Message for Sunday, December 1, 2019

BE FOCUSED

THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE: Matthew 24:36-42

Main Theme: Second Coming of Jesus
(See background information below.)

Guide for Crossroads Community Groups:

1. Welcome: Read the purpose of your group:

   Our purpose is to multiply groups. We do this by inviting new people to our group and building them to be followers of Jesus. Each person here has the potential to be empowered to start and be the leader of a new group and multiply God's kingdom.

2. Worship: Spend a few minutes singing a worship song. Show a video with the lyrics, such as Surrounded (Fight My Battles).

3. Review:

   1. What has God been telling you this week in your personal time with Him?
   2. How did you do with what you wanted to apply from last week?
   3. With whom did you share what you learned last week?
   4. Who did you invite to the group for this week?

4. Opening Question:
   What things in your everyday life make it difficult for you to focus on Jesus as the center of your life? What helps you to focus on Jesus?

5. Introduction: Read the background information below.

6. Word: Read Matthew 24:36-42 aloud together. (Goal is that everyone understand the Bible story — keep at it until everyone knows the story.)

   1. What key (important) words do you see in these verses?
   2. Tell in your own words what happens in these verses.
   3. What are the details? What details can you add to what others in the group have said?

7. Discussion: Discuss together the questions below.

8. Application: For these questions, you may want to divide into two groups for males and females.

9. Prayer Time:

   • Pray for an empty chair, representing new people you want to join the group. Think of specific people to pray for by name.

   • Divide into two groups for males and females to pray for the needs of the members of the group.

10. For Next Time:

    • Assign group members who are ready to do different parts of the next meeting as you prepare them (opening question; prayer time; read background info; lead group).

    • Ask each person the name of someone they will invite to the group for next week.
      

Background Information

Background Information:

The story of Noah is found in Genesis 6:9-8:22. Jesus refers to the true story of Noah as an example of the importance of being ready for the return of Jesus in judgment. At Jesus’ return, there will be judgment of all people and a separation — some to heaven and the others to hell. The key point therefore is to be focused and ready for Jesus’ return. The reason for the necessity of being focused is because no one knows when Jesus will come back. It could be at any time.

Key Verse: Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. —Matthew 24:42

THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE: Matthew 24:36-42

Discussion Questions

1. What new thing did you discover in the story or verses that you did not know before?

2. What did you learn about God (Father, Jesus or Holy Spirit) from the story?

3. What do you learn about people from the story?

4. What important lessons for us do you see in this story?

5. What will you take away from this discussion?

6. What will you do with what you have learned? (Make sure everyone answers this.)

7. As a result of this study, what do you need to stop doing?

8. As a result of this study, what do you need to start doing?

Commitment — Obedience — Application

1. Jesus taught you this today because someone in your life needs to hear it. With whom in your inner circle of relationships will you share what you have learned through this study?

2. What specifically will you commit to apply in your life from this study?