Romans 15:13 - 13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Big Idea: You can focus or not: your choice.

Colossians 3:1 - Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

…you have been raised with Christ…

…set your heart on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

Are you seeking the way of heaven?

2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

Psalm 139 - 23 Search me, God, and know my heart;

3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.

4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Choosing your mindset is high stakes.

What mindset are you choosing?

Intentionally put yourself in God’s presence each day.

You need Jesus time more than you need “me” time

Memorize simple mindset prayers.

Your will be done

I can’t, you can, I will let you.

Thank you

I love you

Help me think like you think

Fill me with hope –

Help me understand –

Romans 15:13 - 13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

1. Read Colossians 3:1-4

2. Find and share a word that describes your experience of being resurrected with Jesus. How does it impact you today?

3. One of the reasons to read the Gospels is to discover the values of heaven. Look at Matthew 13:31-33. Jesus uses two parables to describe heaven’s way of thinking. What do these two parables teach you about setting your mind on Jesus?

4. How would a person’s life completely change if they knew for sure they were secure (hidden) in Christ?

5. Verse 4 invites us to think about our lives with an eternal dimension. Imagine yourself appearing with Christ in glory. What will that be like for you?

January 9/10, 2022

· “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:21

· Romans 15:13 - 13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

· “Hope is the anticipation of good that has not yet arrived.” – Dallas Willard.

· May the God of hope…

· … fill you…

· God wants something for you, not something from you.

· … with all joy and peace…

· Chara =joy; Charis = grace.

· Heavenly Father, God of all hope, fill us with joy and peace. Amen.

· … as you trust in him…

· …as you faith in him…

· Make a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God…

· …so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

· Romans 15:13 - 13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

1. Read Romans 15:13

2. In your opinion, what blocks people from embracing God as a God of hope?

3. Romans 15:13 teaches us that God wants to fill us with joy and peace. In your opinion, do most people want this filling? Why or why not?

4. How would you advise someone to actively trust God? What would you encourage them to do or stop doing?

5. Share about a time when you felt the power of the Holy Spirit. Did that experience fill you with hope?

Look and Listen

1 Kings 19:9-18

1 Kings 19:11-13

Points

· Will this year be better?, Will things be easier?, Can I plan anything?

· Tired

· Globally, 7 in 10 report that they are struggling or suffering

· Security

· HOPE

Group Discussion Questions

Starter: What from 2021 has you exhausted and looking for something new in 2022?

Go Deeper

1. Read 1 Kings 19:9-18

2. What stands out most to you in this passage?

3. Look back at 2021, where/when did you see God most? What about his goodness from last year do you need to be reminded of as you move into 2022?

Colossians 1:21-23

More than a Baby: Savior    Colossians 1:19-20 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

Points:

· The story of Jesus doesn’t start in the manger.

· 1. Jesus who was before is;

· 2. Jesus the Savior;

· 3. Jesus the Supreme;

· 4. Jesus the Coming Victor.

· Jesus is the Savior.

· What if Jesus the Savior means Jesus the Hero?

· If you want to know God, know Jesus

· …God was pleased…

· God is not random, but intentional.

· …all his fullness…

· “Everything God is, Jesus is” – Richard Melick

· God is grace.

· …dwell in him.

· God want to be with us – Immanuel.

· Heavenly Father, Please forgive my sins. Take charge of my life. I promise to follow Jesus the rest of life.

· Jesus rescues.

· … through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven…

· Will you let Jesus rescue you?

· Jesus is the peacemaker.

· … making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

· God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him might not perish, but have everlasting life. – John 3:16

· 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts… Colossians 3:15.

· What does it mean for Jesus to be our Savior/Hero? To know God, know Jesus. Jesus rescues. Jesus is our peacemaker.

· Heavenly Father, Please forgive my sins. Take charge of my life. I promise to follow Jesus the rest of life

Discussion Questions

Starter: Name someone who is your hero. Why are they your hero?

Go Deeper

1. Read Colossians 1:19-20

2. People often separate the God of the Old Testament and the God of the New Testament. How does the “All his fullness dwell in him…” answer that statement?

3. God could have chosen many different ways for humans to be reconciled to himself. Why do you think he chose Jesus as the way of reconciliation?

4. All of creation will be reconciled to God through Jesus. Besides human beings, what else do you see in creation that needs to be brought back to God’s original design?

5. The blood of Jesus on the cross brings peace with God. How would you explain to this to someone who has never heard about Jesus?

More than a Baby: The Supreme Colossians 1:18 ADBC 12-12/13-21

Points

· The Story of Jesus doesn’t start in the manager.

