Back to the Present #6: Making the Most of Each Moment!

The End is Near – Growth Group Discussion

5/16/10

Evergreen News

  1. KAH – next packathon is May 29/30. Go to to sign up
  2. Evergreen U – 5 classes begin 6/2. Register at
  3. UNITE – July 17 & 18 – Mark your calendars! Plan to attend w/your GG!

Catch-Up

What did God impress on your heart from the weekend message?

Warm-Up

Do you believe Jesus is coming back soon? Why or why not?

Today’s Study

The early church expected Jesus to come back soon and the end to come. There are a number of key passages that connect His return with our behavior. Please read the following passages out-loud.

The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 4:7-11, NIV)

And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. (Romans 13:11-12, NIV)

Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! (James 5:7-9,NIV)

Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking. I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles. First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. (2 Peter 3:1-14,NIV)

  1. Describe in your own words how the Lord’s return should affect your behavior and your choices.
  1. Why are relationships emphasized in these passages?
  1. Why is holiness emphasized in these passages?
  1. Why is investing you your local church emphasized in 1 Peter 4:7-11?

Application

  1. What is difficult for you about “loving strangers(hospitality)?” What can you do to grow?
  1. Are there any particular relationships you have that need to improve? Are you holding back because they sinned against you? What is your next step?
  1. What is your spiritual gift? How can you use it better?

Please pray for one another regarding your answers to questions 5 & 6 & 7…