Spiritual Authority: Restored In Christ — More Than Predicting a Date, Knowing a Man
Message from Chad Everett
OVERVIEW
This week, we are learning something very important:
Jesus is coming again — and God wants us to know Him, trust Him, and be ready for Him.
In this message, we learn that the Bible is one big story about Jesus:
- Jesus came to save us,
- Jesus died on the cross,
- Jesus rose again,
- and one day Jesus will return.
Jesus warned His followers not to get pulled away by everything happening in the world. Instead, He wants us to stay close to Him, trust His Word, and live ready for His return.
We also learn how the special feasts in the Bible point to Jesus and God’s rescue plan for people.
Most importantly, we learn this truth:
👉 The goal is not just learning facts about Jesus
👉 The goal is knowing Jesus personally
“The gospel is not about predicting a date so we can just have some knowledge, but knowing a man.”
📖 MEMORY VERSE
“Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming.” — Mark 13:35
BIG WORDS
- Gospel = the good news about Jesus saving us
- Redeem = to rescue or save
- Feast = a special celebration God gave His people
- Watchful = being ready and paying attention
- Bridegroom = the husband in a wedding; Jesus is called the Bridegroom
- Faithful = continuing to trust and follow God
- Eternal = forever with God
SECTION 1 — KEEP JESUS AT THE CENTER
The most important story is the story of Jesus.
BIG IDEA
Jesus should be the center of our life and attention.
READ
Mark 13:5–13, 1 Corinthians 15:1–4
TALK ABOUT IT
- What are some signs Jesus said would happen before the end?
- What warning did Jesus give in Mark 13:5?
- According to 1 Corinthians 15:1–4, what is the good news about Jesus?
- Why should we pay attention to Jesus more than everything else around us?
- What does it look like to keep following Jesus no matter what happens?
THINK ABOUT IT
- What things pull my attention away from Jesus?
- Am I spending time reading God’s Word?
- How can I keep Jesus first in my life this week?
Further Scripture Reading
Luke 21:8–28, 2 Timothy 4:1–8
SECTION 2 — STAY READY AND TRUST GOD
Jesus wants us to stay awake spiritually and trust Him.
BIG IDEA
We can live ready for Jesus without being afraid.
READ
Mark 13:24–37
TALK ABOUT IT
- What signs did Jesus say would happen before He returns?
- What lesson did Jesus teach about the fig tree?
- What did Jesus say nobody knows in Mark 13:32?
- How can we stay ready for Jesus instead of being afraid?
- What instructions did Jesus repeat to His followers?
THINK ABOUT IT
- Do I trust Jesus when the world feels confusing?
- What does it mean to stay spiritually awake?
- How can I grow closer to Jesus every day?
Further Scripture Reading
Matthew 24:32–44, 1 Thessalonians 5:1–11
SECTION 3 — THE FEASTS SHOW GOD’S PLAN
The special feasts in the Bible help show God’s plan through Jesus.
BIG IDEA
God had a rescue plan through Jesus from the very beginning.
READ
Leviticus 23:1–44, John 1:29, 1 Corinthians 15:20, Acts 2:1–4, 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17
TALK ABOUT IT
- Why is Jesus called the Lamb of God in John 1:29?
- What does “firstfruits” mean about Jesus in 1 Corinthians 15:20?
- What happened when the Holy Spirit came in Acts 2?
- What happens when the trumpet sounds in 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17?
- How do these Bible passages help us see God’s plan through Jesus?
- What do these Scriptures show us about God’s faithfulness?
THINK ABOUT IT
- How does it make you feel knowing God had a plan all along?
- What part of God’s plan through Jesus stands out to you most?
- How can learning the Bible help you trust God more?
Further Scripture Reading
Colossians 2:16–17, Hebrews 9:11–15, Revelation 21:1–3
SECTION 4 — GET READY FOR THE BRIDEGROOM
Jesus is coming back, and He wants His people to be ready.
BIG IDEA
We stay ready for Jesus by staying close to Him.
READ
John 14:1–3, Mark 13:32–37, 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17
TALK ABOUT IT
- What promise did Jesus make in John 14:1–3?
- What attitude does Jesus want His followers to have in Mark 13?
- What happens when Jesus returns according to 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17?
- What does it mean to be spiritually ready?
- How can we prepare our hearts for Jesus now?
THINK ABOUT IT
- If Jesus came back today, would I be ready?
- How can I stay close to Jesus every day?
- What helps me grow stronger in my faith?
Further Scripture Reading
Matthew 25:1–13, Revelation 19:6–9
SECTION 5 — KNOW JESUS PERSONALLY
God wants us to truly know Jesus, not just know facts about Him.
BIG IDEA
Eternal life is knowing Jesus and walking with Him.
READ
Philippians 3:7–10, John 17:3, Revelation 22:12–20
TALK ABOUT IT
- According to John 17:3, what is eternal life?
- What did Paul want more than anything in Philippians 3?
- What invitation is repeated in Revelation 22?
- What is the difference between knowing about Jesus and truly knowing Him?
- How can we live ready for Jesus every day?
THINK ABOUT IT
- Do I spend time talking with Jesus and listening to Him?
- How can I know Jesus more personally?
- What changes when Jesus becomes the center of my life?
Further Scripture Reading
Psalm 27:4, Jeremiah 9:23–24
FINAL ENCOURAGEMENT
Jesus is coming again, and that truth should not make us afraid. It should help us trust Him even more. God wants us to stay close to Jesus, know His Word, trust His promises, and live ready for His return. The Bible is one big story about Jesus, and God invites us to be part of His story through faith in Him. Jesus loves you, Jesus died for you, Jesus rose again, and one day Jesus will return. Stay faithful, stay watchful, and stay close to Jesus.