There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. — 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 Getting Started Welcome to session one of…
Favor You Cannot Earn
OPENING Have a volunteer read the opening out loud for the group. It’s that panicked feeling… you know, the one that comes to the surface when you see a friend celebrated for an accomplishment, and you think, “Wait, what am I doing with my life?” Or, it’s that sinking feeling when you reach the end…
Bible Studies for the New Year
Is your small group or Sunday school class looking for a new Bible study for the new year? Time and time again in Scripture we are called to remember all that God has done for us and to not forget. One way we can slow down and do that is to continue to meet…
Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible: Mary’s Song of Jesus’ Coming Birth
Editors note: Did you know that Mary’s song of Jesus’ coming birth in the book of Luke echoes some of the same themes as Hannah’s song upon the birth of the her son, the prophet Samuel, in the Old Testament? Let’s examine the passage and enjoy this fascinating article from the Cultural Backgrounds Study…
The Case for Christmas: Setting the Record Straight
The Son of God became a man to enable men to become sons of God. ~ C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity Introduction Holidays just bring out the best in us. Whether it’s roses and chocolates for Valentine’s Day, or baskets of candy for Easter, or flags and fireworks for the Fourth of July, we love…
A Revolutionary Idea
EPHESIANS 1:1-23 Of all the revolutionary ideas found in the Bible, one that should shake us and wake us up is that God turns enemies into friends and is uniting people of radically diverse backgrounds into one beautiful and loving family. WELCOME The Bible is full of revolutionary ideas. This should not surprise us.…
We Live Between the Advents
We live between the Advents. The Second Advent will include the sudden, personal, visible, bodily return of Christ. Jesus promised, “I will come again” (John 14:3 RSV). The author of Hebrews declared, “Christ . . . will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting…
Because of Bethlehem: God Has a Face
The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. — John 1:14 MSG The celebration of Advent is possible only to those who are troubled in soul, who know themselves to be poor and imperfect, and who look forward to something greater to come. — Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Christmas Sermons Video: God…
1 & 2 Thessalonians: The Word Is Out
The Word Is Out 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 When we encounter Jesus, the Messiah, everything changes. When our lives are transformed by the power of the Savior, people notice, the word gets out, and the good news spreads. WELCOME What does it take for the word to get out? How fast does news spread? At the…
Getting Out of Your Own Way
Group Time PRAY Pray aloud as a group. Lord, I want to show up for my life, even when things are hard. I need Your peace and strength. Be near to me when things get uncomfortable. Assure me of Your love. Use this time with my sisters to build my faith. Spirit of God, be…