OPENING QUESTIONS Most of us have very specific memories about the Christmas season, both positive and negative. What are some of those positive memories? How would you describe the best Christmas you ever had as a child? What made it special for you? Do you still look forward to the Christmas season? If so, what…
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…
3 Christmas Bible Studies for Advent [Free Videos]
Is your small group or Sunday school class looking for Christmas Bible Studies? The Advent season is a time to get ready and prepare our hearts for the celebration of the birth of Christ. Doing a Christmas Bible Study is a chance to build up in anticipation of the grand event, and to dive deeper…
Verse Mapping Luke: She Believed
Welcome to the first session of Verse Mapping: Luke by Kristy Cambron. If you want to unpack the context of the Scriptures you’re reading but do it in a super-simple way— looking at the Hebrew/Greek translations, finding connections in the Word, & learning as much as you can from your time with the Holy Spirit— then…
The Birthplace of Disappointment
Welcome! (2 minutes) Welcome to Session 1 of It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way. If this is your first time together as a group, take a moment to introduce yourselves to one another before watching the video. Then let’s get started! Opening Discussion (10 minutes) Answer the following questions to prepare for this week’s…
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…
Overcoming Falsehood with Truth
Truth is what fits us for the life of a Christian. Truth holds everything together and makes us ready. At the center of our lives we place “the truth [that] is in Jesus” (Ephesians 4:21). And everything we do is drawn from that all-encompassing center. ~ Dr. David Jeremiah WELCOME You probably don’t give much…
It’s Time to Declare War
To be prepared for war is the most effectual means of preserving peace. — George Washington Welcome My guess is that you are facing a situation right now for which you don’t have the answers. Something that is making you feel terrified, trapped, or lonely. You feel as if you are a victim of your…
Engaging the Mind: Paul in the Stoa of Athens
I remember my first visit to the legendary city of Athens like it was yesterday. I arrived at night, and my first view of the Acropolis and the beautiful temple of Athena — the Parthenon — was unforgettable. Floodlights illuminated that magnificent structure against the night sky. The beauty and power of the Parthenon…
Refined by the Fire
Refined by the Fire by Kay Warren, from Praying through Cancer The doctor was very matter-of-fact. When he told me I had breast cancer, his inflection didn’t change, his manner didn’t warm up, and he offered nothing in the way of comfort. He left the room, leaving me to weep alone. While this earthly man…