Small Group Discussion Questions from the message “The Prophesied Kingdom” by Mike Hanafee on December 13, 2009.

Quick Review:

1. What is the Bible about? (The Bible is about God restoring His Kingdom on earth through Jesus)
2. What is the kingdom of God? (God’s people in God’s place under God’s rule experiencing God’s blessing.)
3. Talk through the ground covered so far.  (pattern/perished/promised/partial – remember people/place/rule & blessing for each)

The Prophesied Kingdom

1. What were the 2 predominant messages of the prophets? (Judgment & Hope)  Give some examples. (Amos is covered in the early part of the message)
2. Was preaching judgment popular back then? (Jeremiah – told to shut up)
3. Why did they proclaim judgment was coming?  (turned to other gods)
4. Should we talk of judgment today, & if so, how?  (Can’t preach Cross without judgment)

In the face of stark warnings, descriptions, & explanations of judgment the prophets proclaim a glorious hope.

1. Who will be God’s people? (a remnant of Israel/Isaiah 10:20-21, inclusion of nations/Isaiah 49:6) What do they say what the Servant will do for these people? (Isaiah 53)
2. What is the connection between Jesus being called Light for the nations (& later saying, “I am the Light of the world”) & our being told by Him to let out light shine?  What specifically might this mean for your small group?
3. Where will God’s people dwell? (New Temple/Ezekiel 40-48, New Creation/Isaiah 65:17-18) In what ways can we “preview” this new creation?
4. How will God’s people be ruled & blessed? (New Covenant/Jeremiah 31:33, Ezekiel 36:26-27, Joel 2:28-32; New King/Isaiah 9:6-7, Great Blessing for all peoples) Why is the New Covenant superior to the Old Covenant? (Actually forgives sin & changes our hearts)  What should this mean for daily living?
5. Talk about how prophecies are fulfilled Christologically & not in a wooden literal fashion.  (I.e. Amos 9:11-12 & Acts 15:16-17 – who knew?  In the beginning of the sermon note the illustration on how the fulfillment of prophecies breaks the boundaries of the categories in which the prophecies were given. Important for next week)