Articles, Home Groups

Belonging | The Doctrine of the Resurrection & Consummation of the Kingdom

Jill Barlow

July 21, 2022

Break the ice. Who is the most famous person you’ve ever met? How did you meet?


Read 1 Thessalonians 1:8-10.

8 For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything. 9 For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.


Discuss the seventh core, essential belief of Citizens Church: the Doctrine of Resurrection and Consummation of the Kingdom of God.

We believe that Jesus Christ is returning to the world in the future to judge the living and the dead.

The consummation of all things includes the future, physical, visible, personal and glorious return of Jesus Christ, the resurrection of the dead and the glorification of those alive in Christ, the judgment of the just and the unjust and the fulfillment of Christ’s kingdom in the new heavens and the new earth.

What were the Thessalonians commended for in verse 8? How did their lives change after their belief in Christ?

What will happen at Christ’s return according to each passage? As you read each passage, take note of anything that is surprising, interesting or meaningful to you.

                    1 John 3:2-3

                    Romans 14:11-12

                    1 Thessalonians 4:16-5:3

                    2 Peter 3:10-11

                    Revelation 21:1-4

Borrowing from Peter, “Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness?”

How can we wait actively for the kingdom? What does living eschatologically look like?



Rest in God’s promises. The next great event in the fulfillment of prophecy is the second coming of Jesus Christ. He will return personally and visibly, in power and glory, to consummate his salvation and his judgment. When God saves someone through their faith in Christ, God does not merely save their spirit. He saves them as a whole person. Our salvation includes the resurrection of our bodies and the guarantee of eternal life with God in the new heavens and the new earth.

Close in prayer, giving thanks to God for his kingdom that is promised, guaranteed and at hand!


Jill Barlow

Groups Minister
My hope for Citizens Church would be a place where disciples of Jesus are made and shaped.
Read More

Other Articles Teachings

 
ARTICLES, HOME GROUPS

John 4 | Engagement at the Well

August 19, 2022
Break the ice: What’s the weirdest dream you can remember having?Read John 4:7-26.7 A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” 8 (For his disciples had gone away into the city...
ARTICLES, HOME GROUPS

Psalm 27 | How to Talk to God When I Don't Desire God

August 12, 2022
Break the ice. What song or album could you listen to on repeat?Read Psalm 27. 1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I...
ARTICLES, HOME GROUPS

Belonging | The Doctrine of the Church (Part 2)

August 4, 2022
Break the ice. Where were you born?Read Ephesians 2:19-22.19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the...