Key Bible Passage(s):

Matt.5-7; 13; 24-25

“The second coming of Christ shall be utterly unlike the first. He came the first time in weakness, a tender infant, born of a poor woman in the manger at Bethlehem, unnoticed, unhonored, and scarcely known. He shall come the second time in royal dignity, with the armies of heaven around Him, to be known, recognized and feared, by all the tribes of the earth.

“He came the first time to suffer – to bear our sins, to be reckoned a curse, to be despised, rejected, unjustly condemned and slain. He shall come the second time to reign – to put down every enemy beneath His feet, to take the kingdom of this world for His inheritance, to rule them with righteousness, to judge all men and to live forevermore.

“How vast the difference! How mighty the contrast!”

J.C.Ryle

The Church’s belief about the End of the Age is generally regarded as profoundly significant in her pursuit of authentic discipleship. Many aspects of that discipleship can only be achieved in the context of a clear vision of our future hope and expectation (see e.g. Rom.8:18; II Cor.4:17-18). And Jesus quite consciously puts much of His own teaching firmly in the context of His understanding of the end of history. He spends a good deal of time making sure we understand His perspective on this.

Once in each of the three years of DTP (perhaps during the summer break), schedules a Study Day. It’s a chance to get together in a more relaxed environment, to eat together, pray together and study together. I’d suggest providing breakfast, coffee and refreshments, and inviting those who come to participate in a Bring ‘n’ Share lunch.

In Year 2, the Study Day focusses on Jesus’ teaching about the End of the Age. Precisely because of its significance, it is a controversial area of belief. It is important to start here, and doing so will help us navigate many of the ideas and beliefs that are prevalent today. Jesus brings a clarity and simplicity to he discussion that we may not expect.

The day breaks down into manageable chunks with coffee breaks and opportunities to pray and to discuss in groups built into the structure. The suggested teaching and associated powerpoints reflect this.

As ever, the resources are provided without prejudice. You may wish to use them as they are; or to adapt them as you feel appropriate. You may wish to write your own material, or to structure the day differently to how it is suggested here. The crucial thing is to engage with the text of Jesus’ teaching directly.

Suggested Structure for Study Day 2:

8.30 Breakfast

9.00 Introduction & prayer (in Groups)

9.30 The Sermon on the Mount (i)

11.00 Coffee

11.30 The Sermon on the Mount (ii)

1.00 Bring ‘n’ Share Lunch

1.30 The Rest of Matthew!

2.00 Hidden Life of Devotion (6:1-34)

3.00 Refreshments

3.30 Guarded Life of Discretion (7:1-29)

Closing Prayer