December 29, 2018

Read:  Matthew 2:11-12, Psalm 95:1-7, Revelation 19:1-8 

Why would Joseph and Mary have been shocked to see the wise men worshipping Jesus? 

How was this a model for what will take place at the end of the age? How does this encourage you now? 

Spend some time right now on your knees acknowledging and thanking Jesus for His love for you.

December 28, 2018

Read:  Matthew 2:11-12, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 

How can the Christmas holiday turn into an argument over God’s love rather than experiencing it? 

In what way does 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 provide a good reminder? Why is this important? 

Describe how this can help Christians during the Christmas holidays? How does this help you?

December 27, 2018

Read:  Matthew 2:11-12, Psalm 39:1, Proverbs 10:19, James 1:19 

How did the wise men return home after their time with Jesus? Why? How did it avoid more problems? 

What does this illustrate about engaging with people who are hostile toward the Gospel? (i.e. Christmas) 

Why is this important to understand? What is God teaching you about your Christmas approach?

December 26, 2018

Read:  Acts 9:1-22, Titus 3:4-6 

In what way did Saul’s (i.e. Paul’s) conversion model the message we celebrate at Christmas? Be specific. 

What does this teach you about people who are hostile toward the message of Christmas? Be specific. 

Why is this important to remember this time of year? What can happen if you don’t?

December 25, 2018

Read:  Matthew 2:1-10, John 3:16-18, Ephesians 6:12, Mark 10:45 

In what way did Herod need the very message of Christmas and God’s love? What was his root problem? 

How did the wise men model this perspective in their response? How could they have responded? 

How does this encourage you this Christmas? What specific steps do you need to take to apply this truth?

December 24, 2018

Read:  Matthew 2:1-10 

Describe Herod’s initial response to the wise men. How did this also effect the general population? 

In what way did this impact the way the wise men celebrated Christmas? Be specific. 

Who do you know that isn’t receptive to the Christmas message? How does the wise men’s approach help? 

Advent Reading: John 3:16-18, 1 John 4:9-14

December 22, 2018

Read:  Luke 2:8-20

Why do you think God chose shepherds rather than religious leaders to reveal the birth of Christ?

What specific parts of the shepherd story encourage you the most? (Gospel, joy, worship, etc.) Why?

How can the various elements of Christmas (i.e. décor, tree, gifts) relate to the shepherds’ story? Be specific.

Advent Reading: Philippians 4:4-7

December 21, 2018

Read:  Luke 1:26-56

Explain how Mary would have struggled hearing the initial news from the angel about her pregnancy.

How does her prayer in verses 46-56 reveal a perspective change? What was the result? (i.e. fear vs. joy)

Ask God to show you new ways to experience the true joy of Christmas. Write out the response.

Advent Reading: Romans 15:4-13

December 20, 2018

Read:  Luke 2:15-20, Psalm 95:1-2, John 4:21-24, Acts 2:42-47, Ephesians 5:18-20

What would have motivated the angels to worship God in front of the shepherds? (Hint: pre-incarnation)

Why did the shepherds do the same thing? What does this highlight about the importance of worship?

In what way can you be more intentional about this truth during the Christmas holidays? Be specific.

Advent Reading: Luke 1:47-55, 2:1-20

December 19, 2018

Read:  Luke 2:12-17, Matthew 5:14-16, 9:35-38, Romans 10:14-16
What clue did the angel provide regarding the location of Jesus? How did the shepherds respond? Why?

What took place after they found Jesus? In what way were the shepherds evangelists and worship leaders?

How much do you think they truly understood about Jesus? How does this encourage you this Christmas?

Advent Reading: Psalm 20, 96:1-13

December 18, 2018

Read:  Luke 2:12-14, Is. 32:17, 48:22, John 14:25-27, 16:33, Rom. 5:1-2, Col 1:19-20

What kind of peace did the angels proclaim to the shepherds? How is this different than world peace?

How does this relate Christmas to the Gospel? In what way did this relate to verse 10 and joy? Be specific.

Why is this a good reminder this time of year? How can this help your joy during the Christmas holidays?

Advent Reading: Zephaniah 3:14-20

December 17, 2018

Read:  Luke 2:8-14, Colossians 3:17

Describe how the initial response by the shepherds was very different than the angels. Why?

How does this highlight a proper Christmas perspective? How does this relate to true joy?

What specifically is a hassle for you this Christmas? How do you need to adjust your perspective?

Advent Reading: Isaiah 9:2-7, 35:1-10

December 15, 2018

Read:  Matthew 1:18-24, Luke 2:1-7

What is God showing you as you revisit the story of the birth of Christ?  (i.e. spiritual insight)

How does the first Christmas compare to your Christmas?  In what ways are you feeling “panic”?

How will you incorporate a more godly approach to experience peace this week?  Be specific.

Advent Reading:  Romans 1:1-7, 5:1-10

December 14, 2018

Read:  Philippians 4:6-7, Matt. 6:5-14, 1 Peter 5:7, Colossians 4:2, 1 Thess. 5:17, Romans 12:12

Explain the formula Jesus provides when teaching his disciples how to pray.  Be specific.

