The Beast from the Earth looks like an innocent lamb yet speaks like a dragon and performs many miraculous signs. He is later identified as the false prophet (Rev. 16:13;19:20;20:10). How can we, as saints, protect ourselves from falling prey to alluring and wonder working “prophets” like the beast? See Deut 13:1-4;
Matt 7:13-20; 24:4; II Thess. 2:9-12; I Jn 4:1-3

What do you think the “mark of the beast” is? Who else has been “marked” on their foreheads in Revelation? See Rev. 7:3-4; 14:1 Do you think these marks are literal or symbolic? What insight do you have into the number of the beast? Why do you think it is called “man’s number”?

The “Beast of the Sea” is given much authority and power by Satan (v.3) and was given power for a limited period of time (42 months) to wage war against the saints and even to “conquer” them (v.7). What evidence do we have from history and in our present world of “saints” being “conquered” by evil political forces? How are we to view God’s promises of protection in light of this reality?

According to verse 10, what character qualities do believers need to manifest during “beastly” times? How is it possible to be “conquered” yet still to be “more than conquerors” (Rom. 8:37)? Are John and Paul disagreeing here? Does the cross shed any light on this apparent contradiction?

What is the difference between an argument and a discussion? How do you know when a dialog moves from bringing light to simply producing heat? In your experience, have you known anyone who has been “argued” into accepting Jesus Christ? How should we apply Jesus parable of “casting pearls before swine” as we seek to share God’s truth? See Matt. 7:6

Are we, as believers, generally viewed as non-argumentative, kind, gentle and compassionate by those in our culture who are not followers of Christ? What can we do to change our culture’s perception without distorting the Gospel?

Jesus asked people a lot of questions when he was sharing truth. What role can questions play as we seek to connect with non-believers? One pundit quipped, “We need to open our ears more than our mouths when we share the Gospel!” Do you agree with this statement?

Genuine love is the “sine qua non” of true biblical community (Col. 3:14; I Pet. 4:8). What does this love look like in action in the local church? How does this love respond when someone is hurting or has been wronged? In our busy culture, how are love and time related?

CS Lewis said, “To love at all is to be vulnerable…” Have you ever been hurt by someone in the church? How did you respond? What does the Lord ask us to do when loving wounds us? See Matt 5:23-24; Rom 12:14-21; 15:7; I Pet 3:8-12

How is God calling you to get involved to make this church a more authentic and loving community of believers? We all have gifts to give and talents to put to use! May the Lord fill us with his Spirit so that the world sees the love we have for one another and glorifies his name! John 13:34-35

As you think about the gift of God’s grace in Jesus Christ, what makes this most excellent of gifts so amazing and “indescribable”?

What is the difference between a gift and a paycheck? Do you view God more as a demanding employer or a Father who delights to give good gifts to his children?

Does your relationship with Jesus honestly reflect the reality that you are loved, forgiven, accepted, and adopted into God’s forever secure family completely and totally as a gift or are you still seeking to “earn” that gift in some way?

When Mary said, “Let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38) she was submitting to the will of God for her life, even if it involved giving up her own plans and dreams for her future. What was she potentially giving up? What costs came with her decision? What joys came with her decision? Have you ever fully surrendered to the Lord, saying to him, “Let it be to me according to your word”?

Mary sings, “My soul magnifies the Lord” (Luke 1:46) To magnify means to make large and to view as very important. We all “magnify” something in our lives. What would an unbiased outside observer of your life say that your soul “magnifies”?

Jesus’ often turns the world’s values upside down. What are some aspects of this “great reversal” that you see in Mary’s song? (Luke 1:45-55)

In Deut. 4:29 it states that we will find the LORD when we seek him with all our heart and all our soul. How do these pagan priests illustrate the reality of this verse? What are you doing in your life to “seek” after Jesus?

How did Herod respond when he heard the news from the Magi? Why do you think he responded as he did? In what ways are unbelievers threatened by Jesus today? What attempts are being made in our culture to eliminate Jesus and his threatening claims of authority over people’s lives?

To whom do you relate most in this section of Scripture – the Magi, Herod, or the religious leaders of Jerusalem? Does your heart lean more toward worship and giving your best to Jesus, opposing and seeking to eliminate his “bothersome” presence, or apathetically ignoring him?

“Waiting” expectantly for God’s promises to materialize seems to be a required course in God’s curriculum for his children. How do you typically respond to periods of waiting for God to respond? What will enable us to wait well?

Simeon seemed very responsive to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in his life. How do we know when the Holy Spirit is “moving” us to do something? How do we distinguish between our own motivations and the Holy Spirit’s promptings?

What did Simeon understand about this baby that even caused Mary and Joseph to marvel? According to Simeon, for whom was this salvation prepared? How would a typical Jew have responded to the inclusion of Gentiles in this prophecy? Are there any people or groups you dismiss as being beyond the reach of God’s salvation?

We are told to give thanks in all circumstances (I Thes. 5:18). Are Christians called to overlook the evil present in the world and walk around with a plastic smile pasted on their faces? How can we possibly obey this command?

How does the material prosperity and entitlement mentality of our culture impact our levels of thankfulness? What emotions are fed by an attitude of ingratitude? What emotions tend to thrive when we have an attitude of gratitude?

In addition to giving thanks to God for all he has done, Paul is often thankful for his relationships with other believers (Eph. 1:16; I Thes. 1:2, II Thes. 1:3 etc). Spend some time thinking about people who have positively impacted your life. Thank God for them and then express your thankfulness to them in a practical way sometime this week (a note, phone call, gift, etc).