Every Nation Church Las Vegas
Living in Heaven While on Earth
Living in Heaven While on Earth
Promises Kept
Matthew Bolusan
The Promise Fulfilled
The Promise Fulfilled
Promises Kept
Every Nation Church Las Vegas
The Promise of God's Presence
The Promise of God's Presence
Promises Kept
Every Nation Church Las Vegas
Hold On — The Promise Is Still Alive
Hold On — The Promise Is Still Alive
Promises Kept
Every Nation Church Las Vegas
A Promise in Motion
A Promise in Motion

Living in Heaven While on Earth

Main Thought

Jesus did not come merely to bring us to Heaven in the future - He came so that we might experience fullness of life now. The world offers a way of living rooted in self-effort, fear, and survival. Jesus invites us into a different reality: life in Him. Scripture repeatedly reminds us that trouble is unavoidable; however, peace, protection, and purpose are available when we learn to dwell in God’s presence. The Psalms call this the secret place.

Living in heaven while on earth is not about escaping hardship. It is about remaining anchored in God’s presence through hardship. Jesus Himself lived this way. Though fully present in a broken world, He remained continually “in” the Father. He was secure, obedient, and free to love and serve. Because of Christ, we have been blessed with every spiritual blessing and invited to set our minds on what is above. As we learn to abide in Him, we begin to experience heaven’s peace even in the middle of the earth’s problems.

Main Passages

1 He who dwells in the SECRET PLACE of the Most High, Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.3 Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler And from the perilous pestilence. 4 He shall cover you with His feathers, And under his wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and bucker. 5 You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, Nor of the arrow that flies by day, 6 Nor the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor the destruction that lay waste at noonday 7 A thousand may fall at your side, And ten thousand at your right hand; But it shall not come near you.

- Psalms 91:1-7 (NKJV)

“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
- John 16:33 (NIV)

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me.”
- Psalm 23:4 (NKJV)

Discussion Questions

  1. What stood out to you most from this week’s message or the Scriptures we read?

  2. Jesus promises both trouble and peace in John 16:33. Why do you think it’s important to hold those truths together?

  3. Psalm 91 speaks about dwelling in the “secret place.” What do you think that looks like practically in everyday life?

The Promise Fulfilled

Main Thought

The promise of the coming Messiah began in the Garden of Eden. God used prophets like Isaiah to remind the world of His promise. There was a space between the spoken promise and the fulfillment of it. This delay wasn’t a denial; it was an opportunity for hope to be released and grow. When Jesus came, He did not merely announce peace. He embodied it by revealing truth and grace in full measure. The transformation described in Isaiah - hostility replaced by harmony, fear replaced by trust - reveals the depth of peace Jesus brings. This peace begins in human hearts and will ultimately reshape all creation. Yet the peace God offers must be received in order to be experienced. We receive God’s peace when we believe in Jesus. We can grow in peace when we grow in God.

Main Passages

“The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord—and he will delight in the fear of the Lord.”

- Isaiah 11:2–3

“With righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth… Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist. The wolf will live with the lamb… and a little child will lead them… The infant will play near the cobra’s den.”

- Isaiah 11:4–8

“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.’”

- Luke 2:10–11

Discussion Questions

  1. Why do you think God often allows time to pass between when a promise is spoken and when it is fulfilled?

  2. Isaiah describes peace in radical terms—natural enemies living together. What does that reveal about the kind of peace Jesus brings?

  3. How does knowing that Jesus fulfilled God’s promise of peace shape how you approach conflict, fear, or uncertainty today?

The Promise of God's Presence

Main Thought

It’s practically a Christmas tradition to read or hear Isaiah 7:14. God promised to send His Son when the southern kingdom of Judah was at war. The chaos and confusion of this context can correspond to the chaos and confusion we face in our lives. Our immediate needs might not be met on this side of heaven. That isn’t what Jesus came to do. Jesus came to meet our greatest need: freedom from sin, the cause of evil and death. Jesus met this need by dying for us, then rising again to prove everything He said was true. Presently, God is transforming the world by transforming the hearts of people. He’ll meet every need in eternity. 

