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Southside Church of Christ, Lexington, KY
Episodes
Sunday Dec 15, 2024
Sunday Dec 15, 2024
LUKE 2:8-20
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, I will bring you good news of greta joy that will be for all people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." 13 Suddenly a greta company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about. 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, I will bring you good news of greta joy that will be for all people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." 13 Suddenly a greta company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about. 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
FROM THE LESSON
Signs in the Bible - when something was too good to be true and too great to be real, a sign was given to encourage and to confirm belief.
Parabola of Salvation - the good news of the incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, and the ascension. The good news of the gospel includes a manger, a cross, an empty tomb, and a crown.
Presence Matters - the good news of the manger is that presence matters to God. When God seems distant to you, let the manger remind you of the distance God came to be with you.
Donkey Dish - the word "manger" comes from a Latin word meaning "to eat" or "to chew." The manger was a feeding trough for dirty animals.
The Helper - "Is anyone crying for help? God is listening and He is ready to rescue you. If your heart is broken, you'll find God right there; and if you're kicked in the gut, he'll help you catch your breath." Psalm 34:17-18 (The Message)
Signs in the Bible - when something was too good to be true and too great to be real, a sign was given to encourage and to confirm belief.
Parabola of Salvation - the good news of the incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, and the ascension. The good news of the gospel includes a manger, a cross, an empty tomb, and a crown.
Presence Matters - the good news of the manger is that presence matters to God. When God seems distant to you, let the manger remind you of the distance God came to be with you.
Donkey Dish - the word "manger" comes from a Latin word meaning "to eat" or "to chew." The manger was a feeding trough for dirty animals.
The Helper - "Is anyone crying for help? God is listening and He is ready to rescue you. If your heart is broken, you'll find God right there; and if you're kicked in the gut, he'll help you catch your breath." Psalm 34:17-18 (The Message)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1 Icebreaker: What is the closest you have ever been to a United States president? Share the details with your group.
2 Has God ever seemed distant to you? Have you ever been through a season in your life when God felt distant and far away? Share the details with your group.
3 The nearness of the King means He has come to be with us. Talk about the importance of God's presence with your group.
4 The nearness of the King means He has come to know us and to be known by us. Discuss both the humility and the accessibility of the manger.
5 The nearness of the King means He has come to help us. The Greek word for Helper means one who is called alongside to help (to comfort, to encourage, to empower, to sustain). How have you experienced the help of the Lord?
1 Icebreaker: What is the closest you have ever been to a United States president? Share the details with your group.
2 Has God ever seemed distant to you? Have you ever been through a season in your life when God felt distant and far away? Share the details with your group.
3 The nearness of the King means He has come to be with us. Talk about the importance of God's presence with your group.
4 The nearness of the King means He has come to know us and to be known by us. Discuss both the humility and the accessibility of the manger.
5 The nearness of the King means He has come to help us. The Greek word for Helper means one who is called alongside to help (to comfort, to encourage, to empower, to sustain). How have you experienced the help of the Lord?
Monday Dec 09, 2024
Monday Dec 09, 2024
LUKE 1:8-17
8 Once when Zechariah's division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, 9 he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshippers were praying outside. 11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. 13 But the angel said to him: "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John. 14 He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his birth. 16 Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous - to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
8 Once when Zechariah's division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, 9 he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshippers were praying outside. 11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. 13 But the angel said to him: "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John. 14 He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his birth. 16 Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous - to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
FROM THE LESSON
A Christmas Carol - "Good Spirit, assure me that I may yet change these shadows you have shown me, by an altered life. I will honor Christmas in my heart." Ebenezer Scrooge
Preparation Day - the Israelites had a day designated each week, a day that was part of their weekly routine called the Preparation Day. It was always the day before the Sabbath. In order to keep the Sabbath properly, adequate preparation was necessary.
