Dear Friends,
Thank you for beginning this journey through the gospel of Luke. God is a mystery and that is what makes Him fill us with awe. God does think and acts in ways we can’t fully understand. Gods ways are certainly not our ways.
This week we will cover several parallel stories that show us that God often chooses people and practices that surprise and don’t seem to follow our culture or opinions.
I really hope you come and bring someone who needs to hear about the story of Jesus.
I can’t wait to see you,
Joe.
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
Preparing for Sunday-December 8, 2019
His-Story – “It Sounds Like A Bad Idea”!
Please take the time to read and consider the following questions.
Describe someone God used that really surprised you. Please share why.
Has God worked in a way that made no sense to you? Please describe this.
(Isaiah 55:8-9) “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. 9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts.
What about Mary would make her unacceptable as a choice to be pregnant with the savior of the planet?
(Luke 1:27-34) To a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. 28) And coming in, he said to her, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” 29) But she was very perplexed at this statement and kept pondering what kind of salutation this was. 30) The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. 31) “And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. 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; 33) and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.” 34) Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?
What is God saying that matters to Him by picking Mary?
What is God saying that doesn’t matter by picking Mary?
Would the average American “Christian”, pick Mary to be the mother of our Lord?
Why or why not?
(Luke 1:46-53) And Mary said: “My soul exalts the Lord, 47) and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. 48) “For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave; For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed. 49) “For the Mighty One has done great things for me; And holy is His name. 50) “AND HIS MERCY IS UPON GENERATION AFTER GENERATION TOWARD THOSE WHO FEAR HIM. 51) “He has done mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart. 52) “He has brought down rulers from their thrones and has exalted those who were humble. 53) “HE HAS FILLED THE HUNGRY WITH GOOD THINGS; And sent away the rich empty-handed.
