Study Guide Chapter Questions for

Christianity and Islam: The Final Clash

Author: Robert Livingston, www.finalclash.com

copyright © 2004 by Robert Livingston. All rights reserved.

How to Use this Guide:

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Some people may prefer to read the chapter questions after reading the book or at least after reading the chapter in order to maintain maximum suspense and enjoyment in reading. Others who are using this book in a more academic way may find reading the questions first helps them to focus on the primary issues presented. Either way, it is recommended that the Bible student read the Biblical verses, especially the key verses, cited at the beginning of each chapter before answering the questions. The key verses touch on a theme in the chapter. In many cases verses related to each individual question are also listed. All relevant verses have not necessarily been listed for each question. These verses are only given as an aid. Additionally, there will soon be a number of charts and maps available for download from this website.

Whatever your end-time views, your study of the scriptures will be challenging and inspiring. As Revelation states, “Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it…” (Rev. 1:3a, NASB).

Introduction: The Preparation of the Bride

In the introduction Livingston gives an overview of the opening of the book of Revelation, quickly reviewing what is past and current and then laying the groundwork for the prophetic aspects of the book still in the future.

KEY VERSES: Read Revelation 1:1 – 3:22.

1)       How may skepticism about the return of Christ actually be a fulfillment of End-time Bible prophecy? (2 Pet. 3:3-7)

2)       Is the teaching of the Second Coming of Christ unimportant for us? Why or why not? (Luke 21:34-36)

3)       Who is the central character of Revelation? What is the main point of the book? (Rev. 1:1-8, 16:15, 19:10, 22:7, 22:12-13, 20-21)

4)       Livingston provides a more thorough look at the timing of the Lord’s return and the gathering of the Church to meet him (the rapture) in Chapter 19. On the other hand, what will happen to the Church prior to the Lord’s return? (1 Pet. 4:17-18, Heb. 12:26-29)

5)       What is important for us to remember about tribulation whether or not we go through the Great Tribulation? (2 Tim. 3:12)

6)       What are the seven golden lampstands? And what does Livingston believe the seven Spirits of God are? (Rev. 1:12-18, Eph. 2:4-6, Col. 1:27)

7)       Although there are many reasons, what does Livingston believe is one of the important reasons to remember that Jesus is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the One who has conquered death and is alive forevermore? (Rev. 1:8, 18)

Chapter One: The Islamic Beast is Revived

In this chapter, Livingston examines the key issues and factors involved in the gathering threat of radical Islam. He makes a preliminary assessment of how these factors seem to tie in with the revived beast of Revelation.

KEY VERSES: Read Revelation 13:1-4.

1)       What does the wounded head of the Beast represent? (Rev. 13:3) Why is the whole world amazed?

2)       How would the world likely respond to a revived Islamic Empire? Does this correspond with the reaction described in Revelation 13:3?

3)       How do many Muslims think of democracy differently than an average westerner?

4)       In the 20th century, what types of nations made the ripest fields for harshly despotic governments?

Chapter Two: The Four Horsemen of Islam and the Unleashing of Radical Islam

Here the author continues with the flow of the first chapter, expounding on the progressive takeover of the Beast and the spiritual forces behind it. He weaves this together with the radical Islamic program revealing startling parallels.

KEY VERSES: Read Revelation 6:1 – 6:8 and Zechariah 6:1-8.

1)       Why do we know that the rider in Revelation 6:1-2 is not Jesus Christ?

2)       What does the bow in the rider’s hand signify? (Rev. 6:2) How does this coincide with the Islamic agenda as found in the Koran? (Surah 2:216, 9:73, 61:9)

3)       Why will the world be without excuse when the anti-Christ arises? (Matt. 24:14)

4)       Why does Livingston believe the Beast will have a two-part strategy? (Rev. 6:2) How does this fit with radical Islam?

5)       Why does Livingston believe the order of the horses in Zechariah differs from that of Revelation? (Zech 6:1,5 Rev. 4:1, 6:1)

6)       Where do the first horses, the red horses go? (Rev. 6:3-4) What do they do? (Zech. 6:1-2) How does this fit with radical Islam? (Surah 2:216)

7)       Where do the second horses, the black horses go? (Zech. 6:6) What do they do? (Rev. 6:5-6, Col. 3:5-6) How might this correlate with the actions and agenda of radical Islam? (Surah 49:15)

8)       Where do the white horses go? (Zech. 6:6) What do they do? (Rev. 6:1-2) How does this fit into radical Islam’s agenda? (Surah 61:9)

9)       Where do the dappled horses go? (Zech. 6:6) What do they do? (Rev. 6:7-8) How might this fit into a world being overtaken by radical Islam?

