Connect

Do you remember hearing any predictions about the end of the world? What did you think at the time?

Discuss 

1. Read Mark 13:1-37. What’s your initial reaction to this chapter that is full of despairing and difficult to understand information? What do these words reveal to you about Jesus?
2. This chapter is about events in the future (some already fulfilled, some yet to be fulfilled). Why is it important not to speculate about the timing of the Jesus’ return?
3. It would have been upsetting news for the disciples to hear that the temple would be destroyed? Is there something equivalent in our corporate lives as citizens or in your personal life that, if removed or dismantled, would be upsetting?
4. From verses 5 – 37, list some of the imperative commands Jesus gives his disciples. Do these commands highlight any changes you need to make so that your life will be more clearly marked by faithful obedience to Jesus? What does it mean in practical terms to watch and be on guard if we don’t know when Jesus will return?
5. In the midst of intensely difficult times, why might people be tempted to assume the end is coming soon? How can we respond to challenging times in the way Jesus instructs when he says not to be alarmed?
6. If Jesus was going to return in one month’s time, how would your life change? What things would be more important? What would be less important? What can you do to make the return of Jesus come sooner? (Matt. 24:14)

Pray

Take time to pray that, while waiting for Jesus’ return, you would have a steadfast faith to trust even when things are hard or don’t make sense, an enduring hope that in the end Jesus wins, and an abiding love for others to share the gospel with those who don’t know the good news of Jesus’ first coming.

Community Involvement

Remind everyone to grab a Options Pregnancy Centre baby bottle from the campaign table in the lobby. This is their largest fundraiser of the year and we want to support this worthy cause!

Join award-winning singer Brooke Nicholls for a worship night at Bloom Church on Friday, May 24 to celebrate her album ‘Glory to God’. Jake Fretz, once a pastor at Rosewood Park Alliance Church, will be joining her. Purchase tickets here https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/glory-to-god-regina-sk-tickets-857344700077?aff=oddtdtcreator

Global Prayer

Blake and Kathy Penson request prayer for Latino international workers who are being trained at Samuel House in Paraguay in order to serve the Muslim community. Pray that God would lead them each day to the one person who needs to hear about the saving grace of Jesus.