Luke 9: 23; Hebrews 1: 1 & 2; Philippians 2: 9-11

For Further Discussion

Does it seem ridiculously obvious that Jesus should be central? What do you think that means?

How would you define discipleship? What role do beliefs, forgiveness and spiritual experience have in following Jesus?

How does a “Jesus as central” approach affect our study and interpretation of scripture?

What is the difference between saying, “Jesus is my Savior

and Lord” and saying, “Jesus is my Lord and Savior”?

1 Corinthians 3:11

For Further Discussion

(Since groups have not met for a couple of weeks, please feel free to spend some time catching up with one another.)

Had you heard the term “Anabaptist” before? What comes to mind when you hear the term?

Do you think knowing some of the history of our tradition is important to know? Why or why not?

Was there anything new or surprising that you heard today?

1 Corinthians 3:11

For Further Discussion

(Since groups have not met for a couple of weeks, please feel free to spend some time catching up with one another.)

Had you heard the term “Anabaptist” before? What comes to mind when you hear the term?

Do you think knowing some of the history of our tradition is important to know? Why or why not?

Was there anything new or surprising that you heard today?

Matthew 8: 5-13; 19: 16-23

Father God, as we embark on a New Year

May our lives overflow with joy

No matter what each day brings

May we constantly come to You in prayer

For all things large and small

And may our hearts be filled with gratitude

To acknowledge Your goodness

May Your will be done in the New Year

And bless us, we pray

We are blessed by your presence with us! We do not believe your visit to our church was by chance, so we pray that you would experience God's blessing as we worship, learn, grow, and encourage one another.

We are blessed by your presence with us! We do not believe your visit to our church was by chance, so we pray that you would experience God's blessing as we worship, learn, grow, and encourage one another.

Matthew 2:1-18

For Further Discussion

What were some of Herod’s circumstances that affected

his response to the new King (Jesus)?

What kind of ruler (leader) do you think Herod was? How is

Jesus model of ruling (leadership) different from Herod’s?

(keep in mind the Sermon on the Mount)

Compare (and contrast) the responses to Jesus of Mary,

the Magi and Herod.

What can Herod’s story teach us about following King

Jesus? What are things in your circumstance/situation that

make it difficult to follow Him?

We are blessed by your presence with us! We do not believe your visit to our church was by chance, so we pray that you would experience God's blessing as we worship, learn, grow, and encourage one another.

Matthew 2: 1-12

For Further Discussion

From what we know of the Magi, why was their response to the coming of King Jesus a little odd?

What might this story have to say about people seeking the King? Or honoring the King?

How does the Magi’s response to Jesus compare (or contrast) with Mary’s response?

What can the Magi’s story teach us about responding to Jesus as King?

1 Samuel 8:5-9; 2 Samuel 7:16; Isaiah 9:6 & 7; Matthew 5-7

For Further Discussion

Is it difficult to grasp the idea of a true, definitive King that

should be followed and obeyed?

Do you think people, in general, want to have a king over

them? Why or why not?

What are the positive aspects of following King Jesus with

committed allegiance? Are there negative aspects?

What does it say about God that He provides the ultimate King?