Chapter Three: The Great Completion and the Transition to Christ’s Return

The author pauses now to unfold the amazingly clear Biblical reasons that explain for us why Christ hasn’t returned yet.

KEY VERSES: Read Revelation 4:1-5:14, 2 Peter 3:1-12.

1)       Why was John brought up through the door standing open in heaven? (Revelation 4:1)

2)       What was essential and central to the early Churches’ mission and purpose? (2 Pet. 3:1-2, Matt. 28:19-20, Rom.15:20-24) How does the early church’s mission and purpose currently compare to our individual purpose and the purpose of our church?

3)       Why is the Lord still patiently waiting to return? What is he waiting for? (2 Pet. 3:9)

4)       What do the seven horns and seven eyes most likely represent? Where do they go? (Rev. 5:6)

5)       What happens right after the seven Spirits of God go out into all the earth? (Rev. 5:7-10)

6)       Why is the song that heaven will sing a new one? (Rev. 5:9)

7)       Why is heaven longing to sing this new song? What will it represent? (Matt. 24:14)

Chapter Four: Tracking the Great Completion

Here the author examines how close we are to fulfilling the Biblical prerequisites for Christ’s return.

KEY VERSES: Read Revelation 5:6-10.

1)       What promise did God give to Abraham that would impact the world? What did the promise foretell? (Gen 12:3)

2)       What are the minimum requirements of mission accomplished? (Rev. 5:9-10)

3)       How many unreached peoples remained as of the printing of this book?

4)       At the time that this book was written, what percentage of full-time missionaries were working among the world’s 1.9 billion unreached people?

5)       What is a geographical term for where most of the unreached people groups are located?

6)       What implications should this have for our own individual mission involvement? What implications should it have for our church?

Chapter Five: The Great Tribulation: The Jihad Against the Bride

Livingston examines the characteristics of the Great Tribulation and weaves this together with the methods and goals of jihad revealing startling harmony.

KEY VERSES: Read Revelation 6:9-8:2.

1)       What will be the preferred method of execution during the Great Tribulation? How does that fit with Islamic Sharia Law? (Rev. 20:4)

2)       What does the 6th seal show? (Rev. 6:12-17)

3)       Who are the multitudes no one can count standing around the throne worshipping? Where do they come from? (Rev. 7:9-10, 14)

4)       What does this tell us about the extent of the Great Tribulation? Has there ever been a tribulation this extensive?

Chapter Six: God Responds to the Jihad Against his Bride

Here we discover that the judge of all the earth will not forever remain silent to the intense suffering of his people. Livingston details each of the trumpet judgments and unfolds his view of what John was most likely describing.

KEY VERSES: Read Revelation 8:1-11:19.

1)       What are the trumpet judgments a response to?

2)       Will God protect the Church from his judgment? How has he protected believers in past judgments? Has his deliverance been less than comfortable at times? (Ex. 8:21-23, 9:4-6, 9:25-26, 10:21-23, 11:4-7, 2 Pet. 2:5-7,9, Ezek. 9:4-6, etc.)

3)       Identify what each of the first six trumpets may be:

1st trumpet: (Rev. 8:7)

2nd trumpet: (Rev. 8:8-9)

3rd trumpet: (Rev. 8:10-11)

4th trumpet: (Rev. 8:12-13)

5th trumpet: (Rev9:1-12)

6th trumpet: (Rev. 9:13-21)

Chapter Seven: Great Signs in the Heavens

Here the author unfolds the historical overview of God’s program on the earth and the devil’s resistance every step of the way. At each stage of the drama, Livingston links us to what was happening on earth, what is currently happening on earth, and what will happen on earth.

KEY VERSES: Read Revelation 12:1-17.

