CCVB Community Groups

Sermon Based Discussion

Week of 11/01/26

Pastor Jim Gallagher

I Thessalonians, Rev 19:11-16 “The Return of Christ”

The return of Christ is a prominent Christian doctrine that Paul addresses in every chapter of 1 Thessalonians. At Christ's return, God's plan of redemption moves swiftly toward its completion, and wickedness will be judged. Scripture paints a beautiful picture of Jesus returning to gather His saints to Himself and establishing a 1,000-year kingdom in which we will rule and reign with Him. Satan will be bound, wars will cease, and Christ will reign in righteousness. Following this 1,000-year reign, Jesus will create a new heaven and a new earth, and we will dwell with Him eternally. What an incredible future we have to look forward to with Him!

Knowing what awaits us should change how we live today and affect where we place our hope and priorities. We should eagerly look forward to seeing Jesus and anticipate His return.

In Revelation 22:20, Jesus says, “Surely I am coming quickly” and John responds, “Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!”

Is it the cry of our hearts to see Jesus? Are we eagerly awaiting His return?

Q. Jesus gives us beautiful gifts to enjoy in this life, but how do we keep from becoming so preoccupied with the things of this world that we rarely think about our future with Christ?

Q. Have you fallen into a pattern of half-hearted devotion to Him? What changes can you make this week to cultivate a deeper longing for Jesus and an eternal perspective?

Q. What are you doing to further His Kingdom while you wait?

At the Battle of Armageddon, we, the saints, will return with Christ. We won't need weapons, because the battle belongs to Him. He will win through the power of His Word.

Q. What battles are you facing right now that you need to surrender to Jesus and trust Him to fight on your behalf? Is there a recent battle where you've seen Him do this?

Q. How does the hope of Christ’s victory over wickedness change how you see the world today?

Q. How does the promise of one day reigning and resting with Christ in His kingdom change the way you view your current circumstances and the challenges you're facing?

Q. The last verse of the Bible says, “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen” (Revelation 22:21). Are you acknowledging and walking in the grace that is freely yours in Christ? What does it practically look like to walk in His grace each day?

“...I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”

John 14:2-3

Verses that Pastor Jim referenced pertaining to the doctrine of the Return of Christ: Revelation 19:11-16, 22:20-21, I Thessalonians 1:10, 2:19, 3:13, 4:15-17, 5:1, 5:4, 5:23, 2 Thessalonians 1:7, 2:1, Matthew 16:27, 24:30, 24:27, 24:44, 25:31, John 14:1-3, Acts 1:10-11, 1 Corinthians 15:51-52, Titus 2:13, Jude 1:14, Revelation 1:7, Zechariah 14:1-4, Matthew 19:28-30, Isaiah 2:4, Micah 4, Isaiah 11:1-10, 65:17-25, Revelation 20:1-17.