Luke 2:1–20
What are you prepared to see in the Christmas story? In the coming of Jesus, we see the way out of darkness and fear. Are you prepared for the Prince of Peace?
Sermon Notes
Discussion Questions
Preparing the Way
Luke 3:1–22
John the Baptizer must tell us his story so we can be prepared for the reality of Jesus. The Way Preparer wants our lives to be ready for Jesus to enter in.
Preparing the Way - Even Greater Good News
Luke 1:39–56
Mary sings as one whose heart and soul has been transformed. Her song tells us of the only one who can bring about this transformation. Is this your song, too?
Preparing the Way - No Longer in Darkness
Luke 1:57-80
At the birth of his son, John, Zechariah sings of a new day dawning. With the coming Messiah, we no longer sit in darkness, we stand in awe. God's rescue plan is underway!
Preparing the Way - Finally? Unbelievable
Luke 1:5–25
As we prepare the way for Christmas, we let John the Baptizer be our guide. Good news is sometimes so unbelievable that we don't believe. Such is the story of John's father, from whom we can learn a lot.
More Than Flannel—the Church's Double Identity
1 Peter 2:4–12
God has some clear plans for His church. Our relationship with Christ gives us a double identity which shapes our relationship to Him and to the world. It’s an exciting privilege and a sobering responsibility.
Living the Really Real - Far More Abundantly Really Real
Ephesians 3:20–21
Paul prays extravagantly! But as we look at the first half of Ephesians, we see he's told us that God works extravagantly! How extravagantly are you willing to pray? Are you willing to learn from Paul?
Living the Really Real - The Heart of the Really Real
Ephesians 3:14–20
The letter to the Ephesians is a prayer-full letter. As we reach the heart of the letter, we hear Paul's heart of prayer. And what he prays ought to blow open our hearts!
Living the Really Real - Grabbed by the Really Real
Ephesians 3:1–13
Think of the phrase "God's Wisdom." What comes to mind? Now think of "Church." What comes to mind? Any connection between the two? For Paul there is. And you'll never guess who's looking to see the connection.
Living the Really Real - The Really Real Family
Ephesians 2:11–22
It is often said that "blood is thicker than water," meaning that family ties are stronger than friendship ties. In the really real family of God, the blood of Christ offers the strongest ties of all.
Discussion Notes
New Creations
2 Corinthians 5:17
There is no life that is beyond the rescuing power of the Gospel; we can never forget that. This Sunday we have the privilege of hearing the voices of men from Adult and Teen Challenge as they sing and share testimonies of the power of Christ Jesus who has rescued them from sin and addiction.
Living the Really Real - First, the Really Real Bad News
Ephesians 2:1–10
The really real good news of the gospel is glorious, but before we get there, Paul tells us the really real bad news. The really real bad news helps us see just how glorious the really real good news is!
Living the Really Real - Praying the Really Real
Living the Really Real - Really Real Blessings (Part 2)
Ephesians 1:3–14
God's really real blessings in Christ make for really rich lives for those who are in Christ. How rich is your life?
Living the Really Real - Really Real Blessings (Part 1)
Ephesians 1:3-14
Once you understand that God, through his Son, Jesus, has already given believers ‘total blessings,’ you might start to see things differently.
Living the Really Real - Welcome to the Really Real
Ephesians 1:1–2
Keeping it real. Being honest. Realistic. In his letter to the Ephesians, the apostle Paul keeps it really real. Welcome to the really real life in Christ Jesus.
One Anothering - Pray
James 5:13–18
In times of hardship and happiness the church is to be a community of faith bathed in confession and prayer for one another.
One Anothering - Do Good
1 Thessalonians 5:12-15
This Sunday we learn that when we value one another, we minister to one another through courageous conversations. Courageous conversations do good to one another.
One Anothering - Love
John 13:31–35
Love one another. We know this is foundational to being a Christ-follower, but it's easy to lose focus. Let's go back to the basics and get really practical about what this looks like.
One Anothering - Welcome
Romans 15:1–7
We are all at different stages in our spiritual walk, and those who are mature or strong in the Faith, must be willing to share in the burdens of those who are struggling.