7.23.23 Huddle

Onelifechurch - July 22, 2023

Opening Discussion

What is something you are looking forward to in the future?
What is something that scares you about the future?

Read and Discuss

Luke 21:5-11 CSB

5 As some were talking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said, 6 “These things that you see—the days will come when not one stone will be left on another that will not be thrown down.”

7 “Teacher,” they asked him, “so when will these things happen? And what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?”

8 Then he said, “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Don’t follow them. 9 When you hear of wars and rebellions, don’t be alarmed. Indeed, it is necessary that these things take place first, but the end won’t come right away.”

10 Then he told them, “Nation will be raised up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be violent earthquakes, and famines and plagues in various places, and there will be terrifying sights and great signs from heaven.

What were the things the disciples were impressed with?
Why did Jesus tell the disciples that those things were going to be torn down?
What are some things you put your trust in that are only temporary things?
How could you switch your perspective and focus on the things that really matter?
What are some of the signs that Jesus says will take place before the end?
Are any of these things happening today?
Jesus tells them not to be alarmed when they hear about these things. How can you find peace in Jesus when it seems everything is falling apart?

Luke 21:20-24

20 “When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then recognize that its desolation has come near. 21 Then those in Judea must flee to the mountains. Those inside the city must leave it, and those who are in the country must not enter it, 22 because these are days of vengeance to fulfill all the things that are written. 23 Woe to pregnant women and nursing mothers in those days, for there will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people. 24 They will be killed by the sword and be led captive into all the nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

Why does Jesus issue this warning?
Why is prophecy so important in the Bible?
What are some ways to tell if a prophecy is true or false?
Why will there be suffering for Jesus’ followers at the end of times?
What are some ways followers of Jesus are persecuted today?

Apply it!

What can you do this week to rely on Jesus for the things that really matter instead of trusting in the things of this world?

Memorize it!

Luke 21:5-6

Prayer TACOS

Thank the Lord for giving prophecies in the Bible so we can be prepared for what is to come

Adoration- Worship the Lord for His goodness and foreknowledge of all things

Confess the times when you trusted more in yourself or the things of this world than in the things of the Lord

Others- Pray for a friend who doesn’t follow Jesus. Ask the Lord to give you conversations with them this week that will draw them closer to Him.

Self- Ask the Lord to increase your faith

Closing thoughts

Prophecy is weird. Well, the way the world has twisted it makes it seem weird. When someone gets a prophetic word in movies or shows, a person will go into a trance and start talking in an otherworldly voice. Often these scenes are accompanied with lots of wind and sometimes lightning. When they are done, they can’t remember what they said, but those around them know it was important.

In the Bible, the prophets were hated. They spoke of things that would come to fruition if people didn’t change their selfish ways and turn to God. Often there were false prophets who would say the things the king wanted to hear. Therefore, there were ways to tell if a prophet was really from the Lord or just a false prophet.

First, there was usually a sign that would happen almost immediately to prove the validity of the prophet. For example, Moses throwing his staff on the ground and it turning into a snake was an immediate sign that the Lord was with him.

Secondly, there was often a prophecy of things that would occur within a few years. This could be tested and measured.

Finally there would be a prophecy of future events that would occur long after those prophesying were dead. Isaiah prophesied many things about Jesus that happened hundreds of years after he spoke them. Prophecy was also a warning to try to help people change their ways back to following the Lord. Rarely was a prophecy something pleasant and cheerful. The reason being is that if people were living for the Lord, then He wouldn’t need to send a prophet to bring correction.

So if someone speaks prophecy over you, seek the Lord about what they said. It won’t contradict His word. It will also be something to challenge you in your faith. Seek out someone who can help you discern if the prophecy spoken was true or false. If it was false, be very wary of that person who said that it was from the Lord. In all things, seek God first. He will give you the wisdom you need.