Make Ready A People Prepared - in ancient times, before a King visited any part of his realm, a messenger was sent before him to prepare the way. And this included everything from repairing the roads to preparing the people. This was the specific role for John the Baptist in the coming of Jesus.
Lamps Without Oil - this is meant to be comical. This is not an accident. It is making a choice to be unprepared. The equivalent today would be showing up for something just holding a light bulb, instead of bringing a flashlight.
KB - he is a Christian hip-hop artist and music executive. He has a podcast called The Southside Rabbi and has written a book titled "Dangerous Jesus." He reminded us that Christianity is not about coming to a building to hear about the King, but about the King coming into our life.
A Christmas Carol - "Good Spirit, assure me that I may yet change these shadows you have shown me, by an altered life. I will honor Christmas in my heart." Ebenezer Scrooge
Preparation Day - the Israelites had a day designated each week, a day that was part of their weekly routine called the Preparation Day. It was always the day before the Sabbath. In order to keep the Sabbath properly, adequate preparation was necessary.
Make Ready A People Prepared - in ancient times, before a King visited any part of his realm, a messenger was sent before him to prepare the way. And this included everything from repairing the roads to preparing the people. This was the specific role for John the Baptist in the coming of Jesus.
Lamps Without Oil - this is meant to be comical. This is not an accident. It is making a choice to be unprepared. The equivalent today would be showing up for something just holding a light bulb, instead of bringing a flashlight.
KB - he is a Christian hip-hop artist and music executive. He has a podcast called The Southside Rabbi and has written a book titled "Dangerous Jesus." He reminded us that Christianity is not about coming to a building to hear about the King, but about the King coming into our life.
Sunday Dec 01, 2024
Sunday Dec 01, 2024
ISAIAH 9:6-7
6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.
6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.
FROM THE LESSON
An Anointed Person - in Hebrew (the language of the Old Testament) the word is meshiach, from which we get the title, Messiah. In Greek (the language of the New Testament) the word is christos, from which we get the title, Christ.
A Promise to David - "When your days are over and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom...and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be his father and he will be my son...Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever." (2 Samuel 7:12-16)
14 Generations - in Matthew's genealogy, there are fourteen generations from no king to a king (Abraham to David), fourteen generations from a king to no king (David to exile), and fourteen generations from no king to a king (exile to Jesus).
Drum Roll Please - “The average person who thinks maybe I’ll read the New Testament is puzzled to find, on the very first page, a long list of names he or she had never heard of. But it is important not to think that this is a waste of time. For many cultures ancient and modern, and certainly in the Jewish world of Matthew’s day, this genealogy was the equivalent of a roll of drums, a fanfare of trumpets and a town crier calling for attention.” (NT Wright)
Eager Expectation - it is a word found only in Christian literature. Paul used it twice in the New Testament (Romans 8:19 and Philippians 1:20). In fact, most scholars think it was a word coined by the early Christians to describe their unique way of living. Literally the word means "to stretch your head away from your body."
An Anointed Person - in Hebrew (the language of the Old Testament) the word is meshiach, from which we get the title, Messiah. In Greek (the language of the New Testament) the word is christos, from which we get the title, Christ.
A Promise to David - "When your days are over and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom...and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be his father and he will be my son...Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever." (2 Samuel 7:12-16)
14 Generations - in Matthew's genealogy, there are fourteen generations from no king to a king (Abraham to David), fourteen generations from a king to no king (David to exile), and fourteen generations from no king to a king (exile to Jesus).
Drum Roll Please - “The average person who thinks maybe I’ll read the New Testament is puzzled to find, on the very first page, a long list of names he or she had never heard of. But it is important not to think that this is a waste of time. For many cultures ancient and modern, and certainly in the Jewish world of Matthew’s day, this genealogy was the equivalent of a roll of drums, a fanfare of trumpets and a town crier calling for attention.” (NT Wright)
Eager Expectation - it is a word found only in Christian literature. Paul used it twice in the New Testament (Romans 8:19 and Philippians 1:20). In fact, most scholars think it was a word coined by the early Christians to describe their unique way of living. Literally the word means "to stretch your head away from your body."
