Here is a Day by Day guide to learning and applying:
Read: the daily Scriptures and Answer the Question from the sermon.
Create: Create your own questions/comments from the scriptures
Discuss: Talk about your questions and reactions to the scriptures.
12/15/24
Scripture: Matthew Matthew 1:18-2:12
Title: Christmas from The East
BIG IDEA: From the cradle, Jesus was being prepared for the cross. “She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” - Matthew 1:21
Memory Verse: Isaiah 9:6
For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
REMINDER:
A Disciple...Loves All People, Discovers Identity in Jesus, Deepens Relationship with Jesus.
What have I done this week to feed my soul, feed others, and feed my flesh?
What stood out to you in the sermon this week?
What did God reveal to you in the Scriptures this week, maybe for the first time?
Scripture Study Tip
What does it say, What does it mean, and How do I apply it to my daily life.
Read Matthew 1:18-2:12
What is it about Jesus that caused all the miraculous actions in heaven and on earth during the time of His birth?
What does Matthew 1:21-23 tell us about the character and attributes of Jesus?
Jesus is God, and he came to be with us in the middle of the mess of the first Christmas.
What does that mean for you and your salvation?
What might be the messy place God is asking you to go – in your neighborhood, workplace, city, or beyond - to play the role he has for you in The Great Commission?
Share with your group what you think God is calling you to do?
Pastor Nate showed there was one response (worship) in three forms to Jesus’s birth.
The chief priests & scribes in Matthew 2:3-6 responded with religious worship – indifference.
Herod, in Matthew 2:7-8, responded with self-worship. The wisemen, in Matthew 2:9-12, responded with rejoicing, bowing down and true worship.
Share a time when you’ve responded in each of these ways.
How did the different responses impact your relationship with Jesus, others and your life?
In what ways do the wisemen’s actions demonstrate true worship?
ACTION STEP
A Disciple…Loves All People, Discovers Identity in Jesus, Deepens Relationship with Jesus
In response to Christmas, every day this week demonstrate true worship of Jesus.
(Some examples of worship include reading and studying the bible, praying, praising Him through song and word, expressing gratitude, doing everything you do to His Glory, and using your time, talents and treasure to show love to him and to others.)
12/8/24
TEXT: Matthew 2:7-23; Ephesians 6:10-17; Revelation 12:1-17
Title: Christmas from The Heveanlies
BIG IDEA: This is not a silent night: this is war! And the victory belongs to the incarnate Christ. The things we do here on earth have an eternal impact.
Memory Verse: Isaiah 9:6
For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
REMINDER:
A Disciple...Loves All People, Discovers Identity in Jesus, Deepens Relationship with Jesus.
What have I done this week to feed my soul, feed others, and feed my flesh?
What stood out to you in the sermon this week?
What did God reveal to you in the Scriptures this week, maybe for the first time?
Scripture Study Tip
What does it say, What does it mean, and How do I apply it to my daily life.
Read Matthew 2:7-23
What are some of the ways the prophesies of the Messiah were fulfilled by the
birth and early life of Jesus?
Joseph’s simple steps of obedience had eternal impact. What next step is God calling you to take and what eternal impact could your obedience have?
Read Revelation 12:1-17
What are some of the similarities between the Christmas story we know so
well and this scripture?
Think about the evil that is outlined in the Bible and the evil that we witness in our world. Pastor Nate said we see the same demons now, just with new names.
What are some of the schemes of the enemy from scripture that you see in the world today?
How is the red dragon, Satan, making war on you this Christmas? Which of his schemes are the hardest for you to resist?
In addition to the instructions in Ephesians 6:10-18, How do we fight back against the schemes of the enemy?
ACTION STEP
A Disciple…Loves All People, Discovers Identity in Jesus, Deepens Relationship with Jesus
- Find and memorize scriptures you can call on when you feel tempted by the schemes of the enemy.
(You can do an Internet search for, “Bible verses about ________.”)
2. Many Christmas hymns have great doctrine in them. Look at the lyrics of some of your favorites and discuss the parts that come straight out of the Bible. When you hear these songs from now on, think about the word of God and his plan for Christmas.
SERIES ACTION STEP
Spend time listening to worship music and worshiping the Lord, praying and reflecting on what the Lord has done through this series. Here are some recommendations:
Let it Be So by Elevation
Maker of Miracles by Elevation
The Dove by The Belonging Co
Same God by Elevation
House of The Lord by Phil Wickham
Firm Foundation by Maverick City
Christ be Magnified by Cody Carnes
Forever YHWH by Elevation Worship
Rest on Us by Upper Room
Constant Reminder
Six questions for gospel-centered discernment. Memorize and ask these six questions to discern and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in your life.
G - God's glory: Will this decision primarily be about my glory or God's glory?
O - Other Christians: What do other gospel-saturated, Christ-centered, wise friends say about this upcoming decision?
S - Scripture: Does the Bible command, permit, or prohibit this decision? What does inerrant, infallible Scripture say?
P - Prayer: Have you abided with, rested in, asked from, listened to and waited on God in this decision over time?
E - Evangelism: Will this decision give me the opportunity to share the gospel and invite people to faith in Jesus?
L - Lifestyle: Will this decision lead me to live a lifestyle of love marked by the Fruit of the Spirit and holiness?
