With God, Was Good

With God, Was Good

In the days of Jesus’ life, people came to know him from the ground-up — they walked with him, watched and listened to him, experienced his reality, and in real time came to know him as Savior and Lord. After his death and resurrection, as the first disciples reflected on all he was and all he did, they came to know Jesus from the heavens-down, comprehending his deity and his descent to humanity. In this series, we’ll unpack four of the New Testament’s most exalted claims regarding the deity of Jesus, marveling at the humility of his descent in his first Advent. This week we look at John 1.1-18, wrapping up our series by asking, "What difference does Advent make?"

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

1. Review our Advent series texts (Hebrews 1, Colossians 1, Philippians 2). What have been the consistent claims in all these texts?

2. Read John 1.1-18. How does John make the same points we've seen in the other texts?

3. What theme most stands out to you in texts? What makes you want to celebrate Advent?

4. What practical difference does Advent make for you?

Dec 17, 2023 - Steve Hart

Equality With God

Equality With God

In the days of Jesus’ life, people came to know him from the ground-up — they walked with him, watched and listened to him, experienced his reality, and in real-time came to know him as Savior and Lord. After his death and resurrection, as the first disciples reflected back on all he was and all he did, they came to know Jesus from the heavens-down, comprehending his deity and his descent to humanity. In this series, we’ll unpack four of the New Testament’s most exalted claims regarding the deity of Jesus, marveling at the humility of his descent in his first Advent. This week we look at Philippians 2:5-11 and see how Jesus did not hold onto his equality with God for his own advantage, but humbled himself, to serve us and sacrifice himself so humanity could draw near to God!

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

Read Philippians 2:5-11

1. Picture yourself as a first century Jew. In what ways would it be difficult to wrap your mind around the deity of Jesus?

2. What about Jesus' humility really speaks to you?

3. Jesus is God. What difference does that make from Jesus being only the son of God?

4. Read Philippians 2:1-4. How could you practice carrying Jesus's name and glory into the world? How could you practice the humility of Jesus? Is there one practical thing you could do before the end of the year?

Dec 10, 2023 - Gabe Shippam

The Fullness of God

The Fullness of God

In the days of Jesus’ life, people came to know him from the ground-up — they walked with him, watched and listened to him, experienced his reality, and in real-time came to know him as Savior and Lord. After his death and resurrection, as the first disciples reflected back on all he was and all he did, they came to know Jesus from the heavens-down, comprehending his deity and his descent to humanity. In this series, we’ll unpack four of the New Testament’s most exalted claims regarding the deity of Jesus, marveling at the humility of his descent in his first Advent. This week we look at Colossians 1:15-20 and see the preeminence of Christ - his surpassing worth - in all things!

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

Read Colossians 1:15-20

1. Read Colossians 1:15-20. How does this description of Jesus stir up your awe and wonder?

2. As a community, discuss where you tend to put value, worth, or authority in things other than Jesus. Confess these things to one another.

3. List the ways that Jesus displays his surpassing worth, value, and authority over ALL things. How is this good news to you?

4. How does this passage invite us to worship Jesus as the source, sustainer, and savior of our lives?

5. Repent and turn to Jesus together in prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to see Jesus as the FULL glory of God. 

Dec 3, 2023 - Matt Beumer

The Radiance of the Glory of God

Radiance of the Glory of God

In the days of Jesus’ life, people came to know him from the ground-up — they walked with him, watched and listened to him, experienced his reality, and in real-time came to know him as Savior and Lord. After his death and resurrection, as the first disciples reflected back on all he was and all he did, they came to know Jesus from the heavens-down, comprehending his deity and his descent to humanity. In this series, we’ll unpack four of the New Testament’s most exalted claims regarding the deity of Jesus, marveling at the humility of his descent in his first Advent. This week we look at Hebrews 1:1-4, and see Jesus as God’s exclusive, inclusive, and intrusive self-revelation.

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

Read Hebrews 1:1-4, 2:1

1. What do you most love about the Christmas season? Anything you really don't enjoy? Or things that make it a hard season?

2. Read Hebrews 1.1-4 a few times. Try to list all the things the author says about Jesus. What's his view of Jesus?

3. Jesus shows us the fullest revelation of God's truest heart. What does this text tell us about God?

4. Why is the self-revelation of God good news? And in what ways does it bring you great joy?

Nov 26, 2023 - Steve Hart