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1 Do you enjoy learning about your family's genealogy? Do you have any interesting information to share about your family tree? Share with your group.
2 Have you ever thought it strange that the New Testament begins with a genealogy? Does it help you better understand the purpose of the genealogy to think of it as "the equivalent of a roll of drums, a fanfare of trumpets, and a town crier calling for attention"?
3 Read Romans 8:19 and Philippians 1:20. The word Paul used in these two verses is translated as "eager expectation." It is a word to describe the unique way that early Christians lived. Can you think of a time when you have lived "eagerly expecting" something or someone? Describe how it affected the way you lived.
4 Would you say as Christians that we live in "eager expectation" of the return of Jesus Christ? Discuss with your group.
5 The season of Advent teaches us to learn from our ancestors to once again be a people who long for the coming of our King. How might we live differently if we lived eagerly expecting the coming of our King?
1 Do you enjoy learning about your family's genealogy? Do you have any interesting information to share about your family tree? Share with your group.
2 Have you ever thought it strange that the New Testament begins with a genealogy? Does it help you better understand the purpose of the genealogy to think of it as "the equivalent of a roll of drums, a fanfare of trumpets, and a town crier calling for attention"?
3 Read Romans 8:19 and Philippians 1:20. The word Paul used in these two verses is translated as "eager expectation." It is a word to describe the unique way that early Christians lived. Can you think of a time when you have lived "eagerly expecting" something or someone? Describe how it affected the way you lived.
4 Would you say as Christians that we live in "eager expectation" of the return of Jesus Christ? Discuss with your group.
5 The season of Advent teaches us to learn from our ancestors to once again be a people who long for the coming of our King. How might we live differently if we lived eagerly expecting the coming of our King?
Sunday Nov 24, 2024
Sunday Nov 24, 2024
Psalm 24
1 The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; 2 for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters. 3 Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? 4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. 5 He will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God his Savior. 6 Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face , O God of Jacob. 7 Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. 8 Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. 9 Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. 10 Who is he, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty - he is the King of glory.
1 The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; 2 for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters. 3 Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? 4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. 5 He will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God his Savior. 6 Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face , O God of Jacob. 7 Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. 8 Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. 9 Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. 10 Who is he, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty - he is the King of glory.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1 How would you describe or define worship? When have you seen misguided worship?
When have you experienced misguided worship in your own life – maybe an idea or a
person or wealth or some possession?
2 “All things were created by him and for him” – Colossians 1:16-17
Talk about that line for a moment. What does this mean?
What does this line promote or inspire?
3 Read Psalm 145:3-5.
Talk about your role in the lives or younger believers as described in this psalm. How
can you honor this principle of passing your experiences with God to the next
generation? Be practical in your response.
4 In the saga of the ark’s journey, what stands out to you? What do you learn?
The Israelites were pretty torn up about losing the ark. What are the parallels related to
this event in your life? What impacts you in this saga surrounding the ark?
5 David has a passion for people to know God is among his people. To what lengths are you willing to move to honor this same goal or passion of David’s for the person sitting next to you at Southside (assuming this person next to you is not your clone).
6 When have you struggled with the question, “Who is this God? Who can stand in his presence?” What was your answer to that question? When someone observes your life, what would prompt this question, “Who is this God?”
7 When has a worship experience inspired change in your life? When has your life or worship left you standing alone or swimming upstream? What do you do with moments like that? What would it take for you to experience more moments of authentic worship?
1 How would you describe or define worship? When have you seen misguided worship?
When have you experienced misguided worship in your own life – maybe an idea or a
person or wealth or some possession?
2 “All things were created by him and for him” – Colossians 1:16-17
Talk about that line for a moment. What does this mean?
What does this line promote or inspire?
