Discussion Questions

for the 04-05-2009 sermon

“What is Up with 2012?” – Matthew 24:1-14, 36-44

1.     Had you heard of any predictions for the year 2012? What did you hear and in what context? Describe a previous time where people predicted something big was going to happen (Harmonic Convergence, Y2K, etc). What happened? How did you feel ahead of time?

2.     READ Revelation 19:1-21 which describes what our perspective will be after “doomsday” type events that God brings on the world. Rev 19:1-10 describes the perspective of heaven, believers and angels. What key elements do you notice that are opposite of fear and gloom? Rev 19:11-21 describe Jesus’ second coming. What do you notice about Jesus and/or His victory? How might this encourage you for the future?

3.     Some people say that the year 2012 is going to bring in a new “enlightenment” for humans. Why might this be tempting for people to believe? What did Jesus remind us of in Matt 24 so we would not be tempted by these things even though we do want more peace, love and harmony in the world?

4.     More people believe that 2012 will bring unprecedented disaster. What is our natural thinking when we hear these things many times? How do we keep our eyes focused on Jesus at these times and not give in to fear? What practically helps you in these times? How do we separate wrongly acting from fear (like gathering up food supplies for long time) & simply taking prudent actions (having a couple week supply of food for normal disasters)?  

5.     When you hear of ancients prophesying something, how much do you investigate what they actually said? What resources or approaches have been helpful to you so that you are not deceived by these false teachings or false Christs (people who claim way to paradise)? What mental pictures of Jesus help you remember He is King of Kings and Lord of all?

6.     How might you encourage someone who is seeking greater “enlightenment” in 2012 to consider the claims of Jesus? How would this be different than encouraging someone to consider repenting and surrendering to Jesus who thinks the world will end in 2012?