December 26, 2021
Body Language | The After Party
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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Luke 2:21-35
Message Questions:
- Do a little research on the Jewish requirements for baby boys being born and purification rites for new moms. What were all those requirements saying to the parents?
- What has God clearly told you to do? Beyond seeing obedience as drudgery, what might God be saying to you through what he’s asked you to do?
- Simeon had “the Holy Spirit on him.” The Holy Spirit had revealed to him he wouldn’t die before he saw the Messiah. He was “moved by the Spirit.” Can you relate to Simeon? What, if any, is your experience of the Holy Spirit?
- Salvation will come from this baby! Explain what people might have imagined that to look like and then explain what you understand salvation to include.
- “This child is destined to cause the rising and falling of many in Israel, and to be a sign spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed.” None of us likes a hard time but we seem to be promised it here. How do you navigate the difficulties that come your way for believing in Jesus?
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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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?
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