The Bridge Church

“Apparently a thousand years of confinement does not alter Satan’s plans, nor does a thousand years of freedom from the influence of wickedness change people’s basic tendency to rebel against their creator.”
- Robert Mounce

“In the long run, the answer to all of those who object to the doctrine of hell is itself a question. What are you asking God to do? To wipe out the past sins of the damned and at all cost to give them a fresh start, smoothing every difficulty and offering every miraculous help. He has done so in Jesus. Are you asking God to forgive them? They do not want to be forgiven. Are you asking God to leave them alone? Alas, I am afraid that is what he does.”
- C.S. Lewis

MY NEXT STEP TODAY IS:

I need to receive Jesus Christ as my personal Savior for the first time.
https://thebridgevenice.churchcenter.com/people/forms/500390

I need to be baptized.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/baptism

I need to attend Starting Point.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/starting-point

I need to join a serve team.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/serve

I need to join a small group.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/bridge-groups

Dig Deeper:
1. Recapping Revelation 19, the beast and his armies are defeated. Why is this not the end of the story?
2. How does Revelation reveal that God is patient and gives us ample time for repentance?
3. Read Revelation 20:1-2. What does the angel represent?
4. How is Satan not God’s equal?
5. Read Revelation 20:3. How is Satan the ultimate deceiver? Why is it so important to remain grounded in Truth? How is this accomplished?
6. Imagine a world ruled by the perfect king, Jesus. What is missing in this world ruled by Him?
7. Read Revelation 20:4-6. What is the difference between the first resurrection and the second? What are they separated by?
8. Read Revelation 20:7-8. Why is Satan released? Why would people still rebel after 1,000 years of utopia?
9. Read Revelation 20:9-16. Are you surprised this happens quickly? Why or why not?
10. How does this passage make it clear there is a hell? Why is the idea that there is no hell something we would prefer to believe? Why is that not the case?
11. Our mission at The Bridge Church is to help people find and follow Jesus Christ, here and around the world. Based on Revelation, why are we so passionate at The Bridge Church about living on mission?
12. What encouragement do you find in Revelation 20? How about warnings or convictions?
13. What eternal truths or principles do I find in these verses?
14. What is the Holy Spirit trying to teach me through these verses? What changes do I need to make in my life to act on what I am learning?
15. What was your most significant takeaway from this week’s sermon, scripture reading, or discussion with your small group?

Live It Out:

In Christ, we have nothing to fear, and every reason to hope.

1. Do not fear. What fears are you holding onto? Why? How does the Book of Revelation help you understand the need, and ability, to trust fully in God? This week, reread chapter 20. Write down what you find that will help you remember that in the end, Jesus wins. Live out your today living with these same truths.
2. Have every reason to hope. What causes you to lose hope? When are you most able to hold onto hope? How does knowing Christ wins allow you to live with hope? This week, write down every way God has revealed to you to remain hopeful. If you are not in the practice of writing in a gratitude journal, begin that practice this week to help you remain hopeful, regardless of any circumstances.

Reading Plan:
Monday: Revelation 20:1-3
Tuesday: Revelation 20:4-6
Wednesday: Revelation 20:7-10
Thursday: Revelation 20:11-15
Friday: John 5:28-29
Saturday: Matthew 7:21-23

Additional Resources:
· Exalting Jesus in Revelation (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary), by Dr. Daniel L. Akin
· Revelation (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), by Grant R. Osbourne
· Revelation: The Spirit Speaks to the Churches, by James M Hamilton
· Revelation: Four Views, A Parallel Commentary, by Steve Gregg