Romans 9:1-3 – I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit—that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh.

Exodus 32:32 - But now, if you will forgive their sin—but if not, please blot me out of your book that you have written.

Why I Am Fired Up to Share Christ (2 Cor 5:14-21):

1. I am Controlled by Jesus' love. (2 Cor 5:14-15)
2. I see people as Spiritual beings. (2 Cor 5:16-17)
3. I Represent God to people! (2 Cor 5:18-20)
4. I have a Life-Changing message! (2 Cor 5:21)

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Small Group Discussion
Read 2 Corinthians 5:14-21

1 - On a scale of 1-10, rate your zeal for Christ (1 = no zeal, 10 = on fire sharing Christ with everyone). How can you score a higher rating?

2 - How do you recognize a “red apple”? How can you start a conversation with them about Jesus Christ?

3 - Explain the Gospel using 2 Cor 5:21. Could you explain that to someone who needs to hear it?

BREAKOUT

Pray for: zeal, ability to spot “red apples”, and boldness to share Christ!