· 1. Jesus who was before is; 2. Jesus the Savior; 3. Jesus the Supreme; 4. Jesus the Coming Victor.

· Jesus is the Supreme -He is in charge

· At a time when the world needs the hope of Jesus, the church is struggling.

· Jesus’ people – the church – need to remember who is in charge.

· Colossians 1:18 - 8 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.

· If Jesus is to be supreme over the church, what is the church supposed to be?

· …the body…

· …the church…

· …He is the firstborn of the dead…

· Kennon Callahan – We are the Easter People!

· What does it mean to be church? We are moving for Jesus (the body); we have decided and are acting for Jesus (the church); and we are Easter People (firstborn of the dead).

· What does it mean for Jesus to be supreme over the church?

· He is the head of the body…

· “What does Jesus want

· …he is the beginning…

· Matthew 16:15-18 - 15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”

16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.

· …the firstborn from among the dead…

· … in everything he might have the supremacy.

· Follow Jesus, lose your opinion.

· Jesus is more than a baby; he is the Supreme Authority for his people.

· We are the body of Christ, and Jesus is in charge.

· I want to follow Jesus without the church.

· Jesus doesn’t think that way.

· Whatever Jesus says, our answer is “yes!”

Group Discussion Questions

Starter: If Jesus was pastor of our church, what would he change?

Go Deeper

1. Read Colossians 1:18

2. Share at least two ways the church could act more like a body and less like an institution.

3. In your opinion, why do many churches nottake action? What is holding them back?

4. Explain what Jesus being the head of the church means to you. What would be signs that a church does have Jesus as the head?

5. Again, as in verse 15, Jesus is described as the “firstborn.” This time, he is identified as the firstborn of the dead. Why do you think Paul is extending that metaphor? What does it mean for his followers that he is the firstborn of the dead?

6. Jesus is to have supremacy in everything – in the church and in our lives. In your opinion, where do churches have trouble letting Jesus be supreme? Where do most Jesus followers have trouble letting Jesus be supreme?

More than a Baby: Creator

Colossians 1:15-17  12-5/6-21

Points

· The Story of Jesus doesn’t start in the manager.

· 1. Jesus who was before is; 2. Jesus the Savior; 3. Jesus the Supreme; 4. Jesus the Coming Victor.

· Jesus was before is

· Colossians 1:15 - 15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.

· … the invisible God.

· Absent a picture, we create our own image of God

· The Son is the image of the invisible God.

· Everything you need to know about God is found in Jesus.

· The firstborn of all creation.

· Jesus was before is.

· Colossians 1:16 - 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.

· Jesus was before is.

· For in him all things were created

· Only in Jesus is there an environment for creation to exist.

· Genesis 1:1-2 – In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. And the earth was formless and void, and darkness hovered over the face of the earth, and the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

· Are you beginning to realize your ideas about Jesus may be too small?

· 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities.

· Psalm 139:14 – I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made…

· When I cannot understand his plan, I will trust his hand.

· All things have been created through him and for him.

· Colossians 1:17 - 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

· Jesus followers: Kneel at the manger and marvel your creator came for you.

Group Discussion Questions

Starter: Can you think of any incorrect beliefs that people have about Jesus that come up at Christmas?

Go Deeper

1. Read Colossians 1:15

2. As a group, think about stories in the gospels about Jesus. What does these stories tell you about the character of Jesu?

3. Imagine God decided to make you the firstborn, the one in charge and responsible for his creation. What that be like? In what way does this help you understand Jesus?

4. Read Colossians 1:16

5. As a group take three minutes, and list as many things as you can think of that Jesus made. What does this tell you about Jesus?

6. What comes to mind when you read about Jesus creating “thrones, powers, rulers, or authorities?” Does it make you uncomfortable that Jesus has allowed evil people to be in power? How would you explain this to a non-believer?

7. Read Colossians 1:17

8. What image comes to mind when you hear about Jesus holding all creation together? How will this impact how you live your life?

Psalm 107:1-3

Psalm 107:33-43

Points:

· You have a story.

· Whether you know it or not, God is in your story.

· 1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;

2 Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story—

· “for he is good…”

· Genuine gratitude requires deep trust.

· Trust grows when we notice God at work.

· “His love endures forever.”

33 He turned rivers into a desert,

· 34 and fruitful land into a salt waste,

· This is the blessing of judgement.

· You cannot have justice for one without justice for all.

· Judgement is the first step of making things right.

· 35 He turned the desert into pools of water

· This is the blessing of abundance.

