Session 8 - The End Times and what they mean for us

Video

Read Isaiah 65:17–25, Joel 2:28-32, Luke 21:5–36, John 14:1–3, 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17, and 2 Peter 3:10–13

How do these passages give you hope/certainty about the future?
How do you see judgement reflected throughout these passages? What about resurrection/salvation?

Match each major theme of eschatology (left) with the associated pair of scriptures (right)

The Second Coming of the Lord and the Defeat of Evil		1 Corinthians 15:51–52, Revelation 20:11–15
The Resurrection and the Final Judgement		Revelation 12, 2 Thessalonians 2:1–12
The Kingdom of God and the Remaking of the World		Revelation 19:11–16, Acts 1:9–11
Spiritual Warfare and Perseverance		Romans 8:18–23, Revelation 21:1–5

How can eschatology be a source of hope for Christians undergoing difficulty and persecution?
How does eschatology make you expectant and watchful for the final day?
How does eschatology encourage you to spread the Gospel and show love to people?
How would you argue to a fellow believer that the End Times are important for us (Christians globally) and them here and now?

Answer the following questions:

Premillennialism:	Christ will return, followed by a literal 1000-year reign on earth. Detailed prophetic timeline that we should be able to see reflected today and in history
Amillennialism:	The millennium is purely symbolic of Christ’s reign now. Satan is currently bound. God’s Kingdom is currently being established.
Postmillennialism:	The Gospel is gradually transforming society for the better and, after a symbolic millennium, Christ will return to perfect this improvement, establish his kingdom, and bring about peace.
Panmillennialism:	“Don’t worry, it will just pan out in the end as God wants it too.”

Despite their differences, what are the similarities between these schools of thought? Why are they important?
In what ways does the promise of a new heaven and new earth affect how we view our present world?
How should what you have studied today impact your behaviour and your worldview?

What do Jesus' teachings in Matthew 24–25 tell us about the posture believers should have as we wait for His return?
How do Paul's writings in 1 Thessalonians shape our understanding of the resurrection and the Second Coming?
What images from Revelation 21–22 stand out to you the most when you think about the new creation?
In what ways does the promise of a new heaven and new earth affect how we view our present world?
How does belief in Christ's return give hope during times of suffering or injustice?
What practical steps can we take to live out the values of God's coming kingdom right now?

Matthew 24–25 — Signs of the end, the parable of the ten virgins, talents, and the final judgment.
Mark 13 — Jesus' prophetic teaching about future events.
Luke 21:5–36 — Signs, watchfulness, and endurance.
John 14:1–3 — Jesus' promise to return for His people.

Acts 1:9–11 — Angels proclaim Christ will return in the same way He ascended.
1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 — The Lord's descent, resurrection, and gathering of believers.
Revelation 19:11–16 — Christ returns as the conquering King.