Advent 2018
1 John 1:1-4
December 23, 2018 • Pastor Jon Needham
Discipleship Questions 1. John is writing that we might experience joy. How would you define joy in your own words? 2. In these few verses, John repeats himself several times. Why do you think he does this? What is trying to communicate to us? 3. What different words does John use to refer to Jesus? What do each of these words communicate to us about Jesus? 4. John writes not just for the joy of others, but also for his own joy. What does this teach us about the nature of joy and fellowship?
Matthew 1:18-21
December 16, 2018 • Pastor Jon Needham
Discipleship Questions 1. According to Matthew, what is the primary purpose for which was Jesus born? How does this affect the way we read the rest of the Bible? 2. In what ways are you tempted to reduce Jesus to something other than savior of sinners? 3. Read Isaiah 53:5. Take a few moments to consider specific personal sins that Jesus came to die for. 4. Read 2 Corinthians 5:21. What does it mean for you to become the righteousness of God? How does this transform the way your view yourself and God?
Luke 1:26-35
December 9, 2018 • Pastor Jon Needham
Discipleship Questions 1. What questions do you have about the virgin birth of Jesus? What is confusing? Inspiring? 2. Read Romans 5:12-14. What does that text teach us about the importance of the virgin birth? 3. How does King Jesus use power and status differently than Caesar or other “earthly” kings? 4. As citizens of Jesus’ Kingdom, how ought we to use our power, status, and resources differently? What specific steps might you take to grow in this area?
Isaiah 9:2-6
December 2, 2018 • Pastor Jon Needham
Discipleship Questions 1. How did you experience darkness in your life before coming to faith in Christ? How has the light of Christ affected your experience of darkness? 2. All of God’s people are a people of waiting. Think of a time when you had to wait for God. What was it like? How did use that time to shape and form you? 3. Take some time to reread Isaiah 9:2-5. Describe in your own words what God is promising to do for his people in the text. 4. There are a number of titles that describe who Jesus is in verse 6. Take some time to think about how each title reveals who Jesus is and how he relates to you.