What are we supposed to do in the meantime? We can unwrap the present of God’s presence. God wants to be with us in our trials. We can feel His faithful love, His resilient joy, and His peace that passes all understanding. It’s simple, like unwrapping a gift. We seek God by faith and take simple steps to experience Him. God’s presence can be like a gift that we experience in every season and situation. 

Main Passages

'Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.'

- Isaiah 7:14, ESV

'“...Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). '

- Matthew 1:20b-23, ESV

'Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”'

- Matthew 11:28-30, ESV

Discussion Questions

  1. Why did God choose to send His Son, Jesus Christ, to earth? Why did Immanuel (a title, not a literal name) come to “be with us”?

  2. Have you - or has someone you know - ever experienced God’s presence while persevering through difficulty? How did it make a difference?

  3. What actions or attitudes make it hard for you to feel or experience the presence of God? What simple steps of faith allow you to experience God’s presence?

Hold On — The Promise Is Still Alive

Main Thought

The people of Israel lived through centuries of waiting before the Messiah came. Many of us know what it feels like to walk through seasons of silence and delay. We might feel like we’re waiting in the dark because we can’t see if or when our breakthrough will come. Yet darkness cannot cancel a promise if it has been spoken by God. The coming of Jesus Christ proves this. Jesus came at the appointed time - but He arrived in a way that no one expected. Jesus wasn’t wrapped in royalty, but in humility. God often wraps His greatest presents in humble packages. We need to be ready and willing to receive them. Faithful waiting puts us in a position to see God move. Simeon waited faithfully; he served actively, and watched for the Messiah with expectation. Waiting can be frustrating, but it’s also an incredible opportunity to grow in love for God and faith in Him. Christmas reminds us that God is faithful. Faithful waiting isn’t wasted when we wait on God.

Main Passages

“Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”’

- ‭‭Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭25‬-‭32‬ ‭NIV

“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” ‭‭

- Psalms‬ ‭27‬:‭14‬ ‭NIV

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” - ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Discussion Questions

  1. Why do you think God sent Jesus to be born in a manger, and not in a palace? What can we learn about God’s character and His ways from this fact?

  2. Sometimes, God makes promises. At other times, we might make a request or a wish. Our requests may or may not align with God’s promises. How can we discern the difference between God’s promises and our desires?

  3. The Bible teaches us that waiting on God is about passionate activity, and not passive inactivity. Is there a promise from God that you’re waiting on? What are you currently doing to position yourself to receive God’s promises?

A Promise in Motion

Main Thought

God is faithful to His promises, and Christmas is the proof. Throughout the Old Testament, God’s people waited generation after generation for Him to act on His covenant promises. He promised to bless His people, multiply them, and - most importantly - to save them. The coming of the Messiah proved that God’s plans were already in motion. He intervened in history out of steadfast love, fulfilling what He declared long before. The birth of Christ shows that God’s timing is perfect, His mercy is intentional, and His covenant love never fails. We can trust God because He has already proven Himself faithful.

Main Passages

1 Oh sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things! His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. 2 The Lord has made known his salvation; he has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations. He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. 4 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!

- Psalm 98:1-4

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

- Luke 2:11-14

22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).

- Matthew 1:22-23

Discussion Questions

  1. Have you ever seen a promise broken? How did that shape your understanding of trust?

  2. Why are promises (especially God’s promises) so meaningful to us?

  3. How does knowing that God kept His greatest promise in Jesus bring you healing, freedom, or inspiration for life?

A Healthy Perspective

Main Thought

God has called us to participate in His eternal purpose. We go and make disciples and we give to advance His Kingdom (among other things). Yet our ability to pursue God’s purpose can be limited by our perspective. We need to have a healthy perspective - beginning with how we view God Himself. When we remember God’s holiness, goodness, love, and power, we begin to see the world and our lives with greater clarity. Authentic encounters with God move us to awe and worship, but they also reveal our areas of needed growth and transformation. A healthy inward perspective allows God to change and shape us. Finally, a healthy outward perspective leads us to echo Isaiah the prophet and say ”Here am I, send me!” Remembering God’s mission inspires us to step out in faith and obedience - and a healthy perspective helps us last.

Main Passages

1 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. 2 Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. 3 And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” 4 At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.

- Isaiah 6:1-4

5 “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.” 6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. 7 With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.”

