Future Second Advent Promises

Small Group Guide: Future Second Advent Promises
Opening Prayer
Begin by thanking God for His faithfulness and asking the Holy Spirit to guide your discussion and application of His Word.
Sermon Overview
Main Theme: God's first coming (Advent) points us toward the blessings and promises of His second coming, while offering us peace and His kingdom today.
Key Scripture: Isaiah 9:6-7, Micah 4:1-3, Mark 1:15, 1 Corinthians 6:2
Discussion Questions
Understanding the Message

1. The Two Advents: How does understanding Christ's first coming help us appreciate what His second coming will bring? What's the connection between the two?
2. The Prince of Peace: The sermon described how Christmas carols brought temporary peace to a WWI battlefield. Why is the peace we have now different from the peace Christ will establish when He returns?
3. The Kingdom Now and Then: What does it mean that "the kingdom of God is at hand" today? How is the kingdom both present and future?

Personal Reflection

4. Government of Your Life: Pastor Burgess asked, "Is Jesus sitting on the throne of your heart?" How would you honestly answer that question today? What areas of your life are you still trying to control?
5. Peace in Your Valley: Do you currently have the "peace that passes all understanding" in your life? If not, what's blocking you from experiencing it?
6. Trusting in Riches: The sermon mentioned the rich young ruler who trusted in his possessions. What are you tempted to trust in besides Jesus (career, finances, relationships, abilities)?

Going Deeper

7. Faithful Over Few Things: The pastor mentioned that God sees the unseen work we do—caring for elderly loved ones, raising children, serving in hidden ways. How does knowing God sees and will reward faithfulness encourage you in your current circumstances?
8. Future Responsibilities: 1 Corinthians 6:2 tells us believers will one day judge the world and rule with Christ. How should this future reality affect how we live today?
9. The Gospel Message: How would you explain the gospel (the good news) to someone who has never heard it, based on what was shared in this sermon?

Key Takeaways

• Christ's first coming makes His second coming possible. Without the baby in Bethlehem, there would be no returning King.
• Peace is available now through Christ, but perfect, sustained peace will come when the Prince of Peace rules physically over the earth.
• Entering the kingdom requires humility: We must repent and believe the gospel like a little child, acknowledging we cannot save ourselves.
• Faithful service now leads to future rewards: How we live for Christ today determines our role in His coming kingdom.
• The question on the floor: What have you done with the first Advent? Have you made Christ king of your life?

Practical Applications
This Week's Challenge
Choose one or two of the following to practice this week:

1. Daily Surrender: Each morning this week, specifically pray, "Lord, You are King of my life today. I surrender control to You." Identify one area you're struggling to surrender and give it to Him.
2. Share the Gospel: Think of one person who needs to hear about Jesus' first coming. Pray for them daily and look for an opportunity to share the simple gospel message with them this Advent season.
3. Serve Faithfully in the Hidden: Whatever your current responsibility (caring for family, working, serving at church), do it this week with excellence, remembering God sees and will reward your faithfulness.
4. Peace Inventory: Take time to identify areas where you lack peace. Write them down and pray specifically, asking Christ the Prince of Peace to rule in those situations.
5. Study the Second Coming: Read one chapter this week about Christ's return (suggestions: Matthew 24, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, or Revelation 21-22). Journal what you learn about your future hope.

Closing Reflection
Personal Question: If Christ returned today, would you be ready? Not just saved, but ready—living with Him as King, serving faithfully, and looking forward to His return?
Group Question: How can we pray for each other regarding the truths we've discussed today?
Closing Prayer
Pray together, thanking God for:

• Sending Jesus the first time to make salvation possible
• The peace available to us now through the Holy Spirit
• The promise of His return and our future role in His kingdom
• The opportunity to surrender our lives to Him today

Ask God to help each person make Jesus the true King of their life this Advent season.
For Next Time
Consider reading Isaiah 9:6-7 and Micah 4:1-7 before your next meeting. Come prepared to share one way you experienced Christ's peace or kingship in your life this week.