3 Read Psalm 145:3-5.
Talk about your role in the lives or younger believers as described in this psalm. How
can you honor this principle of passing your experiences with God to the next
generation? Be practical in your response.
4 In the saga of the ark’s journey, what stands out to you? What do you learn?
The Israelites were pretty torn up about losing the ark. What are the parallels related to
this event in your life? What impacts you in this saga surrounding the ark?
5 David has a passion for people to know God is among his people. To what lengths are you willing to move to honor this same goal or passion of David’s for the person sitting next to you at Southside (assuming this person next to you is not your clone).
6 When have you struggled with the question, “Who is this God? Who can stand in his presence?” What was your answer to that question? When someone observes your life, what would prompt this question, “Who is this God?”
7 When has a worship experience inspired change in your life? When has your life or worship left you standing alone or swimming upstream? What do you do with moments like that? What would it take for you to experience more moments of authentic worship?
Sunday Nov 17, 2024
Sunday Nov 17, 2024
ACTS 28:23-31
23 They arranged to meet Paul on a certain day, and came in even larger numbers to the place where he was staying. From morning till evening he explained and declared to them the kingdom of God and tried to convince them about Jesus from the Law and from the Prophets. 24 Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe. 25 They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: "The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your forefathers when he said through Isaiah the prophet: 26 " 'Go to this people and say, "You will be ever seeing but never perceiving." 27 For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.' 28 "Therefore I want you to know that God's salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!" 30 For two whole years Paul stayed there in hi sown rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. 31 Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.
23 They arranged to meet Paul on a certain day, and came in even larger numbers to the place where he was staying. From morning till evening he explained and declared to them the kingdom of God and tried to convince them about Jesus from the Law and from the Prophets. 24 Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe. 25 They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: "The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your forefathers when he said through Isaiah the prophet: 26 " 'Go to this people and say, "You will be ever seeing but never perceiving." 27 For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.' 28 "Therefore I want you to know that God's salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!" 30 For two whole years Paul stayed there in hi sown rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. 31 Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.
FROM THE LESSON
Paul's Journey to Rome:
The Storm - Acts 27:20 - "When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved."
The Shipwreck - Acts 27:41 - "But the ship struck a sandbar and ran aground. The bow stuck fast and would not move, and the stern was broken to pieces by the pounding of the surf."
The Snake Bite - Acts 28:3 - "Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and, as he put it on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand."
Acts 28:31 (literal translation):
"proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness unhinderedly."
Conclusion to the book of Acts:
1 The book of Acts encourages us to have an unhindered faith.
2 The book of Acts reminds us that we have an unhindered gospel.
3 The book of Acts calls us to be an unhindered church.
Paul's Journey to Rome:
The Storm - Acts 27:20 - "When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved."
The Shipwreck - Acts 27:41 - "But the ship struck a sandbar and ran aground. The bow stuck fast and would not move, and the stern was broken to pieces by the pounding of the surf."
The Snake Bite - Acts 28:3 - "Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and, as he put it on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand."
Acts 28:31 (literal translation):
"proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness unhinderedly."
Conclusion to the book of Acts:
1 The book of Acts encourages us to have an unhindered faith.
2 The book of Acts reminds us that we have an unhindered gospel.
3 The book of Acts calls us to be an unhindered church.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1 Have you ever had a difficult experience on a boat? Describe the situation to your group. Which part of Paul's journey to Rome would have been the most difficult for you: the storm, the shipwreck, or the snake bite? Why?
2 Paul's circumstances hindered his abilities, but they did not hinder his faith. I used this point to encourage my parents this week, how does it encourage you in your faith journey? Can you think of an example in your life?
3 In 2 Timothy 2:7, Paul wrote, "And because I preach this good news, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained." He wrote these words right before he was executed. Discuss this important reminder with your group.
4 One author writes, "The abrupt ending leaves us with the challenge and the opportunity to allow the Holy Spirit to write the next chapter in the book of Acts today in and through us." How might we live unhinderedly as followers of Jesus today?
