Category: Advent

How Can a Baby 2000 Years Ago Change My Life?

12/20/2020

What are some important events that you recall that have changed our nation or world?
How did these events change you?
How has the choice to follow Jesus changed your life?
The voices in the video said that some elements of the Christmas story seem so remote and make no sense to them.
Luke 1.26-38 describes the visit of the angel Gabriel to Mary who was probably 16 or 17. At that stage of life what were you expecting or hoping for?
How did Mary respond? What does it say about her? What do you think may have gone through her mind as she listened to the message?
What would happen to her and around her if she say “yes” to God?
In the message Pastor Ken said that everyone already been impacted by the birth of Christ, whether a person believes the story or not. Christian teaching and example have affected family life, education, expressions of compassion and lifting up the downtrodden. Do you agree with this assertion? Why or why not? Can you think of other ways the world has benefited from the coming of Jesus?
We heard about 4 people whose life changed because they heard about Jesus: an author, a lawyer in Romania, a prisoner, and a business man. Can you share examples of others whose lives have been changed by Christ?
These people met Christ in unexpected ways. How did you come to faith? How was God “tapping on your shoulder” in ways you did not anticipate?
How might your experience help someone else find Jesus?

Is the Christmas Story Just a Fairy Tale?

12/13/2020

Ken talked about “faith-based” Christmas and “holiday” Christmas. What happens if these get all mixed up?
Have you ever been questioned about the validity of the Christmas narratives in the Bible? What did people ask? How did you respond?
What was the other “Son of God” story circulating in the Roman Empire? Do you think people really believed it? Why or why not?
Read John 1.1-5, 9-14. This is John’s explanation of Jesus’ origins. How is it different from the birth narratives in Matthew and Luke? Who might John have been trying to reach by using this format?
The Greeks and Romans believed the term “Word” referred to the divine soul or rational mind behind all things. How do you think the average person heard this? What do you think it meant to them?
Look at these verses from the Old Testament about how the term “Word” was used. How is this different from the Greek / Roman concept mentioned above?
- Genesis 1.3, 11.
- Psalm 33.6
- Isaiah 38.4
- Jeremiah 1.11
- Isaiah 1.10
What do each of these phrases in John 1 indicate…
- “In the beginning was the Word”
- “the word was with God”
- “the word was God”
Read vs. 14 again. Why is this such an astounding claim? Why is it so offensive to some?
The Bible contains many accounts of miracles. Name some from both the Old and the New Testaments. Why do people doubt these things happened?
How does the history of the church contradict the claim that the gospel is a fairy tale?
If you believe the whole gospel – from the birth of Jesus to his resurrection – what difference has it made in your life? How does it show up in the way you live and how you treat others?

Experiencing Joy at Christmas

11/29/2020

What do you love about the Christmas season?
Are there difficult elements to the season?
In the message Pastor Ken talked about the Delgado family in Chicago who were joyful and hopeful despite their meager surroundings. Have you know individuals or families like that?
What was the life a shepherd like? To whom would you compare them today?
What part of their encounter with the angelic messengers stood out for you? Have you had an overwhelming experience with God – what was it like?
Why do you think God chose to give this announcement to people like those shepherds?
Put yourself in the sandals of those shepherds. When the angels left, what were they thinking? Why did they head to Bethlehem instead of shrugging it all off?
What might have been going on in their heads and hearts when they actually found the baby? (verse 16)
Look at verses 17-18. What does it say they did? What kind of response do you think they may have gotten? Why?
How is our culture good at peddling happiness instead of joy? What’s the difference between the two?
What gives you real joy in life?
Where have you found joy in the Christmas season?

How Can a Baby 2000 Years Ago Change My Life?

Is the Christmas Story Just a Fairy Tale?

Experiencing Joy at Christmas

CATEGORIES

First Covenant Church

​How Can a Baby 2000 Years Ago Change My Life?

Is the Christmas Story Just a Fairy Tale?

Experiencing Joy at Christmas

CATEGORIES

First Covenant Church

How Can a Baby 2000 Years Ago Change My Life?