What does this imply about a daily practice?  Why would this be especially important at Christmas?

How does this adjust the way you currently pray?  What steps will you take to be more consistent?

Advent Reading:  Micah 5:1-5, John 14:27

December 13, 2018

Read:  Luke 1:39-56, John 3:16-18, 1 Timothy 1:15, Philippians 4:6-7

Why was Mary excited while visiting her cousin Elizabeth?  (i.e. her primary focus)

Given this was Mary’s perspective before giving birth, how would this have helped her in Bethlehem?

How does Mary’s prayer illustrate a Philippians 4:6-7 experience?  How can this bring you peace at Christmas?

Advent Reading:  Psalm 23

December 12, 2018

Read:  Luke 2:1-7, Philippians 4:6-7

How did Joseph and Mary respond to all the challenges surrounding giving birth to Jesus?

What does this highlight about their trust in God?  How could doubt have easily created panic?

How does Paul’s instruction in Philippians 4:6-7 relate to this?  What has been your experience with this truth?

Advent Reading:  Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19

December 11, 2018

Read:  Luke 2:1-7, 2 Corinthians 8:9, Philippians 2:5-8

In what way was the birth of Christ a statement about humility?  Why would this have surprised everyone?

How does this model a godly Christmas attitude for all Christians?  Be specific.

How can this help with Christmas holiday anxiety?  How does this change your perspective this Christmas?

Advent Reading:  Isaiah 9:1-7, 55:1-2

December 10, 2018

Read:  Luke 2:1-7, Isaiah 9:6

In what way was the context and setting surrounding the birth of Jesus overwhelming for Joseph and Mary?

How would you have responded to these same circumstances?  Be specific.

What does this imply about similar temptations that can take place at Christmas?  How does this help you?

Advent Reading:  Psalm 122, 126

December 8, 2018

Read:  Matthew 1:21-25, John 15:10-11, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:3-10

What did the angel Gabriel tell Joseph to “do”?  What did Joseph do?  How was this growth for Joseph?

Explain the difference between knowing God’s truth and growing in God’s truth.  Why is this important?

How can Christians often fool themselves when it comes to spiritual growth?  How can you avoid this trap?

Advent Reading:  Matthew 24:36-44, Revelation 7:9-17

December 7, 2018

Read:  Matthew 1:24-25, Psalm 19:7-8, 23:4, 119:98-106, 2 Peter 1:19

How did the angel provide stability for Joseph?  How can God’s word provide the same stability for you?

How often do you study God’s word on a weekly basis?  What does this imply about your future stability?

What are some practical steps of growth and preparation you will take this Christmas season?  Be specific.

Advent Reading:  Luke 1:68-79, James 5:7-10

December 6, 2018

Read:  Matthew 1:21-23, Isaiah 7:14, John 1:1-4, 14, Galatians 4:4-6, Titus 3:4-6

Why do you think the angel quoted Isaiah 7:14 to Joseph?  What could have happened if he didn’t?

What does this imply about God’s will and emotional struggles?  How is this the Christmas story?

In what way is this reminder helpful to you?  Be specific.  How will you keep this in mind this Christmas?

Advent Reading:  Jeremiah 31:31-34, Lamentations 3:24-26

December 5, 2018

Read:  Matthew 1:18-20, Romans 8:28-30, Ephesians 3:20-21, Phil. 4:12-13, Heb. 11:1
 
In what way is the Christmas story a battle of fear and of faith?  Why will fear always challenge faith?

What does this reveal about how Christians are to handle fear?  How does this relate to expectations?

How has God been faithful to you?  How does this challenge your current Christmas expectations?

Advent Reading:  Psalm 130:1-8, 146:5-10

December 4, 2018

Read:  Matthew 1:18-20, 28:20, Genesis 28:15, Psalm 23:1-4, Hebrews 13:6

Why did the angel appear to Joseph?  Why is this important to remember during depressing times?

What can happen when this truth is forgotten?  How can this same thing happen to you?  Give an example.

How do you anticipate struggling this Christmas season?  How does God’s presence encourage you?

Advent Reading:  Isaiah 40:1-11

December 3, 2018

Read:  Matthew 1:18-20

Why would the birth of Christ have been a lonely and depressing time for Joseph?  Be specific.

How would this have ruined any marriage celebration expectations?  How would you have responded?

Knowing that Joseph was in God’s will, how does this provide caution to you this Christmas?

Advent Reading:  Psalm 80:1-7

December 1, 2018

Read:  Acts 16:22-26

What does Paul and Silas’ traumatic experience highlight about “when” to be thankful to God? 

How does the one returning leper highlight the same truth?  Why is this important to remember?

What is God teaching you about your gratitude toward God? (i.e. priorities, timing, being public, etc.)

November 30, 2018

Read:  Luke 17:15-19, Psalm 63

In what way does the Book of Psalms teach the importance of public gratitude and thanksgiving to God?

How comfortable are you with a Psalm 64 approach to thanking God?  What do you find hinders you?

Beyond worship songs, what are some other ways you can publically say thank you to God?

