IN THE TWINKLING OF AN EYE
The Rapture of the Church | Small Group Study
Name: ________________________ Date: ______________
1 Corinthians 15:51–52 "Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed — in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet."
Part 1 — Sermon Review
Use these prompts to revisit the main points from the message. Fill in what you remember, then check your notes.
The Rapture
The Greek word for 'caught up' is ______________ and it means:
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In your own words, what does 'imminency' mean?
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Key verse on deliverance from wrath:
1 Thessalonians 5:9 "For God did not appoint us to _______________, but to obtain _______________ through our Lord Jesus Christ."
What is the main distinction between Israel and the Church, and why does it matter for the rapture?
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The Three Views
Match each view to its description:
View
When does the Rapture occur?
Pre-Trib
Mid-Trib
Post-Trib
History & Culture
Who systematized the pretribulation view in the 19th century, and what movement did he found?
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Name one way the rapture has appeared in popular culture:
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Part 2 — Discussion Questions
- The sermon said the rapture is meant to be comfort doctrine (1 Thes. 4:18). Does it function that way for you personally? Why or why not?
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- If Christ could return today, what is one thing you would do differently — or stop doing entirely?
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- All three rapture views agree that Christ is returning. Does the debate over timing matter, or is the shared conviction enough? Where do you land?
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Part 3 — Scripture for Deeper Study
The passages below go beyond the sermon. Read them this week at your own pace. A brief note explains what to look for in each.
On the Rapture & Resurrection
- John 14:1–3 — Jesus promises to 'come again and receive you.' The room He prepares — heaven or earth? What does the destination imply?
- Philippians 3:20–21 — Our 'citizenship is in heaven.' Paul expects transformation of our bodies to match Christ's glorious body. Compare with 1 Cor. 15:42–44.
- Romans 8:18–23 — All creation 'groans' waiting for the redemption of our bodies. The rapture is not an escape from creation — it is the first fruit of its renewal.
On Imminency & Watchfulness
- Matthew 24:36–44 — No one knows the day or hour — but we are to be ready. How does genuine uncertainty produce genuine watchfulness?
- Luke 12:35–40 — The parable of servants waiting for their master. What posture does Jesus commend? What does 'dressed and ready' look like today?
- 2 Peter 3:3–14 — Peter answers the scoffers who mock the delay. His answer is not 'soon' — it's that God's patience is mercy. Read through verse 14 for the application.
On Wrath & the Tribulation
- Revelation 3:10 — The promise to Philadelphia: kept 'from the hour of trial.' Study the Greek preposition ek (from). Compare John 17:15 where the same construction appears.
- Jeremiah 30:4–11 — The 'time of Jacob's trouble' — the Tribulation described from an OT perspective. Note who it is specifically for, and how it ends.
- Revelation 7:9–17 — A great multitude saved during the Tribulation. Who are they? This passage shapes the post-trib and mid-trib arguments — read it carefully.
On Israel, the Church & Daniel's 70 Weeks
- Daniel 9:24–27 — The prophetic foundation. Note that the 70 weeks are decreed for 'your people' (Israel). Where does the Church fit in this timeline?
- Ephesians 3:1–6 — The Church as a 'mystery' hidden in past ages. If the Church was unknown to OT prophets, can OT prophecy be about the Church?
- Romans 11:25–29 — Israel's hardening is 'in part' and temporary. Paul's argument for God's ongoing covenant faithfulness to national Israel.
On the Second Coming
- Revelation 19:11–16 — The return of Christ — visible, powerful, unmistakable. Compare with the quiet suddenness of 1 Thes. 4:16–17. Same event or two?
- Zechariah 14:1–9 — Christ's feet stand on the Mount of Olives; it splits in two. A physically literal promise. How literally should this be read?
"Even so, come, Lord Jesus."