- Isaiah 6:5-7

8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

- Isaiah 6:8

Discussion Questions

  1. Isaiah begins by saying, “I saw the Lord…” How does a fresh vision of God change the way we see life, challenges, or circumstances?

  2. Isaiah’s encounter with God led him to recognize his need for transformation. Is there anything that God is growing, shaping, or transforming in you this season?

  3. After being cleansed and restored, Isaiah hears God’s call and responds, “Here am I. Send me!” What step of faith might God be calling you to take in this season and the next? How might that connect to things that God is doing in and through Every Nation Las Vegas?

God Made Us to Multiply

Main Thought

God made us to multiply. The first command God issued to humanity was the Creation Mandate. It was a command to multiply people - and, to multiply the goodness of God through people. The Great Commission makes it clear that God made disciples to multiply. Followers of Jesus are called to teach new believers how to help others follow Him. When disciples multiply, communities of disciples multiply. God’s desire is that we would multiply sites and churches. Every Nation Church Las Vegas is taking that step in faith. Every Nation Church Las Vegas is launching a new site in south Las Vegas in early 2026! Our goal is to reach a new group of people with the gospel. Growth like this is fueled by generosity. We can give generously of our time, gifts, skills, passions, and finances. We give as a response to God, who first gave generously to us. He multiplied His grace, goodness, and blessings to us. It’s time to prepare for multiplication: as individuals, families, Life Groups, ministries and as a church. 

Main Passages

“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

- ‭‭Genesis‬ ‭1‬:‭27‬-‭28‬ ‭ESV

'And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith. '

- Acts 6:7

'And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself…” “And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need… And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.'

- Acts 2:38-39, 44-45

Discussion Questions

  1. “We give as a response to God, who first gave generously to us.” What does that truth stir in you personally? 

  2. What is the link or relationship between gratitude and generosity? Have you ever seen an example of gratitude fueling generosity? 

  3. How can you support growth and multiplication in the Body of Christ? Is it something you can do on your own, or can someone help you get started?

Unending Mercies

Main Thought

The mercies of God are the lifeline of our relationship with Him. Mercy flows freely from God’s character, manifested in the form of compassion and help to those in need. The Book of Lamentations was written during a heavy moment in history. In Lamentations 3, Jeremiah writes from a place of deep pain. He’s surrounded by devastation - yet he clings to hope because of God’s mercy. He reminded himself of God’s goodness. Sometimes, we need to do the same. God’s mercy meets us in our weakness, lifts us from our failure, and gives us strength to begin again. His mercy is not just a moment of forgiveness, but a lifetime invitation into hope, restoration, and relationship with Him. Jesus made the way for us to experience God’s mercy every day.

Main Passages

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him.’”

- Lamentations 3:22–24 ESV

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified. They shall build up the ancient ruins; they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations.”

- Isaiah 61:1-4 ESV

“Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.”

- Luke 6:36 ESV

Discussion Questions

  1. Where have you seen God’s mercy most clearly in your life lately? (Maybe it was forgiveness you didn’t deserve, peace in a hard moment, a second chance you didn’t expect, etc.)

  2. Lamentations says His mercies are “new every morning.” What daily practices could help you wake up more aware of God’s mercy and faithfulness?

  3. The mercy of God isn’t just given to us - it’s also meant to flow through us. Who in your life might need a fresh expression of mercy right now?

The End Was Always The Beginning

Main Thought

From the very beginning, God’s desire was to be with His people. In the Garden of Eden, He walked with Adam and Eve in perfect relationship. No sin, no separation, no shame. That closeness was broken when sin entered the world. Yet the heart of God never changed. The story of Scripture - from Genesis to Revelation - is God’s pursuit to restore relationship with humanity. What began in the garden will eventually end in glory. God will once again dwell with His people in a renewed heaven and earth. The promise of Revelation 21 reminds us that God doesn’t discard what’s broken; He redeems and transforms it. His Kingdom is breaking out now through the advancement of the gospel. God is making all things new, and He is starting with us. We should commit ourselves to experiencing and extending God’s transformative work in and through our lives. One day, we’ll see that the end of the story is really a new beginning. We will walk in an eternal relationship with God that will never be interrupted again.

