It's Not a String!

Mesa Church

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It's Not a String!

Tied With Love Not Strings

December 10, 2023 • Jordan Hansen • Luke 19:1–10, Romans 2:4–5, 2 Corinthians 5:18

While many of us struggle to recall the details of Jesus’ birth, even more of us do not know why Jesus came in the first place! As Simon Sinek famously preaches, “start with why,” this week we dive into the question, what does kindness have to do with the purpose of Jesus’ birth? And even more, what does a vertically challenged tax collector have to do with Christmas?

Jesus entered a famous town from the Old Testament…JERICHO. Why Jericho? Turns out…Jesus had unfinished business there. Jericho was the "first fruits" city dedicated to the Lord, after Israel marched around it 7 days in a row and took the city simply by shouting! God had done a miracle. God still does miracles…TO FULFILL HIS PURPOSE.

So why did Jesus go to Jericho? Why did God become human? Why did God leave Heaven, come to Earth, be born in a manger, to a teenage mom and generous and kind dad? Turns out…Jericho and Christmas have a lot in common.

TALK ABOUT IT - Questions to GROW through with family, friends, & myself.

1. Can i tell the story of Jesus’ birth accurately? Can i explain WHY Jesus was born?

2. How did Jesus show kindness to Zacchaeus? How did this kindness impact Zacchaeus?

3. According to Romans 2:4, how is God's kindness intended to impact our lives? What’s the purpose?

4. What practical steps resonate with me for restoring my relationship with God or someone else?

5. PRAYER: “Father, help us to turn away from our selfishness and follow Jesus!”

Unwrapped

December 24, 2023 • Jordan Hansen • Luke 2:8–12

Why was a swaddled Jesus a sign? It’s an odd detail that confirms Jesus birth was both normal…& unusual. In the ultimate act of kindness towards humanity, God shows up. The “good news” of Jesus’ birth, announced to the shepherds, marked the the beginning of God’s restoration plan. Jesus would grow up to live a perfect life and lead a ministry of healing, deliverance, & life giving teaching. The pinnacle of God’s plan? The crescendo of that swaddled baby’s life? A cross. Friends, there can be no Christmas, without a cross. It all leads to the cross. TALK ABOUT IT - Questions to GROW through with family, friends, & myself. 1. How has God shown up in my life? Where have I experienced His love and kindness in my story? 2. How does Christmas reveal God's ultimate act of kindness and love toward humanity? 3. Was there a connection to baby Jesus wrapped in strips of cloth and laid in a manger to the paschal lambs? 4. Have I received the free gift of salvation, Jesus’ forgiveness, & Lordship over my life? If not, WHY NOT?! 5. PRAYER: “Father, save me from my sins and help me to follow Jesus the rest of my life!”

Like A Child

December 17, 2023 • Jordan Hansen • Luke 18:15–17, Matthew 18:1–5

How should we receive the gift of Christmas? If we don’t get Christmas right…we will get Christianity wrong. Jesus is kind to us in order to restore relationship with us. He desires to genuinely bless us. But we cannot receive His kindness or blessings unless we receive them. That requires humility! And humility goes beyond receiving…but extending that same kindness to others. TALK ABOUT IT - Questions to GROW through with family, friends, & myself. 1. What is the most memorable Christmas gift anyone has ever given to me? Why was it special? 2. How does Jesus “get down to our level” in the Christmas story? Do can we respond with humility? 3. Who does God want me to invite to a Christmas Eve service so they can experience the kindness of Jesus? 4. What does God want me to give back to Him and to others this Christmas? Where can I invest kindness? 5. PRAYER: “Father, help us to receive the gift of Christmas this year like children!”

Too Busy to BE

December 3, 2023 • Jordan Hansen • Luke 10:29–37, Galatians 5:22–23, 1 Corinthians 13:4–7

With our Christmas calendars speeding up, it is imperative our schedules don’t outpace our ability to follow Jesus in loving God and people well. There will be all sorts of opportunities this Christmas season to show kindness, with no strings attached, IF we aren’t too busy to notice the people God sends our way. But, what do we get out of the deal? Tune in to find out! TALK ABOUT IT - Questions to GROW through with family, friends, & myself. 1. Is my Christmas schedule busy or full with family, work, church, personal commitments, and/or travel? 2. How does Jesus’ story challenge my understanding of being a saved person who loves God and loves others? 3. What is my definition of kindness? What are some easy, not so easy, and/or challenging ways to express kindness? 4. Am I too busy full of the wrong stuff to be kind to the people God brings my way? How can I slow down? 5. PRAYER: “Father, help me to be FULL of the Spirit this Christmas so I can show kindness to all who need it!”