The Gospel of the Kingdom

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Study Notes

Here we go! The next few weeks will be a journey through some of the most diversely interpreted verses in the Bible in the past 120 years. Each "age" of church history has had its issues and one of the biggies of North American evangelicalism has been prophecy. Teachers with charts and interpretation of "signs" have been standard fare at Bible conferences across the country. This is not all bad of course but what is the essence of all this? Is there anything applicable for today? Does prophecy matter?

1. The Questions
   • When will these things be?
   • What will be the sign of Your coming?
   • What is the sign of the end of the age?
2. Parenthetically
3. The Answer
   1. Do not be deceived
      The principal deception has to do with who we listen to about what life is about and how to live. There are a lot of people claiming to be experts on this matter.
   2. Do not be troubled
      There will be a lot of bad stuff in the last days; wars, famine, earthquakes. This is "routine history" but it is not the end; it is the inevitable result of a planet groaning. (See Romans 8:22)
   3. Persevere
      There will be plenty of reasons to abandon the faith and quit. Those who endure to the end manifest faith. They reveal they have new life and their endurance is the sign of their salvation not the means.
   4. Share the gospel
      This gospel of the Kingdom should reach all nations. This is God's desire, our mission at this "outpost" and we should keep looking for ways to "take it the rest of the way."

Questions for small group, family or personal reflection

1. Why would people rather study charts and timelines than what we discussed today?
2. Why is there a fascination with the "end of the world?"

Tips for growth

If you have been characterized by worry lately, spend some time meditating on Philippians 4 and make a list of the things Paul suggested in verse 8.