Main Passages

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. 2 And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”

- Revelation 21:1-4, NLT

5 And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.” 6 And he also said, “It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. 7 All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children.

- Revelation 21:5-7

17 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” Let anyone who hears this say, “Come.” Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life. 18 And I solemnly declare to everyone who hears the words of prophecy written in this book: If anyone adds anything to what is written here, God will add to that person the plagues described in this book. 19 And if anyone removes any of the words from this book of prophecy, God will remove that person’s share in the tree of life and in the holy city that are described in this book. 20 He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon!”

- Revelation 22:17-20

Main Passages

  1. Think about God’s desire to dwell with people. What does that reveal about His character and His heart?

  2. Revelation 21:5 says, “I am making everything new.” What area of your life do you sense God wants to renew or transform right now?

  3. In Revelation 22, we see that the “Bride of Christ” - the Church - joins in God’s invitation to say, “Come.” What can you do to extend God’s invitation to people you know? How can you be a part of extending God’s invitation to a larger segment of people like a workplace, a community, or the city of Las Vegas as a whole?

The Sound of Heaven's Hallelujah

Main Thought

Have you ever been in a stadium where thousands of voices erupt in one great cheer? The sound is overwhelming - every voice united in one emotion, one purpose, one celebration. In Revelation 19, John hears a sound greater than any stadium could hold: the roar of heaven itself. The saints, the angels, and the redeemed of all ages are lifting their voices in one glorious cry. “Hallelujah!” This passage gives us a glimpse of what worship will be like when God’s justice is complete and His kingdom is revealed. It is a preview of the ultimate victory celebration — when heaven rejoices because God has triumphed.

Main Passages

“After this I heard what sounded like the roar of a great multitude in heaven shouting: ‘Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God,for true and just are his judgments. He has condemned the great prostitute who corrupted the earth by her adulteries. He has avenged on her the blood of his servants.’”  

- Revelation 19:1-2

Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns.”

- Revelation 19:6 

“Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.”

-   Revelation 19:7 

“Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” And he added, “These are the true words of God.” At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers and sisters who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For it is the Spirit of prophecy who bears testimony to Jesus.””

- Revelation 19:9-10 

Discussion Questions

  1. How can you show gratitude for God’s salvation in your daily life?

  2. How does knowing that God reigns give you peace in uncertain times?

  3. What can you do today faithful to Christ and ready for His return?

Worthy is the Lamb

Main Thought

The Book of Revelation gives us a breathtaking glimpse into the throne room of heaven. God is seated on the throne. He is holy, beautiful, sovereign, and worthy of our worship. Seeing God rightly inspires us to worship Him fully. True worship is all-encompassing: it includes music, art, the study of scripture, intentional rest, and the way that we live. Worshipping God fully, in turn, means seeing everything else rightly. Worship changes our perspective. We can see our lives - and the rest of the world - with God’s eternal victory in mind. This anchors our hope to the unchanging promise of eternity, even in the midst of a changing world.

Main Passages

At once I was in the Spirit, and behold, a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne. And he who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian, and around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald.

- Revelation 4:2-3

'And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”'

- Revelation 4:8-11

And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.”

- Revelation 5:6-10

Discussion Questions

  1. The Main Passages included sayings and songs of praise that are offered to God in Heaven. What words are used to describe God? Why?

  2. What holds you back from worshiping God freely and fully, both at a worship service and in your daily life?

  3. What can you do to worship God freely and fully this week?

Revelations 2-3: Bible Study

Opening Statement

Life Group Leaders, please read the following Statement to set expectations for your Life Group.

“Welcome to Life Group! Our goal is to be a place where anyone can belong, believe, and become the people God created us to be.

As we discuss, let’s focus on what God is teaching us through His Word and how it applies to our personal lives. Sharing is encouraged, but you may pass on a question if you’d like. Please be mindful of time so everyone has a chance to share. I’ll do my best to guide the conversation.

Let’s open in prayer and ask God to be with us .”

Read Revelation 2-3

Reflect on these questions

  • Revelation 2-3 contains seven different descriptions of Jesus accompanying the address to each church. These descriptions reveal His power, victory, nature, and more. For example, they include: “the words of the first and the last, who died and came to life,” or “the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens.”

