EDWJextra Session 1: The glories of Christ Icebreakers What are your plans for the Bank Holiday weekend? Play a video of Stairway to Heaven and discuss its lyrics (choose between Led Zepplin and Rolf Harris!). Key thought The primary focus of the book of Revelation is the glories of Christ and His Bride the Church. We must not become so caught up with interpreting its obscure symbolism that we miss the beauty of our Saviour and the wonderful future God has planned for us! Key verse ‘Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it …’ Revelation 1:3 Discussion starters 1. Why might we need reminding of the glories of Christ? 2. How should we approach the book of Revelation? 3. How much of your Christian life is based on ‘grace and peace’ rather than ‘perplexity and puzzlement’? 4. What is your own story of being loved, loosed and lifted?
The Vision MAY/JUN 2013
Every Day with Jesus group resource
1–7 May
5. Discuss Selwyn’s phrase, ‘The Almighty is always able to find or, if necessary, construct a secret stair to the soul.’ 6. What picture of Christ do you hold before you when you pray? 7. What could be the advantages of keeping a spiritual journal? The example of Jesus ‘… Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.’ Revelation 1:5 Prayer pointers • Ask God for wisdom and insight as we commence our studies on this issue. • Thank God that you have been loved, loosed and lifted!
Session 2: The glories of the Church Icebreaker What do you most love and admire about the history and present life of the Church in general and your own church in particular?
7–14 May
Prayer pointers • Pray for God to open doors of opportunity. • Repent of any lack of love, lukewarmness, error or sin, and ask God to set your church on fire.
Key thought The Church which was birthed in glorious Pentecostal fire can forget its supernatural origins and degenerate into ritualism and a community club. Key verse ‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ Revelation 3:22 Discussion starters 1. How might duty replace devotion? 2. How can faith overcome fear? 3. What is the fight of faith? (See 2 Tim. 4:7) 4. How can we be holy people in a dark world? 5. How can pageantry and ritual replace Pentecost and revival? 6. What doors of opportunity are open to you? 7. What is the Spirit saying to you and your church? The example of Jesus ‘His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for your house will consume me.”’ John 2:17 www.cwr.org.uk/edwjextra