Categories: Preparing for Sunday

The One We Seek

Dear Friends,

Deep in our hearts we have a longing for a fixer, a leader or ruler who will bring about lasting positive change.

Some may indulge their fantasy that they are such a Savior. Others are tossed to and fro by every deceitful scheme put out by power hungry manipulators. Such people inhabit much space in history and in our present age. you find them in media, politics, and pulpits across the world. Each of these players tap into our innate longing for a rescuer. We can be easily impressed with the grand and gaudy greatness of this world.  We are easily star struck and carried away from Gods true revelation of greatness in Christ.

As we reflect on Christ may we see in His life and words the revelation of true greatness. May nothing dazzle us but Christ. May we never be impressed with any greatness but His.

I love you and wish you a Merry Christmas.

Joe

 

Please plan to attend a preaching service and a small group if possible. Invite a friend

Prayerfully read the following material.

STEPS TO PREPARE

PRAY FOR THE SERVICES AND FOR YOURSELF
AND ME AND THE OTHER TEACHERS.

PRAYERFULLY READ THE SCRIPTURES
AND CONSIDER THE DISCUSSION QUESTIONS.

MAKE PLANS TO ATTEND A PREACHING SERVICE AND A SMALL GROUP.

INVITE SOMEONE TO COME WITH YOU.

PREPARING FOR SUNDAY: SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

THE CHRISTMAS NARRATIVE TODAY.

Luke 2:6 While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth.

Luke 2:7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.

 

The Shepherds and the Angels

Luke 2:8 In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night.

Luke 2:9 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terribly frightened.

Luke 2:10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people;

Luke 2:11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:12 “This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Luke 2:13 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

Luke 2:14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”

Luke 2:15 When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.”

Luke 2:16 So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger.

Luke 2:17 When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child.

Luke 2:18 And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds.

Luke 2:19 But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.

Luke 2:20 The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.

 

 

What things do we associate with someone being great in our culture?

 

How are our ideas about greatness shaped as we grow up?

 

What makes someone impressive to us?

 

How is Jesus different in how he reflects true greatness?

Luke 1:30 The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God.

Luke 1:31 “And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus.

Luke 1:32 “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David;

Luke 1:33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.

Mark 9:35 Sitting down, He called the twelve and *said to them, “If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.”

Mark 10:31 “But many who are first will be last, and the last, first.”

Mark 10:42 Calling them to Himself, Jesus *said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them; and their great men exercise authority over them.

Mark 10:43 “But it is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant;

Mark 10:44 and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all.

Mark 10:45 “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

 

Why did the disciples need to be reminded of Gods definition of greatness?

 

 

Why do so we so easily follow people who reject Jesus’s standard and model of greatness?

 

 

Share a way you can express your love and worship for the greatness of Christ this Christmas?

 

 

How can we pray for you?

Joe Martin

Senior Pastor - Click Here for full profile