How to Read the Bible for all it’s Worth December 30, 2012 Acts 6:11–7:60 1. Do you believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God? Why or why not? 2. How do recent cultural shifts put the authority of the Bible at risk? 3. Why is holding to the authority of scripture so important? 4. Stephen referred to the Israelites of his day as “stiff-necked.” Is there an area of your life where you’ve stiffened your neck and are refusing to surrender to God’s yoke? 5. How are you different than the world around you? What ...

Mary and Joseph take Jesus to Egypt (Matthew 2:13-18). Bible Verse “For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go” (Psalm 91:11). Today children learned that angels are watching over us, offering God’s protection. The children learned that an angel told Joseph to take Mary and Jesus to Egypt to protect Jesus from Herod’s evil plot to kill all the baby boys. They applied this lesson to their lives by understanding that angels protect us everywhere we go. Use these activities to reassure your child that God will always t ...

The Wise Men followed the star. The Wise Men worshiped baby Jesus. “Don’t be afraid,” said the angel. “I’m brining you good news. Great joy is coming for all people.” Luke 2:10 When you gaze up at the stars, are you drawn to the brightest star? That one star that sparkles more than the others? Do you ever think about that night, so long ago, when that one special star appeared? Imagine being one of the Wise Men and following that star. There was no internet to declare the birth of Jesus, no Fox News Network, no New York Times. ...

When Popular Opinion Is Wrong Songs of the Servant Series December 23, 2012 Isaiah 52:13-53:6 1. Have you ever completely underestimated someone else’s ability? Explain. 2. What effect do the circumstances of your birth have on your potential or future success? 3. Why does God so often use seemingly ordinary people to do extraordinary things? 4. Why is the message of Christianity, Christ dying in our place, so unbelievable to so many?

Portrait Of A Servant Small Group Study Guide December 16, 2012 Isaiah 50:4-7 1. Has there ever been a time in your life when you were weary and needed a sustaining word of life? What happened? How did it help? 2. Was there ever a time when you knew what God’s will was in your life, but you chose not to do it? What happened? 1. How do you think a person gets “an instructed tongue” that knows the word that sustains the weary? 2. Is there some situation, some scenario you can imagine where you know that if God asked ...

“Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens” (James 1:17a). Discuss these questions during a meal this week. What gift would delight you the most this Christmas? What gift could you give that would delight someone in our family? How can our actions to each other be gifts? To help decorate your house for Christmas, ask permission to draw stars on the windows with a bar of soap. For each star you draw, thank God for someone in your family – grandparents, aunts, ...

Simeon and Anna see Jesus (Luke 2:21-38) For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Today your child learned that Jesus is our Savior: The children learned that Jesus was sent to save the world from sin so we might live with God forever. The children also learned that God made the promise to send Jesus hundreds of years before Jesus came. Us these ideas to teach your child about God’s promise of eternal life. Plan a ...

Baby Jesus was born. The shepherds heard the news. “Don’t be afraid,” said the angel. “I’m brining you good news. Great joy is coming for all people.” Luke 2:10 All over the world, babies are born every day. Babies bring such wonder and excitement when you look into their eyes for the first time. The birth of one particular baby not only brought the beauty of a newborn, but also the awesome introduction of God’s physical presence here on the earth. This baby had Himself created everything. And now, here He was, Immanuel— ...

God’s angel visited Joseph. Joseph and Mary traveled. “Don’t be afraid,” said the angel. “I’m brining you good news. Great joy is coming for all people.” Luke 2:10 Joseph stands in the middle of the most history-changing event recorded in scripture. Finding out his fiancee was already pregnant rocked his world. What was he supposed to do? But God was faithful to Joseph! He was truly “Immanuel” to him. God sent His angel who gave Joseph consolation, encouragement, context and clear instructions. God was with Joseph as h ...

Called To Be A Servant December 9, 2012 Songs of the Servant Isaiah 49:1-9 1. Do you believe God had a unique purpose in mind for you when he formed you in the womb? Why or why not? 2. If every servant of the Lord is on assignment from God, what do you think your assignment is? 3. How do the servants of the Lord become so ugly that others no longer find them attractive? 4. How do we live such attractive lives that people are drawn to God? 5. How often do you find yourself talking with someone who doesn’t have a ...

