There are no flow questions for this week. We encourage your Life Group to use our five week Advent study which is is available in the bookstore now.
Advent: Preparing for Jesus, by Kenton Beshore, is a five week study designed to center Life Groups around the true power of Christmas. This study utilizes the flow question model with weekly reading and group discussion questions. Grab a copy for $8.99 for you and your group in the Irvine Campus bookstore this weekend.
There are no flow questions for this week. We encourage your Life Group to use our five week Advent study which is is available in the bookstore now.
Advent: Preparing for Jesus, by Kenton Beshore, is a five week study designed to center Life Groups around the true power of Christmas. This study utilizes the flow question model with weekly reading and group discussion questions. Grab a copy for $8.99 for you and your group in the Irvine Campus bookstore this weekend.
Introduction // 5 minutes
What are some of the greatest “misses” in history?
Leader Note: Here are a few “epic fail” moments to help get your discussion going.
Culture Epic Fails
Movie Epic Fails
Sports Epic Fails
Observation // 20 minutes
Read Luke 2:21-38
Who experiences Christmas in the story, who misses it… and why?
Leader Note: You may want to first challenge your group to first list out all the characters in the passage as a way to ensure that they are reading and fully engaging the text. Another thing to consider is to ask the question before reading the text so that your group knows what to look for as the passage is read.
Everyone should be able to identify the “got it” group. You may need to prompt your group to engage their imagination in order to see the “missed it” group. Listed are the characters in the story with brief commentary on how the “got it” or “missed it.”
Understanding // 15 minutes
What causes people to miss Christmas Today?
Commentary: Those that missed it in the story were not necessarily involved in “evil” or “wicked” activities. They were simply going about their business in such a way that they were unable to pause and see God’s blessing in front of them. It’s just as easy to fall in to the trap of duty and business as it is to fall into materialism, pride and envy during this season.
Application // 20 minutes
Who do you most connect with in the story and why?
Leader Note: Remind your group of these identifiers. Most of us are going to be a blend of these characters at times. Allow space for your group to work through this question and be sure to ask follow up questions, i.e. “What has that looked like for you” and “What would it take for you to experience Christmas this year.”
Joseph and Mary: Operating out of duty, tired and run down yet remained obedient and faithful.
Simeon: Patiently waiting with expectation for God to show up. Eager to proclaim God’s redemption to others.
Anna: Living in brokenness while staying connected to God’s voice. Ready to speak comfort to others living in pain.
The Priests and Crowds: Busy in the routine of life, unable to pause to see God at work.
Live It Out // 10 minutes
How can you help others to not miss Christmas this year?
Leader Note: Another way to ask this question could be… “How can you be like Simeon or Anna this season” or “Who has God placed in your life that you can speak comfort and joy into this Christmas.”
Introduction // 5 minutes
Have your group share “travel nightmare” stories
Observation // 15 minutes
Read Luke 2:1-7
Describe the mess of the first Christmas
Sample Answers May Include…
Read Luke 2:8-20
What’s the message of the first Christmas?
Sample Answers May Include…
Understanding // 15 minutes
What are the messes of Christmas today… and what is the message people believe in those messes?
Commentary: This season for many is marked by business, stress, materialism and family pressures to name a few. Christmas seems so fragile in our world today. Everything must be perfect and perfection is up to us! We tend to buy into the message that tells us if we have enough, give enough or do enough we will become enough and experience “Christmas bliss.”
Application // 20 minutes
What mess are you facing this Christmas?
How could the true message of Christmas meet you in that mess?
Live It Out // 10 minutes
What if you lived out the true message of Christmas this year? How might those around you be impacted?
Prayer: Spend time thanking God for the race and peace that we are offered during this season through the birth of Jesus. Pray that all other competing messages would be silenced and unable to win our attention and affection. Pray for the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to enable us to be people who not only receive grace and peace but express in every relationship.
Advent is the 4-week period of time prior to Christmas where many Christians enter into a season of waiting and preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus. Advent simply means “the coming” or “the arrival.” During Advent we anticipate the coming of Jesus and the message of peace that he offers to our broken world.
Our world disappoints us, (friends/family/politicians) but in Advent we are given a promise that there is one who is coming that will not disappoint. Christ is given as God’s full display of love and grace for His creation. In Advent we anticipate the fullness of God’s love coming to earth in a very personal way, in His son.
As we celebrate His coming we are also reminded that He will come again to make all things new for all eternity. Advent reminds us that through our relationship with the coming Christ we are complete, and that one day our world will be made whole when He comes again.
While our culture uses this season to bombard us with messages of consumerism, business and stress God offers us a better way…a way of peace and hope. A way that orientates our hearts on the good news of God’s Kingdom and the salvation that is now available for all who choose to believe and trust in Jesus.
This Prayer Experience is designed to help your Life Group focus on the key components of the Advent season. It is our hope that this experience will serve as a springboard for your group to consider what it could mean to enter into this season differently and ultimately express lives of hope, peace, joy and love. Schedule time with your life group (we recommend 1 – 3 hours) to do this experience together. Find a space where you can be free of distraction and unhindered to focus on God’s spirit through His word and prayer.