1 Have you ever had a difficult experience on a boat? Describe the situation to your group. Which part of Paul's journey to Rome would have been the most difficult for you: the storm, the shipwreck, or the snake bite? Why?
2 Paul's circumstances hindered his abilities, but they did not hinder his faith. I used this point to encourage my parents this week, how does it encourage you in your faith journey? Can you think of an example in your life?
3 In 2 Timothy 2:7, Paul wrote, "And because I preach this good news, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained." He wrote these words right before he was executed. Discuss this important reminder with your group.
4 One author writes, "The abrupt ending leaves us with the challenge and the opportunity to allow the Holy Spirit to write the next chapter in the book of Acts today in and through us." How might we live unhinderedly as followers of Jesus today?
Sunday Nov 10, 2024
Sunday Nov 10, 2024
ACTS 26:24-32
24 At this point Festus interrupted Paul's defense. "You are out of your mind, Paul!" he shouted. "Your great learning is driving you insane." 25 "I am not insane, most excellent Festus," Paul replied. "What I am saying is true and reasonable. 26 The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do." 28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, "Do you think in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?" 29 Paul replied, "Short time or long - I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains." 30 The king rose, and with him the governor and Bernice and those sitting with them. 31 They left the room, and while talking with one another, they said, "This man is n o doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment." 32 Agrippa said to Festus, "This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar."
24 At this point Festus interrupted Paul's defense. "You are out of your mind, Paul!" he shouted. "Your great learning is driving you insane." 25 "I am not insane, most excellent Festus," Paul replied. "What I am saying is true and reasonable. 26 The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do." 28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, "Do you think in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?" 29 Paul replied, "Short time or long - I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains." 30 The king rose, and with him the governor and Bernice and those sitting with them. 31 They left the room, and while talking with one another, they said, "This man is n o doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment." 32 Agrippa said to Festus, "This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar."
FROM THE LESSON
The Herod Dynasty and the New Testament Timeline:
Herod the Great - he tried to kill Jesus at his birth and had all of the boys in Bethlehem under the age of two killed.
Herod Antipas - he beheaded John the Baptist and mocked and ridiculed Jesus on the morning of his crucifixion.
Herod Agrippa I - he beheaded the apostle James, the brother of John
Herod Agrippa II - Paul was a witness to him in Acts 26
Three Aspects of Paul's Witness:
1 His witness was to all people - small and great (verse 22).
2 His witness was persuasive - true and reasonable (verse 25).
3 His witness was patient - short or long (verse 29).
The Herod Dynasty and the New Testament Timeline:
Herod the Great - he tried to kill Jesus at his birth and had all of the boys in Bethlehem under the age of two killed.
Herod Antipas - he beheaded John the Baptist and mocked and ridiculed Jesus on the morning of his crucifixion.
Herod Agrippa I - he beheaded the apostle James, the brother of John
Herod Agrippa II - Paul was a witness to him in Acts 26
Three Aspects of Paul's Witness:
1 His witness was to all people - small and great (verse 22).
2 His witness was persuasive - true and reasonable (verse 25).
3 His witness was patient - short or long (verse 29).
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1 The witness of Paul to Herod Agrippa II after all the Herod dynasty had done during the New Testament is an amazing testimony to the grace of God. What is your response to this example?
2 Whether great or small, how does the message to use every opportunity to be a witness encourage you? Can you think of a small way you could be a witness this week?
3 Our witness is persuasive because it is true and reasonable. It does not depend on you being a great storyteller or a good communicator. It does not depend on your personality or your charisma. How does this important aspect of our witness encourage you?
4 What do you think about our witness being compared to seed planting? Discuss the role of prayer in the life of a witness. Spend time at the conclusion of your meeting praying specifically for people who you have been a witness.
1 The witness of Paul to Herod Agrippa II after all the Herod dynasty had done during the New Testament is an amazing testimony to the grace of God. What is your response to this example?