1)       Who may the woman in Chapter 12 represent? (Rev. 12:1-2, Gen. 37:9, 41:38-44)

2)       Who is the red dragon? (Rev. 12:3-4, 7-17)

3)       Why is the Beast similar in appearance to the red dragon? (Rev. 12:3, 9 17:3)

4)       What in history may the woman fleeing into the wilderness have represented? (Rev. 12:5-6)

5)       What cosmic struggle is taking place after the woman is first sheltered in the wilderness? (Rev. 12:7-8, 2 Cor. 4:3-4)

6)       What happens to the devil most likely after the completion of the Great Commission? What is initiated on the earth? (Rev. 12:9-12, Luke 10:17-20, Matt. 24:14-17)

7)       How will the saints ultimately overcome Satan and complete the Great Commission? (Rev. 12:11)

8)       What does the devil attempt to do to Israel after the completion of the Great Commission? (Rev. 12:12-13,  Matt 24:14-16)

9)       What happens in Jerusalem? (Matt. 24:14-17, Zech. 14:2-3)

10)    What prevents him from winning? (Rev. 12:15-16, Zech. 14:4-5a)

11)    What does he do after failing to conquer Israel? (Rev. 12:14-17)

Chapter Eight: The First Six Heads of the Beast Kingdom

Both the characteristics and historical fulfillment of the heads of the Beast are detailed and explained.

KEY VERSES: Read Revelation 13:1-4, 17:3-17 and Daniel 2, 7 and 8.

1)       What three characteristics does Livingston believe the seven heads of the Beast must all have?

1)

2)

3)

2)       Identify the first kingdoms:

1st kingdom: (Ex. 1:7-22, 5:2a)

2nd kingdom: (2 Chron. 32:10-15)

3rd kingdom: (Dan. 2:36-38, 3:4-7, 7:4)

4th kingdom: (Dan. 2:39, 6:6-15, 7:5, Esther 3:13)

5th kingdom: (Dan. 2:39, 7:6, 8:21-22)

6th kingdom: (Dan. 7:7, 7:24)

3)       What important truth did the Roman Catholic Church help preserve from the onslaught of Islam and its false teachings about Christ? (Matt. 16:16)

Chapter Nine: Mohammed, Islam & the Seventh & Eighth Kingdoms

The author describes the historical rise and character of the Islamic kingdom. He then explains the characteristics of the 7th and 8th kingdoms revealing in startling detail the stunning parallels with Islam.

KEY VERSES: Read Revelation 13:1-4, 17:3-17.

1)       How did Mohammed initially react to his first “revelation”?

2)       What were some of the restrictions placed on Christians living under Islamic rule? Name at least two:

3)       What may have been the time of Jacob’s distress that Jeremiah saw? (Jer. 30:7-8)

4)       What was probably the 7th kingdom that John saw? (Rev. 17:11, 13:1-4, Dan. 7:4-6, 8:21-22, 7:24, 2:44) What does Livingston believe it was?

5)       Why does the Bible make it clear that the 8th and final kingdom of the Beast cannot be a revived Rome? (Rev. 17:8,11)

6)       What does the 8th kingdom look like? (Rev. 13:2)

7)       What previous kingdoms were described that resemble the parts of this 8th Beast? (Dan. 7:4-6, 24, 2:44)

8)       What is the dominant religious faith in this part of the world today that encompassed these previous kingdoms?

Chapter Ten: The Beast’s Islamic Empire

Livingston brings up the mysterious “extension of life” granted to the earlier three kingdoms. Again, the historical details of the Islamic Empire and radical Islam bear an uncanny resemblance to what Daniel saw. He also addresses the likelihood and credibility of radical Islam fulfilling the yet future elements of Daniel’s vision.

KEY VERSES: Read Revelation 13:1-4, 17:3-17.

1)       How does Livingston think that these kingdoms may have been given an extension of life? (Dan. 7:12)

2)       How will the Beast treat the saints? (Rev. 13:7-8, Dan. 7:21,25) How does this agenda compare with the history and essence of fundamental Islam and the agenda of the current radicals?

3)       What will the Beast try to do with times and laws? (Dan. 7:25) How does this compare with Islam and Sharia law?

4)       In general, have revolutionaries gained power by holding elections and getting the majority of votes? What are some of the evidences that democracy is unnecessary for gaining power? What implications does this have in relation to the radical Islamic movement?

Chapter Eleven: The Apostle of Islam: The Beast

Livingston presents in detail the characteristics of the Beast of Revelation, commonly known as the anti-Christ. He then weaves together key Koranic verses and Islamic teaching that once again reveal amazing parallels.

KEY VERSES: Read Revelation 13:4-18.