This experience follows an Up, In, and Out movement of prayer designed to help guide your time together. During this prayer experience you will be lead to…
Look Up // By focusing first on the greatness and goodness of God.
Go Deeper In // Into God’s truth and what it reveals about who He is, and who He is calling us to become.
Pray Out // That His kingdom would come to transform our hearts and the world around us.
Section 1: Looking Up // (10 – 20 minutes, All together)
All things begin first with God… His glory, majesty and power. Begin by simply looking to Him and acknowledging His worth above all things. Read the following passages one at a time, allowing for space and responsive prayer after each.
Section 2: Deeper In // (25 – 45 minutes, Individually)
In prayer we are led by the Holy Spirit to look deeper in. Deeper into the truth of His word and deeper into our own hearts as He reveals to us those areas that we have attempted to hide away from His view and the view of others. Take time to allow him to speak by His word and spirit.
1. Read: Don’t give in to the temptation to simply glance over these passages, some of which may be very familiar to you. Take time to read them and in turn allow them to read you. You may find it helpful to read each passage a few times pausing each time before reading and asking God to speak the truth of each word to your heart.
2. Reflect: After reading allow time and space to reflect or ponder in your heart what you have just read. Allow God’s word to become His word to you and illuminate the deep truth of the text by the Holy Spirit.
3. Pray: After you’ve read and reflected on the passage move on to prayer. Through your spoken and written word dedicate the truth of His word to Him in your heart.
4. Contemplate: Then contemplate on the truth of what has been revealed through His word. God speaks… take time, listen, wait and rest in the reality of His presence and the fullness of His love.
Section 3: Praying Out // (15 – 30 minutes, All together)
Jesus taught us to pray in Matthew 6:10, “Your kingdom come your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.” We live in the tension of two worlds, the age that is now (our world), and the age that is to fully come, but has already begun to breakthrough (the Kingdom of Heaven).
Jesus teaches us that the Kingdom of Heaven is not something or someplace else we wait for but that it is a present reality that we can experience now! This is why we pray for broken things to be made right, for the sick to be healed and for the oppressed in mind, body, and spirit to be set free. The Kingdom has come and it is bringing life! It is with this understanding that we pray for ourselves, others and the world around us.
Suggested Points Of Prayer
Debrief And Next Steps
Allow time for group discussion after the experience to consider the following questions…
Celebrate Different 2013
This initiative of Mariners Church has been set up to help groups and individuals find ways to celebrate different during this holiday season. Visit celebratediffernt.org to discover opportunities to give, serve and love in ways that represent thankfulness for all that God has done.
Introduction // 5 minutes
When was the last time you were surprised with good news?
Observation // 15 minutes
Read Luke 2:1-15
What does “Good News” look like in this passage?
Leader note: When someone gives an observation, ask them “where do you see that?” and then ask the group, “What does that mean – in our own words?” This will help as you move through the question.
Sample Answers May Include…
Understanding // 15 minutes
Where does our world look for “Good News” today?
Commentary: 100 years before Luke wrote his gospel, Caesar Augustus brought an end to almost a century of civil war, and for that reason he was called “Prince of Peace” and “Savior.” His military conquest and imperial achievements where commonly referred to as “Good News.” He also held the titles of “Lord” and “Son of God.” Luke intentionally borrows from these titles to make the point that there are two kingdoms, two ways to live, and two versions of good news that a person must decide between.
Jesus brings us life, peace and salvation. Our world continues to bring conflicting messages that tempt us to find peace and even salvation in things outside of Jesus. Another way to ask this question could be to say… “What are all the Caesar’s in our world today?”
Sample Answers May Include…
Application // 20 minutes
Where are you tempted to search for “Good News” outside of Jesus?
Leader Note: Remind your group again that by “good news” we are talking about things that we look to for peace, comfort, security and meaning.
Live It Out // 10 minutes
What if we believed that the “Good News” of Jesus was enough? How might our lives and the lives of others be impacted?
Commentary: Trust in Jesus alone sets us on an unshakeable foundation that is unmoved by circumstance and independent from our earning and striving. The Good News of God’s Kingdom is eternal unlike the news of our world, which fades and ultimately leads to destruction.
Prayer: Father we thank you for the good news of hope and salvation that you have made available to us through your Son, Jesus. Lord we ask that you would continue to give us the courage to choose to live the story of your Kingdom and Gospel and avoid the temptation to believe that this world could replace in anyway all that we have revived in you. Help us to not only be people who receive your good news but live it out for others to see. In the name of our Savior and Lord, Jesus, Amen!
Date: December 8-9, 2012
Series: Comfort and Joy
Message: True Joy
Passage: Luke 2:8-15
INTRODUCTION – 5 MINUTES
Leader note: Just have fun with this question – but move quickly as there is a lot to get to!
OBSERVATION – 20 MINUTES
READ LUKE 2:8-15. WHAT DO YOU LEARN ABOUT THE FIRST CHRISTMAS?
