Advent 2024

Advent Video Week 4

Advent - Love, Mary

December 19, 2024 • Kevin Maloney

Sermon Discussion Questions: 1)  Mary responded to the angel's message with, "I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38). What does this teach us about submission to God’s will, even in uncertain or difficult circumstances? How can we cultivate a similar attitude of faithfulness in our lives? 2) Mary demonstrated a deep contentment in God’s plan for her, even knowing it would bring challenges. How do we learn contentment like that? 3) Mary’s song begins with, "My soul magnifies the Lord" (Luke 1:46). How can our lives act as telescopes, magnifying God’s greatness to others? What practical ways can we focus on glorifying God in our daily lives? 4) Mary’s song reflects a deep knowledge of Scripture, weaving in references from multiple Old Testament books. How does familiarity with the Bible equip us to navigate life’s challenges and remain faithful to God? How can we make Scripture more central in our lives? 5) Mary’s life shows that being "blessed" doesn’t necessarily mean living comfortably or avoiding hardship. How does her example challenge our culture’s understanding of happiness and blessedness?  6) Mary rejoiced in "God my Savior" (Luke 1:47), acknowledging her need for God’s mercy. How does recognizing our own need for God’s grace and mercy shape our relationship with Him and our service to others? How can this perspective prevent us from becoming prideful in our faith?

Advent Video Week 3

December 19, 2024

Peter’s Joy, Our Joy - Advent Week 3

December 15, 2024 • Kevin Maloney

Sermon Discussion Questions: 1) Why did Peter initially ask Jesus to leave after the miraculous catch of fish? 2) Peter struggled to understand what kind of Savior Jesus was. What misconceptions about Jesus do people still struggle with today? 3) How do you tend to respond when you realize your own failures before God? 4) Why did Jesus revisit Peter’s failure through the charcoal fire and threefold questioning? How does this speak to how Jesus restores us after sin? 5) After Peter’s restoration, Jesus told him to “feed my sheep.” How does understanding our need for grace change the way we serve others? 6) Peter’s journey shows both failure and restoration. How does his story encourage you to persevere in your walk with Christ, especially after personal setbacks?

Advent Video Week 2

December 8, 2024

Elijah, Advent Week 2

December 8, 2024 • Kevin Maloney

Small Group Discussion Questions: 1) How does Elijah’s experience in 1 Kings 19 show that God pursues us even when we feel hopeless or distant from Him? 2) Why do you think God revealed Himself to Elijah in a gentle whisper rather than through powerful displays? How does this shape your expectations of how God speaks today? 3) Elijah believed he was the only faithful person left. How can isolation distort our perspective, and how can Christian community help correct that? 3) Even after Elijah’s low point, God gave him a mission. What does this tell us about how God uses imperfect people for His purposes?  5) How does Jesus, as the true and better prophet, fulfill what Elijah could not? How does His faithfulness encourage you in your struggles? 6 In seasons of discouragement, how do you seek the Lord?

Advent Video Week 1

Joseph, Advent Week 1

December 1, 2024 • Kevin Maloney

Sermon Discussion Questions: 1. How do you see God's sovereignty at work in your own life, even in times of suffering? 2. Joseph resisted bitterness despite immense wrongs done to him. What practical steps can we take to guard our hearts against bitterness when we're hurt by others? 3. Joseph forgave his brothers but didn't immediately restore full trust. How does this distinction between forgiveness and restoration of relationship play out in our relationships? 4. What does Joseph's response to his brothers teach us about trusting God as the ultimate Judge when we face wrongs or injustice? 5. Joseph's faith in God's plan allowed him to see good even in evil circumstances. How can we develop a similar perspective in our challenges? 6. How does Joseph's story point us to Jesus, the greater innocent sufferer who forgives and redeems us? How can this truth shape how we treat others?