This guide is designed to help your group create a space for genuine connection and conversation within your discussion time. Don't feel pressured to address every question each week. Instead, allow the Holy Spirit to guide you as you lead your group in uncovering what God intends to communicate during your time together.

This guide comprises three sections: Loving, Learning, and Living. Each section aims to steer your conversation towards meaningful discussions about spiritual growth as individuals and as members of the body of Christ.

First moments together as a group to connect and pray (approx. 10-15 min).

• How have you seen God at work in your life since the last time we met?
• What has been one high and one low since the last time we met?
• How did you do with living out what we talked about last time we met?

Open with prayer and invite God to be part of your conversation and relationship.

The majority of the group discussion is devoted to open dialogue, reflecting on God’s Word and its personal application to each of our lives (approx. 60-75 min).

Scripture References from Message: Revelation 1:1-8
Big Idea: We don’t hope in what may come, but in the One who has come and will come again.

Revelation can often feel confusing, intimidating, or easy to misinterpret. But, from the start of Revelation, the author explains that the letter is meant to be a blessing, not a source of fear or speculation. What has shaped your understanding of Revelation in the past, and how does Revelation 1:3 challenge or correct that?

Revelation is three different styles of ancient writing: 

• Pastoral letter (meant to shepherd and care for a congregation)
• Apocalyptic (revealing or to make known God’s purpose or plan in the world)
• And, prophecy (God’s Word to give His people comfort, challenge, judgement, or hope).

Why is it important to understand what kind of writing Revelation is before trying to apply it to our lives? What can happen when we rush to interpretation without first understanding the context?

Revelation begins by centering everything on Jesus Christ. Before it shows beasts, battles, symbols, or judgment, it reveals Jesus as the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. Which of those descriptions of Jesus stands out to you most, and why?

The author, John, is writing to believers facing pressure from empire, culture, and opposition, reminding them that Jesus is King and Caesar is not. What are some modern “empires” or cultural powers that compete for our hope, allegiance, or trust today?

Revelation calls believers to faithful witness in the middle of trial, temptation, and pressure. Where do you currently feel pulled to place your hope in something other than Jesus? What would it look like to remain faithful to Him in that area?

The challenge for the week ahead is to grow in our faith and lovingly hold each other accountable through the community.

This week, read Revelation 1 multiple times. Instead of trying to solve every symbol or predict future events, pay attention to what the passage reveals about Jesus. Write down one truth about who Jesus is, and each day ask God to help you place your hope more fully in Him rather than in comfort, control, culture, or fear.