1)       Who is worshipped along with the Beast? (Rev. 13:4)

2)       What will the Beast oppose and exult himself above? Who will he claim to be? (2 Thess. 2:4)

3)       Why is worshipping a man not farfetched in Islam? (Surah 15:29-33, 48:8-10) Why would this type of worship be unacceptable for a Christian? (Luke 4:8, Acts 10:36, Rev. 22:9)

4)       What do Muslims believe the Islamic Jesus will do at his “second coming”? (Surah 4:159, 171-172, 51:51, 59:7, 20-22, 43:63-64)

5)       How does this fit in with the agenda of the anti-Christ Beast of Revelation? (Rev. 13:4, 7-8, 13-14, 2 Thess. 2:8-9)

6)       What does the Koranic verse found on the Dome of the Rock order Christians to do? (Surah 4:171-172)

7)       What does Surah 59:20-22 say the relationship between Muslims and non-Muslims will be like in the last day?

8)       How do those verses fit with the Biblical description of the Beast and those who oppose him? (2 Thess 2:4, Rev. 13:1-14)

9)       How may Jerusalem be considered a mystical Sodom and Egypt under Islamic rule? (Rev. 13:8, Zech. 14:2, Matt. 24:15, 2 Thess. 2:4)

10)    Who is the Mahdi? How has this belief prepared Muslims for an anti-Christ?

11)    List at least three other characteristics of the anti-Christ and the similarities these characteristics have with radical Islam: (Dan. 11:37-39, 8:25, 7:20,25, 1 John 2:22, Micah 5:2, 1 John 2:23)

Chapter Twelve: The Sign of the End: The Beast Rears His Ugly Head

The author expounds upon the amazingly clear sign that Jesus himself said would indicate to the Church that he is on the verge of returning. Historical facts pinpoint with amazing clarity the incredible detail of the past fulfillment of Daniel 9’s prophecies. This opens up the door to understanding the fulfillment of elements yet in the future. Once again the link with Islamic history, teaching and belief is astonishing.

KEY VERSES: Read Revelation 13:4-15 and Daniel 9:24-27.

1)       Why will the world conclude it is not possible to wage war with the anti-Christ? How does this fit with radical Islam? (Rev. 13:4)

2)       What does Matthew 24:14 say will happen during the final generation?

3)       How will we know that the Great Commission has finally been completed? (Matt. 24:14-16) What will be the outward sign that this has occurred?

4)       What people groups are the descendants of the people who destroyed the temple in 70 AD? (Dan. 9:25-27)

5)       Why do we know there is still a latter prince to come on the wing of abominations? (Dan. 9:26-27)

6)       How long will this latter prince rule for? (Dan. 9:26-27) How does that compare to the length of the reign of the Beast in Revelation? (Rev13:5-7)

Chapter Thirteen: On the Wing of Abominations

Livingston tackles the difficult prophetic passages of Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21. The difficulties are harmonized through some startling details in the passages and the history of the last temple’s destruction. A remarkable story is retold that gives further detail to the sign of the end and the beginning of the Great Tribulation. In short, the prophetic significance of the western wall is uncovered in exciting detail.

KEY VERSES: Read Matthew 24:1-34, Luke 21:1-24 and Revelation 12:11-17.

1)       What building is now standing on the temple site?

2)       How might this building fit neatly into the plans of a future Islamic Jesus?

3)       Who was given a warning to flee from Jerusalem in Luke 21? (Luke 21:20-24) How did that warning differ from what is recorded in Matthew 24 and Mark 13? (Matt. 24:15-25)

4)       What did Jesus say would happen to the stones of the temple? Has that completely happened yet? Why not? What does this probably indicate? (Luke 21:6)

5)       What will the abomination of desolation unleash? (Matt. 24:15-25)

6)       What are some reasons we know that the standing in the holy place of the abomination of desolation hasn’t come yet? (Matt. 24:14-15, Luke 21:6, Matt. 24:21, Rev. 7:9-10,14)

Chapter Fourteen: The Islamic False Prophet: The Chief Enforcer

Here the anti-Christ’s chief enforcer of his rule, the false prophet, is characterized by his Biblical description. Once again, the parallels to Islamic belief and historical practice are astounding.

KEY VERSES: Read Revelation 13:11-18, 14:9-13.

1)       What will the false prophet do? How has Islamic belief prepared Muslims for the leadership team of the false prophet and the anti-Christ? (Rev. 13:12-18)

2)       What might the image be?

