December 31, 2013

Read:  Matthew 2:13-23, Psalm 139:1-4, Proverbs 15:3

How does this narrative of the first Christmas prove the omniscience of God?

What are some of the implications for us when you think of God’s omniscience?

In what ways do you practically ignore God’s omniscience and act like you know more?

How does the omniscient character of God provide you with hope for the future?

December 30, 2013

Read:  Matthew 1:18-25, 2:13-23

How might the encounters with Angels have emotionally affected Joseph in an adverse way that first
Christmas?

What common response do you see from Joseph?

How does this inspire you?

December 28, 2013

Read:  Matthew 2:11-12, John 3:16, 15:10-11, 2 Peter 1:1-12

What does Christmas represent when it comes to God’s gift to you? Be specific.

What does Christmas represent when it comes to your gift to God? Be specific.

In what way do you need to re-up your gift to God? What will happen when you do? (i.e. a win/win)

December 27, 2013

Read:  Matthew 2:11-12, Mark 12:41-44, 1 Corinthians 9:6-7, Acts 5:1-5

Explain the practical significance of gold, incense, and myrrh. How was this an expression of worship?

In what way did the poor widow in Mark 12:43-44 demonstrate an expression of worship?

What is God teaching you about your approach to worship? How can you re-up your commitment?

December 26, 2103

Read:  Matthew 2:1-12, 16:24-27, 22:37

Given that “worship” often evokes imagery of singing songs, how did the Magi expand your thinking?

List two ways the Magi showed that worship will, and should, impact every part of life?

What areas of your life do you need to be more intentional in giving to God this Christmas? Be specific.

December 25, 2013

Read:  Matthew 2:11a, John 4:1-24

How were the Magi essentially worship leaders? What two principles did they model in their approach?

How did Jesus describe the same kind of worshipers in John 4:24? Why is this important?

How is God challenging your approach and giving to God in worship? Take time to practice right now.

Advent Reading: Philippians 2:5-11, Hebrews 2:10-11, 14-18, 1 Thessalonians 3:13

December 24, 2013

Read:  Matthew 2:11a, Acts 10:19-26, Revelation 19:9-10, 22:8-9

Describe how the Magi approached Herod? How was this different than their approach to Jesus?

What does this imply about how to approach God? How does this relate to Christmas and worship?

In what way can you be more giving to God this Christmas? Be specific.

Advent Reading: Matthew 12:15-17, 16:16, 17:5, Luke 4:16-21, 20:9-13, Galatians 4:4-7

December 23, 2013

Read:  Matthew 2:1-11a

What three words would you use to describe how the Magi approached Christmas? Why?

What three words would you use to describe how Herod and the Jews approached Christmas? Why?

What is God teaching you about your approach to Christmas? What adjustments will you make?

Advent Reading: Colossians 1:15-23, Galatians 4:4-7, Romans 8:14-17, 1 John 3:1-2

December 14, 2013

Read:  Luke 2:33-35, 11:23, Acts 4:8-11, 1 Corinthians 1:18-24

Why will Jesus cause the “falling and rising” of many in Israel? (i.e., be a stumbling block)

How do you relate to being a Christian? How does this relate to being a Christian at Christmas?

How can spiritual disciplines help you celebrate Christmas? How do you need to be more intentional?

Advent Reading: Luke 1:57-66, 80, Luke 3:3-6, John 1:6-9, 15

December 13, 2013

Read:  Luke 2:34-35, Matthew 6:1-8, 23:13-36

What did Simeon mean by “thoughts of many hearts will be revealed”? How did this play out?

How do you see this happening during the Christmas season today? Give an example.

What does this imply about intentionality this Christmas, knowing the world has little concern for Jesus?

Advent Reading: Luke 1:26-38, 46-55, James 4:6

December 12, 2013

Read:  Luke 2:34, Matthew 12:22-32, 27:38-44, 28:5-13

What primary warning did Simeon give to Mary? Why? How was this a statement about Christmas?

In what way do you see this same thing happening today? Give an example.

Specifically, what will you do to be more intentional about celebrating Christmas this year?

Advent Reading: Luke 1:5-20, 22, 24

December 11, 2013

Read:  Luke 2:28-32, 2:8-14, Revelation 19:5-7

Use two words to describe how Simeon and the Shepherds responded to Jesus (Christmas).

How does this line up with your experience at Christmas? Why?

