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Group Discussion
Questions for facilitating dynamic discussion
Forecast: A Look Into Eternity
April 7,2024
Week 2: The Second Coming of Christ
Jeff Griffin
Mark 13:32-37
James 5:7-9
Before Jesus ascended into heaven, He promised to return. The second coming of Christ is a major theme in the Bible. If we understand what the Scriptures teach about His return, it will change our lives in wonderful ways.
Kicking if off: Our main passage talks about farming. Does living on a farm sound attractive to you? Share why or why not.
1. Did you grow up in a church that emphasized end-times teaching? If so, what did you think of that emphasis?
2. Reread James 5:7-8. Be patient until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too must be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near! In what ways is waiting for Christ to return like a farmer waiting for the harvest?
3. Verse 8 indicates that “the Lord’s coming is near!” Christians believe that the return of Christ is “immanent.” The “Immanence” of the second coming means that He could return any day. Why does God want all believers to believe that Christ’s return is immanent?
4. Reread 2 Peter 3:4,8. Scoffers will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised?” But do not forget this: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.
How does this verse help us solve the puzzle of 2,000 years of waiting for Christ’s return?
5. From previous chapters, we know that James was writing to people facing great hardship. How does believing that Christ is returning soon help us patiently endure hardship?
6. Verse 8 calls us to “stand firm.” To “stand firm” literally means to “strengthen your heart.” How does belief in the immanent return of Christ make you stronger within?
7. Reread James 5:9 Don’t grumble against one another or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!
8. How can belief in the immanent return of Christ help us stop grumbling?
Wrapping It Up: The Aramaic term “Maranatha” means: “Come O Lord!” (1 Corinthians 16:22). Spend some time praying for “Maranatha!”