3)       How will the false prophet use economics to enforce his rule? (Rev. 13:16-18) Has Islam done something like this in the past?

4)       According to Islamic belief how will their past practice of using economic pressure to spread Islam differ in the last days? Does this correspond with the Biblical description of the false prophet’s economics? (Rev. 13:16-18)

Chapter Fifteen: What will America do?

The author writes a fictional account of how the Beast may rise to power and eventually face down the United States and the rest of the world to begin his reign of terror. Although the details will certainly not follow this exactly, Livingston has attempted to write an account that could reasonably fit into the prophetic details of scripture.

1)       Although this account is fictional, given the history of the rapid rise of revolutionary movements in the 20th century (in Germany, China, Iran and Eastern European communism’s collapse), is something like this a possibility in our age?

2)       If such a scenario is not a possibility, then why are the U.S. government and many other governments exerting so much effort to defeat radical Islam?

Chapter Sixteen: The Destruction of Babylon

Livingston spells out the Biblical characteristics of Babylon and the horrifying effects of her destruction. He weaves this together with his startling conclusions concerning the identity of Babylon.

KEY VERSES: Read Revelation 14:6-8 and 17:1-18:24.

1)       How will the earth react to the rise of the Beast? (Rev. 13:3-4) If radical Islam were to rise to rule the world, what would the world’s reaction likely be? Does that match the reaction found in the Biblical description of the rise of the Beast?

2)       Was Peter describing a city literally called Babylon? How do we know it wasn’t literally named Babylon at the time? What city was he most likely describing and why? (1 Pet. 5:13)

3)       List at least five of the characteristics of the Babylon of Revelation. How does the United States, and in particular, New York City, compare with these descriptions of Babylon? (Rev. 14:8, 17 and 18)

4)       Why is Babylon judged? How does this match up with the moral trend of America? (Rev. 18:8-9, Col. 3:5-6, Rev. 17:1-2)

5)       What does the Beast think about Babylon? How does that compare with radical Islam’s view of America? (Rev. 17:3, 16-17)

6)       What does the Beast do to Babylon? How does that compare with the goals of radical Islam? (Rev. 17:16)

7)       What does Livingston believe Zechariah’s vision of the temple in Shinar (Babylon) quite possibly represent? Why? (Zech. 5:5-11, Rev. 17:1-3, Gen. 11:2-9)

8)       What does Livingston argue freedom and liberty have increasingly come to be associated with in modern America? What is the Church warned to do in its relationship with Babylon? What warning is in this for us today? (Rev. 18:4-5)

Chapter Seventeen: What to do with a reprobate nation?

Although judgment is an eventual certainty, the author rejects the defeatist fatalistic tendency to write off a rebellious nation while we await our salvation at Christ’s return. Instead, by retelling Josiah’s heroic stand for righteousness in the face of certain judgment, he calls forth the Church to arise as a bright light in the midst of a dark world. Readers are energized to redouble their efforts to take as many with them into Christ’s glorious kingdom.

KEY VERSES: Read 1 Thessalonians 5:2-3 and 2 Kings 22 and 23.

1)       How did Josiah respond to the prophetess’ declaration of judgment coming on Judah? (2 Kings 23)

2)       How is America similar to ancient Israel in its susceptibility to God’s judgment? (Matt. 23:35-36, Rev. 18:24)

3)       Why was the Jewish nation held responsible for the blood of all the prophets and all righteous blood? Why did the Jewish leaders turn Jesus over to the Roman authorities for crucifixion? And why might Babylon be similarly held responsible for the blood of all the saints? (John 11:48, 19:15, 1 Thess. 5:2-3, Rev. 17:16-17, Rev. 18:8-9)

4)       On what basis does the future Beast / King annihilate many in the north? How might this coincide with radical Islamic practice and goals? (Dan. 11:44)

Chapter Eighteen: Closing in on the End: Six Bowls of Wrath and Har-Megeddon.

The author describes the six bowls of wrath and the ensuing battle of Har-Megeddon. He explains in detail the passage of Ezekiel 38. Here the reader discovers that there are actually two battles described. The geographical and ethnic identities of the nations involved once again show startling connections to the world of Islam.

KEY VERSES: Read Revelation 15:1-16:16.