We can trust God’s plans. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take” (Proverbs 3:5-6). Read Luke 2:1-19 together, and then discuss: If you could have been there that first Christmas, what would you have wanted to see? Who would you want to meet? How did different people trust God in this event? How can you learn to trust God from the example of these people? Buy frozen bread dough. Set it out to thaw. When it has ...

Jesus is born (Luke 2:1-7) “For a child is born to us, and a son is given to us” (Isaiah 9:6a). Today your child learned that God sent Jesus as a baby, not as a grown-up. The children discovered that because Jesus was a baby, he grew up and experienced the same things they’re experiencing. The children also talked about how precious babies are and about how much care and love they need. Use these activities this week to help your child learn to love the precious baby Jesus, who grew up to be our Savior and Lord. To help your child ...

Servant Ruler December 2, 2012 Songs of the Servant Series Isaiah 42:1-4 1. What’s your favorite Christmas song? Why? 2. Do you see yourself as a delight or a disappointment to God? Why? 3. What is the secret to pleasing God? How do we become God’s delight? 4. Are you afraid of yielding control of any part of your life to the Lord? Is so, why?

“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Might God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Read Isaiah 9:6 together. Then answer these questions together: How does each of the royal titles given to Jesus describe him? What does it mean to know that Jesus has these names and qualities? What other words or names describe Jesus? Make a bouquet of Christmas greeting. Tape paper clips to the tops of straws o make flower ...

John is born (Luke 1:5-25, 57-65) Bible Verse “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthian 2:9b). Today your child learned that god has wonderful surprises planned for him or her. The children learned that Zechariah was surprised by God’s plan for him and his wife to have a baby boy who would prepare the way for the Messiah. Teach your child to look forward to what God has planned for the future. Incorporate these activities into the coming week with ...

God’s angel visited Mary. Mary was special to God. “Don’t be afraid,” said the angel. “I’m brining you good news. Great joy is coming for all people.” Luke 2:10 In utter shock and amazement, Mary listened to the angel Gabriel describe the plan God had for her. The angel told Mary that she would become pregnant and give birth to God’s son. Mary listened as God’s angel gave her a quick rundown of all the things Jesus would do. God knew what Jesus would be and He knew what Jesus would do. God knows all the things He wants ...

Facing our Greatest Fear November 25, 2012 Ecclesiastes Small Group Leaders: Please feel free to modify and/or select the questions that will be the most relevant for your group. 1. What evidence is there that we live in a culture of fear? How does fear shape the way we live in the 21st century? 2. Are you afraid of death? Why or why not? 3. Have you ever lost a loved one? If so, what did you lose that you can never get back? 4. If death is a teacher, what, if anything, has it taught you? 5. If death is an enemy, how is ...

“Serve only the Lord your God and fear him alone. Obey his commands, listen to his voice, and cling to him” (Deuteronomy 13:4). Daniel was held captive in the city of Babylon. Did you know that Babylon: Had double walls around the entire city that were wide enough for chariots to ride on? One wall was 21 feet wide and another was 11 feet wide. Was home to the famous Hanging Gardens, one of the Seven Wonders of the World? The gardens were grown on suspended terraces at the palace of the Babylonian king and had to be watered using ...

God is a friend to David. (2 Samuel 2:1-7; 7:1-16) “He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you? (Deuteronomy 31:8b). This week your child learned that God wants to be our friend. The children learned that God watches over them, protects them, and stays with them. The children also learned that God gave Jesus, a precious gift, so that they could be friends with him. Use these activities to teach your child about friendship and how to be a friend to God. Invite several of your child’s friends over for an ...

Joseph’s brothers visited Egypt. Joseph forgave his brothers. We know God makes everything turn out for our good. He does this for people who love and follow him. Romans 8:28 There are many verses in the Bible that teach right from wrong; instruct us how to think and live out life; verses offering good advice on how to parent our children and be good spouses. There are verses that meet us in our joy and in our sad times. And there are verses of hope and assurance. All of us live life a bit on the edge. It shouldn’t surprise us when ...