Bluffton Community

Primary Scripture: Isaiah 9:6-7What We Hope This Message Accomplishes: People would see the specific promises God made regarding His Messiah and how He fulfilled them in Christ. This message should highlight God’s faithfulness to keep His word, but also that He is able to keep His word. Understanding this would lead people to trust God in other areas of their lives where God has made promises. What other promises has God made that people (not-yet believers and believers) should know and count on this Christmas season?

Primary Scripture: Matthew 1:21

What We Hope This Message Accomplishes: People would know that the primary reason Jesus came to earth in the flesh was to save us from our sins. There’s quite a bit to unpack with this truth. From there, we hope seekers would cross over into genuine faith. We also hope that believers would rejoice in God’s salvation and enjoy what Jesus has provided for them.

Primary Scripture: Matthew 1:22-23What We Hope This Message Accomplishes: People to know that God is near—not far off and distant— and to sense that in their own lives and feel His nearness. People far from God would want to draw near through faith in Jesus Christ. Believers would be equipped with biblical practices to maintain a close relationship with God daily. What causes people to sense the closeness of God?

Primary Scripture: John 20:31Thank you for joining us for a panel discussion about sharing our faith with others and inviting them to follow Jesus as we enter into the Christmas season!

Primary Scripture: Matthew 13:53-58Summary: Jesus went to Nazareth, teaching in the synagogue. Some people were amazed. Others took offense at Him. Jesus did not do many miracles because they lacked faith.Key Themes: Responses to Jesus, Honor, FaithDesired Outcomes: People would see that what they believe about Jesus is central to saving faith. People would want to know who Jesus is from the Bible as opposed to other sources. Not-yet believers and believes would enjoy faith in Christ.

Primary Scripture: Matthew 13:47-52Summary: Jesus told one more parable to His disciples about letting net down into the lake to catch fish. The fishermen separated the good fish from the bad fish. This represented the end of the age when the angels separate the wicked from the righteous. Then Jesus made a striking statement: teachers of the law who become disciples are like people who rediscover their home.Key Themes: Parables, Judgment, TransformationDesired Outcomes: People would understand that this life is not all there is. People would want to say Yes to Jesus. Not-yet believers would say Yes to Jesus and believers would help people say Yes.

Primary Scripture: Matthew 13:44-46Summary: Jesus told two more parables. One was about a treasure found in a field and the other about a pearl found, presumably in a market. The response was the same: selling all a person had to purchase it.Key Themes: Parables, Searching, Joy, Total SurrenderDesired Outcomes: People would see the value of walking with God through faith in Christ. People would sense joy when they think about a relationship with God. People would willingly give away their very lives to enjoy God.

Primary Scripture: Matthew 13:36-43Summary: Jesus shifted from talking to the crowds to talking with the disciples in a house. They asked him to explain the parable of the weeds in the field. He did. Jesus described what appears to be a time of judgment.Key Themes: Parables, Final Judgment, End TimeDesired Outcomes: People would understand that believers understand some things that not-yet believers do not because of their relationship with Jesus. People would want to be rescued from final ultimate separation from God. Not-yet believers would say Yes to Jesus and believers would help people say Yes.

Primary Scripture: Matthew 13:31-35Summary: Jesus told two more parables to the crowd: about a mustard seed and yeast. Mustard seeds begin small but grows into one of the largest garden plants. A small amount of yeast can affect a large amount of dough. Matthew explain that Jesus used parables to fulfill an Old Testament prophecy.Key Themes: Parables, Small to Large, Growth, Effect, ProphecyDesired Outcomes: People would believe that God can take small steps of faith and use them significantly. People would want to experience the kingdom of heaven. Believers would trust God to complete the work He begins.

Primary Scripture: Matthew 13:24-30Summary: Jesus told a parable about a man sowing good seed and his enemy sowing weeds in that same field. The solution: let the weeds and wheat grow together until harvest time.Key Themes: Parables, Good/Evil in the World, JudgmentDesired Outcomes: People would see that God is patient and merciful. Not-yet believers would choose to say Yes to Jesus. Believers would share the Good News with urgency because judgment will come.