    1. Which one of these descriptions of Jesus is your favorite?

    2. What do you think it means, or what does it reveal about Jesus?

  • Laodicea was located near two other cities - Hierapolis, known for its hot, healing springs, and Colossae, known for its cold, refreshing mountain water. Laodicea had to pipe in water from miles away through an aqueduct. By the time their water arrived, it was lukewarm and mineral-heavy. It was famously unpleasant to drink.

    In Revelation 3:15–16, Jesus told the Laodicean church, “You are neither cold nor hot… because you are lukewarm, I will spit you out of my mouth.” He was using their water supply as an analogy for their spiritual condition - not spiritually refreshing or healing, but complacent, compromised, and ineffective.

    1. What do you think spiritual lukewarmness is? What might cause a believer to drift into that kind of condition?

    2. Why is being spiritually lukewarm harmful or dangerous?

Respond with faith in action

  • The seven churches as a whole received commendation, correction, and comfort from Christ. Jesus’s words still speak to His followers today.

    1. Which word of commendation or correction feels most relevant to your walk with God? How can you apply it to your life?

    2. Which word of comfort is the greatest blessing to you?

Spoiler Alert!

Main Thought

When we hear the word “apocalypse,” we often think of disaster movies or end-of-the-world events. In Greek, apokalypsis means unveiling: pulling back the curtain so we can see reality clearly. It is a revealing - and that’s how we get the Book of Revelation. For the early church, Revelation was never meant to stir fear. It was meant to inspire confidence and hope. The center of the vision isn’t chaos but Christ.

The Book of Revelation begins with a spoiler: Jesus wins! His victory has been revealed, secured, and shared with His people. Because of this, we don’t struggle with uncertainty toward victory but we live from victory. Our present struggles - in our lives and in our world - cannot undo His finished work. Hardship and confusion will not have the last word. The Alpha and Omega has already spoken, and His word is victory.

Main Passages

The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, 2 who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. 3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near. 4 John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth…

- Revelation 1:1-5a, ESV

…To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood 6 and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 7 Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail[b] on account of him. Even so. Amen. 8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”

- Revelation 1:5b-8 ESV

He humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names.

- Philippians 2:8–9, NLT

Discussion Questions

  1. When you think about the word “Revelation,” do you usually connect it with hope or with fear? How does this passage challenge or reshape your perspective?

  2. Jesus is called the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of kings. Which of these titles gives you the most encouragement right now?

  3. The spoiler of the gospel is that Jesus already wins. How would your response to today’s challenges change if you lived more fully in that reality?

Your Mission, Should You Choose to Accept It...

Main Thought

Jesus’ final words on earth were not just a blessing; they were a mission briefing. He sent His followers to make disciples of all nations, to baptize, to teach, and to be witnesses empowered by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-18; Acts 1:8-9). The worldwide Every Nation family has contextualized the last words of Christ in a statement that defines who we are and what we do. If you’re a member of the Every Nation family, then your mission - should you choose to accept it - is this:

“Every Nation exists to honor God by establishing Christ-centered, Spirit-empowered, and socially responsible churches and campus ministries in every nation.”

This short, simple mission reminds us of powerful truths:

  • Why do we do what we do? To honor God.

  • Who are we called to be? Christ-centered, Spirit-empowered, and socially responsible.

  • What do we do as a movement? Establish churches and campus ministries.

We live this out by praying for, sending, and becoming laborers in God’s mission. Everyone in the Every Nation family has an important part to play.

Main Passages

'And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.” '

- Mark 16:15-18

'But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. '

- Acts 1:8-9

'Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”'

- Matthew 9:37-38

Discussion Questions

  1. What stands out to you in the Every Nation mission statement? Why?

  2. Why is honoring God the foundation of our mission? How does this “why” give clarity and motivation for what we do?

  3. We participate in mission by praying for, sending, and becoming laborers. Which of these is God stirring in your heart right now?

A Bible and a Passport

Main Thought

Jesus sends all of His followers out beyond their comfort zones to announce the kingdom of God. This call might even take us around the world. People in the Every Nation family are often challenged to ensure that they have “a Bible and a passport” handy. We need to be ready to go where God calls us when He calls us. When we step out, serve, and extend His love, we don’t just impact others - we’re also changed. Our faith “flexes.” We find opportunities to exercise our faith and strengthen it. This results in growth that we can’t find in our comfort zones. We bring joy back with us when we return from participating in the Mission of God. Is your Bible ready? Is your passport ready? Are you ready?