1)       What does Livingston think Jesus may have been referring to when he talked about the days being cut short for the sake of the elect? What evidence does he give for this? (Matt. 24:22, Rev. 16:12-16, 15:1-8, Ezek. 38:1-7, 38:16-39:29?

2)       Why does the author believe that two massive future assaults on Israel are actually talked about in Ezekiel 38? (Ezek. 38:8, 16)

3)       What do the nations involved in these assaults have in common? (Ezek. 38:1-7)

Chapter Nineteen: The Harvesting of the Earth and the Return of Christ

Here the author reveals the clear Biblical passages that spell out for us the timing of Christ’s return. Israel’s exciting revival occurs and the doom of the anti-Christ and false prophet is sealed.

KEY VERSES: Read Revelation 16:15.

1)       Who does the Bible say will see the Second Coming of Christ? (Luke 21:26, Matt. 24:29-31, Mark 13:24-27)

2)       Explain at least five reasons why the Bible indicates the rapture will occur after the Great Tribulation. (Matt. 24:21, 30, Mark 13:9, 27, Acts 1:11-12, 1 Thess. 4:15-17, 1 Cor. 15:51-52, Zech. 14:1-5, Rev. 11:14-19, 14:9-20, 19:6-9, 16:18-21, 6:12)

1)

2)

3)

4)

5)

3)       What will the gentle inherit? (Matt. 5:5)

4)       What will Israel do just prior to and during the return of Christ? (Rom 11:25-27, Mal. 4:5-6, Zech. 13:1-2, 14:1-5)

5)       What will happen to the false prophet, the Beast and the Devil at Christ’s Second Coming? (Rev. 20:1-3)

Chapter Twenty: The Millennial Kingdom of Christ on Earth & the Judgment

Livingston gives important details of the millennial kingdom and the Devil’s ill-fated last ditch effort to take planet earth. With Satan’s failure, the final judgment ensues. The eternal destination of all mankind is revealed. The author explains the Biblical teaching on the key issues that God has said will determine our final destination.

KEY VERSES: Read Revelation 20:1-22:21.

1)       Which people are resurrected at the Lord’s return? (Rev. 20:4-7, 1 Thess. 4:13-18, 1 Cor 15:50-58, Matt. 5:5, Rev. 11:18, 1 Cor. 6:2)

2)       What will happen to warfare during the millennium? (Isaiah 2:1-4, 9:6-7)

3)       Will sin be completely eradicated during the millennium? (Zech. 14:16-19)

4)       What will happen at the end of the millennium? (Ezek. 38:8-16a)

5)       When will death finally be eliminated? (1 Cor. 15:25-28)

6)       Who goes to hell? (John 3:16-19, Rom. 6:23, Rev. 22:14-15, 1 Cor. 6:9-11)

7)       Who goes to heaven? (John 3:16-19, 1 Cor. 6:9-11, Rom 6:23, Rev. 7:14, Rom. 10:9-10)

Chapter Twenty One: Overcoming by the Blood of the Lamb

Here Livingston prescribes the Bible’s advice on how we can live in victory as we look forward to the eventual triumphant return of Christ. The practical significance of the blood of the Lamb to our daily lives is uncovered. He further shows the Biblical link between Christians overcoming by the blood of the Lamb and completing the Great Commission.

KEY VERSES: Read Revelation 12:11.

1)       What are the three primary ways the Church overcomes the Devil? (Rev. 12:11)

1)

2)

3)

2)       Why is it absolutely essential to forgive those who have hurt us? (Eph. 4:32, Matt. 18:34-35, Luke 6:27-28)

3)       What might be one reason we are tempted to think forgiveness is optional? (2 Cor. 2:11)

4)       Why is unity of believers important in terms of completing the Great Commission? (John 17:18-23)

5)       What is to be a key unifying purpose for the Church?

Chapter Twenty-Two: Overcoming by the Word of Their Testimony

Livingston directly connects the dots between the centrality of the Great Commission and all of the Church’s earthly activities. He lays out a practical and Biblical strategy for completing the Great Commission by looking at Paul’s vision and practice.

KEY VERSES: Read Revelation 12:11.

