Something Unexpected

Something Unexpected: God With Us

December 22, 2024 • Garry Firth • Matthew 1:22–23, Romans 15:3, Philippians 2:6–7

Something Unexpected: Shepherds Lose It

December 15, 2024 • Russ Smith • Romans 12:18, John 1:29, Matthew 16:25, Luke 2:8–20, Romans 5:1

1. Have you ever felt like you were going to “lose it”? (get angry with someone, not know which way to go in life, etc.) Or maybe you did “lose it” - what happened? 2. In life, all kinds of unexpected things can happen. What’s Something Unexpected that happened to you over the past year? 3. God did Something Unexpected when Jesus showed up as a baby (nobody was expecting the messiah to be a baby!) How has God worked in unexpected ways in your life? 4. Russ talked about 4 things we could take away from this message: -Make Peace -Don’t Be Afraid -Look! -Lose It Which one of those did you connect with the most? 5. Where do you feel you’re at in having peace with God? 6. In the movie clip, Iron Man said, “You throw another moon at me, and I’m gonna lose it.” In Matthew 16:25, Jesus said, “If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.” What are some ways you can “lose it” this week and this Christmas?

Something Unexpected: Unexpectedly Expecting

December 8, 2024 • Garry Firth • Luke 1:26–38, Matthew 1:18–25

1. What was one present that you remember getting for Christmas? What was something you didn’t get even after you’d asked for it?  2. Read Luke 1:26-38, and Matthew 1:18-25. Reflect on Mary and Joseph's initial fears when confronted with unexpected news. How does the command “Do not be afraid” apply to our lives today?  3. When faced with unexpected or challenging situations, how can we cultivate trust in God even though we don’t fully understand what’s happening? 4. Garry shared the idea that not everything that happens in our lives is God’s will. What do you think of that idea? 5. Read Romans 8:35-39. In what ways can we find encouragement and peace when something unexpected hits our lives? 6. What else stood out to you in this message?

Something Unexpected: That Wasn't The Plan

December 1, 2024 • Garry Firth • Luke 1:5–18, Proverbs 16:33, Genesis 50:20

1. When does the Christmas season begin for you? When do you put up your Christmas tree? 2. Share a time when your plans didn’t go as planned. (career, vacation, dinner, date etc) 3. Read Luke 1:5-7. What do we learn about the character and faith of Zechariah and Elizabeth in this passage? How might their faithful obedience challenge our perspective on trials and unanswered prayers?  4. Garry suggested that there are 4 truths that we can take from this story that can help us when our plans don’t go as planned. 1. God hears you. 2. It’s not too late. 3. Waiting is not wasted time. 4. You’re not here by chance. Which one do you relate to the most, and why? 5. How can we remind ourselves of the truths from the message during times of waiting and uncertainty? What is a personal situation where reminding yourself of these truths has helped you, or might help you in the future?