Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.  Luke 21:33

• Jesus spoke these words to his disciples in the context of foretelling destruction yet to come. Why was it important for the disciples to know that Jesus’ words were timeless? Why is it important that the gospel writer recorded those words for you to read? 
• When Isaiah foretold the coming of the Messiah, embedded in his prophecy were these words: The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand forever. (Isaiah 40:8) These words were part of a speech by God to his people. When you compare Isaiah’s record with the record of Jesus’ words, what conclusion do you draw about who Jesus is? 
• In the midst of God’s words of judgment on evil through Isaiah, God spoke words for his faithful people. In rich imagery that resonated with human understanding, Isaiah wrote that God promised:  As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there until they have watered the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:10-11 How does the imagery of this promise help you to understand what Isaiah is saying? How does it help you understand what Jesus is saying? What is happening in your life that makes this promise hopeful and helpful for you? 
• Secular thinkers insist that spiritual concepts are like fairy tales, because spiritual concepts cannot be tested, measured or proved by the scientific method? If a secular thinker asked you to explain why you believe what Jesus said, how would you respond? 
• Peter once wrote that we should always be ready to explain why we hope in Christ. (Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and reverence. 1 Peter 3:15)  Do you make any efforts to motivate secular thinkers to ask you for such an explanation?