Main Passages

17 When the seventy-two disciples returned, they joyfully reported to him, “Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name!” 18 “Yes,” he told them, “I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning! 19 Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you. 20 But don’t rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven.” 21 At that same time Jesus was filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit, and he said, “O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike. Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way.

- Luke 10:17–21, NLT

9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.

- 2 Corinthians 12:9, NLT

13 The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus.

- Acts 4:13, NLT

Discussion Questions

  1. Why does stepping into uncomfortable places, unfamiliar spaces, or even cross-cultural missions grow our dependence on God?

  2. How have you grown spiritually when you’ve shared the gospel, supported missionaries, or served beyond your normal context?

  3. Is there anyone around you who you can bless by praying for them, giving to them, or sharing the love of God with them? Is there a way for you to bless those beyond your ordinary reach?

M.O.G.S.

Main Thought

People often look to “Men of God” or “Women of God” for guidance. That can be very good. However, if we begin to rely on them for things that only God can do - like feeding our souls, meeting our need for approval, or carrying our faith - then we put our spiritual health at risk. We might develop the dangerous Man of God Syndrome (M.O.G.S.). This spiritual illness shifts our foundation, changes our focus, and threatens the fruit of our lives and our communities of faith.

The good news is that Jesus gives us the cure for the Man of God Syndrome. He saved us, He served us, and He empowers us to make a difference. Every follower of Christ is called to be part of the people of God. We resist M.O.G.S. when we point others back to Jesus. Still, living for God can be exhausting. We need to learn a new rhythm of grace. Think of it like breathing: we inhale by pausing in God’s presence, and we exhale by pushing forward in God’s mission. When we live in this rhythm, we can endure the race God has set before us and leave a lasting impact on those around us.

Main Passages

Who do you think Paul is, anyway? Or Apollos, for that matter? Servants, both of us—servants who waited on you as you gradually learned to entrust your lives to our mutual Master. We each carried out our servant assignment. I planted the seed, Apollos watered the plants, but God made you grow. 

- 1 Corinthians 3:5-7, MSG

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
- Mark 10:45, ESV

“…what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.”
- 2 Timothy 2:2, ESV

Discussion Questions

  1. Who or what do you rely on most as a source of strength, confidence, and even as a foundation of faith? Do you think relying on those things helps you, or distracts you from what matters most? 

  2. Think about the things you do to make disciples (help people know and follow Jesus), along with the ministries you’re a part of at church. How can you make sure you (and the teams you’re a part of) are producing fruit that will last?

  3. The Christian life is like breathing - inhale by pausing in God’s presence, exhale by pushing forward in His mission. Which side of the rhythm do you more naturally? Which side of the rhythm do you need more of right now, and why?

The Recipe for Ministry

Main Thought

Advancing God’s Kingdom through the fulfillment of the Great Commission is a noble cause - but it will take a lot of work. Who is responsible for completing this great task? One might assume that it should be the “professional” Christians - the pastors, prophets, and other leaders - who are primarily responsible for ministry. The Apostle Paul clarifies this in Ephesians 4. Christian leaders are responsible for equipping other Christians to minister. 

Every member is a minister! Everyone can pray with someone else. Everyone can share Jesus through an invitation, a scripture, or their testimony. Everyone can bring Jesus into their daily lives. If you’re a member of the body of Christ, then God empowers you to do all of these things right now. Maturity comes more quickly through participation than it does through observation alone. God can help us make a difference, and He can help us grow as we go.  

Main Passages

11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. 13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. 

- Ephesians 4:11–13 NLT

27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 

- 1 Corinthians 12:27 NIV

9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 

- 1 Peter 2:9 NIV

Discussion Questions

  1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought or the Main Passages above?

  2. What does it mean to you that every believer is called to ministry? How does this perspective change your view of your role in the church?

  3. Think about your connections, your story (or testimony), and your spiritual gifts. How can you use these things to serve people outside the church? How can you use those things to serve people inside the church? (Thank you to everyone who is already serving so well!)