Leader note: When someone gives an observation, ask them “where do you see that?” and then ask the group, “what does that mean – in our own words?” This will help as you move through the question.
Commentary:
Some observations your group may find. There are others however, do not limit it to this list, and don’t give your group this list. Let them “observe and discover” on their own.
UNDERSTANDING – 20 MINUTES
THINK OF 3 OR 4 PEOPLE IN YOUR LIFE THAT MIGHT FEEL EXCLUDED FROM THIS MESSAGE?
Leader note: Think of those in your life, or people you know, that may feel like they either aren’t welcomed in by the message, or by those who proclaim the message (church, groups of friends, etc).
Commentary:
Some things that might make people feel excluded –
APPLICATION – 20 MINUTES
How do I exclude or not aggressive include those people in this good news?
Leader note: This may be a way for you to think about the exclusion – place yourself on the spectrum, how can you move to the left, toward direct inclusion?
the SPECTRUM:
← DIRECT INCLUSION — PASSIVE INCLUSION — PASSIVE EXCLUSION — DIRECT EXCLUSION →
Examples:
Friend who has had affairs – I act superior, like he probably shouldn’t be in church – help enforce the idea that Christmas really isn’t for him.
I am not aggressively including a gay friend of mine. While I want to make sure no one intentionally hurts him but I’m not pursuing him with the good news of Jesus.
I exclude my parents, I don’t invite or go to their house – we have a bad relationship and I don’t want to have them around.
I passively exclude some neighbors at different times – I’m selfish of my time I have with my family, don’t want to share it so I don’t engage them.
Friend who grew up Jewish, now she will celebrate Christmas with me but don’t talk about Jesus, now I exclude her from that part of my life.
WHAT COULD I DO TO HELP THEM SEE THIS IS GOOD NEWS FOR THEM?
Leader note: In the passage it said the good news was for all people, how can you include those in your life you, even passively, exclude?
PRAY: As you end your time together, especially if you will be on break until after the Holidays, take time to pray. Thank God for the awesome gift of Christmas, for lovingly providing a way for us to know Him, his all-sufficient grace, inclusive heart and motivation, and the path of righteousness set before us. Pray for ways to embody the message, the good news of Christmas this year, and to include all Jesus would if He were walking alongside of you – as you shop, as you attend parties, as you make final plans for visits with family and friends. Pray for the Lord’s provision of protection, healing, restored relationships and the embracing of joy, joy in its fullness, throughout the season and into the New Year.
LIVE IT OUT
What would it be like to bring good news to the excluded in our neighborhood or community?
How would people see the church differently if we truly included?
Date: December 1-2, 2012
Series: Comfort and Joy
Message: Take Comfort
Passage: 2 Corinthians 1:3-7
INTRODUCTION – 5 MINUTES
What is one of your favorite comfort foods and when do you tend to want it most?
Leader note: This should just be a fun and easy question to talk about. This week we will be talking about “comfort”, so this will just be an easy way to get your group focused for the upcoming discussion.
OBSERVATION – 20 MINUTES
Read 2 Corinthians 1:3-7. What do you learn about comfort?
Commentary:
Leader note: You may want to come up with a working definition for the term comfort for the next questions.
UNDERSTANDING – 25 MINUTES
What does suffering look like?
Leader note: Come up with as many situations you can think of, make a list similar to the one below:
What is comfort “not”?
What does false comfort look like?
Leader note: People try to comfort themselves with food, drink, drugs – lots of different ways to “console” themselves, but they don’t bring real comfort.
Where have you seen people bring real comfort to others?
Leader note: Another way to ask this would be, “What does real comfort look like? Where have you seen that in life?
Commentary: Some examples of real comfort would be:
How was that used in other’s lives?
Leader note: In the passage it says that we are comforted so that we can comfort – how have you seen that in your life?
APPLICATION – 20 MINUTES
When was a time in your life you needed comfort? What did you pursue?
Were you open to being comforted?
Leader note: It may be that you have those who are in a place of suffering now and are either being comforted, or need you and your group to bring comfort. What would that look like? Have they tried to “console” themselves? How open are they to comfort – are they saying things like “No, I’ll be fine”, “I can handle it”, that closes them off to comfort. Be gentle, but reassure them that it is one of God’s greatest gifts to have His family bring comfort to others.
Examples:
During divorce, felt alone – afraid-unlovable- found comfort in friendship, he connected, he was loved, people reached out – especially holidays, didn’t have to look for it but people reached out.
During a cancer scare – people prayed boldly for healing, surrounded family so they knew we were cared for.
How could your suffering bring comfort to someone else?
PRAY: Before you end your time together, thank God for His ultimate comfort. Pray for opportunities to bring comfort to those suffering in your family and those you come in contact with this Christmas season. Ask for God’s prompting and guidance for how best to comfort others, and how you might uniquely bring the gift needed most – comfort and joy.
LIVE IT OUT
Since all comfort comes from God through his people…What would it look like for us to live as agents of God’s comfort?