November 29, 2018

Read:  Luke 17:15-19, John 12:1-8

How did the returning leper approach Jesus to say thank you?  How was Mary’s approach similar?

Why were they not embarrassed given the significant social stigmas and critical opinions of them?

Given Jesus’ response, what does this reveal about God’s expectations?  Be specific.

November 28, 2018

Read:  Luke 17:11-16a, John 4:3-24

Based on today’s reading, what does God require when it comes to worship and a thankful heart?  Why?

How can worshiping God prevent a self-serving attitude?  How did the nine lepers reflect this dynamic?

What steps can you take in order to be more thankful and intentional in your walk with the Lord?

November 27, 2018

Read:  Luke 17:11-16a, Ephesians 2:3-9, 2 Corinthians 5:15-19

Describe how sin is a spiritual disease in the same way leprosy was a physical disease in the ancient world.

How is becoming “a new creation” in Christ similar to a leper becoming clean?  (i.e. what is required?)

Why is this important for Christians to remember?  How should this cultivate a thankful heart for you?

November 26, 2018

Read: Luke 17:11-16a, Leviticus 13:38-14:9

Describe what was involved in becoming spiritually/socially clean after having an infectious disease.

Given this background, what was Jesus essentially telling the leper to do in Luke 17:14?  Why?

What was significant about the healed leper’s gratitude toward God?  How does this challenge you?

November 24, 2018

Read: Luke 5:1-11, Isaiah 6:1-8

How does Isaiah’s vision/experience relate to Simon Peter’s experience?  Common themes/reactions?

How did Simon Peter (v.11) and Isaiah (v.8) respond to the calling from God? How have you responded?

What have you learned and/or applied, based on this week’s study, to be an effective follower of Jesus? 

November 23, 2018

Read: Acts 4:1-13, 1 Peter 2:15-17, Philippians 2:14-17

Read Acts 4:1-13. What is remarkable about Peter’s transformation from fisherman to “preacher”?

Read 1 Peter 2:15-17. What are the instructions, and how does this relate to being an effective follower of Jesus?

Read Phil. 2:14-17. What are the instructions/attitude to be lived & the results to be had based on these verses?

November 22, 2018

Read: 1 Chronicles 29:12-18, Psalm 95 & 100

How do these passages relate to this week’s message subtitle and points?

How do these passages relate to Thanksgiving? What are some common themes?

Make a list of things you are thankful for, and then spend some time praying and thanking God for them!

November 21, 2018

Read: Luke 5:5-11, 1 Corinthians 15:57-58, Philippians 1:6, Matthew 6:33, Isaiah 55:11

How do these passages relate to Point #2? How would you assess yourself in living out Point #2 daily?

What is an area in your life where you need to allow or trust God to produce results versus your own efforts?

What are some practical ways you will step into applying Point #2 this week? Pray & ask God to work!

November 20, 2018

Read: Luke 5:1-5, Galatians 2:20, Colossians 3:17 & 23-24

How do these passages relate to Point #1? How would you assess yourself in living out Point #1 daily?

What is an area in your life where you need to obey, have faith and “go deeper” with following Jesus (v.4-5)?

What are some practical ways you will step into applying Point #1 this week? Pray & offer these to God!

November 19, 2018

Read: Luke 5:1-11, Romans 12:1

How does this story relate to the message subtitle? What is something that stuck out to you from the message?

What were some of Simon Peter’s actions & reactions in regards to what Jesus was asking, and what Jesus did?

How would you assess yourself as a “follower” of Jesus (good/bad, effective/weak, areas needing improvement)?

November 10, 2018

Read:  John 15:8-11, Galatians5:16-25

What does Jesus say proves that we are his disciples? How does he say that we can bear much fruit?

What is the fruit that we produce naturally (of the flesh)? What’s the fruit of the spirit? What’s coming from you?

What’s Jesus’ promise in verse 11? Have you experienced his joy? Would you like to? How does it happen?

November 9, 2018

Read:  2 Kings 16:1-4and verse 20, 2 Kings 18:1-7, John 15:1-5

Notice that Ahaz was Hezekiah’s father. What in your past do you use to justify your compromises?

How did Hezekiah go beyond the example of his father in order to fully serve and trust God? What can you do?

Jesus tells us that we need to abide in him? How can we do that? What can you do to abide in him this week?

November 8, 2018

Read: 1 Peter 1:13-19, 2 Corinthians 6:16-7:1, Hebrews 12:11-14 1 Peter 1:13-19, 2 Corinthians 6:16-7:1, Hebrews 12:11-14

What does it mean to be holy? Why is it such a theme throughout the Bible? What do these passages say?

If there were a continuum from total compromise with the world to complete holiness, where would you land?

In what ways do these passages challenge you? How can you pursue holiness in your life this week?

November 7, 2018

Read:  1 Kings 11:1-10, 2Timothy 4:6-8











What’s the difference between the beginning and the ending of Solomon and Paul’s lives? Why’s it matter?

How did Solomon go from being a good king to building high places and serving idols? What led him there?

Are you following the path of Solomon towards increasing compromise or Paul towards a great finish?