2 Whether great or small, how does the message to use every opportunity to be a witness encourage you? Can you think of a small way you could be a witness this week?
3 Our witness is persuasive because it is true and reasonable. It does not depend on you being a great storyteller or a good communicator. It does not depend on your personality or your charisma. How does this important aspect of our witness encourage you?
4 What do you think about our witness being compared to seed planting? Discuss the role of prayer in the life of a witness. Spend time at the conclusion of your meeting praying specifically for people who you have been a witness.
Sunday Nov 03, 2024
Sunday Nov 03, 2024
ACTS 26:19-23
19 "So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven. 20 First to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and to the Gentiles also, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds. 21 That is why the Jews seized me in the temple courts and tried to kill me. 22 But I have had God's help to this very day, and so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen - 23 that the Christ would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would proclaim light to his own people and to the Gentiles."
19 "So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven. 20 First to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and to the Gentiles also, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds. 21 That is why the Jews seized me in the temple courts and tried to kill me. 22 But I have had God's help to this very day, and so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen - 23 that the Christ would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would proclaim light to his own people and to the Gentiles."
FROM THE LESSON
The three realities of the resurrection:
1 Hope fulfilled - verses 4-11
2 Light revealed - verses 12-18
3 Kingdom arrived - verses 19-23
The three defining characteristics of the kingdom:
1 It's a kingdom of obedience - verse 19
Paul is both a Jew and Roman citizen by birth, but first and foremost, he is a citizen of the kingdom of heaven by rebirth.
Philippians 3:20 "But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior who is from there, the Lord Jesus Christ."
2 It's a kingdom of repentance - verse 20
Paul preached that they should repent (change their minds) and turn to God (change their direction) and prove their repentance by their deeds (change their behavior).
The Greek word translated prove is also translated "to practice, to exercise, to perform habitually and repeatedly."
3 It's a kingdom of unity - verses 21-23
Acts 1:8 "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you: and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
This is not just a geographical outline for the book of Acts, but it is also God's blueprint for uniting all of His people into one kingdom.
The three realities of the resurrection:
1 Hope fulfilled - verses 4-11
2 Light revealed - verses 12-18
3 Kingdom arrived - verses 19-23
The three defining characteristics of the kingdom:
1 It's a kingdom of obedience - verse 19
Paul is both a Jew and Roman citizen by birth, but first and foremost, he is a citizen of the kingdom of heaven by rebirth.
Philippians 3:20 "But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior who is from there, the Lord Jesus Christ."
2 It's a kingdom of repentance - verse 20
Paul preached that they should repent (change their minds) and turn to God (change their direction) and prove their repentance by their deeds (change their behavior).
The Greek word translated prove is also translated "to practice, to exercise, to perform habitually and repeatedly."
3 It's a kingdom of unity - verses 21-23
Acts 1:8 "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you: and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
This is not just a geographical outline for the book of Acts, but it is also God's blueprint for uniting all of His people into one kingdom.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1 Paul says that our citizenship is in heaven. What does it mean for you to live as a citizen of the kingdom of heaven?
2 The primary desire of the heart for a citizen of the kingdom of God is obedience to the words of King Jesus. You know conversion has occurred when obedience is no longer something you have to do, but something you get to do. How have you experienced this kind of kingdom conversion in your life?
3 The lesson looked at three parts to kingdom repentance. There is a change of mind, a change of direction, and a change of behavior. Repentance means a great deal more than just "turning around." Which one of these three parts helped you most in your understanding of repentance?
4 Have you ever been part of a movement that purposefully worked to unite different cultures or people groups? What was that like? How could we as citizens of the kingdom of God be more purposeful in living into the "sneak peak" of Revelation 7:9-10?
