December 5, 2021
Body Language: Baby of Peace
The Christian hope jumps into history in the most unlikely and improbable way: a baby. Incarnation. God with us. Immanuel. And no one saw it coming.
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Songs for this week: Spotify
1 Samuel 4
Message Questions:
Take the time to read the passage with your group. I know it’s long. Pretend it’s a bedtime story (just don’t fall asleep!)
- What stands out most to you from this story?
- Describe how this story differs from the story of Matthew 1:22-23.
- How does Jesus, Immanuel, actually bring “peace on earth” and how does he bring it into a person’s life who chooses to believe Him?
- Work as a group to understand the Hebrew word “Shalom.” Are you experiencing Shalom these days? If so, what does that look like, if not, what has gotten in the way?
- Why does God put these horrific stories in the Bible?
Extend your small group discussion with the expanded guide for today’s message. It includes more questions and soul training practices for you and your small group.
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Recent Sermons
Romans 12:1-2 - Jesus’ invitation is to follow him: to be with him, become like him, and do what he did. We surrender control to Jesus, resist the pattern of the world that shapes us, and rely on the power of the Holy Spirit for transformation.
Mark 1:16-18 -We begin our series on Practicing the Way—exploring how Jesus’ rhythms of prayer, fasting, solitude, and Sabbath invite ordinary people to grow in grace and intimacy with God
Acts 17:16-34 -Paul shares the hope of Jesus in everyday language, guiding seekers toward truth and showing where their search for God had gone astray.
Acts 13:1-5 -The first Christians had small groups! They knew, because Jesus modelled it, that we’re much better in groups than we are as individuals. The group that gathered in Antioch was diverse, zoned in on Jesus and figuring out how to be outward-facing. Your own group will want all that and more!
Acts 8:9-25 - Simon put on a good show (literally!), but his heart was full of bitterness. He wasn’t healthy and wasn’t taking the steps to be healthy. What about us today?
Acts 2:40-47 - As a church, we’re taking some time to talk about our vision and strategy. We’re hoping to add clarity to why and how we do what we do in this season.