· 39 Then their numbers decreased, and they were humbled

· This is the blessing of humility.

· 41 But he lifted the needy out of their affliction

· This is the blessing of God holding you while the world falls apart.

· 43 Let the one who is wise heed these things and ponder the loving deeds of the Lord.

What do God’s blessings tell you?

Group Discussion Questions

Starter: In the past month, please share one way God has blessed you.

Go Deeper

1. Read Psalm 107:33-34

2. Why does judgement not feel like a blessing?

3. Imagine a world without judgement. Would you want to live in that world?

Does this insight help you see judgment as a blessing?

4. Read Psalm 107:35-38

5. Imagine you live in an impoverished country. How would these verse speak to you?

6. In your opinion, why would God bless a country like the USA?

7. Read Psalm 107:39-40

8. Please share a time when God humbled you. Was it a blessing?

9. Read Psalm 107:41-42

10. Can you think of someone who is needy or who is upright that God blesses?

11. Read Psalm 107:43.

12. In your opinion, what is the best way for you to ponder the blessings of God?

Psalm 107:1-32

Points

· You have a story.

· Whether you know it or not, God is in your story.

· Romans 8:28 

· Psalm 107:1 

· The pain of the moment clouds your vision of God’s goodness

· Psalm 107:2 

· You only understand God’s work in your life fully in the rear view mirror

· Psalm 107:4

· Crisis: You lack direction.

· Cry: Psalm 107:6 

· Rescue: Psalm 107:7 

· Thanks: Psalm 107:8, 10, 11 

· Crisis: Your way is a dead end.

· Cry: Psalm 107:13 

· Rescue: Psalm 107:14 

· Thanks: Psalm 107:15 

· Psalm 107:17 

· Crisis: You make a mess.

· Cry: Psalm 107:19 

· Rescue: Psalm 107:20 

· Thanks: Psalm 107:21 

· Psalm 107: 23, 26, 27 

· Crisis: You are caught in a storm you didn’t make.

· Cry: Psalm 107:28 

· Rescue: Psalm 107:29 

· In a storm you didn’t make? Jesus is still in charge of the storm.

· Thanks: Psalm 107:31 

· Which of these stories is your story today?

· Are you giving God thanks he is in your story?

· No matter your story is, God is there.

Group Discussion Questions

Starter: Have you heard a God story recently that really impacted you? Why did it touch your soul?

Go Deeper

1. There is a clear pattern to Psalm 107: Crisis, Cry, Rescue, and Thanks. In your opion, why would God inspire a writer to use an outline such as this?

2. Read Psalm 107:4-9

3. How would you explain to someone that God leads wanderers to a city? What does that mean to you?

4. Read Psalm 107:10-16, especially v. 16.

5. V. 16 pictures not just a rescue of prisoners, but a destruction of the prison. What does mean to you?

6. Read Psalm 107:17-22

7. Why would a fool loath food and drew near to the gates of death?

8. What does it mean to you that God sends out his word and heals the fools?

9. Read Psalm 107:23-32, especially v. 30.

10. Notice that God also guided the wanderers and these caught in the storm. What does that say to you?

2 Chronicles 24:4-14

Points:

· Am I willing to be generous?

· What financial legacy will I leave?

· Generosity makes things happen.

· 4…There was within the heart of Joash to renew the house of the LORD

· What has God put in your heart?

· Most people when offered vision that requires discomfort choose comfort.

· Maturity is when you can speak truth to your mentor.

· Matthew 6:21 – Where your treasure is, there you heart will be also.

· If you are not being generous, your soul is sick.

· Intending to is failure to.

· The offering is forthe Temple, but the offering is to God.

· Generosity makes things happen.

· When you are generous, you are just like Jesus.

· Your generosity makes things happen

· Heavenly Father, Show me my part and give me the courage to do it.

Discussion Questions:

Starter: Please share a time in your life when you saw generosity make a difference.

Go Deeper

1. Read 2 Chronicles 24:4-5.

2. Notice Joash is not satisfied with the status quo. What status quo bothers you? What call to action may be present?

3. The Levites are passive aggressive. Why do you think they resisted Joash’s command.

4. Read 2 Chronicles 24:6.

5. Think about the courage it took for Joash to confront Jehoiada. Is there someone in your life you need to have the courage to confront? Who? Why?

6. Read 2 Chronicles 24:8-12

7. Notice the details of the officials who handled the money and what they did with it. What does this say to churches about the way they handle God’s money?

8. Read 2 Chronicles 24:13-14.

9. Generosity makes things happen in the Temple. What is God saying to you about your generosity and what could be done with it?