👋 Welcome
Thank everyone for coming and making this group a priority in their lives.
💛 Vision
Take 10 seconds to remind people why you are gathering.
We exist to form Acts 2 Community where we are committed to:
We exist to form Acts 2 Community where we are committed to:
- Make Disciples: We gather as disciples to learn the ways of Jesus and put them into practice while helping others do the same. Life on Life.
- Build Spiritual Family: We create relational environments for meaningful connection with Jesus and each other, and opportunities for transformation through biblical practices. Life in Community.
- Live on Mission: We intentionally pray for and make an effort to impact our friends and neighbors with the Gospel through word and deed and invite them into Christian community. Life on Mission.
📬 Announcements
🔥 Warm-Up
What is one small joy you have experienced recently that brightened your day?
🎬 Sermon Recap
This week's sermon focused on finding and holding onto joy in the midst of life's challenges, particularly during the Advent season. Pastor Perry discussed how joy is not dependent on perfect circumstances but is found in the person of Jesus. Through the story of Jesus' birth and the announcement to the shepherds, we explored the idea of living between moments of joy and sorrow and how Jesus, as God with us, transforms our experience of these moments. The sermon emphasized the importance of internalizing and expressing gratitude and joy, even in difficult times.
💬 Suggested Discussion Guide
Please choose ahead of time which of the following questions you want to use for your c-group.
Key Scriptures
- Luke 2:1-20 - The story of Jesus’ birth and the angels announcing it to the shepherds.
- Isaiah 53 - Prophecies about the coming Messiah and his role in bearing our pain and iniquities.
- Hebrews 4 - Encouragement to approach God's throne with confidence to receive grace and mercy.
- Isaiah 7:14 - The prophecy of Emmanuel, God with us.
- Philippians 4:4 - Rejoice in the Lord always.
Key Takeaways
- Joy is found in the person of Jesus, not in perfect circumstances.
- God is with us in our pain and joys, understanding and empathizing with our suffering.
- Jesus' birth is the fulfillment of God's promise to bring a Savior who identifies with our struggles.
- We are called to treasure and ponder these truths in our hearts.
- Expressing gratitude and joy can deepen our experience of joy.
Discussion Questions
- How do you usually respond to moments of joy or sorrow in your life? Do you find it easy to recognize joy in challenging circumstances?
- What does the idea of Jesus as "Emmanuel" or "God with us" mean to you personally in your current life situation?
- In what ways do you currently "treasure and ponder" your faith, and how can you make space for more of that in your daily routine?
- Discuss how expressing gratitude can help you experience more joy in life. Can you share an experience where this has been true for you?
Practical Applications
- Treasure and Ponder: Set aside time daily or weekly to reflect deeply on the story of Jesus and His implications in your life.
- Express Praise: Make a conscious effort to verbally acknowledge small joys and God's presence in your life, both in private and publicly.
- Invite Jesus into Your Pain: In moments of difficulty, practice inviting God into your struggles and seek His grace and comfort.
- Share Joy: Make it a habit to share joyful moments or experiences of God's faithfulness with others around you.
🙏 Prayer
"Father, we thank You for being Emmanuel, God with us, in every moment of our lives. Help us to find joy in knowing You more deeply. Teach us to treasure and ponder Your presence in our lives and give us the courage to express gratitude and joy even in challenging times. May we hold onto this joy and share it with those around us, reflecting Your love and faithfulness. Amen."