Discipleship is Relationship

Main Thought:

When you hear the word discipleship, what picture comes to mind? Maybe a class, a workbook, or a teacher lecturing students? Those tools can help, but when Jesus said, “Go and make disciples,” He wasn’t thinking of a program—He was thinking of people walking together. Discipleship is not about stuffing our heads with Bible facts. It’s about letting Jesus change our hearts and walking alongside others as He does the same in them. Discipleship happens when life is shared in Christ-centered relationships.

Life Groups, let’s remember:

• Discipleship begins with your relationship with Jesus. 

• Discipleship grows as we share life with others. 

• Discipleship multiplies when we invest in relationships that last beyond us.

Discipleship is not a class to finish; it’s a life to share. Jesus came not to give us a religion, but to bring us into relationship—with God, and with one another. So let’s live this truth: “Discipleship is relationship.”

Main Passages:

'“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”’ (Note: the Greek for ‘you’ here is plural, meaning that Jesus called the disciples as a community - not only as individuals.) 

- Matthew 4:19 NIV

“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

- Mathew 28:18-20 NIV

“so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.”

- 1 Thessalonians 2:8 NIV

Questions:

  1. What do you think it means to “get closer to God “ or “walk with Jesus”?

  2. Are you walking closely with Jesus? Who is helping and encouraging you to achieve that?

  3. What relationship is God calling you to start investing in today? Is there an opportunity for you to disciple someone, or help them grow closer to Jesus?

One Move That Changes Everything

Main Thought

There is a story of a young man who won a judo tournament after mastering one unstoppable move. In his book WikiChurch, Every Nation president and pastor Steve Murrell writes that the one move we should try to master - as individual Christians and as churches - is making disciples in small groups. Small groups, which ENLV refers to as Life Groups, give us the opportunity to connect authentically. Entering into safe, caring, and genuine community with others unlocks incredible benefits that God intended for us to experience. We can process God’s Word together, and strive to apply it to our lives. We can pray for one another. We can learn from each other. Over time, as trust is built, we can experience healing and growth when we’re open and honest with one another. We can lovingly hold one another accountable to God and His Word. All of these benefits and blessings can grow as people are added and when Life Groups are multiplied.

Main Passages

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

- Matthew 28:18–20, NIV

“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem… to the ends of the earth.”

- Acts 1:8

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness..“

- 2 Corinthians 12:9

Discussion Questions

  1. What is your favorite part of Life Group and why? (If you’re new to Life Group, then which one of the benefits listed above intrigues you most?)

  2. Why do you think vulnerability is so crucial for building genuine relationships, and what are some barriers that prevent us from being vulnerable?

  3. Is there anyone you know in Las Vegas who would benefit from a Life Group? Try to think of at least one person. Pray for them, then look for ways to help them connect to one.

Famous Last Words

Main Thought

So many of us have busy lives. There’s a lot we have to do as individuals, as families, and even as a church. What should we do first, and who gets to decide? As Christians, we follow the lead of Christ. Jesus used His last moments on earth to make our mission clear. He sent His people out to “make disciples,” or to help people know and follow Him. The last words of Christ should be our first priority. It’s the best way to love God and love people at the same time. It’s the only thing we can do for God on earth that we can’t do in eternity. But is there a way to balance the last command of Christ - the Great Commission - with everything else we have to do? Absolutely. We can bring the Great Commission into every other mission. The Great Commission involves helping other people know and follow Jesus. Almost everything we do involves other people. We can pray for and pursue opportunities to connect, with peoples’ need for Christ in mind. Doing this helps us make a difference that lasts forever. Everything becomes meaningful when we live for eternity.

Main Passages

'After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands…'

- Revelation 7:9

'And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”'

- Matthew 28:18-20

'For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

- Luke 19:10

Discussion Questions

  1. A lot of people are searching for purpose or meaning. Why is it important to find purpose in a cause or a calling that lasts?

  2. Why do you think Jesus used His last moment on earth to send His disciples out on mission?

  3. How can you “bring the Great Commission into every other mission,” and make a difference as a part of your day-to-day life? (Examples: is there a person or a group of people you can pray for or connect with? Are you in the process of knowing God more, and/or making God known?)