Given that Christmas is all about God saving us, how will you keep the “Merry” in your Christmas?

Advent Reading: Ezekiel 34:11-15, Psalm 23:1, Matthew 9:36, John 10:11, 14-17, 27-29, 1 Peter 2:25

December 10, 2013

Read:  Luke 2:28-32, Matthew 5:14-16, John 3:16-21, 12:46, Acts 13:44-49

Why is Jesus referred to as “light” in scripture? What does this imply about His coming? (Christmas)

How does this challenge or correct the way you have previously viewed Christmas?

In what way can you be a light this Christmas? (i.e. family, friends, etc.) Take time and ask God to use you!

Advent Reading: Psalm 23:1-3, Isaiah 55:1-2, John 4:7, 9-11, 13-14, John 7:37-39, Revelation 7:17

December 9, 2013

Read:  Luke 2:25-33, 1:69-70, 2:8-11, 25-32, John 3:16-21

Why did Simeon respond with such joy and celebration when he encountered Jesus?

What words did Simeon use to describe Jesus? Why is this important?

How does this help your perspective to celebrate this Christmas? Be specific.

Advent Reading: Isaiah 42:1-7, Mark 10:45, Romans 5:6-8

December 7, 2013

Read:  Matthew 5:27-30, 1 John 1:8-9, Hebrews 10:24-25, Psalm 119:15-16

What does Jesus highlight about “when” to deal with sin? How will this approach prevent cyclical sin?

How does 1 John 1, Hebrews 10, and Psalm 119 provide further insight into how to handle recurring sin?

What specific steps do you need to take in order to protect your walk with God and avoid cyclical sin?

Advent Reading: Judges 2:18, 2 Samuel 22:2-4, 7-10, 17-20, Isaiah 11:1-4, Psalm 34:17-19, Romans 10:13

December 6, 2013

Read:  Genesis 12:18-20, 20:9-10, Jonah 1:1-3:1, Hebrews 12:5-11

How did Abraham & Jonah test God’s patience? How did God respond? What is the overall lesson?

When you think about God’s discipline, what words come to mind? How can this insight prevent cyclical sin?

In what way are you currently testing God’s patience with sin? What do you need to do? Do it now!

Advent Reading: 2 Samuel 7:5, 16, Psalm 71:14-15, Isaiah 7:14, 9:1, 7, Jeremiah 33:14-16, Luke 2:14

December 5, 2013

Read:  Genesis 20:1-18, 12:10-13:1

What was similar and different about the way Abraham was treated by the Pharaoh and King Abimelek?

In what way was God disciplining Abraham? How could this have been misinterpreted?

Why is this important when it comes to preventing cyclical sin? In what sin is God challenging you?

Advent Reading: Deuteronomy 17:14-15, 20, Micah 5:2-5, Revelation 19:11-16

December 4, 2013

Read:  Ephesians 6:10-18

Given that every Christian is in a spiritual battle, what does this imply about cyclical sin?

What primary way have you found that Satan attacks you? (i.e. overt or covert) Why is this important to know?

How can stepping into sermon point #1 provide spiritual protection? What steps do you need to take?

Advent Reading: Psalm 136:1-12, 23-26, Jeremiah 31:3, John 3:16, 1 John 4:9-10

December 3, 2013

Read:  Genesis 20:9-12, 3:1-5, Matthew 4:1-11, 2 Timothy 4:2-4

In what way did Abraham try to justify his sin? How is this similar to how Satan works? (c.f. Genesis 3:1-5)

Why is this important when it comes to cyclical sin? Give three examples of how this can take place.

What specific sin are you accommodating or rationalizing? Take time now to confess and repent to God.

Advent Reading: Genesis 12:1-3, Psalm 86:9, Acts 3:24-25, Galatians 3:6-9, 27-29, Acts 17:26-28

December 2, 2013

Read:  Genesis 20:1-13, 12:10-20

What was similar or different about Abraham’s two encounters in Egypt and Gerar? Be specific.

What cyclical sin do you see taking place? How did God confirm this? What was Abraham’s root struggle?

What sin do you find yourself repeating over and over? Why? What is God teaching you about cyclical sin?

Advent Reading: Genesis 3:4-5, 7-8, 14-15, 22-23, Isaiah 59:1-2, Romans 5:12-19Read:  Genesis 20:1-13, 12:10-20