December 9 – 15

Weekly Reading for December 9 – 15

Preparing for Next Week’s Message

Sermon Series: Messiah
Sermon Title: Surprising Origins

This reading plan will get your heart and mind set for the next message on December 16, 2018:

• SUNDAY: Micah 5:2-6, Hosea 11:1, Psalm 139, Micah 5:2-6, Hosea 11:1, Psalm 139,
• MONDAY: Matthew 1, Matthew 1,
• TUESDAY: Matthew 2, Matthew 2,
• WEDNESDAY: Luke 1, Luke 1,
• THURSDAY: Luke 2, Luke 2,
• FRIDAY: John 1, John 1,
• SATURDAY: Genesis 50, Genesis 50,

Reflecting on the Most Recent Sermon

Sermon Series: Messiah
Sermon Title: Peace on Earth
Delivered On: December 9, 2018

WATCH SERMON VIDEO
VIEW WEEKLY BULLETIN
VIEW SERMON NOTES

Memorize and Reflect

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

Prayer Direction

Thank God for coming to our world and bringing order to our chaos. Give Him praise for being our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Pray for his peace to fill you this Christmas season so that your presence brings peace to wherever you go and whoever you are around.

“Live It!” Challenge

A Bold Invitation: Christmas is known as the most wonderful time of the year, but for many, it can be one of the most stressful as well. This Christmas, challenge yourself to be a peacemaker and a peace-bringer in whatever context you are in. Whether it be a bustling store, a crowded parking lot, or a tense family dinner, keep reminding yourself that the Prince of Peace has given you the ability and desire to be peace wherever you go.

Small Group Discussion

1. Tell about the most peaceful Christmas you’ve ever had, or the least peaceful. What about that season brought or stole peace?

2. The prophecy that God sent through Isaiah came 700 years before its fulfillment. How do you think the people in Isaiah’s days would have responded to this announcement?

3. Read: Isaiah 9:6-7. What is the setting and context of this prophecy? Even if they did not have a deep sense of what this prophecy was really pointing to, how would it have brought hope and encouragement?

4. There were really three core messages in this prophecy:
   ・A king was coming to rule and reign
   ・His Kingdom would know no end
   ・His rule would bring peace on earth

5. What was shocking and surprising about each of these aspects of the prophecy?
   Read: Luke 2:8-14. Did Jesus go on to fulfill the three core messages of the prophecy of Isaiah?

6. How will his Second Coming fully fulfill these prophecies?

7. How have you experienced God’s peace through your faith in Jesus?

8. What situations and settings can you bring the peace of Christ to this Christmas season? How can your group members pray for you to be a bearer of peace this season?

9. Tell about the most peaceful Christmas you’ve ever had, or the least peaceful. What about that season brought or stole peace?

10. The prophecy that God sent through Isaiah came 700 years before its fulfillment. How do you think the people in Isaiah’s days would have responded to this announcement?

11. Read: Isaiah 9:6-7. What is the setting and context of this prophecy? Even if they did not have a deep sense of what this prophecy was really pointing to, how would it have brought hope and encouragement?

12. There were really three core messages in this prophecy:
    ・A king was coming to rule and reign
    ・His Kingdom would know no end
    ・His rule would bring peace on earth

13. What was shocking and surprising about each of these aspects of the prophecy?
    Read: Luke 2:8-14. Did Jesus go on to fulfill the three core messages of the prophecy of Isaiah?

14. How will his Second Coming fully fulfill these prophecies?

15. How have you experienced God’s peace through your faith in Jesus?

16. What situations and settings can you bring the peace of Christ to this Christmas season? How can your group members pray for you to be a bearer of peace this season?