1 Paul says that our citizenship is in heaven. What does it mean for you to live as a citizen of the kingdom of heaven?
2 The primary desire of the heart for a citizen of the kingdom of God is obedience to the words of King Jesus. You know conversion has occurred when obedience is no longer something you have to do, but something you get to do. How have you experienced this kind of kingdom conversion in your life?
3 The lesson looked at three parts to kingdom repentance. There is a change of mind, a change of direction, and a change of behavior. Repentance means a great deal more than just "turning around." Which one of these three parts helped you most in your understanding of repentance?
4 Have you ever been part of a movement that purposefully worked to unite different cultures or people groups? What was that like? How could we as citizens of the kingdom of God be more purposeful in living into the "sneak peak" of Revelation 7:9-10?
Monday Oct 28, 2024
Monday Oct 21, 2024
Monday Oct 21, 2024
REVELATION 17:1-6
17 One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the punishment of the great prostitute, who sits by many waters. 2 With her the kings of the earth committed adultery, and the inhabitants of the earth were intoxicated with the wine of her adulteries.”
3 Then the angel carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness. There I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was covered with blasphemous names and had seven heads and ten horns. 4 The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and was glittering with gold, precious stones and pearls. She held a golden cup in her hand, filled with abominable things and the filth of her adulteries. 5 The name written on her forehead was a mystery:
BABYLON THE GREAT
THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES
AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH
17 One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the punishment of the great prostitute, who sits by many waters. 2 With her the kings of the earth committed adultery, and the inhabitants of the earth were intoxicated with the wine of her adulteries.”
3 Then the angel carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness. There I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was covered with blasphemous names and had seven heads and ten horns. 4 The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and was glittering with gold, precious stones and pearls. She held a golden cup in her hand, filled with abominable things and the filth of her adulteries. 5 The name written on her forehead was a mystery:
BABYLON THE GREAT
THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES
AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH
6 I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of God’s holy people, the blood of those who bore testimony to Jesus.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- What are some examples of "drinking the kool aid" in our culture?
- Why do you think people can be so strongly influenced by the culture around them?
- The image of Babylon John sees is very striking. Why do you think he is shown Babylon in this way?
- Jeremy mentioned 4 values of Babylon - Pride, Power, Pleasure, and Progress. Where do you see these values in our culture today?
- In Revelation 18, God's people are urged to "come out" of Babylon. What might that look like for God's people today?
Monday Oct 14, 2024
Monday Oct 14, 2024
PSALM 40:1-5
1 I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. 2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. 3 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD. 4 Blessed is the man who the LORD his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods. 5 Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare.
1 I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. 2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. 3 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD. 4 Blessed is the man who the LORD his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods. 5 Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1 What do you think about the messiness of the Isaac - Rebekah, Jacob - Esau, Jacob - Laban, Rachel - Leah saga? Why does God continually seem to find people's lives to highlight which would make for a good Jerry Springer episode? Thinking about some of the messes in your life, how can you relate to the hope found in Psalm 40:1-5?
1 What do you think about the messiness of the Isaac - Rebekah, Jacob - Esau, Jacob - Laban, Rachel - Leah saga? Why does God continually seem to find people's lives to highlight which would make for a good Jerry Springer episode? Thinking about some of the messes in your life, how can you relate to the hope found in Psalm 40:1-5?
2 Review all of the deception found in Genesis 25-31. Among all this deception, who, if anyone, do you think felt a sense of belonging? Where have you found a place to belong? How can you relate to being viewed as "not Esau" or "not Rachel"?
3 "God can't bless who you pretend to be." What do you think about that statement?How have you learned the truth of that statement?
4 "Life is full of let-downs." What are the let-downs you've experienced which have hit you pretty hard? Describe one of your - "When morning came - there was Leah" type moments.
5 "Regardless of how big of a mess we make, God's good and gracious will shall be accomplished." How have you seen this to be true? When have you been amazed at what God does with the glorious mess you made?
6 Describe the encouragement you receive from what emerges when you overlay the hope in Psalm 40:1-5 on top of the three statements above.