1)       According to Livingston, why must the Great Commission become central to everything the Church does? (Rev. 1:5, 5:8-10, 19:6-8, Matt. 28:19-20, Rom. 15:20-24)

2)       What is one important prerequisite to making disciples of the nations? (John 15:4-5)

3)       List at least five different ways Christians and their churches can become actively engaged in completing the Great Commission. (Acts 16:1-3, Acts 15:22-34, Matt. 9:36-38, Phil. 1: 19, 4:16-18, Rom. 15:20-24, Isaiah 52:15)

4)       What are a “blessed” people? (Gen. 12:3)

5)       What are an “unblessed” people (Rev. 5:9-10, Gen. 12:3)

6)       What percentage of full-time missionaries are currently working with the 30% of the world’s population least reached with the gospel?

7)       What was Paul’s strategy in apostolic missions work? Where did he go on his mission trips? (Isaiah 52:15, Rom. 15:20-24)

Chapter Twenty-Three: Overcoming by not Loving our Lives Even unto Death

Livingston tackles the hard realities of pioneer missions head on. Drawing upon examples from the persecuted Church, the reader examines the full implications of Jesus’ radical call to discipleship.

KEY VERSES: Read Revelation 12:11.

1)       Why doesn’t God just supernaturally (without human collaboration) complete the Great Commission? (Rom. 10:14, Acts 10)

2)       Is the Church called by God to take serious risks in completing the Great Commission? How do we know that? (Luke 9:23-25, John 15:18-20, Matt. 24:9, 2 Tim. 3:12, Matt. 10:28-33, Acts 14:22, Matt. 10:21-23, Acts 4:20, Acts 5:17-42, Acts 8:1-4, Rev. 12:11, Heb. 2:14-15)

3)       What did Jesus Christ say is necessary to be his disciple? (Luke 9:23-25, 14:33)

4)       Should we expect animosity from the world at times for being Christ’s follower? Why? (John 15:18-20, 16:2)

5)       What is to be our attitude toward those who are a threat to our lives? (Matt. 10:28, Luke 6::22-36,  Acts 7:59-60)

6)       When did Paul change his plans in relation to risks? (Acts 9:24-25, 14:5-6, 23:12-24, 21:11-13, 14:19-22) When did he not change his plans?

7)       What did the apostles do when they were threatened? (Acts 4 and 5)

8)       When did many in the Jerusalem church finally flee from Jerusalem? (Acts 8:1-4)

9)       Why can fear of man prove to be an idol? (Prov. 29:25, Matt. 10:28, Exod. 23:2)

10)    In the view of one Chinese Church leader, what will be the only way for the Church to overcome the giants of Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism?

11)    In Livingston’s view and experience, are there many opportunities to share the gospel in the Muslim world today?

12)    If the western church is unwilling to risk sending laborers to “risky” parts of the world, will it really be ready for a reign of terror from the anti-Christ? And if not, then according to Jesus’ requirements are we really disciples of Christ? (Luke 9:23-25)

Chapter Twenty-four: Storing up Treasures in Heaven

Livingston unflinchingly continues to examine Jesus’ call to radical discipleship. He now turns his focus on the implications that radical discipleship has for the rich. In the author’s view, rich includes nearly all believers in the west. Armed with this assumption that he supports with the economic facts, he challenges the reader with the Bible’s teachings concerning rich Christians. He ends with the cry of the persecuted Church calling us in the west to join her in sacrificially living for the King of Kings until the rightful Lord of the earth returns to retake this rebellious planet.

KEY VERSES: Read Revelation 22:12.

1)       What kind of dissipation and drunkenness is Jesus talking about in Luke 21:34-35?

2)       What things tend to weigh down the western church? (1 Cor. 7:29-31, 2 Tim. 2:3-4, Matt. 6:23-24, 2 Tim. 3:2-4, Luke 17:32-33, Gen. 13:10, Matt. 13:12, Matt. 19:23-24, 1 Tim. 6:17-19, Rev. 3:14-22)

3)       What did Paul mean by “not making full use of the world”? (1 Cor. 7:29-31)

4)       Why is voluntary sacrifice so important for our own spiritual well-being in the western church? (1 Tim. 6:17-19, Rev. 3:17-20, Matt. 6:23-24, 2 Cor. 4:18, Matt. 19:23-24)

5)       How is it that we are to love Christ more than our own families? (Matt. 10:37-39)

6)       Why is a lifestyle of comfort at any cost spiritually dangerous? (Rev. 3:14-17)

7)       What is one of the best ways for us to be delivered from lukewarmness and self-centered Christianity? (Rev. 3:18-19, 1 Tim. 6:17-19)

copyright © 2004 by Robert Livingston. All rights reserved.